From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Feb 1 18:22:10 2009
From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford)
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2009 17:22:10 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (2/1/09)
Message-ID: <20090202002615.47692BC061@dumbledore.whizardries.com>
Walking in the Light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105)
February 1, 2009
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 Role of the Church" (Richard Thetford)
"Where the good Way Is" (Ron Hembree)
"How to Tell a Winner from a Loser" (Author Unknown)
SENTENCE SERMONS
---
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
Richard Thetford
What is the role of the church? This is a very good question. In the society
in which we are living today many have become confused about what the role
of the church really is. But this is certainly not a new issue, for the
Lord's church has become divided over the past several years because of man
trying to redefine what the role of the church is to be. When we look in
God's Word to find the answer to the question then it becomes very clear.
Let's look at some scripture that shows very clearly, what God has
instructed as regard to the role of the church.
We can learn from 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 that the church has the
responsibility to preach the gospel. Paul writes: "And you became followers
of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy
of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and
Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not
only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God
has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." In addition, the
church is to edify each other through working and worshiping together
(Ephesians 4:11-16). Hebrews 10:24-25 says: "And let us consider one another
in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and
so much the more as you see the Day approaching." The church is also to give
benevolent assistance to needy saints (Acts 11:27-30). That is what the
Bible clearly teaches. If we would stick to what God has instructed for us
to do then we would not be divided over the issues that have crept in over
the years (Revelation 22:18-19; 2 John 9).
Where Is SCRIPTURAL Authority For Recreation?
I have never understood why Christians on one hand claim to be striving for
heaven, but on the other hand will not ensure that they look to God's Word
for guidance on all that they do, say, or teach on a matter. Because of this
serious error, many Christians have allowed themselves to be drawn away from
practicing true righteousness and into doing things that seem good and right
in their own eyes. That is why recreation has crept into the local church
and has split the Lord's people.
We can NOT find anywhere in the Bible, authority for the local church to
engage in recreation. Can you find where there is established Bible
authority for building recreational facilities such as gymnasiums,
"fellowship halls", or the like? Can you find anywhere in the Bible that the
early church sponsored sporting teams, or used camels (buses) and donkeys
(vans) to transport their teenagers to Jerusalem World (Astro World) or to
snow activities at Mt Ararat (Copper Mountain). It is alright for families
to do these things, but I'm talking about the work or role of the church to
do these things.
Just because the Bible may be silent on these things does not give us
permission to do these things as a church. But you know what, we do have
more than silence to go on for some of these recreational things. The Lord,
through Paul told us what He thinks about the local church making these
activities a part of the church's work. "What! Do you not have houses to eat
and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have
nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not
praise you" (1 Corinthians 11:22). Then later in verse 34 Paul says: "But if
anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for
judgment..." Here we see that the Corinthian congregation (the local church)
had perverted the Lord's Supper and to keep this from happening again Paul
wrote to them to keep the family activities (such as the common meal) at
home, separate from the work or role of the church.
In the area of food and fun, it is good for Christians to get together and
have a good time while enjoying a meal. But it is NOT the work of the local
church to sponsor these type of activities. Before the church can ever
engage in something it must have Bible authority. Church division occurs
when we do things which God has not previously authorized. We can all agree
what the work of the church is because we can see it in the Bible. We have
become divided because many have added things to the work of the church that
was never authorized or intended to be part of the local church work. Sadly,
many search for a congregation in which to worship with that provides the
most fun and entertainment. All Christians striving to enter heaven and
"doing the will of the Father" (Matthew 7:21), should seek out a
congregation of the Lord's people that are sincerely standing for what is
right, honest, and authorized by the Word of God. Are you making sure that
you are serving God the same way He has instructed the first century
Christians to do. If you are, then you will understand what the real "Role
of the Church" is.
---
WHERE THE GOOD WAY IS
Ron Hembree
"Thus says the Lord, Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths,
where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your
souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)
The "New Age" is not new and "New Morality" is as old as dirt. Each new
decade seems to introduce some new idea on what will bring peace and joy to
us. But soon each fad fades taking with it broken lives and shattered souls.
Rather than being swayed by these new gurus who promise peace and deliver
chaos, we need to walk back to the heavenly Father and follow His ways.
Jeremiah says to go forward we must go back - back to the "old paths where
the good way is."
---
HOW TO TELL A WINNER FROM A LOSER
Author Unknown
A loser says, "Nobody knows."
A winner says, "Let's find out."
When a loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault.""
When a winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong."
A loser tries to go around a problem and never gets past it.
A winner goes through a problem and gets it behind him.
A loser makes only promises.
A winner makes promises with solid commitments.
A loser says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people.""
A winner says, "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be."
A loser tries to tear down those who are superior to him.
A winner tries to learn from them.
A loser says, "That's the way it's always been done here."
A winner says, "There ought to be a better way to do it."
---
SENTENCE SERMONS
Those who are truly peacemakers are called the children of God.
It is not a shame to have only one talent, but it is a shame to not use it.
You will never travel the road to heaven if you stay parked.
To make a mountain out of a mole hill just add more dirt.
To multiply joy, you must share it with others.
When a man keeps all of his blessings, he does not bless others.
God does not settle all of His accounts in October.
The man who sows seeds of kindness enjoys a perpetual harvest.
---
SERMON
BIBLE AUTHORITY AND TRUTH
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
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
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 2 03:34:14 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 04:34:14 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] I) ISLAMIC INFORMATION
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Brethren, the Jackson Drive
church of Christ, in Athens, AL , received a packet of educational
information from the Islamic Educational Center directly from Saudi
Arabia. In the packet were the following items:
1. The Quran Translated Into English.
2. A 120 page booklet on Relationshps of The Great Prophet Muhamm-
ad. Presenting His Brother Jesus To Mankind.
3. A 75 page booklet on A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding
Islam.
4. Two pamphlets intitled: Islam Is Not The Enemy. Tolerance is Islam.
5. A letter to the church librarian that reads: "In a world where global
communication has gone beyond all boundaries, interreligious
and cultural understanding have become necessary. Misunderstand-
ing and intolerance should be replaced with mutual respect and understanding.
Emerging out of this aim of promoting communicat-
ion among all people of the world, the Islamic Educational Center, a
nonprofit, nongovernmental society, launches its project of distribut-
ing books about Islam to different religious institutions across the
world. Along with this letter, you will find a number of books as a gift
to your library.
"At the same time, the Center welcomes any material that helps in
achieving its aims of promoting mutual understanding and tolerance
among all people worldwide.
As a courteous gesture, we would be most appreciative if you kindly
fill out the attached form acknowledging your receipt of the
books and send it back to us using the attached self-addressed
envelope." This letter is signed: Dr. Abdallah H. Al - Kahtany, The
Director. The Islamic Educational Center, P.O. Box 51332, Khamis
Mushait, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: islamdeen at hotmail.
com.
Another page is included offering several books under different
titles that are available by desired quantity to any church library. These
are sent free of charge.
I would presume that many churches will have received this packet
of materials from Saudi Arabia. If so, I would encourage you to read
the material, mark the inconsistancies with the Bible, and send your
findings back to the source itself. We must be as aggressive to teach
against the false religion of Islam as they are in trying to spread their
religion far and wide. I plan to study the material in the light of the
Bible and answer accordingly.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 2 03:33:29 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 04:33:29 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) A LESSON ON GENEROSITY
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:
A LESSON ON GENEROSITY
The long awaited kingdom, the church of the Lord, had just
come and people had jsut become members of it, (Acts 2:47). The very next
recorded event was a meeting between two of the
apostles and a beggar who had been carried to the gate of the
temple to ask alms. The scene which developed from this meet-
ing is the basis of this article. No matter what other lessons can
be observed from this, a lesson on generosity is very vividly seen. Let us
consider this:
The Receiver: -- Consider the receiver in this scene. He was a lame man. He
was dependent upon others who brought him to
a place to ask alms. Such a person was to be pitied. But while
we are offering our pity for this man, let us be reminded that the
whole of humanity is crippled by the terrible malady of sin. This
crippling goes all the way back to our forefathers in the Garden
of Eden. The crippling is so bad that it results in death (Eph. 2:1)
All humanity needs help for we are told that it is not in man that
walketh to direct his own steps. None of us can heal ourselves.
The Givers: -- Consider the givers in this scene. Peter and John
were the immediate givers as they went into the temple. Indirect-
ly the giver was God. The cripple asked for an alm. He received
an alm but not the one for which he was asking. He was asking
for silver and gold. The apostles told him tht they did not have
any silver or gold or at least they did not have any to give to him.
The thing given was a very generous gift. They gave him power
to stand, walk, and leap.
Surely, we can see in all of this that Christians ought to be
generous in giving to those who are in need. Recall Gal. 6:10 in
this connection: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the house-
hold of faith."
The Gift: -- Consider the gift which was given. The lame man got
far more than he ever dreamed of receiving. The apostles gave
what they had. Of course, we are not apostles and none of us
has the power to heal, but still we have something to give to a
crippled world. Strange as it may seem to some, we have some-
thing to give of far greater value than that which this cripple re-
ceived. We have, at our disposal, that which will heal the crippl-
ed soul. That is what the Scriptures will do. In Rom. 1:16 we are
told tht the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. In 2 Tim.
3:16,17 we are told what all the Scriptures will do: "All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
work." That is what the Christian had in his hand. 2 Tim. 2:2 says, "And
the things that thou has heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also."
This is the theme so well expressed in the song: "Into our
hands the gospel is given, Into our hands is given the light, Haste
let us carry God's precious message, Guiding the erring back to
the right."
The Channel: -- Notice the channel through which the gift flowed. "In the
name of Jesus of Nazareth..." the reply came (Acts 3:6). Whether the gift is
given collectively or individually as a Christian, it should come through in the
name of Christ. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Col.
3;17). --------- via The Jackson Drive Reporter, Feb. 1, 2009.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 2 03:33:58 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 04:33:58 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) OBEDIENCE TO GOD (1)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancient
files. Use to the glory of God.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD (1)
The subject of obedience is an important theme which should engage the
thought of every responsible person. Rebel-
lion against constituted authority seems to be a trait inherent
with mankind. On every hand we witness infractions of constit-
tutional, statutory, and social laws. Hence, it isnot surprising to
find persons who transgress the laws of God.
The Bible contains some very definite commands relating to
man and his obedience to divine authority. In fact, it teaches that
salvation from sin in this world, and eternal happiness in the
world to come depend upon man's obedience to God.
In the Bible the word obedience is used most often in the
sense of subjection to the will of God -- i.e., faithfully doing His
commandments. Many things are done in the modern religious
world under the guise of obedience. There are many admixtures
with vain wisdom and philosophy. There are many deviations
and substitutes. With an open Bible and an honest heart, let us
examine the subject to see just what obedience to God means:
The Negative Approach: -- We approach the subject first from a
negative standpoint. Hearkening to the voice of Satan certainly
is not obedience to God. Adam and Eve listened to Satanic per-
versions and were banished form the garden of Eden. "And the
serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God
doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be
opened, andye shall be as God, knowing good and evil. And
when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that is was a delight
to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired
to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and
she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat" (Gen.
3:4-6). Immediately their eyes were opened and they began to
feel their guilt and shame. And since sin seeks concealment,
they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons,
and then tried to hide from God amongst the trees of the garden
(Gen. 3:7,8).
Obedience to God does not mean simply listening to the voice of the
people. King Saul was once commanded to destroy
the Amalekites, including Agag the king, "both man and woman,
infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass" (1 Sam. 15:3).
But Saul kept Agag alive, and the choice sheep and oxen. He tried to excuse
himself on the ground that the people demanded
it. Samuel said unto him: "Because thou hast rejected the word
of Jehovah, He hath also rejected thee from being king" (1 Sam.
15:23).
But Saul insisted that the people saved the chief of the devot-
ed things to sacrifice unto Jehovah God. At this point Samuel
reminded Saul that obedience to God means more than mere
sacrifice. "Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey
is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For
rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idol-
atry and terephim" (1 Sam. 15:21-23).
Paul teaches that the same principle applies to New Testa-
ment work and worship, "And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if
I give my body to be burned, but have not love,
it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3). Furthermore, no man loves
the Lord unless he is submissive to the divine will, for "If ye love
Me, ye will keep My commandments" (Jno. 14:15).
A wicked falsehood has come down through the ages, The
ancients had a proverb: "Vox populi, vox Dei," i.e., "the voice of
the people (is) the voice of God." There is not a word of truth in
the statement. The voice of the people built the golden calf at the foot of
Mount Sinai. While Moses was in the mount receiving
the tables of stone, "the people gathered themselves together
unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods which shall
go before us." From their jewelry a calf was built. "And they rose up early
on the morrow, and offered burnt-offerings, and
brought peace-offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to
drink, and rose up to play" (Exo. 32:1-6). Thus the voice of the
people was diametrically opposed to the voice of Jehovah.
In like manner the voice of the people crucified the Son of God.
Pilate asked the question: "What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called
Christ?" The multitudes replied, "Let Him be crucified" (Matt. 27:22). The voice of
the people has given
America the damnable liquor traffic, the evils of divorce, and the
wicked devices of gambling. Yea, more; the voice of the people
has given some cities in the United States their "red light" distric-
ts, where men and women barter their souls for a mess of licenti-
ous pottage. In view of these facts, we are forced to admit that
the multitude is usually wrong. God is right and cannot be wrong; hence we
must submit to His authority.
Following one's conscience is not necessarily obeying God.
Conscience is a creature of education, and serves as a judge
instead of a guide. At one time Paul persecuted the church by
"breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the
Lord" that he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1,2).
In this persecution he was conscientious, for we hear him say:
"Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until
this day" (Acts 23:1). And again; "Herein I also exercise my self
to have a conscience void of offense toward God and men always" (Acts 24:16).
Unfortunately, Paul's conscience was dir-
ectly opposed to the Will of God. The mother of Xerxes sacrific-
ed one hundred slaves upon the altar every time her son won a
victory in battle. In this cruel activity she obeyed her conscience
but no sane person would affirm that she obeyed Almighty God.
It should also be observed tht obedience is more than a mere caling on
the name of the Lord. "Not every one that saith
unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven"
(Matt. 7:21). In their pain and anguish many troubled souls will
say in that last great day; "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by
Thy name, and by Thy name cast out demons, and by Thy name
do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:
22,23).
Following one's feelings is not obedience to God. "There is a way
which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are
the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Paul said, "I verily thought with myself
that I ought to do many things contrary to the name
of Jesus of Nazareth. And this I also did in Jerusalem: And I both shut up
many of the saints in prisons, having received
authority from the chief priests, ans when they were put to death
I gave my voice against them" (Acts 26:9,10). No intelligent per-
son can question that Paul did wrong in following hsi feelings.
It is dangerous for anyone to depend upon his feelings in relig-
ious matters. Jeremiah said: "O Jehovah, I know that the way
of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his
steps" (Jer. 10;23). (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord
willing, JWS).
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From GLClair at aol.com Mon Feb 2 07:35:53 2009
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:35:53 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for February 2009
Message-ID:
Hilliard Bulletin
Published by the church of Christ
Meting at 4840 Cemetery Road - P.O. Box 96
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Phone: (614)-876-4089
Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair
Phone: (614) 850-7252
Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com)
=====================================================
Volume 11 ========= Number 2 ========= February 2009
====================================================
The Chain of Un-grace
When I feel wronged, I can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. ?
He needs to learn a lesson.? ?I?ll let her stew for a while; it?ll do her
good.? ?It?s not up to me to make the first move.? When I finally soften to
the point of granting forgiveness, it seems a leap from hard logic to mushy
sentiment.
One factor that motivates me to forgive is that as a Christian I am
commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said, ?If you have
anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive
you your trespasses? (Mark 11:25).
But beyond that, I can identify three pragmatic reasons. First, forgiveness
halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of un-grace. Without it
we remain bound to the people we can?t forgive, held in their vise grip.
Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It
allows the possibility of transformation in the guilt party, even if a just
punishment is still required.
And third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on
the same side as the party who did the wrong. We are not as different from
the wrongdoer as we would like to think, for we too must ask our heavenly
Father, ?Forgive us our debts? (Matt. 6:12). ? Philip Yancey
He who cannot forgive others burns the bridge over which he himself must
pass.
Consider This:
It is a great problem for many people to forgive others. The problem that
seems to hold a person back when they know that they have done wrong toward
another person is shame, inferior feelings, and loss of pride. The honest,
sincere person will overcome these feelings and inclination that reside within
themselves and bow to their better judgment and say; ?God forgive me? and at
the same time restore the relationship that they have hurt by doing the same
toward the person or persons that they have slandered or hurt in some way.
Even when we are the person that is hurt, we must recognize that God
encourages us to forgive our friend, neighbor, or brother for their action against
us if they ask us to do so. Many times someone will hurt us in some way and
will eventually say something like I should not have said that or I should not
have thought that. When they seek forgiveness from us we must forgive them ?
cf. Luke 17:4
?4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in
a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shall forgive him.? (KJV).
This; we can do but if their action against us was a sinful deed on their
part our act of forgiving them is good but they must seek forgiveness from God
for the sin involved in their actions. Remember this: only God can forgive
sins ? cf. 1 John 1:9, ?9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness? (KJV).
_glcair at aol.com_ (mailto:glcair at aol.com) ? February 1, 2009
LOVE AND RULES
Some seem to have trouble in seeing that "love" and "rules? are "not
opposed" or "contradictory" to each other. I saw this statement on a "church sign"
recently: "Rules cannot love you." I am not certain just what the writer of
these words had in mind but it seems to reveal the idea, held by man, that
"rules" and "ordinances" are some kind of a curse or at least a nuisance in our
world today.
Yes, it is true that "rules" cannot love you. An "ordinance" cannot love
you. Surely all understand this. The only reason I can see for displaying a
statement like this is to "play down" the importance of "rules" or "laws." I know
there is an effort being made by many religionists today to minimize the
importance of "rules" and "laws" in the matter of our relationship with Christ
and the salvation of our souls.
Let me say again, "Yes, it is true that 'rules' cannot love you. but parents
who love their children can and do have "rules" for their children to
follow. The purpose of such rules is to guide them into a good life while they are
children and even on to adulthood. This is God's requirements for parents,
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the
Lord" (Col. 3:23). The word ?obeys" means, "to follow the commands or
guidance of." This is the exact import of the word translated "obey" in "Col. 3:23.
I believe that this is generally accepted by all concerned parents. They must
give "rules" and instructions and expect their children to obey. This is
done because of love for the welfare of their children. Rules do not love but
parents do!
And let it be noted that God has given unto us a "rule"...a "law" (See Gal.
6:2). According to Webster's dictionary, the word "law" means, "a rule of
conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a
controlling authority." We need to be careful lest we convey the idea that
since God loves us there are no rules that we must obey.
It is made very clear in the New Testament that God expects us to obey the
"rules"...and "commands." In Heb. 5:8-9 the inspired writer said, "Though He
were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. And being
made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that
obey Him;" Many other such passages could be cited. But we shall close with
the following quotation? "Law sustains life...law keeps the universe on its
course...law assures that orderly process will lead to know results...without
law man, nature, life, would be in complete chaos.?Let us in our life give
thanks to God for His mercy, grace, love, etc., but may we also never be guilty
of anything that which would seem to diminish the importance of the "rules" He
has given us. May we have the attitude of David as we read in Ps. 119:97;
"O how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day." ? Cecil F. Cox
STANDING AGAINST THE EVIL ONE
Satan tempts us, and battles to get us to sin. The evil one knows our
weaknesses. His attacks against us are spiritual. Paul describes it this way: "For
we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts
in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).
We are encouraged to stand against the evil one. Paul writes, "Put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the
devil" and "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND" again "STAND
therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of
righteousness" (Eph. 6:11,13,14).Paul tells us how we can stand against the evil
one. He says, "Put on the whole armor of God...take up the whole armor of
God" (Eph. 6:11, 13). He then depicts that armor of God in this way, "Stand
therefore, having girded your waist with TRUTH, having put on the breastplate of
RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL
of PEACE; above all, taking the shield of FAITH with which you will be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of
SALVATION and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD; PRAYING always with
all PRAYER and SUPPLICATION in the SPIRIT, being WATCHFUL to this end with
all PERSEVERANCE and SUPPLICATION for all the saints" (Eph. 6:14-18).Notice
the clothing we wear to battle the evil one involves descriptions of God's Will
for us. When we couple that with the Holy Spirit and our effort with prayer,
we can stand against the evil one. May God bless us to stand! ? Ron
Drumm
--- PERSONAL EVANGELISM ---
There are many people today who possess a form of religion that is displayed
as hostile, argue mental, and simply rude. I know of no occasion where it is
requirement of the person who seeks to be involved in personal evangelism to
be anything but kind, considerate, and patient with those they seek to turn
from the world and toward the love of God, cf. John 3:16, ?For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.? (KJV)
There are many people today who follow a false religion ? there is no
denying that fact. This is glaringly revealed via the contradictory teachings that
exist between the many religions in America today. I know of no teaching in
the Holy Scriptures that suggest that any religion is acceptable to Almighty
God regardless of what one believes and practices; cf. Luke 5:21-24, ?21 And
the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which
speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22 But when Jesus
perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your
hearts? 23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise
up and walk? 24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon
earth to forgive sins,? (KJV). I do know that the Bible teaches that mankind is
acceptable to God when he follows God?s instruction. The very first family
(i.e. Adam and Eve) found this to be the case when they partook of the forbidden
fruit in the Garden of Eden; cf. Genesis 3:1-24. Adam and Eve disobeyed God?
s command and they as well as all humanity have been paying the price (i.e.
physical death and all the evils of physical life on earth and also separation
for God).
MEETING OBJECTIONS
We were all lost and without hope in the world until Messiah (i.e. Jesus
Christ) came into the world and set up the Kingdom of God (i.e. the church of
Christ) in the first Century C.E. Indeed, Jesus Christ promised that He would
build the church cf. Matt. 16:18, ?And I say also unto thee, That thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it? (KJV). The promise of Christ to build his church took
place nearly 2,000 years ago when, according to the New Testament book of Acts
in chapter 2, verses 1-47 we have the process by which God brought the
church into existence and the record of 3,000 conversions to it. Since this is a
fact, we are obligated to go and do personal work with everyone that we meet
or know who is not already a Christian as we are a Christian. REMEMBER THIS:
there is only one kind of Christian that is a person who complies with the
instruction (i.e. follows the Divine Pattern for conversion) contained in the
book of Acts.
The pattern revealed for salvation from sin is
1. Hearing (i.e. understanding it) the gospel ? Rom. 10:17
2. Believing ? Mark 16:15-16
3. Repenting of past sin ? Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
4. Confession with the mouth ? Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37-38, ?37 And Philip
said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered
and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded
the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both
Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him? (KJV).
5. Being baptized ? Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21
AND - Christ then adds the saved person to His Body the Church - cf. Acts
2:47; 1 Cor 12:27 ?Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular?
(KJV)
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ? Continued next issue ? March
2009
---------------------------------------------
Local Happenings
The Power Point equipment is now up and running here at the meeting-house
each preaching service on Sunday.
The preacher is in the process of preparing Bible study sessions using his
own prepared spiral bound booklets and the Power Point preparations for use in
the auditorium class. The Power Point is a good process and worthy of
consideration by any congregation that can afford the equipment.
Our shut-in - Those on the list are:
Margie Boysel, Virginia Jordan;
Geraldine Showalter
Katie Kerr; Audrey Bineger
--------------------------------------------------------
Your Help is Needed
Each member of the church here is asked to give us your input regarding the
Bible classes. We need to get your ideas and suggestions for encouraging
greater participation by the membership in our Bible classes for Wednesday night
at 7:30 and for Sunday morning at 9:30.
If you have suggestions or ideas that you feel we could implement here at
Cemetery Road to strengthen our attendance and participation of those that make
up the church here please give us the idea?
The current plans for our Bible study classes at all age levels including
the adult classes will be:
1. Using printed lessons and booklets of subjects, biographies, and Bible
based materials for students and teachers.
2. Regularly planning to have teacher?s meetings either quarterly or every
six months. We need your input for this matter soon so we may schedule a
consistent plan to have these meetings.
3. We are also planning gospel meetings for the next three years; a schedule
will be complete as soon as possible with potential (i.e. unconfirmed)
visiting preachers.
4. As of this date (February 1, 2009) the following meeting schedules are
confirmed.
Spring ? May 10-15 ? Different speakers each day ? Sunday-Friday
Fall ? October 18-23 ? Billy Ford from Marion, Arkansas
We encourage input from the membership here on Cemetery Road but if any of
you that receive our online edition of HILLIARD BULLETIN have suggestions
about strengthening our attendance at Bible study sessions; please contact us
with your helpful suggestions.
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - Hilliard Bulletin - February
2009
**************Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on
AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000001)
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From chris.gautney at gmail.com Mon Feb 2 07:48:53 2009
From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 07:48:53 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Five Ways to Disobey God / Finally Brethren Farewell
Message-ID: <9fd765230902020548u7f2fa60fka6bee96e55b58cc7@mail.gmail.com>
Greetings all,
A couple of more outlines from the files.
~CSG
****************
Five Ways to Disobey God
Heb. 5:8-9
1. Commission
a. Restrictions in Eden
b. Rom. 8:13; Rev. 2:18; 1 Jn. 3:4
2. Omission
a. Jonah 1:2; Matt. 25:31-46; Eph. 6:17
b. Procrastination is the thief of time. Important that we preach
c. Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21; Heb 2:3; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jas. 4:14
3. Addition
a. Not in teaching only but practices as well
b. Rev. 22:18; Num. 22:18; Gal. 1:8-9
c. Singing; Eph. 5:19; Creeds 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Name Acts 11:26;
Church Matt. 16:18
4. Substitution
a. Cain & Able
b. Lev. 10:1; Mk. 16:16; Rom. 6:4; Eph. 5
5. Subtraction
a. Rev 22:19; 1 Sam. 15:22
b. Some leave off Lord's Supper, Laying By (giving), attendance at services
Could add Division and as well and related references. (~CSG)
********************
Finally Brethren, Farewell
2 Cor. 13:11; Mk. 14:8
1. BE PERFECT - 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jas. 1:25
2. BE OF GOOD COMFORT Jn. 14:1-6; Rom. 8:28; 1 Thess. 4:18; Acts
28:15; 2 Cor. 4:8-18
3. BE OF ONE MIND 1 Cor. 1:10-13; Jn. 17:11,20-21; Neh. 4:6
4. LIVE IN PEACE Phil. 4:11; Heb 13:5; Jas. 3:18; Matt. 5:9
---- And the God of love and peace shall be with you ? 1 Thess. 5:11-25 ----
From chris.gautney at gmail.com Mon Feb 2 07:53:42 2009
From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 07:53:42 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Characteristics of a Christian / The Cost of Discipleship
Message-ID: <9fd765230902020553w9e389ci3a9c1f2f57b0907@mail.gmail.com>
Greetings,
Another set of outlines from the files.
~Chris
**************************
Characteristics of Christian - Acts 11:26
Converted - Lk. 1:16; Acts 26:28; Jas. 5:19-20; Matt. 18:3
Happy - Acts 8:38; 16:34; Psa. 30:5; 1 Pet. 4:13
Repentant - Lk. 13:13; Acts 3:19; Isa. 55:7
Ideal - Phil. 3:13-14; Heb. 11:10
Sanctified - Rom. 15:16; Jno. 17:16-17; Acts 20:32
Thankful - Eph. 5:20; Rom. 1:8; Col. 3:17
Interested - Prov. 13:4; 2 Pet. 1:10; 3:1
Ambitious - Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9
Neighborly - Matt. 22:39; Acts 7:29; Lk. 10:29
**************************
The Cost of Discipleship
Matt. 16:24-27
1. If any man - Jn. 3:16; Titus 2:11-12; Rev. 22:17
2. Will come after* me - 1 Chron. 28:9; Psa. 40:8 1 Pet. 2:21
3. Deny** himself -
a. all uncleanness ? 2 Cor. 7:1
b. worldliness ? 1 Jn. 2:15-17
4. Take up his cross (burdens we bear) ? Gal. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:3; Lk. 23:26
5. Follow me (Christ our great leader and guide) ? 1 Pet. 2:21
Is the reward worth the cost?
Matt. 16:24-27, 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17; 3:21; 2 Pet. 3:9
* After ? OPISO ? "to follow any one as a guide, to be his disciple or follower
** Deny ? APARNEOMAI ? "to forget one's self, loose sight of one's own interests
From chris.gautney at gmail.com Mon Feb 2 08:00:31 2009
From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:00:31 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] 16 Symbols of Salvation
Message-ID: <9fd765230902020600s23b27c54j3ec2cf331d6687fd@mail.gmail.com>
Greetings,
Another set of outlines from the files.
~Chris
**************************
Symbols of Salvation
1. Teacher / Ignorant ? He Taught , There were made disciples
a. Jn. 3:1; 6:44-45; Mt. 28:19
2. Holy One / Unclean ? He Sanctified, We became saints
a. Acts 10:14; 28; Jn, 17:17; Eph.5:5; Rom. 6:19; Gal. 5:19; Col. 3:5
3. Saviour / Lost ? He Saved, We were saved
a. Lk. 19:10
4. Redeemed / slaves ? He Purchased, We gained inheritance
5. King / foreigner ? He naturalized, We became a fellow citizen
6. Father / orphan ? He adopted, We became family
7. Host / Homeless ? He Called, We became guests
8. Captain / Unrecruited ? He Enlisted us, We became soldier in army
a. Heb 2:10
9. Shepherd / He sought us when were were astray ? We were found,
brought into his fold
a. Jn. 10
10. Mediator / enemies ? He reconciled, we were made one
11. Architect / disuse ? He built up, We were made part of his house
12. Creator / waste ? He created anew, We were made a new creature
a. 2 Cor. 5:17
13. Physician / sick ? He healed, We were made whole
14. Ruler / prisoners ? He liberated, We were made free men
15. Judge / criminals ? He Justified, We were made just
a. Acts 17:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:7-8
16. Life Giver / dead ? He quickened, We were made alive
a. Rom. 4:17; 7:6; Col. 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:36; 1 Pet.
2:24; Eph. 2:5; 5:14; Lk. 15:24; Rom. 6:11; Col. 2:13; 1 Tim. 5:6;
Rev. 3:1
From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Mon Feb 2 11:44:09 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:44:09 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Excitement of Salvation
Message-ID:
The Excitement of Salvation
Remission of sins was preached in Jesus' name in Jerusalem, and this came by means of Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. Peter preached quite a powerful and fact-filled lesson on the evidence that the very Jesus they (the Jews) had crucified was now both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). If there had been no evidence of Jesus' actual resurrection, Peter would have been laughed out of town, and the church never would have gotten started. All that would have been necessary to stop the church from getting started would be to present the evidence that Jesus was still very dead, his body still in the tomb. The truth was that Jesus was indeed raised and the evidence was indisputable. When they heard this (the evidence Peter presented) they were "cut to the heart". But when they learned that there was a way to remove their sins from their record and be acceptable to God, it was an exciting time and a very powerful time for those that "gladly received his word"(2:38,41). Imagine the opportunity they saw in this! Imagine how relieved and excited they all (the 3,000) were when they buried the old life in baptism and rose up from the watery grave to walk in newness of life (Rom.6:3-5). Imagine that you also "gladly received" that same word and responded in the same way! How exciting! How wonderful! As the Eunuch later asked Philip, "what hinders me from being baptized"? (Acts 8). What hinders you? - Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
terrywbenton at bellsouth.net
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From shewemail at earthlink.net Mon Feb 2 12:02:50 2009
From: shewemail at earthlink.net (shewemail at earthlink.net)
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:02:50 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] H>Stumpers
Message-ID: <4987354A.4090503@earthlink.net>
Dear brethren,
I am looking for as many examples in scripture of the use of "mental
challenges" to jostle the minds of the audience
Examples of what I am looking for include: Matthew 22:42,43 and John 3:3,4
Any examples which you may have, would be appreciated.
James H. Shewmaker
/Read the Stories of those who have lost limbs in serving in the US
Military and who continue to persevere./
News of Wounded Heroes
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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Feb 2 13:43:41 2009
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 14:43:41 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> The Value of the Word of God
Message-ID:
The Value of the Word of God
I. Introduction
A. We recognize that all things have some sort of value
B. The question tends to be: how valuable is a given object?
1. Value sometimes considered by how expensive or inexpensive
the object is
2. Other times, value considered by necessity of object for
existence
C. In large part, value is a subjective quality
1. One person's junk is another one's treasure!
2. Some things are more valuable in the sight of some than
others
3. A "necessity" to one is unnecessary to another!
D. Seeing these things to be true in our world, how shall we
evaluate the Word of God?
E. How valuable is the Word of God?
1. How does God value His Word?
2. How valuable shall we consider it?
3. Are there consequences to not finding it valuable?
F. Let us consider the matter
II. God's Word as Life-Giving
A. When we consider what God says about His Word in Scripture,
we see clearly that He considers it as giving life
B. Genesis 1
1. God speaks the creation into being
2. In a very real sense, all things that exist-- including
mankind-- does so because of God's word
C. Deuteronomy 8:3
1. Moses teaches Israel the lesson of the manna
2. Manna: foodstuff that descended from heaven, sustaining
Israel through the Wilderness (cf. Exodus 16)
3. Why the manna? To show Israel that man does not live by
bread alone, but by every word that comes from God's mouth!
4. Man, therefore, is sustained by God's Word
D. Deuteronomy 30:11-15
1. Israel is charged to choose "life" or "death"
2. "Life" involves following the commandments of the LORD-- His
word!
E. Deuteronomy 32:45-47
1. Moses again emphasizes the connection
2. God's word is life!
F. A theme seen also in Psalm 119:25, 107
G. Present also in the New Testament
1. John 5:24: Belief in Jesus' word leads to eternal life
2. John 6:68: Peter confesses that Jesus has the words of
eternal life
3. Acts 5:20: Gospel message considered "words of this Life"
4. Philippians 2:16: "word of life"
H. Throughout the Scriptures, therefore, God's word and life are
connected
1. In the OT, rather physically: remaining in the land and
being blessed dependent on hearing and obeying God's Word
2. More spiritually understood in the NT: by considering God's
Word and obeying it, one will obtain eternal life in the
hereafter
I. How valuable is life? That is how valuable God's Word is!
III. The Son as the Word
A. The connection between God's Word and life is made more
strongly with Jesus the Son of God as the Word of God
1. John 1:1-3, 14
2. 1 John 1:1
B. Jesus the Christ is considered God's Word made flesh
1. This has great power in its meaning!
2. God's Word is no longer some abstract production of the
mouth or pen, but is flesh and blood!
C. Deuteronomy 8:3 / John 6:27-58
1. Jesus invites the Jews to "eat His flesh" and "drink His
blood" to have eternal life
2. He calls Himself the "bread of life"
3. Compared to the manna God provided
4. Hard sayings indeed, often misunderstood!
5. Yet remember Deuteronomy 8:3: man lives by the word of God
6. Jesus is the Word of God in the flesh!
7. Thus, to "eat His body" and "drink His blood" is to "feast"
on God's Word!
8. Hence, His body and blood "true food" and "true drink"
(John 6:55)
D. Jesus as Life
1. John 1:3-4: the Word as agent of creation; the Word as
having life within it, and the life as the light of men
2. As the Word of God brings life, thus Jesus the Christ brings
life (John 10:10)!
3. John 3:16, etc.
4. One must believe in Jesus the Word if one truly believes in
God's Word (cf. John 5:39-40)!
5. John 11:25: Jesus is the resurrection and the life
6. John 14:26: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life
7. John 20:31: we have life by believing in Him, the Word of
God!
E. Jesus, the Word of God
1. The Scriptures have great value for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2. Yet our eternal life is based on following the Word of God,
the Son!
3. Hence, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:3-6
4. We must "consume" the Word of God by doing what He says
and walking as He walked
5. We learn of the Word of God from the revelations of the
Scriptures (John 20:31)
F. But the Word of God only provides life if we recognize His
value and heed Him!
1. John 5:28-29
2. John 5:39-40
G. What shall we do with the Word of God?
IV. God's Word as Powerful
A. God's Word is described not just as life-giving but also as
powerful
B. Ephesians 6:17
1. Sword of Spirit the Word of God
2. The "offensive" weapon in our armor
C. Hebrews 4:12-13
1. God's word as sharper than two-edged sword
2. Deeply penetrating and incisive
3. Living and active!
D. Revelation 1:16, 2:12, 16
1. Jesus as possessing the sharp two-edged sword
2. Can use it to "make war"
3. Proceeds from His mouth!
E. Revelation 19:15, 21
1. A similar description
2. Jesus as conquering, defeating enemies by His word
F. The power of God's Word is evident
1. It can be wielded as a sword and can lay low God's enemies
2. Basis of judgment: John 12:48
G. As the standard by which all will be judged on the final day,
is not God's Word of great value?
V. The Nature of the Value of God's Word
A. We can see how valuable the Word of God is!
1. It provides life
2. As manifest in Jesus, provides the way, life
3. Great power
B. But how is it that God's Word provides value?
C. Consider two examples in the world
1. An ancient vase: very valuable and expensive, normally
placed in a position of honor, encased; not designed to be
touched or handled, but viewed and appreciated from afar
2. Water: although rather inexpensive, quite valuable, for
without it, life could not continue; must be consumed and
used in order to provide value
D. Is God's Word as the vase or as the water?
1. Too many consider it as the vase: they realize that the Word
has great value, but just place it in a position of honor,
view it from afar
2. No basis to understand God's Word as valuable in that sense!
3. The Bible makes clear that God's Word is valuable as water
is valuable!
4. John 4:10-14, John 6:27-58
E. God's Word only provides value when consumed and put into
practice!
1. 2 Timothy 2:15: need to know it and handle it properly
2. Hebrews 5:14: need to practice it
F. Just as we cannot continue to live without consuming water,
we cannot expect to have eternal life if we do not consume
God's Word!
VI. Conclusion
A. We have seen that God's Word has great value!
1. Life is in it
2. Jesus, as God's Word, is most precious
3. Great power
B. Its value is not in being viewed from afar and appreciated,
but in its consumption and use!
C. Do we truly honor and respect God's Word?
D. By our practices, do we show our appreciation for all that God
has done, consuming God's Word and living faithfully?
E. Can we please God if we do not show proper reverence for God's
Word, learning of Jesus and God's message and putting it into
practice in our lives?
F. Do we not recognize that we can find life only in God's Word,
and that we will be judged by it on the last day?
G. Let us devote ourselves to God's Word and live!
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
Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna
From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Mon Feb 2 14:43:26 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 13:43:26 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] "A Review of a Response to, 'Those Mean Ole Hobby Riders,
G.O.T'"
Message-ID: <011b01c98576$e6199080$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
"A Review of a Response to, 'Those Mean Ole Hobby Riders, G.O.T'"
By Don Martin
If I know my heart and I believe I do, I constantly search for truth
in order to know and embrace it. Therefore, when I am challenged or
issue is taken with what I teach, I have a paramount concern
because, first of all, I am not infallible. I do not immediately go
into, "I must prove the challenger is wrong and try to destroy him,
because I am insecure and cannot entertain even the possibility that
I could be wrong!" There is way too much reaction of this type and
speaking out for a clique or party.
When my recent article was published to a number of Internet lists
and email circles, there was only one published response of which I
was aware. I wish to review for study purposes that response at this
time (much of the below shall be independent of my article;
therefore, you do not have to have it before you). I do not care to
supply any names so that we can entirely focus on content, rationale,
and the dialectic involved process rather than personality. While my
material, "Those Mean Ole Hobby Riders, G.O.T" principally addressed
two matters, privately supported foundations among brethren that
designedly provide a collective means other than the local church for
Christians to pool their resources to preach the gospel (cp. I Tim.
3: 15) and the teaching of multiple causes for divorce, causes such
as the "running up of bills," the respondent only mentioned the
multiple causes for divorce issue. I shall refer to the respondent
as simply "brother Doe." Anterior to my brief review, I want to
mention that some of the members of the Guardian of Truth Foundation
received both my article and the brother's response. They are older
and more experienced than the respondent and two of them are high up
in the aforementioned foundation. One is especially known for his
teaching of multiple causes for divorce. Yet, they remain silent.
Brother Doe wrote in response to my material:
"I wonder though, if those on the other side may be guilty of similar
phrases and clich?s? Perhaps using something similar to, 'Those
Liberal Ole Multiple Divorce Advocates' in referring to someone who
simply preaches, 'But even if she does depart, let her remain
unmarried or be reconciled to her husband' (1 Cor. 7:11)."
Don comments:
I totally appreciate logic and the polemical examination of a
proposition, premise, or advanced argument. Let me be up front and
say that I do, in fact, view any who teach that one may divorce a
mate because they seriously run up bills or create serious mental and
spiritual stress as "liberal." One cause is stated for acceptable
divorce and that cause is the fornication of the guilty mate, all
things equal and understood (Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9). As I type this, I
am working with a member of the church who is bound and determined to
put away his mate. Why? Because he, "...cannot stand to be around
her and her current values are causing him to become more spiritually
indifferent." According to the teaching now being disseminated by
some and defended by many others, he may scripturally divorce her,
notwithstanding the fact that he admits that she has not committed
fornication. I have dealt with many cases where such as just
mentioned constitute the precipitating circumstances. After she is
put away, she becomes conjugally involved with another and, eureka:
"I now mentally put you away," says he, "on the grounds of
fornication, just as Jesus said I could, and I now have the right to
marry another!" He does this notwithstanding the already
existence of divorce and ignoring that fornication in this case is
the result of the divorce and not the cause (see addendum). Even if
the just sited subsequent fornication and marriage to another on the
part of the putting away one does not occur, the marriage duty of I
Corinthians 7: 2ff. remains and is neglected.
Let us now more carefully examine the logic of brother Doe. Just the
assignment of a matter being said, such as "hobby riders" and/or
"liberal multiple divorce advocates" within itself is not the issue
and the focus. I do not refer to these advocates of multiple causes
for divorce as "liberal" and let it go at that or appeal for
agreement based on the assignment. The thrust of my article
pertaining to the assignment of "Mean Ole Hobby Riders" is such, as I
addressed, that calls for others to dismiss any concern for multiple
causes for divorce based on the claim that the opposers of multiple
causes for divorce, "...are hobby riders" and the scripturally
distorted view of "hobby riders." Hence, there is manifest
incongruity in brother Doe's objection and appeal, just as in the
multiple causes for divorce doctrine itself.
Brother Doe continued in his defense of those teaching multiple
causes for divorce:
"Perhaps using something similar to, 'Those Liberal Ole Multiple
Divorce Advocates' in referring to someone who simply preaches,
'But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be
reconciled to her husband' (1 Cor. 7:11)."
Don responds:
I emphatically submit that the proponents of multiple causes for
divorce are not doing and teaching what Paul was doing and teaching
in I Corinthians 7: 11. Hence, they are not "...simply preaching...I
Corinthians 7: 11." Paul is not granting permission for divorce for
a cause(s) other than fornication. The command is, "Let not the wife
depart from her husband" and "...let not the husband put away his
wife" (vs. 10, 11). What I am hearing is, "Let her/him put away...."
These two responses to the divorce circumstance are antithetical and
oppositional. Paul is not granting permission, as these preachers are
doing and defending those who do allow, but is showing the
undesirable recourse he/she has should they proceed to violate, "Let
not...put away...." All of this alleged inference that Paul is
saying that should one put away for a cause other than fornication,
one can still maintain the approval of God and brethren is totally
unjustified and twisted logic at work. Such is not only an
"unnecessary inference," but it is "a flawed inference" that
contradicts the immediate milieu and all relevant teaching on the
subject of divorce. It is false teaching and rather than others
defending those who are teaching this damnable error, they should be
helping to expose it and curtail its influence!
Without any regard for context, brother Doe adds:
In trying to say that these multiple causes for divorce preachers
today are teaching exactly what Paul did, he reasoned:
"'If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing
to live with him, let him not divorce her' (1 Cor. 7:12) . 'And a
woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to
live with her, let her not divorce him' (1 Cor. 7:13) . 'But if the
unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not
under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace
(1 Cor. 7:15). Yes, woe to the man who in similar circumstances to
these emphasizes a way that God has called us to peace!"
Don reflects:
I have never experienced any multiple causes for divorce teaching
limiting their teaching to the circumstance of unbeliever/believer.
I realize that in the real world, an unbeliever, over whom we have no
"control" may elect to put away the believer and walk away from the
marriage. However, such is not the issue at hand. Hence, to inject
such is deflective. Here is a true scenario: "Brother....is
allowing divorces for many causes and is keeping peace among
brethren." Yes, allowing adultery to be fellowshipped does create
ecumenical unity and peace! Moreover, all the brother Does who are
defending if not actually themselves doing such teaching are
advocating the acceptance of adultery. Biblical peace is not the
result of doctrinal and moral compromise!
Brother Doe advances:
"Now it matters not that this one contends earnestly for the one
reason (viz., fornication) as the sole purpose of putting away with
remarriage (Matt. 19:9; 5:32). It matters not that he stresses the
evils of divorce (Mal. 2)...."
Don comments:
I could equate this rationale to such as was offered in a recent
debate that I had regarding the necessity of scriptural baptism.
"Baptism is important, baptism is involved in local church
membership, and baptism shows allegiance to Christ and obedience,"
said my disputant. He said this, though, following the statement
that "...baptism is not necessary to salvation." Divorce for any
cause other than fornication is sinful and is just the beginning for
many other sinful problems (Matt. 5: 32).
Brother Doe's appeal to unite in exposing other divorce errors:
First, my (Don) comment:
We, the brethren, have a strange way of agreeing to ignore one error
in order to unitedly focus on another. I have noticed that
foundation promoters are especially good at this. In fact, such is a
symptom of the party spirit. One of the head men in the above
referenced foundation once told me pertaining to rank error, "Don, I
agree with you, but we cannot deal with this matter or even deem it
an issue until we all (foundation members, dm) meet and declare such
to be the case!" Such is brethren at work with their pseudo churches
and men-made oversight. Notice brother Doe's thinking:
"It matters not that he (advocate multiple causes for divorce, dm)
defends the truth which states 'A wife is not to depart from her
husband' and 'let her remain unmarried or be reconciled.' All that
matters to some is that he may recognize a situation where God
did not call us unto bondage and while one may be divorced, one
can yet maintain fellowship with God by remaining unmarried."
Don closes:
It has not been, as stated, my goal to "go after 'brother Doe.'" I
can stand the heat and in our Internet work, I daily live with it. I
did, though, want to briefly examine the logic, argumentation and
dialectics that comprise brother Doe's defense of the multiple causes
for divorce doctrine as is being advocated.
Addendum: Jesus recognized the act and reality of divorce, whether
for fornication or some other cause (Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9). Thus, just
because a divorce is not for fornication, does not mean the act is
non-existent. In the matter of divorce, I might add, some confuse
"recognize" and "approve."
From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Feb 2 16:01:23 2009
From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 17:01:23 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Jesus Was The Father Of John The Baptist (Kent Heaton)
Message-ID:
Jesus Was The Father Of John The Baptist
(Kent Heaton)
Confucius made the observation that those who have no children know so much about child rearing. It is very difficult to imagine someone without children presenting themselves as an expert about children. All the books in the world will not prepare one for the reality of child rearing. This is true in many walks of life. A person who has never been married does not make the most reliable marriage counselor. The doctor who has never been in the operating room is very limited in the science of surgery. When a General commands his troops in war it is best suited when their leader has battlefield experience.
If you ask the common man on the street his opinion of the Bible you will receive a wide range of analysis, commentary and factual conclusions based upon a limited (if any) knowledge of the true content of scripture. Many of those who criticize the Bible have never spent any time examining the book itself. Round table discussions of the word of God include "facts" such as Jesus was really the father of John the Baptist; Mary Magdalene was a prostitute; Paul was a frustrated gay man; Lazarus really was not dead but just happen to come out of the tomb when Jesus called him; Jonah was never swallowed by a fish; the flood of Genesis 6 never happened; Jesus was married and had children whose offspring now live in Spain; and a myriad of other things that people candidly pass off as informative conclusions about the Bible.
What is clearly evident in discussions such as this is that usually the conclusions are being drawn by those who are not opening the Bible up and pointing the proof of their argument - but you can do that with the Bible. "But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John" (Luke 1:13). How can a person decide that Jesus was the father of John the Baptist when it plainly says that Zacharias was his father? Jesus and John were cousins (Luke 1:5,13,26,27,36) and that is about all.
The lesson is found in the importance of being honest with the Bible. There is more evidence (1000 fold) of the accuracy of the Bible than the writings of William Shakespeare. The reason that people approach the Bible with a kind of mythical view is because it allows them to dismiss the Bible as a fairy-story book of fables. The Bible demands faith and faith is based upon truth (Romans 10:17). To deny the accuracy of the Bible is to allow the reader to dismiss the necessity of faith. Through this action accountability is removed and the individual can live as he chooses; not under the servitude of the Creator.
This attitude toward the word of God is how the Jewish leaders killed Jesus. Two false witnesses swore to the Sanhedrin that Jesus said, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days" (Matthew 26:61). Read John 2:13-22 to see how they twisted the words of Jesus. The Bible is twisted so many ways today that few can recognize the truth when they see it. The Psalmist declared the truth of God's word: "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89).
The apostle Peter wrote, "If anyone speaks, let him speaks as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). In other words, if you are going to say something about the Bible do it as one who is speaking the utterances of God - what is written on the page. Then you will not look as a fool before God (Psalm 53:1; Proverbs 10:8; 12:15; 13:16; 14:7; esp. 18:2).
Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
(H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793
(C) 352-283-3889
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
Audio Sermons Available
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
July 26 - August 1, 2009
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Mon Feb 2 17:23:20 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:23:20 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Abortion and the death penalty, question/answer
Message-ID: <004501c9858d$3d129240$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Hello Jerry,
Thank you so much for your question and for making
use of Bible Questions. Please do so again.
http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible
Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you
wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to
both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these
sites will be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible,
there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths.
While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the
Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the
table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.
You asked:
I am pro life also against the death penalty. Since we come under
the new covenant where does Jesus or God say it is okay to take a
life of any age? I have heard people say that GOD santfies killing
in certain circumstances. Does he and who makes the decision? I feel
pro life is pro life.
Reply:
"Pro life" can take on various nuances and meanings. However, if we
are talking about being against abortion as it is too commonly
practiced in the US, I, too, am pro life. We can learn from recorded
teaching residing in the Hebrew scriptures that the unborn is
considered life or a human and that there were (are) consequent
responsibilities to protect the unborn (Ex. 21: 22-25). In fact, we
learn from the same text that if the unborn is fatally aborted, the
one responsible is to pay with his own life, hence the death penalty.
I do not see anything in the teaching of Exodus 21 that would render
it "limited to the Law of Moses," with the exception of how the death
penalty was to be activated. When we come to the New Testament, we
read how civil government has the right to exercise capital
punishment (Rom. 13: 1-7). In actuality, to refuse capital
punishment is to refuse the will of God, the text says. I do not
believe there is any doubt as to the right of state exercised capital
punishment. Areas of concern, though, could be correct jurisprudence
protocol and the proper causes requiring the death penalty.
You are encouraged to read, "The Truth about Capital Punishment"
located in www.bibletruths.net When on the home page, enter through
the door and click on "Archives and Index" in the directory. When on
the Archives page, click on the letter "P." Here is an excerpt from
the article:
Capital punishment viewed under the three dispensations. There are
three dispensations generally recognized in the Bible: Patriarchal
(Gen. 3 - Ex. 20), Mosaic (Ex. 20 - Acts 2), and the age of the
gospel (Acts 2 - judgment). We have already seen that God instituted
the death penalty under or during the Patriarchal Age (Gen. 9: 6).
Notice why the murderer's life is to be taken: ".for in the image of
God made he man." Hence, the reason for the introduction of the death
penalty was not dispensational.
The Mosaic Age is explicit in its teaching regarding the death
penalty. Commandment number six (of the Ten Commandments) was, "Thou
shalt not kill" (Ex. 20: 13). The "kill" is murder (see New King
James Version). The punishment for murder was, "He that smiteth a
man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death" (Ex. 21: 12).
There were about eight capital offences under the Mosaic system which
demanded the death penalty (see Ex. 21: 15, 16, 17, 22: 18, 19, 20).
Of course, the Mosaic system was a theocracy, a combination of the
spiritual and state.
The death penalty is also taught in the final age, the New
Testament. Paul plainly teaches the right of civil government to
exist and to demand subjection (Rom. 13: 1-7, see Acts 5: 29 as to
exceptions). Regarding the executioner for the state he wrote, "For
he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which
is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain." (vs. 4).
The sword is emblematic of capital punishment. Paul himself was
freely willing to subject himself to the death penalty, were he
guilty of capital offence (Acts 25: 11)...."
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see
the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible
Truths).
Cordially,
Don Martin
From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Mon Feb 2 20:44:04 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 19:44:04 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] "Why So Many Differences Among Preachers Today?"
Message-ID: <004201c985a9$479d05d0$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
"Why So Many Differences Among Preachers Today?"
By Don Martin
I continue to be amazed at all the doctrinal differences among too
many preachers among us today. It seems that on occasion it is
difficult to find but only a hand full of preachers who pretty well
are in complete doctrinal harmony on major subjects. I personally
believe such a condition is sad and reflective of a number of
possible and actual conditions.
Let me rush and say that I do not believe the remedy is good "Church
of Christ Seminaries." As an ordained Baptist Preacher, I was
exposed to their seminary concept and practice. To my dismay, I have
encountered many times the same basic mentality among some churches
of Christ. Florida College to some serves as "Our Seminary."
Special preacher training schools are conducted across the country,
often by men who themselves are doctrinally flawed in some serious
areas. Hence, their deficiencies are often passed on to their
students. To be to the point, I find no biblical authority for
seminaries or preacher schools (see addendum 1). What do the
scriptures teach as to how men are to be trained to preach and
whose responsibility is it? Consider Paul's answer:
"1: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus. 2: And the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to
teach others also" (2 Tim. 2).
One reason for all of the doctrinal diversity, I have observed for
years, is the special interest groups among us. Yes, the special
interest groups are alive and well. "Churches of Christ" fall into a
number of classifications, often having nothing to do with doctrinal
purity but party loyalty. There are what we call institutional
Churches of Christ, those who use their treasuries for matters not
authorized, the support of human institutions, simply put. Then
there are non-institutional churches of Christ, those who do not
support orphanages, etc. Some are so shallow that the only requisite
for soundness is a church that does not contribute to human
institutions. There are the "Jesus was a man, just like you and me"
sector, for lack of a better term. There are the one cuppers, no
located preachers, no Bible classes groups (not always the same).
Many of non-institutional churches of Christ are characterized by
those for Florida College. While they do not send monies (not the
churches) to Florida College, as individuals they support the
institution. Many of these people view F.C. as vital to the
soundness of churches of Christ and look to it for the production of
preachers (seminary concept) and elders. Another group has seriously
now come into existence known as the Guardian of Truth Foundation.
The Guardian of Truth Foundation and Florida College have been
warring enemies; albeit, of late, I understand there has been talk to
unite to fight their common enemy, those who oppose privately founded
institutions to corporately preach the gospel.
Yes, in all honesty, we have many different doctrinal loyalties among
us. However, do some serious research and I think you will find that
a lot of the doctrinal divergence pertains to various group
loyalties. One preacher whom we (Holly Street were I presently
preach and serve as one of the elders) supported for years was
straight down the line on such issues and marriage, divorce, and
marriage to another. However, when he was appointed to be a staff
writer for Truth Magazine, a production of the Guardian of Truth
Foundation, he suddenly expressed a loyalty to defend the President
of the foundation in his teaching of multiple causes for divorce
(compare the one cause of scripture, Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9). A sizeable
percentage of the men today who are demanding allowance for the
multiple cause for divorce doctrine are men associated with this
foundation. Florida College has through the years also had certain
idiosyncratic doctrinal loyalties, based on the particular teachers
atthe college at a given time.
Then there is the incidence of men preaching who simply were not even
in the beginning qualified. We worked with a man who was a cult
member (another segment of "churches of Christ," ran by a female in
Denver). He was also a homosexual and confessed to being such. He,
while still battling with homosexuality decided he wanted to go into
full time preaching. When I made a counter announcement that I did
not believe, I had extensively worked with him, he was ready, I met
swift and strong opposition: "You have no right to oppose his desire
to preach...!" While many do not practice the seminary mentality,
some have gone to the other extreme, allow anybody in the pulpit who
wants to be there, no exception (cp. Jas. 3: 1). This man "moved his
membership" to a local church a few miles from us and the resident
preacher there (well known and respected) had him in full time
preaching in a short time. The man effected problems across about
three states before he finally got out of preaching.
The scriptures command that we all "speak the same thing, and that
there be no divisions among you..." (I Cor. 1: 10). However, the
reality is there is too often extensive division on many doctrinal
topics of serious importance. Cultural backgrounds can and do often
contribute to differences, albeit, they should not. Educational
gradation can result in differences and also maturity levels. I
believe it is shameful at the various states we have in churches of
Christ today. I have now had over two hundred written debates or
exchanges, if you will, on the Internet, the majority with preachers
within churches of Christ. Not that such is automatically the
criteria, but I represent what most preachers used to believe and
teach (cp. I Cor. 4: 17). You name it and some body believes and
teaches it today.
How can we return to basic doctrinal soundness? The answer is
simple, respect the authority of the scriptures and only allow men in
the pulpits who are doctrinally sound! (cp. I Tim. 1: 3.) A
significant portion of preachers in "churches of Christ" today have
no business in the pulpit. Do we not understand that there are
qualifications for preachers? (Cp. I Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus,
etc.) Many are simply men pleasers and hirelings. These men take
flight at the first sign of doctrinal or moral threat. Jesus taught:
"11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep. 12: But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the
sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the
sheep" (John 10).
Many churches are totally vulnerable to all sorts of doctrinal
variation and deviation introduction due to hirelings in the pulpit.
We have too many "Church of Christ Preachers" who simply protect
their careers and see how many meetings they can schedule. These men
never deal with issues within churches. They preach and write
endlessly, but never say anything of substance or pertinence (see
addendum 2).
Beloved, these reasons and more that we could mention are why "we
have so many differences among preachers today"!
Addendum 1: I am not referring to the simple practice of a local
preacher studying with men, using a class room of the church building
where he labors.
Addendum 2: Thank God for faithful men who love and teach the truth
and oppose all that is to the contrary. "May their tribe increase."
From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 3 05:21:01 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 06:21:01 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) OBEDIENCE TO GOD (2)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second installment
of this particular study. Use to the glory of God.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD (2)
The Positive Approach: -- Thus we have observed that the grace
of God with respect to salvation has been abused by theological
perversions. We are aware of the fact that after all is said and
done we are sinners saved by grace. No man merits salvation
on the strength of his own goodness alone. But there are cert-
ain conditions tht must be met before we become the recipients
of divine grace. The same grace that sacrificed Jesus on Calvar-
y's cross for the sins of the world also stipulates certain condit-
ions as prerequisites to salvation. "The grace of God hath app-
eared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent
that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sob-
erly and righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:11-
14).
In His message to this generation God says that obedience
to the gospel stands between the alien sinner and salvation. "But thanks be
to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin,
ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching wher-
eunto y were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of
rightoeusness" (Rom. 6:17,18).
Obedience to God evidently involves doing the will of God.
Jesus said: "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). When the apostles
were forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus they said: "We
must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Obedience in the New Testament sense means hearkening
to the voice of truth. "Sanctify them in the truth: Thy word is
truth" (Jno. 17:17). Peter said, "Seeing ye have purified your
souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, love one another from the heart fervently; having been
begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
through the word of God, which liveth and abideth" (1 Pet. 1:22,
23).
In a study of obedience to God it should be remembered that
Jesus is the spokesman to this age. "God, having of old time
spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers
manners, hath at the end of these days spoken unto us
in His Son" (Heb. 1:1,2). God declared the authority of Christ to
this dispensation when He said: "This is My beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17:5). We do not
look to Moses or Elijah for the plan of salvation today, but to the
Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit-guided apostles.
In his second sermon Peter quoted from Moses the follow-
ing statement: "A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you
from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken
in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. And it shall be,
that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be
utterly destroyed from among the people" (Acts 3:22,23). There-
fore, we must look "unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our
faith" (Heb. 12:2). The attitude of the penitent should be, "Lord,
what wilt Thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6). In answer to the
question, Jesus says to all the world, "keep My command-
ments." We are thankful that His commandments are not griev-
ous, for they are lined with love and filled with sympathy. There-
fore, let every soul who has not obeyed the gospel ponder well
the following statements of Holy Writ:
Plan Of Salvation: -- In the first place, obedience involves faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). One must believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 16:31) for "except
ye believe that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (Jno. 8:24). But
the faith that saves must be coupled with obedience. "For in
Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncirc-
umcision; but faith working through love" (Gal. 5:6). "And the
word of God increased; and the numbr of the disciples multipli-
ed in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the
priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7). The church in Jeru-
salem increased in direct ratio to the number of persons who
obeyed the gospel.
On Pentecost obedience to the word saved about 3,000 Jews from their
sins, and the Lord added to the church daily
such as were being saved (Acts 2:37-47). With faith in their hearts toward
Jesus Christ, they cried out and said: "Brethren,
what shall we do?" Peter answered: "Repent ye, and be baptiz-
ed every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remiss-
ion of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Thus he bound repentance with faith and baptism as a condition
of pardon. In this way he echoed the mind of the Master who said "that
repentance and remission of sins should be preached
in His name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Lk.
24:47).
But before penitent believers were baptized in New Testa-
ment times, they professed their faith in Christ. From Paul we
learn that "with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. 10;10)
He further says that God highly exalted Jesus, "and gave unto
Him the name which is above every name; that in the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and
things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the
Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).
Such a penitent believer who has confessed his faith in Christ goes
down into the waters of baptism fully prepared to
put off the old man and put on the new. "We were buried there-
fore with Him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also
might walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). We know that baptism
is essential, for Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved" (Mk. 16:16). "For as many of you as were baptiz-
ed into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).
On man's part, sanctification is a matter of faithful obedience
to God's word. When Paul preached in Corinth on his second
missionary tour, "many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and
were baptized" (Acts18:8). Later the apostle wrote them two
letters, and addressed them as "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be
saints" (1 Cor. 1:2).
Every blessing promised to man is predicated upon obedien-
ce to God. No responsible person can be saved without obed-
ience. "Unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but
obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation" (Rom. 2:
8). On the other hand, God will bless those who keep His comm-
andments. "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that
they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in throu-
gh the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14). ----- Paul Southern in The
Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 10, August, 1952.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 3 05:20:43 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 06:20:43 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE CROSS
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 files:
THE CROSS
The cross and the empty tomb together form the centerpiece
of history and the ultimate demonstration of the qualities that make God, God.
Here we see His mercy toward helpless mankind, His grace
extended to those who could not possibly devise a way or pay
for their own redemption, His justice that could not overlook sin
without payment of the penalty, and his wisdom that worked out
a plan by which guilty sinners could be made righteous (guiltless) without
compromising either His justice or His holine-
ss. Here, too, we see His sovereign power to bring about His purpose despite
Satan's desperate opposition.
Above all other things, the cross provides the strongest evid-
ence of God's love. The man on the cross is the very Son whom
God loved so much that He desired other sons "conformed to
His image, the He might be the firstborn among many brethren"
(Rom. 8:29). On the cross is "the Word" Who was with God in
the beginning, Who was God, and Who "became flesh and dwelt
among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begott-
en of the Father, full of grace and truth" (Jno. 1:14). And, as someone else
said, when we asked Him how much He loved us,
He said, "This much..." And He stretched out His arms and died.
On the cross at last, The Seed of the woman bruised the ser-
pent's head. He fulfilled all the prophecies tht had to do with the
redemption of mankind. The rending of His flesh was accompan-
ied by the rending of the veil in the material temple, signifying
that the way into the true Holy Place, the dwelling of God, was
now open to mankind (Heb. 10:20). Here was made possible complete
reconciliation between God and His estranged creat-
ion (Eph. 218).
On the cross was the true sacrifice of which all others were
but symbols. The dying Son is the One "Whom God put forward
as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was
to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearan-
ce He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righte-
ousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of
the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:25,26, ESV).
No wonder Jesus cried as He died, "It is finished" (Jno. 19:
30).
"Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowled-
ge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways
past finding out! For of Him and through Him and to Him are all
things, to Whom be glory forever, Amen" (Rom. 11:33,36). -------
Sewell Hall in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 5, May, 2008.
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From chris.gautney at gmail.com Tue Feb 3 08:13:41 2009
From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 08:13:41 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] But wait! You forgot...
Message-ID: <9fd765230902030613u44275d0fpfbeeea150b302b06@mail.gmail.com>
Greetings all,
I'm not really in the habit or writing articles but those of you who
know my family will hopefully appreciate the story related below. ~CSG
BUT WAIT! YOU FORGOT...
Among the many great thing about having grandparents still living, is
their desire to continue to teach you new things and pass down great
life lessons. One such lesson I've heard more than once but I chalk
that up to emphasis.
My grandfather grew up in a small sleepy town in northwest Tennessee.
As you might suspect, change or thinking outside of the box was not
very common. He started preaching when he was in his mid teens by
appointment but preached a good bit early on at his home congregation,
Broadmore.
An incident he related one time took place one Sunday morning at
Broadmore. It was during the days when there was no air conditioning.
Broadmore had a custom of using a light cloth to cover the Lord's
table. The one presiding over the table would uncover the Supper and
then proceed with serving it. Under this cloth were not only the
emblems but also the collection plates. The collection was taken up
right after the Lord's Supper was completed then the plates were
placed back on the table. The Supper and the collection plates would
then all be covered back up with the cloth and services would
continue.
In an effort to make a point, he started to cover up only the bread
and fruit of the vine with the cloth when someone loudly objected that
he had forgot the collection, but, he had not. He went on to make the
point that this was done to clearly distinguish the fact the
collection is not in any fashioned part of the Lord's Supper. He
finished covering up the Lord's Supper and continued with the
collection which was placed away from the emblems out from under the
cloth.
It may seem trivial, but sometimes we get in the habit of doing things
and the line is often blurred. The ideal situation would to have the
collection altogether at a different point and time in the service.
Personal preference aside, Where I attend has decided the collection
will follow immediately after the Lord's Supper is served as well. The
one presiding then states, "Separate and apart from the Lord's Supper,
we will now take this opportunity to give as we have been prospered."
It serves the same purpose and is decent and orderly.
It may sound nit picky, but we should take advantage of every
opportunity to teach. Often we have a greater influence by our actions
than by our words.
The remembrance of our Lord's sacrifice and what he gave should be our
emphasis and not dishonored with any connection to a monetary offering
of ours.
From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue Feb 3 09:12:12 2009
From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 10:12:12 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] H> Calvinism Quotes
Message-ID:
Does anyone have a set of quotes from denominations (creedbooks, preachers,
etc) espousing the different points of Calvinism?
Thanks,
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Feb 3 09:17:34 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 08:17:34 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] "Issues, What To Do With Them"
Message-ID: <001701c98612$8b3ca2f0$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin sharing a relevant article from the archives of
www.bibletruths.net
"Issues, What To Do With Them"
In speaking recently with a veteran preacher of the gospel, he
and I both agreed that we (almost 100 hundreds years of combined
preaching) are currently seeing more issues facing the church than we
have ever witnessed and at the same time, fewer addressing these
issues. Some of the men who dealt with issues in the past are now
part of the problem of digression, he and I also both agreed.
I marvel at how some can write voluminously and never touch on a
relative issue. Some can actually preach on such subjects as,
"Marriage, as God Ordained It," "God's Institution, The Local
Church," and "The Lure of Worldliness" and never touch top, side, or
bottom of any sensitive aspects of these heated topics. I am
referring to "mental divorcement" and "second putting away doctrine;"
the Guardian of Truth Foundation" and the "annual Guardian of Truth
Foundation Lectures;" "bikinis," "tight fitting blue jeans," and
"short shorts." Would they dare supply names regarding some teaching
aberrant doctrines under the heading of these topics? Nay, verily!
To do so would be beneath their dignity.
We have too many today who are purveyors of positivity and are
too good to risk their spotless reputations in exposing error and
challenging false teaching. Yet, when we consider the examples
resident in the Bible, we find men who loved the truth and hated
error, even calling it for what it was and supplying names of
errorists (Rom. 12: 9).
Paul, John, James, Jude, and Peter, all prompted by the Spirit,
did not mince words or draw back from dealing with current sensitive
subjects that involved error (cp. I Cor. 2: 13)One big issue of the
First Century was the Law of Moses, the gospel, and salvation. Some
wanted to bind the Law on all for the purpose of justification; while
some insisted that Gentiles coming to Christ had to keep parts, at
least, of the law (Acts 15). Paul courageously refuted such
teaching and confronted those who promoted this doctrine.
Justification by law excludes justification by grace and the two
cannot concurrently be effectual.
"6: And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise
grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more
grace: otherwise work is no more work," wrote Paul in masterful
decisiveness (Rom. 11).
Romans and Hebrews are treatises designed to extinguish any
doctrinal influence the Ebionites might have exerted in binding the
law. To those who would have select parts of the law to bind and
ignore other requisites, Paul forcefully stated:
"1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath
made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2:
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall
profit you nothing. 3: For I testify again to every man that is
circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4: Christ is
become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the
law; ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5).
The apostle John dedicated much of his writings to the new
heresy of Gnosticism. John forcefully showed that Jesus Christ had
"come in the flesh" and that Christ was not imaginary but actually
dwelt in a material body, contrary to both Cerinthian and Docetic
Gnosticism (I John 1; 4).
Ponder the unequivocal teaching of John regarding Gnosticism
that taught man could be saved and not necessarily conform to God's
commands (the old "once saved, always saved" doctrine):
"3: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments. 4: He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5: But whoso
keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby
know we that we are in him. 6: He that saith he abideth in him ought
himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (I John 2).
John and the Holy Spirit did not hesitate do denounce some
contemporary religious groups.
"6: But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the
Nicolaitans, which I also hate....14: But I have a few things against
thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam,
who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit
fornication. 15: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans, which thing I hate" (Rev. 2).
James treated such subjects as materialism and worldliness in
general and supplied remedies (Jas. 2; 4). These Spirit guided men
were not ashamed to call sin, sin (cp. Gal. 5: 1-4). Consider the
cogent language of James as he writes to worldly minded brethren:
"1: From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not
hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2: Ye lust, and
have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight
and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3: Ye ask, and receive
not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4:
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of
the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world is the enemy of God" (Jas. 4).
Due to the arrival of false teachers among God's people, Jude
evidently changed his intended subject from the "common salvation" to
matters of how some would corrupt God's grace, deny the Lord, and use
monetary gain as their main impetus (Jude 3). Examine how Jude held
back nothing in describing these ungodly professing Christians in
the church:
"4: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before
of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace
of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ....8: Likewise also these filthy dreamers
defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of
dignities....10: But these speak evil of those things which they know
not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things
they corrupt themselves. 11: Woe unto them! for they have gone in the
way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward,
and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12: These are spots in your
feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves
without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds;
trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by
the roots;13: Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame;
wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for
ever. 14: And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these,
saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15:
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly
committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have
spoken against him. 16: These are murmurers, complainers, walking
after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words,
having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Jude).
There were apparently many distortions of the resurrection
doctrine extant in New Testament days. Rather than skirt the issue,
Paul dealt with it head on. Consider his teaching:
"12: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how
say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13: But
if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your
faith is also vain. 15: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God;
because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he
raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16: For if the dead
rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17: And if Christ be not raised,
your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18: Then they also which
are fallen asleep in Christ are perished" (I Cor. 15). "16: But shun
profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness. 17: And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18: Who concerning the truth have erred,
saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith
of some" (2 Tim. 2).
Notice and appreciate how Paul, without apology, states the
issue, contrasts the false teaching associated with these issues with
the truth, and dialectically presents the soul-damning consequences
of error. He even named names of the proponents of some of these
doctrines!
There were evidently a number of scoffers in Peter's day who
denied Jesus' second coming. Peter focuses attention on them and
exposes their fallacious reasoning of uniformitarianism (all
presently continues as it has in the past) and sinful character.
Consider his manner in so marking them:
"3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days
scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4: And saying, Where is the
promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things
continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5: For this
they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens
were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the
water: 6: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with
water, perished: 7: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by
the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day
of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8: But, beloved, be not
ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. 3).
Jesus collided with the elite Pharisees of his day, those who
perverted God's law. Rather than avoid the issues, he attacked them
with unequaled velocity. He called them out in the most direct way
when he said:
"20: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no
case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5).
Jesus publicly rebuked the leaders of the Jews when he said to
them before the "multitude" and his "disciples":
"15: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye
make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves" (Matt. 23).
One serious issue of the First Century was racism. Even Peter
was exposed and publicly reprimanded for his racial inconsistency:
"14: But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to
the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou,
being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the
Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (Gal.
2.)
I am personally sick and tired of "Church of Christ Pulpiteers."
Some are so busy promoting ecumenical agreement (unity-in-diversity)
that they have lost all sight of biblical unity, assuming they ever
had such a concept (cp. Eph. 4: 1-6). Those who claim that they love
God and the brethren too much to risk division by dealing with
issues, are engulfed in self-deception. They do not love God and do
not have any real regard for God's people (cp. I John 5: 3, John 8:
32). What ever happened to the charge:
"1: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and
his kingdom; 2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3: For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; 4: And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4).
We need more preachers of the soul saving gospel and not the,
"Accent the positive and eliminate the negative" mentality type. The
latter have increased numbers, but not souls; they have added impetus
for larger buildings, but not holy churches; and they have
popularized the hand shake, but not scriptural fellowship. They have
helped those living in adultery to be received with open arms and no
questions asked. Yet, Jesus said:
"32: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife,
saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:
and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery"
(Matt. 5); "9: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth
adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit
adultery" (Matt. 19).
Paul, John, James, Peter, and Jesus all issued teaching
pertaining to false teachers (those who create issues) and what the
response to them is to be (Rom. 16: 17; I John 4: 1; Jas. 3: 1ff., 2
Pet. 2: 1; Matt. 7: 15-20).
I personally am growing weary hearing fluff and no substance. I
have sat on the edge of my pew thinking that I am about to hear a
preacher really deal with what is needed, only to wonder how he
managed to say nothing. No, I am not saying that one must
continually and only dwell on issues, please do not misunderstand me.
However, I am saying that just about every imaginable subject today
contains issues. Preach on Jesus, and you have attendant and
multitudinous issues. Was Jesus really God/man?; could he actually
have sinned?; was he really born of a virgin?; etc. (Heb. 1; 2; Heb.
4: 15; Matt. 1: 23). If you faithfully preach on the church, you
must deal with such issues as, the work of the local church, its
autonomy and what autonomy is not; the work of elders; and how the
local church is God's only organization through which Christians are
to pool their resources and collectively preach the gospel to the
lost and edify the saved (I Tim. 3: 15; Acts 14: 23, I Pet. 5: 1-4).
In case I have not been plain, allow me to clearly affirm that
one cannot loyally preach the gospel and avoid issues, it is
impossible! There is no room in Jesus' church for back-slapping
politicians who speak out of both sides of their mouth, yet, we have
those who meet the description. During the last couple years, I have
dealt with a number of preachers who can and do tell it both ways,
depending on their audience. Such men are not just mixed up, they
are lacking moral integrity.
Issues, what are we to do with them? Preach on them, explain
them, expose them, and refute them, that is what we are to do with
them. Preach "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20: 27). As a member of
the church, encourage all men who have dedicated their lives to,
"...I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you..." (Acts 20:
20).
Men who are "just too good to preach on issues," are men not fit
for the Kingdom of God. They are hirelings with no real interest in
the souls of men (John 10: 11-13). In closing, I leave you with the
expressive words of Paul, words indicative of a strong and abiding
moral compulsion:
"16: For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of:
for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not
the gospel!" (I Cor. 9.)
From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Feb 3 09:50:41 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 08:50:41 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Question as to what to preach on (question/answer)
Message-ID: <00b501c98617$2b83fd90$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin sharing a good question from the State of Iowa: (Due to
my Baptist background, I do a lot of work with Baptist preachers and
members. I have actually had many Baptist ministers use my sermon
material.) I have granted copyright permission to a number of
Baptist schools to use my Online Greek Course.
Hello Jimmy,
Thank you so much for your question and for making
use of Bible Questions. Please do so again.
http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible
Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you
wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to
both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these
sites will be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible,
there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths.
While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the
Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the
table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.
You asked:
Looking for scripture as a Christian to know that it is my "duty" to
spread Gods Word and let my friends and family know that they need to
be saved! I am filling in for my pastor while he is gone and am
looking for ideas.
Reply:
First, you are to be commended in recognizing your "duty" to spread
God's word. Christians, indeed, have the responsibility and
privilege of "holding forth the word of life" (Phili. 2: 16). In the
same verse, Paul indicates that their holding forth the word of life
was not optional, but a requirement pertaining to their salvation
("he had not run in vain..."). From New Testament examples, we learn
that the early Christians busied themselves in spreading the word
(Acts 8: 4). Thus, we read of the phenomenal growth of pristine
Christianity (cp. Rom. 10: 18).
Dale, there are many sermon helps in www.bibletruths.net There are
actually three sections of sermons, full outlines, short outlines,
and PowerPoint presentation files. Just enter the door on the home
page and look for these sections in the directory on the Site Map
page. As mentioned, teaching is a privilege, but it also has serious
attendant consequences if truth is not taught (Jas. 3: 1). Why not
study the material in Bible Truths on the eldership and bring a
sermon on that topic. I shall share with you immediately below a
previous similar answer:
The scriptures are replete with statements that are indicative of the
importance of scriptural elderships. The aim and goal of every
local church, though, is to appoint men who meet the qualifications
of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. I recommend you read, "Elders, Their
Work and Qualification" located in our reference site,
www.bibletruths.net Enter through the door and click on "Archives
and Index," then click on the letter "E" on the Archives page. Here
is an excerpt from the article:
"...The term "elder" is used two ways in the scriptures: There
are those who are elders simply because of age, older men and women
(I Tim. 5: 1, 2). There is also the official use of the word "elders"
to denote special men who meet certain qualifications and are
appointed to the work of overseeing the congregation where they
serve (Tit. 1: 5; I Pet. 5: 1-4). It is this latter use of "elder"
that we shall herein explore. The scriptures do not teach the modern
denominational "pastoral system of government" in which the local
preacher presides over the local church. Rather, "And when they had
ordained them elders in every church." (Acts 14: 23). It is evident
that these special men were very important to the well being and
function of the early church (Acts 11: 30; 15: 4; 20: 17; I Pet. 5:
1-4). In fact, the local church is not fully organized in government
unless there are elders present (cp. Tit. 1: 5).Elders and preachers
or evangelists are not necessarily the same men. One can be an
elder/preacher (if they meet the extra qualifications) or one can be
simply an elder or preacher. Timothy was an evangelist who worked
with the elders in the church at Ephesus (I Tim. 5: 17-22, 2 Tim.
4: 1-5). Peter was an apostle (preacher) and elder (I Pet. 5: 1-4).
In the case of elders, there was always more than one or a
multiplicity (Acts 14: 23, Phili. 1: 1)....."
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see
the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible
Truths).
Cordially,
Don Martin
From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Feb 3 14:14:46 2009
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 15:14:46 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> 2 Chronicles
Message-ID:
2 Chronicles
I. Introduction
A. 2 Chronicles: another look at the kings, focusing on Judah
1. Solomon and the Temple
2. Rehoboam through the exile
B. What do we gain from 2 Chronicles?
C. Let us consider the book
II. 2 Chronicles: The Details
A. Authorship
1. Author not definitively known
2. Ezra a strong possibility
3. If not Ezra, someone associated with the priesthood/Levites
4. 1-2 Chronicles a single work
5. In Greek Septuagint, called 2 Paraleipomena
("omitted things")
B. Dating
1. Book presents Solomon's reign through Cyrus' proclamation
(ca. 950-530 BCE)
2. Material roughly contemporaneous with 1 Kings 3-2 Kings 25,
Ezra 1
3. Much of the information also from contemporaneous documents,
1-2 Kings
4. Final composition after the exile, ca. 430 BCE
C. Audience
1. The audience represents the returned exiles in the Persian
period
2. We can gain much also
D. Purpose
1. To present the story of the Davidic line of kings
2. To present the story of the building of the First Temple
3. To commend faith and condemn disobedience
III. 2 Chronicles: The Story
A. Main Sections
1. Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9)
2. Early Judahite Kings (2 Chronicles 10-24)
3. Late Judahite Kings (2 Chronicles 25-36)
B. Solomon Established (2 Chronicles 1; cf. 1 Kings 3)
1. Solomon goes to Gibeon to serve God (2 Chronicles 1:1-6)
2. God visits him at night; he prays for wisdom
(2 Chronicles 1:7-13)
3. Great wealth given to him (2 Chronicles 1:14-17)
C. The First Temple (2 Chronicles 2-7; cf. 1 Kings 5-8)
1. Solomon begins to prepare for building; sends for supplies
from Hiram king of Tyre (2 Chronicles 2:1-10)
2. Hiram answers, sends material and Hiram the craftsman
(2 Chronicles 2:11-16)
3. Solomon's resident alien workers; beginning of building on
Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 2:17-3:2)
4. Temple measurements and layout; materials used
(2 Chronicles 3:3-17)
5. Temple furnishings (2 Chronicles 4)
6. Temple completed; Ark brought into Temple; great sacrifice;
singers and musicians playing; glory of God in the Temple
(2 Chronicles 5)
7. Solomon blesses God, people (2 Chronicles 6:1-11)
8. Solomon dedicates Temple, prays that God will hear the
prayers of the people (2 Chronicles 6:12-42)
9. Fire comes from heaven, consumes offerings; people prostrate
themselves (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)
10. Thousands of sacrifices offered; seven day feast
(2 Chronicles 7:4-10)
11. God appears to Solomon; accepts Temple, will hear prayers
if obedient, problems will come if there is disobedience
(2 Chronicles 7:11-22)
D. Solomon (2 Chronicles 8-9; cf. 1 Kings 9-11)
1. Rebuilds cities in north; took Zobah and Hamath; foreigners
as laborers (2 Chronicles 8:1-10)
2. Pharaoh's daughter to special house; offerings in Temple;
ships to Ophir (2 Chronicles 8:11-18)
3. The queen of Sheba visits Solomon; Solomon's wealth; death
of Solomon (2 Chronicles 9)
E. Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10-12; cf. 1 Kings 12-14)
1. Rehoboam becomes king; asked to make burden lighter; elders
tell him to do so, young men say make it worse; follows
young men; tribes revolt (2 Chronicles 10)
2. Rehoboam ready to fight; told not to do so; reinforces
defense cities (2 Chronicles 11:1-12)
3. Priests, Levites flee to Judah because of Jeroboam;
Rehoboam's family (2 Chronicles 11:13-23)
4. Rehoboam becomes unfaithful; Shishak king of Egypt conquers
Judah, plunders Temple; reign and death of Rehoboam
(2 Chronicles 12)
F. Abijah and Asa (2 Chronicles 13-16; cf. 1 Kings 15)
1. Abijah king; war with Jeroboam; taunt against Jeroboam;
Abijah successful (2 Chronicles 13)
2. Asa king; land at rest; faithful king, removes idolatry;
Ethiopians attack Judah, Asa cries to God, God delivers
Judah (2 Chronicles 14)
3. Azariah exhorts Judah to faithfulness; idols removed;
sacrifices made; queen mother deposed for idolatry
(2 Chronicles 15)
4. Baasha of Israel militant against Asa; Asa makes agreement
with Aram, incurs anger of God; later dies
(2 Chronicles 16)
G. Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20; cf. 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 3)
1. Jehoshaphat king; fortifies border cities; faithful to God
(2 Chronicles 17:1-6)
2. Officials and Levites teach Judahites from Book of the Law
(2 Chronicles 17:7-9)
3. Fear of king upon other nations; military and other
resources strengthened (2 Chronicles 17:10-18)
4. Alliance with Ahab; battle at Ramoth-gilead, Micaiah
predicts death of Ahab; comes to pass (2 Chronicles 18)
5. Jehu the seer condemns Jehoshaphat for alliance; appoints
judges in Judah; has special judges from Levites in
Jerusalem for greater cases (2 Chronicles 19)
6. Coalition of Ammonites, Moabites against Judah; Jehoshaphat
prays to God for deliverance; Jahaziel prophesies salvation
from God (2 Chronicles 20:1-17)
7. Judah goes out to see; Edomites against Ammonites and
Moabites; mutual destruction; Judah able to plunder the
spoil (2 Chronicles 20:18-30)
8. Jehoshaphat's failed Ophir expedition; death
(2 Chronicles 20:35-38)
H. Jehoram Through Joash (2 Chronicles 21-24; cf. 2 Kings 8-12)
1. Jehoram king; kills brothers, unfaithful to God; revolt of
Edom; plague on Jehoram; Philistines and Arabians defeat
Judah (2 Chronicles 21)
2. Ahaziah king; unfaithful; visits Joram of Israel, killed by
Jehu (2 Chronicles 22:1-9)
3. Athaliah kills all but Joash, reigns in Judah; unfaithful
(2 Chronicles 22:10-12)
4. Jehoiada the priest gathers some of the army, has Joash made
king; proclaimed in Temple; Athaliah comes and hears it,
executed (2 Chronicles 23:1-15)
5. Jehoiada makes covenant with people and king to be God's
people; Baal altars torn down; offerings to God in Temple;
king installed; peace (2 Chronicles 23:16-21)
6. Temple repairs; funded by tax of people; death of Jehoiada
(2 Chronicles 24:1-16)
7. Joash turns unfaithful to God; Zechariah rebukes him, is
killed (2 Chronicles 24:17-20)
8. Aram defeats Judah; conspiracy against Joash; he is killed
(2 Chronicles 24:21-27)
I. Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz
(2 Chronicles 25-28; cf. 2 Kings 14-16)
1. Amaziah king; avenges father; mostly faithful
(2 Chronicles 25:1-4)
2. Prepares army to fight; buys Israelite mercenaries, told to
send them away; defeated Edomites (2 Chronicles 25:5-13)
3. Brings back idols of Edom, serves them; prophet warns him,
turned away (2 Chronicles 25:14-16)
4. Amaziah fights Joash of Israel, is defeated and captured;
Joash plunders Jerusalem; death of Amaziah
(2 Chronicles 25:17-28)
5. Uzziah king; faithful; defeated Philistines and Arabians;
fortified Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 26:1-15)
6. Becomes proud; offers incense in Temple; struck by God with
leprosy; Jotham made king (2 Chronicles 26:16-23)
7. Jotham king; faithful; built cities; fought Ammonites
(2 Chronicles 27)
8. Ahaz king; unfaithful; Baal service, burned sons as offering
(2 Chronicles 28:1-4)
9. Aram and Israel defeat Judah; Israelites take spoil, let
the people return; Edomites defeat Judah; Ahaz appeals to
Assyria (2 Chronicles 28:5-21)
10. Ahaz serves Aramean gods; dies (2 Chronicles 28:22-27)
J. Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32; cf. 2 Kings 18-20)
1. Hezekiah king; faithful; cleanses the Temple, covenant
renewed (2 Chronicles 29:1-19)
2. Temple service restored; musicians stationed; prostration
and offerings (2 Chronicles 29:20-36)
3. Call to celebrate Passover throughout all Judah and Israel;
many mock, others are humbled, come (2 Chronicles 30:1-12)
4. Great assembly in Jerusalem; altar removal; some not
cleansed, Hezekiah prays for pardon; extended for seven
days; great joy (2 Chronicles 30:13-27)
5. Altars, high places overthrown; Hezekiah appoints divisions
of priests, chambers in Temple prepared; priests and
Levites enrolled (2 Chronicles 31)
6. Sennacherib invades Judah; reviles God; Hezekiah prays to
God, God provides deliverance (2 Chronicles 32:1-23)
7. Hezekiah becomes ill; God answers his prayer; great wealth
and honor for Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:24-33)
K. Manasseh and Amon (2 Chronicles 33; cf. 2 Kings 21)
1. Manasseh king; quite evil; rebuilt high places, even
installs foreign gods in Temple (2 Chronicles 33:1-9)
2. Manasseh did not hear word of God, brought into Assyrian
captivity, repents of his sin (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)
3. Returns to Jerusalem, fortifies city, removes foreign gods,
restored Temple; people continue to serve on high places,
but only to YHWH; dies (2 Chronicles 33:14-20)
4. Amon king; unfaithful; conspired against and killed;
conspirators killed (2 Chronicles 33:21-25)
L. Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35; cf. 2 Kings 22-23)
1. Josiah king; faithful; removes high places and foreign gods
in Judah and Israel (2 Chronicles 34:1-7)
2. Temple repaired; book of the Law found; read to the king;
he mourns for the sins of his fathers (2 Chronicles 34:8-21)
3. Huldah the prophetess prophesies later disaster, but after
Josiah; Josiah has book read to all the people, covenant
renewed (2 Chronicles 34:22-33)
4. Passover kept; Levites placed in order; offerings
sacrificed; kept entirely properly for first time since
Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:1-19)
5. Josiah against Neco; dies; lamentation
(2 Chronicles 35:20-27)
M. The End of Judah, the Exile, and Restoration
(2 Chronicles 36; cf. 2 Kings 24-25, Ezra 1)
1. Jehoahaz king; deposed by Neco (2 Chronicles 36:1-4)
2. Jehoiakim made king; unfaithful; Nebuchadnezzar takes him
away (2 Chronicles 36:5-8)
3. Jehoiachin king; unfaithful; brought to Babylon
(2 Chronicles 36:9-10)
4. Zedekiah king; unfaithful; does not heed Jeremiah; rebels
(2 Chronicles 36:11-14)
5. God as patiently exhorting to faithfulness; message not
heeded; thus Babylonians come, destroy Temple, Jerusalem,
lead Judah into exile; land at rest (2 Chronicles 36:15-21)
6. Cyrus' proclamation for the return of exiles to Jerusalem
(2 Chronicles 36:22-23)
IV. 2 Chronicles: Important Passages
A. 2 Chronicles 29:25
1. Indication of music in Temple as commanded by God
2. Instituted by David through Gad
3. Thus, command for instruments in Temple in old covenant
B. Other events described with 1-2 Kings
V. Conclusion
A. 2 Chronicles
1. More detail about Judah and its history
2. Contrasts between faithfulness, faithlessness
B. More spiritual, positive
1. Emphasis on Temple, devotion to God
2. Solomon's unfaithfulness not mentioned
3. Story does not end with exile but with the return
C. Let us imitate the good and reject the evil and serve God!
D. 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
Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna
From blackwelderr at gmail.com Tue Feb 3 20:43:01 2009
From: blackwelderr at gmail.com (Roger Blackwelder)
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 20:43:01 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A:>Musings Of A Former FC Upper D Bible Student
Message-ID: <747a5bf10902031843m6767bbd8q4a93f68ac8bb48d0@mail.gmail.com>
One Graduate's Perspective:
Addressing Some Assumptions About Florida College
A few years ago, I was wrapping up a sermon and coming to the point of
extending the invitation. I went to Colossians 2:12, "?buried with Him in
baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working
of God, who raised Him from the dead," to make the point that baptism is
described as a working of God, not a work of man.
One week later, one of the men stopped to question me about my meaning. A
friend of his who was visiting from Tampa, FL had been in attendance for
that lesson. This visitor thought I was saying that baptism is not
essential for salvation.
I was stunned. The point I was trying to make was just the opposite.
Denominationalists
dismiss baptism as a work of man, but the Scriptures teach that this is
working of God by which God raises up one who is dead in sin to walk in life
in fellowship with Him. It is not a meritorious work by which man earns
anything. It is the moment in which sinners comes into contact with the
blood of Christ and are forgiven of their sins.
I didn't understand how this brother from Tampa could possibly come to the
conclusion I was arguing against the necessity of baptism. I was told that
there was some such teaching emerging at Florida College, and since I had
attended there, he thought I was teaching it also.
When I asked specifically which professor was teaching this, I didn't get an
answer. Is someone there actually teaching that baptism is not necessary or
is this just a rumor from someone looking for a bone to pick?
Like many who are hyper-critical of Florida College, this person didn't
actually go there. Such individuals sometimes harbor suspicions and false
assumptions about what goes on there. For the benefit of those who did not
go to Florida College, I want to address a few assumptions based on my own
experiences.
"Florida College Establishes Church Doctrine"
Many who never attended Florida College view the institution as a purveyor
of church doctrine. This idea bore no resemblance to reality when I
graduated in 1991.
The nature of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was an issue on a lot of
minds during my time at Florida College. During my Freshman year, I
attended a debate between two students. During my Junior year, I attended a
debate between two respected preachers at the Florida College lectures.
What was the Florida College position on this issue? There wasn't one. Oh,
we did have one professor who believed in a "personal" indwelling of the
Holy Spirit, but I only learned that by sitting down with him in his office
and asking him in person. Having one professor hold this position didn't
make it the official Florida College position. In fact, other professors
disagreed entirely, holding to the view that the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit is metaphorical in nature. I agreed with them.
The Florida College professors during my years disagreed with one another
just as much as any group of preachers you put in a room together. Suggesting
that Florida College is a purveyor of church doctrine just isn't reasonable.
"FC Students Believe Everything They Are Taught"
Even if Florida College professors did agree to teach some "official"
doctrine, it is not reasonable to believe that students would uniformly
accept it.
In my experience, bold students would argue their views with professors when
differences arose. I remember one epistles class when the topic of the
covering was addressed. The professor argued that the command in 1
Corinthians 11 was for the women at Corinth, where wearing a covering was
customary, to leave their coverings on. He had to argue because several
students disagreed and openly argued to the contrary.
This example is merely the most obvious evidence of something readily
apparent to me as a Florida College graduate: we didn't always agree with
our instructors. I don't believe they expected us to. I don't even believe
they always wanted us to. Some openly expressed their desire for us to
develop critical thinking skills.
There are those in all walks of life who tend to fall in line with whatever
they are taught, but to characterize Florida College students as mindless
drones who believe everything they hear is far from the truth.
"FC Graduates Continue To Receive 'Truth' From Florida College"
This last assumption is by far the most ridiculous. Some unnamed teacher at
Florida College allegedly began teaching that baptism isn't essential for
salvation, so being an FC graduate, I must believe that too? Nothing could
be more ludicrous.
I don't really know what issues and topics are presently being discussed at
Florida College, and I have no idea what positions professors are taking. In
the time that has passed since I was a student at Florida College, the Bible
Faculty has experienced near 100% turnover. I don't know and haven't
studied under or with anyone who presently teaches Bible there.
As a Florida College graduate and North Alabama Booster club member, if I
learn that someone in the Bible faculty is teaching error, I will be as
surprised as anyone. I will also be outraged and turn to the one weapon I
possess, the pen?err?the keyboard, and let my feelings be known.
Conclusion
After graduating from Florida College, I attended the University of South
Florida to complete my Bachelor's degree. I went on to the University of
South Alabama to get my Master's. At present, I am teaching a class in
technical writing at the University of Alabama, Huntsville. I've
attended and/or worked with four different colleges, and I can say without
hesitation, I want my daughters to go to Florida College. I'm well aware of
the limitations under which Florida College operates. It is staffed by
fallible human beings. They make mistakes, and I'm sure some of them hold
positions with which I disagree, but I'd much rather have my girls there
where they can be among Christians than to have them at any other college
I've ever seen.
I know that some of the criticism Florida College has received is probably
justified. I say keep criticizing. Maintain a respectful, loving attitude,
but criticize anyway. Such criticism will help keep everyone honest. I
also know, however, that some people toss out false accusations. In the
end, I'd much rather have my girls taught by a teacher at Florida College
with whom I may disagree on some point of doctrine than to have them taught
by a teacher at a secular college who doesn't believe there is such a thing
as doctrine.
Roger Blackwelder
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 4 02:35:13 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 03:35:13 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) CHRISTIANS AND BUSINESS
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files.
Use to the glory of God.
CHRISTIANS AND BUSINESS
All Christians are active in the business world in some way
whether as buyers or sellers. Many people have a different ethic
for business matters than they do for other things. "I beat him on that
trade" or some such expression is often heard by buyer
or seller even among Christians. Perhaps all of us need to con-
sider again the ethics we have in regard to our business trans-
ations.
When we speak in this article about Christians, we are speak-
ing about those who have heard the gospel and obeyed it by be-
lieving in Christ and by repenting of sins and by confessing faith
in Christ and being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins.
What others do in business is not the subject. But what do
Christians do? When we talk about "business" we are talking
about mercantile pursuits, trade, and commerce activities in which we engage.
The Standard: -- Many books on business ethics have been
written. These may be good or bad and may be worth reading,
but the book of ethics to be used by Christians in their business
is the New Testament. Christians must live by the oracles of God in all
things -- including the way they trade cars, buy and
sell property, and even in buying and selling groceries. We will
have to give account for how we have treated others in busin-
ess just as we will have to do in all relationships of life. Matt. 7:
12 is just as applicable here as in any thing: "Therefore all things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for thsi is the
law and the prophets."
The Bible was not specifically designed to be a book on bus-
iness ethics. Still, the Bible makes a number of references to
business. Some of these refer to actual transactions. Others use
merchandising scenes to teach other lessons. Let us con-
sider some of these:
Consider Matt. 13:44,45: In these two short verses we find two
parables of Jesus having to do with buying and sellinga field and some
pearls. The parable shows the great value of the king-
dom of God -- the church of the Bible, of course. Still, the parab-
les show that the Lord understood buying and selling and app-
roved of such practices when properly done. It is right to be in
business either as a buyer or a seller, even if many have been
abusive in so doing.
Consider Matt. 22:1-5: This is another of the parables of Jesus
in which He taught the Jews a basic lesson in regard to rejecting
Him as the Christ. One of these in the parable came not to the
prepared feast because he went to his merchandise. Coming to
the feast was not important enough for him to miss his busi-
ness.
There is a good lesson here for Christians in their business
matters. No business should be counted so important that it
hinders one from following Jesus. All Christians should evalu-
ate their lives, whether buyers or sellers, as to whether or not
they put the Lord first. Those who choose to pursue their merch-
andise and miss worship and other spiritual activities should consider this
carefully.
Consider Jno. 2:13-16: This Scripture tells of Jesus going to the
temple and finding merchants doing business in the temple.
Jesus took a scourge of small cords and drove them out of the
temple. He said tht the temple was not the place to do business.
The place then made a difference. It still does! The gatherings
of the Lord's people which are designed to fulfil the teachings of
the New Testament are never the place to do business -- even
selling Coca Cola.
Consider Jno. 4:8 & 6:5: In these references we find Jesus and
His disciples in the role of buyers. Surely, they were good and
honorable buyers. All are not. Some are liars and cheats just as
are some sellers. The odd thing is that the same people may be
truthful and honorable in other matters.
Consider 1 Cor. 7:30: In this passage we find a rather inconspic-
uous reference to business. Nevertheless, it has a conspicuous
lesson in it. It shows how little the importance of business is in
time of great calamity. In this reference this may be referring to
the destruction of Jerusalem but, whatever it was, business would be put on
the back burner then. There are things more
important than doing business.
Consider 2 Pet. 2:3: In this passage, the Spirit is showing that
false teachers are like crooked merchants. All business is not
honorable. So many sellers live by the standard: "Let the buyer
beware." Many buyers live by the same standard: "I get what I
can."
The code of ethics in business should be quite simple. What
does the buyer expect of the seller? Is it not truthfulness, hones-
ty, fairness, reliability, and the like? On the other hand, what does the
seller expect of the buyer? Is it not the same? AND
ABOVE ALL: "WHAT DOES THE LORD EXPECT OF ALL?"
-------------- Curtis E. Flatt in Gospel Guide, Vol. 29, No. 7.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 4 02:35:01 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 03:35:01 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) LOVE, THE CROSS, AND GIVING
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:
LOVE, THE CROSS, AND GIVING
Love means many things to different people, but I believe
that most would agree that love, by its very nature, involves giv-
ing. If I love someone, I give to that person, to the best of my
ability, what that person needs the most. God is love (1 Jno. 4:8)
and therefore He gave what was most needful to the world. "For
God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Jno. 3:16).
The love that our Lord Jesus has for mankind was also de-
monstrated in the most graphic and powerful way. In 2 Cor. 8:9
we are told, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He
was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
that ye through His poverty might be rich." In order to picture the
incredible magnitude of the gift that Jesus gave because of
His love, try to contrast what He left with what He came to and
received in this world. He was rich, yet He became poor. How do we describe
what Jesus had in heaven? I don't think we can,
but I marvel at the significance of part of the Lord's prayer in Jno. 17:5,
"And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine Own
Self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was."
If Jesus had left heaven and been born into the palace of Caesar
and shared in the physical wealth of the whole world as emperor
of Rome, He still would hae been abysmally poor in contrast to
what He left in heaven.
When it comes to love and giving, Jesus set the supreme ex-
ample. Paul used the Lord's great gift to motivate Christians to
give and to show us what giving is all about. In 2 Cor. 8:7-9 we
find: "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utter-
ance, adn knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us,
see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by command-
ment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the
sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes
He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."
Paul's continued teaching along this line led to the exhortat-
ion of 2 Cor. 9:6,7, "But this I 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."
Jesus' gift of Himself wa the ultimate expression of love. The Lord
Himself said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that
a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jno. 15:13). How much
greater was the Lord's gift of love when He laid down His life for
those who were certainly not living as His friends? So Paul uses the Lord's
gift tohelp us understand our giving. Once again he wrote, "I speak not by
commandment, but by occasion
of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your
love." Can we not see what it is that takes the sting out of giving
tht makes us give sacrificially and to the best of our ability? It is
love, and when we truly love, we will give appropriately. All we
need to do is look to Jesus to see the clear and obvious connect
ion between love, the cross, and giving. --- Greg Litmer in That
Ye May Grow Thereby.
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From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Wed Feb 4 09:11:53 2009
From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:11:53 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A> Pay Your Vows
Message-ID:
Brethren, here's an article that was published in our bulletin last
week, hope you can use it. Also, please visit our website
(angletonchristians.com) for new lessons in PDF format or WAV audio. New lessons include a sermon on
the rapture, Calvin's total hereditary depravity, and Psalm 121.
Thanks,
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
*************************************************************************
Pay Your Vows
Zeke Flores
During a Wednesday night teen Bible class a few years ago, I asked
around the room for examples of lessons to be learned from the account of
Jephthah the judge (Judges 11). The answers were good and most centered on the judge?
s rash vow concerning what (or who) he would offer to God if he was victorious
in battle. ?Think before you make a promise, don?t be hasty!? some said. I
couldn?t help thinking of an insurance commercial on TV where the tag line is ?
I don?t want to pay too much!? Perhaps that?s the concept that was behind
the answers and I?ll admit that it?s a good point. We ought to consider the
cost of what we promise in the event that the price is considerably more than the
request. In Jesus? directive in Luke 14:27 for His disciples to carry their
own cross, He stresses the important point of counting the cost and making a
sound decision based on considering all the aspects of it.
However, when offering her view of one of the important lessons in
Jephthah?s story, one of the students in the class said simply, ?Keep your
promises to God.? Not an earthshattering observation, yet it is deeply profound in
its simplicity. Keep your promises; what a concept! Whatever the outcome of
Jehpthah?s vow, whether it entailed actually offering his daughter as a real
burnt sacrifice or keeping her unmarried and a virgin for the sake of fully being
devoted to God, he kept his vow. The outcome was a serious and weighty one as
the Scriptures remind us of the custom that arose among the Israelite women
to commemorate Jephthah?s daughter for four days every year (Judges 11:40).
Probably all of us at some point in our lives has faced a difficult
situation and prayed to God in our despondency imploring Him, ?Dear God, if you?
ll get me out of this mess I promise I?ll ______________? You can fill in
the blank as I?m sure most folks have uttered a prayer like this sometime during
their lives. Usually the vow contains a pledge to be more faithful to God, or
dropping a bad and sinful habit, but what happened to the promise once the
darkness lifted and the problem dissipated? Did you pay your vow to the Lord or
did you conveniently ?forget? about the promise to the One with a better
memory than you?
The wise man said, ?When you make a vow to God, do not be late in
paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!? (Eccl 5:4) A wiser
Man reiterated the thought and expanded on the concept saying, ?But let your
statement be, ?Yes, yes? or ?No, no?; anything beyond these is of evil.?
(Matt 5:37) That?s it. Just your word ought to be enough to convince anyone that
you will follow through. James reminds us that we don?t need to make grand
gestures or invectives regarding our credibility. ?But above all, my brethren, do
not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes
is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.?
(James 5:12)
The Bible tells us of the God who is ultimately trustworthy, reliable,
full of integrity and Whose word can be counted on. What?s more, He desires
His people to be of the same character. Moses said, ?If a man makes a vow to
the LORD, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall
not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his
mouth.? (Num 30:2) In Deut 23:21, Moses says, ?When you make a vow to the LORD
your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the
LORD your God will surely require it of you.?
Apparently that means ALL vows. Remember the Israelites? agreement
with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9)? Though they were deceived by the Gibeonites,
still Israel honored their word and kept their part of the agreement. Modern
thinking might have led Israel to say, ?Those people tricked me therefore I don?t
have to keep my part of the bargain.? Or perhaps Jephthah might have said, ?
But Lord, I didn?t know my daughter would be the first one out of the house!
Surely you don?t expect me to keep my promise now?? (Who else could Jephthah
have been thinking of, his wife?) Of course, they said no such thing. They
understood the significance of what they said and the importance of keeping the
vow they?d made.
There are many things we can bring to God in our relationship with
Him, but perhaps the greatest gift we can offer Him, or anyone else for that
matter, is our fidelity. Simple and reliable trustworthiness. 2 Cor 4:2 tells us, ?
... we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor
do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth
plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.?
(NIV)
We are stewards, not only of the word of God, but also of our own
words and actions and ?moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found
trustworthy.? (1 Cor 4:2)
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Wed Feb 4 09:51:06 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 09:51:06 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Saving Faith
Message-ID:
Saving Faith
Faith is conviction of truth that leads to godly sorrow over sin against God, and godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Cor.7:7ff). At the convicted level ("pricked in their heart" -Acts 2:37) they cried "what shall we DO"?. They were not told to avoid repenting and being baptized because that would be "unnecessary works", but were told to repent and be baptized because those were necessary aspects of FAITH ( Acts 2:38,41). Suppose they did not do what Peter said? Even though they have been convicted of sin, if they are not convicted enough to believe and so act on what Peter told them to do, then it would simply be a moment of conviction that reverts back to unbelief. To fail to repent and be baptized is to fail to believe God and to fail to receive the gift and fail to have remission of sins. Faith must be obedient (Rom.1:5; 6:17;16:26) and it must be a conviction that "works through love"(Gal.5:6). As James says, "faith without works is dead"(James 2:14ff). If faith will not repent and be baptized as Peter commanded ( Acts 2:36-41), then it is not faith in Jesus Christ at all. Those that "gladly received his word were baptized"(v.41). Why? Because they believed. None objected. All 3,000 were saved from sin and condemnation in exactly the same way with the same kind of faith. I wish people today would really believe in Jesus the same way and obey Him in the same way. -Terry W. Benton
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Wed Feb 4 11:58:17 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 11:58:17 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] =?iso-8859-1?q?Why_I_Believe_the_Bible_Is_God=27s_Only?=
=?iso-8859-1?q?_Revelation?=
Message-ID: <27A31443BBF04F3A83EBB47C3335F5CC@TerryPC>
Why I Believe the Bible Is God's Only Revelation
There is something unique about the Bible that sets it apart from all other books that claim some kind of divine authority associated them.
Human Wisdom Alone Can Account For All Others
When we examine each book there are features that lend credibility to the claim of inspiration in one case, and missing elements in the other books that raises questions about the power and wisdom of the "god" behind them. Human wisdom alone can account for some of the books that make a claim to being divinely inspired. In only one case, the Bible, does the nature and content defy human wisdom and reveal a wisdom higher than human ability and desire. In other words, if men COULD have made up the story and have gotten over 40 different writing participants to build this theme over 1500 years, they WOULD not have done so, even if they could. It is a book that accuses all men of sin and exposes man's weaknesses and sinful thoughts and actions, even the people who were participants in the writings of inspiration are exposed in most uncomfortable ways, sometimes, that human wisdom would not allow. David is a case in point. Can you imagine how stories of sin in great kings and leaders would have been left out, if all this was was a production of human wisdom? Who wants their dirty laundry hung out for countless generations when they have power to stop such humanly guided stories? Why is everyone agreeing that they all sin, but all are agreeing that Jesus did not? If it is all about human wisdom, why do the players in the story allow the story to be written in the way that it has been? Human wisdom would have written the Bible quite differently.
Three Features Set the Bible Apart from Others
1.. First, The High and Holy Standard within the Story
The Bible sets a standard that WOULD not have been invented by human desire or human wisdom alone. We naturally want standards that we can easily reach. We tend to lower our standards when others around us are lowering theirs. What motivated the writers of the Bible to want to write about a standard that nobody was keeping?
The standard they all alluded to and wrote about WOULD not have survived for one day under conditions of human wisdom alone. It made David look like an incredible hypocrite when Nathan exposed his adultery and murder. Why would a king and his heirs (David's family) allow the story of his adultery to be passed on? For what gain? Those kind of stories are kept in the closet. When men have power to hide the story or to justify behavior by human wisdom, that is how the story will be written. Who told any of them that David was doing anything wrong anyway? By what standard? Who made up the standard that made David look bad? Why was that standard more important than king David's greatness?
Why would the book of Jeremiah (with all the story of sin in Israel) survive? Why would the Israelite people allow their story to look so horrible? The Old Testament is not a tribute to Israel. It is an open testimony of their failures as people. Yet, they let it be written and claimed it as inspired of God. If human wisdom alone was guiding a theme, why was it always a theme that exposed the people that were supposed to be "God's people"? Why does it not exploit Israel's virtues? Human wisdom does not like to look so badly. Yet, this book makes Israel look badly for MOST of the 39 books of Jewish history. If men of Israel could have written the Old Testament by human wisdom alone, I cannot envision that they WOULD have written the books this way. There were too few heroes and all accepted the fact that there was not a righteous man that did not sin. Human wisdom would not unite on a theme of "sin" in all men. If they wanted to invent gods to believe in, they would simply lower the standards of their so-called "god".
2.. Secondly, Consider The Nature of the Prophecies
The so-called prophecies these writers wrote by human wisdom are telling of Israel's blindness when the Messiah would come (Isa.53:1f). "We hid, as it were, our faces from Him". "Who has believed our report?". If we are going to make up a story about our people, at least it will have a great ending about how great we were, and if we are going to invent a story about a coming King, at least we will predict how we will all believe in Him. We will not speak of how he would be led as a sheep to the slaughter. We will make Him great, not humiliated. Human wisdom simply would not have prophesied the kind of things that the Old Testament prophesied about the Messiah and of the outcome that the bulk of Israelites missing out, and of the fall and destruction of their great city, Jerusalem. Who WOULD and who COULD have written such things by human wisdom alone?
Human wisdom would not have directed the Jewish writers to be telling of earthly kingdoms that would defeat and rule over Israel in successions as we see in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and especially Daniel. The Bible is written in such a way as to show that men could not have invented it or predicted the kind of things that did come to pass exactly as predicted. It is written in such a way that if men could have written it, they would not have written it with all the shame it gives to the people of Israel. If men could have written the Old Testament, it would have been quite different. But, it has the features that show that it could not have been written by human wisdom alone.
3.. Thirdly, Consider The Divine Testimony of the Prophecies
Who could predict such things? Who could have predicted a child to be called "Mighty God" (Isa.9:6), to be born of a virgin in Bethlehem, who would be rejected by His own people, save only a remnant of Israel, be lead as a sheep to the slaughter, yet His soul would not be left in Hades nor His flesh see corruption? Who could have predicted the rise and fall of kingdoms like Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Sidon, the fall of Jerusalem, the subjugation of the Medes and Persians to the Grecians, and a fourth kingdom mightier than those at which time God would set up His kingdom? Who could have predicted the things surrounding Jesus' death, the lots cast for his garments, the pierced hands and feet, while not a bone being broken? Who could have predicted that in three days He would be raised from the dead? What other book shows such a unity of theme, such a marvelous array of divine wisdom in predictive prophecy? These features are quite missing from the Book of Mormon, and the Quran or Koran. There is no book that equals the Bible in divine foreknowledge and wisdom.
Even if men could have predicted such an array of things, who could make it happen? There is no book like the Bible. An amazing feature of the Old Testament is the many direct prophecies and the subtle types and shadows of Christ you can see from the very beginning to the very ending of the Jewish collection of what they always claimed as inspired and sacred books of God. Even while their story within their sacred books is not very complimentary to them as a people, they still held these books as sacred. Oh the wisdom of God in all of this!
The Other Books
The Quran or Koran
This so-called sacred collection only sounds holy when it leans on Bible truths. Mohammed believed the sacred books of the Jews and Christians and leaned heavily upon them. The Quran is very unstable as Mohammed swings from respect for the people of the book to a disdain for them as they refused to count him as a prophet. It has no features that are beyond human ability. It does not prove itself divine by predictive ability, but, having admitted the divine nature and origin of the Bible, why does the Quran change from those qualities and abilities? It is wholly inconsistent with itself and the books of the Jews and Christians (the Bible). It possesses the features of human self-contradiction. That is, the Quran is simply the ramblings of an unstable man who wanted to be counted as a prophet of God and could not get it on his own merits and qualities, so he determined to force subjugation to him with sword and fear. Yet, he possessed no real relationship to the Biblical prophets or in any power to lay out history hundreds of years in advance as the Bible had done on numerous occasions. In fact, this book could have been written by human wisdom alone. In fact, it was, but it has spread evil, fear, murder, and subjugation, not on the merits of self-evidence, but on the basis of fear.
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is of similar nature as the Koran. It is a collection of ramblings that leans heavily on the King James Version of the Bible, an amazing thing in and of itself if it was really a collection of sacred writings of Bible times but discovered in gold plates in New York in the mid 1800's. Why would it quote so heavily in the King James language from the King James Version of the Bible? Why does it not contain the same predictive elements of prophecy as the Bible? There is so much reason to question the origin of the Book of Mormon as well as the nature of the content. Indeed, this book could have been written by human wisdom alone. In fact, it was. Joseph Smith had been influenced by Free-Masonry, elements of the Restoration movement going on at the time, and essays pertaining to the origin of the Indians in this country. He combined several themes with his imagination and produced what he called more books of the Bible. Their characteristics and features do not match the kind of things that show divine wisdom and foreknowledge. It is simply a work in deception, showing signs of human wisdom alone.
Conclusion
Only the Bible has the unity of theme pointing forward (OT) and backward (NT) to the predicted Messiah, who is Jesus Christ, the Savior of all men. Only the Bible shows the predictive features of a true divine wisdom. The Bible shows itself to be a complete and final revelation (Jude 3; 2 Pet.1:3; 2 Tim.3:16-17; John 16:13; Eph.2:19-22). Therefore, no other book or books can be associated with the Creator. The Bible is God, the Creator's ONLY written revelation. We can be very sure of that conclusion. -Terry W. Benton
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Wed Feb 4 13:48:51 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 13:48:51 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A>On Flowery Beds of Ease
Message-ID: <8CAF6495531B47E1B8515A64913A8A2F@TerryPC>
On Flowery Beds of Ease?
1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
The devil is looking for whom he may devour. Jesus has empowered us to be
Samson against this roaring lion. But, we must put up the resistance and we
must not let anything or anyone cut off our source of power. Our power is
in the ingredients of "the faith". The faith is that body of teaching that
God has given us in the Bible. That resource is rich with power but we must
handle it and use it skillfully. It does not jump out of the book and into
our head and heart. The power is in the gospel (Rom.1:16), but the gospel
must be in the heart and working powerfully within us. We must be steadfast
in the faith.
We must keep a constant flow of the milk and meat of God's word in our
spiritual veins by digesting it daily or "steadfastly". This will give us
the power we need to "resist him", the devil.
We know that other brethren in the world have put up the fight and have
kept the faith in adverse circumstances. "Must I be carried to the skies on
flowery beds of ease while others FOUGHT to win the prize and sailed through
bloody seas?" If we weaken and fall under prosperity and no bodily
persecutions, how would we do under more threatening and adverse conditions?
"Sure I must fight if I would reign. Increase my courage, Lord. I'll stem
the flood, endure the pain, supported by thy word". Must the "brotherhood"
of first century believers stand for the truth, while I buckle under the
slightest threats and no threats at all? Must someone else carry the cross
while I play the role of Judas and sell the Lord for thirty pieces of silver
or a nice house and a car? Resist the devil, or he will devour you. He
wants to take you to hell with him. Are you willing to go with him? Can he
take you so easily? Resist him! Fight the good fight of faith! Put on the
whole armor! Do not be so captivated by the world's glitter that you hope
to be carried to the skies without a trial or difficulty on flowery beds of
ease. It does not work that way. Our brothers in the world have fought to
win the prize and sailed through bloody seas. Ours may be more subtle
battles within, and come in less physically threatening ways, but the
spiritual threats of subtlety are always constant. Resist him, brethren!
-Terry W. Benton
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Wed Feb 4 18:32:58 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 17:32:58 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Lawsuits (question/answer)
Message-ID: <003801c98729$4c43a400$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin sharing a question/answer from our Bible Questions work.
The following answer was provided today by one of the ten men who
regularly work in providing Bible answers to Bible questions (ca. 5,
000 per year) to people around the world. I am especially reminded
by the death of a brother who sued us regarding the evils of such law
suits. Such lawsuits are a sin, regardless of who activates them or
how much such a one is defended and whitewashed.
Hello Alice,
Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible
Questions. Please do so again at http://www.biblequestions.org.
Please check out Bible Truths at http://www.bibletruths.net. Go to
the archives section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you wish to
explore. New material is periodically added to both sites. Any help
you can give us in telling others of these sites will be greatly
appreciated.
To assist you in learning more about the Bible, there is an online
Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page,
scroll down and enter. While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online
Bible Study Course" in the table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net
to go there.
You Asked:
How many times do the word "sue" appear in the bible?
Reply:
I found the word sue one time in the King James Version, The New King
James, New American Standard and the New International versions. It
is used twice in the Revised Standard Version. In 1 Corinthians
chapter six we are told that Christians should not sue Christians in
many cases. In this chapter the expression go to law is used rather
than sue.
Lawsuits are very prevalent in our society. Simply stated lawsuits
are not necessarily a sin. However they can be if done for the wrong
reasons and with the wrong attitude. Please see the following
referenced article for additional discussion.
May I suggest that for additional study you go to
http://www.bibletruths.net and enter through the door on the home
page. While on the Site Map Page, click on "Archives and Index" in
the table and then click on the letter S in the alphabetical index on
the Archives page. Then scroll down to the article entitled
"Brethren Suing Brethren" and read the whole article.
Here is an excerpt from the article. "---Lawsuits have become
common place today. We even hear increasingly of brethren suing
brethren. There is a legitimate use of the civil counts, as
acknowledged, but many seem to have forgotten Paul's teaching to
the Corinthians. Paul is describing matters which brethren should
have been capable of handling and rendering judgment. Also, keep
in mind Paul is condemning the attempts to extract from others that
to which they (the plaintiffs) had no moral claim.---"
See also the articles "Sin" and "Salvation".
I trust that this will answer your good question. If not please get
back to us.
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths.
Cordially,
George Dallas
From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 5 04:01:47 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 05:01:47 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) CHRIST: THE FOUNDATION
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:
CHRIST: THE FOUNDATION
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11).
Back on the farm Dad taught us as we built a new barn. Carefully
placing the massive beams, he impressed us with the
importance of starting with a good foundation. Dad is gone, but
the barn is still standing.
Christ died to become the foundation of the church, but He
still lives.
Of Him Peter wrote: "Coming to HIm as a living stone, reject-
ed indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also,
as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 2:4,5 NKJV).
Peter was the appropriate one to make this divine observat-
ion, for he first made the good confession -- that Christ is the Son of God.
Christ then proclaimed, "...on this rock I will build
My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it"
(Matt. 16:13-20). Peter must have been impressed with the imag-
ery of Christ and His followers devastating the very gates of
Hades, although he did not know how it would be done. On the
same occasion he could not accept Christ's death (vs. 22).
From our (biblical) perspective we can see the necessity of
Christ's death and the resurrection, and how the word is might-
ier than the sword.
Those rejecting the resurrection have no foundation to link
their lives to the supernatural. "If in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Cor. 15:19).
When Paul wrote the Corinthians about Christ as the only
foundation, he was addressing two elementary points: their fail-
ure to be spiritually minded and the doctrine which had made
them Christians. He told them they were still carnal as he point-
ed to their factions, and that they had been fed with milk rather
than solid food (1 Cor. 3:1-11). Not only is our salvation depend-ent on
accepting the resurrection, but we must behave in a way
which demonstrates that we are more than mere animals.
The division of denominationalism will not pass the test of
Biblical truth. It is carnal. Moreover, when otherwise faithful
brethren split over trivial matters and spread their debris across
the country, they reflect less than the spiritual disposition which
Christ died to fix as a stay for His people.
When Peter tried to correct Christ concerning His death, the
Lord called the people around and said, "Whoever desires to
come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow Me" (Mk. 8:31-34). Self denial is that spiritual disposition.
Belief, sound doctrine, and self denial are foundational. Christ is
the Foundation. "Except the Lord build the house, they
labor in vain that build it..." (Psa. 127:1). ------- George Hutto in
Gospel Guide, Vol. 29, No. 7.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 5 04:01:58 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 05:01:58 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) STOP THE SHOW!
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files.
Use to the glory of God.
STOP THE SHOW!
The heart of the sermon on the Mount is our heart. What is
our motivation for serving God ans others? It has always been at the core of
what God seeks from man, even under the Old
Covenant (Joel 2:12,13; Mic. 6:6-8). The acts of religion so com-
mon to Judaism -- giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting -- are
ultimately matters of the heart. If Christ did nto take that citadel,
then all is for naught.
Whose approval are we seeking? The Beatitudes asked this: Here's what
"kingdom people" look like -- they seek the
attitudes of heart that receive God's approval. In Matt. 6:1-8, the
question appears in a different form: "Do we act religiously to be seen of
men, or is it for the Father's glory?"
It's A Pride Problem: -- Pride is an insidious evil. We expose the
self-deception of our hearts when we say we do not have "a rav-
enous hunger for the praise of men" (Stott; cf. Jno. 5:44; 12:43).
And we don't need trumpeters to herald our deeds; we are quite
able to "blow our own horns." Pride has struck down more relig-
ious leaders than can be named. Carson said, "The greater the
demand for holiness; the greater the opportunity for hypocrisy".
Are we suddenly, the bright and shining exception? The
Greek word for "hypocrisy" described actors in Jesus' day. They pretended to
be people on stage who they really were not
in everyday life. They hid behind a mask. How many leaders of
God's people have masked egos larger than life? Robert Caro's
seminal works on the life of Lyndon B. Johnson describes a man with a
gargantuan vanity. If Johnson were not the center of
the party, someone else having taken center stage in the conver-
sation, he would (according to Caro's witnesses) just go to sleep. If his
name were not on the marquee, he would'nt play.
Personal Struggles: -- I know the sorry struggle I have made
against ostentatious show-manship and the pursuit of human
approval. "How many people have you baptized this year?" "What's your
attendance?" "How many meetings do you hold?" It is seldom for God's glory that
these questions are ask-
ed, but, more often than not, for the stroking of human ego. If you answer
the quesition regarding membership numbers with
this response: "Twenty-five to thirty," then you'll know what I
mean. I dare you to find an interlocutor who responds: "May
God be praised, that's great!" Usually it's a doleful look accomp-
anied by the thought that poor preaching has resulted in such
small numbers. They might even audibly say, "Oh, that's nice."
And it's not just preachers that suffer this malady of pride,
but members, too. I have been the local evangelist for groups
tht have been on both ends of the numbers. Go "try out" for a
church with a large membership when you presently work with
a church of small membership. Someone invariably raises the
question: "So, what makes you think you can work with a church of XYZ
members?" Answer: "Same thing that makes me
think I can work with a church of "X" members: We're all broken
people who've been forgiven and who must through many tribul-
ations enter the kingdom of God!"
Walking The Razor's Edge: -- Are we here to inflate egos or seek
the God-ward heart? I know Prov. 22:29 says that a man who
excels in his work will stand before kings and not before "unknown men."
Preachers who excel in their work will usually
preach at larger churches. There's nothing wrong with that, but
it is a razor's edge we walk. We cannot but do some of our deeds of
righteousness before other men. You cannot pray in
the synagogue (assembly) without leading others in that prayer.
It is not the doing of it before others that's wrong, but desiring to
do it before others that's wrong. When we do our deeds for this
reason, we have received all the reward we will receive. Only His judgment
awaits us.
Listen to Him: "Don't let your left hand know what your right
hand is doing." Never let us blow our horn before others and
never let us blow our horn to ourselves. Self-consciousness can so easily
deteriorate into self-righteousness. By dwelling on our good works and
congratulating ourselves on a job well
done, we turn an act of mercy into a hideous act of vanity.
If we only sought for what God seeks, it would leave only
One witness to our deeds. There is much more we need to be-
come and so little time to do it. To put a twist on Carly Simon's
lyrics: "I'm so vain that I probably think this article is about me."
May God help me remember this before I go to the preach-
er's luncheon this week... -------- Chuck Durham in Biblical Insights, Vol.
8, No. 4, April, 2008.
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From GLClair at aol.com Thu Feb 5 07:53:41 2009
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 08:53:41 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] Article - "Brotherhood"
Message-ID:
Brotherhood
The Bible concept of brotherhood deals with a relationship between people
that requires a number of qualities that many church member?s today lack. This
impression that I suggest is the result of observation among church members
over fifty years within that fellowship. I have observed this impression from
within the system (i.e. as an active member in the church of Christ). I do
not consider myself to be an authority on the subject of behavioral habits of
church members but the facts have been and still are observable to anyone who
is conscious of the Biblical teaching regarding this matter.
There is a right (acceptable to God) disposition that members of the Body of
Christ are to possess;
Consider This:
Some of those qualities that church members must posses are:
Gal. 5:22-6:10, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness , goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let
us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Gal. 6:1, 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest
thou also be tempted. 2 Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the
law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is
nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then
shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man
shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicates
unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not
mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that
soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary
in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have
therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who
are of the household of faith. (KJV)
The Christian in their relationship as well as disposition toward other
Christians in the local congregation is always to be as brethren - James 4:10-11,
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 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 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one
another with a pure heart fervently: (KJV)
1 John 2:7-10, 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old
commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word
which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write
unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past,
and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth
his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother
abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. (KJV)
Heb. 3:12-13, 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another
daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin. (KJV) - 1 Tim. 4:6, If thou put the brethren in
remembrance of these things, thou shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished
up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
(KJV)
The church universal is to be considered a brotherhood under the care of
Jesus Christ (i.e. the head and savior of the Body ? Eph. 5:23-24, 23 For 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. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (KJV)
The relationship within the Body of Christ as well as within the local
congregation is to be love. Now, love is paramount in our dealings with one
another in the church; if we do not possess love for one another we will find that
our service to God is boring, unsatisfactory, with regret, unstableness, with
dread and we will find no happiness or peace in our relationship. Since the
Bible indicates that love is paramount to the brotherhood concept taught via
the Holy Scriptures let us understand from the following reading that love is
a key quality to brotherhood:
1 Cor. 13:13, And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the
greatest of these is charity. (KJV)
Gal. 5:22-25, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love , joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there
is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the
Spirit. (KJV)
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - February 5, 2009
SEE ALSO: considermagazine.com
**************Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on
AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000001)
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From kthomas at dnet.net Thu Feb 5 15:09:27 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 15:09:27 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] "The Secret Things....Knowing God
Message-ID: <498B5587.00000B.02180@KENSCOMPUTER>
?The Secret Things Belong To God
?
And
?Knowing God?
Being fully aware of the facts found in Deut. 29:29 as stated in our
title, it has been well stated that ?we can know God, but there are some
things about Him that we cannot know for they have not been revealed?
Obviously this is a fact. However we are to put forth effort to know as much
about Him as we can from what has been revealed. This is seen from reading
such passages as (John 17:3; Acts 17:22-31; 2Thess. 1:6-10) each of which
condemn ?those who know not God!? as well as those who ?obey not the gospel
of the Lord Jesus Christ.?
Let us take the context of three passages just cited and say a few
things about each which is quite clearly expressed: In John 17:3 Jesus in
recorded to have said as He prayed to His Heavenly Father on behalf of His
chosen apostles, ?And this is eternal life, That they may know You, the
only true God, and Your Son Jesus Christ whom You have sent.? Jesus had
said earlier to the Samaritan woman in John chapter four, ?you worship you
know not what, we (Jews ket) know what we worship
God is Spirit and those
who worship Him (acceptably ket) must worship Him in spirit and in truth?
(John 4:21-24).
In Acts 17:22-31, the learned men who gathered ?to hear some new thing?
Acts 17:21, being ignorant of the one true God and His Son and their nature,
were informed as to their identity by the words of the inspired apostle Paul
(Acts 17:22-31).
?Those Who Know Not God, Who Obey Not The Gospel?
There is another sense in which we ?know God? and that is by compliance
to His word. This is so expressed in (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). To persecuted
Christians, Paul wrote some words of comfort in the following language: ?And
to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed
from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on
those who know not God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes in that
day to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who
believe, because our testimony was believed among you?
John expressed this sense of ?knowing God? in the following language: ?By
this we know that we love the children of God, when we keep His
commandments
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an
understanding. That we may know Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.
This is the true God and eternal life? (1 John 5:2:20-21).
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From wswalker310 at juno.com Thu Feb 5 11:31:14 2009
From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:31:14 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "O Praise Him, Lord of All"
Message-ID: <20090205.153353.1276.6.wswalker310@juno.com>
Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study (a day early because we
are leaving tomorrow for a 9-day trip to Florida, so there will be no
further hymn studies until Sat., 2/14).
"O PRAISE HIM, LORD OF ALL"
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power" (Rev.
4:11)
INTRO.: A hymn which gives glory and honor and power to the Lord is
"O Praise Him, Lord of All" (cf. # 649 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and
#18 in Sacred Selections for the Church). Most people are familiar with
the hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" by Edward Peronnett
(1726-1792). The text was written in 1779 and a single stanza was first
published, with a tune by William Shrubsole, in the Nov., 1779, issue of
The Gospel Magazine. The following year, in the Apr., 1780, issue of the
same magazine, the hymn appeared with several additional stanzas.
However, the version with which we are most familiar was published in the
1787 Selection of Hymns with three or four stanzas by Peronnett, altered,
and one additional stanza by the editor, John Rippon (1751-1836). The
most common tune used with this hymn in the United States was composed in
1793 by Oliver Holden (1765-1844).
However, a completely new tune (Diadem) was composed by James Ellor,
who was born at Droylsden, Lancashire, England, near Manchester, in 1819.
At an early age he learned the trade of hat-making, which was a major
industry in his hometown, but his musical talent soon became evident, and
he was leading the singing in the local Wesleyan Chapel. This melody was
produced in 1838 when he was only nineeen. After setting it down, he
took it to the hat factory where he worked, and it was received
enthusiastically. Sufficient copies were made so that it might be sung
at the Wesleyan Chapel. This is the more popular setting for the song
today in England. Later Ellor secured employment with the railroad being
constructed between Manchester and Godley Junction in England. In 1843,
he came to the United States and returned to his trade of hat-making.
Nearly blind for several years in later life, he died at the home of his
son in Newburg, NY, on Sept. 27, 1899.
Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the
twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the Peronnett/Rippon
hymn with Ellor's tune appeared in the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J.
Nelson Slater. Today it may be found in the 1986 Great Songs Revised
edited by Forrest M. McCann; the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John
P. Wiegand; and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise edited by Alton H.
Howard; in addition to Hymns for Worship and Sacred Selections, both of
which use an alteration of the text by editor Ellis J. Crum, and an
arrangement of the tune by T. G. Richards. Actually, there are enough of
Peronnett's original stanzas which have been dropped that one could make
an entirely separate hymn using Ellor's tune.
The song is a paean of praise from everyone imaginable to the one
who alone is worthy to receive all power, glory, and honor.
I. Stanza 1 calls for praise from the seraphs
"Let high-born seraphs tune the lyre, And as they tune it fall,
And as they tune it fall Before His face who tunes their choir."
A. The seraphs are thought to be an order of angels: Isa. 6:1-2
B. If this is so, then they with all the other angels fall before the
throne to sing to the Lamb, as symbolized by tuning their lyres: Rev.
5:11-12
C. The reason for this is that even the angels are to worship Him: Heb.
1:6
II. Stanza 2 calls for praise from the morning stars of light
"Crown Him, ye morning stars of light, Who fixed this floating ball,
Who fixed this floating ball; Now hail the strength of Israel's might."
A. Exactly who the "morning stars" who sang together were is uncertain:
Job. 38:7
B. It is possible that the statement in Job is a figurative reference to
the angelic hosts, who would have been present at the creation of this
floating ball and who later announced the victory of Christ: Rev. 11:15
C. However, it could also be a reference to the literal stars of heaven
who are figuratively pictured as declaring the glory of God: Ps. 19:1
III. Stanza 3 calls for praise from the martyrs
"Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, Who from His altar call,
Who from His altar call; Extol the stem of Jesse's rod."
A. The word "martyr" literally means "witness" but is most often used of
those who lost their life for the witness of their faith in Christ: Rev.
2:13
B. The martyrs of the early church are pictured as being under the altar
and calling upon the Lord to avenge their deaths: Rev. 6:9-11
C. By acknowledging Christ as the one who would avenge their deaths, they
were extolling Him as the stem of Jesse's rod: Isa. 11:1
IV. Stanza 4 calls for praise from the heirs of David's line
"Hail Him, ye heirs of David's line, Whom David Lord did call,
Whom David Lord did call; The God incarnate, Man Divine."
A. Physically speaking, the heirs of David's line would have been his
descendents, especially those in the lineage of the Messiah: Matt. 1:1
B. It was David who called the Messiah Lord: Matt. 22:41-46
C. The reason why David could call his fleshly descendent his Lord is
that Christ was God incarnate: Jn. 1:1, 14
V. Stanza 5 calls for praise from every tribe and tongue
"Let every tribe and every tongue That bound creation's call,
That bound creation's call, Now shout the universal song."
A. It is God's will that every tribe and every tongue should flow into
the Messiah's kingdom: Isa. 2:1-2
B. Therefore, Jesus told His followers to preach the gospel to all who
bound creation's call: Mk. 16:15
C. As a result, everyone may shout the universal song and confess the
name of Christ: Phil. 2:9-11
CONCL.: The refrain at the end of each stanza, as arranged by Crum,
admonishes us.,
"O praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,
O praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, O praise Him Lord of all!"
Ellor's tune is not as easy to sing as Holden's, or even Shrubsole's, but
it is a stirring and majestic melody for those who can negotiate it so
that they can express the grandeur and glory of the risen Lord and Savior
as they say, "O Praise Him, Lord of All."
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 to get Medical Insurance options that meet your needs.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2PZWvoeSKASmaegIQyJN1bHPbuUP5dfH1QTFmu64vBB3his/
From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Thu Feb 5 21:38:14 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 20:38:14 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Lawsuits involving Christians (question/answer)
Message-ID: <008101c9880c$581d9a90$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Concerned readers, I am not sure the reason for it, but we have
received multiple questions this week pertaining to lawsuits. We are
truly in a litigious age in which many are suing. This particular
question pertains to a Christian suing a Christian. Please carefully
read the answer, as it may differ with some provided answers, even by
brethren (Don Martin).
Hello Beth,
Thank you so much for your question and for making
use of Bible Questions. Please do so again.
http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible
Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you
wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to
both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these
sites will be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible,
there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths.
While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the
Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the
table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.
You asked:
I was hit by an uninsured motorist while riding my bicycle in August.
The person who hit me is a Christian. Fortunately the state I reside
in has no fault coverage. Most of the bills ($37,000) were paid by
my auto insurance company. Approximately $2,000 dollars is left in
bills. My auto policy has an uninsured motorist portion. That means
GEICO will pay me for bodily injury and the remainder of my bills.
I did not get a lawyer because the person involved is a Christian.
GEICO with out my prompting has now been working out a
settlement for damages.
GEICO says they will go after the uninsured person and recover the
money from the driver. What should I do? The driver asked me to
forgive and I have. I feel bad about the insurance company going
after them, but I do need the money also.
Reply:
First, let me say that I am greatly moved by your statement, "I want
to do what God wants." This, as you probably well know, is key. Let
me also preface my remarks by saying that if you asked ten different
"authorities" the same question, you would have more than one answer.
I shall provide you with what I think is the truth without all or any
of the common extremes.
Not all lawsuits are sinful and forbidden, even between actual
Christians. If so, one could not put away another, as divorce itself
is a legal action, a lawsuit. Yet, Jesus allows divorce based on the
fornication of a mate (Matt. 19: 9). Hence, Matthew 19: 9 very
simply shows that I Corinthians 6: 1-7 is qualified. I Corinthians
6: 1-7, the text forbidding brethren suing brethren, is specific and
not all inclusive. Some of the qualifying specificity involves a
brother suing a brother in the civil courts for monies to which he
has no moral right and such action involves a circumstance that as
Christians, they should have been able to decide outside the civil
courts. There are, however, instances that involve civil law that
must be decided in a court of law. Land issues, for instance, are
not matters for a church to rule and decide. Based on the provided
details, it would appear to me that your case would fall into the
latter circumstances, what the law rules is civilly proper and legal
in your accident. If there were not a matter of insurance, perhaps
you would have the option of settling such outside the courts. I
personally do not see your case being parallel or commensurate with
the circumstance of I Corinthians 6. However, you must take your
knowledge of your case and apply them to the teaching of I
Corinthians 6 and make your own decision.
I do very much, again, appreciate you wanting to avoiding such
matters as are condemned in I Corinthians 6. Some others and I were
sued by a preacher years ago and I was shocked that such happened and
that there were "Christians" who then as well as now defended his
actions. He sued not for the establishment of the disposition and
ruling of civil code involving civil law, but for monies to which he
had no moral right. It is good that you are very carefully examining
what you should do.
To help you decide what you should do, I recommend you read,
"Brethren Suing Brethren" in www.bibletruths.net Enter through the
door on the home page and click on "Archives and Index" in the
directory. When on the Archives page, click on the letter "S." Here
is an excerpt from the article:
"...Among the many problems at Corinth there was also another
equally degrading and spiritually threatening problem - brethren
suing brethren before civil magistrates (ch. 6). Paul unequivocally
states such action is wrong (vss. 1, 5, 7). He said, "...there is
utterly a fault among you." (vs. 7). We are in a litigious society
today. More and more brethren are found suing brethren. It appears
many have forgotten Paul's teaching on this subject and reprimand for
engaging in such sinful action.
Paul points out that brethren should take care of their own
problems. Hear him, "Dare any of you, having a matter against
another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?"
(vs. 1). Paul chides them, "I speak to your shame. Is it so, that
there is not a wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to
judge between his brethren?" (vs. 5). God has made provision for
believed infractions among brethren (Matt. 18: 15-17). Not only is it
wrong to parade "church problems" before the unbelieving civil
magistrates, but such judges are not equipped to handle spiritual
problems (vss. 1, 5). There are issues which do involve civil
magistrates. Legal issues such as land ownership, etc. are matters
for the civil courts to address.
The descriptive actions of the Corinthians. "But brother goeth
to law with brother.," Paul writes (vs. 6). Again, ".because ye go to
law one with another." (vs. 7). They were dragging one another to the
pagan counts for the hearing and sentencing of matters which they
themselves should have been addressing. They were litigating for
selfish reasons: ".why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be
defrauded?" (vs. 7). He continues, "Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud,
and that your brethren" (see "Brethren Suing Brethren" in the
Quotations section)....."
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see
the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible
Truths).
Cordially,
Don Martin
From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Thu Feb 5 22:49:16 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 21:49:16 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] I John 3: 9 (question/answer)
Message-ID: <005d01c98816$4449b8f0$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin sharing question number 25 for today:
Hello Alex,
Thank you so much for your question and for making
use of Bible Questions. Please do so again.
http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible
Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you
wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to
both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these
sites will be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible,
there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths.
While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the
Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the
table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.
You asked:
Will you explain I John 3: 9?
Reply:
I John 3: 9 reads:
"9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed
remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
The verse contains several related areas that lend themselves to
exegesis. First, "whosoever is born of God." The new birth is
explained in John 3: 1-9. "Doth not commit sin" is best explained by
the resident verb tense in verse six (see below). "His seed" is
obviously the word of God (cp. Luke 8: 11). We read, "Thy word have
I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps:119:11).
As long as one has the teaching of the word before him and governing
him, he "cannot sin." However, all do from time to time sin (I John
1: 7-10). Being born of God is the impetus for not sinning, the new
man that walks in newness of life, as Paul phrased it (Rom. 6). I
shall insert below some comments from the Online Greek Course found
in Lesson Five, the lesson on Greek verbs. To access this material
and the hundreds of biblical articles, go to www.bibletruths.net and
enter through the door on the home page. Click on "Online Greek
Course" in the directory or "Archives and Index" for the vast
archives of articles.
Excerpt:
"...I John 3: 6 has caused many difficulty and grief. The verse
reads, "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth
hath not seen him, neither known him." John said in I John 1: 8 that
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us." Is John contradicting himself and are we in a state of
hopelessness? The answer lies in the verb tense of "whosoever
sinneth." The verb "sinneth" is amartanwn (ha-mar-t?-non). The verb
used by John is present tense. Hence, John is saying one cannot live
in sin and know God (cp. Isa. 59: 1, 2). While the Amplified
Translation has some failures, it is excellent on verb tense. The
Amplified renders I John 3: 6 thus, "No one who abides in Him - who
lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him.,
habitually commits (practices) sin. No one who habitually sins has
either seen or known Him.." In I John 1, a single act of sin is being
contemplated, in I John 3, the practice of sin is being considered.
(click on "Sin" to read more about sin. Be sure to use your browser
return to come back to this page.)...."
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see
the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible
Truths).
Cordially,
Don Martin
From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Feb 6 02:31:02 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 03:31:02 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) "KEEP YOUR HEART"
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:
"KEEP YOUR HEART"
The heart can be a cesspool of evil. "But those things which
proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a
man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adult-
eries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are
the things which defile a man..." (Matt. 15:18-20). If we allow, Satan can
fill our heart to do evil (Acts 5:3).
Our heart does not have to be evil and condemned. It can be
pure and blessed. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall
see God" (Matt. 5:8).
The condition of our heart depends upon what we want it to
be. If we enjoy evil, it will be evil. If we want it to be pure, it will
be. As one thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7). Paul gave the
formula for purity of heart "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -
meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8).
"Keep your hear with all diligence, for out of it spring the
issues of life" (Prov. 4:23). ------ Billy Norris in Gospel Guide, Vol.
29, No. 7.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Feb 6 02:31:17 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 03:31:17 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A SIMPLE PRAYER
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files.
Use to the glory of God.
A SIMPLE PRAYER
Bible students may be struck with amazement that a body of
Jewish followers would ask Jesus to teach them to pray. These
were men of a nation that grew up with prayer. It was a staple of
their home life, it was taught in the synagogue schools, and it
was a public practice weekly at the synagogue service. Did the
disciples of Jesus see something different about the prayers of
Jesus that struck them as unique? One may easily suppose they did.
And it is even more apparent in the model prayer that Jesus
taught them in answer to their request. That prayer is recorded
by both Luke and Matthew as a part of the Sermon on the Mount
in the context of Jesus' criticism of the prayers of fellow Jews,
especially the prayers of the nation's leaders on street corners
and in other public places (Lk. 11:1-4; Matt. 6:9-15).
We do know, according to Luke's gospel, that prayer was a
must in the life of Jesus, and that He taught the disciples that they "ought
always to pray, and not to faint" (Lk. 18:1). Jesus
petitioned the Father after His baptism before He faced the devil
in the wilderness of temptation; He needed to withdraw from the
pressure of crowds to be alone with God; He communed all night with God
before He chose the twelve; He fell prostrate to
His knees and face when He agonized to God about His upcom-
ing death; and He spoke to God in His final hour on the cross
(Lk. 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 22:41-46; 23:33-49).
It is from this intimate and personal relationship with the heavenly
Father that Jesus draws the principle elements of effective, simple, and
meaningful prayer. Prayer is really not complicated when disciples, as Jesus,
really know the Father,
genuinely depend on Him daily, and earnestly seek His help in
times of need.
Intimate: -- Men who make a show of prayer are not genuine.
Jesus says, They are hypocrites who have a purpose in prayer
beyond a real need for God. To be seen of men and to receive
the approval of men has its momentary reward, Jesus says, but
has no value in receiving grace and mercy from God in desper-
ate and critical times. But withdrawing to a hidden and unseen
place to call on God provides a setting where nothing is to be gained beyond
a sincere appeal to a Father who loves His child-
ren and will reward them with His approval and blessings. So
Jesus says: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy inner
chamber, and having shut the door, pray to the Father who is in
secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee" (Matt. 6:6).
Direct: -- Men who seek out flowery and eloquent phrases to re-
peat again and again in their prayers have an image of a god who needs to be
impressed and awaits an abundant display of
the right words again and again before He responds. Jesus
corrects that impression when He teaches the disciples that "in
praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" (Matt. 6:7
God, the Father of Jesus, knows our needs before we ask and
eagerly awaits our supplications. When we approach Him at
midnight in need, we must but ask, seek, and knock to receive
His gracious provisions (Matt. 7:7-11).
Simple: -- We are not to think that Jesus in these brief words of
instruction intends to present prayer in it fullness. It is an irony
of ironies (noting the context of this prayer) that men have come
to cite these words by rote in public gatherings. If the daily repit-
ition of these words is the extent of a disciple's prayers, he miss-
es the intimacy, the directness, and simplicity these sample petit-
ions are intended to exemplify.
Prayer: -- "After this manner therefore pray" signifies Jesus' intent to
illustrate the way disciples are to approach God, and in
that approach how simple, how basic, how fundamental, how elementary
heartfelt needs and petititions to God are to be ex-
pressed. Jesus does not forbid more expressive words of ador-ation and
praise, but He does say that "our Father who art in
heaven" is enough and that it recognizes the disciple's relation-
ship to God as a child who brings himself before a Father ready
to hear.
"Hollowed be they name," "thy kingdom come," and "thy
will be done" are three third person imperatives that acknowled-
ge to our Father that His name must be "consecrated" among
us. His kingdom must rule over us, and His will must be follow-
ed by us. "Give us this day our daily bread," "forgive us our
debts," "bring us not into temptation," and "deliver us from evil"
succinctly say to our Father that we need thee every day -- yea,
every hour -- in a world that is always evil and often adverse to
our daily desires and wishes.
The apostle Paul exhorts us to make supplications, thanks-
giving, intercessions, prayers, and requests to God and here
Jesus shows how simple and direct these petitions can be when we have a
private and personal relationship with Him. In
the absence of impressive words and eloquence we can simply
say along witht eh words of Jesus: "thank you" , "help me",
"strengthen me", "comfort me", "watch over me", "heal me", "give me wisdom,"
etc.
To "pray then in this way" is to avail self of the infinite wisdom,
power, and love of the Creator who has adopted us
into the heavenly family through Jesus Christ and can accompl-
ish all that we need. -------- L. A. Stauffer in Biblical Insights, Vol.
8, No. 4, April, 2008.
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From GLClair at aol.com Fri Feb 6 07:29:42 2009
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 08:29:42 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] Article - "Brotherhood" (Part 2)
Message-ID:
Brotherhood (Part 2)
In a previous article I discussed the nature of the brotherhood that all
Christians belong to. The brotherhood relationship requires certain actions on
the part of each person who is a part of it:
1. A person must hear (i.e. understand) the gospel ? Rom. 10:17
2. A person who becomes a part of it is to believe the gospel ? Mark
16:15-16;
3. A person must repent of past sins ? Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
4. A person must confess with the mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God (i.e. the Jew?s Messiah) ? Romans 10:9-10
5. A person must be baptized (i.e. immersed) in water ? ?for the
remission of sins?) ? Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-6; 1 Peter 3:21
NOTE:
The previous 5 point plan of God makes one a Christian (i.e. a babe in
Christ; a new Creature and a brother in the vast brotherhood of the saved) ? SEE
Acts 2:47
After one has exercised their faith and obedience in becoming a Christian
they are to seek membership in a sound congregation. A general example of this
action may be found in Paul?s actions recorded at Acts 9:26-28, 26 and when
Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but
they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But
Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how
he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he
had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them
coming in and going out at Jerusalem. (KJV)
As part of the Brotherhood the new Christian is to participate in the
brotherly activities of the local church where they have placed their membership
(i.e. so that they can participate in the worship functions and learn (i.e. grow
into mature Christians) over time. Some of those activities that they will
participate in with other Christians are:
1. The Lord?s Supper ? Acts 20:7
2. The opportunity to contribute of their money into the weekly
collection -
3. The song service -
4. The teaching and preaching -
5. The prayer service ?
NOTE:
1. These previous five items constitute the spiritual worship that
the Lord accepts ? John 4:24, ?God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
2. Since the Lord?s Day (i.e. Sunday) occurred weekly; the Christian
will proceed to perform these worship activities each 1st Day of the week ?
Acts 20:7.
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - February 6, 2009
**************Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on
AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000001)
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From preacherref01 at verizon.net Fri Feb 6 09:59:15 2009
From: preacherref01 at verizon.net (Thomas Thornhill Jr)
Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:59:15 -0800
Subject: [Biblemat] Ser>The Case for God 4 (resend)
Message-ID: <000501c98873$dc647f00$952d7d00$@net>
Sorry brethren, I neglected to paste the sermon. So here it is again.
Tom T.
Greetings brethren, Tom Thornhill Jr. of Bellflower, CA here.
This is lesson 4 of part 1 of an ongoing series throughout this year dealing
with God. I welcome comments. More lessons to come later. Take care.
NOTE: At the end of this lesson, there is some information on world
religions which I realize is highly inadequate, but it informed brethren of
some of the other major religions(?) in the world and mentioned some of
their beliefs contradicted by the word of God. In the future, I am hoping
to address some of these in more detail. Take care for now.
Thomas Thornhill Jr.
www.roseavenue.org
February 1, 2009 am
A STUDY OF GOD (4)
Why the God of Christianity?
Today we continue our study of God. We are in the midst of a portion of
this study in which we are establishing the God that we need to follow. We
have established both scientifically and logically that God does exist.
Last week we presented our case for Jehovah God by examining the
supernatural character of His word, the Bible. In this lesson we will
conclude the portion of the study of God dealing with evidences. There are
several religions that acknowledge the Bible (at least portions of it) as
being a message from God. These would include Judaism (which accepts the
Old Testament), & Islam (which accepts the Pentateuch, Psalms and Gospels)
as well as Christianity. And these religions are in conflict with one
another. Understanding this, I want to present some reasons WHY we should
accept New Testament Christianity as opposed to other religions.
But how do we establish the faith of a Christian? To do this we will
examine two points. We want to look at Jesus Christ. Jesus claimed to be
the Messiah for all mankind. If we can validate that claim, we reject all
other world religions.
After this I want to briefly mention some of the world's more prominent
religions and note what they teach about god and their books of faith. And
with that we will be ready to begin studying who God is.
I. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God?
a. If it can be established that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and
as such, our Savior, then the Bible is true and all other religions are to
be rejected as false. So let us take a few moments to notice the
significance of our Savior.
How do we accomplish this? We do it the same way that we established the
Bible to be a work of Jehovah God, by examining how remarkable the Bible is.
Consider:
b. Prophecies looking toward Jesus. We have already established the
power of prophecies. Let us notice some prophecies about Jesus.
i. Micah 5:2 -
Bethlehem is prophesied as a place out of which a ruler from Judah for
Israel would come. Matthew 2:1 - 6 (quotes this verse).
ii. Genesis 12:3,
Isa. 11:1, 2 Samuel 7: - and His lineage. Jesus fulfills this lineage
(cf. Matthew 1 & Luke 3)
iii. Isaiah 7:14 - born
of a virgin - Luke 1:27
iv. Deuteronomy 18:15 -
a prophet like Moses, Acts 3:22-23, 7:37
v. Isaiah 40:3, Mal.
3:1 - a forerunner would prepare the way (John the Baptist - Matt. 3:1-3,
Luke 1:17)
vi. Zech. 9:9 - Enter
Jerusalem riding on a colt - Matt. 21:1-5
vii. Psalm 22:7 - He was
mocked at the foot of the cross - Matt. 27:43
viii. Isaiah 53:4-12 - The
way He suffered - Mark 15:3-5, etc.
NOTE: The details that are outlined concerning this event alone being
fulfilled are astounding.
ix. Isa. 53:9 - His
death with the wicked, but His burial with the rich - Matt. 27:38, 57-60
x. Psalm 16:8-10 -
His resurrection - Matt. 27:53, 28:6, 1 Cor. 15:1-5. To my knowledge, none
others have made this claim.
xi. Consider the odds
of all these prophecies being fulfilled by one person without a coordinator.
The fact it there was a coordinator. And even with that we have even
covered His impact and the mission He accomplished. With each statement
made in prophecy concerning the anticipated Messiah, all other possibilities
were eliminated of that detail. For example: Coming from the tribe of Judah
meant He could not come from one of the other 11 tribes. Then when David
was chosen, all other descendents of Judah would be eliminated. The number
of individuals who could fulfill the need was continually (through prophecy)
being reduced with each prophecy. So when one came who fulfilled ALL the
prophecies, either He was the promised One OR an anomaly who defied odds in
excess of 1038. Note: This number is derived from the odds of just 7 of the
major prophecies about the Messiah being fulfilled in Jesus.
http://www.allabouttruth.org/messianic-prophecy-2.htm There are more than
300 passages in the Old Testament that could be attributed to Jesus.
c. The claims He made
i. Jesus claimed to
be the Son of God and our Messiah. John 1:1-4, 14; Throughout His ministry
Jesus declared His relationship with His Father God. Just before He was to
be condemned to crucifixion when He was asked, "Are you the son of God?"
Jesus said, "It is as you say." (Mat. 26:64)
On one occasion, He performed a miracle to prove it - Luke 5:20-26
ii. He claimed to
fulfill prophecies. In fact, during His earthly ministry He continually
emphasized that He WOULD fulfill prophecies and He did. Luke 4:16-21, John
5:39.
Then there were the number of passages where He set His face toward
Jerusalem - Luke 9:21, 18:31-33. After He arose, Jesus said this, Luke
24:44.
iii. He lived and
fulfilled His mission. Scriptures confirm Jesus did what he intended to
accomplish and as a result we have hope (see testimony of apostles below).
Considering these things - Who was Jesus?
The historical existence of Jesus is not denied. However, many who do not
believe in Jesus as their savior will say he was a good man or even a
prophet (i.e. Muslims, some Jews). But when you consider the claims He made
either He was who He claimed to be or He was a charlatan or crazy. Think
about it - how could one who lived his life deceiving people into thinking
he was their savior be considered good in any way? What do you think of
David Koresh (Branch Davidians in Waco, TX) or Jim Jones (Ghana), etc?
Their works proved their evil motives. If Jesus was just another deceiver,
he was NOT a good man!!!
OR He was crazy, thinking he was someone he was not.
But Jesus proved He was who He claimed to be and such is the better
alternative.
When looking at the question, "Is Jesus God?", C.S. Lewis, a popular British
theologian, stressed: I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really
foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as
a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the
one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of
things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a
lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else
he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man
was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can
shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you
can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any
patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left
that open to us. He did not intend to.1
d. The case for His resurrection is strong evidence within itself.
i. The resurrection
is the foundation of the Christian's faith. If there is no resurrection,
then our faith is meaningless. We face the same dilemma as the atheist.
Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:19, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men the most pitiable." How true.
ii. If Jesus did not
arise, we should reject Him for such was one of His claims and it is the
foundation of our faith.
iii. But there is
plenty of evidence that He did arise.
1. He appeared to numerous people after His resurrection - 1 Cor.
15:3-6, as well as the last chapters of the gospels.
2. The dilemma His enemies faced. If Jesus did not arise, they could
have stopped the movement of following Him by simply producing his body.
Where is His body?
3. Some theories presented include:
a. Wrong tomb - take them to the right tomb
b. Enemies stole the body - produce it when followers claimed
resurrection
c. Followers stole the body - why die for a lie?
d. Swooned - Jesus didn't really die on the cross. Description not
possible.
e. He arose - the only LOGICAL choice.
e. The testimony of His apostles
i. The lives and
teaching of His apostles and disciples prove Jesus was who He claimed to be.
If Jesus was just a good man or prophet, they would not be willing to die
for Him as they did.
ii. Many claimed to
be eyewitnesses to His life and resurrection Acts 10:39-42, 2 Pet. 1:16-18,
1 Cor. 15:8 - last of all, seen by Paul, an apostle out of due season.
iii. Considering their
testimony - were they truly eyewitnesses or part of "the plot" to deceive?
Consider what happened to them - their suffering, poverty and deaths would
not have been logical if they were living for a fraud. Furthermore, they
too, like Jesus would have been liars (when you consider what they claimed
to have seen) and thus evil, if Jesus was NOT the Messiah He claimed to be.
iv. Furthermore, how do
explain how He changed their lives and so many lives they came in contact
with? What was it about them that caused people to leave comfortable
religions (both idolatry and Judaism) to face persecutions? There had to be
substance.
We are TOLD that substance included miracles to verify their teachings AND
the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
f. Furthermore, consider the impact He has made upon this world.
NONE other has had the impact Jesus had, neither Buddha, Mohammed, Joseph
Smith, Boniface III (first to declare himself universal papa of the church
on earth in 606 A.D.), or even Moses (who had great impact and WAS a true
prophet of God) has had the impact that Jesus has had upon all mankind.
g. Jesus is either Who He claimed to be, or He was a liar or crazy.
There are no other alternatives. And since we have established that the
Bible IS the word of God Jesus must be whom He claimed to be and thus
followed.
II. What about world religions?
a. NOTE: The following information is NOT an exhaustive examination
of various world religions. It is a very brief (and inadequate)
introduction designed to mention some differences between these religions
and the Bible (especially the New Testament). IF we accept what has been
presented these last two weeks as truth (i.e. The Bible is from God & Jesus
Christ is Who He claims to be) we can see all other world religions crumble.
b. According to:
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html earlier this decade the
following numbers were accumulated about various world religions.
Christianity (adherents to believing in Jesus as the Savior - including
Catholicism, denominationalism, Greek Orthodox, as well as
non-denominational churches) is the largest religious system in the world
with about 2.1 Billion believers.
All that we have discussed thus far verifies that the truth lies somewhere
within this category (based upon studying and following the teachings of the
New Testament.
c. Islam is 2nd (1.5 billion) - and as we know, growing increasingly.
Their god is Allah which is actually the name they have given to the God of
Abraham & Ishmael who they claim is the true heir of the promise to man.
Concerning Jesus, they believe that He was a prophet from God (even born of
a virgin), but He was NOT the Son of God and He did not die by crucifixion.
He was another of God's prophets in a long line beginning with Adam, Noah,
Abraham, David, Elijah, Elisha, etc. & in the N.T. Zechariah, John and
Jesus.
They believe in 4 inspired books - the Torah (first 5 books of O.T.), the
Zabur (Psalms), the Injil (Gospels) and Qur`an. The first three they
believe have been corrupted by man and thus filled with inaccuracies.
Salvation comes primarily through good works and through memorization of the
Qur`an. In the end, if one's good works outweigh their sins they will be
saved. Salvation can also be achieved by martyrdom. The Bible teaches
salvation is primarily the grace of God though we do have to Obey His
Gospel.
While Mohammed claimed to be a prophet (and Muslims claim that he is THE
prophet) he did NOT claim to be the Son of God or God Himself. He lived
from 570-632 A.D. He is believed to have received a number of revelations
throughout the last 22 years of his life.
As we have seen, problems with Islam include a denial of who Jesus was,
rejection of most of the New Testament and Old Testament, a false doctrine
concerning salvation, and their concept of God and His plan of salvation.
d. Atheism/humanism/non-religious is 3rd (1.1 billion). Everything we
have discussed thus far rejects this option.
e. Hinduism 4th - 900 million, is a religion primarily of the East,
but it is increasing in numbers in the west as well. More than 90% of its
adherents are in India. Its origin dates back to more than 3000 B.C.
Hinduism believes that god is in everything and that followers are created
in the form of God and seek to reach a state in which they once again are
rejoined with the supreme god (Brahman). If one fails to reach that state
in this life, they are reincarnated to try again. This "force" they call God
is impersonal.
They have numerous "sacred texts" some of which they consider to be
delivered by their concept of God to sages. These are called Vedas and are
very ancient (some attribute the origins of Hinduism to about 3000 B.C.).
They also have a number of Smriti which are remembered saying (not
inspired). As you examine these various insights, (both types - which
include hundreds of thousands of pages) they are more about how to live to
achieve enlightenment and to become a part of God, which is an impersonal
force.
The problems with Hinduism rests in how it contradict the Bible in a number
of subjects - including that there is ONE God (there are varying views in
Hinduism including polytheism [many gods] and pantheism [god in
everything]), teaching reincarnation, the unity that the Bible calls for,
the need for Jesus to be saved, eternal judgment, etc.
Their writings do not have the prophecies and other proofs that verify a
divine source.
http://www.religion-cults.com/Eastern/Hinduism/hindu1b.htm
f. Buddhism - 6th w/376 million.
In the 5th century B.C. a baby with birth defects was born in what is now
Nepal who became the founder of Buddhism (563 -483 B.C.).
This belief system is not really about worshipping and serving any God. In
fact, a major tenant is that "there is no mighty god in Buddhism"2.
Buddahnet.net notes that to many Buddhism is more about a philosophy or "way
of life" than a religion. This was taught by Buddha himself, but he did not
deny the existence of a deity.
The purpose of Buddhism is to eliminate suffering in one's life. Its
concept of suffering is anything that one is deprived of, though some
suffering is trivial and others more serious. Relief from suffering is
achieved through enlightenment. This is addressed in 4 noble truths - 1)
Life is suffering (full of it); 2) Suffering is caused by cravings and
aversion (i.e. getting what you want does NOT guarantee happiness); 3)This
suffering can be overcome by giving up useless cravings and living each day
one at a time (i.e. don't dwell on the past or imagined future); 4)There is
an 8-fold path to ending suffering (this includes meditation and refocusing
our minds away from the causes of suffering, achieving true awareness).
IF there is a God, then Buddhism is not to be followed. The Bible deals
with suffering and how to overcome it - and some of what it teaches is
consistent with some of these "noble truths" but not all of it. Studying
the Bible will cause one to turn to God and Christ instead of the
philosophies of men.
g. Judaism - 12th, w/ 14 million. The Old Law. The New Law clearly
respects the Old Law, but it teaches that the Old Law was fulfilled. IF you
accept what has been said about Jesus, this would eliminate Judaism as STILL
being the way to worship God. Furthermore, many passages point toward this:
Some Old Testament passages such as Joel 2:28-32, Matt. 5:17, 18, Galatians
3:24-25, etc.
h. Having established the Bible as true, all these writings could not
be the inspired word of God.
And thus we conclude the first part of our study about God. In this we have
laid a foundation that we can build upon as we strive to learn more about
the ONE True God to whom we will give account one day. That is my goal in
this entire series of lessons.
It is true that there IS a God and He has given us instructions to follow in
order to be saved. What about you? Are you willing to obey His word to
receive the promise of eternal life in heaven? If so, why not make yourself
right with Him today.
1 C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, The MacMillan Company, 1960, pp. 40-41.
2 www.buddahnet.net
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From umpken at yahoo.com Fri Feb 6 10:58:19 2009
From: umpken at yahoo.com (umpken)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 08:58:19 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Biblemat] Q> Performing Wedding Ceremony
Message-ID: <724216.26034.qm@web35605.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Brethren-
I have a question that I'm seeking your opinion/belief on. Would you perform a wedding ceremony for a non-Christian who has been married and divorced previously and assume that the divorce is not for scriptural reasons?
I know some view this simply as a civil ceremony and you are acting as an agent of the state. Others feel that God does the binding so you are acting on His behalf.
What say you???
Thanks,
Ken Chapman
Joplin, MO
From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Fri Feb 6 11:59:22 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 11:59:22 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Mormons Are Not To Listen To Critical Reviews
Message-ID:
Mormons Are Not To Listen To Critical Reviews
It is part of the program in Mormonism to believe that all negative statements opposing Mormonism be immediately dismissed as something from the devil. This brain-washing tactic is common. Keep telling the student to never listen to anything else and you have controlled the student. Consider the following:
As a Mormon:
You will be advised not to read any material which is "not faith-promoting," that is, which may be critical or questioning of the church or its leaders, or which might place the church or its leaders in an unfavorable light.
You will be advised not to associate with "apostates," that is, former Mormons. (You will be asked in your "worthiness" interview about this.)
This is important to get a "recommend" to enter a holy temple. This is presented to Mormons as very, very important. So, they try to avoid discussions that might confront them with questions about their church leadership and history. They are told to look at such efforts as from the devil, to never question their feeling (even though it was a feeling that others have in an opposite belief than theirs). To question is to lose opportunity to be recommended to the temple (a high aim and privilege to them). Thus, they must avoid evidence against the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, the witnesses to the Golden plates, and the present leadership of the church. They all know they are to be interviewed before they can be recommended to enter the temple. The following are the interview questions that get them to the "recommend" status.
Interview Questions for Recommends to Enter a Temple
1. Do you believe in God, the Eternal Father, in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost; and do you have a firm testimony of the restored gospel?
2. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator; and do you recognize him as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
3. Do you sustain the other General Authorities and the local authorities of the Church?
4. Do you live the law of chastity?
5. Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?
6. Do you affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do you sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual?
7. Do you earnestly strive to do your duty in the Church; to attend your sacrament, priesthood, and other meetings; and to obey the rules, laws, and commandments of the gospel?
8. Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?
9. Are you a full-tithe payer?
10. Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?
11. Have you ever been divorced or are you now separated from your spouse under order of a civil court? If yes, (a) - Are you current in your support payments and other financial obligations for family members, as specified by court order or in other written, binding commitments? (b) Were there any circumstances of transgression in connection
with your divorce or separation that have not been previously resolved with your bishop?
12. If you have received your temple endowment -- (a) Do you keep all the covenants that you made in the temple? (b) Do you wear the authorized garments both day and night?
13. Has there been any sin or misdeed in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but has not?
14. Do you consider yourself worthy in every way to enter the temple and participate in temple ordinances?
In each interview, emphasize to the applicant the need to safeguard the recommend. It must never be loaned and should be reported immediately to the issuer if lost or stolen. (See "Lost, Stolen, or Revoked Recommends" on the preceding page.)
OLD Questions 11 & 12 (replaced by 11a & 11b)
11. Have you ever had a divorce that has not been cleared by appropriate priesthood authorities, where required?
12. If you have ever been divorced or separated, are you presently fulfilling your obligations for the support and maintenance of your family?
________________________________ _______________________________
Thus, the questions I raise to Mormons are most uncomfortable, and must be avoided if a Mormon hopes to get past the interview to get the recommend. It is a form of brain-washing, and all who say what I am saying about them are to be rejected and avoided as children of Satan trying to deceive and make them lose their reward. They cannot be allowed to think that the truth is still in the Bible ONLY. We hope that we can save some from this error or at least help people not to be brought under the deception. The gospel of Christ is still the only power of God unto salvation (Rom.1:16). We can still be saved in the same manner as those in Acts 2: 36-47 were saved, and that without the Book of Mormon. We are still warned not to believe even angel from heaven who would change, pervert, or add to that original saving gospel (Gal.1:6-10), and that gospel was not lost for over 1750 as is claimed by Mormons. We can still be saved without the Book of Mormon in the same way those conversions happened in the book of Acts. All of those happened without aid of Mormonism and it's teachings.- Terry W. Benton
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Feb 7 02:17:27 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 03:17:27 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
Jesus Christ warned His disciples about false prophets, who
would appear to be harmless, but were really like savage wolves
to Christ's sheep (Matt. 7:15). His apostles repeated that warn-
ing several times, pointing out that some would be apostates
from the faith, and all of them would work destruction (Acts 20:
29-31; Col. 2:8-10,18-23; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 Jno. 4:1). Even at the time of the
writing of the New Testament, many flase prophets
were at work.
In the early 1800's a young man came into the public view,
claiming to be a prophet of God in America and presenting to the
world what he claimed to be a latter day revelation from God and
the uncovering of an ancient American history about some Jews
who supposedly came to America from Jerusalem about 600 B.C.. This book, The
Book Of Mormon, called "the symbol of the
prophet," actually exposes Joseph Smith as a false prophet. It
teaches that there would be no human race if Adam and Eve had
not sinned (2 Nephi 2:23,25), in contradiction to God's command
in Gen. 1:28. It teaches that the church of Christ existed over a
hundred years before Christ purchased it with His Own blood
(Mosiah 4:2,3; 26:7-12), despite Micah's prophecy in Mic. 5:2, and the clear
teaching of Matt. 2:1. It teaches that three men were told by Jesus that they
would not die until He comes again,
and shows a misunderstanding of Jno. 21:21-23 (Note 3 Nephi
28:6-8). Joseph Smith's later teachings even contradicted his
own "prophetic" teachings in the Book of Mormon. The Mormon religion of
today is based on the concept of "progress-
ive revelation," including the teachings in Doctrine and Coven-
ants, but not limited to that book. Which will you accept -- the
Bible of Joseph Smith's writings? They cannot both be true. -----
Gilbert Alexander.
(There were writings before Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon and Doctrine
and Covenants that were claimed as being inspired by God. There have been
many since his writings that have claimed inspiration for themselves. One
notable writing before Joseph Smith was the Quran by Mohamm-
ad, and the writings of Ellen G. White, Charles Russell, and Mary
Baker Eddy came after his writings. All such claims of latter day
revelation from God are false teaching. We are told that the Bible is the
complete and final revelation from God and that it
furnishes a man completely unto every good work, JWS).
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Feb 7 02:17:39 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 03:17:39 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A NEW NAME WRITTEN
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files.
Use to the glory of God.
A NEW NAME WRITTEN
The Idea Of "Wearing" The Name Of The Lord Is Deeply Rooted
In Scripture: --
In Rev. 3:10 the Lord speaks through John and says, "He who overcomes,
I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God,
and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of
My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem,
which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write
on him My new name."
This may seem strange to a modern reader and conjure up
images of someone taking a poster board marker and writing on
someone or of tattooing him. But like so much in the book of
Revelation, the writing of a name upon someone, and particular-
ly a "new name," has roots in many other portions of Scritpure
and history.
It would appear the name involved is related to Jesus. Whet-
her the name is "Jesus" or "Christ" of "Lord" or some other vari-
ation, isn't absolutely certain. It might be as simple as "Christian
(Acts11:26). But He says in the text that He will write "My new
name" upon the one who overcomes.
An emphasis is placed on it being a "new" name. God's peo-
ple in earlier times (Israel) had borne several names, but never
one associated with Christ.
He had said to the church in Pergamos (Rev. 2:17), "And I will give
him (the one who overcomes) a white stone, and on
the stone a new name written which no one knows except him
who receives it."
In Rev. 22:3,4 is mentioned as the Lamb's servants having
"his name...on their foreheads."
Now all this seems very mysterious at first. The book of Rev-
elation is apocalyptic literature, written in a highly symbolic style
and relying upon Old Testament types and images.
Let's see if we can simplify. A name is an identifier. My name
distinguishes me from others, connects me to my parents
and often is tied to my character. Thus, a man may have a good
name or a bad one.
In the text, then, we see that the one who overcomes evil will
be identified with Christ, with the family of God, and will bear a
good name -- one above every other (Phil. 2:9).
Consider also that Revelation commonly uses the figure of
Christ as the bridegroom and His people or church as the bride.
When a bride is married, she traditionally takes her husband's
name, reflecting the unity of the new relationship (see Rev. 19:7-
13).
Part of the figure of the new name being written upon the
Lord's servant may be drawn from the Old Testament practice of
the high priest wearing the name of Jehovah upon his raiment.
Look at Exo. 28:36-38. There, directions are given for a nameplate in
gold to be worn by the high priest on his mitre (headdress) in a fashion so
that on his forehead the plate read
"Holy to the Lord."
In the Revelation we have a similar picture. God's servants
will be given a new name and they will wear it upon their fore-
heads.
The giving of "new names" also has several precedents in
Scripture. Remember that Abram was given the new name of
Abraham by God, whe he entered a new relationship with the
Lord. Jacob was renamed Israel. Likewise, Simon was renomin-ated Peter by
Jesus and the ardent persecutor Saul was called
Paul after his conversion to Christ. Again, we msut understand
that a name is associated with character, relationships, and identification.
The giving of a new name is rooted in Old Testament prophe-
cy. Isaiah had the two-fold task of spelling out the doom of idol-
atrou Israel and of holding out hope for a new kingdom of God,
which Revelation terms the "New Jerusalem."
In Isa. 62:2 it reads, "The Gentiles shall see your righteous-
ness, adn all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new
name, which the mouth of the Lord will name."
Then, in Isa. 65:15 it is written of Israel, "You shall leave your
name as a curse to My chosen for the Lord God will slay you, and call His
servants by another name."
God would ultimately destroy the old Jerusalem and its temp-
le and the genealogical records (names) of His people Israel.
This was done in A.D. 70 with the help of the Roman legions
under Titus.
But God promises in Rev. 3:12 to make those who overcome
"a pillar in the temple of My God," and to "write on him the name
of My God and the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which
comes down out of heaven...and I will write on him My new name."
Ancient Israel defamed God's name by their rebellion and
idolatry and ultimate rejection of Jesus. So, God created a new
Israel, a New Jerusalem, a new people, inviting Gentiles into the
new kingdom or church. The old was prophesied for destruct-
ion.
Notice also that God's servants aren't the onl;y ones labeled
or given identifying marks. In Rev. 20:4 it speaks of the identify-
ing mark in the foreheads of those who served the Beast.
Thus the final point: We all are identified, spiritually, with the
one we serve, whether Christ or Satan. ----- Randy Blackaby in
The Truth Magazine, Vol. 52, No. 5, May, 2008.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Feb 7 07:06:19 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 08:06:19 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] I ) CONCERNING INFORMATION ON ISLAM
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A few days ago I sent out
some information on a packet that the church here received from Saudi
Arabia from their Islam Education Center. They indicated that they
were sending out multitudes of the packet to different religions in the
USA. In order to educate other religions about the religion of Islam.
Having studied the subject of Islam in the past, reading the Quran
and other information that I could obtain, I saw right off that this packet
of information was nothing but propaganda with the intent of trying to
put a very tolerant face on Islam. In doing so, they seem to forget what
is taught in their major creed, the Quran, that they claim was inspired
by Allah through the mind of Mohammad. But they try to claim that
Islam gets along with all religions and wishes for them the best.
Back, right after 9/11 much was being written about the teachings
of Islam. I too, wrote many things on the internet concerning my dealings
with the Muslim Religion while in the country of Nigeria in West Africa. They
taught their religion on the streets of the cities and
I too taught the religion of Christ on the same streets, therefore we had
clashes with one another on different occasions. I have heard from
brother Paul Williams, who is in South Africa, he too indicated that the
packet from Saudi Arabia was propaganda trying to obtain the accept-
ance of other religions while every country where they have the rule, do
not allow the free assembly of other religions. I will probably write a
few things on this matter later on. But I feel assured that most of you
have received the teaching that was done by me and others on the
subject some years ago. Brotherly, Jim Sasser.
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From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Feb 8 15:41:26 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 15:41:26 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] A Close Encounter Of a Spiritual Kind
Message-ID: <498F5186.000006.01676@KENSCOMPUTER>
A Close Encounter Of A Spiritual Kind
By Kenneth E. Thomas
In the minds of some Christians to speak of ?accepting Jesus as one?s
personal Savior? is akin to heresy. Why so? Perhaps it is because the
language smacks of the denominational doctrine of ?salvation at the point of
faith in Jesus Christ? as has been made popular by Dr. Billy Graham of North
Carolina, a doctrine may I say which flatly contradicts the teaching of the
apostles of Christ, (James 2:14-26;Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). However I desire
to talk about the idea that our salvation from sin must be a heartfelt
personal matter! (Acts 8:37; Rom.10:8-17; Rom. 6:16-18) After one?s initial
salvation from alien sins, the true Christian must maintain a close
spiritual relationship with our Savior (John 12:48;14:21-23; 1 John 1:6-9).
It is my opinion that in order to maintain the ?close relationship? with our
Savior we must of necessity maintain a two way communication with Christ. I
mean by this we read and meditate upon His inspired word allowing our Savior
to ?talk to us? (Hebrews 1:1-2). And we speak to Him as our Advocate in
prayers of petition as well as thanksgiving from time to time,(2 Cor
12:7-10; Philippians 4:13; 1 John 2:1; 5:11-14). Please read the Scripture
references!
We Must Not Demote Christ
Christians should recognize and honor the exalted position to which the
Father has granted His Son (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:19-23; Ephesians
5:22-33; Colossians 1:18; Philippians 2:5-11). Please read references! In
the ?gospel dispensation? The Father has given the Son ?all authority both
on earth and in heaven.? The one exception being the Father Himself (1
Corinthians 15:27).
An Illustration
To Illustrate (Matthew 28:18 & Ephesians 1:19-23), let me tell a story which
in some small way perhaps will serve to illustrate what these passages mean:
Let us suppose that the owner of a large plantation should call his only son
and say something like the following: Son I wish to give you the oversight
of my plantation. All of my servants will not be under your immediate
authority, I reserve Myself as the only exception to this rule. The Son
accepts this exalted position and begins His reign over all the workers..
However as time passes by few or none of the workers come to the son with
their petitions or to ask Him what to do about the various tasks to be
carried out, rather they continue to go over the son?s head and petition His
father. Now just suppose you were the son and few If any recognized your
authority! How do you suppose you would feel about such a situation? Would
you not be disturbed as the manager of the great plantation? Sure you would.
How do you suppose Christ feels when we fail to allow Him His rule over our
lives and rather defer to the Father?
We Draw Closer To Those With Whom We Communicate!
This Should Be Noted As We Observe Communion!
We Are To Observe The Lord?s Supper-(1 Cor. 11:17-26).
We Meet Around The Lord?s (Christ?s) Table-Matt. 26:26-28; Acts 20:6-7).
This It To Be Observed On The Lord?s (Christ?s) Day-Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10).
It Is A Communion of Christ?s Body and Blood-1 Cor. 10:16).
A Major Question For Each To Consider
Don?t you believe we should during the course of this observance at least
hear a ?Thank you, Jesus? in our prayers to the Christ with whom we are
gathered to commune? Must Jesus only over hear in an abstract way how much
we appreciate His sacrifice as we thank His heavenly Father for Jesus?
death?
And now for all those who are still reading and have not already tuned me
out, or deleted this treatise, I wish to list a multiplicity of Bible
passages which authorize Christians to address either or both the Father and
the Son as we pray. Again let me ask that you please read each of the
following passages of holy writ: Col. 3:16-17; Lk. 23:34; Heb. 4:15; John
14:13Acts 7:59-60; 1 Thess 3:11-14; 2 Cor. 12:8-9; 1John 2:1; 5:11-15;1 Tim.
2:5; Rev. 5:7-9; Rev. 22:20; Acts1:15-26, to whom do you suppose the
apostles prayed for divine guidance as to a replacement for Judas, the
apostle who hanged himself? Jesus chose the original twelve, isn?t it only
reasonable to believe that they prayed to Christ on this occasion? Surely
all will agree that this is so.
If it be wrong to address Jesus in at least some of our prayers, pray tell
why do we address Him in many of our hymns as we sing in our assemblies,
songs such as, ?Now Let Us Have A Little Talk With Jesus.? Brethren, it is
just as sinful to sing unauthorized words as it is to preach unauthorized
teaching from the pulpit. If not, please tell me why not? We often sing
such
Songs as, ?Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
? I believe such to be scriptural
how about you?
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Feb 8 15:49:18 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 15:49:18 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] A Close Encounter of a Spiritual Kind
Message-ID: <498F535E.00000E.01676@KENSCOMPUTER>
A Close Encounter Of A Spiritual Kind
By Kenneth E. Thomas
In the minds of some Christians to speak of ?accepting Jesus as one?s
personal Savior? is akin to heresy. Why so? Perhaps it is because the
language smacks of the denominational doctrine of ?salvation at the point of
faith in Jesus Christ? as has been made popular by Dr. Billy Graham of North
Carolina, a doctrine may I say which flatly contradicts the teaching of the
apostles of Christ, (James 2:14-26;Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). However I desire
to talk about the idea that our salvation from sin must be a heartfelt
personal matter! (Acts 8:37; Rom.10:8-17; Rom. 6:16-18) After one?s initial
salvation from alien sins, the true Christian must maintain a close
spiritual relationship with our Savior (John 12:48;14:21-23; 1 John 1:6-9).
It is my opinion that in order to maintain the ?close relationship? with our
Savior we must of necessity maintain a two way communication with Christ. I
mean by this we read and meditate upon His inspired word allowing our Savior
to ?talk to us? (Hebrews 1:1-2). And we speak to Him as our Advocate in
prayers of petition as well as thanksgiving from time to time,(2 Cor
12:7-10; Philippians 4:13; 1 John 2:1; 5:11-14). Please read the Scripture
references!
We Must Not Demote Christ
Christians should recognize and honor the exalted position to which the
Father has granted His Son (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:19-23; Ephesians
5:22-33; Colossians 1:18; Philippians 2:5-11). Please read references! In
the ?gospel dispensation? The Father has given the Son ?all authority both
on earth and in heaven.? The one exception being the Father Himself (1
Corinthians 15:27).
An Illustration
To Illustrate (Matthew 28:18 & Ephesians 1:19-23), let me tell a story which
in some small way perhaps will serve to illustrate what these passages mean:
Let us suppose that the owner of a large plantation should call his only son
and say something like the following: Son I wish to give you the oversight
of my plantation. All of my servants will not be under your immediate
authority, I reserve Myself as the only exception to this rule. The Son
accepts this exalted position and begins His reign over all the workers..
However as time passes by few or none of the workers come to the son with
their petitions or to ask Him what to do about the various tasks to be
carried out, rather they continue to go over the son?s head and petition His
father. Now just suppose you were the son and few If any recognized your
authority! How do you suppose you would feel about such a situation? Would
you not be disturbed as the manager of the great plantation? Sure you would.
How do you suppose Christ feels when we fail to allow Him His rule over our
lives and rather defer to the Father?
We Draw Closer To Those With Whom We Communicate!
This Should Be Noted As We Observe Communion!
We Are To Observe The Lord?s Supper-(1 Cor. 11:17-26).
We Meet Around The Lord?s (Christ?s) Table-Matt. 26:26-28; Acts 20:6-7).
This It To Be Observed On The Lord?s (Christ?s) Day-Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10).
It Is A Communion of Christ?s Body and Blood-1 Cor. 10:16).
A Major Question For Each To Consider
Don?t you believe we should during the course of this observance at least
hear a ?Thank you, Jesus? in our prayers to the Christ with whom we are
gathered to commune? Must Jesus only over hear in an abstract way how much
we appreciate His sacrifice as we thank His heavenly Father for Jesus?
death?
And now for all those who are still reading and have not already tuned me
out, or deleted this treatise, I wish to list a multiplicity of Bible
passages which authorize Christians to address either or both the Father and
the Son as we pray. Again let me ask that you please read each of the
following passages of holy writ: Col. 3:16-17; Lk. 23:34; Heb. 4:15; John
14:13Acts 7:59-60; 1 Thess 3:11-14; 2 Cor. 12:8-9; 1John 2:1; 5:11-15;1 Tim.
2:5; Rev. 5:7-9; Rev. 22:20; Acts1:15-26, to whom do you suppose the
apostles prayed for divine guidance as to a replacement for Judas, the
apostle who hanged himself? Jesus chose the original twelve, isn?t it only
reasonable to believe that they prayed to Christ on this occasion? Surely
all will agree that this is so.
If it be wrong to address Jesus in at least some of our prayers, pray tell
why do we address Him in many of our hymns as we sing in our assemblies,
songs such as, ?Now Let Us Have A Little Talk With Jesus.? Brethren, it is
just as sinful to sing unauthorized words as it is to preach unauthorized
teaching from the pulpit. If not, please tell me why not? We often sing
such
Songs as, ?Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
? I believe such to be scriptural
how about you?
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Feb 8 17:23:27 2009
From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford)
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 16:23:27 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (2/8/09)
Message-ID: <20090208232618.0BD1E23004E@dumbledore.whizardries.com>
Walking in the Light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105)
February 8, 2009
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:
"Proving Things" (Richard Thetford)
"Honesty, A Much Needed Attribute" (Lalo Enriquez)
"SENTENCE SERMONS
---
PROVING THINGS
Richard Thetford
Have you ever stopped to realize that from the time you awake in the morning
until the time you fall asleep at night that you are proving things. As you
walk through life you are proving who you are in various ways. Paul told the
Thessalonian brethren to "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that
which is good; abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
As Christians we can readily see that we have a grave responsibility to God
to ensure that we prove to others that we live by His commandments. Sit down
sometime and make a list of things you do during the course of a day. On one
side label it "proving things for Jesus" and on the other side label it
"proving things for man". Now list everything you do that day in the
respective category and then see if your life is one that is proving to
others that you are godly or humanistic.
It Begins With Our Heart
There are many aspects of our life that need to be proven. It all starts
with our heart doesn't it? We read again "but just as we have been approved
by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but
God, who examines our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4). We learn from this
scripture that we are not to speak in such a manner that is pleasing to man
but to God because God knows our hearts. He knows where we are putting our
emphasis in life. Everyday we are faced with new situations that test our
faith. We prove ourselves to be godly when we can overcome these tests and
show God that we are loyal to Him. James says "knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance" (James 1:3). We also need to prove we are
Christians by our work.
Proving By Our Work
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. We can see that all of our work here on this
earth will be revealed with fire. Our work will become evident. Paul
explains that gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, and things
such as this (earthly things) will be destroyed. But what is it that will
not be destroyed? Our spiritual works. Nobody or nothing can take away our
spiritual treasures. When the fire comes, the one who has put their
treasures in heaven will be saved. We need to constantly test ourselves.
Paul told the Corinthians "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith;
examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that
Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians
13:5). We must examine ourselves everyday of our lives! We must prove to
ourselves that we are walking in the footsteps of Jesus and no other!
Why and How to Prove Things?
But why are we to prove things? We go back to our opening text in 1
Thessalonians 5:21. We are to examine everything - why? To find the good.
Christians should earnestly seek only what is right in the sight of God, not
what might be pleasing to man or self. We need to prove things so we do not
become reprobate (2 Corinthians 13:5), and deceived (1 John 4:1-6). However
we are never going to know how to prove things and we'll never really know
if we are doing what is pleasing in the sight of God if we do not go to the
source to find out how we are to prove things. What is the source? The
Gospel! It is by the gospel that we can know whether we are doing things in
accordance with the spirit of truth or the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). We
cannot expect to live a life proving ourselves as Christians if we adopt our
manner of walk (morals) based on human standards that are all around us.
"For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who
commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and
compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding". (2
Corinthians 10:12).
Questions to Ponder
>From time to time we need to take a good hard look at ourselves and ask some
questions. Am I proving that I am a CHRISTIAN by my walk in life? Can others
see beyond a doubt that I am a Christian by the way I act, the way I talk,
and the way I dress? Remember, the world doesn't care what we are - but we
do have something to prove to God.
---
HONESTY, A MUCH NEEDED ATTRIBUTE
Lalo Enriquez
Christians, as imitators of Jesus Christ, need to be honest with each other
in all things. Good communication requires loving and considerate honesty.
Allow me to suggest three areas where honesty is required:
In Bible Disagreements. There's absolutely nothing wrong in honestly saying,
"I don't believe God teaches that." Loyalty (and honesty) toward God
requires this. What better example can we have than Jesus honestly
confronting the Pharisees (Matt 15:1-9). In all honesty, with love,
kindness, and like Jesus, controlled anger, show why you disagree - with
scripture.
In Relational Disagreements. Inevitable conflict will result in close
relationships (marriage, friendships, church, etc.). In matters of judgment,
the best response often is "longsuffering and bearing with one another" in
love (Col 3:12-13). But where principle or doctrine is concerned, loving and
concerned honesty requires open Bible communication (Matt 18:15-18; Gal
6:1-2).
In Congregational Service. Men, it is dishonest and hypocritical to have
"personal" unrepented sin in your life and at the same time lead a prayer,
serve on the Table, or do any public church service. Honesty to the
congregation requires you to personally "back-off" of any service until you
get spiritually back on track. The only requirement requested by God to get
forgiveness for this is genuine repentance and prayer (Acts 8:22; 1 John
1:9). Often a forgiven person may require additional time to spiritually
"re-adjust," but in most cases this is a personal decision of honesty with
one's own feelings and conscience.
---
SENTENCE SERMONS
Your bank account does not indicate your true worth.
A religion that is not worth practicing is not worth preaching.
To be a true peacemaker a person must first be at peace with God.
One is truly rich when he has genuine faith in God and contentment.
The road to ruin is broad, attractive and easy to travel - for a while.
We know we love God's children when we love God and obey Him.
To be truly good in a wicked world one must follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word of God is the seed of the kingdom. However, the seed must be sown.
---
SERMON
EXPEDIENCY
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
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
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From bgreen at tycom.net Sun Feb 8 19:05:26 2009
From: bgreen at tycom.net (Bill Green)
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:05:26 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] speech/ public speaking help.
Message-ID: <66D92F91389A49578382C898D3E04954@your4105e587b6>
I am looking to improve my speech and public speaking, to help me in presenting God's word. If you know of any good material, courses, online courses, or books on this subject, I would really appreciate you letting me know. Thanks for your help.
Brotherly,
Bill Green
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From bgreen at tycom.net Sun Feb 8 19:11:10 2009
From: bgreen at tycom.net (Bill Green)
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:11:10 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Church in or near Dumas, Ark.
Message-ID:
I am looking for a congregation at or near Dumas, Ark. If you know of one, please let me know. Also, if you have any contact information it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
Brotherly,
Bill Green
Bruce church of Christ
Bruce, Ms
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 9 01:34:01 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 02:34:01 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (1)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of
a study from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God.
THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (1)
For the Christian the Lord's Supper is a confession. "For as
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the
Lord's death till He come" (1 Cor. 11:26). The word "show" as
here used simply means to declare, proclaim, or make known.
This is what the apostle affirms of the Lord's Supper. It is a con-
fession.
What Does The Christian Confess In The Lord's Supper?
1. He Confesses The Death Of Jesus: -- This is what the passage says:
"Ye do show the Lord's death." The memorial
feast stands as a witness to the death of Jesus with all the impli-
cations that death entails. Whatever the Bible declares about the death of
Jesus the Lord's Supper attests. It affirms the historicity of His life, for
had He not lived He could not have died.
It affirms the historicity of his death and the benefits derived therefrom.
Whether it be considered from the divine viewpoint
or the human, the Lord's Supper affirms whatever may be reveal-
ed about the purpose of Jesus' death. If the sacrifice of His Son
was necessary to the satisfying of God's sense of justice in con-
sidering the reconciliation of sinful man, the Lord's Supper bears witness to
that love. If there must be a mediator between
God and man, the Lord's Supper affirms the sufficiency of Christ
as that mediator. If a high priest is necessary in the divine scheme, the
Lord's Supper avows Jesus to be fitted for that
office. If the sinfulness of man must be viewed in all its heinous-
ness, the Lord's Supper stands as a perpetual reminder of that
sin and the infinite interest of Jehovah in its removal.
2. He Confesses The Second Coming Of Christ: -- "Ye do show the Lord's
death till He comes." In the communion of the
body and blood of Jesus (1 Cor. 10:18), the disciple looks for-
ward as well as backward and has fellowship with the death of
his Lord but not with a dead Lord. He eats and drinks with a liv-
ing Lord, the one who was dead but is now alive forevermore,
who, though dead, "dieth no more" for "death hath no more dominion over Him.
For in that He died, He died unto sin once;
but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God" (Rom. 6:9,10). In the
same line of thought Paul writes: "So Christ was once offered
to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall
He appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Heb. 9:
28). The Lord's Supper, then, comprehends everything from the
death of Christ till His second coming. It is the summit of faith
upon which the Christian places his feet and with panoramic
view sweeps everything before and after him. In it he connects
the past with the future and rejoices at the prospects of his eter-
nal redemption made real at the Lord's second advent and made
possible by the Lord's sacrifice of Himself.
3. He Confesses The Validity Of The New Covenant: -- When
Jesus instituted the Supper He said, "This is My blood of the
new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt.
26:28). Luke's record says, "This cup is the new
testament in My blood, which is shed for you" (Lk. 22:20). That
the Old Covenant was to cease and a new one to be established
was foretold by Jeremiah: "Behold, the days come, saith the
Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel,
and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with
their fathers in the day that I took them by the
hand to bring them out of Egypt...but this shall be the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith
the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in
their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every
man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know
Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the
Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin
no more" (Jer. 31:31-34). In Heb. 8:8-12 Jeremiah's prophecy is
quoted by the Holy Spirit and the following comment made con-
cerning it; "In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the
first old" (Heb. 8:13).
The foregoing passages establish the point that in God's plan there
are two covenants, the old and the new. The cessat-
ion of the old and the establishment of the new were both fore-
told by the prophet. The old covenant was dedicated with blood
and this blood foreshadowed the blood of the new covenant to
be shed by Christ, as Heb. 9:18-26 declares: "Whereupon neith-
er the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when
Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to
the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet
wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and
all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament which
God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled likewise with blood both
the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the minist-
ry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and
without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore nec-
essary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be puri-
fied with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better
sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made
with hands, which are the firgures of the true; but
into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
nor yet tht He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enter-
eth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then
must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the ages, He has appeared to put
away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."
(More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing,
JWS).
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 9 01:33:42 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 02:33:42 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE ENTRY OF SIN
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 ancient files:
THE ENTRY OF SIN
The entry of sin into the world was no accident, but the result of
deliberate effort on the part of Satan and of conscious
disobedience on the part of Eve and Adam. The record of that
first sin is found in Genesis three. The effort that gave rise to sin
was the Devil's attempt to gain the violation of the clearly reveal-
ed law of God, as stated in the prohibition recorded in Gen. 1:16,
17. The will of God was known by the original pair, but an esteem for that
will was lacking. As we study the fall of our com-
mon parents, let us notice the following points:
1. The Devil's Original Effort: -- His first purpose was to undermi-
ne the faith of Eve in what God has said. He accomplished his
purpose by raising a question in the mind and thinking of Eve
concerning God's law. His current methods still include shaking
our faith in the Divine revelation, lest we hold to it and avoid his
wicked practices. He began by asking: "Yea, hath God said, Ye
shall not eat of any tree of the garden?"
2. His Denial Of God's Word: -- After raising a question in her thinking
about God's law, Satan then contradicted what God had said to Eve. "Ye shall not
surely die" was the Devil's affirm-
ation, followed with his effort to cast suspicion upon God's mot-
ives. The verses that follow show that Satan's original effort to
raise doubt in Eve's mind and then his denial of God's word bore fruit in the
transgression committed. The seed of doubt
had been planted, to be watered with disbelief and cultivated
with her own desire for the forbidden fruit: the fruit of sin was
quick to appear.
3. The Avenues Of Temptation: -- The proneness of Eve to sin was encouraged
by the fruit's being good for food, pleasant to
the sight, and desired to make her wise. By means of the aven-
ues fo the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life (1 Jno. 2:14-16). Eve's desire to eat was intensified to the
point of her partaking of the fruit.
4. The Results Achieved: -- By the sin of Eve and her husband
Adam, sin entered the world, "and death through sin." (Rom. 5:
12). In addition to the spiritual death considered in Rom. 5 (spirit-
ual because of its contrast with the life brought by Christ, which
is spiritual), we learn from later verses in Genesis three that en-
mity between the woman and Satan commenced; pain in child-
birth was multiplied; woman's being ruled over by her husband;
the ground was cursed; the efforts of man to cultivate his crops
and to labor were made more difficult. In addition to all of these
results, the sinners fo that day (Adam and Eve) died spiritually,
even as God had warned. See Isa. 59:1,2 in connection with
death resulting from sin.
By looking back at the Devil's first effort and his first succe-
ss, we can learn of the way in which he operates, even until this
day, and of the tragic consequences of sin among men. Read
Genesis three and resolve to "resist the Devil." (Jas. 4:7). ---------
Bobby L. Graham in Gospel Guide, Vol. 29, No. 7.
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From kthomas at dnet.net Mon Feb 9 14:33:19 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 14:33:19 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] A Local Church of Christ
Message-ID: <4990930F.000009.00532@KENSCOMPUTER>
WHAT CONSTITUTES A LOCAL CHURCH OF CHRIST?
A Reprint By Kenneth E. Thomas
A given group of Christians living in a particular community does not
necessarily constitute a ?local church of Christ? until and unless they
decide to become such and then set about seeking to fulfil the Biblical
requirements of a local congregation in that area. Meaning they accept the
responsibility of carrying out the mission of a local congregation,
establish a treasury and schedule the services required to engage in
collective worship each Lord?s day (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Phil.
4:13-20; 2 Cor. 11:8). They must also begin the process of ?setting in order
the things that are lacking? so they may eventually come to full
organization with elders, deacons, and saints (Titus 1:5; Phil. 1:1; Acts
14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17).
Wallace Little, a fellow evangelist suggested the following (four
things) with which I agree and to which I added the rest as I understand
this important subject. A local church (congregation) is defined by four
things. Let us study these four things listed below in order:
ONE:---The plan of salvation.
TWO:---The work of the congregation.
THREE:---The worship of the congregation.
FOUR:---Congregational autonomy.
ONE: One doesn?t become a member of a particular local congregation when as
a penitent believer one is baptized into Christ for the remission of past
sins and is reconciled unto God in one body by the cross (Romans 6:3-6;
Galatians 3:26-29; Acts 2:22-38, 41,47; Ephesians 2:13-16), still the
conditions for membership in the church universal as just cited must be that
which is taught on the local level and that which we have a right to expect
before we extend fellowship to anyone in the local congregation. (1 John
1:1-7; 2 John 8-11) We have not the right to accept one into our local
fellowship who has done less than the Lord required for citizenship in His
kingdom. By the same token, we dare not demand more than He demands of one
to come into His church universal. Only His apostles were given ?binding and
loosing powers? (Matthew 16:13-19; Matthew 18:18; Acts 2:42; Acts 15:24;
Galatians 1:6-11; Romans 16:16-18).
TWO: To engage in functions as a local church differing from that which was
assigned to each local congregation under apostolic oversight, becomes a
departure from the faith once delivered (Jude 3). Such departures are
serious matters which displease our Lord (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11;
Romans 16:16-18; Revelation 22:18-19). The sum total of what local
congregations engaged in and supported from the weekly contribution when the
apostles lived and worked among them, forms the pattern for what each local
church is authorized to do today with Christ?s approval. The reason this is
so, is because the apostles were ?guided into all truth? (John 16:12-13;
John 12:48; James 1:25; 2 Timothy 3;16-17).
Only congregations that continued in ?the apostle?s teachings? were
considered faithful to Christ (Acts 2:42; Acts 15:24; Philippians 4:8-9; 1
Corinthians 11:1).
According to the New Testament pattern, each local church of the New
Testament order is authorized to engage in three activities: 1). Preach and
teach the word (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 11:8;
Philippians 4:13-20). 2). Edify themselves (Hebrews 10:23-25; 1
Thessalonians 5:11-21). 3). Relieve needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts
2:44-45; Acts 4:32-37; 6:1-6; 11:26-30; 1 Timothy 5:16; Romans 15:25-31; 2
Corinthians 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5, 12).
Local churches of Christ who have chosen to announce and engage in purely
social or recreational activities and support such from the collective
treasury have departed from the divine pattern and are not abiding in the
teaching of Christ. So called ?fellowship halls? which necessitate so called
?church kitchens? are not identified with apostolic practices for local
congregations of the Lord?s faithful disciples. Local churches which provide
?recreational facilities? either on campus or elsewhere and announce or
support such from the local treasury, are not to be identified with true
congregations of the New Testament order. Churches which confuse ?individual
activities? with ?collective church activities? are not being true to the
New Testament teachings (1 Timothy 5:16; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians
11:22, 34).
THREE: Collective worship simply means things we do congregationally, or
when assembled as a church on the Lord?s day. Each Lord?s day under
apostolic instruction or by approved apostolic examples, local congregations
of the New Testament order engaged in certain practices which did not
characterize their worship on other days of the week. They came together to
observe communion (Acts 20:6-7). Each disciple gave into a common treasury
to support the authorized functions of the collective (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
Prayers and singing and teaching were engaged in each Lord?s day (Acts 12:5
Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:15), but these were not
limited to the Lord?s day assemblies as were the Lord?s supper and taking up
of a collection. An individual or a group of individuals may sing and pray
and teach any day of the week (James 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Timothy
2:2; Hebrews 5:12). All worship must be ?in spirit and in truth? (John
4:23-24). Everything we do must be done by Christ?s authority (Colossians
3:17).
FOUR: Maintaining their autonomy (?elders in every church? Acts 14:23; Titus
1:5) and ?feeding the flock among you,?(1 Peter 5:1-4), is another mark of
faithful New Testament congregations. When brethren set up ?human
institutions? and so called ?sponsoring elderships? through which churches
make contributions and surrender their oversight to either a ?board of
directors? or a ?super eldership?, they have left the divine pattern as
given by apostolic command, approved apostolic examples or necessary
inferences, and are not ?abiding in the apostles? doctrine? and this
constitutes sin.(1 John 3:4; 2 John 9-10; Romans 16:16-18).
Is the congregation with which you are associated truly a New Testament
congregation when viewed in the light of the things we have considered in
this lesson? If you would like to study further with us, please know that we
are eager to do so. If we are wrong in our conclusions we need to know it,
conversely, if what we have set forth is right and you are a member of a
congregation which differs from these biblical principles and examples then
you are wrong for doing so and need to make adjustments in your thinking and
in that which you are presently supporting and engaging in for which no
biblical authority exists. Souls are too precious for either of us to take
chances with.
Sincerely,
Kenneth E. Thomas
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Feb 9 21:52:17 2009
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 22:52:17 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Romans 8:12-23: Adoption and Redemption
Message-ID:
Romans 8:12-23: Adoption and Redemption
I. Base Text: Romans 8:12-23
II. Understanding the Text
A. Context: Romans 8:1-11
1. No condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
2. Jesus as means of redemption from law of sin and death
(Romans 8:2-4)
3. Walking by Spirit, not by flesh (Romans 8:5-8)
4. Having the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead
(Romans 8:9-11)
B. Living by the Spirit (Romans 8:12-13)
1. Debtors not to walk by flesh
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: bought with a price
3. Contrast: walk by flesh and die, walk by Spirit and live
4. Speaking spiritually
C. Adoption as Sons (Romans 8:14-18)
1. Those led by the Spirit also considered sons of God
2. Sonship here by adoption
3. Not the spirit of slavery, but spirit of adoption
4. cf. Romans 6:13-18
5. Cry of "Abba, Father!"
6. "Abba" as very personal term for one's father, indicates
closeness of relationship we should have with God
7. Spirit bearing witness with our own spirit that we are God's
children
8. If children, then heirs, if we suffer (cf. 1 Peter 2:20-24)
9. Suffering not comparable to what we will obtain
(cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
D. Redemption of the Body and Creation (Romans 8:19-23)
1. Creation as subjected to futility
2. Genesis 3:17-19
3. Looks forward to being unshackled from futility
4. 2 Peter 3:9-12
5. "Groaning as in childbirth"
6. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
7. Groan inwardly as we await adoption, redemption of our
bodies
8. 1 Corinthians 15
III. Applications
A. Great encouragement for the believer in these passages
B. Importance of Righteous Living (Romans 8:12-13)
1. We have these promises of no condemnation if we walk by the
Spirit
2. But we must walk by the Spirit!
3. Romans 6:13-18
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 5:17-24
C. Sonship Through Adoption (Romans 8:14-15)
1. Parable of prodigal son sees a believer as a wayward son
who returns (Luke 15)
2. Different images for different purposes!
3. Adoption: act of grace, unmerited, places one in legitimate
family relationship
4. Better future than past
5. Sense in which adoption as future: resurrected body always
with the Lord (cf. Romans 8:23)
6. Thanks be to God!
D. Abba Father (Romans 8:16)
1. Taken to extreme by some, calling God "Daddy"
2. Yet the idea remains that God is not to be considered distant
and cantankerous!
3. He represents the devoted and loving Father who desires a
strong and close relationship with His children!
4. Consider Hebrews 12:5-11
E. Suffering and Glory (Romans 8:17-18)
1. Suffering as necessary for the Christian life
2. What is that doing in an encouraging passage?
3. Recognition of reality
4. Yet look at the next verse: reward greater than suffering
5. Something to hold on to!
F. Subjection and Redemption (Romans 8:19-23)
1. A very puzzling passage for many reasons
2. What could it mean?
3. Creation subjected to futility in the Fall
4. With the cleansing of fire, possibility of new heavens and
earth, renewal of creation (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-11,
Revelation 21-22)
5. This "redemption" refers to the resurrection, since
redemption from sin has already been accomplished in Jesus
6. In the resurrection, body no longer subjected to futility--
transformed (cf. 1 Corinthians 15)
7. An encouraging message: all the futility and misery will
end in redemption and eternity!
IV. Conclusion
A. Romans 8:12-23: an extremely encouraging passage
1. Adopted children of God
2. If we suffer, what we obtain is greater
3. We look toward the day when all will be freed from decay
and futility!
B. Let us become adoptive children of God and look forward to
our redemption!
C. 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
Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna
From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 10 03:30:27 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:30:27 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (2)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second installment
of this particular subject. Use to the glory of God.
THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (2)
What Does The Christian Confess In The Lord's Supper?
3. He Confesses The Validity If The New Covenant (cont.).
Heb. 9:20 is a quotation from Exo. 24:8. The similarity between this
statement by Moses at the dedication of the Old
Covenant and the statement of Jesus when He gave the Lord's
Supper is readily seen. Note them: Moses -- "This is the blood
of the testament which God hath enjoined upon you;" (Heb. 9:20
Jesus -- "This is My blood of the new testament which is shed for many for
the remission of sins" (Matt.26:28). That the blood
of Christ dedicated and made valid teh new covenant is clear from the
following: "But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle,
not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither
by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He enter-
ed in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redempt-
ion for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes
of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of
the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal
Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb.
9:11-14). It is the blood of Jesus, then, tht makes the new covenant valid and thus
purges its subjects from sin,
sanctifies, and makes them meet for the Master's use, "for by one offering,
He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified"
(Heb. 10:14).
In his observance of the Lord's Supper, then, the Christian
confesses the validity of the new covenant because the blood of
Christ is that which gives power and effectuality to it. In this feast he
bears witness tht every thought of his heart, every word
of his mouth, and every deed of his life, prompted by his relation-
ship to the Testator of the New Covenant, is registered with app-
roval in heaven. Not because of any inherent righteousness
within the person who performs such deeds but because of the
righteousness transmitted to the New Covenant by the Testator
of it, is his approval possible. It is with this consciousness that
disciples should partake of the sacred feast. "But let a man ex-
amine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the
cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body"
(1 Cor. 11:28,29).
4. He Confesses The Existence Of The Kingdom: -- At the
giving of the Lord's Supper Jesus said, "I will not drink hence-
forth of this fruit of the vine, until that day I drink it new with you
in My Father's kingdom" (Matt. 26:29). From this we conclude
that the Lord's Supper was to be a feature of His kingdom. Wheresoever,
therefore, we find the observance of the Lord's
Supper by those for whom it was intended, we find the kingdom
of God. Acts 20:7 shows the disciples at Troas observing the
"breaking of bread" and 1 Cor. 10;16; and 11:20-30 reveal the
church at Corinth communing with Christ in the Lord's Supper.
The kingdom existed, therefore, for the Lord's Supper was observed.
5. He Confesses The Identity Of The Kingdom And The Church: -- The
Supper was to be in the kingdom, but 1 Cor. 11
shows the "church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Cor. 1:2) partic-
ipating in its observance. Unless, therefore, it can be shown that the
Lord's Table was removed from the kingdom and placed
in the church, we necessarily concluded that the church and the
kingdom are indentical in their ruler, citizenship, and law. Christ
is the King of the kingdom and Head of the church; Christians
are citizens in he kingdom and members of the church; the apos-
tles' doctrine is the law of the kingdom and the rule of the church, and it
was the apostles' doctrine which gave direction
concerning the proper observance of the Lord's Supper in the
church at Corinth. Jesus said, "I appoint unto you a kingdom,
that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom" (Lk. 22:29,
30). 1 Cor. 10:21 shows that the church of Christ cannot partake
"of the Lord's table and the table of devils" at the same time, thus not only
identifying the church and the kingdom again
through the Lord's Table, but also identifying the kingdom of
God (Matt. 26:29) with the kingdom of Christ -- "My kingdom"
(Lk. 22:30). (The final installment of this study will be posted
tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS).
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 10 03:30:17 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:30:17 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) FATAL RICHES
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:
FATAL RICHES
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which
some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierc-
ed themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10).
There was a story in the news about a German billionaire who threw
himself in front of a train last week. The family con-
firmed that he took his own life. They said, "The distress to his
firms caused by the financial crisis and the related uncertainties
of recent weeks, along with the helplessness of no longer being
able to act, broke the passionate family businessman, and he
ended his life."
After reading the article I thought about how sad it is to be in
a frame of mind that says, "Because of the loss of riches, and
without the ability to change that, the next best solution is to take my own
life." Paul tells us that those who seek after riches,
"pierced themselves through with many sorrows." This man
could not live with the fact that he had lost so much money in the markets,
as well as his standing in financial circles. While
striving for prosperity and great riches he lost everything. He
had pierced himself with many sorrows.
If only he would have learned the lesson Paul gave in 1 Tim.
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And
having food and clothing, with these we shall be con-
tent" (1 Tim. 6:6-8). Contentment does not come by having more
and more stuff, for surely the loss of it would be great. Content-
ment is a frame of mind. We are commanded in Heb. 13:5 to "be
content with such things as you have." Surely if we put money
in its proper place, and are content no matter what happens in
life, we can keep ourselves from the many sorrows that people
of the world find while chasing the "almighty dollar."
One of the tragic things about this story is that he was survi-
ved by children and grandchildren. What great lessons he could have taught
them about succeeding and rolling with the
punches, about getting up when you are down, about learning
to be content with whatever you have. Instead the lesson he left
them was "when all seems lost, it really is."
I am certain that this billionaire now knows the tragedy of
what he has done. He ended his life because he thought he had
lost everything, but by ending his life he truly did loose every-
thing. Certainly we can say that the love of money destroyed
this man and destroyed his only chance to learn true content-
ment in this life and for all eternity-- THE END. --- Aaron C. Andrews in
Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 2, Jan. 11, 2009.
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From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue Feb 10 14:08:13 2009
From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:08:13 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] Q> Burial versus Cremation
Message-ID:
I had a question come to me that I thought I'd get your repsonse on. How
would you answer this? Since this is not a discussion list, you may reply
privately.
Thanks in advance,
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Feb 10 17:13:15 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:13:15 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] New PowerPoint sermons just published to Bible Truths
Message-ID: <001401c98bd5$27952330$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin with a PowerPoint update notice:
I have just published new PowerPoint sermons to www.bibletruths.net
To view these and hundreds of others, enter through the door on the
home page and click on, "PowerPoint Sermons" in the directory. Here
are some of the new ones:
"The Law of Silence, Under Attack"
"Sermon on the Mount"
"The Global Gospel"
"Truth, How Much?"
"Ye Would Not"
"The Twelve Spies"
"Salvaton and Salvationn"
"The Human Body"
"Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14"
You are free to use these PowerPoint sermons and make minor change
for adaptation. Please contact me for permission should you desire
to publish these files or make major change, as they are copyrighted.
From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 11 02:23:37 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:23:37 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) JESUS: THE WAY OUT OF CONFUSION
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:
JESUS: THE WAY OUT OF CONFUSION
The religious world is filled with ideas and faiths. Different
"holy books" offer differing standards by which people should
live. Some worship one god; others worship many deities. Some emphasize the
deity "inside of each of us."
Multiplicities of religious beliefs are extremely confusing. Even in
the "Christian faith" so-called there are conflicting denominational ideas
that often leave our heads spinning. How
do we find our way out of this malaise and back on the path
toward God?
The answer is found in Jesus' life and teachings. In the first
century, great religious divisions existed among God's people.
Greek and Roman influences lay behind many of these differen-
ces. Alexander The Great had spread Hellenistic customs, pract-
ices, and religions over the world. Later, reaction to Rome's rule
and its religions caused the Jews to splinter further in their unity of
faith. Many Jewish sects developed. Sadducees were
willing to compromise some of God's teachings to safe the temp-
le and keep their position. They claimed to believe the Scriptur-
es but denied tht a spiritual realm existed and, therefore, discounted the
resurrection of the dead. The Pharisees were
opposed to spiritual compromise. Originally, they were determin-
ed to carefully keep God's Word. This effort eventually turned
into the exaltation of human ideas and traditions-- exalting them
even above God's revealed Will. Jesus was hounded by Phari-
sees His entire life. Other groups such as the Zealots, the Publi-
cans, and the Herodians had political agendas as well as religio-
us disagreements. The Essenes avoided it all by withdrawing
from society and formed smaller religious communities. Confus-
ion reigned!
How did Jesus deal with all these differences? First, there
are several things that He did not do. He did not throw up His
hands and say, "I give up! There are so many contradictory con-
cepts. Why should I try?"
Secondly, He never implied that truth was not essential. He
did not suggest that one idea is as good as another. Finally,
though Jesus believed truths found in each of the groups we
have mentioned, He refused to join any of them. Jesus continu-ously
meditated on God's Word. A twelve year old Jesus discus-
sed Scripture with Jewish religious scholars (Lk. 2:45-47). Years
later, He astounded formally trained Jews with His knowledge
of God's Law and His ability to properly use it. Jesus told them
plainly, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me." (Jno. 7:
15,16). While denouncing the hypocrisy of the scribes and the
Pharisees, our Lord emphasized the necessity of listening to
and obeying the Word of God that they taught (Matt. 23:2,3). Like Jesus, we
can make our way through the numerous false
and confusing ideas by holding to God's Word, the Bible. We
can help our family and friends by teaching them to do the same. ------
David Hartsell in The Charlottesville Beacon, Vol. 2,
No. 16, Jan. 7, 2007, via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 2, Jan. 11, 2009.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 11 02:23:58 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:23:58 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (3)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the third and final
installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God.
THE LORD'S SUPPER -- A CONFESSION (3)
When Does The Christian Make This Confession? -- The text
says, "As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do
show the Lord's death till He come." How oft is "as often?" This question
is answered in the New Testament by the practice
of the disciples regarding the observance of the Lord's Supper.
When Jesus gave the Great Commission He told the apostl-
es to baptize those taught "teaching them (the baptized ones) to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:18-20). If the
apostles followed the Lord's instructions, what-
ever the church (baptized ones) practiced in its assembly, it
practiced at the apostles' instructions. Acts 20:7 shows that
"upon the first day of the week" the disciples at Troas "came to-
gether to break bread." This church had been planted accord-
ing to the apostles' doctrine and hence had been instructed not
only in what was to be done with reference to the Lord's Supper
but when it was to be done also. It was the "first day of the week," the
record declares.
The presence of Paul in the meeting and praticipation in that
service is proof positive it was by apostolic approval and instruc-
tion tht the first day of the week was the day peculiar to the obse-
rvance of the Lord's Supper. This point is further enhanced by
the fact that Paul and his company waited in Troas seven days
after arriving there before having opportunity to "break bread."
The purpose of the assembling was to "break bread" and the
assembling occurred on "the first day of the week." Had there
been no "breaking of bread" in that assembly there is no reason
to think there would have been an assembly of any kind by the
disciples on "the first day of the week." The same verse in the
New Testament that authorizes Christians to meet together at
all on the Lord's Day shows unmistakably the primary design of
their assembling -- that whcih brought them together. While
teaching, prayer, and other acts of edification undoubtedly char-
acterized the meeting once it had taken place, the fact remains
that the object of their assembling was "to break bread," to ob-
serve the Lord's Supper. Since the first day of the week came
every eighth day and since every week has a first day, we con-
clude that "as often" as the first day of each week came, each
first day the disciples assembled to break bread. And the first
day of the week, each week, every week, like the brethren at
Troas, disciples now come together "to break bread" and thus
"show the Lord's death till He come." ---- James R. Cope in The
Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 10, August 1952.
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From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Wed Feb 11 08:42:31 2009
From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com)
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:42:31 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] Q> Burial vs Cremation AGAIN
Message-ID:
Brethren, my apologies but I forgot to actually insert the question into the
previous e-mail I sent. (It's a bummer getting old!)
The question put to me was "Why is it that most christians practice burial as
opposed to cremation?"
Thanks again for your consideration,
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
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From onealpha2 at mchsi.com Wed Feb 11 11:10:20 2009
From: onealpha2 at mchsi.com (art loeber)
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:10:20 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Looking for a cogregation
Message-ID: <3750688CAA5C4E698BBCD9FF609DC478@yourd2def5f568>
Hi ye all
We are having a reunion in Angel Fire, New Mexico this June. Do any of you know of a church nearby.
Art Loeber
davenport. IA
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 12 03:38:17 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:38:17 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study on the Holy
Spirit. Use to the glory of God.
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Note: The controversy over the question as to whether or
not the gift of the Holy Spirit means that He literally resides in
the Christian's body or that there is no gift of the Holy Spirit at all
for God's people today continues to plague our brotherhood. In
light of this division the following article is presented for your
kind consideration. It is in two parts; the final portion will be giv-
en tomorrow, the Lord willing.
The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit: -- Just ten days after His ascens-
ion back to heaven, Jesus, on Pentecost (A.D. 30), from the right
hand of the Father's throne, personally sent down the Holy Spirit on the
twelve, as Peter affirmed that day, "He (Jesus) pour-
ed out this which you now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). This was
not to make them His apostles, for He had one that already (Lk.
6:13). It was in order for the Holy Spirit to teach them, "all things" of
God; to bring to their "remembrance all things," which Christ had said to them
(Jno. 14:26); to "guide them into
all truth" (Jno. 16:13); and to provide them "power" (Acts 1:8).
Through which power, they were to do many, "signs and wond-
ers, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit" to confirm
the Word of God (Heb. 2:3,4; Mk. 16:17-20). This was the baptism of the
twelve in the Holy Spirit, which Christ had prom-
ised to them (Acts 1:4,5). Not all the 120 spoken of in Acts 1:15
were baptized in the Holy Spirit, but only the apostles, as the
reading of Acts 1:26; 2:1,14,37,42,43 shows. When the apostles
received the power from on high they did not string together a
babel of non-sense or spout out a few Hebrew words in vain rep-
etition as those who claim the power of Pentecost today. They
spoke real tongues or languages of real people as those who
heard that day affirmed, "we hear, each in our own language in
which we were born" (Acts 2:8).
According to the inspired record, baptism of the Holy Spirit
occurred only one other time and that was about ten years later
on the first Gentile converts in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:
44-48). It was not to make them apostles, nor did they receive
this special gift in order to guide them into all truth. That, as not-
ed, had been promised to the apostles; but these Gentiles did
have in a miraculous manner "the gift of the Holy Spirit...poured
out on (them) also" (Acts 10:45), directly from the hand of Christ
Jesus. This was done in order to prove to the Jews, that had
travelled here with Peter, that the Gentiles, as well as they, were
to have the gospel.
Later the believing Jews at Jerusalem called upon Peter to
give an account of his conduct in Caesarea. As the record shows (Acts
11:1-18) he gave an orderly and detailed descript-
ion of the events, which had led up to his decision to command
baptism in water for the Gentiles at Cornelius' house (Acts 10:47,48). Not
only this, but Peter did not indicate in any way that such a miraculous gift,
of the Holy Spirit directly from Jesus,
was a common occurrence. In fact, he did the opposite for he
had to go all the way back to Pentecost, approximately ten years
before, to find a like example. He said, "The Holy Spirit fell upon
them, as upon us at the beginning" (Acts 11:15). He didn't say,
as on us "last night," "last week," "last month" or "last year" as
many claim today.
On the day of Pentecost there had been two baptisms: (1) Holy Spirit
baptism on the twelve (Acts 2:1-8), and (2) the baptism of about 3000 (Acts
2:38-41) in water. This latter baptism was according to the authority of Christ,
as given in the
great commission, even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts
8:36-38). There were two baptisms at Cornelius' house
according to Acts 10;47; Holy Spirit baptism and water baptism.
Yet, twenty years after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Caesa-
rea, around A.D. 60, Paul affirmed by the Spirit Himself that there
was "one Lord, One faith, One baptism" (Eph. 4:5). Holy Spirit
baptism had ceased to be given by that date and it does not
occur today. There is now one baptism (that commanded in the
great commission), not two.
The Holy Spirit By The Apostles' Hands: -- The church at its begi-
nning had only the Old Testament Scriptures (Acts 17:11). When a
congregation was begun it had no written account of
Christ's life, the Acts or any of the twenty-one letters, which are
in the New Testament. Therefore, Jesus at the beginning, in a
miraculous way, set certain positions among the disciples to
provide for the young churches until they could have the faith
and the knowledge of Him in unified form. As it is written, "He
Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evang-
elists, and some pastors (also called elders or overseers Acts 20:17,28, and
teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the
work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all
come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of
God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the ful-
ness of Christ; that we should not longer be children, tossed to
and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine..." (Eph. 4:
11-14).
Later some of these, such as evangelists (2 Tim. 4:1-5) elders
(pastors) (Titus 1:5-9), and teachers (2 Tim. 2:2) were set
in the churches by means of the Word. Yet, as noted, at the first,
such positions in the early church were done in a miraculous
manner by the Lord, until the knowledge of Jesus, and the faith
in unified form, could be given. the Savior also arranged for the
Holy Spirit to distribute certain miraculous gifts among the dis-
ciples, as it is written, "there are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:4).
There were nine of the gifts: (1) wisdom, (2) knowledge, (3)
faith, (4) healings, (5) miracles, (6) prophecy, (7) discerning of
Spirits, (8) various kinds of tongues or languages, and (9) the
interpretation of such tongues (1 Cor. 12:7-10). These were dis-
tributed among the disciples in the first century by the Holy Spirit, through
the apostles, for the record says, "Simon saw
that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit
was given..." (Acts 8:18). Simon had seen Philip, the evangelist,
perform miracles, wonders and signs (Acts 8:5-8): but he had not seen him
impart what Peter called, "the gift of God" (Acts 8:20), which produced such
miraculous powers among the first
century Christians. Philip was able to perform miracles himself
because the apostles had earlier laid their hands on him (Acts
6:5,6); but he could not pass that power to others as the apostles did.
Luke wrote, at the time of the apostles' arrival among the
Samaritan disciples concerning their receipt of the Holy Spirit:
"For as yet He had fallen on none of them" (Acts 8:16), shows they had
received no miraculous manifestation of the Spirit prior
to the apostles' arrival. We must note, Philip and the other six
brothers chosen with him to serve widow's tables in Jerusalem
were men filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3,5) before the apost-
les laid hands on them, but it was not a miraculous gift of the
Holy Spirit. The miraculous manifestation of the Spirit came on
the seven after the apostles had laid their hands upon them (Acts 6:6-8; 1
Cor. 12:7).
The sending of two apostles, Peter and John, to impart such
spiritual gifts among the disciples at Samaria after Philip had
converted them, illustrates the apostolic practice of providing
rapid leadership for the new congregations. Paul's inquiry about certain
disciples receiving the Holy Spirit at Ephesus, their "re" - baptism for the
right purpose, and his subsequent
imparting of the Holy Spirit to them (Acts 19:1-6), confirms this
practice of the apostles among the first century churches. These were
temporary gifts until the perfect gift: God's complet-
ed revelation to man, could be given, that is, the unified form "of
the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 4:11-14).
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth about A.D. 57 speaking
of this complete or perfect gift: "whether there are prohecies,
they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; wheth-
er there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part
and we prophesy in part. But when that which (note: The prom-
ise concerned, "that which" was to come not "He who.") is per-
fect has come, then that which is in part will done away" (1 Cor.
13:8-10). Daniel, in speaking of the seventy weeks determined
on the Jews, said one thing the Messiah (Jesus) would do, was,
"to seal up vision and prophecy" (Dan. 9:24). This He did with
the death of John (A.D. 98) and those upon whom the apostles
had laid hands. Zechariah had also foretold that God would
"cause the prophets and the unclean spirits to depart from the
land" (Zec. 13:2). This took place with the close of the apostolic
age. Today there are no prophets of God (Zec. 13:3). (There have been no
latter-day prophecies since the days of the apostles and those upon whom they
laid their hands, JWS) The
masses don't have to depend on a part of God's Word in this man and a part in
that. Today all men may have God's complete
(perfect) revelation, the Holy Bible. Since, the apostles were dis-
tributors of these nine miraculous gifts, when they died and those on whom
they had laid their hands died also, the age of
miracles closed. We walk by faith, hearing the Word of God and
believing the signs that have been written (Jno. 20:30,31). We are not a
wicked and adulterous generation that keeps on demanding signs (Matt. 12:38,39)
after God has confirmed His
Word and closed vision and prophecy. (More will be written on
this subject, tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS).
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 12 03:38:02 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:38:02 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE POWER IS IN THE SEED
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:
THE POWER IS IN THE SEED
I walked out in my garden
A garden truly rare
For in this garden
I could see Some lessons for me there.
I took a seed and planted it
Along the fertile row
And patiently I watered it
Then it began to grow.
The days went by the plant it grew
>From seed, to plant, to flower;
And taught me there the lesson
Of God's Almighty power.
It wasn't in the planting
Nor yet the constant care
The life was in the seed
And only God could put it there.
When planting seed that's pure and clean
The outcome then is sure
The plant will be as God decreed
In form and flower pure.
My part in this was planting
And care from day to day
But I did not produce that flower
In any sort of way.
It came from life within the seed
That only comes from God,
And my part was to simply place
That seed within the sod.
It opened up my eyes to see
The truth of God's own Word
It is the seed to save the soul
But first it must be heard.
It is my part to place it in
The heart of everyone
By teaching and exhorting
'Til all God's work is done.
The germ of life eternal
Is within God's Word contained
And will produce what God decreed
Wht God hath foreordained.
The pure seed of the Word of God
Free from the ways of men
Will grow into a Christian
Into one that's free from sin.
So do not think your part so great
Nor think it yet so small
For if there is no sower
There is no flower at all.
Just do what God has asked you
And trust His mighty power
To turn that seed of His own Word
>From see, to plant, to flower.
Mary Lou Armstrong in Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 2, Jan. 11,
2009.
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From GLClair at aol.com Thu Feb 12 07:39:14 2009
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:39:14 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] Article - The Road to Spiritual Health
Message-ID:
The Road to Spiritual Health
There are many people who are ill today, suffering from dangerous maladies.
Although this is not new, there are a greater number of people suffering from
illness. It seems that in spite of the fact that there are new cures for
many of the serious diseases that afflict mankind the number of people expiring
increases each year. Many of these people will expire from cancer, heart
problems, venereal diseases, and illegal drug abuse. Indeed, most of these deaths
and others occur to people who have never considered the greatest disease of
all that affects the living and those that die.
That disease is ?sin?. Yes! Many people never consider the fact that they
may die some day (Heb. 9:27). Most of us are unconcerned with the idea of
death until we reach an old age. Yet many people die before they reach 70 years
of age. A large number of the population in America will die while still
young due to accidents, illegal drug abuse, venereal diseases, and other factors.
Many of these will never have thought of death until it suddenly takes them
away from the living. Most of the people who die while still young never
consider the death of their soul (i.e. eternal separation from God) - Heb.
9:27-28, 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them
that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
(KJV)
Yet, to die while still in sin means that one will never go to heaven (i.e.
a glorious paradise prepared for all the ?saved from sin? people of all
ages). Because of this alarming fact I want to let you know that God loves you
and does not want you to die and never know him (John 3:16). I want to
introduce you to the God of the Bible and God?s Heaven prepared for the people who
have been saved from their sins and have lived and died as faithful children of
God - cf. 1 Cor 2:9, But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him. (KJV)
You need not worry and fret about these matters while you are able to do
something about your status with God. You can make your plans to go to heaven
someday by coming to the Lord on His terms ? cf. Matt 11:28-30, 28 Come unto me
, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light. (KJV)
For a better understanding of this process of becoming a Christian and
gaining confidence in your future with God please contact us at _glclair at aol.com_
(mailto:glclair at aol.com) or send us a request by U.S. Mail and enroll in a 7
lesson Bible correspondence course that will assist you in knowing God and
God?s plans for your future. Remember this; we do not know what tomorrow holds
for us; while we are healthy and alert we ought to consider each day as a
wonderful gift from God and plan to be with Him someday.
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - February 10, 2009
SEE ALSO ? considermagazine.com
**************Nothing says I love you like flowers! Find a florist near you
now. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=florist&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000001)
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Thu Feb 12 10:39:51 2009
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:39:51 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Sex question (question/answer)
Message-ID: <00c201c98d30$8764da10$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>
Don Martin with question number 2, 000 for our year:
A number of the questions that come to us are "sex questions." As
long as these are asked seriously and with dignity, I privately treat
them. I have had the opportunity to accomplish good in this area, I
think. In some of my work, I agreed to work with especially younger
prostitutes and attempt to "reform" them. The Madam did not approve
of prostitution, she said, and she would put the troubled younger
women in touch with me and I would attempt to work with them and
bring them out of the prostitution lifestyle (I complied with all
legal requisites). I have also, I say this without revealing too
much information, worked with other organizations and even law
enforcement related entities in an effort to break people of their
serious addictions, many sexual in nature. I personally turn about
600 questions a year that pertain to sexual aberrations, etc. Sex is
wonderful as created by God, but if not exercised as God intended, it
can be devastating. There are even many problems within members of
the church, including a larger than one would think, number of
preachers and elders.
We are in general very protective of the identity of those who come
to us for help (I never supply real names, etc.). I can tell you now
that while we believe we have accomplished much good (baptisms,
etc.), there have also been some heart breaking experiences,
especially involving young girls and their parents.
The below question and answer is not that explicit (I omitted parts)
and I thought I would share it with the list. I would warn
preachers, especially younger men to be very careful in doing such a
work. I say this for several reasons, one being the attendant
temptation that might be experienced, possible entrapment
circumstances, and some attempting to create of situation offering
possible blackmail opportunities, etc. Always be very professional
and avoid any situation of email correspondence that even appears to
be manipulative or designing. This is one reason we (the elders) do
not allow the other men constituting our "answering staff," most in
their forties, to treat these questions. Also, it does not hurt to
carry good liability insurance and work with your company to avoid
possible legal issues and lawsuits.
Some have talked to me about one day agreeing to publish a book of
these thousands of questions and answers. As you might know, the sex
questions would be the most popular. I think such could be good;
however, I am just a little timid about publicly treating a number of
the questions, especially without being able to control the audience.
Hello Joe,
Thank you so much for your question and for making
use of Bible Questions. Please do so again.
http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible
Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the
archives search page and type in any subject or word you
wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to
both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these
sites will be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible,
there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths.
While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the
Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the
table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.
You asked:
My question is If my wife and I are happily married and,
we as a couple decide to allow other couples in our bed
is that a sin. I know the bible is pretty forth coming about extra
marital affairs but if we are both involved and no one is hurt is
that also adultery. It has always been my opinion that if we were
both involved it was just an extension of our Love for each other
and a way to give pleasure to each other without sinning....
Reply:
I have been involved through the years in working with a number of
couples who experienced all sorts of various problems. Some of the
most challenging problems were during the age of the seventies and
especially first half of the eighties. It was during this time that
some "marriage counselors" advocated to dissatisfied couples that
they engage in group sex. I recall one couple in particular. He had
become utterly insensitive and without the ability to exercise true
filial affection and she was on the verge of suicide. "I have lost
all respect for myself and I now consider myself a major part in the
marriage failure, I do not want to go on living!" She had been
convinced by the counselor and her husband to engage in group sex,
alternating partners.
I am not totally sure about your exact circumstance. However, even
if you are not "switching partners," such is still sinful and
inappropriate behavior.
In a word, such activity ("switching partners") is fornication and in
this exact case, adultery. The marriage bed (conjugal privilege) is
limited to marriage and to one's marriage partner, all else is sin
(Heb. 13: 4). As mentioned, such is not only sin, but can and usually
does result in all sorts of emotional and mental issues, especially
for the women involved. I shall insert below a sermon outline from
www.bibletruths.net
What is fornication?
Introduction: In a biblically illiterate society, many Bible
terms either lose their meaning or have them replaced. "Fornication"
is a classic example. Some say fornication can be simply passionate
kissing; sexual intercourse with prostitutes (multiple); and
premarital sex only.
I. The biblical meaning of fornication
A. The Greek word translated "fornication" is porneia. Porneia is
found 26 times in the Greek New Testament.
a. W. E. Vine states porneia (fornication) "is used of illicit
sexual intercourse.." (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).
b. Henry Thayer defines "fornication" as "illicit sexual
intercourse in general.distinguished from adultery (moicheia) in
Matt. 15: 19.used of adultery.in Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9 (Thayer's
Greek-English Lexicon, pg. 532).
c. The granddaddy Greek work says of fornication, "The N. T. is
characterized by an unconditional repudiation of all extra-marital
and unnatural intercourse" (Theological Dictionary of the New
Testament, Vol. 6, pg. 590).
II. Illicit sexual intercourse
A. As you can see from the definition of porneia, all illicit
sexual intercourse is condemned.
a. Illicit sexual intercourse is that involving a married man with
one other than his wife
b. Sexual intercourse between two unmarried people (Matt. 5: 32, I
Cor. 7: 1 ff).
c. Sinful sexual intercourse can and does include sodomy or
homosexual activity (Jude 7, cp. Gen. 19).
III. Fornication is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5: 19)
A. We are to abstain from fornication and not use our body for
fornication (I Cor. 6: 18, 13).
a. Fornication is the only acceptable reason for divorce and
remarriage (Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9).
b. Corruption and filthiness are associated with fornication (Rev.
17: 4; 19: 2).
c. Moreover, those who fornicate can not go to heaven (I Cor. 6:
9).
B. There is no doubt about it, the following are engaging in
fornication:
a. Pre-marital sex (I Cor. 7: 1 ff)
b. Extra-marital sex (Matt. 5: 32; 19: 9)
c. Those in unscriptural marriages (Matt. 5: 32; 19: 9)
d. All who engage in unnatural sexual intercourse are committing
fornication (Jude 7).
Conclusion: The good news is all sin, including fornication, can
be forgiven (Acts 2: 38; I Jn. 1: 7; I Cor. 6: 9-11). However, some
sins, such as fornication, can especially have long range
consequences (children conceived, venereal disease, one put away for
sin, the dissolution of a marriage, etc.).
Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in
spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for
future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any
material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see
the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible
Truths).
Cordially,
Don Martin
From tedwards at onemain.com Thu Feb 12 14:50:57 2009
From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:50:57 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 2/8/09
Message-ID: <49943751.32715.3CE53BC@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).
____________________________________________________
February 8, 2009
____________________________________________________
Contents:
1) The Historical-Political Background of the New Testament
(Part 2 of 2) (Russell H. Dunaway Jr.)
2) Self-Control (James Hahn)
____________________________________________________
-1-
The Historical-Political Background
of the New Testament
(Part 2 of 2)
by Russell H. Dunaway Jr.
Under the Romans, the Jews paid heavy taxes; but their
religious practices were not changed. Several Roman Emperors touch
the New Testament narrative, especially these: Augustus (27
B.C.-A.D. 14), during whose reign the birth of Jesus occurred (Luke
2:1), and the census connected with his birth, as well as the
beginning of emperor-worship; Tiberius (A.D. 14-37), under whose
reign the preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-2) and Jesus
Christ, as well as the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and
ascension took place; Caligula (A.D. 37-41), who demanded worship
of himself and ordered his statue placed in the temple at
Jerusalem, but who died before the order was carried out; Claudius
(A.D. 41-54), who reigned during much of Paul's preaching journeys,
and who, due to civil disturbance, expelled Jewish residents from
Rome, Aquila and Priscilla being among those thus expelled (Acts
18:2); Vespasian (A.D. 69-79), who as a general began to crush a
Jewish revolt, returned to Rome to become emperor, and left
completion of the military task to his son Titus, whose army
destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70; Nero (A.D. 54-68),
the Caesar to whom Paul appealed (Acts 25); and Domitian (A.D.
81-96), whose persecution of the church probably provides the
background for Revelation, written to encourage oppressed
Christians.
Beginning in 63 B.C., Roman power was exercised in Judea
through Antipater, who was named governor of Palestine. Antipater
had one of his sons, Phasael, named governor of Judea, and another,
Herod, made governor of Galilee.
Antipater was murdered in 43 B.C. In 40 B.C. the Parthians
invaded Palestine and made Antigonus, the last surviving son of
Aristobulus, king of Palestine. Hyrcanus was mutilated by having
his ears cut or bitten off so that he could not serve as high
priest again. Phasael was captured and while in prison committed
suicide. Herod barely escaped with his family. He went to Rome to
have his future brother-in-law, Aristobulus, made king, hoping to
rule through him as his father had ruled through Antipater.
However, the Roman Senate, at the urging of Antony and Octavian
(Augustus), made Herod king (40 B.C.). It took him three years to
drive the Parthians out of the country and establish his rule. He
was king until his death in 4 B.C.
The years of Herod's rule were a time of turmoil for the Jewish
people. He was an Idumean. His ancestors had been forced to convert
to Judaism, but the Jews never accepted Herod. In fact, they
resented him. He was the representative of a foreign power.
Scheming, jealous, and cruel, he killed two of his own wives and at
least three of his own sons. Just five days before his own death,
Herod had his oldest son, Antipater, put to death. Augustus once
said that it was better to be Herod's pig than his son (a wordplay,
since the Greek words for pig, hus, and for son, huios, sound very
much alike). His relations with Rome were sometimes troubled due to
the unsettled conditions in the empire. Herod was a strong
supporter of Antony, though he could not tolerate Cleopatra with
whom Antony had become enamored. When Antony was defeated by
Octavian (31 B.C.), Herod pledged his full support to Octavian.
Herod proved himself an efficient administrator on behalf of
Rome. He kept the peace among a people who were hard to rule. He
was a cruel and merciless man. Yet, during a time of great famine,
he used his own funds to feed the people. Among his many building
projects in Jerusalem, his greatest contribution to the Jews was
the beautification of the temple in Jerusalem. This beautification
seems to have largely been an attempt to conciliate his subjects.
The temple, decorated with white marble, gold, and jewels, became
proverbial for its splendor: "Whoever has not seen the temple of
Herod has seen nothing beautiful."
It was during the reign of Herod that Jesus was born (Matt.
2:1-18; Luke 1:5). Herod was the king who ordered the execution of
the male babies in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16-18).
At his death (4 B.C.), Herod left his kingdom to three of his
sons. Antipas became tetrarch ("ruler of a fourth") of Galilee and
Perea (4 B.C.--A.D. 39). Philip became tetrarch of the Gentile
regions to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee (4 B.C.--A.D. 34).
Archelaus was to be king of Judea and Samaria, but Rome refused to
give him the title of king. He was ethnarch ("ruler of the people")
of these two territories. He proved to be a poor ruler and was
deposed (6 A.D.). His territories were placed under the direct rule
of Roman procurators under the control of the governor of Syria.
John the Baptist rebuked Antipas for divorcing his wife in
order to marry Herodias, the wife of Philip, his half brother. In
retaliation, Herodias induced her dancing daughter to demand the
head of John the Baptist. Antipas yielded to the grisly request
(Mark 6:17-29; Matt. 14:3-12). Jesus once referred to Antipas as
"that fox" (Luke 13:32). Later Jesus stood trial before him (Luke
23:7-12).
Except for brief periods, Roman governors ruled Archelaus's
former territory. The fifth procurator appointed to rule over Judea
was Pontius Pilate, before whom Jesus stood trial prior to his
crucifixion. Interestingly, three times Pilate pronounced Jesus
innocent, yet he lacked the courage to set him free (John 18).
Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, executed James,
the Apostle and son of Zebedee, and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-5).
He was smitten of God when he accepted the praise of the people,
"It is the voice of a god, and not of a man." Luke tells us that
because "he gave not God the glory," "the angel of the Lord smote
him . . . and he was eaten of worms and died" (Acts 12:21-23).
The governor Felix heard the Apostle Paul preach the gospel and
trembled at the word, yet postponed obeying the gospel (Acts
24-25). He hoped that Paul would bribe him with money, but Paul
never did and remained a prisoner for two years under the governor
Felix.
Festus, who took the place of Felix, also heard Paul's case
(Acts 25). Willing to do the Jews a favor, Festus suggested that
Paul return to Jerusalem to stand trial. Being a Roman citizen,
and knowing that the Jews intended to kill him, Paul appealed his
case to Caesar. This presented a problem for Festus. He had no
choice but to send Paul to Rome. The problem was that he did not
have any charges to write in the papers to accompany Paul to Rome.
Thus, he asked Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great,
to listen to Paul's self-defense and see if he could determine what
charges should be written against Paul before sending his case to
Rome. Agrippa heard Paul's self-defense and was "almost" persuaded
to become a Christian himself (Acts 26:28).
Upon the death of Festus, Albinis and then Florus were
appointed governors of Judea. It was the raiding of the temple
treasury by Florus that ignited the Jewish revolt of A.D. 66-70
which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in
A.D. 70. The clean-up operations of this revolt lasted till the
capture of Masada, a fortress on the west side of the Dead Sea,
where the last rebels and their families, numbering more than nine
hundred, committed mass suicide just before the Romans entered. The
Jews suffered even greater loss of life at the destruction of
Jerusalem. Both the destruction of Jerusalem and the capture of
Masada were preceded by long sieges. Apart from such events, and in
spite of the Herods and the Roman governors, however, Jewish
priests and Jewish courts controlled most local matters of daily
life.
Worship at the temple and its sacrificial system ceased with
the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jewish rabbis established
a school in the Mediterranean coastal town of Jamnia (or Yavneh) to
expound the Torah, the Old Testament law, more intensively.
Unsettled conditions continued in Palestine until Emperor Hadrian
erected a temple to the Roman god Jupiter on the site where the
Jewish temple had stood. Hadrian also prohibited the rite of
circumcision. The Jews revolted again, this time under the
leadership of Bar Cochba, proclaimed by many Jews to be the Messiah
(A.D. 132). The Romans crushed this uprising in A.D. 135, rebuilt
Jerusalem as a Roman city, and banned Jews from entering the city.
Thus the Jewish state ceased to exist until its revival in 1948.
(For a more detailed discussion of the history of the Jews from
the Babylonian Captivity through the intertestamental period, I
highly recommend Old Testament History by Charles Pfieffer, as well
as Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Books 10-20, which cover the
history of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity on into the New
Testament Period, to the governorship of Florus. For a detailed
discussion of the destruction of the Jerusalem, see Josephus.)
-- Via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 9 p14 May 4, 2000
____________________________________________________
-2-
Self-Control
by James Hahn
The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are to exercise
temperance or self-control (2 Peter 1:6) if we are to make our
calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).
There are those who profess to being Christians that do not
exercise self-control and as a result they lose their temper; they
use speech not fitting for a Christian to use or engage in actions
unbecoming to one wearing the name of Christ.
How can we develop self-control? Paul gives us the answer in 2
Corinthians 10:5; "...bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ." When our every thought is controlled by the
desire to be obedient to Christ in all things we will be able to
exercise the self-control expected of followers of Christ.
- Via The Beacon, February 3, 2009
____________________________________________________
"Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is
your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed
in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from
it and pass on" (Proverbs 4:13-15).
____________________________________________________
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 kthomas at dnet.net Thu Feb 12 18:43:31 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:43:31 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Oh How I Love Jesus!
Message-ID: <4994C233.000008.03796@KENSCOMPUTER>
?Oh how I Love Jesus!?
Oh Really?
By Kenneth E. Thomas
Most of you will recognize the title of this lesson as the title of one
of the songs found in most of the hymnals used in the worship services of
local churches of Christ around the world. I must say it is a beautiful song
which should express the sentiments of every disciple of the Lord Jesus
Christ. The next words are ?because He first loved me.? Those words express
what is written in the Scriptures in almost exactly those words and is
expressed in different words in several passages in the New Testament.
Therefore, our love is necessarily a reciprocal love. It is indeed ?because
He first loved me.? 1 John 4:19 reads, ?We love Him because He first loved
us.? Consider also (Romans 5:6-9; John 3:16-17). We could bring to your
minds many other such passages of Scripture which express this same thought
in different words all leading to the same conclusion, ?Greater love has no
man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.?(John 15:13).
Jesus went on to say, ?You are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you
(V-14).
We Show Our Love The Same Way We Become His Friends That Is By Doing His
Will
Jesus said, ?If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.That the
Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 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 to him.? (John 14:13-15,23).
It Isn?t Enough To Say Lord, Lord
?
Just prior to giving what has been called, ?The parable of the Two Builders
? Jesus said the following to the first century would be followers which
should be noted carefully before reading that parable, and I shall include
that great parable :
?13: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:14:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.15: Beware of false prophets, which come to
you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.16: Ye shall
know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles?17: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a
corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.18: A good tree cannot bring forth
evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19: Every tree
that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20:
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.21: Not every one that saith
unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22: Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name
have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?23: And then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity.24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a
rock:25: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock
26: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28: And it came
to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at
his doctrine
29: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.?
(Matthew 7:13-29).
Allow me to call some interesting facts from this context to you If you
would, back up to the part I have highlighted in red for your attention.
First let me say that the relationship known as the kingdom and that known
as the church are one and the same relationships. Jesus promised, ?
I will
build my church and I will give you the keys to the kingdom? (Matthew
16:13-19). Please read! This was said to Peter and later to all of the
apostles in (Mathew 18:18). They would be inspired to tell people how to be
saved and thereby become members of Christ?s church and citizens of His
blood bought church/kingdom (John 3;3-5; Colossians 1:13-14; Acts 20:28).
They would be guided into ?all truth? 2 Peter 1:3)
To those who think one is saved by simply accepting Jesus as their personal
Savior and or praying the so called ?sinners prayer,? will never have
entered Christ?s church/kingdom and will be told on the great judgment day,
?... I never knew you, depart from me you who work iniquity? or lawlessness.
This proves also the fact that membership in Christ?s church or citizenship
in His kingdom is essential to one?s salvation (See Ephesians 2:13-16; Acts
2:22-38, 41,47). Christ will one day return to receive the church which is
His bride unto Himself and then deliver the kingdom to the Father
(Ephesians
522-33;1 Corinthians 15:23-25). Are you a member of Christ?s
non-denominational church?
Learn how to become a Christian and thereby a member of Christ?s church by
looking at what people under apostolic instruction were told to believe and
do under the ?worldwide commission? (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 Luke
24:44-49). See the following examples.
On Pentecost: (Acts 2;22-47)
More Jews: (Acts 3:13-19).
Some Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13).
A queen?s treasurer (Acts 8:36-39).
Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-6; Acts 22:16).
Lydia, a business woman (Acts 16:14-15).
A Heathen Jailer (Acts 16:20-34).
The honest student will llearn from the Great Commission as well as from
these examples of conversion to Christ by the power of the gospel that a
logical sequence leading to full conversion took place in each case, namely,
they:
1). Heard the gospel. 2). Believed on Christ. 3). Repented of past sins. 4).
Confessed faith in Jesus and 5). Were baptized as soon as possible ?for the
remission of sins? and were then added to the church or were born again into
His kingdom.
What About Today?
Beloved, if today one is taught what men were taught by Christ through
His inspired apostles, believe what they most assuredly believed, and do
exactly what they did, will we not become exactly what they were and be
members of the same church to which they were added?
My answer which by the way agrees with the Bible message (Acts 11;26;Acts
26:28; 1 Cor. 1:10-12; 1 Peter 4:16). They were simply and only Christians!
Those who please Christ today desire nothing more nor less (John 17:17;20-21
Ephesians4:1-7).
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Feb 13 04:08:50 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:08:50 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH.
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a second installment
on this particular subject concerning the Holy Spirit. Use to the glory
of God.
THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH
NOTE: This is a continuation of the study of the Holy Spirit from
yesterdays posting. That lesson was introduced by pointing out
that the Spirit has been given in three ways under Christ: 1) The
Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which was given directly from the throne of God,
to the twelve apostles, then Paul, and finally the
household of Cornelius. 2) The Holy Spirit given by God through
the laying on of the apostles' hands. 3) The Holy Spirit by faith
by means of the Word through faith. This particular study today
covers this third giving of the Spirit.
The apostle Paul affirmed that "we are all sons of God throu-
gh faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you are were baptized
into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26,27); and it is through
this same faith, which we make our own by obedience, to the
Word of God, that we receive the promise of the Spirit. As it is
written, "that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the
Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of
the Spirit through faith" (Gal. 3:14). Again as the same apostle
speaking of Jesus to the Ephesians said, "in whom also, having
believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph.
1:13).
Again the apostle to the Gentiles told the Corinthians God
"has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a deposit" (2 Cor.
1:22). The Holy Spirit does not literally dwell in
the Christian as demons used to invade the bodies of certain
individuals (Mk. 1:23-26), but He dwells in the heart of the Christ-
ian just as Christ does; that is, through faith that comes from the
acceptance and obedience to His Word. For it is written, "that
Christ may dwell in your hearts throug faith..." (Eph. 3:17; cf. Rom.
8:9,10). Again, Paul testified to the saints in Colosse of
"Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). He spoke to the
wayward Galatians of his travail "in birth again until Christ is
formed in you" (Gal. 4:19).
The Word of God is the instrument of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) to
operate on the mind of man; faith comes through hearing the
Word of God (Rom. 10:17). It is the Word, which is "the power
of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16), and the medium for man's
sanctification, as it is written, even of the apostles, "sanctify them by
Your truth, Your Word is truth" (Jno. 17:17).
As noted earlier Philip, Stephen and the other five brethren
who were chosen to care for the widow's needs in Jerusalem
were "full of the Holy Spirit adn wisdom" (Acts 6:3-6). How was
this possible? It was possible because they had accepted the
Word of faith and were continuing to be obedient to it (cf. Acts 2:
38-42). That is, they were keeping the command which was later
recorded in the letter to the Ephesians: "be filled with the Spirit"
(Eph. 5:18). This latter text implicitly teaches that the children of
God in general were and are filled with the Spirit in a manner that
is not miraculous. In deed, the Christian is expected to so learn
Christ through the Word that he will be thus filled (see again, Gal. 4:19).
Paul in his letter to the Colossians shows in practical terms
how this is accomplished; "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom" (Col. 3:16). As was noted the Holy Spirit
does not literally or actually dwell in the body of the Christian,
but He dwells by means of His thoughts, His concepts, His wis-
dom, which rules the mind and life of the saint by means of His
Word.
Whenever the indwelling of the Spirit of God in a Christian
(Rom. 8:11) is explained to a new convert or anyone else for that
matter, it should not be so complicated as to render the matter
unintelligible or impractical to him or her. The Scriptures main-
tain that God (2 Cor. 6:16); Christ (2 Cor. 13:5) and the Holy Spirit (Rom.
8:11) live in His people. Yet, the crux of the matter
boils down to this practical question, how does the Godhead
work in those who have been sanctified? Now the Scriptures
plainly say that He does so work, as Paul said to the saints in
Philippi, "for it is God Who works in you both to will and to do for His good
pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).
Is it by an illumination on the subconscious that comes direc-
tly from the Spirit? Is it an inner feeling that is better felt than
told? Or is it by an internal nudge through some unknown Divine operation?
It is not! Because we are plainly told that the
man of God is made "complete" or perfect through the Scrip-
tures and that they "thoroughly" equip him "for every good work" (2 Tim.
3:16,17). Again we are told, that God by "His divine power has given to us all
things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who
called us to glory
and virtue" (2 Pet. 1:3).
Seven times in the book of Revelation the Lord Jesus says
one should use his ears to hear the Holy Spirit (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29
3:6,13,22; cf., 13:9). And the Scriptures are very clear as to the
manner in which God works in His children. As it is written, "the
Word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe"
(1 Thes. 2:13). The Greek word in this reference for "works" comes from the
same word from which we get the word "energy." In other words God energizes
in His people by means of His divine Word. The "living and powerful" (Heb.
4:12)
Word of God in a believing active Christian is like uranium ener-
gizing in a nuclear reactor.
To repeat, it is not a literal indwelling, nor is it an actual
indwelling in conjunction with the Word, but it is by means of the
Word, which, as noted, is the instrument of the Spirit's operation
on the mind of man. The understanding and acceptance of this
fact brings an overwhelming reality to the mind of the obedient
believer that the Holy Spirit so rules his life, through the all powerful
Word that he (the believer) "may be filled with all the
fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19).
This begins when a sinner is sanctified by the blood of Christ at the
time he obeys the gospel (See Jno. 17;17; Acts 3:
19; 1 Cor. 6:11). This is the reason the apostle Paul asked the
saints at Corinth, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy
Spiri, Who is in you, Whom you have from
God...?" (1 Cor. 6:19). It is certainly right to admonish Christians
young and old to keep their bodies pure because God dwells in
them as His temple, for Paul tells us "you were bought with a
price, therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit which are God's" (1
Cor. 6:20).
As the Scriptures speak of "our common salvation" (Jd. 3),
even so this indwelling of the Holy Spirit, through faith, (to repeat) is not
miraculous. It is the ordinary and common gift of
God to all, who through faith keep His Word, even as Peter testi-
fied of "the Holy Spirit Whom God has given to those who obey
Him" (Acts 5:32). Again Peter said to the mass of people on
Pentecost, "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall re-
ceive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Observe in this text
the receipt of the gift of the Holy Spirit was contingent upon the
hearers obeying the ordinary steps of faith, which was not the
case with the apostles (Acts 2:1-4), nor the household of Cornelius (Acts
10:44-48).
Thus the Holy Spirit today lives in the obedient child of God
by means of the Word of faith which has been preached to us
(1 Pet. 1:22-25). Do you desire (cf. Lk. 11:13) the Holy Spirit to
work in your life, then read His Word, believe it, obey it keep on
obeying it. To use a term from Isaiah be "willing and obedient"
(Isa. 1:19), then the Spirit by means of His Word will live in you
and effectively work in you (1 Thes. 2:13). It will be like a fire in
your bones, as it is written, "Is not My Word like a fire? Says the
Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock to pieces?" (Jer.
23:29; cf. 20:9). ------ Jim E. Waldron in Bulletin Briefs, Vol. 12, No. 2,
Feb. 2009.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Feb 13 04:08:34 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:08:34 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) WHAT IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION?
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:
WHAT IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION?
The first resurrection is when a sinner is raised from spiritual
death. Our Lord spoke of two resurrections in John five.
In Jno. 5:25 Jesus spoke of a spiritual resurrection, then in
the same context He spoke of another resurrection. As it is writ-
ten, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all
who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth -- those
who have done good to the resurrection of life and those who
have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (Jno. 5:28,
29). This latter raising of the dead we recognize as the final resu-
rrection at the last day jujst as the early disciples did. For exam-
ple Martha, the sister of Mary, said at the tomb of her brother, "I
know he will rise again at the resurrection at the last day" (Jno.
11:24).
The first resurrection for any person is his resurrection from
the spiritual death of trespasses and sins when he believes and
obeys the gospel (Heb. 5:8,9; Mk. 16:15,16). The apostle Paul by
the Spirit told the saints at Ephesus, "God ... made us alive toget-
her with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up
together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus" (Eph. 2:5,6). The sinner's resurrection takes place after
he has repented and been "baptized into (Jesus') death" (Rom.
6:3). It was in His death that Jesus shed His blood (Jno. 19:33,
34). Thus, being "reconciled to God through the death of His
Son," (Rom.5:10) the individual is raised out of the waters of bap-
tism to "walk in newness of life." For it is written, "buried with
Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through
faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead. And
you being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of
your flesh, He has made alive together with Him..." (Col. 2:12,13).
The Christians in Rome were told, "therefore we were buried with Him through
baptism into death, that just as Christ was rais-
ed from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in
newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). In the text (Rev. 20:5) the picture is of
individuals being raised up in generations
succeeding the apostolic age by means of the gospel instead of,
or in place of, those who had suffered under the beast. ---- Jim E.
Waldron in Bulletin Briefs, Vol. 11, No. 4, April, 2008.
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From wsasser at tds.net Fri Feb 13 11:21:04 2009
From: wsasser at tds.net (Whit Sasser)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:21:04 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] parenting study material
Message-ID: <74B501FE-6E02-4A0E-82F0-4E557932B80C@tds.net>
Hello listers,
Anyone got some recommended Bible parenting study material? Preferably
not too long...maybe 4-6 sessions.
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"
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From kthomas at dnet.net Fri Feb 13 13:15:31 2009
From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:15:31 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Why w rite So Controversial
Message-ID: <4995C6D3.000006.00240@KENSCOMPUTER>
Why Do I Write About Such Controversial Topics?
By Kenneth E. Thomas
First, if I am to write about any Biblical topic, it will always be
considered controversial to some people that happens to be the nature of
divine truth. Truth is always narrow!(Matt.7:13-14).
If I write concerning the Godhead three, the atheist and the Jesus only
people will be offended and I shall have become controversial by the very
nature of the topic. Shall I refrain from writing about the Godhead three so
as not to be controversial? (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:21-24;Acts 17:23-31;
Ephesians 4:1-6; Romans 1:20. I could use this same logic and apply it to
every Biblical topic and as you can surely observe, I would have to refrain
from writing on any Biblical topic whatsoever if I am to be
non-controversial! But someone will say, ?you can write about LOVE and not
offend anyone.? Are you sure of what you affirm? While many wonderful
characteristics of love are made known in 1 Corinthians chapter thirteen
which should be cultivated by every true Christian, look with me at (Hebrews
12:5-13) which shows what love demands, God?s word it seems to me demands
what has come to be known today as ?Tough Love!? We shall now observe that
Biblical love often requires stern rebuke!
?4: Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.5: And ye have
forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son,
despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked
of him:6: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom he receiveth.7: If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with
sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?8: But if ye be
without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and
not sons.9: Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us,
and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto
the Father of spirits, and live?10: For they verily for a few days chastened
us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be
partakers of his holiness.11: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to
be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable
fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.12: Wherefore
lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;13: And make
straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the
way; but let it rather be healed.?
Another reason I often write about controversial topics is because there has
arisen due to years of practice what may sadly be called, ?Church of Christ
Traditions? in the hearts of all too many. Brethren, it is just as wrong for
New Testament Christians to bind ?traditional interpretations? on ourselves
and others as it is for the denominations to do so! It was God?s own Old
Testament people whom Jesus rebuked ror binding human traditions and
rejecting the true teachings of Moses in (Matthew 15:1-9)!
?Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying
2: Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they
wash not their hands when they eat bread.3: But he answered and said unto
them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?4:
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that
curseth father or mother, let him die the death.5: But ye say, Whosoever
shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou
mightest be profited by me;6: And honour not his father or his mother, he
shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by
your tradition. 7: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,8:
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with
their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9: But in vain they do worship
me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.?
There are many what I shall call, ?second generation Christians? who are
the children of NewTestament Christians who at the first when they were
youngsters of necessity learned to practice identically what their parents
practiced, who today could not give a sensible scripture filled answer as to
why we use only vocal music in our worship. They only oppose the use of
mechanical instruments of music because we have never used them. The same
can be said of why we observe the Lord?s Supper weekly, and do not baptize
babies. These same members are hard pressed to give the biblical reasons as
to why we conservatives reject the support of human institutions from the
local treasury and oppose the ?sponsoring eldership concept of so called
?church cooperation? and the social gospel concept as church functions,
along with a host of other unscriptural functions being put into the local
church treasuries. Still we are supposed to be able to always give an answer
for the hope that lies within us, (1 Peter 3:15) as well as to ?contend for
the faith once delivered (Jude 3). Likewise we should, ?Prove all things
hold faith to that which is good? (1 Thess. 5;21).
I do not write in an attempt to be controversial. I am a peace loving
man, but none of us should ever be ashamed of the truth nor afraid to
controversy for precious souls are often at risk (2 Timothy 4:1-8; 1 Timothy
4:1-4).
Kenneth E. Thomas
221Rolling Acres Trail
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html
Email: kthomas at dnet.net
1 (828) 349-3514 - Home
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Feb 14 02:03:10 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 03:03:10 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
To understand each other in religion as in secular affairs, people
must speak the same language. Word usage and particu-
lar meaning of terms must be common to a single standard. The
Word of God is that standard in religion. Confusion is inevitable
when this principle is ignored. For example, when baptism
means immersion to one person, a light sprinkling of water to
another, and a pouring of water on a small portion of the body
to someone else, then to announce that a person has been bapt-
ized is to make an ambiguous announcement. However, when
baptism is recognized to be immersion by the teaching of the
Scriptures, then the announcement of one's baptism is a clear
and definite declaration (Acts 8:37; Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12). Script-
ural baptism in keeping with the commission Jesus gave (Matt.
28:18-20; Mk. 16:15,16) is an act of faith, in obedience to Christ;
and through it, one's sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38), and he becomes a new
creature in Christ (Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:
16,17).
If one's spiritual vocabulary is firmly grounded in the Word of God,
then he is able to converse understandingly with others
who share that same language on such subjects as sanctificat-
ion, redemption, the kingdom of Christ, the grace of God, obed-
ience unto salvation, the one true church, elders and deacons,
Bible authority, being a Christian, fellowship in Christ, Biblical
unity, and the second coming of Christ. It is a sad situation that
in our own nation we cannot communicate effectively with many
of our friends and neighbors about spiritual things because we
don't speak the same language that they speak regarding our
relationship with God and our duty toward Him. Isn't that strange when we
claim to be using the same book written in the
same language! There is one solution! ---- Gilbert Alexander.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Feb 14 02:03:19 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 03:03:19 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHO NEEDS THE GOSPEL?
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my rec-
ent files. Use to the glory of God.
WHO NEEDS THE GOSPEL?
Who needs the gospel? Well, everyone, of course. One might as well
ask "Who needs oxygen-rich air or the moisture
of water?"
Those Who Think They Don't Need It Actually Do Need The Gos-
pel: -- Unbelief is a tragedy in that it not only allows for sinners
to walk in sin without a conscience, but it also keeps sinners from the one
remedy for their salvation, the gospel. (Rom. 1:16).
Like the alcoholic who will not admit that he has a problem, the
unbeliever might not want to hear about God, learn about God,
and certainly not obey the Word of God -- but he certainly does
need Him as much as the drunk needs help.
Skeptics find themselves on "the third rock from the sun,"
doomed to annihilation after a few short years, and they don't need the
gospel of everlasting salvation? Ha!
Believing is just the first of many challenges between the sin-
ner and heaven (Acts 14:22). If a person refuses to accept the
truth about God and Jesus Christ, there is no hope. He hasn't
taken the first step (Heb. 11:6).
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost..." (2 Cor.
4:3). "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall
the ungodly and sinner appear?" (1 Pet. 4:18).
Those Who Have Already Responded And Become Christians
Still Need To Hear The Gospel: -- It may seem like "preaching to
the choir," but there is "continuing education" in many profess-
ions, as with Christianity.
"And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he know-
eth nothing yet as he ought to know." (1 Cor. 8:2). When a person gets to
the point that he thinks he knows it all, he might
just be getting to the point of really learning, as many Bible char-
acters like Jonah and Peter demonstrate. So, there is the ongoing need for
everyone to hear preaching and teaching of
God's Word, especially after becoming a Christian! (1 Pet. 2:2).
"...If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
yhou free" (Jno. 8:31,32).
Those Who Are In Sin Need The Gospel: -- There are some who
believe in God, but who do not respond to the commands of the
gospel and remain in sin.
The apostle Peter said they need to hear it and see it. "Like-
wise your wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do
not obey the Word, may be wond without
a word by the behavior of their wives" (1 Pet. 3:1). Wives (and
other Christians) can often do more to convert sinners than any
preacher by simply living the life that a Christian ought to live.
Conversely, the devil's work is advanced by those who claim to be
Christians and live like worldlings. "Wisdom is better
than weapons of war: but oen sinner destroyeth much good"
(Eccl. 9:18).
Faithful Christians must not lose heart, and realize that the
consistent practice of the greatest profession bears fruit unto
everlasting life. To the point, one picture of a faithful servant of
God is worth a thousand sermons (Heb. 11).
Therefore, Gospel Preaching Is Sometimes For The Sake Of On-
lookers: -- God knows that many will not repent and serve Him,
but for the sake of those who will, the Word should be preached.
Noah preached for one hundred and twenty years, but only eight souls were
saved. Why preach to those whom you know
are already doomed? For the benefit of the eight who were list-
ening (Gen. 6; 1 Pet. 3).
We do a similar thing with our children. We deride bullies,
thieves, the dishonest, and sluggards, not in hopes of changing
the wayward as much as to impress our children with the wrong-
ness of certain behaviors. There is a similar effect when he gos-
pel is preached.
Tehre is one set of rules for everyone. God does not have
one gospel for the party animals and another for the morally
responsible, one set of rules for Christians and another set for
non-Christians. The same Bible that is preached in church on
Sunday morning is the same one that should be preached to the
lost in prisons and among the godless masses, for the unity of
the cause and the integrity of the Lord's business.
That's what Jesus said to do: "Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway
even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28;19,20). -----------
George Hutto in Tidings, Vol. 24,No. 2, Feb. 2009.
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From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Feb 14 11:46:04 2009
From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:46:04 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Recent Trends In Music [2]
Message-ID: <000001c98ecc$1e48a640$5ad9f2c0$@com>
From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale,
AZ.
Editor: Steven Harper
February 15, 2009
Recent Trends in Music [2]
Last week, we began a study of some of the recent trends in music in
the church and among brethren, with a specific interest in answering the
questions about that which is called 'Contemporary Christian Music' and
other songs of praise and/or any type of 'religious' music that uses
mechanical instruments. It seems that many brothers and sisters in Christ
have come to accept these things without thinking about what they are
actually doing and/or approving, which points to some future - and, for
some, current - troubles in the church on the matter of our musical worship.
As was noted in last week's article, the context of the Bible passages
that speak about our musical worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) does not in any
way restrict the application of what is said and taught there to merely the
songs we sing 'at the building' in a formal worship assembly; to argue such
would demand we pull it out of context and apply it differently than we do
every other subject that is mentioned in the preceding and following verses,
including such topics as how husbands, wives, and children are to live, the
master/servant relationship, and even commands about how our conduct should
be godly. No one could honestly or logically argue from those texts that
those things only apply in the worship assembly, and neither can we do that
with the musical worship portion. The first thing we must note, then, about
musical worship - wherever it is done - is that mechanical instruments are
simply unauthorized.
Now, let us move on and consider some of the arguments used in defense of
these 'Contemporary Christian Music' songs that include mechanical
instruments.
'But the songs have such a good message!' For you younger folks who did
not experience the discussions and debates over institutionalism in the
1940s-1960s, you may not realize how your arguments parallel those used by
the individuals who promoted the idea of supporting human institutions and
other unauthorized cooperative efforts from the church's treasury. When some
objected due to a lack of authority and when no reasonable argument could be
made for these things from Scripture, the proponents then began arguing,
"But it's such a good work!" They made emotional pleas that much 'good' was
being done because the gospel was being spread, orphans were being fed and
housed, and brethren were being edified. Who could argue with the
results?!?!
I would.
I would [and many others did, and still do] because it was being done in
a way that was without God's approval and, to God, the end has never
justified the means. God has always cared how we carried out His work and
how we obeyed His commands.
If you remember, God gave specific instruction about how the ark of the
covenant was to be carried (Exod. 25:13-15); you may also remember that,
once, David determined to build a new cart on which to carry the ark up to
Jerusalem and the tragic event that followed (2nd Sam. 6:1-10; 1st Chron.
15:1-5). You might remember that the Lord was not pleased with David or the
way the ark was carried until they did it in the way the Lord had specified.
Now, you might be saying, "What has this got to do with these songs?"
Friends and brethren, if you notice, God did not specifically condemn
carrying the ark on a cart, but He did specify how it was to be done:
carried on poles by the Levites. That excluded every other means! If we
apply the same reasoning to our musical worship, we must conclude that when
God specified singing [vocal music], that necessarily excluded all other
types. If not, why not?
'But they aren't songs of praise or worship! They're just good songs!'
This 'defense' has been offered to me several times when I pointed out the
fact to those who listened to such songs and were trying to convince me I
should, too. Read the following lines from some recent songs and you tell
me. I will let you decide:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain.
["Bring the Rain", by MercyMe]
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
["Cry Out To Jesus", by Third Day]
I could go on, but I think it is obvious to any honest reader that those
songs are songs of worship and/or praise are they not? Are they 'good'
words? I beg to you to note some of the things that are being said in these
songs because, while one certainly has a 'good' message, the other song is
teaching salvation through prayer! And whatever the message, they are being
sung with mechanical instruments! These are but a small sample of the music
that is out there, and I plead with you all who read this to honestly
examine the music you are listening to and buying so you are not supporting
and participating in those things which are in contradiction to God's word.
A follow-up defense is then offered when it is pointed out that those are
songs of worship and/or praise:
'But I'm not singing them as worship or praise!' Does this mean you are
singing these songs with no meaning, thus taking the Lord's name in vain?
When you sing, 'Bring me anything that brings You [Jesus] glory,' are those,
then, meaningless words? That, friends and brethren, is taking the name of
the Lord in vain! Have we now become as the Pharisees, they whom God said
"honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me" (Matt. 15:8)?
Surely not! Surely we do not want to be guilty of offering up songs of
praise to God without really meaning it! You see, the 'defense' is often
merely an excuse to justify self and to convince oneself [and others] that
you can continue listening to [and singing along with] these songs of praise
and worship, even though they use mechanical instruments. Is that really
what we want to do? What next? Will we soon be seeking to have these songs
within our worship assembly because they are 'modern' and because they have
such a 'good message'?
Oops! Too late! Some congregations are already doing that! It seems some
brothers and sisters in Christ - ones who would never allow blatantly false
doctrine in the pulpit - have willingly opened the door to welcome into
their assembly musical worship that is just as unacceptable to God as the
false doctrines they so abhor. It is not wise to close the gate to the lion
on one side and open it up to him on the other; it doesn't matter how he
gets in, the end result will be the same (1st Pet. 5:8). Let us awake to the
danger while there is yet time!
Friends and brethren, I am afraid we have allowed the world to influence
us and our children unknowingly on this subject, and it does not bode well
for our future, as a church, if we do not stop and make an honest assessment
of where we are and what we are doing. I may sound like an alarmist or a
'party-pooper' on this topic, but so be it. I am keenly interested in the
spiritual well-being of myself and of others and it pains me to hear and see
some of my brethren welcome into their homes and, now, into their worship
assemblies the things that were simply not tolerated a generation ago. We
need to open up our eyes - and then open up our Bibles - and do some serious
study on this and other matters or we will soon be spewed out and cast off.
Next week, we will consider some things that are already happening among
churches inside the worship assembly, and in light of the Scriptures.
-- Steven Harper
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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Feb 14 11:58:52 2009
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:58:52 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 07: February 15,
2009
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 IV, Number 07: February 15, 2009
-----------------------------------------------------
Categorizing the Kingdom
The Kingdom is liberal. It has great concern for the well-being of the poor and dispossessed in society (Matthew 25:31-46).
The Kingdom is conservative. It upholds God's standard of morality and does not excuse sin (1 Corinthians 5, Galatians 5).
The Kingdom can be communal. When necessary, its members come together and provide all things in common so the needs of all can be
met (Acts 2:42-47).
The Kingdom is radical. It teaches the message of Jesus Christ which turns the world upside down: the poor are blessed, the humble
are exalted, the servant is greatest (Matthew 5).
The Kingdom is antidisestablishmentarian. It does not advocate anyone leaving their place in society and does not foment political
revolution (Romans 13:1-7).
The Kingdom is tolerant. It consists of anyone from any race, ethnicity, class, or any other such mark of identity who would obey
Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28).
The Kingdom is intolerant. It preaches that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and promotes the need for obedience to His
standard and His standard alone (John 14:6, Romans 6:13-18).
The Kingdom is humble. Its members are entirely dependent on their Lord who bought them and saved them, and they recognize that it
is through love, mercy, and compassion that they reflect Christ to other men (Matthew 5:13-16, John 15:1-7).
The Kingdom is exalted. Its ruler has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, and it is most precious in His sight (Matthew
28:18-20. Ephesians 5:22-33).
Many people attempt to understand the nature of God's Kingdom in terms of worldly ideas. They try to fit God's message into "boxes"
of human creation. Yet, in the end, the Kingdom transcends all these worldly categories. It does not fit any one of them perfectly,
and if we emphasize one element of Jesus' instruction to the detriment of the other, we find ourselves lacking.
It is easy to take our "secular" categories and try to move them into the spiritual realm, but any such endeavor will fail in the
end: Jesus and His Kingdom cannot be so pigeonholed. We must understand and respect all the aspects and attributes of Jesus and His
Kingdom. We must always make sure that our Christianity informs our worldview, and to not allow devotion to anything else-- our
political philosophy, our economic philosophy, our standard of judgment, etc.-- to twist God's presentation of His truth. The former
is deemed righteousness; the latter, idolatry.
As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as
yet, abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7).
Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist at norwalkchurch.org
-----------------------------------------------------
Fear
There seems to be an incredible amount of fear these days. Fear of economic depression. Fear of government. Fear of losing a job,
fear of losing health insurance, fear of becoming insolvent. Fear is paralyzing our economy. Banks are not lending because they fear
that those who whom they lend will become insolvent and they will lose. Without credit, many businesses fail, and the bank's
concerns become self-fulfilling prophecies. Terrorists attempt to keep us afraid. The only reasons bin Laden keeps speaking is in
order to galvanize the Islamic world against us and to instill fear in the West. And this does not begin to touch our personal
apprehensions. Fear of inadequacy. Fear of suffering violence at the hands of others. Fear of persecution. Fear of our own economic
situation and its stability.
Fear is a very natural impulse. Fear is very paralyzing. Fear can also be manipulated to ungodly ends.
And [Jesus] laid his right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not; I am the first and the last, and the Living one; and I was dead, and
behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades" (Revelation 1:17-18).
"And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both
soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
While it is easy to be fearful of one's economic future, Christians should not fear and know that as long as they seek the Kingdom
first, God will take care of them (Matthew 6:33).
While it is easy to be afraid of terrorists or to be manipulated by worldly authorities to fear some group of people, Christians
should have no fear of such persons, for Christ is Lord of all (1 Corinthians 15).
While it is easy to be concerned about one's physical welfare, Christians should remember that Jesus told them not to fear those who
can injure or kill the body, but instead to fear the wrath of God-- He who can deliver body and soul to the Gehenna of fire (Matthew
10:28).
Fear is paralyzing. Faith is liberating (John 8:32). Fear looks down. Faith looks up (Colossians 3:1). Fear focuses on the earthly.
Faith focuses on the heavenly (Hebrews 11:9-10). Fear condemns. Faith saves (Romans 1:17).
In this time of great fear, my hope and prayer for every Christian is that the world will see that they belong to Christ because
they can perceive the peace in them that surpasses all understanding-- that, in the end, their faith in God triumphs over all their
fears.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The
things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you
(Philippians 4:7-9).
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.
Thank you for your interest, and have a nice day!
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
Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna
From wswalker310 at juno.com Sat Feb 14 16:13:15 2009
From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:13:15 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Home of the Soul"
Message-ID: <20090214.161315.2676.0.wswalker310@juno.com>
Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study.
"HOME OF THE SOUL"
"And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal" (Rev.
4:6)
INTRO.: A song which talks about the spiritual place where the
saints will dwell eternally before the throne of God is "Home of the Soul
(#258 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #365 in Sacred Selections for the
Church). The text was written by James Rowe (1865-1933). A prolific
hymn poem author, he is perhaps best known for "Love Lifted Me," although
many other hymns by him appear in our books. The tune for "Home of the
Soul" was composed by Samuel W. Beazley (1873-1944). It is dated 1911.
The copyright was renewed in 1939 by the Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing
Co. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the
twentieth century, it appeared in the 1952 Hymns of Praise and Devotion
edited by Will W. Slater; the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson
Slater; the 1965 Great Christian Hymnal No. 2 edited by Tillit S.
Teddlie; and the 1979 Hymns of Praise edited by Reuel Lemmons. Today it
may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church, the 1990 Songs of the
Church 21st C. Ed., and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise all edited by
Alton H. Howard; the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V.
E. Howard; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; in
addition to Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections, and the 2007 Sacred
Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat.
The song envisions heaven as a wonderful goal toward which God's
children are striving.
I. Stanza 1 calls heaven a prize
"If for the prize we have striven, After our labors are o'er,
Rest to our souls will be given On the eternal shore."
A. Paul talks about pressing on toward the mark or goal for the prize:
Phil. 3:13-14
B. This will occur after our labors are over, which will take place
following death: Rev. 14:13
C. This prize will be given on the eternal shore because then we shall
have eternal life: Mk. 10:30
II. Stanza 2 calls heaven a rest
"Yes, a sweet rest is remaining For the true children of God,
Where there will be no complaining, Never a chastening rod."
A. Just as Joshua gave the Israelites rest in Canaan, there yet remains
a rest for the people of God: Heb. 4:9
B. This rest will be for the true children of God because it is they who
have the hope of seeing Him as He is: 1 Jn. 3:1-2
C. In that place of rest, there will be nothing to cause complaining or
bring the need of a chastening rod: Rev. 21:1-4
III. Stanza 3 calls heaven a homeland
"Soon, the bright homeland adorning, We shall behold the glad dawn.
Lean on the Lord till the morning; Trust till the night has gone."
A. The patriarchs of old looked upon heaven as their homeland: Heb.
11:13-16
B. The reception of a reward in this homeland is often pictured as the
coming of a glad dawn or morning: Ps. 30:5
C. In order to receive the reward of this homeland, we must lean on the
Lord and trust in Him: Prov. 3:5
CONCL.: The chorus reminds us of the blessedness of the eternal
home that God has prepared for His people.
"Home of the soul, blessed kingdom of light,
Free from all care, and where falleth no night!
Oft in the storm, we are sighing for thee,
Beautiful home of the ransomed, beside the crystal sea."
Yes, we have responsibilities in our lives here below, but ultimately
God's purpose is for us to go to heaven, so as we go about our daily
activities on earth, we must ever keep our affections on that "Home of
the Soul."
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 here to find the perfect banking opportunity!
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw3AeSgvUtI1HajFYi73WAibdToQt2pI2oIIwzYV4wIoMizac/
From doug at kibler.us Sat Feb 14 18:27:29 2009
From: doug at kibler.us (Doug Kibler)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:27:29 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] Free Tool to turn PowerPoint's into SWF flash videos
Message-ID: <002f01c98f04$2f9d2a00$8ed77e00$@us>
Brethren:
I recently came across this free tool, and thought I would pass the
information along.
Here is the webpage I found talking about the tool:
http://politicallymotivated.net/i-suck-at-spellings/3980
Here is the link to download the program:
http://www.ispringsolutions.com/download/ispring_converter_4_0.exe
Hard to beat the price. I tested it on one of my PPTs and it worked like a
charm. Others may know of a better program that is also free. Please send
any other such programs to me privately. Excellent for putting a PPT on a
webpage. It preserved all my animations and such from PowerPoint.
In Him
Doug Kibler
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From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Feb 14 22:29:56 2009
From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan)
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:29:56 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 006
Message-ID: <33E5128D1F6E430292B18167B8569688@sean2e3f41f1ba>
PDF Version Attached
The Messenger 2009
Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ
306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059
Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan
VOLUME 004::ISSUE 06: February 15, 2009
This Week's Article: Love to.Serve
Introduction:
With a choice between serving and being served; to be served is the common choice. Is this your choice? Is life about being served? There are some who even expect the Lord to be their servant as they believe that they can set their own way to Heaven and God will move Heaven and Earth to accept them.
The role of a Christian, is it a situation where we are served or that we serve? The scriptures declare that we are servants of God (Luke 4:8).
There are three examples drawn on by the Apostle Paul when he discusses our service to the Lord. He compares our service to that of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Let's use our time together to consider our service to God and how these three analogies provide examples to learn, and improve from.
A soldier teaches us to serve with diligence (vs. 3-4)
A soldier is an apt characterization of a Christian. We must make a stronghold at the lines of truth. We are to be soldiers in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul speaks of us as needed to be strong and here again the words "be strong" are present.
In the Lord's "army" we are servants strengthened in our commitment to serve by the hope of victory and the promise of help in our times of need. A soldier demonstrates the required diligence of our service. Can you imagine a soldier that falls asleep at the post or that is so preoccupied with other things that he is day-dreaming in the middle of a battle?
We also require diligent effort to succeed as servants of Christ. We are not to be entangled (preoccupied) with this world (Romans 12:1-2). We need to prove ourselves as diligent servants (Romans 12:11; 2 Peter 3:14).
An athlete teaches us to serve according to the rules (vs. 5)
The famous Boston Marathon is a world-renown athletic event. There are very important rules; even as there are in every athletic competition. In 1980 a woman named Rosie Ruiz joined the race somewhere in mile twenty-five and ran the last mile of the race coming in first place-setting a new women's world record of 2 hours and 31 minutes for the marathon. After eight days it was finally discover that this "great runner" was a cheat and a fraud that she was striped of her rewards. Since that time a need to monitor the runners and the rules has become more and more of a concern, because there are no rewards for those who do not compete according to the rules.
Rules are important; we have rules to follow as servants of God. Jesus says, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things that I say?" (Luke 6:46). We have rules to run by and the prize is Heaven. We have to run according the rules. All the rules! John 8:31 says, "Abide in My word" means all of His words. 2 John 2:9 says, "Abide in the doctrine of Christ" means all of His doctrine. Matthew 28:19 teaches us to "observe all things that [Christ has] commanded" this means all "things".
To serve by the rules; we must know the rules! Ephesians 5:8-10 directs us to "Find out what is pleasing to the Lord" and 1 Timothy 4:13 &16 point to the need to "read" and "take heed". We need to win; we need to follow the rules (Hebrews 12:1 "run with endurance").
A farmer teaches us to serve through hard work (vs. 6)
The farmer as a servant demonstrates hard work. We are told, only the one that has done the work will taste the benefits. The qualification of this servant's work is "hard work". The necessity of hard work is easily understood from the first two examples.
As Christians, we are involved in a service that cannot be accomplished without hard work (Matthew 7:13-14). Regardless the times of difficulty or the times of ease we all must continue and no one can take our share of the work for us. In Ephesians 4:16 we are told that every part is expected to do "ITS share".
We must know that our reward far outweighs our work. The words of Jesus "Well done My good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of your Lord" (Matthew 25:23) and the word of promised rest in Revelation 14:12-13 are a cause of great hope.
Conclusion:
Not all soldiers receive honor, not all athletes win the prize, not all farmer's taste of a bountiful yield. We must be diligent to find the victory. We must serve according to the rules to gain the prize. We must be patient and careful workers to taste the blessing of eternal life.
Diligent, directed, and defined effort equals "A love to serve". Do you love to serve?
God is desirous of those who are willing to seek Him and serve Him (Acts 17:27). It is different than the world to love to be the servant. There are rules leading to the rewards. There are also rules involved in becoming a Christian-the plan salvation is to hear and believe the Gospel, to repent of our sins, confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and be baptized in water for the remission of your sins. From the point of baptism we must continue to serve diligently according to the rules through thick and thin. Do you love to serve? ~tss
If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list.
Sean
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From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Feb 15 17:58:36 2009
From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford)
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:58:36 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (2/15/09)
Message-ID: <20090216000128.5E783230057@dumbledore.whizardries.com>
Walking in the Light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105)
February 15, 2009
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 Sting of Death" (Richard Thetford)
"Dancing is Sinful" (Carrol R. Sutton)
"Wait for God" (Selected)
"SENTENCE SERMONS
---
THE STING OF DEATH
Richard Thetford
We can read in 1 Corinthians 15:55-56: "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." In verse 56 we learn that the sting of death is sin. Why?
Because those that are caught up in sin at the point of death will never be
raised to an eternal resurrection with Jesus. That would be the ultimate
sting! In addition, when one dies in sin, then there truly is sadness and
suffering by others. When one dies in a sinful condition, loved ones are
left knowing the fate of the departed. Unpreparedness on our part will
result in death's sting when we die. Paul wrote: "in flaming fire taking
vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power"
(2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Many individuals end up in this sad state when they
die - but it does not have to be so. The sting of death can be removed if we
desire it to be removed.
How Was Death's Sting Removed?
Jesus Christ came into the world, lived a perfect, sinless life, and died so
that we can have forgiveness of sins (2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14). Death's
sting has been removed by living righteously in obedience to the gospel of
Jesus (2 Timothy 1:10). We are promised if we obey Jesus and are faithful
unto death (Revelation 2:10), then we can have everlasting life with Jesus!
---
DANCING IS SINFUL
Carrol R. Sutton
Dancing is an accepted social practice of the world. Many professed
Christians engage in dancing or approve of those who do. Some preachers see
"no harm" in the modern dance. Those who are spiritually mature should be
able to discern good and evil. It is the firm conviction of this writer that
modern dancing is sinful. Let us consider some of the reasons that such is
the case.
Dancing is condemned as a work of the flesh. It is included in the word
"lasciviousness" in Galatians 5:19-21 and in the word "wantonness" in Romans
13:13. To be lascivious means to be "wanton, lewd, or lustful." That which
produces or tends to produce lewd or lustful thoughts or emotions is
lasciviousness. In commenting on "wanton (acts or) manner," Thayer's Lexicon
says "as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males
and females, etc." (Pages 79-80).
Dancing may also be condemned (in some instances) under "reveling" which is
also a work of the flesh that is specifically condemned in Galatians
5:19-21. The New Century Dictionary says under the word "revel" (among other
things): "specif., formerly an occasion or course of noisy festivity with
dancing, masking, and other forms of entertainment." (Page 1545). Note:
Dancing is unquestionably sinful because it produces or tends to produce
lewd or lustful thoughts or emotions!
Dancing bears evil fruit. Jesus said: "Therefore by their fruits you will
know them" (Matthew 7:20). The modern dance has produced broken hearted
parents, fornication, divorce, drunkenness, prostitution, cursing, fighting,
murder and other vices. Dancing can not be a "good tree" with such rotten
fruit!
Dancing will corrupt good morals because it has evil companions. The apostle
Paul said: "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." (1
Corinthians 15:33). Evil companionship or communion will indeed corrupt good
morals or character. Dancing does not strengthen one's moral character.
Dancing is definitely of the world since it is evil and produces evil fruit.
We must not engage in it. Please read 1 John 2:15-17, James 1:27, James 4:4,
Romans 12:1-2, and John 15:19 very carefully.
Dancing has the appearance of evil. "Abstain from all appearance of evil" 1
Thessalonians 5:22).
Dancing will ruin the good influence of a Christian. A Christian should be
"an example of the believers" and in "all things" show himself "a pattern
of good works" (1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; Matthew 5:16). The most godly
people on earth do not dance nor encourage others to dance. Even many
ungodly people believe it is wrong to dance. So if a Christian dances, it
will certainly ruin his influence for good.
Someone has said that "a dancing leg and a prayer knee" do not belong on the
same body. I say, AMEN!
---
WAIT FOR GOD
Selected
Let's learn from a couple of lines in one of David's prayer "Keep my soul,
and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let
integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You." (Psalms
25:20-21)
These lines most likely belong together and rhyme in thought as was common
in Hebrew poetry. We can learn from the parallel thoughts. "Keep my soul..be
ashamed" rhymes in thought with "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me."
Whenever we ask for God's help, we should remember our responsibility. God
will answer the request to "keep my soul" only as I remember to live a life
of integrity and uprightness. God has ordained that a godly character is
essential to salvation. "I put my trust in you" parallels "I wait for You."
Genuine trust in God, not just mouthing the words, is especially evidenced
in our lives by the practice of "waiting" for God. We tend to get impatient
when things don''t go our way, when a wrong is not corrected, and our
prayers seem unanswered. And in that impatience we take matters into our own
hands and with cutting words, lies, neglect of duties, vengeful acts,
gossip, and such sin ourselves.
However great the good intentions NEVER excuse disobeying God because He
hasn't yet taken care of something. Exercise your integrity and your trust
in God. They do go together.
---
SENTENCE SERMONS
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
We ought to obey God rather than men.
You never sin against God nor man when you do the right things.
An honest and good heart is more valuable than much silver and gold.
Minds as well as mouths often need washing out.
A man is also known by the company he does not keep.
More kneeling will result in less lying.
It is easier to keep faith if we use it often.
---
SERMON
FELLOWSHIP HALLS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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
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
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 16 01:20:43 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:20:43 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) FEAR GOD!
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 artic-
le from my files:
FEAR GOD!
Practically all brethren know that fear God means REVERE
or RESPECT Him, but I wonder if we have given proper attention
to reverence. In the Greek, PHOBOS meant panic as in flight from battle; or,
the opposite of courage; or, awe, reverence -- the
feeling of one in presence of an infinitely superior being. The
question is, do we truly recognize God's presence, and feel this
reverence?
Reverence for God is obviously the child of faith --- believing
we are in the presence of the ultimate superior being. Man may
feel an intimacy, a closeness (as child for father) with such a
being; but there could never be FAMILIARITY in such a relation.
A "Hi, Dad!" attitude, must charitably considered, shows a lack
of appreciation for the true nature of God. Paul charges sinners
as having no fear of the God before their eyes (Rom. 3:18).
Fear of God keeps man reaching for higher goals, for ideals;
keeps him living in the shadow of eternity. We sojourn through
this life as we seek a country (1 Pet. 1:17). When Christ is Lord
in our hearts we testify of our hope with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:15).
God's presence imparts to the true believer an aware-
ness of accountability and judgment. Having therefore these promises, dearly
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi-
ness of he flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God
(2 Cor. 7:1). In God's presence, saints "work out your own salva-
tion with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12).
We are not pleading for externals: for quietness in the church
building or cathedral voice tones. Tre reverence is within, and although it is
reflected in behavior, we can not put out what we have not put in. Too much stress
on the demonstra-
tion for demonstration's sake can only make us greater hypocrit-
es. God desires goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowled-
ge of God more than burnt-offerings (Hos. 6:6).
Fear (in its bad sense) is cast out by love (1 Jno. 4:18); but awe,
respect, and reverent fear will mark those in His presence
(Rev. 1:10). ---------- Robert Turner in Plain Talk, Vol. 13, No. 4, pg.
1, June, 1976. Via The Eastside Enlightener, Feb. 15, 2009.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Feb 16 01:20:53 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:20:53 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LAND PROMISE (1)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci-
ent files. Use to the glory of God.
THE LAND PROMISE (1)
Premillennialists tell us that God's promise to give the land of
Canaan to Abraham and his seed has never been fulfilled.
Since His promises do not fail, there must be a future fulfillment.
Consequently, when Jesus comes the Jews will be miraculously
converted as a nation, the righteous dead will be raised, and these all, with
the living saints, will be returned to Palestine to in-
herit the land according to the promise. A great program of politi-
cal aggrandizement is built up for these miraculously converted
Jews and the "elect from among the Gentiles." The kingdom is
established and the millennium begins to roll merrily along.
There are many insuperable difficulties which premillennial-
ists must face in trying to prove their doctrine, but if it can be
shown that the land promise has already been fulfilled, the basis
for their whole visionary scheme will be removed, and the theory
will collapse for lack of foundation on which to rest. I propose
to prove that God has fulfilled that promise.
Preceding Events: -- The Lord had promised to make of Abrah-
am a great nation through multiplying his "seed as the stars of
heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore." Since it
was impossible to reach such marvelous numerical proportions
during Abraham's lifetime, this promise could only be fulfilled in
his posterity. Consequently it passed to Isaac and Jacob (Gen.
26:2-4; 28:3,4). When in a time of famine Jacob and his sons went down into
Egypt, God said: "Fear not to go down into
Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation" (Gen. 46:3). In
that land "the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly,
and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them"
(Exo. 1:7). Stephen declared that
"when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn
to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt" (Acts 7:17). This rapid
increase was because "the time of the promise
drew nigh."
When "there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew
not Joseph" (Exo. 1:8), Israel was subjected to great affliction.
God heard their cry "and with an high arm brought He them out
of it" (Acts 13:17). By faith they crossed the Red Sea and came
to old shaking Sinai. There God made a covenant with them, saying, "Ye shall
be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy
nation" (Exo. 19:6). They were at this time as the stars of heaven for
multitude (Deut. 1:10). It is evident that God's prom-
ise to Abraham regarding the development of a great nation was
fulfilled in these events.
God now spoke unto Israel, saying: "Ye have dwelt long
enough in this mount: turn you, and go to the mount of the Amo-
rites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the
hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the
land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river,
the river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go
in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your father,
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed
after them" (Deut. 1:6-8).
Coming to the border of Canaan twelve spies were sent to
search out the promised land. They all reported that it was a
good land, but ten said that the strength of the cities and the size of the
giants made it impossible for them to take it. This so
discouraged the children of Israel that they plotted to make them another
captain and return to Egypt. Their lack of faith pro-
voked God to swear that none of that generation above twenty
years of age save Caleb and Joshua should enter into the land.
The Promise Fulfilled: -- After wandering forty years in the wild-
erness, Moses died and was buried in Moab. Those who had
provoked God at Kadesh-Barnea now lie sleeping in the wilder-
ness. Under the direction of God, Joshua led their children into
the "land flowing with milk and honey." So successful were they in driving
out the enemy and possessing the land, that it
was said: "And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which He
sware to give unto their fathers: and they possessed it, and
dwelt therein. And the Lord gave them rest round about, accord-
ing to all that He sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a
man of all their enemies before them: The Lord delivered all their
enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the
Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all
came to pass" (Jos. 21:43-45). Notice: (1) God gave unto Israel
ALL THE LAND which He sware to give unto their fathers; (2)
Israel possessed ALL THE LAND which God sware to give unto
their fathers; (3) they dwelt in ALL THE LAND which God had
sworn unto their fathers. Now, if there is any part of the promis-
ed land which Israel did not receive, possess, and dwell in, this
Scripture is not true. But, if the passage be true, they received
every foot of ground which God had promised. If they received
it, the promise was fulfilled; and if the promise was fulfilled, pre-
millennial claims regarding it are false. One cannot beleive the
Bible and premillennialism at the same time. (More will be posted on this
subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS).
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From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Mon Feb 16 07:14:15 2009
From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:14:15 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 2-8-09
Message-ID:
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 February 8, 2009 No.19
CONSIDER THE LILIES
So many people today find themselves burdened down with undue anxiety. They are stressed out over financial situations, family problems, and a host of other things. Worry never solves problems; it only causes one to be distracted from the most important thing in life, the saving of the soul for the life to come. We need to take time to "consider the lilies," so Jesus tells us in the "Sermon on the Mount" Matt.6:25-34.
Jesus begins this section by saying, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life." The phrase "do not worry" is translated "be anxious for nothing" in Phil.4:6. A similar thought is found in Lk.10:41 where Jesus tells Martha she is "too worried and troubled" (full of care) for things. These passages do not condemn ordinary, prudent forethought or foresight in life, but they do teach against people being so overly concerned about this life that they forget to trust God to provide for them. This undue anxiety about the things of this life demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God's providential care.
In Matthew's passage, Jesus says, "do not worry" or "be not busy to your life" then proceeds to teach a lesson against having an undue concern for life. He uses four ordinary things with which people are familiar to exemplify the lesson. His first illustration v.25 concerns the main objects of one's anxiety; his life and his body. He reminds us that our existence here has a far more pressing aim than just living (eating and drinking) or being clothed (what you put on). He had earlier taught that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" Matt.4:4. If God gives us life, surely we can also trust Him to give us the things necessary to support it. Worry is a fear that takes all the joy out of life.
The second illustration is drawn from the birds of the air v.26. Birds are simple, small creatures that neither sow nor reap. Jesus is not saying they do not work, rather that they are not unduly concerned about tomorrow, next week or next month. They don't worry about the unforeseen and unforeseeable future, yet life goes on for them because God provides for them. If God cares for them, will He not do the same for us? Surely, we are of much greater value to Him than any bird. Keep in mind, we are the ones made in His image Gen.1:26-28.
Jesus next turns to life itself v.27. No matter how much it may be desired, one cannot "add one cubit to his stature." Some commentators feel the word "cubit" should be "age." If this is so, then Jesus is saying, worrying cannot add extra years to one's life, but worry can certainly shorten it. Undue anxiety produces mental anguish and stress, even ulcers, putting unnecessary strain on one's well being. It makes people sick and miserable both physically and mentally, often bringing about premature death. We need to understand we cannot alter the circumstances in life. We come into this world, we live for a season, then we die. All the worrying in the world will not alter this cycle. Therefore Jesus is teaching us to accept life as it comes day by day, and don't become so overwrought about our physical life and body that we forget to prepare for eternity.
In His last illustration Jesus says "consider the lilies of the field" v.28. If God cares so much for the little, beautiful, sweet-smelling, fragile flower, will He not do much more for us? We are much more beautiful in His eyes. The lesson is that if God cares for things which have no lasting value, why should we worry so much. ".If God clothes the grass of the field.will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith" v.30. He sums up His lesson in v.34 by telling us "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles." In other words, don't waste your time worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow, you have enough troubles to take care of today.
"Consider the lilies." Let's go back and learn some lessons from the lilies. The lilies (perhaps our irises) grew wild everywhere in the land, in the valleys, along the seashore, on the mountainside. So people were familiar with the lily. Jesus spoke of its beauty as ever greater than the kingly robes of Solomon. It had a sweet fragrance, but was very fragile. It appeared year after year, showing no evidence of undue anxiety or concern for its environment. It cared not if it went unnoticed and its beauty and fragrance wasted because no one saw it. Whether man noticed or not, God knew all about it and showed His loving care for it. The lily figures prominently in Solomon's book Song of Solomon 2:1, 2, 16; 4:5; 5:13; 6:2-3.
From observing the lily one learns that GOD EXISTS. As you look at the lily, remember who made it. Its very existence speaks for a Creator. God made it and put life into it, giving it the ability to reproduce itself. Man cannot do this. Not only does the lily reveal a Creator, it also reveals the POWER OF THE CREATOR. God formed the lily and gave it not only life, but individuality. No matter how great the number of plants; each will have its own individual qualities. Such is man. God created us, and even though we are all of one blood Acts 17:26, no two people are alike. A study of genes and our DNA confirms this. If we understand the power of God to make it, we can also understand He will sustain it. If God does this for a fragile, inanimate flower He will surely take care of us. The lily also teaches us about the LAWS OF GOD. The continued existence of the plant depends on a law that is traced back to the day God created the plants and said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herbs that yields seed, and the fruit that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth, and it was so" Gen.1:11. This law is never broken and every plant follows the same pattern. In the same vein God has given us laws that will sustain us. We cannot change this, so we must learn to accept it. God will provide.
From the lily we can also learn to trust God with our lives. The lily just grows, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of life, unstressed about what is going on around it. It depends on God in every situation. So should we. No matter what happens, depend on God. Philippians 4 contain several lessons that should help us along this line. V.19, God will supply everything we need. Vs.11-13, whatever the circumstances, God will help us. Vs.6-7, trust God and you will have peace of mind. Never be so unduly concerned about things that you forget God like the rich man did in Luke 12. There are two things not to worry about. 1. Things we cannot change. Worry won't change it. 2. Things we can change. Don't worry about them, just make the changes necessary to help you cope with the problems.
One last lesson we learn from the lily is that life is fragile and short. Like the lily we do not live very long on this earth. We are born to die. We may not be noticed by men, but God knows us 2.Tim.2:19. So, while we are here, live one day at a time. Don't be overly concerned about tomorrow. You have enough to take care of today. Let God take care of you. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" 1.Pet.5:7.
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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Feb 16 13:30:39 2009
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:30:39 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Ezra
Message-ID:
Ezra
I. Introduction
A. Ezra: A quite different picture than before
1. After the exile and the return
2. How would the Jews fare?
B. Description of building of Temple, concerns in Ezra's day
C. Let us consider the book
II. Ezra: The Details
A. Authorship
1. Ezra certainly responsible for part or whole of the book
2. In ancient times, Ezra-Nehemiah considered one book
B. Dating
1. Book covers two periods of time
2. Return to Judah, rebuilding of Jerusalem, Temple
(ca. 539-516 BCE)
3. Ezra's move to Judah, issues of that day (ca. 458-457 BCE)
4. Composition not long after these events
C. Audience
1. The audience represents the returned exiles in the Persian
period
2. We can gain much also
D. Purpose
1. To encourage the Jews of Judah in their faith
2. To describe the rebuilding of the Temple
3. To describe Ezra's role in the instruction of the people
III. Ezra: The Story
A. Main Sections
1. Return and Rebuilding (Ezra 1-6)
2. Ezra and the People (Ezra 7-10)
B. The Return (Ezra 1-2)
1. Cyrus' proclamation for Jews to return, rebuild Temple
(Ezra 1:1-4)
2. Jews rise up to return, given all kinds of resources
(Ezra 1:5-11)
3. Return of people; genealogy and number of those returning
(Ezra 2)
C. Rebuilding and Complications (Ezra 3-6)
1. People gather in Jerusalem, rebuild altar (Ezra 3:1-3)
2. Feast of Booths celebrated; preparations begin to rebuild
Temple (Ezra 3:4-7)
3. Temple rebuilding begins (Ezra 3:8-9)
4. Priests, Levites praise God according to directions of David;
people shout; those who remember first Temple mourn
(Ezra 3:10-13)
5. Samaritan "adversaries" seek to help build Temple; assistance
refused; sought ways to hinder them (Ezra 4:1-5)
6. Letter from Samaritans to Cambyses: danger of Jews in
Jerusalem if Temple rebuilt (Ezra 4:9-16)
7. Letter of Cambyses: Temple building to cease; Jews stop for
a time (Ezra 4:17-24)
8. Haggai and Zechariah prophesy; Jews begin rebuilding Temple;
governor seeks insight as to what to do from Darius
(Ezra 5:1-5)
9. Letter of Tattenai to Darius: explanation of situation, Jews
say that Cyrus decreed that Temple should be rebuilt; search
to see if it is so (Ezra 5:6-17)
10. Cyrus' proclamation found in Ecbatana; proclamation restated
(Ezra 6:1-5)
11. Letter of Darius: Temple to be rebuilt, resources from royal
treasury (Ezra 6:6-12)
12. Temple then completed, dedicated; many offerings
(Ezra 6:13-18)
13. Passover observed (Ezra 6:19-22)
D. Ezra to Judah (Ezra 7-8)
1. In days of Artaxerxes, Ezra the scribe and priest goes up to
Jerusalem with Jews (Ezra 7:1-10)
2. Letter of Artaxerxes commending Ezra, material that he was
given, material he should be given; Ezra to teach the laws
of God (Ezra 7:11-26)
3. Blessing of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:27-28)
4. Genealogy of those returning with Ezra (Ezra 8:1-14)
5. Ezra sends for Levites who come with him (Ezra 8:15-20)
6. Ezra seeks protection of God during journey (Ezra 8:21-23)
7. Priests guard offerings; journey successful; offerings
presented (Ezra 8:24-36)
E. Intermarriage (Ezra 9-10)
1. Officials tell Ezra that people have intermarried with local
foreign nations; Ezra laments and mourns (Ezra 9:1-5)
2. Ezra prays for the guilt of Israel (Ezra 9:6-15)
3. While he prays, people gather and confess their sin, intend
to cast off foreign wives and children (Ezra 10:1-4)
4. Ezra has leading men swear an oath to do so; fasts and mourns;
proclamation of assembly to meet in Jerusalem (Ezra 10:5-8)
5. Ezra tells the assembly of their sin; they agree to cast off
their foreign wives and children (Ezra 10:9-17)
6. Listing of those guilty of the sin (Ezra 10:18-44)
IV. Conclusion
A. Difficult times in the days after the exile
1. Not much left in Judah
2. Opposition from adversaries
3. Compromise of principle
B. Yet God sees them through
1. Temple rebuilt
2. Compromise broken
C. Let us stand strong in faith!
D. 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
Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna
From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Feb 16 14:03:16 2009
From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:03:16 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Who Is A God Like You (Kent Heaton)
Message-ID: <7AEF5DF719A64F11951AA9C36D4DD0AC@D2381J91>
Who Is A God Like You
(Kent Heaton)
What comparison can we ever give or try to give or imagine that would help us understand the kind of God we serve? It is not in the best prose to begin an article with a question but when faced with the declaration of Micah 7:18 what can man say? The best commentary on the verse would be without words for there are no words to convey the enormity of the thought. Who is a God like Jehovah? How do you measure His stature? How do you behold His glory? What is man to be mindful of Him?
"The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind" (Job 40:6) and what a storm that was. How do you compare the feeble ant like features of man to the universal expanse of the greatness of the Almighty? Reading Job 40-41 man is placed in his subservient role of the creation before the mighty hand of the Creator. O Lord, how large your ocean; how small my boat.
"Who is a God like you" demands answers in regard to the insignificance of man. We are not left without answer as Micah gives cry to the likeness of the Lord in His mercy, love, compassion and forgiveness. "Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:18-19).
What can man raise up to rival the pardoning of God? How often we rebel against Him and His word and yet He offers remission of sins. In Jesus Christ we have the blessing of redemption. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). We fail to live up to the will of the Father and yet He is longsuffering (1 Timothy 1:16). Unlike men of earth in our rebellion the Lord does not retain His anger forever but releases our sins through His Son and holds no charge against us (Isaiah 57:16; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 8:12).
The Almighty loves to give grace and mercy to His people (Ephesians 2:4,5). His compassion brings about the breath of forgiveness and peace (Philippians 4:6,7). How do you compare what God does with our sins? In a figure the Lord cast our sins "into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). The psalmist defines this 'deepness' when he wrote, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalms 103:12).
"Who is a God like You" is not a question but a declaration of truth. The answer is self-evident. There is nothing man has done or will ever do that can compare to the slightest hint of the border of the hem of the expanse of God's love and forgiveness. R. M. Lehman wrote, "Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky" (Hymn, The Love of God).
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends . For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again . For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 15:13; 10:17; 3:16). WHO IS A GOD LIKE YOU?
Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
(H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793
(C) 352-283-3889
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
Audio Sermons Available
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
July 26 - August 1, 2009
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From jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Mon Feb 16 17:57:04 2009
From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount)
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:57:04 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] The church of the less noble
Message-ID:
Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they
received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily {to
see} whether these things were so. Acts 17:11.
Hi
First the housekeeping matters then today's article.
A personal work series available for congregational training.
I have updated and completed a series of lessons to train a congregation on
how to do personal work effectively. You can download the material (Learn
your Bible) from my website. I have worked up a meeting series to teach a
congregation how to effectively approach this subject as well. If your
congregation would be interested in benefiting from our success in this area
let me know.
Update on the new congregation here..
The work here has been going well. We have committed to a meeting place for
a year. We are meeting at 560 S. Oliver, Wichita, KS. The South Cullman
congregation in Alabama gave us some pews. We had our first Baptism in
December. Connie Adams has committed to hold us a meeting in the spring.
All is well.
If you live in the area I have what may be a once in life time opportunity
for you.. Come to help us in starting a new congregation.
You can come out from the crowds and make you efforts mean something
permanent. Our attendance has settled in at just under 30.
I have been preaching for over 30 years and this effort is one of the most
enjoyable things I have ever attempted. I'd like to share the experience
with you.
Now today's article
The church of the "less Noble"
The 3 month old church at Thessalonica
The church at Thessalonica was founded in a uproar. With only three weeks
of teaching Paul had flee for his life leaving this group of new Christians
behind to fend for themselves. Not only that, the people from the community
of Thessalonica pursued Paul some 60 miles to Berea and tried their dead
level best to destroy Paul's efforts in Berea.
The establishment of the church at Thessalonica so upset the status quo,
that Thessalonian community was outraged that anyone would buy into this new
thing called Christianity. They found it to be an incredible inconvenience
that the gospel was all true. The Jewish community didn't want to hear it,
and were angry at those "less enlightened" Greeks who were loyal to the
truth.
Here is the text.
Acts 17
1. Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came
to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2. And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths
reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3. explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise
again from the dead, and {saying,} "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you
is the Christ."
4. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a
large number of the God- fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
5. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from
the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking
the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.
6. When they did not find them, they {began} dragging Jason and some
brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset
the world have come here also;
7. and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees
of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
8. They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these
things.
9. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they
released them.
10. The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea,
and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they
received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily {to
see} whether these things were so.
For two thousand years sermons have been preached regarding the noble
Bereans. Today I want to ask.
What about the decent people left behind to start the new church of
Thessalonica?
So.
What would you advise this group of people? They have only 3 weeks
instruction, then they must stand alone. Note that Christianity, (such as
it is) still resides at Thessalonica. While many of the churches of the New
Testament are no longer there. this group is still there. They lost their
buildings for about 400 years when the Muslims took over but they eventually
got them back.
Like the church at Philippi they would have hoped .That they will prove
themselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they appeared as
lights in the world, holding fast the word of life (adapted from
Philippians 2:15-16a)
The church at Thessalonica was only about 3-4 months old when the letter
that we know as I Thessalonians was written. This particular letter has
become of special interest to us locally, because our congregation is now
the same age.
Even the "less noble" can make their mark in the kingdom of God
1 Thessalonians 1
1. Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
2. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention {of you} in
our prayers;
3. constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and
steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God
and Father,
4. knowing, brethren beloved by God, {His} choice of you;
Here are the keys, to your success, whether "noble" or "less so"
Work of Faith This phrase only shows up 2x in Bible, here and II
Thessalonians 1:11. What was impressive about this 3 month old
congregation, with only three weeks instruction? Theirs was a working
faith. There are plenty of people around to talk about faith. They simply
went out and did it.
"When Christianity really goes into action it must cause a revolution both
in the life of the individual and in the life of society." (Barclay)
At Thessalonica Christianity caused a stink, but the reason is that they
tried to live up to their faith rather than just talk about it. Paul gives
this compliment to no other church.
Labor of love This expression is so compelling that it has become a common
expression in the English language. Most have no clue it was the strongest
of compliments paid to the "less noble" Thessalonians. This is the only
place in scripture that the phrase occurs.
Today what most term love is really infatuation, but this is real love. It
is a love whose labor can still be seen two thousand years later! That is
no passing fad!
, "For this reason, when I could endure {it} no longer, I also sent to find
out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and
our labor would be in vain." I Thessalonians 3:5
When their neighbors had tried to kill him, Paul had been forced to leave
them behind. Like anyone who has poured his heart into them Paul then
worried for them. He didn't need to. These people went to work and made
their place in the kingdom of God, in the scriptures and into our hearts as
well as his.
What is the difference between work and labor? (A work of faith, and a labor
of love?) Well, it is work to weed a garden, even if you like to garden. It
is labor to do it at 110 degrees in the shade! In order to motivate you to
do it at 110, it has to be love!
Similarly, even under the heat of persecution the Thessalonians labored in
love with, and for, the Savior. Ultimately they were just like us and all
who have ever successfully named the name of Christ.
"For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on
the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." I
Timothy 4:10
Which brings us to the third and anchoring strength of the church at
Thessalonica.
Steadfastness of hope When Jesus spoke of the various kinds of human
hearts in His parable of the Sower, He described one heart in particular
that is relevant in contrast to the Thessalonians.
"The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who
hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no {firm}
root in himself, but is {only} temporary, and when affliction or persecution
arises because of the word, immediately he falls away." Matthew 13:20-21
What they desperately needed, they had. stability. This church had been
founded in persecution. Their entire community was enraged over the gospel.
They hunkered down and made their place in God's kingdom. They labored as
if their very lives depended on it. The reality is that it does!
"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who
die in the Lord from now on!' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may
rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." Revelation 14:13
Paul continued to worry over them.
"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken
from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a
letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let
no one in any way deceive you." II Thessalonians 2:1-3
Could they handle the slick talking smooth speech of the false teacher?
Could they keep their composure as people came along in the name of God and
undermined some of the core teachings of Christ? Answer? They did.
There is a message here for all of us. Conviction brings courage and
stability. They weren't with Paul all that long, but it was long enough.
Consider Paul's final prayer for them
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread
rapidly and be glorified, just as {it did} also with you; and that we will
be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord
is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil {one.}We
have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will
{continue to} do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the
love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." II Thessalonians 3:1-5
Yours in Christ
Jerry Blount
131 Hillside
El Dorado Ks, 67042
3163204321
www.JerrysChristianJottings.info
Remove requests, Mailing information and other housekeeping matters
We set up this email magazine for members of the church of Christ (and other
interested folks). This mailing is an example of what we generally email,
though the subjects vary widely (often depending on the questions that come
in from you). If you would like to remain on the list do nothing. You or
someone on your behalf has added you already. We have quite a bit of Bible
related study material posted on our website. If you have any Bible related
questions we can correspond on email, or you are welcome to download some of
the material we have provided. www.jerrysChristianjottings.info
. If you are local, we would
like to meet with you and study our Bibles together. . . (Especially if you
disagree with something in any of the articles.) We have found those studies
to be truly enjoyable for all concerned.
If you have others you'd like to add please forward them as a reply or
include an exposed email string and they will be added.
If you'd like removed from the list just hit reply with "remove" in the
subject line. I do read the comments. but please put "remove" in the
subject line so that my computer gives it special notice.
A special note on remove requests. We try very hard to honor them!
We have had a problem removing folks in the past when the email
address they showed in the reply is different from the one we have in the
emailing registry. I have had a problem where folks send back multiple
remove requests but don't send all of their email addresses and I keep
posting the wrong email address in my electronic remove file. As of today
there are several thousand addresses. email "handles" don't necessarily
match names. I generally try, but . It is hopeless without a match! One
particular example of this showing up is when your church's website forwards
to all the elders (or all the members) then you have it on your private
computer. but it has been forwarded to you by your congregation. Those
forwards oftentimes are not exposed. (This same situation comes up from
work related websites.)
If you have tried to be removed multiple times please also send me the
entire subject line in this request. It has a code at the end of it that
will help me to track down a mismatch. Also please alert me to that
situation and I will attempt to handle it by hand.
Once I have a remove it stays in permanently and even if someone tries to
add you again it will remove you. but it is electronic and must match
exactly. Computers don't think they only follow orders.
If you are receiving duplicate emails. Someone has likely submitted your
name twice. Please reply with the word duplicate in the subject line and
we'll fix it! One other note on duplicates. be sure you don't have two email
addresses signed up. You may need to just opt out of one.
This list is not for sale or anything so replying will not trigger a ton of
emails.
Yours in Christ
Jerry Blount
Minister for
The Pillar church of Christ
131 Hillside
El Dorado Ks, 67042
3163204321
www.JerrysChristianJottings.info
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 17 01:53:13 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:53:13 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) WHAT DID YOU WRITE THAT DAY IN THE SAND?
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 a poem
from my files:
WHAT DID YOU WRITE THAT DAY IN THE SAND?
What did You write that day in the sand?
I think this thought with head in hand.
Was it something profound, or really nothing at all?
With sorrowful heart, on Thee I call.
Surrounded by people who claimed hearts that were true.
Whose actions betrayed them, as our sometimes do;
People who knew what was right, but just didn't care,
With ungodly motives, confronted You with a dare.
What did You write, and what made You so strong?
What inner strength as You faced such a throng?
I need that strength now, as few times before.
Give ear to my plea and open the door.
It grieves my soul to see Christians rebel --
To see them so cavalier, without a thought toward hell;
Watching Christians hurt a fellow saint
Sometimes causes my heart to faint.
A fellow saint has been pained, dealt a terrible scar.
His heart is heavy and the pain has gone far.
It was a Christian who hatefully dealt him this wound,
But his faith is strong, and he still sees the boon.
But it's for me that I write these words to my Lord,
I need reassurance of Your love's impregnable cord.
When my heart is weary and this world grows dark,
There's a peace that only You can impart.
So what did You write that day in the sand?
Was it something that would strengthen and cause me to stand?
As eyes become cloudy and tears begin to fall,
With sorrowful heart, on Thee I call.
------ Adam Litmer in That You May Grow Thereby.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Feb 17 01:53:22 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:53:22 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LAND PROMISE (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 LAND PROMISE (2)
The Cities Of Refuge: -- God ordained that there should be six
cities of refuge; three east of Jordan, and three in the land of
Canaan. "The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the
children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jor-
dan into the land of Canaan: Then ye shall apoint you cities to be cities of
refuge for you...And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall be
for refuge. Ye shall give three cities on this side of Jordan, and three
cities shall ye give in the land of
Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge" (Num. 35:9-14).
When the children of Israel were encamped on the plains of
Moab, Moses said unto them, "When the Lord thy God hath cut
off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and
thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their
houses; thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of
thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it" (Deut. 19:1,2).
The succeeding verses show that these were citi-
es of refuge. Then we read: "Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt
separate three cities for thee. And if the Lord
thy God enlarge thy coast, as He hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee
all the land which He hath promised to give unto
thy fathers; if thou shalt keep all these commandments to do
them, which I command thee this day, to love the Lord thy God,
and to walk ever in His ways; then shalt thou add three cities
more for thee, beside these three" (Deut. 19:7-9).
They were to have three cities of refuge from the time God cut off the
heathen before them until the day when He enlarged
their coast and gave them all the land which He had promised
to give unto their fathers; but when the promise is fulfilled and
they have all the land, three cities more were to be added to these three.
As long as the promise is only partially fulfilled, there were to be three
cities of refuge; when the promise is com-
pletely fulfilled , they were to add three cities more making a total
of six. If, therefore, we can find six cities of refuge appointed, it
will be proof positive that God had fulfilled His promise in its completeness.
Now turn to Jos. 20:1-8 and take time to read these verses.
Six cites of refuge are here apointed; three east of Jordan and
three in the land of Canaan. Furthermore, they were apointed by
direct command of Jehovah. Since this was to be done when
God enlarged their coast and gave them all the land He had pro-
mised to give, it follows that He thought He had fulfilled His promise.
Since Joshua and the children of Israel thought they
had received it all; but now more than thirty centuries this side
of that day a premillennialist jumps up to say, "God did not give
them all the land, therefore, the Jews must be regathered to the
land of Palestine and receive the promise." I am reminded of the
old Jew who listened to an atheist sneeringly deny that God had
any part in creation, and then silenced him with the question:
"Vas you der, Charley?" I am confident that God and the child-
ren of Israel know more about what took place than these wild
speculators today. They were there and are competent witness-
es. The appointment of the six cities of refuge stands as irrefut-
able proof that the land promise was fulfilled. Having been ful-
filled it belongs to the past and has no part in God's program
for the future. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow,
the Lord willing, JWS).
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From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue Feb 17 13:56:50 2009
From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com)
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:56:50 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S> Stay Awake
Message-ID:
Brethren,
Here's a lesson I hope you can use. If you get a chance, visit our
website at www.angletonchristians.com for more lessons and articles. We just
posted a new lesson in our series on Calvinism (Limited Atonement).
Zeke Flores
Kiber Street church of Christ
Angleton, TX
www.angletonchristians.com
***************************************************************************
Stay Awake!
Zeke Flores
Intro. Do you sometimes feel a little sleepy?
A. James Rich hadn't slept much the night before he got
behind the controls of his private plane. He was
planning a 30 minute flight to visit a friend in East
Tennessee. As he climbed to 3,500 feet, James decided
to take a quick nap. He set the plane on autopilot.
When James suddenly awakened, he looked down to
see what appeared to be a lake. But he had fallen
asleep for three hours. He awoke to discover two
frightening truths: he was over an ocean with no
land in sight and his gas gauge registered empty!
James had flown over the Gulf of Mexico. He was
85 miles from land and almost out of fuel. Though
James Rich crashed into the sea, he was
rescued and survived his overly long nap.
B. What a great reminder to us all of our need to be
spiritually alert each day.
1) It's so tempting to put our spiritual lives on autopilot --
little prayer, sporadic Bible study, casual about
our relationship with God.
2) Knowing human nature, God warns repeatedly about
spiritual complacency in our lives.
I. Realize the devil is waiting!
A. In any military, soldiers are warned of enemy?s tactics.
1) Same as soldiers of God - We need to be aware
that we?re in a fight.
a. Eph. 6:12
2) Knowing this we need to be aware that these forces
use dangerous tactics we need to be aware of!
a. Eph. 6:11 ?Put on the full armor of God...?
b. 2 Cor. 2:11 ?...so that no advantage would be
taken of us by Satan for we are not ignorant
of his schemes.?
B. Some of those schemes involve waiting for us to get
?lazy? about our faith.
1) ?Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary,
the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour.? 1 Ptr 5:7
a. Lions wait patiently for their prey to get lethargic
and then they pounce!
b. When the devil sees us getting lazy about our
faith, he knows that?s the time to jump on us.
II. Follow the example of others who are following Jesus.
A. Employers know the value of hard workers as examples.
1) They put these folks in visible positions to influence
the rest of the staff.
2) Same with God: He uses busy people.
B. One of the most busy for his boss was Paul!
1) Was busy persecuting the Christians, got saved,
then got busy preaching Christ no matter
what the cost.
a. 1 Cor. 4:9-16
2) Again & again Paul pleads to follow his example.
a. ?Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.?
1 Cor 11:1
b. ?Brethren, join in follow ing my example, and
observe those who walk according to the
pattern you have in us.? Phil 3:17
c. ?You also became imitators of us and of the Lord..?
1Thes 1:6
C. We can also follow one another?s example:
1) Heb. 6:9-12
a. Sometimes it?s hard to follow written directions.
Assembling all those gifts ?some assembly req?d?
b. Seeing an example is much more powerful!
It should spur us into action!
D. WE must strive to be the example that others
will want to follow.
1) ?It?s impossible to influence others to rise to a
higher level than the one your on
yourself!?
2) ?The worst danger facing the younger
generation is the example of the older
generation!?
a. We can?t expect our kids to be faithful
Christians if we aren?t.
b. People, especially kids, can see through
hypocrisy: Practice what you preach!
3) To do this we must STAY AWAKE!
a. Much of the NT refers to being diligent,
vigilant, and alert!
b. Rom 13:11-14; 1 Thess 5:1-11
III. How to get busy & STAY busy:
A. 1 Thess. 5:12-22
1) Just as waking up early & staying awake takes
getting used to, so do these things.
a. Practice, practice, practice.
b. How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
(Practice, Practice, Practice)
c. How do you get to heaven?
(Practice, Practice, Practice)
2) It is the ONLY way to reap the blessings of
1 Thess. 5:23
Conc.
A. Let us resolve to not get sluggish, sleepy or lazy
about our walk with God.
1) Let?s remember that we have an enemy who
waits for our eyelids to droop so he can
sneak in & trip us up!
2) Let?s be the example to each other, to help each
other to stay strong, alert, and awake
?til Jesus comes back!
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 18 03:11:19 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:11:19 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE BRIDGE BACK TO GOD
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 BRIDGE BACK TO GOD
Some folks have the idea that we're all destined for heaven,
but there might be some obstacles in the way. Well, God certain-
ly wants all to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9), but sin so separates man
from God that a bridge has to be built back to His side. And as
with most bridges, there are several components in the Plan of
Salvation.
However, a confirmation that sin separates us from God is in
order. Open your Bible and you will see that Adam and Eve were separated
from the tree of life because of their sin, and they did die, just as God told
them. Sin doomed the whole world
in Noah's day and brought God's wrath upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Through
Ezekiel God said, "The soul that sinneth,
it shall die..." (Ezk. 18:20).
And Isaiah said this: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not short-
ened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your
iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His
face from you, So that He will not
hear." (Isa. 59:1,2). All men are lost, because all have sinned.
(Rom. 5:12).
Now, from this perspective one can see the need for salvat-
ion. Christ came to seek and save that which is lost. He is the
one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), the Savior, the
necessary bridge (Jno. 14:6). (Bluegrass singer, Rhonda Vincent sings a song
about Jesus building a bridge to heaven
with three nails and two cross ties, JWS).
The First Component Is Hearing The Gospel: -- "How then shall
they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall
they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, ex-
cept they be sent?..." (Rom. 10:14,15). The gospel is to be preached unto
all creation (Mk. 16:15), but hearers must be receptive. Prejudice, apathy,
ignorance, and worldly distract-
ions are all bad because they hinder hearing and understanding
the gospel.
Genuine Listening Prompts Faith: -- "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). By observing the universe one might believe in
God, but only by listening to
what He says can a person be saved from sin. And only by
hearing God's Word can a person be faithful to what God teach-
es. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6).
Faith Prompts A Confession: -- "For with the heart man believ-
eth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10). The bridge back to God includes
acknowledgement of Who Christ is. As the Ethiopian and Timo-
thy made the good confession, so should all. (Rom. 14:11).
As naturalized citizens are expected to pledge allegiance to
the country and to support the Constitution, so are Christians
Scripturally expected to confess their faith in Jesus as the Son
of God. Such a declaration is reasonable.
Confession Prompts Action: -- When a person vocally states a
position of faith, then he or she will feel the compunction to ad-
here to that position. In other words, those who confess Jesus
as the ultimate authority in religion will be honor-bound to keep
His commandments, "Faith without works is dead" (Jas. 2:20).
Now, the first action a believer in Jesus would feel obligated
to take is to be baptized for forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38). Ob-
serve these components of the bridge to salvation in the follow-
ing Great Commission:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority
has beeb given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen'" (Matt. 28:18-
20).
There is first preaching, then there is faith in the authority
of Christ; then confession is understood in this passage; and
then there is baptism.
Baptism is the action which puts one into Christ where there
is salvation (2 Tim. 2:10). It is where forgiveness takes place.
(Acts 22:16). It is the act which assures one of salvation. (1 Pet.
3:21). The act of baptism is the action by which one puts on
Christ, rising to walk in newness of life, having been born again.
(Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3,4; Jno. 3:3-5).
Once a person is saved from past sins, he is obligated to live
a holy life. "Without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:
14). By observing the teachings of Christ, one has the assuran-
ce that the Lord is with him. (Matt. 28:20). The ungodly, on the
other hand, are warned that the face of the Lord is against them.
(1 Pet. 3:12).
Of course, God's Plan of Salvation is by His grace and mercy
and by obeying the gospel one does not merit salvation by his
own good works. (Titus 3:5). However, an active participation
by the sinner is required to cross the bridge back to God. The
components are hearing, faith, confession, repentance, and bap-
tism, and all the components are necessary. --- George Hutto in
Tidings, Vol. 24, No. 1, January, 2009.
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Feb 18 03:11:28 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:11:28 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LAND PROMISE (3)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the third and final
installment on this particular subject. Use to the glory of God.
THE LAND PROMISE (3)
A Premillennial Dodge: -- Sometimes premillennialists, when faced with such
convincing proof, will admit that God fulfilled His promise to the Jews of
Joshua's day, but deny that it was
fulfilled to others included in the promise, thereby claiming that
such makes necessary a future fulfillment to them. John R. Rice, a
Fundamental Baptist, says: "What is going to happen to
Abraham? Was Abraham there when Joshua took the children
of Israel into that land? Did Abraham possess it, live on it?...Abraham
lived in tents all his life and died in faith not having
received the promise. Now was that fulfilled? God's promise to
Abraham has not yet been fulfilled." (Oliphant-Rice Debate, pg. 42).
Again he says, "I admit that generation moved to Palestine,
but what about Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac, to whom God prom-
ised to give the land? Yes, the Jews moved to Palestine. God
fulfilled His promise to that generation of Israel, but that was not
the same as His promise to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. But
what about the Lord's promise to them? They are heirs of the
same promise and they died without having received it. How
about that?" (ibid. pg. 38).
And again, "God will keep His promise to Abraham and the
remnant of his seed, even though multitudes of Jews died in un-
belief and were lost" (ibid. pg. 41).
That Abraham was included in the land promise is evident
(Gen. 13:15; 17:8); and that he died without having received it is
also quite clear (Acts 7:5); but it does not follow that he must be
raised from the dead and national Israel be restored to Palestine
in order for the promise to be fulfilled unto him. This is a conclu-
sion which has no foundation in truth.
After Abraham came into the land of Canaan, God appeared
to him and gave him assurance that his seed should be as the
stars of heaven for multitude. It is said that Abraham believed in
the Lord and it was counted to him for righteousness. Then God
said: "I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees
to give thee this land to inherit it" (Gen. 15:7). Abraham asked:
"Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?" (vs. 8).
The Lord replied: "Abram, know of a surety that thy seed
shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve
them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also
that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward
they whall come out with great substance. And thou shalt go
to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the
iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full" (vss. 13-16).
This is God's own explanation of how Abraham would recei-
ve the promise. He had brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees
to inherit this land. Abraham asked: "How shall I know that I
shall inherit it?" God told him that he could know of a surety
that though his seed should dwell in a strange land and be sub-
jected to bondage they should come hither again in the fourth
generation. The iniquity of the Amorites being not full prevented
the fulfillment of the promise before Abraham's death. He would
go to his fathers in peace and be buried in a good old age. But
his seed would come hither again from a land of bondage. Here-
by Abraham was to know HE WOULD INHERIT THE LAND. Hence, in that day when
God brought the children of Israel up
out of Egyptian bondage and gave them the land of Canaan the
promise was fulfilled to Abraham. When the land was give to his
seed, HE received the inheritance. God's explanation that thus
it should be ought to satisfy John R. Rice and all other premillennialists.
----- Franklin T. Puckett in The Preceptor, Vol.
1, No. 10, August 1952.
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From shewemail at earthlink.net Tue Feb 17 13:47:12 2009
From: shewemail at earthlink.net (James)
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:47:12 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [Biblemat] The church of the less noble
Message-ID: <11347620.1234900032776.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 19 03:16:10 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:16:10 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) FASTING MADE SIMPLE (1)
Message-ID:
Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files.
Use to the glory of God.
FASTING MADE SIMPLE (1)
To Fast Or Not To Fast: -- Fasting can be defined as the abstin-
ence of food partially or totally for an indefinite period of time. We
reference it almost daily without realizing it when we ask,
"What's for break-fast?" We have fasted from dusk to dawn and
are now ready to break-our-fast. Biblical fasting, however, invol-
ves more than abstinence of food while the body sleeps.
The only Old Testament occasion in which fasting was pre-
scribed by God for His people involved the annual Day of Atone-
ment (Lev. 16:29-31). Twice in that section, the Israelites were
told to "humble your souls," a concept of self-denial which may
have involved fasting. Psa. 35:13 connects the wording, I humb-
le my soul with fasting..." Other than this once per year solemn
day, I find no other reference to regulated fasting in the Old Test-
ament.
That said, however, the Old Testament is replete with examp-
les of the godly who made individual decisions to fast for various reasons.
The list includes the likes of Moses, Elijah, Dan-
iel, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Esther. In the New Testament we read
of Saul fasting for three days in Damascus (Acts 9:9), Jesus fast-
ing for forty days (Matt. 4:2), and the leaders in the Antioch chur-
ch fasting in preparation for the evangelistic trip of Barnabas
and Saul (Acts 13:1-4). Some of God's greatest servants fasted
for a variety of reasons and for various lengths of time. And as
long as their motives were God-centered, it is apparent that He
approved.
The Problem Is: -- Like everything else, fasting tended to become a
ritualistic performance to showcase spirituality. In
Zech. 7:5, God asks a probing question of His people, "When
you fasted in he fifth and seventh months these seventy years,
was it actually for Me that you fasted?" Good question. First,
God had not asked them to fast during those times. Second,
their motive in doing so was flawed as they turned it into self-
promotion -- "And when you eat and drink, do you not eat for
yourselves and do you not drink for yourselves?" (vs. 6). Whet-
her they fasted (vs. 5) or feasted (vs. 6), their self-serving motive
(like that of the Pharisees) was wrong.
By the time of Jesus, fasting (which was intended to be an
individual experience of humility and self-discipline) had turned
into a public spectacle. The oral law of the scribes regulated
fasting to two days per week. Such is reflected in the pompous
Pharisee (Lk 18:12) who boasted, "I fast twice a week." One can
imagine the show-off Pharisee parading through the market
place and being asked by vendors, "How 'bout som fruit and
meat?" Gasp! "No, I am fasting!" came the reply from the pious
pale, and holier-than-thou.
It was all an act. Jesus knew they did it in order "to be seen
fasting by men." They would deliberately alter their appearance
to take on an air of holiness and draw attention to self. By so
doing and, in an air of smug arrogance, they put down anyone
else who failed to live by their high and holy standard.
The issue came to the forefront in Matt. 9:14 when followers
of John the Baptizer posed this question, "Why do we and the
Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" Jesus respond-
ed to the query by informing them (and us) that fasting, while
not regulated by God according to the calendar, involves a natu-
ral human response to sorrow. He equates fasting with mourn-
ing (vss. 14,15) and indicates that things that do not harmonize
should not be placed together. For His disciples to fast while
Jesus was with them would be as inappropriate and unnatural
as mourners at a wedding. The point? While the Pharisees
sought to legislate the natural, Jesus saw fasting as a normal
expression of grief. (More will be posted on this subject tomorr-
ow, the Lord willing, JWS).
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Feb 19 03:15:32 2009
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:15:32 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) BE YE DOERS AND NOT HEARERS ONLY
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:
BE YE DOERS AND NOT HEARERS ONLY
I have a confession to make. There have been times when I
have been sitting in a pew, listening to a gospel preacher deliver
a sermon, and have thought, "I sure hope so and so is listening
to this sermon. He or she really needs to hear this." Frankly,
sometimes I wasn't even that specific in my thinking. Instead, I
thought of the ubiquitous "they." "They" sure need to hear this!
Have you ever done the same thing? God has warned us about the need to make
application of His Word to ourselves.
Do you remember the account of the prophet Nathan com-
ing to David after his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of
her husband, Uriah? In 2 Sam. 12 Nathan told David the story of
a rich man with many flocks and herds, and a poor man who had nothing save
one little ewe lamb. The love that lamb and
treated it as one of the family. He held it to his bosom and it was
to him as a daughter. One day a traveler came to visit the rich man and he
chose not to take of his own flocks, but he took the
poor man's lamb and killed it to feed his guest. Hearing that story, David
was filled with righteous indignation and said in vss. 5,6, "As the Lord
liveth, the man that hath done this thing
shall surely die: and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because
he did this thing, and because he had no pity." Nathan's respon-
se to David resonates across the ages, teaching the need to ex-
amine self first. Nathan said to David, "Thou art the man."
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in "Matt. 7:3-5, "And
why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but con-
siderest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou
say to they brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and, behold,
a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first
cast out the beam out of then own eye, and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote out of they brother's eye." The less-
on is clearly that the first person I need to be concerned about
when it comes to applying God's Word is myself. I need to make
personal application of its principles before I look to anyone else.
In Jas. 1:22 we read, "But be ye doers of the Word, and not
hearers only, deceiving you own selves." If we look at the first
phrase of this verse simply from a grammatical standpoint, it
means, "keep on demonstrating yourselves to be doers of the
Word." The import of that statement is that it is not enough to
hear the Word and to receive it in that way, a person has to be
obedient to it. Did you ever stop to consider that God never
blessed anyone in any age or dispensation of time for simply
hearing the Word and simply believing it? God's blessings came when the
individual's faith was exhibited in obedience and
not before. It has never been enough simply to "hear" the Word
or for that matter, simply to "believe" it. It must be expressed in
action in life, it must be personally applied in order to bless and
save. Take care to notice of whom the action is required. It is
required of me. I must do what the Word says personally. I must
apply it to myself and so must you. ---- Greg Litmer in That Ye
May Grow Thereby.
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Thu Feb 19 10:42:17 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:42:17 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] A>Save Yourselves
Message-ID:
Save Yourselves
Only because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and only through knowledge of what He did can we engage in the activity of faith that will result in our salvation. There is a common expression these days that "there is nothing you can do, Jesus did it all for you" which is misleading. Jesus did not BELIEVE for you. He did not repent for you, and He was not baptized for you. When Peter told the Jews who asked "what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) what they should do (Verse 38), and then told them with many other words to "save yourselves from this perverse generation"(Vs.40), he was not denying that Jesus had paid the price for their sins, but he was affirming that the benefit of what Jesus did is not automatically applied to our account until and unless we meet these conditions. No one is saved by the blood of Christ until and unless they truly believe enough to meet these conditions: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins...." The gift is offered freely on those terms. Those who believe will "gladly receive his word" (vs.41) and be baptized accordingly. Those who do not will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).
Now, let us also observe that baptism is to be "in the name of Jesus Christ", which is by His authority. On our own authority we could not be baptized and the act itself save us or give us remission of sins. But, baptism that is done in the name of Jesus Christ will be active faith that puts us in the position to have saved ourselves from this perverse generation. It is a separating act that cuts out sins and ties to a perverse generation of people and allows us to cross the Red Sea of Jesus' blood to rise on the other side totally free from the past sins and now totally committed to the leadership of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (1 Cor.10:1-3; Rom.6:3-5; Col.2:12; Acts 22:16; Acts 8:33f). 3,000 gladly received his word, were baptized, crossed over into the heavenly land, the heavenly places in Christ (Eph.1:3,7; Col.1:13), and were saved from sin and condemnation (Rom.8:1). They were now risen to new life in Christ with Christ as their head. This is what happens when a person gladly takes the exit route Jesus offers. This is how they were able to "save themselves". This is how we must cut the ties we have to a perverse generation and save ourselves from the condemnation that is certain to come upon a world of spiritually blind people (2 Cor.4:2-4). Jesus wants you to be saved (Matt.11:28f; 2 Pet.3:9). Jesus died to pay for your sins. He told you what to do now to save yourself. Have you done it? If not, why not? -Terry W. Benton terrywbenton at bellsouth.net
Best Wishes From
Terry W. Benton
www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com
"Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15)
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From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Thu Feb 19 14:30:25 2009
From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill)
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:30:25 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 2-25-09
Message-ID: <90E58EC4FCA249C8A2B82C318E74946A@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 February 25, 2009 No.20
PRESENT DANGERS FACING THE CHURCH - No.1
Paul wrote Timothy, "But know this, that in the last days perilous (grievous - KJV) times will come" 2.Tim.3:1. Perilous times refer to times of danger. The term "last days" was a common term used to define the Christian dispensation Acts 2:17; Heb.1:2. So, Paul was warning that the Lord's people would be confronted with dangerous times. A study of the New Testament and resultant church history reveals this happening not just one time, but repeatedly since the church was established. In fact, there has never been a time that has been danger free for God's people.
Church problems do not happen because there is any defect in the church from a divine standpoint. Jesus gave inspired men a perfect design (pattern) with which to build His church. No man, or group of men, can improve upon this perfect pattern. Every problem in the church has come about because the church is comprised of people who are imperfect. Thus, from a human standpoint, a perfect church has never existed.
As long as the church exists on this earth, problems will arise to plague God's people. Each generation will have its problems to face, all produced by the same disease, sin. Some will view the problem(s) they face in their generation as something new, but more often than not it will be an old danger faced by the faithful in the past, but dressed in more modern clothing with a different name. Dangers confronting the church are like the common cold which plagues each generation. After years and years of research, the development of modern medicine and its administration by various doctors the common cold is still around. Humanity has not been successful in conquering the common cold because the virus that causes it has not been eradicated. The same is true of church problems. In spite of the existence and availability of God's word and a vigorous defense of it by faithful, dedicated men of God, problems continue to affect the church because the virus (sin) which causes the problems has not yet been eliminated. As long as the problem of sin exists the church will face perilous times of controversy within its ranks. Brother Larry Houchen observed while writing about church problems: "Church problems are somewhat like diseases - about the time that a dreaded disease has been virtually conquered, another "raises its ugly head."
From my own experiences since I began preaching in May 1953 I can certainly vouch for the truthfulness of brother Houchen's observation. During my years of preaching I have seen one problem after another arise to confront brethren. In the 1950-60's the church was faced with the problem of "institutionalism." This mainly involved the Lord's people in unscriptural methods of cooperation and use of the church treasury to build and support human institutions. During this time many friendships were severed, churches were split, division occurred. Afterward, the battle quieted down, but the problem was never fully solved. It remains until today.
Then in the 70's came the problem with the Crossroads movement which grew into the Boston or Discipling Movment. This movement involved a campus ministry, prayer partners, house churches, etc. No sooner had this quieted down than another problem arose in the early 80's, known as the "New Hermeneutics" (the science of interpreting scripture). This was a movement designed to do away with the fundamentals used to establish Bible authority. Once they destroyed the foundation of Bible authority then anything could be justified in serving God.
In the 90's the people of God were presented with the problem of the Community Church Movement. In this movement the Lord's church in an area loses its distinctiveness, standing for very little and accepting almost everyone and everything into its midst. As a result of this the early 2000's has seen many so called "churches of Christ" (local groups of people) being transformed into denominations, all because they desire to be like the nations around them. See 1.Sam.8:5.
In mentioning the above problems I have not spent time refuting them. It is not that I feel incapable of doing so, for I have answered them in the past. I simply used them in this article to illustrate the point that as long as the church exists here there will be problems to face. I do not know what problems will come next, but they will come. While each generation will be confronted with problems that threaten the existence of the Lord's church on the earth, history shows that whatever the problem(s), whenever it arises, the faithful of God of that generation will awaken to the danger and seek to solve the problem. These are the ones fully committed in word and deed to please the Lord, not man Col.3:17; Gal.1:10. They bravely defend the truth Jude 3, fighting for the Lord's cause regardless of the odds. When the skirmish is over, and the dust has settled only a faithful remnant will remain. Yet, they realize their mortality, and like David, "after he served his own generation by the will of God" will fall asleep Acts 13:36. So they warn the next generation that perilous times are on the horizon and seek to prepare them to carry on the fight when it comes by their own examples of faith and courage.
N.B. Hardeman, who died in 1965, was a well known gospel preacher among the liberal brethren in his day. During his preaching years, probably in his later years, he was asked the following question. "In your judgment, what are the four greatest dangers facing the church today?" He replied: 1. A lack of Bible knowledge and a light regard for what it says. 2. A tendency to make the church a social club for entertainment. 3. A disposition to compromise the truth, and discourage its preaching. 4. A love for the praise of men more than the praise of God, lest they put us out of some social organization."
Hardeman certainly was not an inspired prophet but his insightful words, gleaned from years of experience and wisdom have proven true. Every one of the above named dangers have permeated the membership (including both leaders and followers) of many so-called churches of Christ. I say "so-called" because these churches no longer bear the identity, nor follow the pattern, of the church Jesus built. In teaching and practice they have departed "the Faith" and have joined the denominational ranks.
Even though Hardeman was speaking to his liberal brethren about these dangers, they are also applicable to the membership of conservative churches of Christ of which I consider the church I labor with as one. This being the case I think it good to examine these dangers as they affect my brethren. This I plan to do so, beginning in the next issue
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Thu Feb 19 15:48:43 2009
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton)
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:48:43 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] S>WHEN BRETHREN BEGIN THINKING "THE OLD PATHS" ARE TOO
OLD
Message-ID: <009432F3ACE54F47A4A13553F3F9A028@TerryPC>
WHEN BRETHREN BEGIN THINKING "THE OLD PATHS" ARE TOO OLD
Jeremiah called upon the children of Israel to examine what was happening to
their relationship with God and truth. He called upon them to have the
courage to go back to the way things were supposed to be, to "ask for the old
paths"(Jer.6:16).
The church here is in need. We need to call for the old paths in depth of
dedication and conviction. We need to return to Acts 2 and recapture the
spirit of salvation. We need to recapture the faith, hope, and love of a
kingdom on an unconquerable mission. Our souls are at stake. The souls of
our children and grandchildren are at stake. We must be able to tell them
"the truth" in a world full of error. However, I feel that we may be lulled to
sleep and wake up down the road asking "what happened"? Why do they not go
with us to worship? Where did we go wrong? Why are the carnal services of
man-invented denominations more appealing than the simple truths of New Testament
Christianity? Why are more and more brethren abandoning the faith that was
once delivered to the saints? Why are we tired of "contending earnestly" for
the faith?(Jude 3).
I've seen too many brethren abandon the truth for more obvious errors.
I've seen plenty of room for individual growth. I've seen times when my heart
ached for the local church to improve.
But, I have never felt like abandoning truth for uncertainty. I have seen
more and more brethren pull away from the old truths in favor of something
that has no substance, no pattern, no guidelines, and no rules. I know of
friends who will not attend where they once stood for truth. They began to
feel that the old approach to Biblical authority was inconsistent. They
questioned everything and found answers for nothing. It is good to question
things that we do and have been doing, but it is not good to always question
and never establish any sound answers of your own. One brother questioned
whether or not the early church had an on-going treasury into which members
were obligated to give every first day of the week. It became a question he
never found satisfactory answers for, so he concluded that brethren have never
thought about it. He thought he had found a weakness, a question that posed
insurmountable problems to "traditional" thinking in churches of Christ. He
began questioning other things that he imagined could not be answered. As
time went by, he found plenty more questions. Soon he was able to share these
questions with other brethren who also began questioning. The problem is that
they never sat down with brethren of maturity and depth to help find answers.
They assumed that they were brethren of depth who had discovered flaws that
other brethren were too careless to see. The odd thing about these brethren
is that they have no questions about the practices and attitudes of the
churches or denominations they are now attending. It
makes no sense that they have no disturbing questions for their new associates
in the liberal, ultra-liberal, or denominational churches. It is as if there
is no need to question the ideas and practices of their new fellowship. I
have been amazed at some of my brethren who no longer want to worship with me,
but feel that my ignorance is greater than that of the new partners in the
denominations. I have a few questions of my own about the principles of truth
they seem to have forgotten. I want to know if it was wrong for
anyone to have ever opposed Roman Catholicism? When the reformation movement
shaped the new denominations, were these efforts involved in any error? When
the denominations were questioned by the likes of such men as Barton Stone,
Jacob Creath, Alexander Campbell, and F.B. Srygley, were these men in error,
or were the denominations in error? These were men who not only questioned
their traditional religions, but they had the conviction and courage to look
for some definite answers. The modern breed of dissatisfied questioners never
have answers. The questions they have just salve their conscience. Nobody
really has the truth. Therefore, it is all right to participate in all kinds
of unscriptural things. The leap of logic is incredible. They need not
question their present fellowship because their old fellowship did not have
satisfactory answers to their questions. The questions are merely
smokescreens to cover up the real problem. The real problem is that there is
no love for truth. Abandoning the whole idea of trying to restore the old
patterns in favor of rubbing elbows with denominations. Is that
enlightenment or darkness? The truth only narrows their circle of friends in
fellowship. They felt embarrassed and limited by the ideas that other
churches are wrong. Therefore, if they could find some questions for the
practices of local churches of Christ, it would seem to demonstrate that
nobody really has the truth, and it is just as well to support other errors.
With this mentality you can fellowship whom ever you want to, and act like
it doesn't matter because there is error in all churches. It is a cheap,
cowardly way of dealing with the word of God. It does not have courage to
come to some decision about truth and take a stand against error as the
reformers and restorationists of earlier years. It is a different mentality
altogether, for it conforms to the popular club-church rather than challenging
anyone to abandon any kind of religious error. It has no truth to defend and
believes nobody has any real truth. Why are some brethren joining in with
this mentality? Was it ever really a good idea to discuss and debate the
issue of baptism? Is there truth on this issue? A concordance on the word "truth" should clearly
show that there is "truth". The whole Bible shows how error has been believed
and promoted from the very beginning. Therefore, it is foolish to act like we
do not have an obligation to know the truth and defend it. But, why are some
brethren abandoning the ship of truth? Let us consider four common reasons:
A. Some Brethren Are Over-Reacting To Stale Worship.
It is true that the heart is distant to God at times while we are sure to "do
the right things" in worship to Him. We all get in a rut from time to time.
We go through the motions with little sincerity. I'm sure that is true of the
denominations and liberal brethren who felt free to adopt new methods of
worship.However, truth should demand that we rebuke ourselves and demand self
examination and evaluation of our hearts. Truth should call upon us to
reflect on our shallowness of sincerity. Truth should challenge us to improve
our approach to worship. But, just because we have tasted stale worship is no
reason to call for other errors. Lack of heart does not give license to
abandon scriptural authority and accept a spirited service where unscriptural
items are employed. Why not rebuke our errors and call for improvements
rather than using it as an excuse to join churches who feel no need to
establish authority for what they do?
B. Some Brethren View Themselves As Finding New Freedom.
Freedom at the expense of truth is not freedom. Jesus said "the truth shall
make you free"(Jno.8:31f). Some of my friends feel free to worship with
denominations. If we can worship as we please, then there can never be an
objection to the way Catholics or pagans worship. The attitude is not one of
conviction, but compromise. There is no legitimate stopping place, once we
yearn for the freedom to please ourselves instead of searching God's word
for His will to be done in worship. Remember, it is the false
teacher that lures by promising "liberty"(2 Pet.2). We should find real
freedom in desiring to do God's will and rejoicing when we are so engaged.
C. Some Brethren Have No Back-bone.
They do not want to have to challenge denominational friends or the ideas
they hold.. It is uncomfortable not to be popular, or for our children not
to be popular. However, we need to have some convictions. We need to be
transformed in the way we think. God's will should be primary. Conformity to
popular opinion should not be allowed to be our primary concern. We need to
accept rejection as a part of the cross our Lord wants us to carry. Jesus
was crucified. He died because of influential opinion.
Those in positions of power nailed Him to the tree. We must have some
back-bone about us, and if necessary, suffer rejection as He did.
D. The Old Paths Are Forgotten.
Jeremiah said, "stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old
paths"(Jer.6:16). It is clear, that our world needs some new convicted
leaders who will revive interest in the old paths. The social-club churches
are marking out ways that abandon the truth of God's word and promote a false
sense of security while pleasing self in the place of God. We must strive to
call people back to the old paths. Don't forget that the pattern for work and
w