From tssullivan at charter.net Fri May 1 16:44:45 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 16:44:45 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 017 Message-ID: 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 017: May 03, 2009 This Week's Article: Growing Together in Unity Introduction: It is important to grow together; to seek and find unity. Unity is the key to our success in this life of service (Ephesians 4:3, 13). We are to dwell in unity-unified in truth (John 17:17). Psalm 133:1 says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Where we have division and strife we have marked lack of growth. To seek growth we must accomplish unity. Let's take some time to consider some more details about this unity. That we might be able to work at being as God would have us: united. What Is Unity? Jesus spoke some words that forever ring true: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25). We must actively work toward unity in order to remain intact. Unity is a strong house built on a firm foundation. The foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11) and the framework of the house is the brethren (Ephesians 4:16; 1 Peter 2:1-5). Unity is strength. A common statement is, "There is strength in numbers". This is only true in united numbers and we need that strength to survive. We must be able to rely on each other in order to survive. If we are all heading in different direction how will we find help from each other along the way? It is hard to survive as a Christian in this world (1 Peter 4:1-5). No Christian that attempts to be an island will survive long. During the harshest of times in the first century Christians came together daily to strengthen one another (Acts 5:42; 16:5). They needed to know that they where not alone they had companions on the road of righteousness. The Hebrew writer says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" ," (Hebrews 3:13). Why is there Divisions? Some might consider strife as almost inevitable. If this whole situation was of human design there would be inevitable strife; but this is from God. Our foundation is His word and will. God in His infinite wisdom designed the church to be a melting pot. Where all of any nation (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-6) can come together and be one (Ephesians 2:11-16-Unity through the blood of Jesus Christ). Unity will survive as long as all heed God's will. Division is caused by sin (1 Corinthians 1:11-13). There is no other way around it. The brethren at Corinth were divided because of human wisdom. Paul did not write to them and congratulate or condone their actions. Paul wrote to warn them of their perilous situation; he told them to unite in Christ (1 Corinthians 2:30-31). Is any unity acceptable? Is every, or any, doctrine right as long as we are unified? In Genesis 6 the world was unified in rebellion and sin-God did not accept them. The Pharisees were unified in their take on the Old Covenant-they were unacceptable. In Matthew 7:21 many were unified in their pursuit of what they thought was acceptable-the Lord did not accept them. There is one pathway, one goal, and one doctrine. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Our way is Christ (Acts 4:12 "no other name under Heaven"). Those unified in Christ will receive the blessings (Ephesians 1:1-10). Conclusion: We need to find common ground to walk together unified. God proclaimed through the Psalmist that it is good and pleasant. We will be stronger for each other (Hebrews 3:13 exhort) so that we will not wander into sin and division. We will have a stronger influence in the community. So we can move into our goal of bringing others to Christ. What about you? Are you with us? United in the doctrine of Christ? Seeking to please God-God's way? The opportunity for you is now. ~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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090501/173e86a4/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090501/173e86a4/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7810 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090501/173e86a4/attachment-0003.gif From GLClair at aol.com Fri May 1 17:37:36 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 18:37:36 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for May 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ Meeting 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 5 May 2009 ============================================================= CHRIST HAS ALL AUTHORITY (Jehovah?s Witnesses are in error here) Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) The 18th verse is a claim by Jesus Christ that he now possesses all (i.e. complete) authority over everything in heaven and in earth. This claim is further defined in 1 Corinthians 15:24 where it is stated that after Jesus had conquered death, the Devil and exercised judgment upon all creation (John 12:48) that he (i.e. Jesus Christ) will then deliver up the Kingdom (i.e. the Body of Christ) to the Father (i.e. thus, returning all authority unto the Father.) Jehovah?s Witnesses are dead wrong whenever they make the claim that the Father is always in charge of all things that deal with man and his existence and future hopes. They are also wrong in their suggestion that Jesus is of an inferior quantity of God than the Father. Jehovah?s Witnesses have gone so far as to create a whole new translation of the Bible especially declaring that Jesus Christ is a god (not capitalized ? a little god compared to the Father). They are dead wrong, in this use of the Greek Language in John 1:1 of their New World Translation. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - March, 2009 NO GOOD TIME FOR SIN There is a mind-set in some people that says, ?I am not responsible until after I have sowed my wild oats.? Exactly what one means (i.e. personally thinks) about responsibility to God is wrong? No one can willfully disobey God whenever they arrive at an age when they know the difference between right and wrong. EXAMPLE and COMMENT: As a person develops from birth, there is a time when they understand that lying is wrong (i.e. should not be done). There is a time when an individual realizes that hurting another person deliberately is wrong (i.e. perhaps deadly). There is a time when one knows that to take things that belong to other people is wrong (i.e. against the law). Indeed, there is a time in the individuals physical and mental development that they are aware of their amenability to the civil authorities and that if they break civil laws they will have to answer to the courts. As one develops in the previous ways they also develop a sense of responsibility (i.e. an understanding that their actions are being observed by God also). Whenever a person?s intellect reaches a state when they know that they are not doing that which God requires of them they are sinners and need to think about making some corrections in their manner (i.e. standard of living) before man and before God. This is known generally as reaching the age of accountability (i.e. to God). A Bible references that shows man?s responsibility - Mark 7:14 ?And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:? KJV At some point whenever a person reaches an understanding of their lost condition (i.e. the need to correct their disobedience to God) with regard to God and the things that are righteous they must make a decision about their life. The decision cannot be deferred, it must be made one way or the other ? A person will either choose to serve God or will become a servant of the Devil by ignoring their responsibility to serve God. NOTE: Joshua of long ago ? Josh. 24:14-15, 14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve ; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (KJV) Young people need to be taught by godly parents that there is a God and that God is truly real and that God is great. Parents need to instruct their children that disobedience to God?s instructions is sin. Parents need to tell their children about salvation from sin at an appropriate time in the children?s physical and mental development. Parents need to correct their children?s actions and speech that indicate that they are becoming responsible to God?s law and tell them that sin in their life must be corrected. Parents ought to encourage their children to listen closely to teaching about sin and the cure for sin in the lives of sinners. Indeed, parents ought to tell their children about God?s plan of salvation for the sinner. Are we conscious of the passing of time with our children as they grow physical and mentally? We must understand that it is our duty to God, to ourselves, and to our children to keep them up-to-date about God and God?s expectations of their actions and conduct. Parents and grandparents, are we doing the job? We must! _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - March, 2009 Gospel Meeting CHURCH OF CHRIST 4840 Cemetery Road ? Hilliard, Ohio THEME: THE CHURCH AT WORK May 10-15, 2009 1. SEEKING RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY ? May 10 ? 9:30 AM; 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM Lewis Willis from Akron, Ohio 2. SEEKING AUTONOMY ? May 11 ? 7:30 PM Ethan Longhenry from Norwalk, Ohio 3. SEEKING CREDITIBLITY IN THE COMMUNITY May 12 ? 7:30 P.M. James Brewer from Worthington, Ohio 4. SEEKING A HAPPY AFTER-LIFE ? May 13 ? 7:30 PM Jason Hardin from Columbus, Ohio 5. SEEKING UNITY ? May 14 ? 7:30 P.M. Randy Blackaby from Dayton, Ohio 6. SEEKING LOCAL GROWTH - May 15 - 7:30 P.M. James Buchanan - From Columbia, Tennessee Information and/or Assistance: Church of Christ ? 4840 Cemetery Road ? Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 or 850-7252 glclair at aol.com >From the Preacher?s Desk ? Number 3 Articles ? Sermons ? Questions & Answers _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) JESUS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH 1. Jesus built the church, Matthew 16:18, 2. Jesus cleansed the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? 3. Jesus purchased the church with His blood, Acts 20:28, ?Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.? 4. Jesus washed the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? 5. Jesus loves the church, Ephesians 5:25, ?Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;? (KJV) 7. Jesus sanctified the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? 8. Jesus is the foundation of the church, Colossians 1:18, ?And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.? 9. Jesus glorified the church, Ephesians 5:27, ?That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.? 10. Jesus is head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22-23, ?22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.? 11. Jesus adds all the saved to the church, Acts 2:47 SPECIAL STUDY ? Saturday ?EFFECTIVELY TEACHING ADULT BIBLE CLASSES? ? Chapter 2 ? 5/02/09 ? 6:00 PM **************Join ChristianMingle.com? FREE! Meet Christian Singles in your area. Start now! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1 00126575x1221673648x1201419171/aol?redir=http://www.christianmingle.com/campaign.html%3Fcat%3Dadbuy%26 src%3Dplatforma%26adid%3Dfooter:050109%26newurl%3Dreg_path.html) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090501/1676e9f7/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 2 04:28:52 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 05:28:52 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN The purpose of human life is summed up by "the preacher" thus: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:13), coupled with this admonition: "For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (vs. 14). Jesus reminded Satan, "For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve" (Matt. 4:10). Jesus later showed the basis of all the Law and the Prophets; "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 22:37- 40). We humans exist as servants. In the flesh Jesus took our form (Phil. 2:7). Our choice is not whether to serve, but whom we will serve (Jos. 24:14,15). We will either serve sin and fleshly desires, or serve God (Rom. 6:17-23), We cannot do both (Matt. 6:24). Now, what servant exists with no service required of him? Our service to God requires obedience unto salvation (Heb. 5:9), and also requires faithful obedience as His saved people (Phil. 2:12). We labor now to be ready to enter that rest that God has promised (Heb. 4:9-16). God's promise is sure to His servants who labor in righteousness and finish their course in faithful ser- vice (1 Tim. 4:8-16). The "good and faithful servant" is one who obeys his Master. Will you accept this inescapable Bible truth? --------------------------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090502/dc9ef74f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 2 04:29:11 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 05:29:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) CULTURALLY SANCTIONED POLYGAMY Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. CULTURALLY SANCTIONED POLYGAMY Since the arrest of the notorious polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, until the more recent seizure of children from the polygam- ist compound in Eldorado, Texas, the news has been filled with commentary, analysis, and scorn for the behavior of this radical religious group. If charges of incest, sexual abuse, and relation- ships between adults and minors are true, anyone who respects Jesus Christ as Lord must view such behavior as deplorable, in- excusable, and ungodly. While no Christian can look on such behavior with anything other than scorn, in watching our culture's response to these events one cannot help but see some cultural schizophrenia at work. That is, while our culture feels moral outrage over these men taking more than one wife -- for years the same kind of be- havior has been sanctioned, tolerated, and treated as normal while our culture thinks nother of it. How is this the case? Polygamy Under The Law: -- The Bible teaches that God created the relationship of marriage as a bond by which, "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). This bond was created as a covenant made between a man and woman, in which God Him- self acted as "witness" (Mal.2:14). In human imagination, man refused to be content with things as God designed them, and chose to take for himself more than one wife. Scripture tells us about, Lamech, who, "took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah" (Gen. 4: 19). From what Scripture reveals, God appears to have tolerated this innovation during the days of the Patriarchs, and under the Law. Men like Jacob had two wives, and two "concubines" i.e., wives of secondary legal status (Gen. 35:22,23). David, who was subject to the Law of Moses, had many wives and concubines (2 Sam. 5:13). While the Law of Moses did set some marriage restrictions (Lev. 18:6-18; Deut. 24:4; Exo. 34) it clearly allowed Israelites to have more than one wife. Under the Law if a man died with no children, his brother was allowed and expected to take his brother's wife for himself in order to provide children for his brother's house. To refuse this duty was viewed with shame (Deut. 25:5-10). The Clear Teaching Of Jesus: -- When Jesus came, however, He revealed a number of things about the original desire of Deity on this matter. When questioned about divorce, He refers to the Mosaic provision that granted divorce and tells the Jewish lead- ers who questioned Him, that it was permitted "because of the hardness of your hearts" (Matt. 19:8a). He then goes on to say, "but from the beginning it was not so" (vs. 8b). Jesus reveals that the plan of God from the beginning was for the bond between a man and woman to be enduring. God was never plea- sed with the hard heart that would so easily cast off his or her mate. But how does this relate to polygamy? Before this, Jesus appealed to the very text we referred to above, which defines marriage: (Gen. 2:24). However, He used slightly different word- ing. Whereas, the wording of the Hebrew text of 2:24 read, "and they shall become one flesh" -- Jesus quoted it to say "and the two shall become one flesh" (Matt. 19:5). This was not original, with Jesus. The Greek translation of the Old Testament, made long before Jesus came to earth, used the same wording. This reveals that others besides Jesus understood the words of the Hebrew text to express the idea of the two becoming one. Re- gardless, Jesus as God in the flesh, in using such words reveal- ed that the very intention of Deity from the beginning was one man -- one wife -- for life! Yet, Jesus did not simply offer commentary on the Law of Moses. Instead He laid down for us the New Law (Gal. 6:2). As such, in His discussion with the Jewish leaders, He goes even further, to lay down the New Law on matters of marriage. He de- clares, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery" (Matt. 19:9). In this, Jesus gives the monumental principle that marria- ge in all circumstances other than the stated exception is bind- ing to such a degree that those who marry ones who have been divorced commit "adultery." In describing this as "adultery" Jesus makes it clear that unscriptural divorce does not annul the covenant which He has witnessed -- instead those who make additional covenants actually "commit adultery." The significance of this doctrine is summarized in later New Testa- ment Scripture by simply declaring, "a wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives" (1 Cor. 7:39). The Current Compromise: -- In spite of the teaching of Christ, and the New Covenant to which all are now accountable, our culture has seen respect for the marriage covenant to collapse. More marriages end in divorce than in death. Husbands have multiple wives. Wives have multiple husbands. Children have parents, stepparents, and "multiple visitation rights." While men like Warren Jeffs are rightly villianized -- others like Brad Pitt, or Tom Cruise are celebrated as heroes! What is the difference be- fore God? (The law of the land might release them from their former wive or wives, but God looks upon them as still being bound to their first wife, JWS). If Jesus teaches that "the two become one flesh," If Jesus commands, "What God has joined together, let not man separa- te" (Matt. 19:6). If Christ, declares that unscriptural divorce and remarriage is committing "adultery," how does that in any way differ from polygamy? The only difference between the two is that our culture has chosen to oppose the one (polygamy) with righteous indignation, while the other (multiple marriages throu- gh easy divorce) it has chosen to allow in satisfying its own desires! (The latter case is a legal way of having more wives at one time. But in the eyes of the Lord, to whom they and we will have to give an account in the judgment, they are living in a poly- gamous relationship, JWS). --- Kyle Pope in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 6, June 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090502/f89fd2d7/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri May 1 14:37:50 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 14:37:50 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Take Time to Be Holy" Message-ID: <20090502.085350.3956.1.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study "TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY" "Be ye holy for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:16) INTRO.: A hymn which exhorts us to be holy just as God is holy is "Take Time to Be Holy" (#118 in Hymns for Worship Revised, #55 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by William Dunn Longstaff, who was born at Sunderland in Durham, England, on Jan. 28, 1822, the son of a wealthy shipowner. Being of financially independent means, he was generous in giving to charitable and philanthropic causes. When his friend Arthur A. Rees left the Anglican Church and established the Bethesda Free Chapel in Sunderland, Longstaff went with him, serving both as treasurer and building supervisor. The exact details surrounding the origin of this song are somewhat in dispute, but it seems that around 1874 Longstaff heard a sermon preached in a meeting, either at Keswick according to Ira D. Sankey, or at New Brighton according to the composer of the tune (Holiness or Longstaff), George Coles Stebbins (1846-1945). It is possible that there is no conflict in these two accounts, though most sources are inclined to give more credence to Stebbins. In any event, the topic of the sermon was holiness. Sankey said that it was based on the text, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Stebbins later wrote that the speaker told of Griffith John, a missionary to China, and quoted a statement that the missionary had made at a conference in China, in which he had told the audience, "Take time and be holy." The thought struck Longstaff, and the words are said to have been put down on paper that evening. They first appeared in print as a poem in an English publication, Hymns of Consecration, a collection used at Keswick around 1882. The tune with which we are familiar was composed for this text in 1890 by Stebbins during a trip to India. The poem had been clipped from a periodical by a friend and given to Stebbins several months before he went to India. Then, while assisting George F. Pentecost and other preachers during their India campaign with conferences in various cities such as Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, he found the clipping among the papers that he had taken with him, provided the melody, and mailed it to Sankey, who published it in his 1890 book, Winnowed Songs for Sunday School and the following year in Gospel Songs No. 6. Interestingly enough, Longstaff was also a friend of Sankey and the man whom Sankey served as music director, Dwight L. Moody. Moody preached at the Bethesda Chapel, and Longstaff was active with their team's campaigns in England until his death at Cambridge Terrace in Sunderland on Apr. 2, 1894. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the song appeared in the 1921 Great Songs of the Church (No. 1) and the 1937 Great Songs of the Church No. 2 both edited by E. L. Jorgenson; the 1935 Christian Hymns (No. 1), the 1948 Christian Hymns No. 2, and the 1966 Christian Hymns No. 3 all edited by L. O. Sanderson; the 1963 Abiding Hymns edited by Robert C. Welch; and the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson Slater. 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; the 1986 Great Songs Revised edited by Forrest M. McCann; 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. It is obvious that the emphasis in this hymn is holiness. I. According to stanza 1, God wants us to be holy as He is holy "Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His word. Make friends of God's children; Help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing(s) to seek." A. God wants us to develop holiness, without which no one can see the Lord: Heb. 12:14 B. To do this, we must speak oft with the Lord in prayer: Phil. 4:6-7 C. And we must feed on His word: 2 Tim. 3:16-17 II. According to stanza 2, one result of holiness in our lives is that our friends should see Christ's likeness in us "Take time to be holy, The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone. Abiding in Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see." A. We should spend much time in secret with Jesus alone because He is our perfect example: 1 Pet. 2:21-22 B. By abiding in Jesus, we will be presenting our members as instruments of righteousness and being servants of righteousness: Rom. 6:13-19 C. And if we are truly striving to be holy, then others should be able to see Christ in us: Gal. 2:20 II. According to stanza 3, another result of holiness in our lives is that we let Christ be our Guide and not run before Him but follow His will in all things "Take time to be holy, Let Him be thy Guide; And run not before Him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord; And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in His word." A. Running before Him signifies going beyond and not abiding in the doctrine of Christ: 2 Jn. vs. 9-11 B. Those who seek to be holy will not allow anything, even family, to keep them from denying themselves, taking up the cross, and following their Lord: Matt. 10:34-38 C. Instead, they will trust in the Lord and His word above all else: Ps. 37:3-5 IV. According to stanza 4, the ultimate result of holiness in our lives is that we shall be fitted for service above in the next life "Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul, Each thought and each motive beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit To fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be fitted For service above." A. Being "led by His Spirit" does not necessarily suggest having some miraculous or direct operation of the Spirit in our lives; the Bible does speak of our being "led by the Spirit," referring to the guidance that He provides through the written word: Gal. 5:18, Eph. 6:17 B. Being led by the Spirit, we have the hope of coming to the fountains of love: Rev. 7:16-17 C. In this way, by adding to our faith those characteristics that will help us to be holy, we can be fitted for service above and have an entrance supplied to us into the everlasting kingdom: 2 Pet. 1:5-11 CONCL.: It is interesting that most of our older books had all four stanzas, but most of our newer books omit stanza 3. In fact, Alton Howard went from the full song in the original 1971 Songs of the Church to the three-stanza version in later editions! Someone once observed that stanza 3 might have been omitted because some editors did not like the warning about not running before Him. That may be. I am glad that Praise for the Lord has restored it. God wants Christians to be holy. However, such holiness is not something that happens automatically with the turning on of a switch but something that takes time and effort to develop. Following the advice of this song, especially to "Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone," both by prayer and studying His word, will surely help us to "Take Time to Be Holy." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 office phone: (618) 548-1774 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 now for prescreened plumbing contractors. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTRHI72jgtNBIl8jwDBrJ8FLXSFM9tsMlnWXLSBvXqwP3AElhiKD52/ From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat May 2 10:51:49 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 11:51:49 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 18: May 03, 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 18: May 03, 2009 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 John 2:18-29: The Antichrists Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all the things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, even he that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that confesseth the Son hath the Father also. As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal. These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him. And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him (1 John 2:18-29). After speaking about matters of association, walking in the light, and not loving the world (1 John 1:1-2:17), John now turns to one of his great concerns for the brethren: the emergence of the Gnostic teachers. To John, these Gnostic teachers represent the reality of the "last hour:" the emergence of the "antichrists." Many people have many ideas about the "Antichrist" and who he is. He is often described in terms of the beast in Revelation, yet John never uses the term "Antichrist" to describe the beast. While it is true that the word "antichrist" simply means someone opposed to Christ, and therefore could refer to all sorts of persons, John has a very specific usage in mind here in 1 John 2:18-29. These "antichrists" were believers who used to have association with Christians but have now gone on their own way (1 John 2:19). These "antichrists" are denying that Jesus was truly the Christ, and denying the relationship between the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22, 2 John 1:7-11). The Gnostics were known for their denial that Jesus was the Son in the flesh and that God the Father was in fact a lesser deity than the "Christ" god. Therefore, "antichrists" as described in the New Testament represent those Gnostic teachers and believers who denied the fundamental truths regarding Jesus, His Father, and His work. John is concerned for the Christians: he does not want them to be disturbed or to be led astray by these antichrists (1 John 2:21, 26). They have learned the truth and have received an anointing from God (1 John 2:20-21). They are to continue to accept and promote what they learned from the beginning, and should not follow after this new doctrine (1 John 2:24). They are to take comfort in the promise of eternal life, and strive to prepared without shame if Jesus were to return soon (1 John 2:25, 28). Since only those who follow Jesus are truly righteous, Christians will know those who are His by their striving toward righteousness and doing it (1 John 2:29). John, therefore, is warning fellow believers about the false teachers in their midst while attempting to strengthen their faith. The antichrists here have little in common with the presentation of the best in Revelation: while both may be against Christ, Gnostic teachers and the Roman authority are different creatures indeed. There is no justification, therefore, for calling the beast of Revelation the Antichrist, since John has different entities in mind in the two different contexts. What of the condition of the antichrists as described in 1 John 2:19? John is not trying to say that those who fall away were never saved, as some would argue; 2 Peter 2:20-22 and Hebrews 10:26-31 would militate against such an interpretation. John is speaking specifically about the Gnostics, and they may have never truly obeyed Jesus from the heart, despite going through the motions. What about the "anointing" of believers as described in 1 John 2:20, 27? This may refer to the presence of the Holy Spirit with these believers: John may have laid hands on them previously so that they would receive the dispensation of the Spirit as is seen in Acts 8 and 19, among other places. Through the Spirit they know the truth; John writes to confirm them in the truth and so they do not doubt the Spirit's message to them. Such a dispensation may not exist for believers today, but we still have the Scriptures by which we can understand truth from error (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nevertheless, we must still strive toward righteousness, avoid false teachings, and hope in the promise of eternal life. Let us represent Christ in our lives today! 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 / deusvitae 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 crxtra at gmail.com Sat May 2 12:03:23 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 10:03:23 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> When All Else Fails Message-ID: <000001c9cb47$e7e411d0$b7ac3570$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper May 3, 2009 When All Else Fails There is an old adage you may have heard before: "When all else fails, follow the instructions." It applies to many things we face in life, from simple assembly of a bicycle to operating equipment, to finding our way to a place where we may have never been. Oftentimes, we fail to accomplish our intended goals simply because we have failed to follow the instructions! Sometimes, our failure to follow the given instructions becomes known to others and it becomes a source of ridicule or just a lighthearted jest, but there are some times when failure to follow instructions leads to dangerous situations. If you have a few minutes, I would like to talk about one of those times. I know of few people I have met in my short life here on earth who have not, at some time or another, wondered what life was all about, or at least why they were here on earth. I have even heard some people specifically ask, "Why are we here?" That is one of the three great questions of life, isn't it?-How did we get here? Why are we here? and What happens after we die? Maybe you have wondered about those same things? Believe it or not, there is a book that answers those three great questions. That book is the Bible! Within the Bible, what claims to be God's divinely-inspired word, we find that God has revealed the answer to those three questions, telling us how we got here (Gen. 1-2), why we are here (Eccl. 12:13), and what happens to us after we die (Heb. 9:27; John 5:28, 29). But a good portion of the Bible is for our instruction about how to live on this earth so we may fulfill our purpose and ensure our destination after we die. In fact, the Bible tells us, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2nd Tim. 3:16, 17). This tells us that God has given us an "instruction manual" [if you will] about this life. Peter also tells us God has given us in this written record, "all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence" (2nd Pet. 1:3). In other words, this "instruction manual" for life gives us all we need to know about how to live godly lives, that we may be pleasing to God and obtain the surety of God's promise of eternal life in heaven. But how many people take the time to read the instructions? Sadly, very few. Not so long ago, parents cared enough about their own spiritual condition and that of their children that they would read this "instruction manual" fairly regularly, and instilled in their children a sense of personal responsibility for following those instructions. Of course, many people erred in thinking they could add their own set of instructions to what God had already given and much error has been propagated because of it, but at least they considered the Book. Nowadays, few even bother to pick up the Book and read God's instructions and, as a consequence, many are wandering around lost and confused, without a clue as to what to do, what is missing, or what went wrong. May I encourage you to read the instructions? Though many continue to ridicule this Book as outdated, full of contradictions, and useless, I strongly disagree and contend that the answers to our society's problems lie within the pages of God's "instruction manual" for man! But only if we would bother to read the Book! Consider that within this Book is found the answers to many of our current problems: Religious Confusion. Though many today seem to think it presumptuous and narrow-minded, the fact is, this Book is the only one that has been proven over and over to be exactly what it claims to be. The proofs are too numerous to investigate in this amount of space, but the fact is, if we would simply follow the instructions in this Book and throw out all the creeds men have written to "explain" it or to prop up their doctrines that originated with man, much of the religious confusion would disappear. No longer would there be creeds to divides us, but only one Book on which we could unite! No longer would we hear of how we should follow after others gods or self-proclaimed religious leaders, but we could all unite in the Savior, Jesus Christ! If! This Book we call the Bible tells us that there is but one plan for our salvation, established by God before time (2nd Tim. 1:8-10) and that there is only way to heaven, through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). If we would only read the instructions God has given us, we could eliminate much of the confusion that man has brought upon himself, and error could be easily identified, opposed, and eliminated. Immorality. Though many have tried to deny it for decades now, there is such a thing as "right" and "wrong" and we are beginning to see more and more consequences of past denials. Have you been affected by the housing downturn and what has been called the "mortgage crisis"? Are you bothered by the extremely loose attitudes toward sexual activity and perversions in today's world? Does it seem no one keeps their word? Does it seem like no one thinks anything is wrong with divorce anymore? All of these things are the direct result of our denial that there is a "right" or "wrong" and we have proclaimed and touted our "right" to situation ethics and do what is "right for the moment" while denying there is such thing as an absolute "right." Well, these things happen because many people have never been taught from God's "instruction manual" [the Bible] and so they didn't bother to tell the truth when they filled out their loan applications; others dishonestly "verified" their income, and still others greedily sold the bad loans to other companies and institutions as something better than what they actually were. When everyone figured out they had bought the proverbial "pig in a poke," there was nowhere else to turn and things started going downhill quickly. As for the sexual laxity, this, too, is a result of our failure to read God's instructions that teach us marriage is to be "held in honor among all" and that only in the marriage union is a sexual relationship pure in God's sight, while everything else brings condemnation (Heb. 13:4). God's divine "instruction manual" also tells us that marriage is supposed to be only between one man and one woman and that it is to be for life (cf. Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:1-9). Many lives and families have been destroyed because man has failed to pick up the Book and read God's instructions on this matter, or simply ignored what God has said. Pain, Sickness, and Death. I doubt any of us have not been touched by the various ills of this physical life in one way or another. If we have been so blessed as to have lived a healthy life up to this point, we surely have known others who have suffered, and we might wonder why it is that we have to endure so much physical suffering in this life. Some might even ask, "Why does God allow us to suffer?" I must again point you to His Book, the Bible, where we find that it was because sin entered into this world that death soon followed (cf. Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12). At certain times, God dealt with those physical ills and with death to show He had power over it all [while Jesus walked this earth], but the simple fact is, God allows it because He gave us free will to live as we wish, and we are merely suffering the consequences of our poor decisions. Sin brought illnesses and death, but God also gave us a solution to these things - just not in this life! I urge you once again to take the time to read God's word, the Bible. Now is the time to read the "instruction manual" because, friends, all else has failed! -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090502/810fe011/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sun May 3 12:43:20 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 13:43:20 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Who Leads the Way? Message-ID: WHO LEADS THE WAY? Whenever we desire to go somewhere (i.e. vacation, specific location, etc.); we look for someone to lead who has some experience, who is qualified, and someone that we can respect and follow to our desired destination. The leader thus takes charge and leads us toward our destination. As we begin our journey preparations are made and encouraged by our leader (i.e. director, etc.). As we begin our journey we are encouraged and assisted by our director on day to day activities and places of rest and the best restaurants for nourishment, etc. While the ultimate destination is perhaps far away we are encouraged to hold on for once we have arrived at the destination; everything will be wonderful there. I remember back in the late 1980s our (i.e. Barbara, LeAnn, and I) vacation to Australia and New Zealand with perhaps two dozen other travelers. The trip was well planned and the journey was long, yet we were all together in one group and had a good and experienced guide (i.e. Weldon Warnock). Everything was arranged for the journey including stops in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and the Fuji Islands on the way back home. The purpose in using the first two paragraphs of this article with introductory material is designed to illustrate how the Godhead planned for man to be restored to paradise after the Garden of Eden errors of Adam and Eve. You see; God created man and knows man better than man knows himself. God has stated His purpose in giving us the Holy Scriptures (i.e. the Bible). God has stated through Jeremiah the prophet that man cannot guide himself or lead himself without help; Jeremiah 10:23, O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. (KJV) Therefore, God has given us a Leader (Matt. 11:28-30), a Helper (Heb. 4:15-16), the Head of the church of Christ (i.e. the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18-19)? The Kingdom of God (1 Tim. 6:14-15, 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings , and Lord of lords; (KJV) to lead and direct our course through this life and ultimately lead and protect us on our journey through this life and aid us in battle with the Devil and his evil ways (1 Peter 5:8-10, 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil , as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. (KJV) In our journey through life, let us become true Christians (i.e. through faith and obedience to Jesus instructions, cf. Hebrews 5:8-9). After having become Christians, let us faithfully follow Jesus Christ as our leader (i.e. source of authority for our lives). If we will allow Christ to lead us via the Written Word He will always lead us in the right direction, He will aid us in our battles with Satan and his agents, He will love us as we continue to serve faithfully in His church. The final victory will be accomplished whenever our life ends here on earth. For after this cometh the judgment when all that has ever lived will be judged and assigned to eternal life or eternal condemnation. Let us therefore follow our leader (i.e. Jesus Christ) throughout our life and our journey to Heaven will be assured (Rev. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) April 14, 2009 **************The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222376998x1201454298/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&b cd=May5309AvgfooterNO62) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090503/afde6b10/attachment.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun May 3 18:46:44 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 17:46:44 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (5/3/09) Message-ID: <20090503234937.90F1123000A@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) May 3, 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: "What Will Become of My Spirit?" (Richard Thetford) "Counting God's Promises" (Selected) "Is This The Truth" (Selected) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- WHAT WILL BECOME OF MY SPIRIT? Richard Thetford This is a question that every man and woman should be sincerely asking of themselves! We need to understand that God gave each one of us a physical body to house our spirit in. The spirit in which we have was given also by God and will NEVER die. Each one of us will someday experience a physical death, one in which our body will die and return to the dust of the earth but our spirit within will live forever. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it" (Eccl 12:7). God will take back into His possession the spirit in which he gave us in the first place. This is why we need to realize that we do not have any right to treat this physical body that we have been blessed with any way we want to. God expects us to take care of our body so that our spirit will be able to have longer days in which to do service to others and bring others to the knowledge and understanding of Christ. Once we fully understand that we have a service, a duty to do as a child of God then we can with greater understanding know that we are responsible to develop the spirit within us into a worker for the Lord. When we die physically, our spirit will go upward to God. We can read in Ecclesiastes 3:21 "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" Man is different than any other living thing on the earth that God made. Only man has a spirit. God breathed into the nostrils of man and he became a living soul. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Gen 2:7). That soul that you and I have is our spirit, and it will never die - it will live forever. When Jesus died upon the cross for your sins and mine he gave up his spirit back to God who gave it. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:" (Luke 23:46). When Stephen was stoned to death, just before he died he asked Jesus to receive his spirit (Acts 7:59). Therefore we can see from these examples that our spirit leaves our body at death and returns to God who gave it (Gen 35:18; Eccl 12:7). We can learn and understand that no man has the power to retain the spirit. In Ecclesiastes 8:8 it is recorded: "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death:" Only Jesus was able to overcome death and He did so on behalf of all men. We do not know when our day of death will come and when it does come we will have no control over it. Just as certain as we will die (Heb 9:27), our soul (spirit) will depart our body at that time and return to our Father. A body cannot live without the spirit. James 2:26 says: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." Our body needs the spirit that God gave us to survive. Once our body dies, then our spirit will go to God and will give account for all the things that it did (good or bad) within this physical body of ours. Notice what the apostle Paul says: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor 5:10). Knowing that our spirit will one day return to God, and knowing that this spirit that God gave us MUST give account of all that it did, good or bad, then it would make sense that we would nurture our God given spirit to be as godly as we can possibly make it. We should further be able to understand what James meant by "faith without works is dead". We can BELIEVE that our spirit came from God (Faith), but if we do not do anything (Works) to ensure that our spirit will get to be with God eternally, then we are dead. Let us all strive to ensure that our spirit within us will be able to account for good works (Matt 25:34-40) and enter into heaven eternally! --- COUNTING GOD'S PROMISES Selected Two little girls were counting their pennies. One said, "I have ten pennies." "No," said the first little girl, "You have just five pennies, the same as I." "But," the second child quickly responded, "My father said that when he got home tonight he would give me five pennies; so I have ten pennies." Trustfully, she counted as hers what her father had promised. That's exactly how a Christian can be poor in the estimation of the world, and at the same time, be rich in the things of God. A Christian counts as his whatever his heavenly Father has promised. --- IS THIS THE TRUTH? Selected Ask a denominational preacher if what he preaches is the truth and he will surely say YES. Ask him if one must believe the truth in order to be saved and he will no doubt say YES. But, ask him if one must believe the particular doctrine which he preaches in order to be saved and he will probably answer NO. (now make sense out of that!) --- SENTENCE SERMONS Some folks aren't interested in anything unless it is none of their business. If revenge is so sweet, why does it leave such a bitter taste? Some men who boast that they are self-made must look pitiful in God's eyes. Patience is the ability to count down before blasting off. A modern bathing suit is the difference between not very much and nothing at all. If fifty million people say a foolish thing over and over, it is still a foolish thing. A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future. A lot of people waste too much sympathy on themselves. --- SERMON THE SHIELD OF FAITH (with PowerPoint charts AND Audio) NOTE: This sermon, along with the PPT Charts and Audio, will not be posted to the web site until May 24th. 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090503/a1afc10a/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090503/a1afc10a/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090503/a1afc10a/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 10198 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090503/a1afc10a/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 4 05:23:16 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 06:23:16 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) LIVING SACRIFICE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. LIVING SACRIFICE Paul's letter to the Romans is a meaty book; no one would argue with that. Some of the most difficult texts in the New Testament are found in Romans. the casual reader may, in fact, tend to think Romans is almost entirely theological, and miss the significance of chapters 12-16 of the letter, where Paul makes specific application of his previous arguments. While there is some application in the previous chapters, Paul's primary purpose in those chapters is to present a clear view of "the righteousness of God" (God's plan to save man from his sins through Christ). As is Paul's practice (see Ephes- ians and Colossians, especially) he comes to specific applicat- ion in the final part of his letter, basing it on the profound doctri- ne he presents in the first part of the letter. In Romans, his appli- cation section begins in chapter 12 with the words, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God..." In one respect, this is the most important part of the letter. For 11 chapters he has explained in detail "the mercies of God," that great salvation (the "mercies") that God offers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is on that basis that he makes his appeal to the Romans to put theology to work, in practical terms. Anders Nygren calls this section, "the basic rule of Paul's ethics" (Commentary on Romans, pg. 416). There are two parts to the introduction of this practical sect- ion of the book. The first, in 12:1, focuses on consecration; in vs. 2, he focuses on transformation. Paul first instructs us to "present our bodies..." "Present" is the same word he uses in 6:13,16,19, where he argues that whereby we one "presented" the members of our bodies to sin and unrighteousness we now present our bodies to God and righteousness. By "bodies" Paul surely means our whole selves, the entirety of what makes us who we are. The NEB translates it: "offer your very selves to Him." There are lots of books in the business section of bookstor- es about "Presenting." I have one entitled, "The Exeptional Pre-senter" and another, "How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Pre- senting..." These books give us ideas for making a good impres- sion through the presentation of ideas. They speak about the words we use and the medium we utilize to make our case. They also talk about dress, posture and demeanor. But there is a more important type of presenting that we must do: we must present our whole selves to God as a "living sacrifice" day-in and day-out. We have a choice of how and to whom we will "present" ourselves and we must make that cons- cious choice every day. Paul wants us to the "exceptional" pre- senters -- not of ideas and plans presented in PowerPoint, but in actual service to others. That's why he uses the words "living sacrifice." When we see this term, we immediately think about the animal sacrifices commanded by the Law of Moses. Those sacrifices came to an end, once-and- for-all with the perfect sacrifice offered by Christ. But that didn't put an end to sacrifice, it just changed the nature of the sacrifice. Now, instead of a dead animal, we offer our living bodies, every fiber of our being, to God. Or do we? Someone made the wise remark that the trouble with living sacrifice is that they are free to crawl off the altar. And we do. But those same "mercies" that give us the incentive to present our bodies a living sacrifice in the first place are there to forgive us when we fail. That grace should not lead us to more sin, but should provoke us to more holiness (Rom. 6:1,15). A "holy" sacrifice is one that is characterized by the continu- ing process of sanctification. Our mind-set is holy. We look at ourselves differently and we think differently. Rom. 6:11 tells us to consider ourselves "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." This mind-set, and the action that flows from it, is that which is acceptable or "well-pleasing" (2 Cor. 5:9) to God. And it is "spiritual service." The daily presenting of ourselves to God is the reasonable worship that we owe God because of His great mercy. We do not offer the physical sacrifice of an irrational ani- mal, but the spiritual, intelligent worship of our mind, body and spirit, which prepares us to go on to the transformation Paul speaks of in vs. 2. Those who have truly dedicated themselves to the service of God will never be "squeezed into the mold" of this world (see J. B. Philips translation of vs. 2). Everything Paul discusses after this proceeds from these two verses: the use of our gifts, love of the brethren, pursuing peace instead of revenge, subjection to government or dealing with the weak brother -- it all depends on our success in conse- crating our bodies to service and becoming transformed by the renewing of our mind. Without that first step, we may succeed at fulfilling these commands, but it will never be with the attitude of heart that God demands. It will be no more than rote service, not "spiritual worship." ------ David Posey in Focus Magazine, No. 103. February 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090504/a4dcef2b/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 4 05:23:03 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 06:23:03 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) HUMILITY NOT PRIDE 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 art- icle from my files: HUMILITY NOT PRIDE Where do wars and fights come from? The apostle James answers with a question: "Do they not come from your desires for pleasures that war in your members?" (Jas. 4:1). Sadly, it is our pride that moves us to lust, covetousness, and even murder. The attitude that causes us to think of others first, and the willingness to even be defrauded prevents arguments and fights from happening. This kind of attitude takes humility. Christians mistreating each other usually arises because they do not ask God for help. When they do ask God it is not according to God's Will but rather to fulfill their personal pleasu- res (Jas. 4:2,3). It is apparent that those who are fighting and arguing with fellow brethren are in a friendship with the world rather than with God (vs. 5). God is jealous for His children when they are being so prideful and involved with worldly ways (vs. 5). James points out that God gives more grace. He then quot- es a proverb: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble" to support his assertion that God gives more grace and to whom He gives that grace (vs. 6, Prov. 3:34). So, what should Christians do when they realize that they have been prideful and worldly in their ways? James offers this advice: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laught- er be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble your- selves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (Jas. 4:7- 10), Consider the actions we are called upon to take when we find ourselves in the sins of pride and worldliness -- submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, cleanse you hands, puri- fy your hearts, lament, mourn, weep, turn laughter to mourning, turn joy to gloom, and humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord. Humility is a powerful and valuable attribute concerning our friendship with God. With humility comes a great promise -- God will lift us up! ----------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090504/21fee321/attachment.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Mon May 4 14:56:46 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 15:56:46 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S> What More Could Jesus Do? Message-ID: Here's a lesson from Sunday morning; hope you can use it. You can download a formatted copy plus the audio sermon at our website angletonchristians.com. Click on "Sermons" then on the sermon title or the media player icon. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com ******************************************************************* What More Could Jesus Do? John 15:13-15 Zeke Flores Intro: What does it take to convince you of true friendship? A. What does it take for someone to show that they really have your best interests at heart? 1. Two men were out hunting in the northern U.S. Suddenly one yelled and the other looked up to see a grizzly charging them. The first started to frantically put on his tennis shoes and his friend anxiously asked, "What are you doing? Don't you know you can't outrun a grizzly bear?" "I don't have to outrun a grizzly. I just have to outrun you!" 2. What if he said, "You take off, I'll keep the bear occupied!" 3. This is certainly not how most people operate. B. We live in a cynical time. 1. People question those closest to them, suspect everyone's motives. 2. Popular motto: "Trust No One!" 3. True of Herod the Great who thought that everyone, even his most loved wife, had designs on his throne: a. Herod's murder of his wife Mariamne I apparently haunted him. This was compounded when his two sons from that marriage, Alexander and Aristobulus, realized that their father was responsible for their mother's death. By 7 B. C., Herod had both of these sons put to death. Of Herod it was said, "It is better to be Herod's hog than to be his son."Herod became increasingly ill, an intense struggle for succession to his throne emerged within the family. His 10 marriages and 15 children virtually guaranteed such a struggle. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) b. Herod died lonely, frustrated, paranoid, and bitter in spite of support those closest to him gave. C. It's the same concerning Jesus: 1. Many refuse to come to Him even after all he's done to show Himself trustworthy and reliable. 2. After all He's done, what more could Jesus do.... I. To Show His Love? A. Jesus' entire life shows that He had your best interests in mind. 1. Phil 2:4-7 2. Hard to fathom a limitless God taking on the physical limitations of His creation but it was necessary a. Heb 2:17-18; 4:15 b. Jesus identifies, empathizes with you because He lived a human life. B. He took on a human body, lived a completely God-pleasing life in it, so He could offer it in death. 1. Phil 2:8 a. John 15:13 calls it the greatest act of love that one could exhibit. 2. It was not a quick and painless death. a. He was painfully bound, mercilessly scourged, horribly humiliated, and crucified with criminals. b. Throughout all this, He could have ended it simply by calling upon His Father. 3. Further, He didn't do it while people were fawning all over Him! He did it "while we were "enemies!" a. Rom 5:6-10 C. Truly, how much more could Jesus possible do to show His love for you? II. To Improve Your Life? A. Self-help books are a dime a dozen. Bookstore shelves are lined with books by people falling over themselves trying to tell you what makes for a satisfying life. 1. For some, it's money, for others it's positive mental attitude, for still others it's filling time with interesting, creative hobbies. 2. There's a place for all these in life, but even when these things abound, some feel unfulfilled and dissatisfied. They feel robbed! a. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 3. So, what makes for an abundant, fulfilling life? B. Through His own words and words He gave His apostles, Jesus tells you how to have the proper attitude toward: 1. Life - Matt 5:3-12 2. Money - Matt 6:19-21; Luke 12:15 3. Relationships - Matt 5:21-26 a. Marriage - Eph 5:22-33 b. Children - Eph 6:1-4 4. Work - Eph 6:5-9 C. Jesus' teachings are the ultimate self-help book! 1. He shows us that life is more than selfish pleasures; it's about others and interacting with the world around you in a positive God-centered way. a. "The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." Richard Evans, Bits & Pieces, March 4, 1993 b. Jesus spells it all out! 2. What more could He do to show you how to improve your life? III. To Save Your Soul? A. This is sticky territory. While many will acknowledge Jesus' love, and even admit that following His teaching will make for a more fulfilling life, the vast majority refuse to accept the greatest gift He offers. 1. "To me it is especially appalling that a man should perish through willfully rejecting the Divine salvation. A drowning man throwing away the life-belt, a poisoned man pouring the antidote upon the floor, a wounded man tearing open his wounds--any of these is a sad sight. But what shall we say of a soul refusing its Savior and choosing its own destruction?" C. H. Spurgeon B. Consider that there isn't anything YOU can do to deserve salvation. 1. Rom 3:9-18; 6:23 2. A just God requires recompense for offenses; we can offer none on our own. C. The life of Jesus described before and the torturous death He died was for atonement for sin YOU could not provide. 1. Rom 5:10-11; Heb 7:25; Rom 8:31-33 2. What more could Deity possibly do to provide salvation for you? Conc: The answer to all these questions: Nothing! A. There is nothing more that Jesus could do to show His love, improve your life, and save your soul than what He's already done. B. A better question might be: 1. What more can YOU do for Jesus? C. INV A miner once said to a preacher, "I'd like to be a Christian, but I just can't receive what you said tonight." "Why not?" asked the preacher. "Well, I'd give anything to believe that God would forgive my sins, but I can't believe He'll forgive me if I just turn to Him. It's too cheap. There must be something more." The preacher looked at him and said, "Have you been working today?" Surprised, the man replied, "Yes, I was down in the pit as usual. Why?" "How did you get out of the pit?" "The way I usually do. I got into the cage and was pulled to the top." "How much did you pay to come out of the pit?" The miner looked at the preacher in astonishment. "Pay? Of course, I didn't pay anything." "Well," said the preacher, "weren't you afraid to trust yourself to that cage? Wasn't it too cheap?" "Oh, no," he said; "it was cheap for me, but it cost the company a lot of money to sink that shaft." Then the implication of what he had said struck him, and he saw that though he could have salvation without money and without price, it had cost the infinite God a great price to rescue lost men. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090504/8d3bfda5/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon May 4 15:41:36 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 16:41:36 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Circumcision Made Without Hands (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <9DC4229EC783467B8C4F97DCE18B1A0E@D2381J91> Circumcision Made Without Hands (Kent Heaton) The covenant of circumcision was first given to Abraham in Genesis 17 and became a sign of the covenant between God and the children of Israel. The early church had numerous problems with Jewish converts trying to impose circumcision upon Christians (Acts 15). When the Law of Moses was abolished, the covenant of circumcision was also abolished. However, Paul uses circumcision to describe the avenue of salvation for all men. "In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 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" (Colossians 2:11-12). While the circumcision of Abraham was a fleshly act, the covenant described by Paul was one "made without hands" signifying a spiritual cutting off the old man of sin. "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin" (Romans 6:6). The necessity of circumcision was imposed upon the children of Israel as the sign of God's grace and mercy. "And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant" (Genesis 17:14). This same imposition is implied by Paul in the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh. The circumcision of Christ is the antitype of the circumcision of Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. Without the circumcision of Christ man cannot enjoy the blessings of the covenant. When a Jewish male was circumcised on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3) he entered into covenant with God. When someone seeks to be saved today they must also enter into a covenant with God through the act of the circumcision made without hands. Paul describes this circumcision in Colossians 2:12 as baptism. "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Romans 6:3-5). When one obeys the gospel of Christ through faith and is baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:28) they become the "true circumcision, the people who are in covenant with God" (Wilbur Fields). The act of fleshly circumcision involved blood and through the spiritual act of circumcision (baptism) the blood of Jesus Christ redeems us and makes us blood bought people in covenant with the Father. "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant" (Hebrews 13:20; see also Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:16-10:18). Without the circumcision made without hands there is no covenant and without a covenant there is no salvation. Obedience requires submission to the covenant requirements of the law of God. 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090504/a4739b1c/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Tue May 5 13:35:45 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 14:35:45 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Integrity Message-ID: ? DO YOU POSSESS INTEGRITY ? Definition: Noun: integrity (_uncountable_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Glossary#uncountable) ); _Steadfast_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/steadfast) _adherence_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/adherence) to a strict _moral_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moral) or _ethical_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ethical) code The state of being _wholesome_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/wholesome) ; _unimpaired_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/unimpaired) The quality or condition of being _complete_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/complete) ; _pure_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pure) Synonyms: _honesty_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/honesty) - _uprightness_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/uprightness) - _rectitude_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/rectitude) - _unity_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/unity) - _wholeness_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/wholeness) - _purity_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/purity) - _goodness_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/goodness) -_probity_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/probity) - _sincerity_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sincerity) - _virtue_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/virtue) - _decency_ (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/decency) Possibly one of the greatest attributes a person may possess is integrity, now integrity is a characteristic that each Christian ought to possess, yet many do not. The reason that many do not possess integrity may be attributed to a lack of application and a failure to grow as directed by Scripture ? cf. 18 but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. {2 Peter 3:18 (KJV). Synonyms of the word integrity give us an idea of the many facets that are added to the person?s character that possesses it. Please notice the description of the synonyms to the word integrity following; Honesty - _The_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/The) _quality_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/quality) _or_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/or) _state_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/state) _of_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/of) _being_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/being) _honest_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/honest) ; _probity_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/probity) ; _fairness_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/fairness) _and_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/and) _straightforwardness_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/straightforwardness) _of_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/of) _conduct_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/conduct) , _speech_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/speech) , _etc_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/etc) .; _integrity_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/integrity) ; _sincerity_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/sincerity) ; _truthfulness_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/truthfulness) ; _freedom_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/freedom) _from_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/from) _fraud_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/fraud) _or_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/or) _guile_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/guile) . _That_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/That) _we_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/we) _may_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/may) _lead_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/lead) _a_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/a) _quiet_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/quiet) _and_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/and) _peaceable_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/peaceable) _life_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/life) _in_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/in) _all_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/all) _godliness_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/godliness) _and_ (http://www.webster-dictionary.net/definition/and) honesty. 1 Tim. 2: 2. Uprightness - uprightness as a consequence of being honorable and honest Rectitude - 1: the quality or state of being straight 2: moral integrity: _RIGHTEOUSNESS_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 3: the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure Unity - 1 a: the quality or state of not being multiple: _ONENESS_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) (1): a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation (2): _IDENTITY ELEMENT_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 2 a: a condition of harmony: _ACCORD_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) b: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action) 3 a: the quality or state of being made one: _UNIFICATION_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) b: a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect; also: the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character 4: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole Wholeness - a: 1. constituting an undivided unit: _UNBROKEN_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) , _UNCUT_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 2. Having all its proper parts or components: _COMPLETE_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) , 3. Constituting the entirety of a person's nature or development Purity - 1: the quality or state of being pure 2. un-polluted, without pollution Goodness - 1: the quality or state of being good 2. Being Christ-like {i.e. imitator of the Divine Nature ? cf. 2 Peter 1:4-7, ?4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.? KJV Probity - probitas, from probus honest adherence to the highest principles and ideals: _UPRIGHTNESS_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) Sincerity - the quality or state of being _sincere_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) : honesty of mind: freedom from hypocrisy Paul clearly indicates as well as instructs children of God to be sincere as they participate with other Christians in service to the one true God {i.e. have fellowship together in God?s Service}; cf. Phil 1:9-11, ?9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.? KJV Virtue - 1: conformity to a standard of right: _MORALITY_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) b: a particular moral excellence 2: a beneficial quality or power of a thing 3: manly strength or courage: _VALOR_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 4: a commendable quality or trait: _MERIT_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 5: a capacity to act: _POTENCY_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 6: chastity especially in a woman 7: quality instructed for all Christians by Paul; cf. 2 Peter 1:5, ?Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge;? ASV Decency - 1 archaic a : _FITNESS_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) b: _ORDERLINESS_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) 2: the quality or state of being _decent_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) : _PROPRIETY_ (http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwdictsn?book=Dictionary) b : conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality 3: standard of propriety -- usually used in plural 4: conditions or services considered essential for a proper relationship between a Christian and other Christians or conditions of service considered by God as conditions of fellowship with man. CONCLUSIONS: Integrity then, is the personal conformity of a person to the will of God as pertains to life and service to God and to his fellow man; cf. Mark 12:30-31, ?30 and thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. 31 The second is this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.? In our lives as faithful children of God we are obligated to be men and women in service to God with real INTEGRITY. Definitions are from Merriam Webster?s Dictionary, the K.J.V., and the A.S.V. and Commentary from the author: --- _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - May 5, 2009 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322931x1201367171/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =May5509AvgfooterNO115) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090505/72749af6/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Tue May 5 21:32:46 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 22:32:46 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] I have a Question Message-ID: THE 70 AD FALSE DOCTRINE EXAMINED IN A NUTSHELL (Answer to a question by Morris Bowers) If you read my first note? You know that I believe that there are only two appearances of Jesus Christ on earth. 1. When He came - born of a virgin in Bethlehem of Judea - Matt 1:18-2:1, 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (KJV) 2. When He returns as he departed this earth the first time will be the second time - at that time He will judge all mankind - Rev 1:7-8, 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (KJV) --- Rev 1:7, 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds ; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (KJV) Since He has not judges humankind yet we are still awaiting His return - 2 Tim 4:1, 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 Tim 4:8, 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge , shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (KJV) Acts 17:31-32, 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. (KJV) No! I do not believe a 70 AD return of Christ has taken place; When Christ returns the second time it will be to judge the world - Rev 1:7-8, 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (KJV) --- Rev 1:7, 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds ; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (KJV) The only major event that I know of that occurred in 70 AD was the destruction of Judaism's physical temple and their holy city. This had nothing to do with Christ's second coming. I believe that when the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ takes place there will be no more time as we know time - See next paragraph ... When Christ comes the 2nd time He will usher in the eternal life for the righteous and the lake of fire for the wicked - 1 Cor 15:19-33, 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? 30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (KJV) There will be no more earth and no more universe as we know it - 2 Peter 3:10-14, 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) SEE ALSO considermagazine.com May 6, 2009 NOW! Take the first note and add that to this second note and you will have my thoughts on this false doctrine (i.e. the 70 AD doctrine) Hope this short note aids you in your request May God bless your diligent study of His Written Word. In a message dated 5/5/2009 7:34:48 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mb1304 at charter.net writes: what is your answer. You didn't say anything. Morris ----- Original Message ----- From: _GLClair at aol.com_ (mailto:GLClair at aol.com) To: _mb1304 at charter.net_ (mailto:mb1304 at charter.net) Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 7:21 PM Subject: Re: I have a Question In a message dated 5/5/2009 7:10:39 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, _mb1304 at charter.net_ (mailto:mb1304 at charter.net) writes: I have a question...I really hope that you respond to my question. This is really important for me. This subject has raised it's ugly head again in my part of the world. So, here it is: Do you believe and/or teach the AD 70 Doctrine of the 2nd coming of our Lord? Thanks, Morris Bowers Athens, Alabama (USA) "The Fool Says In His Heart, There is no GOD !" Psalm 14:1 ____________________________________ A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. _See yours in just 2 easy steps!_ (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322931x1201367171/aol?redir=http:/ /www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd=May5509Av gfooterNO115) **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322931x1201367171/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =May5509AvgfooterNO115) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090505/0699e587/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue May 5 22:19:55 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 23:19:55 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Isaiah 1-39 Message-ID: Isaiah 1-39 I. Introduction A. Isaiah 1-39 B. Moving into the prophets 1. "Major" prophets-- longer books 2. Begins with Isaiah 3. Isaiah one book written to two different audiences C. Let us consider the book II. Isaiah 1-39: The Details A. Authorship 1. The prophecies of Isaiah son of Amoz (Isaiah 1:1) 2. Book compiled in current form at some point after his death 3. One of three most quoted books of the OT in the NT B. Dating 1. Isaiah prophesies from Uzziah through Hezekiah, kings of Judah 2. Therefore, prophecies date from ca. 750-690 BCE C. Audience 1. Isaiah 1-39 preached to Judah during its own period 2. Later compiled for exilic and postexilic Israel 3. We can gain much also D. Purpose 1. To set forth the prophecies spoken by Isaiah 2. To condemn ungodliness and unrighteousness in Judah 3. To set forth the future hope of Israel, seen most clearly in the Christ III. Isaiah 1-39: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Prophecies to Judah (Isaiah 1-12) 2. Nation oracles (Isaiah 13-24) 3. Condemnation and Redemption (Isaiah 25-35) 4. Hezekiah's Reign (Isaiah 36-39) B. Judah's Wickedness (Isaiah 1; ca. 700 BCE) 1. Introduction (Isaiah 1:1) 2. Sinfulness of Judah continues despite destruction of all cities save Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:2-9) 3. Invocation of Sodom and Gomorrah: sacrifices, other services despised by God because of the sinfulness of the people (Isaiah 1:10-17) 4. God's disputation and its possible resolutions (Isaiah 1:18-19) 5. Jerusalem as a whore, unfaithfulness of Judah; God will cleanse them through fire; Judah will be ashamed of their sins on that day (Isaiah 1:20-31) C. Judah's Complacency and Sin (Isaiah 2:1-4:1; ca. 750-735 BCE) 1. Latter day establishment of Zion; all nations gather to it; peace (Isaiah 2:1-4) 2. Jacob to learn way of God since he has been rejected; prosperity of the land; upcoming humiliation of Israel (Isaiah 2:5-19) 3. Man will realize worthlessness of idolatry, need to fear God on that day (Isaiah 2:20-22) 4. God will take all things from Judah; terrible conditions of the people; all will have fallen (Isaiah 3:1-8) 5. Wicked do not hide their sin; God will repay them and it will be ill with them; even though they may oppress, God judges them; condemnation of women of Judah-- their finery will become bonds of slavery, will desire to remove their reproach (Isaiah 3:9-4:1) D. The Branch, the Vineyard, the Sinful (Isaiah 4:2-5:30; ca. 750-735 BCE) 1. After purging of evil, all in Jerusalem will be holy; cleansing of Zion; Zion as refuge (Isaiah 4:2-6) 2. Story of vineyard; destruction of vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7) 3. Wickedness: oppression in property, those living the drunkard's life; God will humble them and condemn them (Isaiah 5:8-17) 4. Woes to the wicked, those calling good evil and vice versa, others; God's anger burns and will be satisfied; description of the (Assyrian) army coming forth (Isaiah 5:18-30) E. A Vision, Immanuel, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah 6-8; ca. 735 BCE) 1. Isaiah's heavenly vision: God enthroned, Isaiah as sinful; Isaiah cleansed; God's commission; hardness of Israel's heart; desolation of the land (Isaiah 6) 2. Pekah and Rezin against Ahaz; Isaiah sent to Ahaz to tell him to do nothing, God will take care of them (Isaiah 7:1-9) 3. Sign to Ahaz: virgin will bear child named Immanuel; will eat curds and honey when he can know good, refuse evil-- thus, in few years, Rezin and Pekah will be gone via Assyria (Isaiah 7:10-17) 4. Desolation, destruction, and devastation on that day (Isaiah 7:18-25) 5. God to Isaiah: Attestation of tablet regarding Maher-shalal-hash-baz; wife bears son, given that name, demonstrating how Aram and Israel will be taken into captivity; Assyria will even attack Judah (Isaiah 8:1-10) 6. Do not fear what people fear; fear God (Isaiah 8:11-15) 7. Testimony of Isaiah to be bound up; difficulties of people who follow after necromancy, etc., seeking word of God; thrust into darkness (Isaiah 8:16-22) F. The Promised One; Present Difficulties (Isaiah 9-10) 1. Glory that will come to land of Zebulun, Naphtali (Isaiah 9:1) 2. Humiliation turned to glory with birth of Christ child; He will obtain the throne of David; accomplished by God (Isaiah 9:2-7) 3. Condemnation of presumptuous thinking: things are not going to get better in Judah or Israel, but worse; Israel as to be cut off; lack of satisfaction for Israel, anger of Lord still hot against them (Isaiah 9:8-21) 4. More woes to the oppressors and unjust; what will they do on the day of the Lord? (Isaiah 10:1-4) 5. Condemnation of Assyria: God sent him to accomplish His purposes for Israel, Judah, yet Assyria acts arrogantly and presumptuously against God; pending destruction (Isaiah 10:5-11) 6. God will humble Assyria's arrogance; Israel will stand again (Isaiah 10:12-19) 7. Remnant of Israel will lean on God again; do not fear Assyria, for God will soon strike them (Isaiah 10:20-27) 8. Scene of Assyrian army coming into land; God will cut them down (Isaiah 10:28-34) G. The Branch; A Song (Isaiah 11-12) 1. Branch from Jesse; future just rule of Messiah (Isaiah 11:1-5) 2. The peace that will come from His rule (Isaiah 11:6-10) 3. Ingathering of Dispersion; picture of reunited Israel defeating its enemies (Isaiah 11:11-16) 4. Song of thanks: God's anger abated, God brings salvation; praises sung to God's name (Isaiah 12) H. Nation Oracles (Isaiah 13-23; likely before 722) 1. Babylon: day of the LORD brings condemnation; Medes against them (Isaiah 13) 2. Restoration of Jacob (Isaiah 14:1-2) 3. Taunt against king of Babylon, glorying in his humiliation, death (Isaiah 14:3-23) 4. Assyria: Broken in land of Israel (Isaiah 14:24-27) 5. Philistia: glory not in Israel's demise, your own comes also (Isaiah 14:28-32) 6. Moab: mourning, weeping, brought low; devastation and disaster; its pride humbled (Isaiah 15-16) 7. Damascus: a ruin; Aram's fate as Israel's fate; Jacob's glory brought low; only gleanings left; eventually man will look toward God and not idols; devastation near because they forgot God (Isaiah 17) 8. Cush/Ethiopia: Messengers to that nation; they will suffer, and then send tribute to God (Isaiah 18) 9. Egypt: Egyptians will fight selves, ruled over by another king; idols will fail them; Nile will dry up; despite pretensions, suffering will come (Isaiah 19:1-15) 10. Egyptians then terrified of Judeans; Egyptians will eventually believe in God, serve Him; Assyria will also do the same, along with Israel (Isaiah 19:16-25) 11. Isaiah told to walk around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign to Egypt and Cush: their men will be exiled naked by Assyria (Isaiah 20) 12. Wilderness of the sea: siege of Media and Elam; pictures of terror; Babylon as fallen (Isaiah 21:1-10) 13. Dumah: continue to inquire (Isaiah 21:11-12) 14. Arabia: many fugitives present; glory of Kedar to end (Isaiah 21:13-17) 15. Valley of Vision: many captured; Jerusalem destroyed; vain searching for deliverance, yet not to God; they reveled when mourning was called for; no atonement for iniquity until death (Isaiah 22:1-14) 16. Shebna, royal official condemned for his rock-cut tomb; to be removed from position; Eliakim to be given authority instead (Isaiah 22:15-25) 17. Tyre and Sidon: great weeping; judgment brought since they acted as prostitutes; eventual redemption by God (Isaiah 23) 18. The earth: God making the earth desolate; all equally distressed; earth as defiled because of sin of its people; scenes of gloom, desolation, devastation; praise is heard for God, but woe comes to many on account of all the violence and devastation; God as punishing the sinful (Isaiah 24) I. Exaltation, Song, and Redemption (Isaiah 25-27) 1. God praised for His plans: ruined cities, those lifted from oppression praise Him; God as preparing a feast; pain removed, reproach taken away; salvation for Israel, condemnation of Moab (Isaiah 25) 2. Song to be sung in Judah that day: open city; live in peace; trust in God; humbles the exalted; seeking the LORD; Israel blessed, other nations have passed away (Isaiah 26:1-15) 3. Judah as writhing pregnant woman; deliverance accomplished by God; people to hide until fury of God passes over (Isaiah 26:16-21) 4. Leviathan as killed by God on that day; vineyard of God restored; Israel as blossom providing fruit to world; atonement of sin through renunciation of idolatry; until then, condemnation; final restoration of people to Israel (Isaiah 27) J. Judgment on the Rebellious (Isaiah 28-31; before 722) 1. Ephraim proud, will be trodden down; the LORD will be exalted that day; picture of people drunk and staggering; people as nitpicking God's message; foreigners will make God's purposes clear to them in destruction (Isaiah 28:1-13) 2. Those in Zion made covenant with death, falsehood; God as cornerstone of Zion; justice as foundation of city; terror for the city (Isaiah 28:14-22) 3. Agricultural images to demonstrate wisdom of God (Isaiah 28:23-29) 4. Jerusalem, or Ariel, as distressed and besieged; humbled by foreigners but really by God; people as providing lip service, really serving traditions; God will terrorize them; Israel as insolent clay before the potter; God will uphold the righteous, lay low the wicked; Jacob will eventually sanctify God's name (Isaiah 29) 5. Judah should not go down to Egypt to make alliance; will be shamed for it (Isaiah 30:1-5) 6. Oracle on beasts of Negeb: Egypt as worthless (Isaiah 30:6-7) 7. Inscribe in book regarding rebelliousness of people; do not want the word of the LORD, prefers that which makes them feel better even if wrong; terrible consequences for such iniquity, great destruction and suffering; that which they wanted to benefit them will be used against them (Isaiah 30:8-17) 8. God wants to show mercy; He will afflict Zion in order to get people to follow Him; benefits will be given, life pleasant when He turns to heal them (Isaiah 30:18-26) 9. To the nations God will be an adversary and terror; Assyria will hear His voice and be afraid; they will be struck; gladness for Israel (Isaiah 30:27-33) 10. Woe to those who go to Egypt, trust chariots, not God; He will condemn evildoers; Egypt man and not God; God alone will protect Jerusalem; Assyria will fall (Isaiah 31) K. Hope Despite Condemnation (Isaiah 32-35) 1. A king will reign in righteousness; description of the nature of righteousness in the land; the fool will be seen for his folly, disgraced; nobility will be noble (Isaiah 32:1-8) 2. Complacent women condemned; they ought to mourn for upcoming trial; when Spirit poured out, righteousness will prevail, blessings flow (Isaiah 32:9-20) 3. End of the destroyer; petition to God for graciousness; God as exalted; scenes of devastation and tragedy; God is then exalted; God's justice seen, His power no longer denied; the wicked will be cast away, and Zion restored (Isaiah 33) 4. Nations to be devoted to destruction; judgment especially on Edom; scenes of devastation and desolation (Isaiah 34) 5. A picture of redemption: deserts bloom, glory given to it; glory of God seen; the weak strengthened in message of God's vengeance; those handicapped will be healed; highway of holiness for the ransomed of God returning to Zion in joy (Isaiah 35) L. Fulfillment: The Days of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36-39; cf. 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32) 1. Sennacherib's invasion of Judah; speech of Rabshakeh (Isaiah 36; 2 Kings 18:13-37) 2. Hezekiah informed; mourning; new message from Rabshakeh; Hezekiah's prayer; Isaiah's message of condemnation for Assyria; army of Assyria stricken (Isaiah 37; 2 Kings 19) 3. Hezekiah ill, recovers; Hezekiah's writing regarding illness, petition to God (Isaiah 38; 2 Kings 20:1-11) 4. Hezekiah and messengers from Merodach-baladan of Babylon; Isaiah's prediction of how all of Judah will be given over to Babylon-- leads into next section, Isaiah 40-66, speaking to people living after that time (Isaiah 39; 2 Kings 20:12-19) IV. Isaiah 1-39: Important Passages A. Isaiah 1:18-19 1. Often used in encouraging sense 2. In context, just as easily condemnatory! B. Isaiah 2:1-4 / Micah 4:1-3 C. Isaiah 5:1-7 / Matthew 21:33-44 D. Isaiah 5:19-20 E. Isaiah 6 1. vv. 1-4 / Revelation 4-5 2. vv. 9-10 / Matthew 13:14-15, Acts 28:26-27 F. Isaiah 7:14 / Matthew 1:23 G. Isaiah 9:1-7 / Matthew 4:15-16 H. Isaiah 11:1-10 I. Isaiah 14:12-21 1. Belief that "Day Star" here, Lucifer, is Satan 2. Context shows that it is king of Babylon, likely Nebuchadnezzar J. Isaiah 28:16 / Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6 K. Isaiah 29 1. v. 13 / Matthew 15:8-9 2. v. 14 / 1 Corinthians 1:19 3. v. 16 / Romans 9:20-21 L. Isaiah 35 1. v. 3 / Hebrews 12:12 2. v. 10 / Revelation 7:17, 21:4 V. Conclusion A. Isaiah's prophecies B. Rebuke and condemnation 1. Great sin in Israel and Judah 2. God's condemnation just 3. Great terrors predicted, come to pass C. Hope and reconciliation 1. Message of future restoration, redemption 2. First seen in part in period between Sennacherib of Assyria and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (ca. 700-600 BCE) 3. Seen again in part in return from exile (ca. 530 BCE and beyond) 4. Fulfillment, spiritual reality seen in Jesus of Nazareth and His Kingdom (33 CE until forever)! D. Let us not fall into the same example of disobedience as Israel and derive comfort from Isaiah's encouragement! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 6 05:09:33 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 06:09:33 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) GOD IS ABLE (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. GOD IS ABLE (2) Beyone What We Think: -- What can you imagine? What is in your mind in terms of your finances, or your family, or the church? God can do more than you think. While we make plans for education and careers, God thinks bigger than we do. While we look of ways to cope with an economic downturn, God thinks in bigger terms. So, whatever is in your mind about the challenges of your life, know that God can plan and work on a much grander scale. This point really challenges me. I can see, in my mind, the church of Jesus reaching out and converting many people in a community. God can see it reaching the world. I cannot imagine how that can be done, but He can. I can imagine the church where I preach growing, maybe adding a few dozen members this year. God can see much more than that. I would challenge you to do some thinking, some imagining of what you would want your home life to be, your work place, your congregation. Then, turn to a God who can see it in much clearer terms. Then know that whatever you envision, it will not come close to what God can actually do. According To The Power In Us: -- Many times I don't feel very powerful, especially in the face of a lost job, or an illness, or shrinking income. But God says that He has a power at work in us. God is doing things in our hearts and our lives that will turn life around. God saved you, and when He did, He put within you the ability to be what He wants you to be and to go where He wants you to go. All the harsh circumstances of life will not dera- il the power at work in you. This power is from God and will work its way in us as we surrender to it. That is why we keep on asking and seeking, so that we will be ready when God begins to move in us and make our world different. God has not and will not leave us alone to facer the problems of life. He will be there and will provide what we need when we need it. Paul explained this earlier in his letter. "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:18-20). The same amazing power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, keeping us saved and keeping us in His Will. God is working in us in ways that are beyond our imagination. So, Satan and all his attacks are destined to fail. (The power of God unto our salvation is His Word, the Gospel. We are to accept it, study it, and abide by it. When we do this God, by His Word, is working in us, to better us, and to save us, (Rom. 1:16), JWS). Glory In The Church: -- Nowhere does this power come through as well as in the body of believers called the church. When people of different backgrounds, different ethnicity, different cul- turs come to Christ, they are all added to the one body of Christ. While the world would look at this as foolish, God uses this "fool- ishness" to stop all the critics. As the church comes together in harmony and unity, all of a sudden the power of Satan is diminished. As we praise God and offer Him the glory, Satan and his efforts go by the wayside. The role of the church is powerfully demonstrated here. It is in the body of Christ, the believers who make up the church that God finds His glory. It is in changed lives, surrendered hearts and loving attitudes. In that atmosphere all the worst things in the world can't discourage us. Money may be a problem, but a group of loving people are there for me. Family issues may come up, but a group of loving friends will walk me through the challenges and love me no matter what. The church may seem to be in decline, but God and His people will succeed when all is said and done. That brings glory to God. Glory In Christ Jesus: -- Paul brings to a close with an emphasis on two things. The first was the church, as we saw. The second is God's only begotten Son. What Jesus did on the cross is so amazing, so wonderful, so powerful that it brings glory to God always. Why do we get so worried about life and its problems, when God has already demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus? Why do we think a recession is the worst thing that can happen, when God has already beaten Satan and his powers to give us a victory? In Christ, nothing can defeat us. On our own we certainly are too small to face down a recession. However, we can face it with faith in the Son of God. So, our duty before God is to bring glory to the church by bringing glory to the Christ. We do that best by submitting to His Will in all things. The more we look and act like the Son of God, the more glory is poured out upon God. God gets the cred- it He richly deserves when we act like Jesus,. talk like Jesus, and love like Jesus. Our role in all this is simple: bring glory to God by being more and more like His Son. "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men, And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becom-ing obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). Forever And Ever: -- This glory toward God through the church and the Christ will go on throughout eternity. God's Plan will not fail, His people will be saved, His church will march on. These are not guesses, these are the promises of God. While we fear the challenges of the economy or of our families or our congre- gations, God just keeps on doing more then we can ask or think to lead us to victory. Are You In Christ?: - - You can escape the turmoil of uncertainty. You can stop worrying about the recession, or all other issues. You do that by being in Christ. You get into Christ by doing His Will. By being baptized into Christ and for the remission of your sins, (Rom. 6:3,4; Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:26,27). In that act of sub- mission, you turn your life and its worries over to God. Are you in Christ? If not, please obey Him today. ------- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 12, March 20, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090506/207abca6/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 6 05:09:21 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 06:09:21 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) PATIENTLY ENDURING EVIL TREATMENT 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: PATIENTLY ENDURING EVIL TREATMENT None of us like injustice. If someone has been mistreated, we all desire justice with the evil doer being punished. For the persecuted Christian there is a promise that God will at the com- ing of His Son, Jesus Christ, mete out the retribution evil doers deserve (2 Thes. 1:5-10). It is important to realize that God's wrath will come upon everyone who has done evil (Rom. 2:1-11). All can escape such judgment by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:4-10). Knowing judgment will not come until the Lord returns, means that persecuted children of God will not see God's just- ice until that day of God's wrath. So, in this life, the people of God must be patient and endure unfair treatment and possibly death because of their faith in Christ. The Apostle James addresses the importance of patience for the followers of Christ (Jas. 5:1-12). James's discussion of this subject first addresses the rich who mistreat their workers (vss. 1-6). Next, brethren are encouraged to be patient like a farmer waiting for the rain needed for his crops, the suffering and patience of prophets, and the perseverance of Job (vss. 7- 12). In the midst of these examples of patience, James also calls upon the brethren not to grumble against one another, and not to swear by heaven or earth or any other oath, but rather let their yes be yes and their no be no (vss. 9,12). God's people are to be patient because of the great reward they are to receive (vs. 11); because God will punish those who have persecuted them (vss. 1-6); and because God will establish their hearts (vs. 8). James reminds the brethren "that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (vs. 11). The child of God does not want anyone to receive from God what they deserve -- God's wrath. A believer wants everyone to be saved and not face judgment for their sins. Just as God's longsuffering continues so that mankind can come to repentan- ce (2 Pet. 3:9), the Christian with great patience reaches out to his enemy with the gospel of hope. Brethren, let us be people who are willing to patiently endure evil treatment knowing the Lord is very compassionate and mer- ciful, and He will punish all evil doers! ------ Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090506/d9d1d43b/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Wed May 6 07:56:36 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 07:56:36 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 5-03-09 Message-ID: <237E292DBA564E1DA6221B9DEBB50E4E@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 May 3, 2009 No.25 DISCOURAGEMENT - THE DEVIL'S TOOL Some years ago I read an article with the above title. From time to time it has appeared in other publications and the lesson it contains is always timely. I am reprinting it, but since I do not know who wrote it I attribute it to Mr. Anonymous. The story tells of a rummage sale being held by the devil. Peter calls him the Christian's adversary and describes him as "a roaring lion walking about, seeking whom he may devour" 1.Pet.5:8. In the story a person comes by and begins to browse through the items the devil has for sale. They are the various tools he uses to entice people to follow him instead of the Lord. As the browser passes from item, he notices that each device is indeed a clever tool to ensnare people. He sees such gimmicks as fame, fortune, pride of life, fleshly lusts of all sorts, and many other devilish instruments. All of them are well used, having been used over the years to turn people away from God, and the devil tells him they are still effective. Of all the tools in the sale the browser notices that one tool is priced much higher than all the rest. The shopper asks why it is priced so high. The devil explains to him that the tool was called "discouragement" and it was priced so high because it was one of his most effective tools in reclaiming Christians. When one thinks about it, this is probably so. All people become discouraged at times, even the preacher. But some are more easily discouraged than others. Discouragement is a very effective tool to keep a person from ever becoming a Christian. Oftimes when a person begins to think about becoming a Christian, the devil discourages the person by telling him it is useless to become a Christian since he will never be able to live the life of a Christian anyway. If the devil loses the first battle he doesn't give up. After all, he knows that just because one has become a Christian, all is not lost. There is still a chance to draw him back into his kingdom, the world. He will do anything necessary to regain the soul of a Christian. He will use the hypocrisy of others, deceptive teachers, difficulties in life, worldly attractions, etc. to cause one to become discouraged and return to the world. The devil knows that if members are not kept stirred up to a fever pitch, some will become discouraged and give up. Others begin to see the attendance and contribution fall, and enthusiasm fading, and they decide to call it quits. Some see members move to other locations and decide the church isn't going to make it, so they also leave. But, if he cannot persuade a person to openly quit, he will use discouragement to render a person worthless to the Lord and His church. Let me give some examples. Teachers in the Bible classes prepare their lessons, and week after week, they teach the scheduled classes. But, those who need it the most fail to show up, or don't seem to care about their lessons if they are present. At times the teacher may be at fault with his teaching method and the devil uses it to produce discouragement among the students. In this case the teacher may need to change his methods. Others who should be teaching won't teach. So few respond and improve their lives making it easy for teachers to become discouraged. When the saints assemble for worship, there are those who will not help sing, especially if the songs are pitched a little low, or too high, or unfamiliar. This discourages the best of song leaders who is doing the best he can. Or, one attempts to lead a prayer but makes a mistake. When this happens these men need some understanding and encouragement. But some just criticize instead. It is no wonder that some will never attempt to develop their talents. They have let others discourage them. People sometimes become a source of discouragement by not saying or doing anything at all. How long has it been since you complimented the teacher of your children? When was the last time you told the song leader or the one leading a prayer you appreciate the efforts being put forth? What about the one who keeps the books, making sure the bills are paid on time? What of the ones who clean the building, prepare the communion trays? When was the last time you called and/or visited a member who is weak in the faith? Do you suppose he/she can use some kind, encouraging words? What about the one who is sick in body? Does he/she know you care? Sometimes one becomes a source of discouragement simply by ignoring what needs to be done. What if the situation was reversed and you were the one who needed some kind word or deed? Just because I am a preacher doesn't mean that I am immune to discouragement. I have experienced it but pray that I will not succumb to the devil's wiles and give up on the Lord. It is difficult not to be discouraged when someone who knows he/she is lost will not respond to the invitation. It is not easy to figure out why some who have been attending services for years, and should know better, suddenly quit. But they do. So often, the only time the preacher gets to hear from someone is when there are complaints or criticisms. When this happens, it is easy to become discouraged. What all of us need to do is make sure we do not become one of the devil's tools of discouragement. And make sure we do not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by any of his tools. Read 1.Thes.5:12-15; Gal.6:9-10. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A brief examination. After reading the above article, what is your reaction. There are four types of church members. 1. Those who MAKE things happen. 2. Those who WATCH things happen. 3. Those who DON'T KNOW what is happening. 4. Those who CRITICIZE what is happening. Which "type" are you? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090506/3d4c3806/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Wed May 6 11:48:21 2009 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 11:48:21 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 16.5 (May 2009) available Message-ID: Our 16th year of publication (1994-2009) Expository Files - April 2009 **Our 185th monthly issue** Expository Files is a monthly electronic journal dedicated to Biblical studies. It is edited by Warren E Berkley and Jon W. Quinn. This effort began with the January, 1994 issue and continues to this day. In addition to the four or so expository articles by different writers in each issue, there are special topical studies. In addition, each issue begins and ends with editorials by the editors. We have expository material from every book in the Bible, though there are still portions that are much more lightly covered than others. Thanks to our writers and our readers for making Expository Files such a success! ---------------------------------------------------------- Expository Files 16.5; May 2009 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page, 16.5 (May) The Value Of Quiet Benevolence Matthew 6:1-4 By Warren E. Berkley Reverence - The Summation of Hebrews Hebrews 12:28,29 By Warren E. Berkley Useful for the Master 2 Timothy 2:21 By Jacob Hudgins The Dead Will Hear His Voice John 5:28,29 By Jon W. Quinn The Game of Life 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 By Karl Hennecke What Does the Bible Say About Being Saved? Topic Page by Mark Roberts Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn The Final Page 16.5 I Did It (Thy) Way By Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can now, or soon will, be found at the following places: http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to present; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://expositoryfiles.homestead.com/index.html 2004-2006 in html by issue; 1994-2003 in zipped self executable format for IBM http://www.geocities.com/w_berkley/ EF in PDF by issue; Sept 2003 to present Jon W. Quinn Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, Illinois http://www.bradleychurchofchrist.com Expository Files Sites http://www.bible.ca/ef/ http://www.expositoryfiles.homestead.com/ From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Wed May 6 15:24:44 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 16:24:44 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> How Jesus Died Message-ID: How Jesus Died I. Introduction A. Initial warning 1. Following material not for the weak of stomach, younger audiences 2. Definitely would be rated "R" for gore and violence B. Nevertheless, an important study: how did Jesus die? 1. When we read the descriptions in the four Gospels of Jesus' death, we are struck by the dispassionate tone provided 2. All four authors record the events quickly and without much explanation 3. People of the first century would need no such explanation; scourgings, mockings, crucifixion commonly known then 4. Today, however, such things not as well understood C. The violence and pain involved is unpleasant, offensive to modern sensibility 1. We live in a very sanitized culture-- violence and other such things are on the television screen and that is about it 2. But can we really appreciate Jesus' sacrifice if we do not understand what He suffered? D. What did Jesus suffer? What were His experiences? How did Jesus die? II. From the Garden to Deliverance to Crucifixion A. Mental Anguish of Expectation: the Garden of Gethsemane 1. Jesus' suffering seems to truly begin while praying in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37) 2. Matthew 26:36-46 / Mark 14:32-42 / Luke 22:39-46 3. His soul is sorrowful to death 4. He petitions the Father, if at all possible, to avoid upcoming suffering 5. In the end, God's will be done 6. Praying leads to sweat like drops of blood (cf. Luke 22:44) 7. Believed by some to be hematidrosis, a condition in which a person begins sweating blood on account of great stress 8. Luke does not say that Jesus actually sweats blood, only that the sweat drops were like drops of blood 9. Regardless, demonstration of great anguish of soul 10. As God the Son, fully cognizant of what is about to take place 11. As the Son of Man, no doubt suffers greatly mentally on account of the expectation of what is about to occur! 12. Comforted by an angel, given strength (Luke 22:43) B. The Garden to Pilate 1. Judas soon after arrives with the guards; Jesus betrayed; Peter strikes Malchus, servant of high priest, cuts off his ear; Jesus rebukes him, tells him to put the sword back; heals the servant; is taken away; disciples flee (Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:3-11) a. Continued mental anguish b. Now in captivity, led about; alone 2. Presented before Annas and Caiaphas, meeting of Jews; false witnesses come forth, testimony does not agree; Jesus confesses that He is the Son of God; charged with blasphemy (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:63-65, John 18:12-14, 19-24) a. Mental and emotional suffering: false testimony, hardness of hearts of Jews, inability to get them to understand the truth b. Physical suffering: spat upon, stricken on the face and body, slapped on the face (Matthew 26:67-68, Mark 14:65, Luke 22:63-65, John 18:22) 3. Peter's denials (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:55-62, John 18:16-18, 25-27) a. Predicted previously, yet still not any less miserable (Luke 22:31-34) b. Emotional pain of being denied by one of His closest disciples 4. By morning, decision to put Him to death, hand Him over to Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1, Luke 22:66-71) 5. Jesus stands before Pilate; does not answer; sends Him to Herod, provides no answer, sent back; Pilate offers to release Jesus as part of Passover custom; crowd, incited by Jewish authorities, instead ask for Barabbas the insurrectionist, demand Jesus to be crucified (Matthew 27:15-23, Mark 15:1-14, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-40) a. Mental, emotional suffering: mockery and contempt from Herod and his soldiers (Luke 23:11) b. The crowd, previously hailing Him as the Messiah, now wants Him crucified (Luke 19:28-40) c. They do not understand that they have asked for a murderer to be saved and to kill the Author of life (Acts 3:15, 17)! 6. Pilate has Jesus scourged; gives into the will of people, delivers Jesus to be crucified (Matthew 27:24-26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) a. Scourging not usually done before a crucifixion b. Scourging the standard Roman practice of punishment to dissuade people from further disobedience-- most released afterward c. Pilate likely trying to just punish Jesus and not have Him killed d. Scourging involves flogging: a short leather whip (flagrum/flagellum) with lead balls attached at its end e. Jewish custom made 39 strikes the maximum (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:24); Romans had no such compunction f. Whip strikes Jesus on His shoulders, back, and legs g. First just cuts open the skin h. As lashings continue, cut deeper into skin layers; blood comes forth i. Lead balls lead first to bruising; bruises opened in later blows j. Skin eventually hangs off body like ribbons; body a bloody, torn mess k. When centurion sees that prisoner is near death, scourging is finished 7. Jesus, by this point, is quite physically drained and near death; emotionally and mentally drained; suffering not just physical abuse but also mockery and torment III. The Crucifixion A. Humiliation by the Soldiers 1. Matthew 27:27-31 / Mark 15:16-20 / John 19:2-3 2. Soldiers mock Jesus; strip His clothes; put a robe on Him 3. Twisted a crown of thorns, impress it upon His head 4. Put a reed in His hand; provide mock worship 5. Spat upon Him, struck Him with the reed 6. Stripped off robe, put on clothes back on 7. Extreme pain: no medical care for previous scourging 8. Taking off, putting on clothes terribly painful with all the open wounds on His back 9. Pain of having thorns pressed into His scalp; further bleeding 10. On top of physical pain, mental and emotional suffering on account of the mockery of the soldiers B. According to John, final decision by Pilate to crucify Jesus (John 19:4-16) C. Heading to Golgotha 1. Matthew, Mark, Luke say Simon of Cyrene carries cross (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26) 2. John says Jesus carries own cross (John 19:17) 3. Likely a bit of both: Jesus began carrying it, could no longer, Simon finishes task 4. Not the full cross-- generally prisoners carried the cross arm of the cross, the patibulum, weighing about 110 pounds 5. Still a lot for a beaten man! 6. Crowds lament; Jesus tells them to mourn for themselves and the upcoming disaster (Luke 23:27-31) 7. Jesus given wine mixed with gall/myrrh; tasted it; did not drink it (Matthew 27:33-34, Mark 15:22-23) a. Some believe that the mixture would help deaden pain, but why would soldiers who are torturing Him want to do that? b. More likely the mixture just tastes entirely disgusting, and represents another form of torture D. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-50, Mark 15:24-37, Luke 23:32-46, John 19:17-30) 1. Crucifixion seems to originate from Persians, brought into Near East and Classical worlds 2. Reserved for criminals of which Rome wanted to make examples 3. Unlikely the "Latin" cross popular in Western "Christendom;" more likely a tau or T cross 4. One of the most painful ways to die that man has ever imagined a. "excruciating" from Latin ex crucare, "from the cross" b. Death by asphyxiation, exposure, or hunger/dehydration c. The nails in wrists and ankles allow enough movement to continue to breathe but makes it extremely painful d. Rising up causes great leg pain; sinking down causes great pain in arms e. Many run out of strength, can no longer pull themselves up to breathe, asphyxiate (especially when legs are broken; John 18:31-32) f. "Stronger" victims would die of the other causes! 5. Jesus thus crucified, wrists and ankles nailed to the cross a. One nail in each wrist, both ankles with one nail (cf. John 20:25) b. Many think that Jesus was nailed on the cross by the palms, but such cannot bear the weight of the human body and would strip out between the fingers c. In ancient world, wrist as part of hand d. Unbelievable amount of pain 6. Crucified between two criminals a. Likely Barabbas' associates; Jesus is on the cross destined for Barabbas, after all! b. Initially they torment Him; one comes to repentance 7. Some clothes divided between soldiers; lot cast for the seamless tunic 8. Mary His mother, Mary Magdalene, John watch 9. Jesus says seven things: asks Father to forgive His executioners; tells thief that he will be with Jesus in Paradise; commissions John to care for Mary; quotes Psalm 22:1; says He thirsted; commends spirit to God; declares it is finished 10. Mocked by those passing by; also emotional pain of seeing pain of Mary, others, regarding His death 11. When He thirsts, given sour wine (=almost vinegar); last thing He tastes 12. Jesus endures at least 3 hours on the cross (cf. Matthew 27:45-46) E. Jesus' Death 1. Physicians have extrapolated His cause of death based on various details (Dr. C. Truman Davis, "A Physician's View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ," http://www.cbn.com/ SpiritualLife/OnlineDiscipleship/easter/A_Physician's_View_ of_the_Crucifixion_of_Jesus_Christ.aspx, as with much of this lesson) 2. Heart failure! 3. Jesus had suffered greatly before He was crucified 4. Likely that tissue had lost too much fluid, compressing the heart 5. Pericardium around the heart fills with serum 6. Dehydration leads Jesus to declare that He thirsted (John 19:28) 7. At the end, heart, overly constricted, stressed, filled with fluid, fails 8. Postmortem evidence: blood and water come forth when Jesus' corpse is pierced by Roman spear (John 19:34-37), evidence of above F. After death, body taken down by Joseph of Arimathea, prepared, and buried 1. Matthew 27:57-66 / Mark 15:42-47 / Luke 23:50-56 / John 19:38-42 2. Body wrapped in cloths, prepared with much myrrh and aloes 3. Sealed in a rock-cut tomb IV. The Suffering of Jesus A. Thus we have seen how Jesus suffered and died B. Physical suffering 1. Abuse at hands of Jews, soldiers 2. Scourging 3. Mockery of soldiers 4. Crucifixion C. Mental and emotional suffering 1. Expectation of suffering to come 2. Forsaken by majority of His disciples, denied by Peter 3. Hardness of heart of the Jews, Romans 4. Derided and mocked 5. Sees pain of own mother, other beloved disciples D. All of this while God the Son! 1. No indication that God the Son abandons Jesus of Nazareth on the cross 2. Therefore, Jesus always entirely able to end it all at any point! 3. Nevertheless, endures the shame and suffering E. This is the price for our salvation 1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 5:6-11, 1 Peter 2:21-24 2. Jesus suffered all these things out of His love and the Father's love for us (John 3:16) 3. Let us never consider our salvation "cheap" or "worthless"! F. Let us constantly praise God for His love and grace for us, made evident through the suffering of Jesus Christ, and let us suffer along with Him so that we may be saved! G. 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 Thu May 7 05:22:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 06:22:00 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) FOCUS TIPS: ON DIFFICULT TEXTS 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: FOCUS TIPS: ON DIFFICULT TEXTS "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us" (1 Jno. 1:7-10). Is this text teaching that a person must specifically confess every sin he or she commits in order to be forgiven? When we examine the text carefully we see that there are a series of con- trasts. Verse six contrasts with verse seven: if we walk in dark- ness we have no fellowship with the Lord, but if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with the Lord. Verse eight contrasts with verse nine and nine with ten: if we say we do not sin, then we deceive ourselves and His Word is not in us; but if we con- fess our sins (the opposite of denying that we sin), then He will forgive us. Therefore, "confessing our sins" refers to confess- ing that we sin as opposed to denying that we sin. Though we should confess to the Lord specific sins of which we are aware, we would need a flawless understanding of the Scriptures and of ourselves in order to confess every time we have sinned or fallen short of the glory of God. Do we always recognize when we have not loved as perfectly as God or given ourselves in His service as we should? We would also need a miraculous remembrance of all that we have done and thought. What if we miss something? And how would we apply this principle to the new Christian? There would be no hope for such a person. Thus David said, "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your serv- ant also from presumptuous sins" (Psa. 19:12). (It seems to me that we as Christians, can and must call upon the Lord on a reg- ular basis, to forgive us of sins that we might have committed and then forgotten. If we do this on a regular basis, we will be cleansed of those sins, JWS). ----- Berry Kerchville in Focus Mag- azine, No. 103. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090507/ab608c14/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu May 7 05:22:11 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 06:22:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY Actually, love and hypocrisy are polar opposites. There is only one way to possess it, and that is genuinely. First, "Let love..." This kind of love is also called a "grace love." It is a love that gives what is needed, not what is deserv- ed. It is a love of value; a love of esteem; a love that treasures. It is a love that makes us most like God. The Lord said of this love, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:44,45). God's love is not just for His friends or those who reciprocate His love. It was this love that moved Him to give His only Son while we were enemies (Rom. 5:8). When we do well, speak well of, and pray for our enemies, we are acting like God did toward those who were His enemies. He did all He could to do us good. Further, this love has two characteristics. First, love is prov- en by action: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." (Jno. 3:16). Secondly, this love is measured by sacrifice: (He GAVE...). God proved HIs love and measured it by sacrifice. A very practical illustration is seen in 1 Jno. 3:16-18: "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tong- ue, but in deed and in truth." How can I say to my brother, "I love you," if when I see him in need I walk away without helping him? I can tell him: "I love you" all day long, but I have not dem- onstrated the love God has for me until I prove it by action and measure it by sacrifice. Therefore, when I am like God, I am genuine in my character and my action. Eugene Peterson says it like this, "Love from the center of who you are..." When at my very core I am striving to be like God, then what I do and how I do it will be real. That is why Paul says, "Let love be without hypocrisy." Christianity will not grow in a heart filled with hypocrisy. Hy- pocrisy means one who answers back. It described actors in ancient times because they used special devices to enhance their voices. They spoke behind a mask. The idea of a hypocri- te evolved from playing a part to speaking the dialogue that be- longs to that part. It is the opposite of being genuine and sincer- e. Hypocrisy is dangerous. So how does this affect our daily lives? First, Christians ought to be warm and share strong kindred feelings toward one another. We must be kindly affectioned to one another with brot- herly love (Rom. 12:10a). We do that with the tenderness which characterizes our most endearing relationships, like that of a family. We set the example; we do not seek it. We strive to ex- cel in showing mutual respect and honor (Rom. 12:10b). We take the lead in seeing to it that others reeive the recognition in- stead of ourselves. We do not obtain the honor; rather we con- fer it on one another. We are diligent about it. We do that becau-se we want to be sincere -- genuine in our pursuit to be God-like. There is not other choice for us. Second, we look out not for our own interests but the inter- ests of others. By doing so, we follow the example of Christ. He causes the rain to fall and the sun to shine on the just and unjust. Our carnal nature moves us to look out for ourselves, or only thsoe who can help us. But Christ was looking out for us when we were His enemies. Wow! That is challenging. William B. Given Jr. said, "Whenever you are too selfishly looking out for your own interest, you have only one person working for you -- yourself. When you help a dozen people with their problems, you have a dozen people working for you." The entire world -- with one minor exception -- is composed of others. Most of the people in the world don't know us and never will. Most of the ones we do know probably have greater needs and problems than we do. We can choose to ignore them and focus on our own self, or we can get over our self and learn to put others first (Phil. 2:1-4). Which would make us more like God? Third, to love without hypocrisy means we will also have to check our egos at the door. Love goes the extra mile. Love turns the other cheek (Matt. 5:39,41). Love is longsuffering and kind (1 Cor. 13:4a). "Love does not parade itself, nor is love puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Each of these requires we step outside our own egos. An egotist can be described not as a person who thinks too much of himself, but as someone who thinks too little of other people. Love is not the opposite of hate. The opposite of loving others is being self-centered. For us to build meaning- ful relationships, we must remove the focus from ourselves and help others. But once again, isn't that what God did for us (Rom. 5:8)? Henry Ward Beecher said, "No man is more cheated than the selfish man." That is true because he separates himself from what is most important in life: People. In eternity we will be known as we are, not what we pretend- ed to be. Let us do all we can to be like Christ. We must pay attention to our hearts. We must try hard to see ourselves as God sees us. Hypocrisy blinds us. Intimacy with God helps us see ourselves as He sees us. In order to see ourselves as He sees us, we must be genuine in our relationship with Him. If we are disingenuous, we are disingenuous only to ourselves, every- thing is open before God (Heb. 4:13). ----- Rickie Jenkins in Focus Magazine, No. 103. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090507/5c1d4a88/attachment-0001.html From wirtzjack at att.net Thu May 7 13:07:36 2009 From: wirtzjack at att.net (Jack Wirtz) Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 13:07:36 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] AD 70 Message-ID: <3090C52E-9096-4A66-BE63-BE6EA1F70ED2@att.net> Morris, My name is Jack Wirtz. Your note to GLClair at aol.com recently came to my attention. There are only a handful of brethren who worship with church of Christ congregations and bro. Clair is not one of them, quite obviously by his response, that have accepted the Preterist view that all prophesy was fulfilled in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. AD 70 and other "fringe" doctrines such as those concerning the nature of Christ and the existence of hell, after laying dormant for many years, have begun to spread in recent years by way of the internet. As to AD 70 (Preterism), neither the harmony of scripture nor an understanding of the acts of God as YHWH/Yahweh/Jehovah) the Godhead or as the Father, Son or Holy Spirt will permit the AD 70, Preterist, conclusion. For a good overview study of AD 70 doctrine let me encourage you to make/take the time to listen to the series of lessons on Biblical Eschatology with a special emphasis on the dangerous doctrine of AD 70 that you will find at the web site for the Cedar Park (Texas) church of Christ at, http://cedarparkchurchofchrist.org/cpcofc/ On this page you will find offered several audio lessons, click on the here under, "New Audio Lessons" "Our meeting with Richard Thetford is now available for download. It is a series of lessons on Biblical Eschatology with a special emphasis on the dangerous doctrine of AD 70." You can find them here. If I can answer any of your questions I will be glad to do so. Jack Wirtz Cedar Park, Texas wirtzjack at att.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090507/3db47ede/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 8 03:34:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 04:34:00 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE POWER OF PRAYER 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: THE POWER OF PRAYER How powerful is prayer? According to God's Word and the apostle James, prayer can help us when we are suffering, pray- er can help brethren who are physically ill; prayer can bring for- giveness of sins to the child of God; and prayer can change the course of nature (Jas. 5:13-18). What kind of prayer is powerful? James writes, "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (5:15). Earlier in James' letter it is emphasized: "But let him (a child of God) ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (Jas. 1:6-8). Who can pray powerfully? James mentions elders specifica- lly and generally points out that "a righteous man" prayes effect- ively and fervently to great results (vss. 14,16). The example of Elijah praying for the rain to stop and then praying for the rain to start again after three and one half years shows the power of prayer (vss. 17,18). James reminds us that Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. So, righteous men and women who pray earnestly, fervently and effectively will see great power in their prayers. Notice that people who pray powerfully are Christians who lift their voices before God in psalms of thanksgiving and praise during times of joy. They also lift their voices to the Lord in pray- er during times of suffering (vs. 13). People of power are believ- ers who know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who lifts them up when they are sick, and forgives them when they are in sin (vs. 15). The power of prayer is a gift to followers of Christ who have been forgiven of their sins. These followers confess their sins to each other (vs. 16). They know helping brothers and sisters who have wandered from the truth can cover a multitude of sins and save a soul from death (vss. 19,20). In God's forgiveness, love and grace they are His children who effectively and fervent- ly use the prayer of power. ---------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090508/f9e3f8cf/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 8 03:34:11 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 04:34:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) "TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF AND UNTO THE DOCTRINE" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancie- nt files. Use to the glory of God. "TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF AND UNTO THE DOCTRINE" "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine, continue in them: for in doing this though shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee" (1 Tim. 4:16). These words are from the pen of Paul to the young preacher Timothy. While addressed to a young preacher two thousand years ago, this admonition loses none of its forceful meaning when applied to old as well as young preachers and to saints generally. "Take Heed Unto Thyself" -- This statement comes at the close of a number of such exhortations relating to Timothy's personal demeanor. In 4:12 he said, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity." The apostle was impressing upon the young evangelist the importance of living the gospel and walk- ing circumspectly before all. He was conscious that preaching by word of mouth only was not enough. Timothy must preach by his example also. His personal speech, privately and public- ly, must be without corruptness, guile, or vulgarity. His manner of conduct should reflect a close walk with Jesus whom he pro- claimed. His affection for the Lord, for the brethren, and for the unsaved should be without hypocrisy. His thoughts, words, and deeds should reflect that purity of heart which lone should see God. His faith in God and the gospel should be undaunted and his steadfastness in duty without reproach. All of these factors were involved in Timothy's taking heed unto himself. To fail in these would be a betrayal of the doctrine he preached. "Take Heed Unto The Doctrine" -- Here, no doubt, Paul moves from the personal example aspect into the substance of the message Timothy proclaimed. It was not enough to live the doctrine; he must also preach it. The very expression "take heed" implies not only the value of the doctrine itself but also the importance of preaching it. The admonition, then, includes (1) a knowledge in the doctrine; (2) a loyalty to the doctrine; and (3) a zeal for the doctrine; and (4) a faithful proclamation of the doctrine. For Timothy to fall short in any aspect of the doctrine was a betrayal of the example he professed. "Continue In Them" -- This exhortation sets forth the absolute necessity of steadfastness. The time would never come when Timothy could quit taking heed to himself and to the doctrine. There were no leaves from duty as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. He must always be on the alert. His mustering out time would be only at the end of the battle and the battle would never end while he was conscious that his warfare continued. And his warfare would continue as long as he had himself to "take heed" to and the doctrine needed preaching. "For In Doing This" -- The work of an evangelist is not theoretic- al. It is real, not imaginary. There was work to be done, not con- templated only. Only by continuing to take heed to himself and to the doctrine could his labors be crowned with success. And what success it was! "Thou Shalt Save Thyself" -- Timothy's staying with his respon- sibility guaranteed his own salvation. When he had first believ- ed, then, he was not assured of eternal life for only if he should "continue in them" could he save himself. But what a joyful thought! What a glorious consolation! At the end of the journey all would be well. Every temptation resisted, every trial over- come, every effor expended would be richly rewarded for he could say, "By the grace of God, I have saved myself!" "I loved His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8), and now He honors mine!" "Them That Hear Thee" -- These, too, will be saved through Tim- othy's example and teaching. Along with himself he is conscio- us that a throng of others are blessed with the crown of righteo- usness bestowed by the "King in His beauty." Not only would Timothy by his life and preaching rescue his hearers from the old life of sin but by the same procedure he would inspire them to such activity that heaven would be their home. He has laid Jesus Christ as the true foundation and has built "gold, silver, and precious stones" upon it. the "day" has come, his work is "made manifest," it "abides," and he receives the "reward" which the Lord, the righteous Judge alone bestows (1 Cor. 3:11- 14; 2 Tim. 4:8). Our Lesson: -- It is not enough to live an exemplary life. It is not enough to preach "sound doctrine." Neither by itself assures salvation. We must "take heed" to both and "continue in them." To fail in either is to forfeit eternal life. There are those who emphasize living a good life and this is a necessity. There are also those who stress the necessity of preaching "sound doctrine." This, too, is a must. But to empha- size either and neglect the other is to lose our souls. Gospel preaching is balanced preaching and balanced living. It is well founded, grounded, bounded, and sounded. No person can be strong on one point and weak on the other and wield he influence he should over the world and before the church. It matters not how pious a man may be, how spiritually mind- ed, how s9ober, prayerful, honest, and charitabe, if he fails to preach sound doctrine he will be lost. On the other hand, one may "convict the gainsayer," champion the truth an defend it, be a symbol of soundness in his public andf private proclamation of the gospel, yet be lost because he is not sober, honest, char-itable , prayerful, and spiritually minded. To falter in either aspect of gospel work is to fail altogether. Any man who does not and will not practice right preaching is unworthy of support and defense, and any man who does not and will not preach right practice is equally unworthy of support adn defense. Both are divinely enjoined. Both must be religiously observed. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine: continue in them.!" ------------- Homer Hailey in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 11, Sept. , 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090508/de9cb408/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat May 9 01:38:27 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 23:38:27 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> They're Going To Do It Anyway Message-ID: <000c01c9d070$c4426550$4cc72ff0$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper May 10, 2009 They're Going To Do It Anyway We should have seen this coming. The current slowdown in the economy has recently brought the proponents of the legalization of marijuana out of the woodwork, and this time they are arguing from the standpoint of possible federal, state, and local tax revenue as 'positive' reasons why it should be embraced. Part of the 'reasoning' from the legalization crowd, once again, is: "They're going to do it anyway," so - now, they argue - "We might as well make money off of it and regulate it at the same time." Even as they argue this once again, they persist in ignoring the facts about 'recreational' use of marijuana and its effects [distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory], and the numerous studies that have clearly shown it to be a 'gateway' drug that leads many to the use of harder - and more dangerous and more destructive - drugs. They also ignore the fact that about 27% of those in prison admitted to drug use at the time of their crimes, and another 14% admitted to committing the crime to obtain money to buy illegal drugs [Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1997]. They certainly have to ignore the fact that among arrested juveniles, the illegal drug use is about 66% [National Institute of Justice, 1999]. I am afraid there are some politicians now in office that see only the possibility of tax revenue [cha-ching!] and none of the effects of their immoral decisions, and are going to blindly and blithely approve of its legalization, to the detriment of our current and future society. Some, ever eager to please the ones who make the most noise [or threaten them with the most lawsuits], have kowtowed and are joining in the rising opposition to anyone who would dare call for morality among us. It seems no one in high places has moral fiber anymore and it's now just the old "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality. But this mind set, unfortunately, is not new and it is becoming more common as man becomes more and more removed from God's standards. This same line of 'reasoning' ["They're going to do it anyway" - or even "They are already doing it"] is also being used by some groups who are pushing for the legalization of prostitution, the dispensing of condoms to teenagers in the public schools, and even those who seek higher speed limits. To the proponents of these things, the fact that many "are already doing it" seems to be some sort of twisted "defense" for not only legalizing or supporting these acts, but also as justification to marginalize and ridicule those who might disagree based on God's moral standards. As a student of logical discussion and debate, I feel it is necessary to point out the argumental fallacy being used here which, not surprisingly, is called "Overlooking Secondary Consequences." Those who use this line of faulty reasoning will often gloss over the studies that show that the very actions they promote have secondary and, often, unwanted or dangerous consequences; they, as tools of our enemy, just want us to focus on the temporary pleasure of the moment and to forget about what might result. Only the hardened heart will go forward into sin after hearing of dangerous consequences, so the enemy tries to get us to focus on the "here and now" and not the future, where payback is certain. Especially when it comes to spiritual matters and the things God has forbidden, we must see the wisdom in not giving in to fleshly desires simply because some "are going to do it anyway." Surely we must see that God will not be pleased! Yes, some will do that which is forbidden, but the laws God has given - even the prohibitive ones - are there for our good. Can you imagine standing before God, pleading with Him to not be so harsh on man because, when it comes to sin, "they are going to do it anyway"? Yet, that is the plea directed toward those who are trying to uphold God's laws! The fact is, when we surrender all restrictions and loose what God has not loosed because "they are going to do it anyway," then we are headed for anarchy and a life of godlessness. But let us also see that even we disciples are not immune to falling into this way of thinking, if we are not careful. On a personal level, it is sometimes the very reason why we enter into sin! If we happen to have trouble with a certain temptation, we might give in because we convince ourselves it is too difficult to resist and we are "going to do it anyway," which then leads us to other sins because we look back at our failure and surrender instead of fighting. We do not have to sin, though; we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Phlp. 4:13) and we have been promised an answer for every temptation (1st Cor. 10:13)! On the level of our spiritual relationships with others, it may be that we see a brother or sister in sin and tell ourselves we don't want to get involved or convince ourselves they would never listen to us because "they are going to do it anyway." We don't stop to think that, yes, they may end up doing it, but if we truly care for their souls, we would do all we could to get them to stop it! It may be, too, that they disregard our pleas because they have convinced themselves they are just going to do it again and they cannot turn back, but let us do our best to convince them otherwise and to bring them back, because a soul is at stake here (Jas. 5:19, 20)! And among local congregations, this line of reasoning has led many churches to become lax in their discipline and to no longer stand for the truth because they began reasoning that the erroneous practices were inevitable and, often, because some error had already crept in! Instead of standing firm on the word of God, they made decisions based on what pleased the most people and drew the largest crowds, and truth fell by the wayside. Friends and brethren, this should have never happened! Let me say this in the strongest way possible: It is reprehensible to argue that we must cease preaching and teaching against certain sinful behavior simply because someone is "going to do it anyway." Think about this: God created man, even though He knew man was going to sin. Aren't you glad He did not cancel plans for our creation because He knew - before we were made - that we would sin anyway? And Jesus came down from heaven to live as a lowly man, even though He knew some men were going to treat Him cruelly and murder Him by hanging Him on a cross. He came to save His people from their sins, but He died though He knew "they were going to do those things [reject Him] anyway." And for us, sin is not inevitable. We always have a choice to sin or not sin, depending on our desires (Jas. 1:13-15). Sometimes, that means making hard choices and sticking with it though others try to persuade us to simply give in, but one whose mind is set on the heavenly things and not the things of this earth (Col. 3:2) will not give in. Does God want you to be happy? Certainly, He does! But let us not profane His glory or self by seeking our 'happiness' in those things which are against His will and contrary to godly behavior. God wants us to be eternally happy and want us to look beyond the temporary things. When we were children, I doubt our parents would have given us a parachute if they heard we wanted to go jump off a cliff, reasoning that we best be "safe" because we were "going to do it anyway." They were smart enough to know that a line had to be drawn that could not be crossed - even if others were "going to do it anyway." I am also certain that God will never approve of man's sinful activities because "they're going to do it anyway." God has drawn the line between righteousness and sin; what will you choose to do? -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090508/076f43b2/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 9 06:14:04 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 9 May 2009 07:14:04 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testi- mony of the Lord is sure, make wise the simple; The stututes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and right- eous altogether; More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb, Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward" (Psa. 19:7-11). "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as ti is written, 'The just shall live by faith'" (Rom. 1:16,17). Shall we turn the grace of God into lasciviousness or the sen- suality of a rock concert? A thousand times, NO! Should we seek Jesus through carnality? May it never be! There is a prop- er way to seek and find Him (Matt. 7:7; Rom. 2:7; Col. 3:1; Heb. 11:6; Jno 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:13-17; rom. 10:17; 1 Tim. 4:12-16; Jude 20,21). --------------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090509/2a34787b/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 9 06:14:13 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 9 May 2009 07:14:13 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) EMPHASIS ON BAPTISM Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. Here is a short study from my files. Use to the glory of God EMPHASIS ON BAPTISM This story is told about a preacher who preached on the sub- ject of baptism, sermon after sermon. Finally one member, in desperation, asked him to preach on Gen. 1:1, or creation. The preacher began, "In the beginning God created the heav- ens and the earth -- the clouds, the land, and the water -- which reminds me --" so they had another sermon on baptism. (This reminds me of a brother in a little congregation where I used to preach, in every prayer he prayed, when he was giving God the thanks for all the necessities of life, the school bus drivers that carried the children to school, the food we have to eat, the water we have to drink, and to be baptized in. JWS). It is expedient for us to discuss more thoroughly those sub- jects about which there is greatest misunderstanding; hence, baptism has had a multiple workout. Some of us may have emp- hasized this subject to the neglect of other important topics, but we have not violated the Scriptures in teaching the necessity of baptism. (If one is not baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins, he is not in the Lord's Vineyard where all the work is to be done and wherein the most information for serving the Lord is required. So, we must get people to obey the Lord in being baptized, before we continue to teach them what they must do as a Christian, JWS). The great commission, sending the Apostles into all the world, and putting in motion the church as a teaching institution, is very clear on the subject of baptism as well as other subjects of necessity. Matthew records Christ as saying, "Teach all nat- ions, baptizing them..." and Mark reports, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved..." (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16) In the first application of this commission (Acts 2:38) Peter commands, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." In the cases of conversion recorded in the Acts of the Apost- les, one must be blind indeed not to see baptism. On Pentecost in Samaria, the Eunuch, Saul, Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippians, Corinthians, Ephesians -- all were baptized. The evidence is so profuse that discussion is limited by space and time -- not mater- ial. Then the Epistles confirm our findings from Acts of the Apos- tles. Paul wrote, "Know ye not that so many of us as were bap- tized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Did Paul "overempha- size"? (Rom. 6:3,4). Water was the dividing line between a sin-cursed generation and the clean new world of Noah's time; and Peter said, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..." (1 Pet. 3:21). The negative clause, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh...") eliminates direct physical cleansing ("water salva- tion" as some put it) but actually strengthens the truth. Baptism, a figure, is a God-given-figure, required of all who would be saved. Whatever God requires of us in order to our salvation, may be said to "save" us. This is true of faith. If God had not made faith a condition of salvation, there would be no propriety in say= ing we are "saved by faith." Thus, when Peter says we are saved by this figure, baptism; he is fully consistent with every other passage tht shows baptism is commanded "for the remis- sion of sins." (Acts 2:38). Should we emphasize "baptism"? To the extent this is need- ed in order to save man's souls -- YES! And woe to the weak in faith who ignore it. --------- Robert F. Turner via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 17, April 26, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090509/0739ecc9/attachment.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun May 10 21:12:48 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 10 May 2009 20:12:48 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (5/10/09) Message-ID: <20090511021536.743AA23000A@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) May 10, 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 Truth of God's Word" (Ron Boatwright) "Some thoughts About Public Prayer" (Greg Gwin) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD Ron Boatwright God speaks to mankind through His word of truth as found in the Bible. Since God is perfect, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalms 19:7). We read that, "Every word of God is pure" (Proverbs 30:5). God word as found in the Bible is our road map to Heaven. We will not get there without it. Jesus says, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Only the truth of God's word can make us free, but the doctrines and commandments of men will cause us to be eternally lost. We are to "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). It is by the truth of God's word that we are saved and continue to be saved. "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth" (1 Peter 1:22). Before a person can be saved he must first learn the truth as found only in God's word. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4). When the truth of God's word becomes adulterated with the false doctrines of men, it will no longer save. Satan perverts the word of God so people will be lost. Paul told the Galatians, "but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:7). Then he asks, "You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" (Galatians 5:7). In today's world there are more than 600 different denominational churches, all with different doctrines, beliefs, and teachings. Anything that differs from what God says in the Bible is false doctrine and is designed by Satan to cause people to be eternally lost in Hell. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). People give heed to the "commandments of men who turn from the truth" (Titus 1:14). Satan uses people to suppress the truth of God's word so people will not be saved. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 2:8-9). God's word and His church are being ridiculed by those in the denominational world. "And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed" (2 Peter 2:2). Why do people follow the many false doctrines of men and not the truth of God's word? It is because, "they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:10, 12). "Who changed the truth of God into a lie" (Romans 1:25). When God's word is perverted, it is changed into a lie. But a true Christian is one who is "not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Corinthians 4:2). The word of God is certainly being handled deceitfully because of the great multitude of differing denominations. If God's word was being handled truthfully, there would be only one true church, the church of Christ. God is serious about His word. He doesn't want it perverted or changed. "If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life" (Revelation 22:18-19). By adding to or taking away from God's word will cause one to be eternally lost in Hell. With all the different denominational doctrines of men, God word has been added to, taken from, ignored and rejected. Worship that is in truth enjoys God's favor, but worship that is after the doctrines of men is condemned because it is empty and vain. Jesus says, "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7). "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We cannot worship God any way we want. It is imperative that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. What is truth? Jesus says in a prayer to God, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Only the truth as found in the Bible is true, all else is false. Every person in the world will one day stand before the Lord and be examined and his eternal destiny determined by whether he has followed God's word of truth. Our standard of judgment will be God's word of truth. Jesus says, "He who rejects Me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him: the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). "But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth" (Romans 2:2). What will happen to the majority of people who do not obey God? "But those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness: indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish" (Romans 2:8). In other words, they will be eternally punished in Hell. How do we keep from sinning against God? "Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalms 119:11). Let's diligently follow God's word of truth so we can go to Heaven when this life is over. --- SOME THOUGHT ABOUT PUBLIC PRAYER Greg Gwin We commend our men who are willing to help during the assemblies by leading the congregation in prayer. You are doing a good work! Please allow us to make a few suggestions that can improve our efforts in public prayers: 1) Speak UP! If you cannot be heard, you are not really doing your job. How can you 'lead' others if they can't hear you? You must project your voice in a louder and more forceful tone than you commonly do in normal conversation. A good way to measure how loudly you should speak is to imagine someone standing in the farthest corner of the building - then speak so they could easily hear you. 2) Remember that this is a public prayer. This will dictate what sort of things you should pray about. Private matters should be dealt with in private prayers. 3) Don't pray to be seen or heard by men (Matthew 6:5-8). You are not trying to impress men. You are speaking to the eternal Father in Heaven. 4) Give some thought to the length of your prayer. Public prayers do not need to be extremely long. The model prayer that Jesus prayed (Matthew 6:9-13) can be recited in less than 20 seconds. But, having said that, we should also advise you not to get in a big rush, either. Nervousness can make you speak so rapidly that it is hard for others to understand. 5) Don't sermonize. Again, you are speaking to God, not men. Don't use your prayer as an opportunity to 'make a point' with others who are in the assembly. 6) Do everything (volume, speed, content, motive, etc.) in such way that others will be able to add their "amen" at the end of the prayer (1 Corinthians 14:16). --- SENTENCE SERMONS Some people develop eye strain looking for trouble. The man who forgets he was once a boy is the man whom the boys dislike. Lies, like chickens, come home to roost. Some people are like rocking chairs - full of motion, but they make no progress. A half-truth and a whole lie are congenial companions. It is good to be wide, and it is wise to be good. Your destiny is not determined by chance, but choice. Some people seem to fall for everything and stand for nothing. --- SERMON EXTRAORDINARY MOTHERS (with PowerPoint charts AND Audio) 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090510/cc602512/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090510/cc602512/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090510/cc602512/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7985 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090510/cc602512/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 11 05:07:18 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 06:07:18 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) PRESENT YOURSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD Message-ID: Brethren and Freinds, 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: PRESENT YOURSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD The Christian belongs to the Lord. The Lord knows who be- longs to HIm. God wants His followers to be vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for Him, prepared for every good work (2 Tim. 2:15,19-21). As children of God we are encouraged to pre- sent ourselves approved unto God. What is our part in this effort to be approved unto God? Paul writes to Timothy: "Be diligent to present yourself app- roved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness" (2 Tim. 2: 15,16). Also he wrote: "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (vs. 19c). It is evident that when someone becomes a Christian he will have some things he must do to be approved unto God. All people who become followers of Jesus Christ are clean- sed and sanctified by the blood and body of Christ (Heb. 9:13, 14; 10:10,14). The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-26). God saves all who in obedient faith put on Jesus Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:26,27). Yet, even as sanctified children of God we must be diligent to present ourselves approved unto God. Yes, God knows us as His Son's disciples, but He wants us to be changed people, dedicated to living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age (Titus 2:12). Understand, as children of God we are expected to make the determination to leave the world of sin and turn to following the true and living God. Christians are called to be workmen who correctly handle the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15b, NIV). Changed lives happen through constant study of God's Word to learn how God wants us to direct our daily walk in this life. The Word of Truth reveals the righteousness of God so that we can walk by faith. Each one of us should be dedicated to daily change accord- ing to the Will of Christ so that we can each be approved unto our God and Father in heaven. God works in our lives and con- tinues to work in our lives through love and grace, but He still expects our efforts to do our parts. --------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090511/517ab4c1/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 11 05:07:31 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 06:07:31 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY PRIORITIES ARE? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY PRIORITIES ARE? The young man who came to the Lord asking what good thing he should do to have eternal life probably would have said that spiritural concerns were his highest priority. But when he was told to sell what he had, give to the poor, and follow Jesus, "he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (Matt. 19:22). What he may have said about his values indicated one thing, His actions indicated another. If we are not constantly careful, our list of priorities can be- come disordered. At such times, being honest enough to face the truth about the situation is not easy. When anyone asks what is most important to us, the tempting thing is to answer in terms of what we know should be most important. Because we think we are moving more or less in the direction of putting first things first ("I plan to pray and study my Bible more just as soon as I can get my schedule under control, etc."), we may think that gives us the right to say the spiritual concerns are our top prior- ity right now. But the Lord does not judge what our priorities are by listening to our theories. He looks at our practice. And if we do not somehow gather our courage and look, as He does, at what means the most to us in actual fact -- and repent accord- ingly -- eternity holds no hope for us. Before it's too late to make any changes, we need to be asking ourselves some blunt quest- ions about what our priorities really are. What Would Others Say Our Priorities Are By Viewing Our Act- ions And Words?-- Others may not know us as well as we know ourselves, but they are often more objective about what they do know. The neighbor who lives next door could probably sum up in a word of two what we are really about. Perhaps more than anybody, our children are able to cut through our preach- ments and tell what actually matters most to us in the rough and tumble of daily living. What Do We Think About? -- Our true priorities are the things our minds are drawn to when they are "in neutral." When activi- ties and obligations do not require us to be thinking about any- thing in particular, our thoughts are attracted, like things to a magnet, to our real enthusiasms. The person who finds that he meditates on God only when he forces himself to do so is lying if he says the spiritual life is his overriding concern. What Do We Talk About Most? -- Is it God? The conversations we engage in arise quite naturally out of the things that are on our minds. If we have to admit that we rarely talk about the Lord except in connection with the services of the church, that ought to tell us something. And even if we do sometimes talk about spiritual matters, if our acquaintances would have to say that our conversation gravitates more naturally and enthusiastically toward other things, then there is serious doubt whether our ulti- mate priorities are really spiritual. How Do We Spend Our Time? -- Hardly anybody has as much "spare" time as he would like. But all of us have some, and the way we spend it displays our priorities. I have known families, for example, who "vacationed" by traveling to gospel meetings or Bible lectureships at congregations in distant states. Judg- ing from their use of time that was theirs to do with as they plea- sed, one would tend to believe such folks if they said they loved the Lord more than anything else. On the other hand, I have known folks who all their working lives complained that they didn't have as much time as they wanted to do the Lord's work -- and then spent virtually all of their retirement years in personal leisure, with perhaps less time devoted to the Lord than before! The fact is, the way we spend our time speaks loudly regarding our values. How Do We Spend Our Money? -- Suppose a Bible class teacher recommended a $50 reference book that would help us in our study of the Scriptures, but we said we couldn't afford it. Supp- ose a preacher recommended a $30 a year periodical that would help us grow spiritually, but we said it cost too much. If it was know that we sometimes spent that much on sporting events and recreational activities, that it wasn't unusual for us to spend that much in a single evening at a restaurant, that we couldn't object to spending that much on decorative home furnishings, etc., could anyone take seriously our claim that the Lord is our uppermost concern? What "Gives" When We Face A Conflict Of Priorities? -- Of the many conflicts involving priorities, perhaps none are more anno- ying than "scheduling" conflicts. Unable to be two places at the same time, we very often have to sacrifice one activity for anot- her. When that happens, if we subordinate the things of the Lord to worldly activities, we give the lie to our professed priorit- ies. In the matter of sports, to take a familiar example, if we can manage it such that our softball league and the services of the church hardly every conflict, that is all well and good, but it says relatively little about our priorities. When the occasional conflict does arise, tht is when we make a statement about our priorities. The same is true of work. If, on business trips, we've been will- ing to violate our commitment to assemble with brethren at our travel destination, we may try to make it look as if we chose be- tween one thing that was "optional" and another that was not. But, in truth, we've simply demonstrated which of our various priorities we are willing to make the bigger sacrifice for. Indeed, it's when priorities collide that we learn the most about ourselv- es, our values, and whether the Lord reigns within us or not. How then do I know -- in all honesty -- what my priorities are? By looking at what I am, in fact, doing with my life. Paul wrote: "To whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness" (Rom. 6:16). At least one thing would seem to be clear: I can't pour the first and the best of what I am into pursuing what has euphemistically been called the American Dream and still turn around and say I love the Lord with all my heart. I can't go "all out" for one thing and then truth- fully claim that something else is more important. Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24). Where my priorities are, there will my energy and enthusi- asm be also! ---- Gary Henry via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 17, April 26, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090511/dab2540c/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Mon May 11 10:44:16 2009 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 09:44:16 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A look at "Church Marriage" (question/answer) Message-ID: <4B484F4EA9AB43ED9CB3C651E06F3D6F@533034B8A6DF4D9> Don Martin sharing question number 2, 561 for the year in our Bible Questions work: Hello Helen, 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: Where does it say a preacher should perform weddings. Is their any biblical reason for doing this? Reply: In general, marriage and weddings are a healthy part of a society. Couples with good intentions want all to know that they have committed one to another for life in the state of marriage (cp. John 2: 1-11, contrast with the growing "shack up" movement). The question is raised, though, where do marriages fit: the work of the church; work of the preacher; or the work of the family? Emotionalism often makes arriving at the truth impossible and has resulted in tragic church division. The view that marriage is a work of the church; hence, "church marriages," is the direct product of the Catholic view and teaching relative to the so called "church sacraments," marriage being one of the seven. I know of members of churches of Christ that insist marriage is the work of the local church and if two are not "married in the church" (whatever that means), their marriage is questionable, to say the least. (See the below sermon outline from the Sermons section in www.bibletruths.net and, also, visit the Polemic Exchange section, accessed from the Site Map page, enter though the door on the home page to go to the Site Map page). I was asked to perform a "church marriage" once and I declined. One of the elders where I preached charged, "You are not doing your job as an evangelist for this local church!" I asked him where was his biblical authority for such a charge and he never replied. I have conducted a number of marriage ceremonies, but I refuse the "church marriage" concept (in the church building with all the mysterious "church marriage" trappings). Today, however, many couples do not want any scripture in their marriage ceremony; hence, they often afford little if any teaching opportunities, anymore. Marriages are clearly the work and responsibility of the family, not the church or the preacher. When my youngest daughter married, we (the parents) rented a facility designed to accommodate such functions and my daughter asked one of the other elders to conduct the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful and when it was over, we all moved to an adjoining room for the reception. The Church Sacraments Introduction: Christians are sometimes asked about the Seven Sacraments of the church. Involved in the idea of "Church Sacraments" is the believed action of spiritual empowerment. The so-called sacraments are perceived as special and of unusual spiritual efficacy. I. The Seven Church Sacraments. A. The theology responsible for the church sacraments thinking is totally Catholic in origin and nature. The seven sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction. B. The interesting fact about these so-called church sacraments is that they were unknown until several centuries after the inception of the Catholic Church (more later). II. The Sacraments and biblical authority. A. The Christian is very concerned regarding pleasing the Lord (Lk. 6: 46, Heb. 5: 8, 9). He knows that his beliefs and practices must have a thus-saith-the-Lord (Col. 3: 17, Matt. 7: 21-23). B. God's laws, all of them, must be respected and obeyed (Jas. 2: 10). The scriptures also teach that Jesus is the head of the church, not the Pope (Eph. 1: 22, 23). In addition, the church has no inherent authority. Jesus, as the head, possesses the authority. The church, then, has no legislative prerogative. C. Jesus possesses all authority in both heaven and earth (Matt. 28: 18). Jesus never uttered a word about "church sacraments." III. A closer look at the so called "Church Sacraments." A. Such acts and concepts as confirmation, penance, and extreme unction are not mentioned or even hinted at in the Bible. B. Water baptism, the Lord's Supper, and marriage are taught, but not in the sense of Catholicism (illustrate biblical teaching and contrast with Catholic teaching on water baptism; the Lord's Supper; marriage). C. The church sacrament of marriage is so strongly taught that it is believed that marriage that does not meet Catholic requirements is simply concubinage. This is what is meant by "special empowerment." We read: "Those who attempt to contract matrimony otherwise than in the presence of the parish priest or of another priest with the leave of the parish priest or the ordinary, and before two or three witnesses, the Holy Synod (Council of Trent) renders altogether incapable of such a contract, and declares such contracts null and void" (Council of Trent, as reported by the Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, 1). "But impious laws taking no account of the sacredness of this great sacrament (marriage, dm), placed it on the same level as all merely civil contracts; and the deplorable result has been that citizens, desecrating the holy dignity of marriage, have lived in legal concubinage instead of Christian matrimony" (Life of Leo XIII, pg. 332). (To read more about marriage from the slant of marriage being a church sacrament, click on "Church Weddings.") D. How can one "speak as the oracles of God" and advance the notion of church sacraments (I Pet. 4: 11)? Conclusion: The seven church sacraments are a good example of the uninspired active imaginations of men who freely add and take away from the Bible (Rev. 22: 18, 19). 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 kerux at bellsouth.net Mon May 11 14:52:11 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 15:52:11 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The End Of All Things Is At Hand (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <3990E097B47841C29E6BEEAED4BD3FDE@D2381J91> The End Of All Things Is At Hand (Kent Heaton) When Peter penned his first epistle, he exhorted the pilgrims to whom he wrote to consider how short life was and the reality of the coming of the Lord. In part he said, "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.' Be hospitable to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:7-9). When times are tough like they are now, good advice is worth more than the riches being lost daily. Peter's application of the end of all things suggests the urgency of making certain lives are ready to meet the Lord. This admonition is needful for every day of our lives because we do not know when death will be the unwelcome guest in our homes (Hebrews 9:27) nor when the Lord will return (2 Peter 3). There is a need for serious minded people. The cares and riches of this world tend to lead to frivolity and failure to properly put the mind in frame of the serious nature of life. We do not live in this life to secure a place in this life but rather we live with the conscious realization of the world to come. When the doctor tells the patient that life is short and death is certain an overwhelming gravity engulfs the heart with the realities of life. Peter's admonition is for all men to live each day with the serious reality of life. Death will come to all men if not in the coming of the Lord. With this realization is the need for serious, watchful prayer. Why would Peter suggest the need of prayer during this time? One reason he explains later in 1 Peter 5. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is very productive in helping people turn their eyes away from the end of times and act as if they would live a thousand years. The Lord wants us to see the end of time coming and Satan wants us to ignore it. Through prayer we must look through the eye of faith at the coming of the Lord. Being watchful in our prayers is part of the armor of God. "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" (Ephesians 6:17-18). Watchful people are prayerful people. Those who do not pray do not watch. Prayer helps us see the truth of death. Prayer directs our minds to the throne of the Father so that when He sends His Son to gather all saints home it will not be a surprise to those who were watching and praying (Matthew 25:1-13; Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36). The final admonition in our text is the importance of showing love and compassion to one another. Fervent love is a deep affection and regard for brethren. The bond of love holds God's people together (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Peter 1:22; Colossians 3:14). The end of all things demands joining forces against Satan with the love of the Father. In our trying times we need each other for support. Fervent love and hospitality is the ointment of compassion on the wounds of our troubled day. We do not grumble nor murmur but exhort and encourage. Are times tough? Be of sober mind, pray without ceasing, show love for one another and be filled with the spirit of benevolence "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090511/163b0eb2/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue May 12 04:42:25 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 05:42:25 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE FIRST "ANCIENT MARINER" (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first of two install- ments on this particular study. Use to the glory of God. THE FIRST "ANCIENT MARINER" (1) The original story of "The Ancient Mariner" was written several centuries before "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" was added to our literature. The story of Noah and the Ark is loved and appreciated by multitudes who have never gone to sea, or taken an ocean voyage. This is the story of a righteous man, a great preacher, but essentially a great man of faith. There are many wonderful lessons we can learn from this sacred story of a man who obeyed God by heeding the storm warnings! Let's look at the story in God's Book. "And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented Jehovah that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground: both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth Me that I have made them. But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah...And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will des- troy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is how thou shalt make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A light shalt thou make to the ark, and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. And I, be-hold, I do bring the flood of waters upon this earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is he breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. And of every living think of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female" (Gen. 6:5-8, 13-19). NOAH IN FAITH'S HALL OF FAME:-- Noah has a magnificent place in the gallery of God's faithful men, as portrayed in the 11th chapter of Hebrews. After defining faith in Heb. 11:1, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen," the inspired writer begins giving glorious examples to illustrate the workings of faith in deeds of obedience. Among the heroes, "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens" (Heb. 11:33,34) -- yes, there in the midst of those heroes stood Noah, a great man of faith. Even in this illustrious "hall of fame," Noah stands forth with some prom- inence, for he is one of the best known and most loved of those Bible heroes. "By faith, Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Heb. 11:7). Presented here are the keys to the success of Noah with his God. "By Faith, Noah" -- Here was the criteria of Noah's favorable acceptance with God. Yes, he was "righteous and perfect in his generation." He obeyed God in all that he was commanded, and became a "preacher of righteousness" (2 Pet. 2:5) only because he had great faith. In a depraved generation, when men scoffed at God, Noah rose above the infidelity and worldliness. There were no misgivings when storm warnings were hung in the clouds of heaven, nor when the fountains of the deep erupted. Noah's faith did not waver in the face of irreligion and uncon- cern which met his preaching. Nor was his faith quenched as waters of the deluge began inundating the earth. Total depravi- ty had invited the wrath of God to sweep the world from its moor- ing, but Noah's faith was "an anchor both sure and stedfast" (Heb. 6:19). It is no wonder that Noah's faith would prompt God to make the "Rainbow Covenant." "Being Warned Of God" -- This reveals how Noah's great faith wa obtained. A warning was spoken, and Noah believed God. Notice how often it is said, "And God said unto Noah" (Gen. 6: 13; 7:1; 8:15; etc.). Thus, all the faith that Noah ever had came by and through the Word spoken by the Lord. God is not capric- ious nor fanciful, and He still imparts faith through the same source today. "So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17). That which comes by or through some other source is not faith. The divine pattern of saving faith is seen to be, then as it is now; "Hearing, Believing, Obeying." (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090512/b8f916a9/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue May 12 04:42:11 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 05:42:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) FORBID NOT LITTLE CHILDREN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here are a couple of short articles from my files: FORBID NOT LITTLE CHILDREN Humility is a funny thing: the moment you say you've got it, you've lost it. Actually, its rather difficult to define humility. Is it what causes faithfulness? Surely it is. Is it what follows faithful- ness? Surely it is that, too. It is rather significant that our word "humility" is kin to the word "humus," a grass that grows very close to the ground. In order to define humility and its value Christ uses the little children. The people were bringing to Him the little people so that He might, as was tradition in that age, lay His hands on them and bless them. His disciples thought this to be disruptive and sought to send them away. Jesus responded, "Let the little children come to Me...for of such is the kingdom of God." Think about that. Children have humility in faith. They don't think they can do everything, they face each day knowing that they will be provid- ed for, that their needs will be met. That combination of faith and humility is necessary for one to be a part of the kingdom of God. Children have humility in love. The love they give is uncond- itional. They don't demand that you love them back, they're going to love you anyhow.... ------ Dee Bowman Tidings, Vol. 24, No. 5, May, 2009. **************************************************************************** **** A CITY SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN In the days of Jesus' preaching, cities were built with the forethought of warding off enemies. For a fortification to be sec-ure, it was built on a high hill, with great walls, and with cumber- some obstacles to help withstand an invasion. Consequently, because of these characteristics of strength, the city would be seen for miles around. Jesus says in Matt. 4:14, "...a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." Christians who are strong and fortified against the devil will be obvious to worldly onlookers. God's people must be strengthened against the wiles of the devil by being know- ledgeable of the Scriptures, and act accordingly, which will make them stalwarts of the faith -- a city set on a hill. Spiritually, a strong Christian can not be "hidden." One cannot be a strong "fortification" spiritually on the sly or without having an impact on those who are yet in sin. ----- via Tidings, Vol. 24, No. 5, May 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090512/406d8fcf/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue May 12 09:34:38 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 10:34:38 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] H> Church near Fairfield Bay, AR Message-ID: Does anyone know of a non-institutional church near Fairfield Bay, Arkansas? Nearby towns would include Clinton, Dennard, Marshall, Rushing, or Shirley. Thanks, Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090512/97ba46c3/attachment.html From tedwards at onemain.com Tue May 12 14:17:25 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 14:17:25 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 5/3/09 Message-ID: <4A0984F5.15438.F30BB@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). ____________________________________________________ May 3, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Cntents: 1) The Contrast Between the Old and the New (Wayne S. Walker) 2) Wisdom Calls Aloud (Proverbs 13:13): "He who despises the word will be destroyed" ____________________________________________________ -1- The Contrast Between the Old and the New by Wayne S. Walker In four previous articles, we have been discussing a rather new theory, at least new to me, that the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John actually belong in the Old Testament, and that most, if not all, that Jesus said which is recorded in those books was really just an explanation of the law of Moses by Jesus to the Jews so that it has no application to us under the New Testament. "Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him'" (Mark 1:27). When the people of Jesus' day listened to him teach and saw his miracles, did they get the impression that he was merely calling them back to the Old Testament law? Evidently not, because they talked about the "new doctrine" which they perceived to be the outcome of what Jesus was saying and doing -- not something old, but something new! This raises the question as to whether Jesus ever made any contrast between his teaching and the teaching of the Old Testament. If he did, then obviously, his mission during his earthly ministry was not only to call the Jews back to the Old Testament law. In fact, one of the first responses on my part when I heard of this theory was, "What about all the places where Jesus quoted the Old Testament then said, "But I say to you...'? In answer to this, the proponents of this theory claim that Jesus never compared the Old Testament law of Moses to New Testament doctrine. Rather, they say, he simply was correcting the misunderstandings about God's original intentions of the law that had developed over the years among the Jews because of their traditions. Thus, we must ask if this is true, or in the teaching of Jesus while he was on earth can we see a contrast between the old and the new? First, we must come back to what Jesus' purpose was as noticed in a previous article. Yes, there were times when Jesus did remind the Jews about the original intentions of the law of Moses, in contrast to their traditions (cf. Matt. 15:3-6). However, we must remember that the focus of Jesus' preaching was on the gospel of salvation (Matt. 4:17, 23). So the primary purpose of Jesus' teaching was to point forward to the coming kingdom, not back to the law of Moses. Second, we find that Jesus contrasted the very basis of citizenship in his kingdom with the Old Testament law. Speaking to his disciples (Matt. 5:1), he said, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:20). The individual righteousness of Jesus' followers must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. The word "exceed" means "to be over and above." The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees rested on the Old Testament law of Moses (Matt. 23:1-3; Acts 22:3; 26:5; Phil. 3:4-9). Hence, Jesus was here doing more than just encouraging the righteousness which is according to the Old Testament law. He is talking about something which is above and beyond what the Old Testament law taught. Third, we note that the Sermon on the Mount contains contrasts between Old Testament teaching and Jesus' teaching. His phrase, "You have heard that it was said" frequently introduces exact Old Testament quotations against which Jesus contrasts his own teaching. Consider two examples. "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery'" (Matt. 5:27). This is a direct quote from Exodus 20:14. However, Jesus taught something else. "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). The Old Testament law says nothing specific about lusting after a woman in one's heart being equal to committing adultery. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'" (Matt. 5:38). This matches exactly with Exodus 21:24. Yet Jesus taught something different. "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." The law of Moses never teaches this. It is true that sometimes Jesus did correct misunderstandings that had developed under the law. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'" (Matt. 5:43). The law nowhere taught people to hate their enemy. But even in this, Jesus' response was not to say, "But the real meaning of the law is..." Instead, he still responded to it by saying, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). Try to find that in the Old Testament law! In all these passages of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was teaching something besides just what the Old Testament law taught. Fourth, we see that Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce is also plainly contrasted with what Moses allowed. In Matthew 19, the Pharisees asked Jesus a question about divorce. "The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?'" (v. 3). Jesus reminded them of God's original intent stated at the beginning. "And He answered and said to them, 'Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate'" (vs. 4-6). The Lord here refers to Genesis 2:24, and even though this statement is found recorded in the Old Testament law, thus applicable to the Jews of that time, Jesus makes it clear that God intended it to be for all mankind for all time and implies that it would be so under his covenant. Then the Pharisees asked why Moses allowed divorce. "They said to Him, 'Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?'" (v. 7). This apparently refers to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. There has been a lot of debate over what the passage in Deuteronomy means, but that is really not germane here. The important point to note is that Jesus did not answer their question by saying, "What the law really means in this...." No, he again answers, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery" (v. 9). In fact, the phrase in the original can just as well be translated, "But I say to you..." showing that Jesus was saying, "Yes, I know what Moses said in the old law because of the hardness of your hearts, but this is what I, who have come to bring God's new law, am saying about it." The conclusion that we can reach from examining this subject, and the subjects of the previous four articles, is that New Testament teaching is found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, especially in the pronouncements of our Lord, whom God the Father sent to reveal his new covenant to mankind, and through whom he speaks to us today. As testator, Jesus could and did reveal portions of his New Testament before his death in preparation for the coming of his kingdom. The writers of Acts and the epistles consistently appeal to Jesus' words and actions while on earth as authoritative New Testament doctrine and thus binding on Christians. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were all written by New Testament apostles and prophets of Christ after the cross for the benefit of New Testament Christians. John the Baptist's ministry in preparation for the Messiah as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, was not intended as a reiteration of Moses' law but as the preface to the New Testament. And it is plain that even in his personal ministry Jesus contrasted his new covenant teaching with Moses' law because it was different. Yes, Jesus nailed the Old Testament to the cross when he died there. But no man should be allowed to nail Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to the cross too, because no man has the right to take books that were not even written at that time and tack them to the cross as well. They are part of Christ's new covenant. (Author's note: I want to express my sincere thanks to brothers Wendell Wiser and Steve Klein, both of Athens, Alabama, for many of the concepts and several of the illustrations used in these articles. Their study and teaching on this topic have been of great help to me in preparing these articles.) -- Via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 8 p6 April 20, 2000 ____________________________________________________ -2- Wisdom Calls Aloud (Proverbs 13:13): "He who despises the word will be destroyed" To despise something is to "feel contempt or a deep repugnance for" it. People sometimes despise one another, a rival football team or waiting in line at the post office. Timothy was warned not to let anyone despise his youth, which meant that he should not cause or permit any believer to treat him contemptuously based upon his age alone (First Timothy 4:12). Perhaps they would be disturbed by his reproofs or warnings about transgressions they enjoyed. People often treat warnings with contempt -- "Smoking may cause cancer," "Dangerous Curve -- 45 MPH," "Mommy's got a headache, so play quietly." Should one choose to ignore such warnings, he surely has no one to blame but himself when things go badly on the other end. Suing the tobacco industry has proven to be quite lucrative for many people, but with warnings right on the pack, it should hardly come as surprise when one's health declines as a result of smoking. Taking a sharp curve at 70 miles per hour can prove fatal even more quickly. As for interrupting Mom's nap, well, let's just not go there. You were warned. And that's what wisdom wants to tell you before you take the risk. "Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death" (Proverbs 13:13-14). It is certainly true that many hardships in life are difficult, if not impossible, to prevent. A whole category exists, however, of unpleasant situations that we bring upon ourselves. It is likewise true that God's word has a knack for issuing warnings against the very behavior that causes so much despair in people's lives -- selfishness, complacency, addiction, violence, lust. Respect for the Bible appears to have waned in much of the world, and with it, misery has risen. Abortion, divorce, communicable disease, addiction, crime -- so much misery is preventable with a healthy dose of respect and attention to the word and warnings of God, which would turn the wise away from the snares of death. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.... But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it" (Deuteronomy 30:11, 14). -- Via Woodmont Beacon, September 14, 2008 ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From Pappy01 at suddenlink.net Tue May 12 20:26:11 2009 From: Pappy01 at suddenlink.net (Terry Sanders) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 20:26:11 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S>We have a priesthood, we do not have a Priesthood. Message-ID: <000901c9d369$ccc10b40$4463c24a@mccru59fc7f4na> Terry Sanders here... I have been out of business for a little while and haven't contributed anything for an even longer time. I had been having knee trouble from an old injury (42 years ago and two surgeries afterwards). I had partial knee replacement (third surgery) on 3/30/09. I am fully recovered and back in business. I missed two weeks in the pulpit and then preached two weeks in a chair. Anyway I have updated my website and the church website. Here below I have pasted in one sermon outline. The URLs are in the signature at the end of this email. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We have a priesthood, we don't have a Priesthood 1 Peter 2:5-10 Introduction: It is sometimes difficult to pin down exact starting places of historical note. We may have to be satisfied with the fact that it exists or existed, so it must have started at some point. I daresay that there has been a "clergy-laity" distinction longer than many other false concepts. It is impossible to say for how long it has existed. It is part and parcel of all denominationalism and has as it longest adherents the Roman Catholic Church. The so-called Reformation Movement attempted to handle this false doctrine. However, they did not plan to destroy the beast. All they wanted to do was replace it with a version of their own. The concept has it that the church must administer sacraments and act as agents of the Savior. These duties cannot be done by the common people. Priests are required to attend to these needs. The "clergy-laity" concept is so accepted and so ingrained that it constitutes a formidable obstacle. Yet, the truth is very plain. There is no "clergy-laity" distinction anywhere in the New Testament. To the contrary, the New Testament teaches the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5, 9). [Show picture of pope, red shoes and all] To millions of people this is the ultimate priest, the very pinnacle of the "clergy-laity" distinction. How did it get to this position? It is an illegitimate cope (distortion of the Old Testament priesthood). It completely misses the simplicity of the New Testament systems of the priesthood. There is a principle of copying from the Old Testament, but it must all, the copy and the true, be found in the Bible (Heb. 8:1-6). I. The Old Testament Priesthood. A. Kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6). B. Aaron and sons (Ex. 28:14). C. Service in tabernacle {later in temple] (Num. 3:5-10). II. The New Testament Priesthood. A. Kingdom of priests (Rev. 1:6; 5:10, ASV). 1. Christ as High Priest (Heb. 3:1). 2. Christians as priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9). B. Service in the church. 1. Fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15). 2. Good works (Heb. 13:16). 3. Our bodies (Rom. 12:1). III. Priesthood Comparison. A. Only priest can administer baptism. 1 Cor. 1:14-17 B. Only priest can administer Lord's Supper. 1 Cor. 11:23-29 C. Only priest can offer acceptable prayer. Heb. 4:16 D. Only priest can offer absolution. 1 Jn. 1:9 E. Other ideas: Priest ought to visit sick, priest perform burials, etc. Conclusion: You become a priest of God in the same manner you become a Christian. HBRCB. Why not do so now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Terry Sanders 108 Dandridge St. Tuckerman, AR 72473 Home page: http://duezzy2.brinkster.net/home.html Church page: http://tuckermancofc.com Blog: http://thecondorsnest.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090512/5f1a924f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 13 02:22:17 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 03:22:17 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) JUST FOR TODAY 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: JUST FOR TODAY Just for today, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would over- whelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime. Just for today, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine. Just for today, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot. Just for today, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer. Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself. Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily -- if only just for today. And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block. Just for today, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions. ---------- Resolutions Made For One Day Can Last All Year. ----- Dear Abby column; Tampa Tribune, Jan. 1, 2009. **************************************************************************** ***** "Lord make me an instrument of your peace Where ther is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying that we are born to eternal life." ------------ Prayer of Francis of Assisi. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090513/7e11bee7/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 13 02:22:28 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 03:22:28 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE FIRST "ANCIENT MARINER" (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. THE FIRST "ANCIENT MARINER" (2) "Of Things Not Seen As Yet" -- This reveals the realm of Noah's faith. Noah had not seen God, but he believed in Him. In all prob- ability, Noah had not seen a drop of rain in his life, but he believ- ed God! At least the reference is that rain had not fallen for those first 1656 years. But God has spoken, and Noah began the preparations for the greatest rain in history. That was work- ing, obedient faith. Surely Noah could not figure out just how he was going to get a perfectly complete menagerie into that one boat, but he kept right on building. Noah could not possibly say just how the water would rise fifteen cubits above the highest peak and mountain, but when it did, Noah was ready for it. Even though these things were as yet "unseen," Noah didn't hesitate to trust God. Pity the man whose faith is not stronger than his eyesight, for this caused the flood which destroyed the world. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). "Moved With Fear" -- When Jehovah spoke to Noah, he moved in reverence and awe to obey implicitly all that was commanded. There was not quibbling over "non-essentials" on any points that he didn't especially like or things which did not coincide with his previously held opinions. After having received a defin- ite pattern for the ark, Noah carefully obeyed every detail: "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he" (Gen. 6:22). Noah knew that the right thing could not be done in the wrong way. His carefulness to build "according to the patte- rn" (Heb. 8:5) was merely a demonstration of Noah's respect for God's Word. "Prepared An Ark To Saving Of His House" -- The building of an ark by the dimensions which God ordained was not a trivial undertaking. It demanded much labor, and wa worthy of all caut- ion to build "according to the pattern." So Noah put into the building of it the painstaking care of complete obedience. This was faith at work. He took God at His Word, and built just as God said. Every stroke of the axe and hammer was an open dec- laration of his faith. The activity did not slacken until the task was done, for hsi faith wavered not. "He Condemned The World" -- Noah's obedience placed the whole world in rebellion against God, for it showed that faith on their part could have saved them. His preaching was not in vain, for he and his household were saved. And their salvation only held up the condemnation of an unbelieving world in bold relief. Jesus later used this same reasoning: "The men of Ninevah shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here" (Matt.12:41). In this same way, Noah condemned his generation who had the same opport- unities to exercise obedient faith. And he shall also condemn multitudes of our time who have not rendered obedience to the Word of God. "He Became Heir Of Righteousness" -- An obedient faith in God's Word made Noah an heir of righteousness, with God's blessings on him and his household. God was with Noah in the flood, but He was also with him after the waters had gone down. And all the blessings which God had purposed for mankind were made possible through him. It rested on Noah and his house to replenish the earth and preserve mankind, and that man's Redeemer should come through him. Noah's Type Of Our Salvation -- Noah's salvation from the flood became a type of our salvation from sin. "The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" )1 Pet. 3:20,21). Thus water became the dividing line, for by it the ark was lifted out of the depraved world and transported into a purified world. And in the same likeness, baptism lifts us from the state of sin and transplants us into a state of righteousness and justification in Christ Jesus. "For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26,27). "Wherefore fi any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). Friend, it is our earnest plea and hope that you will walk in the triumphant faith of Noah, as you also render complete and unquestioning faith and obedience to God as He speaks to you through His Inspired Word, the Bible. ----- Dillard Thurman in Gospel Minutes, May 8, 1964 --- Reprinted in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 19, May 8, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090513/7f05150e/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Wed May 13 21:56:31 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 22:56:31 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> 1 Peter 1:1-7: Encouragement in Trial Message-ID: 1 Peter 1:1-7: Encouragement in Trial I. Base Text: 1 Peter 1:1-7 II. Understanding the Text A. Context of letter (1 Peter 1:1) 1. Written by Peter the Apostle 2. Written to "elect exiles of dispersion" in Roman provinces of modern Turkey 3. ca. 60 CE? 4. Language of "exiles of dispersion" very Jewish, but likely referring to Christians as spiritual Israel (cf. Romans 11:16-24, Galatians 6:16) 5. While "elect exiles of dispersion" may seem as if Peter writes only to Jewish Christians, speaking of people who were not a nation in 1 Peter 2:10 makes it seem as if all Christians of that area under discussion 6. Thus, "elect exiles" not from Judea, but from world! B. The Trinity and the Christian (1 Peter 1:2) 1. 1 Peter 1:2 speaks clearly of Trinity-- Father, Son, Spirit 2. The exiles "elect" according to the foreknowledge of the Father (cf. Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:3-14) 3. In sanctification of Spirit-- seems to indicate that Spirit has role in sanctification 4. Purpose: to obey Jesus Christ, sprinkled with His blood a. Sprinkled blood as image of cleansing b. Sprinkling of blood on the altar for atonement in Leviticus c. Not some kind of direct baptismal image C. The Blessings of God (1 Peter 1:3-5) 1. Peter begins letter, as Paul begins Ephesians, speaking of God's great blessings (cf. Ephesians 1:3-14) 2. While similar in concept, Peter's descriptions vibrant, purposeful 3. Blessing of God's great mercy-- reconciliation while sinners (Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-8) 4. Blessing of being born again (John 3:1-5, Romans 6:3-7) 5. Born again to a living hope (Romans 8:23-25) 6. Born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead a. Resurrection made atonement possible (1 Corinthians 15:17) b. Resurrection provides hope of our own resurrection (Romans 8:11) c. Resurrection secures promise of judgment, glory (Acts 17:30-31) 7. Born again also to an inheritance (Romans 8:16-17, Ephesians 1:3-14, Hebrews 11) 8. That inheritance as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in Heaven (cf. Matthew 6:19-20) 9. Believers as guarded by God's power through faith for salvation (Romans 8:31-39) a. No denial of responsibility b. Must have faith, live obediently (1 Peter 1:2, Romans 8:1-10) 10. Salvation as ready to be revealed in the last time (cf. 1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 20-22) D. Trials and Faith (1 Peter 1:6-7) 1. In the blessings of God, believers are to rejoice (Acts 8:39, Philippians 4:4) 2. Grieved for a "little while" by trials 3. Trials have purpose: refinement of faith like one refines gold 4. Gold as purified through fire-- faith as more precious, thus, need for purity! 5. Purified faith results in praise, honor, glory of Christ on final day (Philippians 2:9-11, Luke 17:6-10) III. Application A. "Elect exiles" 1. A reminder that we are not "home" 2. We are as exiles on the earth, waiting to be with Jesus (Philippians 3:20-21) 3. Do we consider ourselves as exiles or citizens of the world? B. God for us 1. Peter indicates how every Person within the Trinity is for us 2. The Father has foreknown our faith 3. The Spirit works with us for sanctification 4. We obey the Son, obtain redemption through His blood 5. Romans 8:31-33 C. Encouragement through blessings 1. Peter's descriptions of God's blessings are very positive, encouraging 2. Extremely active and vibrant 3. "Great mercy," "living hope," "imperishable, undefiled, unfading" 4. Underscores the message of encouragement: great value in what God has accomplished and is accomplishing for us! D. "Living" Hope 1. Christianity too often looks to the past-- almost like a religion of heritage 2. Peter looks at it in terms of the present-- God's blessings now, the hope that exists today 3. The believer's hope in God is not dead or stuck in the past-- it should be active, living, and rather present! 4. Christ is Risen; Christ is Lord; we presently have salvation; we await the fulfillment of our hope (Matthew 28, 1 Corinthians 15) 5. The resurrection of Christ is the wellspring of that glorious hope of our present and future new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15) 6. Is our hope alive and present? E. Heaven's Stability 1. Peter highlights the security and stability of our inheritance 2. Imperishable, undefiled, unfading 3. Three antitheses of the world: everything on earth perishes, is defiled, fades (cf. Matthew 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 6) 4. Peter makes it clear that the heavenly realm is not like the earthly one! 5. Highlights our need to trust in God and store up our treasure in Heaven! F. Salvation: Now and Not Yet 1. We can also understand the nature of salvation from Peter 2. He indicates that we have been "born again to a living hope" in verse 3 3. Yet we are reserved for a salvation to be revealed at the last time in verse 5 4. Salvation, therefore, as "now and not yet" 5. Now: through faith, baptism, obedience, reconciled to God, association with Him, part of the church, in the Kingdom (Romans 6:3-7, 1 John 1, Colossians 1:13, 18) 6. Not Yet: waiting to gain the resurrection, transformation, eternity with the Lord (Romans 8:19-23, 1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 20-22) 7. Thus, we are to have "security" in our saved state now through our faith while looking forward to the ultimate reconciliation 8. Neither "once saved, always saved" nor "if saved, barely saved"! G. Rejoice 1. Peter indicates that the brethren rejoice in all of these blessings 2. Do we rejoice in them, or take them for granted? 3. Would our attitudes not be more godly if we rejoiced more and praised God for His blessings? H. Purpose of Trials 1. While we may not be able to presume the reason why we suffer in every particular situation, we can understand how any trial can have value 2. Trials shake us up; they cause us to question who we are, what we believe, what we're willing to stand for 3. Therefore, we will either endure the trial in faith or lose faith through our trial 4. If we endure, the trial has helped strengthen, test our faith! 5. Hence, our faith is refined through the fires of various trials 6. Our ability to endure trials faithfully result in glory for Christ, as it should be I. Purpose of Peter's encouragement 1. So why does Peter go on about God's blessings in 1 Peter 1:3-5? 2. To encourage the brethren to endure their trials in faith in 1 Peter 1:6-7! 3. Peter recognizes the challenges that trials bring to faith 4. Therefore, he seeks to remind the brethren that despite whatever they suffer, God has done all these wonderful things and has made these wonderful promises! 5. If, in the midst of any type of trial-- physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or a mixture-- we keep God's blessings at the forefront of our minds, will we not be more likely to remain faithful and even grow in faith? 6. If we do not keep God's blessings in mind in the midst of trial, will it not be easier to believe that He does not exist or believe that He hates us? 7. Peter here proves the value of Philippians 4:8 in times of trial 8. As with Job, so with us: we must always keep in mind the wonderful things God has done, is doing, and will do on our behalf 9. When we do that, we will find it easier to remain humble in days of prosperity and encouraged in days of trial IV. Conclusion A. Peter begins his letter in a most encouraging way 1. Our election 2. God working for us 3. His great blessings 4. Endurance through trial B. Let us always rejoice in Christ for all the blessings we have obtained C. Let us always remember those blessings, especially in the midst of trial D. Let us have the faith that will provide praise, glory, and honor to the Lord when He returns! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu May 14 05:19:27 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 06:19:27 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL; CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD. (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL; CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD (1) In the well-known book 1984, George Orwell presented a pic- ture of a totalitarian society that watched and monitored every move its citizens made. There were even what were known as "thought crimes." The motive of the ruling class was ultimate power, ensuring tht there would never be a rebellion and that there would be robotic obedience to every law. (Our on time, here in May, 2009, seems to be headed in that direction, with the administration of federal government taking over the private sec- tor and telling them what they can or cannot do, JWS). Have you ever noticed tht in the Lord's Kingdom, the Lord has "thought crimes"? John taught that if we hate our brother, we have committed murder in our heart (1 Jno. 3:15). Jesus said "Whoever lusts after a woman has committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). In Mk. 7:21-23, Jesus listed "evil thoughts" as those sins that come out of the heart, and in the text before us, He says, "Abhor what is evil" this is a command that centers on how or what we think. "Abhor" is much stronger than "abstain." It is possible to abstain from evil by gritting our teeth as we drag ourselves away from sin. While there are certainly occasions when we must take drastic action, it is much easier to abstain from sin when we actually abhor the evil. Abhorring evil will make it so that sin is so disgusting to us that we can hardly imagine committing the act. It is not hard to relate to that state of mind since we all have certain sins tht are repulsive to us, but wht about those sins that are enticing and alluring? How do we come to the point where we abhor that which our flesh really loves? What makes this command so difficult is that it is truly a God- like command. In other words, this is exactly the way Jesus approached every temptation. Jesus lived His whole life abhorr- ing the evil and clinging to the good, but how? What enabled Jesus to so perfectly live by this rule? It is because He is not fooled by evil and knows that good is the only thing that really results in any true good. But do we know that? Intellectually, maybe, but there is a part of us that says we can get some good out of sin. That is our fundamental problem when it comes to this command. We believe that some sins will give us a measure of fulfillment; they will add value to our lives that we could not otherwise attain. The first thing we must do in order to learn to abhor evil is to understand why we have an appetite for sin. Paul, in Phil. 3:18, describes enemies of the cross as those whose "god is their belly, who glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." Suppose you want to go on a diet. Okay, here is what you do. Go to the store and buy potato chips, fried chicken wings, nachos, big jugs of Dr. Pepper, and a couple of gallons of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Now all day long tell yourself not to eat any of that. Tell yourself to eat the asparagus instead! Will that work? That is not going to work any more than filling your life with earthly things and telling yourself to be spiritual. In fact, doing so will make your life miserable. You have all that stuff you love to eat surrounding you, with the knowledge that you should not eat it. It is a miserable way to live. The same thing happens when we fill our lives and our minds with earthly things and expect to overcome temptations. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/d5fbeb9a/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu May 14 05:19:18 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 06:19:18 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) ESSENTIAL OR NON-ESSENTIAL? 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 a question taken from my files: ESSENTIAL OR NON-ESSENTIAL? How do we determine what is essential or non-essential in the field of religion? Really, the answer to that question is very simple. If God said it, it is essential. If He is not the Author of it, it is not done by HIs authority. Frankly, I am much afraid of any- one who arrogates to himself the right to decide what part of God's Word we should respect and which part can be safely ign- ored. Belief in God is essential because God says, "Without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto HIm; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seeketh after Him" ... "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (Heb. 11:6; Jno. 3:16). God's Word also says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved"..."Repent ye and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins" (Mk. 16: 16; Acts 2:38). We believe and teach that baptism is essential to or salvation from sin, because God says so. Now, for one who believes the Bible is the Word of God, that is not difficult to accept. The examples given as being non-essentials in our quest- ion: The use of mechanical instruments in our worship of God; Is diametrically opposed to the teaching of God's Word, because He has ordered us to "sing" psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our worship of Him (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). These "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" are to be "song" not played. There is no teaching and admonishing that can be done by the playing of a mechanical instrument of music while we sing praises to God and teach one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. So, just because God does not say in so many words, you shall not use mechanical instruments of music in your wors- hip, is not required, because He has told us what to do, and that eliminates all other things in the matter of praising Him. In anot- her example offered in the question: The observing of religious holidays may be done, under the doctrine of non-essentials be- cause God has not legislated in the matter. But God has legislat- ed which day or days that are to be used specifically in worship- ing Him. He has said that the first day of the week (Sunday) is the day He requires of us to come together to render worship unto Him in doing certain things, such as laying by in store and partaking of the Lord's Supper. (1 Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 20:7). The First Day of The Week, is the special day for worshiping the Lord. The giving as we have prospered and partaking of the Lord's Supper is to be done on this day and on no other. So, all other, so-called religious holidays for special purposes in praising God and doing other religious activities is forbidden. It is true that we are allowed to come together on other days or nights of the week to study God's Word and worship Him, but these are expedients that are used by the elders to feed the church of the Lord that He has purchased with His own blood. But none of these days or nights can be set aside and required of us as special holidays in which we serve God or present spec- ial allegiance to Him. The entire question of essentials or non-essentials comes down to this: "Shall we do what we want in religion, or shall we accept what God has said and that only?" As long as we are determined to do things in our way, each person decides for him- self what is "essential or non-essential" in our worship to God. That means that God's authority is not only ignored but is flag-rantly rejected. And we thus become our own authority. I know that many people claim that certain teachings, or practices, are not "salvation issues." But the truth is that what God says is authoritative, and to ignore what God says -- on any subject -- and do what we want instead, is definitely a "salvation issue." After all, who gives any person the right to decide for himself what is essential with regard to what God has said!? ------------ Adapted from an article by Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 19, May 8, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/82240ab1/attachment.html From chris.gautney at gmail.com Thu May 14 08:47:16 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 08:47:16 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] =?windows-1252?q?Six_Precious_Things_in_Peter=92s_Epis?= =?windows-1252?q?tles_/_Be_Thou_Faithful?= Message-ID: <9fd765230905140647k44689c71mb9523cb2d2989779@mail.gmail.com> Six Precious Things in Peter?s Epistles 1 Pet. 2:1-10 1. Precious Christ ? 1 Pet. 2:7 2. Precious blood ? 1 Pet. 1:18,19 a. Blood of animals could not take away sins ? Heb. 10:4 b. Redemption possible only through the blood of Christ ? Eph. 1:7 3. Precious stone ? 1 Pet. 2:4 a. Fulfillment of prophecy ? Isa. 28:16 b. Christ is the living stone, Christians are stones built upon him ? 1 Pet. 2:4,5 c. No other foundation can be laid ? 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:19-22 4. Precious faith ? 2 Pet. 1:1 a. Because it is essential to salvation- Heb. 11:6 b. It obtained from the Word ? Rom. 10:17 5. Precious trials of your faith ? 1 Pet. 1:7 a. Found here and in Jas. 1:3; Proof or test b. Faith verified by works ? Jas. 2:18 6. Precious promises ? 2 Pet. 1:4 a. They are exceedingly great ? think how many we enjoy b. God is no slack concerning his promises ? 2 Pet. 3:9; Heb. 10:23 ************* Be Thou Faithful Rev. 2:10 1. In the midst of persecution ? Rev. 2;13; 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 5:11,12 2. In the handling of the Bible ? 2 Tim. 2:15 3. Servants ? Matt. 24:45 a. A servant serves. Serve the Lord by serving the church, for it is the only institution in which we can glorify God ? Eph 3:21 4. In stewardship ? 1 Cor. 4:2 a. Faithful stewards increase the talents given them ? Matt. 25:14-30 b. Physical wealth belongs to the Lord and we are his stewards 5. In prosperity a. Rich fool was not ? Lk. 12:16,21 b. Prodigal son was not ? Lk. 15 6. In sorrow ? 2 Sam. 12:15-23 The reward of faithfulness is a crown of life ? Rev. 2:10 From chris.gautney at gmail.com Thu May 14 08:48:27 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 08:48:27 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Not Everyone... Message-ID: <9fd765230905140648s4a124065gfdc6bae74a43c0ce@mail.gmail.com> *Not Everyone...* 1. Will be saved- Matt. 7:21; 13:14 a. Many judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life ? Acts 13:46 b. Some will not come ? Jn. 5:40; Matt. 23:37 2. That is religious will be saved ? Matt. 7:22 a. Vital that we obey the Lord ? Heb. 5:8,9; Rev. 2:14 3. Who prays will be heard ? Jn. 9:31; 1 Jn. 3:22; Jas. 1:6,7; 1 Jn. 5:14; Jas. 4:3 4. That works will be saved ? Mat. 22:5 a. Works must have right motive ? Gal. 5:6; 1 Cor.13 5. Not everyone in Christ?s church will be saved a. Lord will gather out all who offend ? Matt. 13:41,42 b. Ten virgins represent some who did not enter in ? Matt. 25 6. Loves the Lord ? Jn. 14:21 7. Loves the truth ? 2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Cor. 4;4 8. Is honest ? 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:3 9. Has eyes to see or ears to hear ? Matt. 13:15; Acts 7:57; Lk. 8:15 10. Wants to do right ? they love darkness rather than light ? Jn. 3:19 But There Are Some Things That Everyone Will Do *Everyone Will...* 1. Stand before God in judgment ? Rom. 14:12 2. Will bow the knee and confess ? Rom. 14:11 a. There will be no infidels at the judgment day 3. Will be judged according to the Bible ? Rev. 20:12 4. Receive according to the deeds done in the body ? 2 Cor. 5:10 *5. *Reap entirely based on what they have sown ? Gal. 6:7,8** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/7f752d8e/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Thu May 14 10:40:27 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 11:40:27 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] H> Chronology of Jesus' Trials Message-ID: Does anyone have a chronology of Jesus' final trial before Pilate? Am having a difficult time harmonizing and outlining Matt 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; and John 18:39-19:16. Thanks in advance, Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/6d49dcb2/attachment.html From jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Thu May 14 20:38:39 2009 From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 20:38:39 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A flier to invite folks to worship with you. Message-ID: Jerry Blount to the list.. I have been working up a flier as an invitation to check out our new congregation . I thought I'd share it. It carries a few of the tag lines I use to invite folks. You are invited to check out a New congregation meeting in your area! The Pillar Church of Christ Wouldn't it be refreshing for you to find a church that is just a church and yet really is a church. but is also content to be a church, Jesus' church? What does that mean and what can you expect? You will find a godly group of people from all walks of life worshipping the God of the Bible. using the Bible. We have no man made creeds, nor do we have any denominational affiliation. Our worship is based on a sincere attempt to follow the Word of God, and to work with you to do the same. You will find a calm, dignified worship intended to bring glory to our creator. We will we offer our prayers, congregational singing, our offerings, preaching, and group Bible study all in an effort to honor what the Lord Jesus has done for us, and continues to do for us in our daily lives. You will find direct teaching on how to determine right and wrong for yourself, using your own Bible. Have you noticed that many people have been around churches all their lives and yet have never been shown how to use the Bible to determine right and wrong? Doesn't it almost seem as if any good idea (or a bad one for that matter) is all it takes. and off people go doing who knows what, while calling their antics "Christianity?" If you have kids . consider the possibility of one of them coming home from school one day and saying. "We were discussing Christianity today at school. This discussion inevitably led to a heated discussion revolving around gay marriage, unmarried couples living together and abortion.. So, we all decided to go home and ask our parents to show us how to actually use the Bible to determine right and wrong. We're going to compare our parents' answers tomorrow in class." Well, parents yearn to be a part of the important moral decisions of their children's lives. When those children come to you for help and ask, "Can you take me to any one place in the Bible that shows me the questions that I need to ask in order to determine right and wrong for myself?" Your preparation time is over. it is all off the cuff. My question to you is, "Has your church properly prepared you for the most important "pop test" of your entire life as a parent?" Did you realize that most preachers cannot even show you "God's questions" from scripture. i.e. the questions that God gave us to ask in order to determine right and wrong? While, God Himself gave you the questions to ask in order to determine right and wrong. those questions have not been asked for so long that most people don't even realize they exist. At the Pillar congregation, we spend a lot of time in studying the Bible so that you will be prepared for those crucial "once in a lifetime" opportunities. And. so will your kids! On the other hand. you will not be embarrassed in any way. You will also not be expected to contribute financially to the work here. (Note: you'll enjoy the article below.) We will meet, study the Bible, pray to God, Sing to God, have preaching, partake of the Lord's supper, take up a collection from the members, then go back out to live our lives to the glory of God. 560 S Oliver (SE corner of Oliver &Kellogg) - Wichita, Ks For more details call 316-320-4321 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/c4a27dc8/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 5870 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/c4a27dc8/attachment-0002.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 24243 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/c4a27dc8/attachment-0003.jpe From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Thu May 14 22:15:39 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:15:39 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (5/17/09) Message-ID: <20090515031831.48EBF230045@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light ?Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path? (Psalm 119:105) May 17, 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: ?It Won?t Do Any Good? (Paul Williams) ?Does the Church Produce the Bible or Does the Bible Produce the Church?? (Ryan Thomas) ?SENTENCE SERMONS --- IT WON?T DO ANY GOOD Paul Williams It is no wonder so little personal work is being done. Just mention the subject, and then stand back while the negative statements assail you from all directions. ? ?No one will listen.? ? ?They will think we are Jehovah?s Witnesses.? ? ?They will think we are Mormons.? ? ?They are all Catholics.? ? ?They are all Methodists.? ? ?Nobody believes the Bible any more.? No doubt you have heard many others. All our excuses are taken away when we listen to Jesus. He said, ?Preach the gospel to every creature.? (Mark 16:15). He did not say, ?Preach to them if they are not Catholics.? He did not say, ?Preach if you are sure they won?t think you are Jehovah?s Witnesses.? He said, ?Preach to every creature.? Ezekiel was sent by God to Israel in captivity. God said, ?I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children; and you shall say to them, ?Thus says the Lord God.? As for them, whether they listen or not - for they are a rebellious house - they will know that a prophet has been among them? (Ezekiel 2:4-5). We, too, must speak whether men listen or not. They must know that a ?prophet? (true teacher of the Bible) has been among them. No excuse will do. The command is plain. We either preach to every creature or we disobey God. --- DOES THE CHURCH PRODUCE THE BIBLE OR DOES THE BIBLE PRODUCE THE CHURCH? Ryan Thomas Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions regarding the Bible is that it is a product of the church. Many reject the Bible as our sole source of religious authority and instruction and belittle us for believing in the ?Bible alone theory.? Thus, there is a great need to discuss the relationship between the Bible and the church. As always, we will appeal to the scripture as our only source of authority and not our own wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). For one to understand that the Bible is our only standard for all religious faith and practice, one must understand the church is the result of the Bible and depends on it for everything it preaches and practices. In other words, the Bible produces the church, not the other way around. We are told by some that since the ?church is the pillar and ground of the truth? (1 Timothy 3:15), the church itself establishes what truth is. On the contrary, truth emanates only from God (Psalms 86:11; John 1:17; 17:17) and the church is limited to preaching, practicing and upholding that truth (Matthew 28:20). Or as Paul put it in Ephesians 3:10, ?To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.? The church, just like individuals, must appeal to the Bible as the only source of authority for it alone contains the manifold wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-13; Ephesians 3:3-5). Just as Moses was admonished to ?make all things according to the pattern? (Hebrews 8:5); we must use the Bible alone to insure we are following God?s revealed pattern for His church. Thus, we must speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent, do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names (1 Peter 4:11). We read in Acts 16:5 that the ?churches were established in the faith.? We would like to emphasize very kindly, yet very firmly, that the one true church is established in the faith,it does not establish the faith. The faith which is spoken of in Acts 16:5 is simply the revealed truth of the gospel which was ?once for all delivered to the saints? (Jude 3) by the end of the first century. As beings created with the rights of freedom and choice, why would anyone bind themselves to the decrees, councils and conventions of men? ?God forbid: yea, let God be true and every man a liar? (Romans 3:4). --- SENTENCE SERMONS A man is in hot water when his tender heart becomes hard-boiled. Self discipline is one of the foundation stones of true character. A man who says just what he thinks should be sure he thinks before he says. No man is strong enough to carry a grudge all of his life. You don?t need references in order to borrow trouble. Don?t think you are wasting time while you are learning God?s word. There is a lot of history that isn?t worth repeating. In order to increase in faith, you must grow in knowledge of God?s word. --- SERMON No NEW Sermon this week: Holding a gospel meeting at Heights church of Christ, Albuquerque, NM (May 17-22) 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/6205215c/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/6205215c/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/6205215c/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 8981 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090514/6205215c/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 15 02:33:55 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 03:33:55 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL; CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. ABHOR WHAT IS EVIL; CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD (2) Do not spoil your dinner! That is what my mother always said. We were not allowed to throw sugary treats in our mouth an hour before dinner. Dessert was not allowed until after dinner. The reason was simple: if you eat sweets first, you will not be hungry for the good food. Jesus said, "the cares of the world, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the Word" (Mk. 4:19). See the point? We choke out an appetite for God and for His Word when our lives are filled with all these other things. We must limit the cares of this world. We must rid ourselves of the love for wealth. We must stringent- ly limit our desire for "other things." These things will choke out God and we will not be hungry for Him. "A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet" (Prov. 27:7). An empty stomach will eat nearly anything. I often wondered what I would do if I was homeless and hungry. I have imagined entering a McDon- ald's and waiting for a family to leave a half-eaten burger and fries. I would eat it and not think twice...children's germs, slobb- er, trans-fats, and all. Would I eat thea if I had good, fresh, untain- ted food available? No way. You and I have good spiritual food available, but many are eating out of trashcans instead. Every time your eyes glitter over the worldly things of this life, every- time your passions are raging, just remember, you are eating out of a trashcan! We need to understand Satan's deceit. Caving in to sin will not fulfill us; it only whets the appetite for more. Lay's Potato Chips had a commercial that said, "Bet you can't eat just one!" Indeed, that is the very nature of sin. Instead of satifying us, we want more of it. It is addicting, and even when we begin to real- ize that the sin is disappointing, Satan tells us we are simply not committing the sin enough. Therefore, it is important to learn the necessity of denying ourselves the taste of sin, and instead tasting that which is good and satisfying. The real key to abhor- ing evil is "clinging to what is good." God through Isaiah sums it up: "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight in abundance (Isa. 55:1,2). "Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit" (Prov. 15:16). Even things that are not sinful of themselves are still dangerous to our spirit- ual welfare. More sports and recreational activities are whole- some until we fall in love with them. Again, a little "dessert" is fine until we are eating it instead of our dinner. The problem with our leisure activities is that they are replacing time that needs to be spent with God and His Word. Rom. 12:2 tells us that transformation takes place by "renewing our mind." Our minds are bombarded daily with earthly thinking which trains our thoughts in a worldly direction. Only the disciple who is praying and studying daily will renew his thinking so that he comes to detest all that is contrary to God. Therefore, to abhor evil, a disciple must practice the follow- ing steps: 1. Consider What It Will Do To You: -- It is eating out of a trashcan. It is spoiled, rotten food. 2. Consider The Emptiness It Will GiveYou: -- It will not fill you. It will crush your spirit and destroy any pride and integrity that you had in yourself. 3. Consider That It Will Make You Dirty: -- In the Lord, you are clean. In sin, you are dirty. You have returned to wallowing in the mire. 4. Consider The Separation From God: -- You cannot love evil or participate in evil and be one with God. You cannot pray. You cannot go to sleep at night with a clean conscience. 5. Consider The Hunger Fro More That It Will Create Without Any Semblance Of Satisfaction: -- If you are struggling with your fleshly passions, recognize that fulfilling those passions even a little will maie the passions worse, not better. The last thing you need is for the passions to get worse. 6. "Eat" Good Things: -- Replace evil thoughts with thoughts of heaven. God, and allthe good blessings He has given you (Phil. 4:8). The only way to abhor evil is to fill your life with what is good. Only by learning to lvoe the good will we come to abhor the evil. ----------- Berry Kercheville in Focus Magazine, No. 103, Feb. 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090515/7794cf4f/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 15 02:33:45 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 03:33:45 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) A CHURCH OF GOD'S GRACE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic-le from my files: A CHURCH OF GOD'S GRACE A church of God is composed of the people who have been sanctified in Jesus Christ which results in being called saints. As the saints of God we call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We have been given the grace of God by Christ Jesus and we have been enriched in everything in all speech and all know- ledge (1 Cor. 1:2-5). In the grace of God the testimony of Christ has been confirm- ed in us so that we have not come short in any spiritual gift. We eagerly await the revelation of Jesus Christ. As children of God we are confirmed to the end, that we may be blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful concerning our call into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 1:6- 9). It is no small thing to be called a church of God -- a separat- ed people having received the grace of God! OUr holiness is de- rived from the greatest gift: the blood of Jesus Christ that takes away our sins. We ahve been called "to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgive- ness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:6,7). God's sanctified saints, "by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). And "unto every one of us is give grace according to the meas- ure of the gift of Christ" (Eph. 4:7). God's grace is truly a marvelous and bountiful gift -- "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 1:14). God's grace means we are "justified by His grace tht we should be made heirs accord-ing to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7). We are a church of God by His favor, mercy and love. What a wonderful gift to be called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ---------- Ron Drumm. (We are told in Titus: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God ans Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14). The major use of God's grace in bring- ing about our salvation is the furnishing the teaching tools for us to learn and follow. These tools are found in the New Testa- ment. So the salvation of all men is furnished to us in the form of being led and guided in life by the Holy Spirit through the written Word, the New Testament. JWS) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090515/dfbd5a2b/attachment.html From tedwards at onemain.com Fri May 15 11:54:29 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 11:54:29 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 5/10/09 Message-ID: <4A0D57F5.8276.70A7B8@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). ____________________________________________________ May 10, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) Time to Panic? (Bryan Gibson) 2) The Significance of the First Day of the Week (Bobby Graham) 3) "Preach Christ and Not a Plan"? (Donald Townsley) ____________________________________________________ -1- Time to Panic? by Bryan Gibson The economy has dominated the news lately, and the news has not been good. No need to rehash the details here -- the media has done a good enough job of that. Like everyone else, I'm not happy about it and it has already had adverse effects on me. But, knowing that "one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15), I don't plan to spend too much time stewing over it. Wall Street may be in a panic, but I'm not, and here are just a few of the reasons why. Let me first say that I don't buy into all the doom and gloom forecasts for the economy. I do believe the economy will rebound, but let's just say for arguments' sake that things get worse, perhaps even far worse. I'm still not going to panic because I know God will provide me with the things I need -- IF I seek first the kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). David said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread" (Psa. 37:25). Secondly, if I am reduced to the necessities of life, my attitude must be one of contentment, not panic. "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1st Tim. 6:8). Hopefully, I will learn, as Paul did to be content "in whatever state I am" (Phil. 4:11). Perhaps I will even learn the lesson so eloquently expressed by the prophet Habakkuk: "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Thirdly, economic hard times may turn out to be good for me spiritually. If I can't buy as many things, if I can't go as many places, I may just give more attention to the things that matter most. Many of us have seen our stocks decline in value but there are other riches that are not subject to the ebb and flow of the market -- the "exceeding riches of His grace" (Ephesians 2:7), or the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8). In other words, I'm not going to panic if I become poor, because I will still be rich (Proverbs 13:7). I'm very aware of what the Bible says about the uncertainty of material riches (1st Tim. 6:17; Proverbs 23:5), but it's hard to think that way when my investments seem secure. Believe me, I understand now just how insecure they can be, and maybe, just maybe, that will cause me to put more trust in God. "Trust in Him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring...build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand" (Hold to God's Unchanging Hand, Jennie Wilson, EL. Eiland). -- Via The Exhorter, September/October 2008 ____________________________________________________ -2- The Significance of the First Day of the Week by Bobby Graham The first day of the week has a special place in the economy of the new covenant. It took the place of the special day observed under the first covenant -- not in the sense of being like it in all respects, but in its being a day of special observance. Among the factors contributing to the importance of the first day of the week are the following. The Resurrection of Jesus Mark 16:9 shows that Jesus arose from the grave on the first day of the week. Luke 24:1, 13, 21, and 46 all together demand our belief that Jesus arose on the first day, not on the Sabbath or on some other day, as some insist. Verse 1 sets the stage by identifying the day as the first day of the week; verse 13 shows that, on that first day, two disciples walked to the village of Emmaus. In their conversation with Jesus, who was then not disclosed to them, they referred to the first day as the third day since Jesus' crucifixion (v. 21). In the remarks of Jesus himself in verse 46, we learn that his resurrection was an event of the third day. By Jesus' statement of verse 46 and the disciples' identification of this first day of the week as the third day, we have to conclude then that Jesus arose on the first day of the week, not on the seventh day. The first day derives its significance from that momentous event of the resurrection of Jesus, in keeping with Old Testament prophecy. The Acknowledging of Jesus Psalm 2:7 refers to the resurrection of Jesus and to his being thereby begotten that very day, though the rulers had taken counsel against the Father and against his anointed one, the Christ. Acts 13:32,33 confirms that the second Psalm, particularly the word "begotten," refers to the resurrection of Jesus. In that glorious event, God was acknowledging to all men for all time to come that Jesus was his Son with authority (Rom. 1:4). The first day is made even more important by God's acknowledgement concerning Jesus in the event of this day. The Appearances of Jesus Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9) and to another Mary (Matt. 28:9,10), who worshiped him; to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-15); to the ten apostles (Luke 24:33-36; John 20:19); and to all of the apostles after eight days (John 20:26) in substantiation of his resurrection make the day all the more significant. The Events of Pentecost According to Leviticus 23:15,16, the day of Pentecost came on the first day of the week -- that is, seven Sabbaths and one day after the Sabbath connected with Passover. On the first Pentecost after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (2:28-32; Acts 2:1-4). Christ's rule as high priest and king was announced as beginning (Zech. 6:13; Acts 2:29-36). The new covenant went into effect (Isa. 2:3; Luke 24:47, 49; Acts 2:38). The church (mountain of the Lord's house, Isa. 2:2,3) was established in the last days (Acts 2:17,41,47). Action of Local Churches From these four considerations, it should be clear why the first day of the week had a place of special significance in the life of the New Testament church. The church having been established on this day, we are not surprised to learn that local congregations of the Lord's people met on this same day to remember Christ in eating the Lord's supper and to contribute of their financial means to support the Lord's work (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). Paul met with the Christians in Troas, thereby giving apostolic sanction to what there transpired. Does it have that place in your life? People faithful to Christ will meet on the first day of the week as first-century Christians did for the purposes assigned by the apostles of Christ. They will not seek to evade God's will in this matter or to substitute their own way for his way. In doing what the New Testament authorizes, there is fellowship with God, but in altering the plan there is no assurance of such. -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, January 18, 2009 ____________________________________________________ -3- "Preach Christ and Not a Plan"? by Donald Townsley Down through the years since I have been preaching the gospel there have been (and still are) men who advocated that we should preach Christ and not a plan of salvation. They phrase it this way: "Preach the man and not the plan." They seem to think that one cannot preach a plan of obedience to Christ (Rom. 1:5; Heb. 5:9) and, at the same time, preach Christ. What they need to understand is that Jesus Christ is revealed to us in the word of God, and that He is inseparably connected with every book of the New Testament. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my word in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38). You can see from this passage that Christ is inseparably connected with His words. To fully preach Christ one must preach His commands, His promises, His warnings, His church, His supper, His plan of salvation and righteous living (Acts 8:4-5, 12). All of this being true, we cannot ignore any part of what He has said without ignoring that much of Christ (James 2:10). The New Testament is filled with expressions that make it clear that a "plan of salvation" is taught therein. The Romans "obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine" (Rom. 6:17). In their obedience to that "form (or mold) of doctrine," they were "called of Jesus Christ" (Rom. 1:6) and "made free from sin" (Rom. 6:18). Paul also told the Romans, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). They were called according to God's purpose, scheme or plan. They were called of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6), called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), and called by His (God's) grace (Gal. 1:15). To be called of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6), called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), and called by God's grace (Gal. 1:15) is to obey the plan of salvation, or "that form of doctrine" (Rom. 6:17). The Hebrew writer said in chapter 9, verse 8 that while the old covenant was in effect "the way into the holiest of all was not yet manifest" -- in other words, the plan (or scheme) of salvation had not yet been revealed. Then the writer goes on to tell us in chapter 10, verse 20 that now, under the new covenant, there is "a new and living way," which is consecrated by Christ. Christ is "the way" (John 14:6), and there cannot be any separation between Christ and His "way" (or his plan of salvation). To reject His plan is to reject Him (John 12:48; Mark 8:38). The plan of salvation that Christ "consecrated" (or, dedicated) for us (Heb. 10:20) is simple. One must hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17), believe the gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37), repent of past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Friend, have you obeyed the gospel? (2 Thess. 1:8) If not, won't you do so, and "hold the pattern of sound words"? (2 Tim. 1:13 A.S.V.) -- Via Great Plainness of Speech, Vol II, No. 6, August 1995 ____________________________________________________ "...Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul" (Heb. 10:35-39). ____________________________________________________ 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 jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Fri May 15 13:58:45 2009 From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 13:58:45 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Here's an Newspaper ad to share with you... Message-ID: Jerry Blount to the list.. Here is a newspaper ad that I have found effective. When we get into a discussion with outsiders over instrumental music. we lose emotionally because they want it to be so. I have found this subject to be the counter balance. We come out looking pretty good on this one. Should Churches worship money? We cannot claim to believe in Jesus if we do not also believe in what He said. at The Pillar congregation. we believe Him! For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." I Timothy 6:10 Did you ever begin wondering if "going to church" was about raising money? In some churches there is a constant drive for the raising of money. We have a collection for this project. We have a collection for the missionaries in some far away land. We have a collection for the missionaries in some other far away land. Once in Florida I was studying with a neighbor who asked me about our attitude toward money. It seemed like a strange question. Well, come to find out, he had gone to church with his wife. . . (the man considered himself an unbeliever). During the service they had taken up a collection for the building fund. To make a long story short, they didn't get enough money. The preacher ordered the doors to be locked, with the admonition that "no one is to leave the room!" They passed the plate a total of three times. Amongst so many of today's churches, if you finally make it through all the contributions, then they start up with the fundraisers. They have garage sales, auctions, cookies, donuts, chili feeds etc. A few years back a law office sent me a letter promising us a large contribution if our young people would be sent out to deliver neighborhood fliers promoting his law firm! The irony is that the bigger the church. normally the more they beg for money. Am I missing something? Didn't Jesus tell Peter that He would build the church on the fact the He (Jesus) was the Son of God? Jesus really didn't seem all that excited about building earthly monuments did He? In fact, the one man most concerned about the money in Jesus' group was Judas! Jesus (through the Apostle Paul) did make provisions for a contribution. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week, each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come." I Corinthians 16:1-2 Notice that the purpose of this collection was "so that no collections will be made when I come." Obviously the point is for a church to have a collection. one collection per week and be done with it! Just as obviously, Paul pointedly, not only limited the collection to a single weekly collection, but he also limited it to one certain day. Jesus became very upset when the Jews turned the worship of God into a giant sale-a-thon! "Then they *came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He {began} to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS'? But you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN." The chief priests and the scribes heard {this,} and {began} seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching." Mark 11:15-18 Do you suppose He would be pleased with all the merchandise being carried through the churches today? Does it astonish you that there is still a group of people who believe in Jesus strongly enough to trust Him? Jesus' teaching, has always been an astonishment to "the whole crowd." At The Pillar church of Christ, you'll never be called on to "tithe" (an Old Testament practice). You'll never be asked to buy anything. If you're visiting, you'll not be expected to contribute. You'll not hear impassioned pleas for money. Yes, we'll pass the plate on the Lord's day.Once! We follow the example of New Testament Christians, "but they first gave themselves to the Lord" II Corinthians 8:5 We believe we should share the attitude of the Apostles, "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all {people} life and breath and all things." Acts 17:24-15 We are more interested in you than your money. We believe that's the way God wants it! We believe that the purpose of our gathering is to worship God! Isn't that why you've come? If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; I Peter 4:11 Yours in Christ Jerry Blount 560 S Oliver (SE corner of Oliver & Kellogg) Wichita, KS 67218 316-320-4321 www.JerrysChristianJottings.info -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 2919 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090515/4d7897d8/attachment-0001.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 16 06:31:58 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 07:31:58 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN From what source is authorization in religious practices ob-tained? And does it really matter, anyway? People long ago turned from the Scriptures to the voice of a "living church" hier- archy at the insistence of that hierarchy, and so instrumental music, incense, "holy water", and other things foreign to the Scriptures became "authorized" elements of religious activity. DOES IT MATTER? Is this writing "much ado about nothing"? Living under the Law of Moses in a time when human tradit- ions had supplanted the Law many times, Jesus "Appealed to the Scriptures, saying 'What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?'" (Lk. 10:26). He condemned acting without lawful authority (Matt. 7:22,23), even when the claims sounded good in human ears. He directed people to the commandments of God, INCLUDING HIS OWN INSTRUCTION, and promised acceptance with God when we do what GOD has authorized us to do (Jno. 5:39-47; 6:44,45,67,68; 15:7,10,14; 16:13). He authorized His Apostles to deliver the message of God just as the Holy Spirit directed them (1 Cor. 2:12,13). We are charged to contend earn- estly for "the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Brethren, to loose one's self from authority in ANYTHING is to declare freedom from authority in any other thing. Revelation from God is the basis of authorization. SILENCE RESTRAINS, and MUST BE HONORED (Heb. 7:12-14). "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God." (Heb. 3:12). ---------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/7f712086/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat May 16 06:32:10 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 07:32:10 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) "SING ON, YE JOYFUL PILGRIMS" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. "SING ON, YE JOYFUL PILGRIMS" My favorite songs are church songs. That is because my favorite kind of music is congregational singing. Music and poet- ry are expressive and dynamic forms of communication. It seems to me that this is why God inspired men like David and Solomon to write psalms. It is also one reason why God comma- nded Moses to write, and teach to the Israelites, the song of rem- embrance found in (Deut. 32:1-43). Not only do these songs, which were written by God's inspir- ed writers, further illustrate the superiority of the divine mind, they communicate the Will of God in a fashion that is easy to remember and repeat. Therefore, it is not surprising that God commands us to sing today. We often emphasize, and rightfully so, preaching, reading the Bible, taking the Lord's Supper, and communicating with God in prayer. But singing is just as important as these other commandments given by God. The songs we sing can and should become an important part of our lives. When times are difficult and troubles seem endless we can call to mind songs like "It Is Well With My Soul" or "Be With Me Lord." When we are especially joyous, it should bring to mind songs like "Sing And Be Happy." We'll even hum the tunes as we go about our day. James encourages this behavior, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms" (Jas. 5:13). Some of the best songs are Scriptures that are put to a melo- dy. This is a profitable way to remember and teach a section of God's Word. We understand music to be a powerful teaching tool. That is why we teach children the "12 apostles song" or the "books of the Bible song." It helps them, and us, remember these important facts when we put them to a tune. Songs like "As A Deer" and "I Will Call Upon The Lord," which are taken from Psa. 42 and Psa. 18, are great songs, but more importantly they help us commit sections of God's Word to memory. Singing is important because it gives us hope and joy, while aiding in our remembrance of God's Will. Paul reveals that singing should have an important role in the life of every Christian when he says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:16). In this text, Paul points out two fundamental reasons why singing is an essential part of worship. First, it is an activity that not only encourages and uplifts, but it teaches. The songs we sing teach things about God and His Word. Although we love beautiful songs, we do not sing songs just because they are pretty. We sing them because they pro- claim something worthwhile. They remind us that "Jesus Is Coming Soon" and tht "This World Is Not My Home." These concepts are important and need to be continually impressed upon the minds of every Christian. Through song we encourage each other to be "Standing On The Promises" of God. That is why Paul tells us that we need to be "speaking to one another in psalm, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). If you are not participating in the song service, you are missing out on an important part of worship. Second, singing is important because we praise God and give HIm glory and honor through our songs. When we sing we ought to be making melody in our hearts to the Lord. We should be singing with grace in our hearts to God. If we are doing this, God is glorified. We often sing songs with God's glorification directly in mind. "To God Be The Glory" and "How Great Thou Art" are songs of praise and adoration. In them we recognize who God is and what He has done for us. These songs remind us of God's power and might and with our voices joined in song we pro- claim this truth to each other and the world. The Hebrew writer instructs us to "continually offer the sacri- fice of praise to our God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name"(Heb. 13:15). Singing is one way that we ful- fill this commandment. Speaking to one another in song and singing praises to our God is a command, but it is also a privil- ege. It should bring joy to the heart of every Christians. ----------- Brent Moody via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 18, May 3, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/1525e306/attachment.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri May 15 19:57:19 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 19:57:19 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 5-17-09 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 May 17, 2009 No.26 WHERE DO WE PLACE THE EMPHASIS? When you think or talk with others about Christianity where do you place the emphasis, on Christ or His church? Have you even thought about such a question? Maybe it's time to give some thought to it. In our zeal to teach people we sometimes leave them with the impression that we feel the church is more important than Christ. What occupies the center of the stage becomes the focal point around which we build our conversation and teaching? We invite people to investigate "the church of Christ," to attend "the church of Christ," to become a member of the "church of Christ." Even though these thoughts are well intentioned and not wrong within themselves, such expressions place more emphasis on the church which Christ built, rather than upon Him, the Savior. A careful study of the New Testament will show the opposite to be true. Jesus Christ is emphasized much more than the church. He is the one to be honored. ".He who built the house has more honor than the house" Heb.3:3b. So, let's not make the mistake of emphasizing the house rather than the builder. Let me clarify something before writing further. I am in no way seeking to decry the importance of the church that Jesus built. I have always preached, and will continue to do so, that the church is an essential and necessary element in salvation. All who are saved are in the church Acts 2:47. The church is very precious to me. It was purchased by Jesus' blood Acts 20:28. It was built for His glory Eph.3:21; 5:27. And one day He will save it (His body) Eph.5:23. When I speak of the church I am referring to the group of people redeemed by the blood of Christ 1.Pet.1:18-19, who, after being scripturally baptized for remission of sins, are added by the Lord to it Acts 2:38-41, 47. No one who is not a member of the church has been promised salvation. So, I am in no way degrading or belittling the essentiality or necessity of being a member of the church of Christ. But, in seeking to teach people we sometimes leave people with the impression that the church is more important than Christ. We must remember that regardless of what is said and done, the church is still just a group of imperfect human beings. Our choice of emphasis can make a lot of difference as we teach others. How was it in the 1st century? What was the message Jesus told the apostles to carry to the world? He said "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mk.16:15. He did not say, go and preach the church of Christ. So, when they went with His message what did they preach? Peter preached "the name of Jesus" and declared there was salvation in no other name Acts 4:10, 12. In 4:33 the apostles gave "witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus," not the church. In 5:42 "they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." What did Paul preach? He preached "Christ and Him crucified" not "the church of Christ" 1.Cor.2:2. He wrote the Romans that he was ready to preach the gospel to them, not the church of Christ Rom.1:15. He told the brethren at Philippi that the things that happened to him served to further the gospel of Christ, not the church Phil.1:12. In 1:17 of that same epistle he wrote he was appointed for the defense of the gospel, not the church. When Philip climbed into the chariot to teach the Eunuch what did he preach? He "preached Jesus to him" Acts 8:35, not "the church." Yes, I am certain the church was in the background of the preaching of these men in the 1st century, but their emphasis was on the gospel of Christ, not the church. What we need to realize is that the church is not the plan that saves man. It is simply the tool or implement of God which He ordained to proclaim and make known to the world His "manifold wisdom. according to His eternal purpose, which He accomplished in Jesus Christ, our Lord" Eph.3:10-11. The church is people, "living stones.built up a spiritual house.His (God's) own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" 1.Pet.2:5, 9. So, the emphasis should be on Christ, not the tool. Christ, not the church, is the source of authority and standard of conduct in our salvation. All authority comes through Him Matt.28:18, not the church. He is the head of the church Eph.1:22-23; Col.1:18. It is His word, given by inspiration to His apostles and prophets that guides us 1.Thes.2:13; 2.Tim.3:16-17; Col.3:17, and will one day judge us Jn.12:48; Rom.2:16. Jesus is our standard of conduct 1.Pet.2:21-23; 2.Cor.3:17-18. The members of the church are imperfect, sinful people and make poor standards to follow. That is why we must emphasize Jesus as our authority and standard, not the church. Many of the problems that plague brethren could be solved if people would remember that Christ is to be glorified, not the church. When asked, "What are you religiously, or to what church do you belong?" most people reply "I am a member of the church of Christ." Why not simply say, "I am a Christian." Wouldn't that be sufficient Acts 11:26; 26:28? People talk about "the plea of the church of Christ" or "the church of Christ teaches." The church doesn't have a plea, or a doctrine. Whatever plea or doctrine there is comes from Christ, not the church 2.Jn.9; Acts 2:42. People build fancy buildings, family life centers, gymnasiums and the like, and justify it on the basis that it gives glory to the church. In so doing they dishonor Christ by not respecting His authority. He has not given authority for these things. So, in all we do, let's glorify Christ. Let us place the emphasis where it belongs, on Christ, not the church. Paul didn't write "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the church." He wrote "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him" Col.3:17. Remember, all authority resides in Him, not a group of people called the church. "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" Rev.5:12. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090515/9269501b/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri May 15 13:29:21 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 13:29:21 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Once For All" Message-ID: <20090516.082933.2348.0.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study "ONCE FOR ALL" "We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb. 10:10) INTRO.: A song which reminds us that Jesus need die only one time in order for us to be sanctified through the offering of His body is "Once For All" (#337 in Hymns for Worship Revised, #552 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written and the tune was composed both by Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876). It was first published in his 1873 book Sunshine for Sunday Schools. Daniel Webster Whittle in his Memoirs of Philip P. Bliss wrote, "Just before Christmas, 1871, Mrs. Bliss asked a friend, 'What shall I get my husband for a Christmas present?' and, at the suggestion of this friend, purchased and presented him with the bound volume of a monthly English periodical called Things New and Old. Many things in these books of interpretation of Scripture and illustrations of Gospel turth were blessed to him, and from the reading of something in one of these books in connection with Romans 8 and Hebrews 10, suggested this glorious Gospel song." George C. Stebbins, who was a musical associate of Dwight L. Moody, as was Bliss, stated that this hymn "is conceded to be the clearest statement of the doctrine of grace in distinction from the law to be found in hymnology. Indeed, it was said at the time of Moody and [his primary music director Ira D.] Sankey's first visit to Scotland in 1873 that the singing of that hymn had more to do in breaking down the prejudice that existed against Gospel hymns up to that time than anything else, as its teaching was so scriptural and in such perfect accord with the teaching of the Scottish divines. The music setting of it, too, could not have been improved upon." In fact, Sankey himself wrote in My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns that he was most concerned about the presence of Scottish hymn writer Horatius Bonar in the audience. "He was, indeed, my ideal hymn writer, the prince among hymnists of his day and generation. And yet he would not sing one of his beautiful hymns in his own congregation...because he ministered to a church that believed in the use of the Psalms only. With fear and trembling I announced...the song, 'Free from the Law, oh, happy condition'....At the close of Mr. Moody's address, Dr. Bonar turned toward me with a smile on his venerable face, and reaching out his hand he said, 'Well, Mr. Sankey, you sang the gospel tonight.' And thus the way was opened for the mission of sacred song in Scotland." The song's popularity in America is undoubtedly the result of its being included in Bliss's Gospel Songs in 1874, from which it passed into the Bliss and Sankey series of Gospel Songs and Hymns beginning in 1875. Bliss produced such well known songs as "Almost Persuaded," "Dare to Be a Daniel," "Hallelujah! 'Tis Done!," "Hallelujah! What a Savior!", "Hold the Fort," "Jesus Loves Even Me," "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning," "More Holiness Give Me," "The Half Was Never Told," "The Light of the World Is Jesus," "Whosoever Will May Come," and "Wonderful Words of Life;" tunes for Frances Havergal's "I Bring My Sins to Thee" and "I Gave My Life for Thee," Horatio Spafford's "It Is Well with My Soul," Emily Oakley's "What Shall the Harvest Be?", and Mary Brainard's "He Knows;" and the text for "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" set to music after Bliss's death by James McGranahan. All of these have been used in our books, but Bliss is credited with many, many others as well. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century, "Once For All" 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. The song identifies some of the blessings that Christians have because Jesus offered Himself once for all. I. Stanza 1 says that we have remission of sin "Free from the law, O happy condition, Jesus has bled and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Grace hath redeemed us once for all." A. Some have objected to the opening line, "Free from the law," affirming that while we are not saved simply by law, we are not free from law; however, Paul does say that we are "free from the law of sin and death": Rom. 8:2. Keeping the phrase in its context, it seems reasonable that if Paul could say that we are "free from the law of sin and death," then we ought to be able to sing that we are "free from the law" B. The reason that we are free from the law of sin and death is that Jesus has bled and there is remission of sin: Matt. 26:28 C. The reason that we needed this remission is that we are cursed by the law and bruised by the fall through sin: Rom. 3:23 II. Stanza 2 says that we have salvation in Christ "Now we are free, there's no condemnation; Jesus provides a perfect salvation. 'Come unto Me,' O hear His sweet call; Come, and He saves us once for all." A. However, because of what Jesus has done, we are free and there is no condemnation: Rom. 8:1 B. Jesus provides a perfect salvation because that is what He came to do: Matt. 1:21 C. Therefore, He calls us to come to Him: Matt. 11:28-30 (In Sacred Selections, Ellis Crum changed "Come, and He saves us" to "Come unto Jesus," because he probably thought that the original sounded like "once in grace, always in grace." However, there is a sense that Jesus saves us once for all when we obey the gospel, then He keeps us saved as we repent of our sins, confess them to Him, and pray for His forgiveness.) III. Stanza 3 says that we have pardon through the cross "There on the cross your burden upbearing, Thorns on His brow your Savior is wearing. Never again your sin need appall; You have been pardoned once for all." A. The cross was the instrument by which Jesus carried our burdens so that we might have pardon, which is why the message of the cross is the power of God: 1 Cor. 1:18 B. It was there that the Savior may well have worn the crown of thorns for us: Jn. 19:1-5 C. Because of this, never again our sin need appall because we have pardon because of the redemption through Him and His blood: Rom. 3:24-26 IV. Stanza 4 says that we have sonship "'Children of God,' O glorious calling! Surely His grace will keep us from falling. Passing from death to life at His call, Blessed salvation once for all." A. God has made it possible for us to be His children in Christ Jesus through faith when we are baptized into Christ: Gal. 3:26-27 B. Ellis Crum made another change, from "will keep us from falling" to "will help us from falling;" however, the Bible says that God is able to "keep you from falling" IF we keep ourselves in His love: Jude vs. 20-24 C. In this way, we pass from death to life at His call: Jn. 24 CONCL.: The chorus encourages everyone to accept the offer of grace and pardon that Jesus offers to mankind. "Once for all, O sinner, receive it; Once for all, O brother, believe it. Cling to the cross, the burden will fall; Christ hath redeemed us once for all." Again, Crum changed the word "brother" to sinner, to avoid the possibility of a lost person somehow thinking that he is already a brother in Christ, although in former times the word "brother" was often used as a common title like "mister" as in "Brother, can you spare a dime?" He also changed "Cling to the cross, the burden will fall" to "Cling to the Savior, obey His call," for reasons that I do not understand except that he possibly misunderstood the figurative nature of clinging to the cross and that he had to stick the word "obey" somewhere into any song that asks a sinner to come to Jesus. We need to know for ourselves and also tell others that Jesus Christ has died and made salvation from sin possible "Once For All." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 office phone: (618) 548-1774 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. ____________________________________________________________ Get your dream car or truck. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTLa8voYen7dMdg66tEgcKscchpM1BvlW3MOQ1MsZCJhkVvFR29QK8/ From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat May 16 12:56:50 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 13:56:50 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 20: May 17, 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 20: May 17, 2009 ------------------------------------------------ Beauty Pageants and Gay Marriage Recently we have seen the intersection of two different phenomena of American society: beauty pageants and the issue of gay marriage. During the recent Miss USA pageant, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was asked regarding her views on gay marriage. She responded by indicating that she believed that marriage ought to remain only between a man and a woman. Her answer provoked immediate response. She quickly became a hero to many within the conservative religious groups who advocate against gay marriage while becoming a target for many other groups. It did not take long for photos of her to surface which were against the rules of the Miss USA pageant. Nevertheless, she has gained newfound status among conservative Evangelical Christians. She was recently interviewed by Dr. James Dobson of "Focus on the Family," and she said the following: But I just knew at that moment that God was just telling me, "Carrie, how bad do you want this? Are you willing to compromise your beliefs for a one year crown of Miss USA?" And I just knew right there . . . And I said you know what and the switch went off. And I said, "A marriage should be between a man and a woman and that's how it should be" (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/god-and-country/2009/5/11/miss-california-to-james-dobson-satan-was-trying-to-tempt-me.html). We cannot know if God was really talking with Carrie Prejean or not. It is also not our intention here to make any political comment regarding gay marriage. But we do wonder: what does it say when people who claim Christ are willing to embrace a contestant of a beauty pageant as a representative of their faith? How is it that we have reached the point where there seems to be no blushing or shame regarding her conduct? God is quite clear in the New Testament regarding the values of a godly woman: In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:3-4). The Miss USA beauty pageant, like most adult female pageants, involve women presenting provocative photos and film of themselves in various dresses and "swimwear." The emphasis is by no means placed upon the "hidden man of the heart," or the "meek and quiet spirit," but instead on the superficial external beauty of the contestant. The pictures and clothing are not designed to instill an appreciation for the virtue of the contestants, but instead are designed to be "alluring" and "sensual." God has a word for such things: lasciviousness, condemned as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Indeed, there is precious little in beauty pageants that emphasizes godliness. Beauty pageants are quite worldly affairs, glorifying and emphasizing what is pleasing to the eye and flesh and therefore is part of the lust of the eyes, part of the world that John says is passing away (1 John 2:15-17). In order to compete in such affairs one must dress immodestly and, in so doing, promote lasciviousness, contrary to God's will in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-21. If beauty pageants therefore represent worldly affairs, glorifying what God will humiliate and not representing what God will glorify, how can a person involved in such things be seen as a good representative of Christianity? Have we become so deadened to worldliness that we have forgotten how to blush or be ashamed at rampant immodesty and lasciviousness? If a worldly person seeks to participate in a worldly beauty pageant, and just so happen to speak out against gay marriage in the process, they may certainly do so. But how can we, as Christians, stand for God's truth in regards to the proper conduct of women and claim Carrie Prejean as a representative of Christ? The irony should not be lost upon us: a person who has participated and continues to participate in immodest and lascivious practices presumes to speak a word in the name of Christ against people who practice homosexuality. What would the reaction be if someone who participated and continues to participate in homosexual practices presumed to speak a word in the name of Christ against people who practice immodesty and lasciviousness? What conservative Evangelical group would claim such a person and believe that God truly spoke to them? Would it possibly stand for such a person to claim that it would compromise their belief to not speak out against lascivious behavior while clearly not believing that their homosexual practices compromise God's values? As far as we can tell from the pages of the New Testament, there is no real hierarchy of sin. Paul says that those who practice homosexuality will not inherit the Kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Paul also says that those who practice lasciviousness will not inherit the Kingdom of God in Galatians 5:19-21. Therefore, how is a beauty pageant any better or worse than gay marriage? Let none be deceived: we are not attempting to justify homosexuality. God has clearly deemed it to be sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Nevertheless, God has also declared immodest and lascivious conduct sinful also, and beauty pageants represent great worldliness (1 John 2:15-17). One does not read the pages of the New Testament and come away with the idea that beauty pageants would be the best way to demonstrate the real beauty and virtue of women. Instead, beauty pageants are part of the way that society and the world work against God's values for women. There are plenty of women out there whom God recognizes as far more beautiful than any Miss USA because their souls and conduct are pure, chaste, and modest. Nevertheless, they are constantly being told by society that they are not good enough because they do not "measure up" to the world's standard of godliness. In the end, this is not about Carrie Prejean per se or about gay marriage. Instead, this is a call for Christians to stand up for God's standards of what is right in all issues, not just a select few. Christ's ambassadors should not be found in any willful sin (James 2:9-11). Everyone recognizes that any who presume to speak in the name of Christ while engaging in sinful conduct are hypocrites, and they give the Gentiles reason to blaspheme the name of Christ (cf. 2 Samuel 12:14, 1 Peter 2:11-12)! God stands against homosexuality. God stands against immodesty and lasciviousness. God stands for holiness, purity, and modesty. Let us embrace all of God's values, and represent faithful representatives of Christ! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org ------------------------------------------------ Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God (1 Peter 2:12-16). Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17). ------------------------------------------------ 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 crxtra at gmail.com Sat May 16 22:54:39 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 20:54:39 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> The Art of Self-Justification Message-ID: <000001c9d6a3$36043af0$a20cb0d0$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper May 17, 2009 The Art of Self-Justification By chance, someone stumbled across a small booklet the other day, believed to be one of the devil's handbooks. The booklet is titled "Spiritual Battle in the Modern World" and seems to be a virtual how-to on just about every topic known to man regarding his spiritual battle, but it was apparently written for the devil's fellow demons and his minions that gives them instruction as to how to win souls into Hell by planting seeds of doubt, confusion, and outright error without appearing to do so. One section, in particular, seems to have been used quite often lately, entitled "The Art of Self-Justification." Whoever had this booklet made many notes about his successes and made notes about how to implement these schemes most effectively, and in the interest of knowing how our enemy works, I thought we might take a look at some of his tactics. [Note that in the following texts, the ones he calls his 'enemy' is God or Christ.] Let's read through this section, shall we? To The Atheist: Of course, we use this term accommodatively, since we have already convinced him that God does not exist. All atheists are unbelievers [the broader group covered in the next portion], but these are our servants who have been brave enough to speak of their determined unbelief, in spite of our enemies [God and the one named 'Jesus'] but we cannot ever rest on past successes and there is always a chance some God-lover will casually mention something about 'faith' or 'God' and it may cause him to start thinking again, and let us never forget that thinking is our worst enemy [at least thinking about spiritual matters]. But these 'atheists' are easily molded by our subtle words and whispers, so fear not! Our greatest success in the modern world has been in elevating human wisdom to a higher plane than even the wisdom of our great enemy, the Creator, who - we must admit - knows all. We must admit that the Creator's words about these men are spot-on (see Psalm 14:1), but we must continually convince them they are actually 'wise.' It's funny, really, that we have found so many willing to believe this, and who will then justify themselves because they have attained to a certain level of human education. It is amazing, isn't it, that so many mere mortals think they have such wisdom that they can justify their unbelief based on such flimsy arguments? They will admit man knows very little about the whole of creation, but they persist in deceiving themselves that they are 'wise.' That just makes our work that much easier! I personally find it a point of honor to know the Creator talks about our work within His Book (see Romans 1:22). But, again, do NOT let your guard down! I know it seems like I am being an alarmist, but the last thing we want our servant, the atheist, to do is pick up that book so many call 'the Bible' - even if he is trying to prove his unbelief. We cannot take the chance that he will be one of those who have set out to justify their unbelief [before they ever opened the Book] and then discover their arguments had no merit and the Creator's words were, indeed, true. The work has already been done by past 'atheist' servants who have compiled lists of supposed contradictions in that Book; steer him toward that, instead. If he actually reads the Book for himself, we may lose Him to the other side - and you don't even want to KNOW what our Leader will do if you let one slip through your fingers. To The Unbeliever: Little work has to be done for this individual, really. Most often, he or she has already implemented this excuse for not following the Holy Scriptures, and will often get defensive at the slightest mention of his or her spiritual condition. But we should not become complacent! There are many God-lovers who are keenly interested in their souls [even if they themselves are not] and will speak to them at every opportunity they have, so our work is never done! It is best to never let one's guard down lest one of those God-lovers gets the unbeliever to see their true condition and gets them to start thinking seriously about it. Even the Scriptures give us a means of distracting them from listening to what they have to say (see Luke 8:14), so use this whenever you can. After all, there are so many things in this world to distract them from their condition, little work has to be done! And if one of those God-lovers corners them, just keep whispering in their ear, "Hey! I'm a 'good person' and I'm just trying to do the best I can!" until they start repeating it themselves and using that as their response to the God-lovers; if that doesn't work to your satisfaction, don't forget the old standby response: "Judge not, that ye be not judged!" That gets them every time! You can guarantee they are hopelessly [I SO like that word!] self-assured when they start quoting Scripture! To The Weak Christians: While it may be disappointing to lose a soul to the other side, there is still reason to not lose heart altogether. After all, we have so many tools at our disposal to win them back! In fact, one who is working for the other side is often the easiest to influence when it comes to self-justification. Many - especially the newly-converted - are easily convinced that their battles are over and, as a result, are not as watchful as the ones who actually reach spiritual maturity. Since we are trying to win them back, continue whispering in their ears about the wonderful life they left behind and the boring, dreary life they are now living. If the candidate happens to be married, use seductive advertising, immodestly dressed people of the opposite sex, and our great tool of human psychology to convince them they are not 'happy' where they are and point them to others and how 'exciting' it will be and how much 'happier' they will be if they get involved in an affair with someone not their spouse. If they are already headed for divorce [the reason is unimportant], convince them they are justified in seeking a permanent separation because their happiness is the primary concern and the current spouse was not good enough. Any weak Christian is able to be molded if we can just get them to act first and think later, or act first and seek justification later. Sometimes, we find success when we convince them before they sin that 'just once' won't hurt, or the actions in which they seek to participate 'doesn't hurt anyone.' It is truly amazing how easy we can convince even mature Christians that they are 'not so bad' [especially when we remind them old 'brother so-and-so who is SO much worse then they], and to justify themselves in spite of what they know of their Creator. If your candidate starts thinking about the potential action as 'sin' [such an old-fashioned word], remind them of their past good deeds and how righteous they are, and keep whispering words of encouragement like, 'You deserve this' or 'No one will ever know' or 'God wants me to be happy' and it will not be long before they put away that notion of 'sin' and happily indulge in it. If another God-lover intervenes and tries to prevent them from acting, remind them that they are out of line by sticking their nose in his business and whisper his strongest argument over and over: 'Who does he think he is telling me about my sins?!?!' Pretty soon, he will not only justify himself, but he will be looking for ways to stop serving our enemy, the Creator, altogether! Once we have him convinced, he will be back with us in no time! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, that is the work of our enemy, the devil, and his servants. Does that scare you? Maybe you have used some of those words before? Let us be on the alert, friends and brethren, because your enemy is looking for you (1st Pet. 5:8). -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/3bf76631/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat May 16 23:00:43 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 23:00:43 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 019 Message-ID: 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 019: May 17, 2009 This Week's Article: Growing Spiritually Introduction: According to the Scriptures, spiritual growth is necessary (1 Peter 2:1-3). We learn that if we lack growth will not achieve success (John 15:6). To succeed, here and beyond, we must continually be growing as Christians: always reaching ahead as we press for new goals now (2 Peter 1:5-10); and our final goal, which will be received after this life is over (Revelation 14:12-13). Let's consider together a plan for spiritual growth: some of the things we must do in order to grow; and some of things we must avoid in order to grow. Please open your Bible text as we enter this study. Spiritual Growth is. Spiritual growth is expected and achievable. Hebrews 5:12-14 speaks of this expectation and states "By this time you ought to be teachers." The passage continues to speak of our growth transition from a lack of understanding to a point of discerning knowledge. The overall expectation is clear: not only are we to progress from gaining understanding to sharing our understanding. The word "ought" indicates expectation but also ability. Also consider 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" Spiritual growth is necessary. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 tells us to "Increase more and more". We cannot rest on our past successes. Revelation 2:1-5 provides us the example of the Ephesians had done many good things but they had left them behind. Jesus in His teaching of the Vine and the branches declares the necessity of growth (John 15:1-8). We are to grow in the Vine [In Christ] and a lack of growth is failure (v. 2). We must work at a pattern of continuous production for the Lord (v.2, 8). Remember that we will not produce the same results everyday; remember a partial step forward is always better than moving backwards. What Causes A Lack of Spiritual Growth? There are all sorts of things said to excuse spiritual weakness. All too often everyone and everything is blamed except the one who is responsible. Everyone from the preacher, to the brethren, to family, even God is blamed. Everything from stress, to lack of time, even the word of God is blamed. Let's face the truth. If we are spiritually weak--only we are to blame. We probably have become "dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11). Like those mentioned we may have deteriorated to this state. They had "become" dull of hearing. We may have become distracted (Luke 8:14 (choked by thorns). What are thorns? Thorns can be: work, family matters, and entertainment, etc. If we are spiritually weak we cannot be what we need to be-we need to be teachers (Hebrews 5:12) willing and able to teaching family, friends, and others. We need to be doing our share in this congregation (Ephesians 4:16 "effective working by which every part does its share"). How Can I Begin To Grow? We need proper nutrition. 1 Peter 2:1-2 admonishes us to "desire the word and grow thereby". The Bible is the nutrition that feeds our souls and strengthens our resolve-we need to go back to the book (Psalm 1:1-6). Reading, meditating and applying the word causes grow and our "progress will be evident to all". We need Son Light. Use the tools that Christ has designed to enable us. Prayer: through prayer we grow close to the Father (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5:7). Also, study: we learn, know and grow in the will of God when we "Abide in His word" (John 8:31-32). All this knowledge needs to be put to practice: 2 John 9 tells us to "Abide in the doctrine of Christ"-this brings the words to living application. We also need some occasional pruning. Every good fruit tree needs attention (Ephesians 5:15). Pruning is essential for production (John 15:2; Acts 8:22). Cut back the thorns and concentrate-reevaluate your priorities. Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God". Conclusion: Spiritual growth is necessary and expected. Spiritual growth is part of a spiritual life. Are you a Christian? Do you have spiritual life with the promise of life eternal? If not. You can today. Growing for the Lord is a life-long process. Do not put it off another day, begin even now. Spiritual growth and true success is waiting. The gospel message is yours to obey, will you? ~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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/3bf153e0/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/3bf153e0/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7810 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090516/3bf153e0/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 18 05:11:50 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 06:11:50 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WAS CORNELIUS SAVED BEFORE WATER BAPTISM? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. WAS CORNELIUS SAVED BEFORE WATER BAPTISM? One of the strongest arguments that can be made on the theory that one is saved before and without water baptism is based upon the conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10 in the light of what Jesus taught in Jno. 14:17. This is the way the argument is stated: "Jesus said in Jno. 14:16,17, "And I will pray the Fath- er, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may be with you forever, event the Spirit of Truth: Whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: ye know Him; for He abideth with you, and shall be in you." Cornelius re-ceived the Holy Spirit before he was commanded to be baptized in water. Therefore, Cornelius was not of the world but a child of God before he was baptized in water." The above is specious reasoning, it looks good on the sur- face, but will break down under the light of the Scriptures. It con- tradicts Acts 11:14 which states that Peter would speak unto Cornelius "words whereby he would be saved." He could not have been saved until he heard the words. He had to hear the words before he could believe (Acts 15:7), and his heart was not purified until he believed (Acts 15:9). Now WHEN did the Holy Spirit fall on Cornelius and his household? From Acts 10: 44 we read, "While Peter yet spake hese words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the Word." He fell during the ser- mon, "while Peter yet spake," but from this passage we cannot determine whether He came in the first, middle, or conclusion of Peter's sermon. The next chapter of Acts leaves us in no doubt because in it Peter "rehearsed the matter from the beginn- ing and expounded it 'in order'" (Acts 11:4). To his Jewish aud- ience in Jerusalem, Peter tells exactly when the Holy Spirit fell. Note in Acts 11:15, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning." The Holy Spirit, therefore, fell when Peter opened his mouth, of at the beginning fo his speech, before the words which saved Cornelius could have been spoken. Since "faith comes by hear- ing," the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius before Cornelius believed or before he repented. It is not enough to say he received the Holy Spirit before water baptism. He also received the Holy Spirit before he believed or repented. Now, if the ability to speak by means of the Holy Spirit, qualifies the possessor as a child of God then Cornelius was a child of God or saved: 1. Before the words whereby he was to be saved were spok- en to him. 2. Before he could have believed (Acts 11:7). 3. Before he repented. From the argument by those who deny the efficacy of water baptism strikes out water baptism as being essential to salvat- ion, it strikes out faith also in the case of Cornelius. All Bible be- lievers know that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). Thus their speaking by the Holy Spirit did not prove they were children of God, unless one would also claim that they saved without believing. After they received the Holy Spirit, (which was to enable them to speak in tongues and convince the Jewish disciples present, that the Gentiles were eligible to receive the gospel) they were then shown the necessity of belie- ving and being baptized in order to be saved, just like Jesus commanded previously in Mk. 16:16. If Jno. 14:17 cannot be so applied to Cornelius to make him a child of God before water baptism, just what does it mean? In this discourse, Jesus was addressing the twelve. He was soon to leave them, adn knew that they would feel that they were "as sheep without a shepherd." He wishes them to know they shou- ld not be left orphaned. He tells them, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter." The word "Comforter" is a translation from the Greek word Paracletos which is used only four times in the New Testament and that only in His private address to the twelve, found in the 14th, 15th, and 16th chapters John. It is never applied to the work of the Holy Spirit in relation to mankind in general or even to the church in general. The Paraclete was an infallible guide. Speaking by Him, the apostles did not contradict each other. Among other things He was to teach them all things, bring to their remembrance all things Christ had spoken unto them, convict the world of sin, of right- eousness, and of judgment to come; guide them into all truth, and show them the things that were to come. The Comforter continued with the apostles till the end of their ministry and through them gave to mankind the New Testament, "the perfect law of liberty." It is quite obvious that Cornelius did not receive the Holy Spirit in the sense the Lord promised it to the apostles in Jno. 14:17. It is also true that Cornelius later received the ordinary gift of the Holy Spirit, not miraculous, which comes to every Christ- ian. This is promised after obeying the conditions of salvation including water baptism for the remission of sins. "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). In this sense the Holy Spirit comes to all those that obey HIm (Acts 5:32). If the ability to speak by means of the Holy Spirit makes the possessor a child of God then what about these? 1. Balaam prophesied against Balaak by the immediate dir- ection of God (Num. chs. 23,24). Did that make him a child of God? 2. The Spirit of God came upon King Saul and he prophe- sied. Yet God rejected Saul as a wicked king (1 Sam. 10:10). 3. The lying prophet of Bethel was enabled by the Spirit to foretell the sad fate of the man of God, whom by falsehood he had sedu- ced from the Word of the Lord (1 Kgs. 13:11-32). 4. A dumb anim- al, Balaam's ass, spoke by the Holy Spirit (Num. 22:27). Did that make the dumb animal, which had no soul, a child of God? 5. Caiaphas, the wicked high priest, spoke "not of himself" that one man should die and not the whole nation. He held the office of high priest by Roman appointment. Was he a child of God, just because we have a record of the Holy Spirit's speaking through him on one occasion (Jno. 11:41-52)? In the above cases the Holy Spirit merely used hese parties as mediums for God's speaking to man or impressing upon him some important lesson. So it was in the case of Cornelius. If he had to hear words by which he would be saved (Acts 11:14), he could not have been saved by the words until he heard them. As the Holy Spirit fell on them, as Peter began to speak (Acts 11: 15), it follows that they had not heard the words when the Holy Spirit fell on them, and hence were not saved at that time. In Acts 10:48, Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. On Pentecost baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ was for the remission of sins." Thus Peter understood water baptism in the name of the Lord to be for (in order to) the remiss- ion of sins and this is what he commanded Cornelius and his house to do since he said, "God put no difference between us and them." (Acts 15:9). ----- Fred B. Walker in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 11, September, 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090518/6af1b806/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon May 18 05:11:34 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 06:11:34 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD'S SIDE 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: GOD'S SIDE Pictures hanging crooked on a wall bug me but not nearly as much as perversions of right behavior do. Our world is becom- ing increasingly "out of plumb" -- in fact, our morality seems to be upside down. We call good evil and evil good ans we justify the grossly immoral and persecute the upright -- just like in the days of (Isa. 5:20-23). God is being pushed out of our society -- from the school classroom, the school assembly hall, and the football field all the way to the courthouse -- we can't pray out loud or read the Scriptures. And, it looks like, very soon, God will be removed from the pledge of allegiance to our nation. In the -- remote or near, I know not -- churches that believe the Bible's truths that homosexuality is a perverted, sexual behavior and who will not permit women leaders, will feel the wrath of a society totally upside down. Currently, teachers can teach atheism, evolution, Eastern religions, the Koran and anything that is anti-God but they dare not talk about Jehovah God or the Bible. They can teach situat- ion ethics and promote immorality -- that's acceptable in our edu- cational system. Some teachers who, more than in a subtle form present themselves as superior intellectually to a parent or preacher openly ridicule the faith in God and religion in general. But equal time and space for arguments for God's side? -- oh no, that is a violation of someone's civil rights; that is putting religion in school. I remember the first time I even heard abut evolution -- it was in a chemistry class in High School and the teacher said he had an obligation to teach it. He was very uncomfortable and appre- hensive, because the classroom was composed of simple, coun- try, Bible believing kids whose parents understood right and wrong and had a strong faith in the Bible. Oh sure, we argued about truths the Bible taught and kids didn't always do what they knew was right -- but we knew what was right and we had a strong foundation in fundamental values. Footnote here -- not all teachers in our school systems are anti-God and evolustion- ists but even those who have a strong faith are finding it increas- ingly difficult to teach about faith in God and the Bible values. There are only two systems of faith -- faith in God; or faith in matter. The question is, "Which is the more reasonable?" Either matter is eternal or created. If matter is not eternal, then it must have created itself. And if matter is the source of intelligen- ce, then that which is lifeless gave existence to that which is alive -- dead, lifeless, inanimate stuff infused live into itself. Should we grant a billion years to evolutionists, it can never pre- sent a reasonable faith, for life cannot come from non-life. God argues for faith in His everlasting power and divinity based on the things that are created (Rom. 1:18,19). In our whole universe there is a stamp of intelligent design. The world itself is perfectly organized and balanced. The precise move- ment of the rotation of the earth upon its axis and revolution around the sun could nto have happened by accident. The earth is exactly where it has to be in the universe and nature functions exactly as it has to in order for life to exist. The neces- sary cycle of water functions by design -- waters run into the oceans but the oceans are never full (Eccl. 1:7). The Carbon Monoxide/Oxygen exchange is a critical balance in nature so that animals need oxygen and give off carbon monoxide and plants need carbon monoxide and give off oxygen. The human body is a marvelous design -- everything has to function right for us to exist (malfunctions, disease, etc. are not a result of lack of design but are the result of death, caused by sin -- cf. Gen. 3:1- 19). Man, as an intelligent being, both designs very technical things and is artistic and creative. But atheism claims that man as an intelligent being, who, himself, has designed and produc- ed very technical, complicted things, came from non-intelligence Design argues for a designer. A designer argues for intelligence and intelligence argues for personality -- exactly as God affirms for Himself as the Designer and Creator of the world. In the begi- nning God created (Gen. 1:1). It takes a lot more faith to believe in something that is untenable than it does to believe in that which is reasonable. -------- Jim R. Everett via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 18, May 3, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090518/4765fa7c/attachment-0001.html From mickc at churches-of-christ.com Mon May 18 10:32:10 2009 From: mickc at churches-of-christ.com (Mickey Chandler) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 10:32:10 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] H: Need help finding congregation in the UK Message-ID: <4A117F7A.8030602@churches-of-christ.com> Brethren, I know that you will rejoice with us at the gain of a new soul to the cause of the Lord. Last Friday, Valerie Burrell was baptized into the family of God. And while we rejoice at this, there is also some cause of concern. Valerie is from the United Kingdom and has been here on a 30 day visa to visit a friend who attends with us. She has many, many questions and is a quick student, so long as the answers make sense to her. I am hoping to send her off with some good study material and she has asked me to give her copies of the sermons from the last couple of weeks so that she can use those to study. My concern is that she may be going back home with no congregation to go home to. Val is someone who said that she has been searching for biblical answers since 1964. Her visits with the denominational churches in her area (a Baptist, an Anglican, and a Catholic church) left her feeling empty and no one would answer her questions. She has some odd (and bad) study habits. One of the things she would do is turn to random passages of scripture and try to figure them out. She did that with me, to see if I could explain a passage. She ended up at Acts 20:18. It was very easy to explain, but it let us discuss the need to look at context, both immediate (why is Paul calling the Ephesian elders to him) and distant (what experiences had they had with Paul). Hopefully, we can get her away from that in the week and a half she has left so that she's got a better way of studying God's word. Her friend here did a great job of answering all of her questions for the first couple of weeks and then last Friday I got called in and asked a few questions. We studied about an hour over things like "the difference between the Jewish first day of the week and Christian first day of the week". I explained that the Sabbath was, in fact, the ending of the week instead of its beginning and we looked at Exodus 20 for the reasoning. She said "Now that makes sense! Why could NO ONE ever explain that to me before?" My searches for a congregation with which she can work and worship have so far proven fruitless. If anyone here knows of a sound congregation in her area I would appreciate it. She does not own a vehicle, so driving a great distance is not in the picture (although she's willing to pay for a cab!). Her address is: 78 Hereford Road Holland on Sea Essex CO15 5SX If anyone knows of a congregation in her area, I would be most appreciative if you would kindly let me know offlist so that we can get this new babe in Christ the fellowship that she needs once she returns home. Mickey Chandler Evangelist, James church of Christ Center, Texas From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Mon May 18 10:55:57 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 11:55:57 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S> From Open Book To Open Life Message-ID: Here's a lesson I reowrked from an old outline I found by Keith Bender. Hope you can use it. You can hear the audio on our website; just click on "Sermons" and then on the Media Player icon. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com ********************************************************************** >From An Open Book To An Open Life Acts 8:25-40 (Zeke Flores, idea rom outline by Keith Bender) Intro: A. Have heard the phrase, ?Your life is an open book!? 1. Could be taken two ways: a. One?s life is for all to see, like a celebrity?s b. Or, that one?s life is transparent, sincere, and easily seen to be genuine, nothing?s hidden. B. Transparency in life is a good thing if the life is worth looking at: 1. Heb 13:18 C. There is a process whereby one can progress from a dishonorable life to an honorable one; that is, one approved by God. 1. The process is detailed in our text I. There Was An Open Book - vs 28 A. The open book was the RIGHT book ? The Bible! 1. In years past, the Catholic church discouraged its members from reading the Bible. 2. Today, many churches use so little Bible in their preaching that it is effectively closed. B. Others open everything BUT the Bible: 1. Tradition, famous authors & scholars, philosophies of men, one?s own feelings & fears, etc. 2. Jer 10:23 C. For spiritual wisdom, we need the BIBLE 1. 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; James 1:21 2. Beginning with the thoughts of God is the only path for a real ?open life.? a. Texas small town newspaper ad: ?Read your Bible to know what people ought to do. Read this newspaper to know what they actually do!? II. There Was An Open Mouth - vv 35, 40 A. Philip was ready, willing, & able to share the gospel truth with the eunuch. 1. He started with the truth from the open book and proceeded to tell the eunuch how he needed to respond to it. B. God sends us people to help us understand His will. 1. Eph 4:11-12; Rom 15:14 C. Satan will do what he can to shut the mouths of some. 1. Make some ?too busy? to get involved 2. Make some believe that sharing the gospel is the work of others (preachers, elders, etc) 3. Make some ashamed of the truth 4. May we realize the precious gift in the form of concerned saints who will open their mouths! III. There Was An Open Heart - vv27, 30-31, 34, 37 A. Eunuch could have made an excuse not to let Philip in. 1. ?I?m already religious.? 2. ?I?m of a higher social class.? 3. ?I don?t know you.? B. Instead, he was honest and sincere enough to receive God?s word with eager and careful consideration. 1. Like the Bereans - Acts 17:11 2. Such people desire to be taught truth even for the possibility that all they know may be wrong! C. Why? 1. Because there were and still are some people who realize that God is higher than they are and they respect Him a. 1 Thess 2:13 2. They have humility, patience, and above all, a real desire to please God. 3. An open heart is not only critical to receiving salvation, it?s essential for God?s continued approval. 4. Psalm 119:2, 10-11, 34-36, 57-59, 111-112, 159-162 IV. There Was An Open Pool - vs 36, 38 A. When they came to water, the eunuch didn?t hesitate; he did what he needed to do immediately. B. There are some things about the water that are not specified: 1. Salt water or fresh; Large pool or small; Warm water or cold C. But it WAS: 1. Enough for them to go into and come out of. 2. Enough for baptism - immersion 3. Enough to fulfill God?s will & receive salvation D. Consider the role water has played in the Bible story: 1. The flood - To cleanse the earth of wickedness 2. The Red Sea - Crossing from slavery to freedom 3. The cleansing of Naaman - Cured by obedience E. It is still a vital part of God?s plan 1. Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 2. Evidently, the eunuch saw the pool of water as his opportunity to obey God, identify with Jesus? sacrifice, and be saved. The same lesson must be learned by all today. V. From These Came An Open Life - vs39 A. The first thing the eunuch did was to rejoice. No doubt as he went on his way, he was open to: 1. Praise God - 1 Cor 15:56-57, 2 Cor 9:15 2. Further study - 1 Pet 2:1-3 3. Correction when needed - Heb 12:5-7 4. The love of the brethren - 1 Pet 1:22 5. Communion with God in prayer - Phil 4:6, 1 Tim 2:8 6. Continuing faithfully to receive the full reward - Matt 10:22 B. ?Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God.? Ps 68:31 1. Ethiopian eunuch was the first to bring the gospel to his native land a. Iranaeus (2nd cent) wrote, ?The eunuch became a missionary to the Ethiopians.? C. No doubt, his new, changed life was a testimony to the power of the gospel to produce saving faith. He was a walking, talking open book! Conc: To go from an open book to an open life takes courage. A. Do you want a life that is open, read by all to be a reflection of the grace of God that resides within you? B. Begin where the eunuch did: 1. Open the book 2. Let someone open their mouth 3. Open your heart 4. Be immersed in water 5. Go and rejoice! C. INV -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090518/8c775863/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon May 18 12:27:02 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 13:27:02 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Decisions For Graduates (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: Decisions For Graduates (Kent Heaton) This time of year is filled with anticipation and excitement as young people who have spent more than half of their life in school will graduate and move on to the next phase of their lives. With eagerness graduates will enter the world with na?ve expectations and goals. There will be many lessons to learn from the "university of hard knocks" and without proper guidance, these decisions will lead to life long regrets. How can the young secure their hearts to make decisions that will offer a life time of rewards? The answer lies within the pages of God's word. The fifth book of the Bible is a place of transition for a newly formed nation. From the days of Abraham in Genesis through the stories of the Exodus, the nation of Israel was formed and delivered from the bondage of Egyptian oppression. Because of rebellion, the nation had spent forty years wandering through the wilderness. Joshua has taken the lead of the nation following the death of Moses. The Lord's advice to Joshua in Joshua 1 is an important foundation that young people should build their lives upon. In verse two, Jehovah says to Joshua - "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel." Joshua needed to recognize that the days of Moses were passed and that a new day dawned. There was a time of mourning for Moses (Deuteronomy 34) but those days were passed. There was work to be done and goals to accomplish. The Jordan River needed to be crossed to conquer the land. Joshua should focus on the task at hand without the regrets and disappointments of yesterday. Someone once said, "We are victims of our past, prisoners of the present and judges of our future." The days of High School are over and the expanse of life is before each graduate. An eye of anticipation should prevail as each graduate begins to set the course for his or her life. There may be regrets in life and disappointments but what matters now is establishing solid patterns of decisions that will lessen the regrets of the future. "Now therefore" signifies the face being set for the challenges of tomorrow. God tells Joshua to "arise and go over this Jordan." This is the importance of action and direction. Talking about conquering the land of Canaan did not get the job done. Crossing the Jordan and going about the work of God's plan required action. In life, there will be many Jordan's to cross. There will be Jericho's that give us great victory (Joshua 6) and there will be failures as in the day of Ai (Joshua 7). The difference between Jericho and Ai is whether one trust in the Lord and obeys him. Joshua was promised by God that in obedience, no man would be able to stand against the people of God nor would God forsake them. (Joshua 1:5) The most valuable tool the graduate can take with them in life is the promise of God given to Joshua. If one will fully trust in the Lord and seek His guidance in life, great victories will be achieved. Forsaking Jehovah will only bring failure. It takes courage to face the uncertainties of the future. "Be strong and of a good courage." (Joshua 1:6) Be alert to the wiles of the devil (1 Peter 5:8) and follow the admonition of Paul in Ephesians 5:15,16 - "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." The final advice is never to let the word of God depart from your life. "Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left . not depart out of thy mouth . meditate day and night . observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:7-8) The decision is yours graduate. Let Jehovah God rule in your life and guide your steps. 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090518/cc1997c8/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Mon May 18 15:16:34 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 16:16:34 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - BOOKLET - God's Plan for Mankind Message-ID: GOD REVEALS HIS PLAN FOR MANKIND (The Hope of mankind) 1. In the beginning ?God created the heaven and the earth? Genesis 11-6 - In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 2. Man was cast out of the Garden of Eden because he rejected the instruction of God. Adam and Eve violated a direct command from Almighty God. Man of his own free will chose to reject God?s instruction; the loss of paradise was man?s fault. Genesis 2:15-17 15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die. (KJV) Genesis 3:1-6 1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die. 5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 3. God chose Abraham and entered into a covenant with him to perpetuate a plan for restoring man to a good relationship. This plan was prepared prior to the creation 3. God planned before creation to restore man if he sinned against HIM. God did not make man a sinner, man chose to be a sinner by disobeying God?s instructions. Therefore we understand that God?s plan to provide a redeemer for sinful man was a contingency plan predicated upon man?s choice. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (KJV) Ephesians 1:4-5 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (KJV 4. God institutes His plan with Abraham and enters into a covenant with Him - Genesis 22:14-18 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, in the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. 15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 16 And said, by myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. (KJV) 5. This same promise (i.e. made to Abraham is repeated to Isaac and to Jacob as the plan of God continues to unfold ? Exodus 6:3-7 3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: 7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (KJV) 6. God sends Moses to deliver the Israelites (i.e. the Israelites consists of 12 tribes at the time they come out of bondage ? all sons of Jacob [i.e. Israel]). It has been estimated that perhaps 6,000,000 people came out of Egypt ? (admin at ancient-hebrew.org Jesus' Parables Message-ID: Jesus' Parables I. Introduction A. Parables: major element of Jesus' teachings 1. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, main way Jesus teaches the people 2. Great importance placed upon them B. Let us, then, consider Jesus' parables II. Understanding Parables A. What are Parables? 1. Greek parabolee, "to put near or to compare" 2. Webster: "A comparison or similitude, in which one thing is compared with another; especially spiritual things with natural, by which means these spiritual things are better understood, and make a deeper impression on the attentive mind." 3. In short, a true-to-life story that presents spiritual truths B. Why Parables? 1. Why does Jesus speak in these ways? 2. Matthew 13:10-17: disciples to hear and understand, others will not (cf. Mark 4:33-34) 3. A "catchy" way of teaching 4. Stories provide greater staying power, retention in memory than simple statements 5. Stories familiar to them in their context 6. Also to fulfill prophecy (Matthew 13:34-35 / Psalm 78:2) C. Let us consider the parables III. Types of Parables A. Parables Using Agricultural Images 1. Parable of Sower: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 / Mark 14:1-12 / Luke 8:4-10 (responses to Gospel) 2. Parable of Wheat and Tares: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 / Mark 4:26-29 (sinners left in midst of righteous) 3. Parable of Mustard Seed: Matthew 13:31-32 / Mark 4:30-32 / Luke 13:18-19 (growth of faith, Kingdom) 4. Parable of Seed Growth: Mark 4:26-28 (God provides increase) 5. Parable of Treasure in Field: Matthew 13:44 (great value of Kingdom) 6. Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9 (need for encouragement) 7. Parable of Vineyard Owner and Workers: Matthew 20:1-16 (all obtain equal inheritance) 8. Parable of Two Sons: Matthew 21:28-32 (repentance over sanctimony) 9. Parable of the Vineyard: Matthew 21:33-44 / Mark 12:1-12 / Luke 20:9-19 (cf. Isaiah 5:1-7, condemnation for killing Jesus) 10. Parable of the Lesson of Fig Tree: Matthew 24:34-35 / Mark 13:28-31 / Luke 21:29-32 (knowing the time) B. Parables Using Household Images 1. Parables of Garments, Wineskins: Luke 5:36-39 (covenant change) 2. Parable of Woman and Leaven: Matthew 13:33 / Luke 13:20-21 (growth of Kingdom) 3. Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10 (value of repentance of one soul) C. Parables Involving Feasts 1. Parable of the Feast : Luke 14:7-11 (humility) 2. Parable of the Wedding Feast: Matthew 22:1-14 / Luke 14:16-24 (salvation of repentant sinful) 3. Parable of the Virgins: Matthew 25:1-13 (need for readiness) D. Life Situation Parables, Extended Parables 1. Parable of Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:23-35 (need to forgive others) 2. Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind: Luke 6:39 (folly of judgment) 3. Parable of the Debtors: Luke 7:41-46 (the more forgiven, the more thankful) 4. Parable of Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37 (everyone our neighbor) 5. Parable of the Rich Fool: Luke 12:16-21 (vanity of riches) 6. Parable of the Servants: Luke 12:35-48 (Matthew 24:42-51; need for readiness, constant obedience) 7. Parable of Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32 (need for repentance, humility) 8. Parable of Dishonest Manager: Luke 16:1-9 (need to have skillfulness) 9. Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-30 (need to heed God) 10. Parable of Persistent Widow: Luke 18:1-8 (persistence in prayer) 11. Parable of Pharisee and Tax Collector: Luke 18:9-14 (humility, repentance) 12. Parable of the Talents/Minas: Matthew 25:14-30 / Luke 19:11-27 (work according to ability) E. Other Parables 1. Parable of Pearl of Great Price: Matthew 13:45 (great value of Kingdom) 2. Parable of the Dragnet: Matthew 13:47-50 (righteous, wicked to be sorted out) 3. Parable of the Lost Sheep: Matthew 18:10-14 / Luke 15:3-5 (value of one soul to God) F. Other narratives Jesus provides could be considered as parables; some here may be disputed by some G. Nevertheless, such represent the majority of the parables of Jesus IV. Understanding the Parables A. Parables used to describe many things 1. Present reality, as in parable of vineyard, good samaritan 2. The nature of the Kingdom, as in parable of virgins, talents, etc. 3. Instruction in prayer (parable of persistent widow), forgiveness (parable of unforgiving servant), other doctrines and practices 4. Guides to promoting the Gospel (parable of sower), preparation for the return of Jesus (parable of the virgins), etc. B. Focus of parables not on the situation itself, but on spiritual truth underneath 1. God is not really concerned about scattered seed, for example! 2. None of the parables are to be literalized, applications drawn from literal language 3. Instead, let the language illustrate the spiritual truth Jesus intends to convey C. Parables show Jesus' mastery of instruction 1. Of all the means by which Jesus teaches, the parable is the most easily remembered 2. Immediately accessible to all sorts of people, regardless of intelligence, social class 3. Each parable is profound in its depth, applicability 4. Lessons could be provided on each one! D. We ought to have great appreciation for this vehicle of instruction! V. Conclusion A. Jesus' parables 1. A wealth of spiritual insight 2. Simple yet profound 3. Important means by which Jesus communicated the Gospel of the Kingdom B. Let us value the parables for what they provide 1. The literal story the vehicle to provide spiritual truth 2. Guidance in serving God, promoting the Gospel, how to conduct ourselves, etc. 3. Extremely important! C. Let us appreciate Jesus' parables and apply their lessons to our lives! 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 disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon May 18 16:00:39 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 17:00:39 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Isaiah 40-66 Message-ID: Isaiah 40-66 I. Introduction A. Isaiah 40-66 B. Continuing in Isaiah 1. Chapters 1-39 directed toward prophet's own day 2. Chapters 40-66 to a different, later audience C. Let us consider these chapters II. Isaiah 40-66: The Details A. Authorship 1. Hotly disputed 2. Traditional view: Isaiah wrote it to a different audience 3. Scholarly views: material written by so-called "Deutero-Isaiah" or by both "Deutero-Isaiah" (Isaiah 40-55) and "Trito-Isaiah" (Isaiah 56-66) 4. Matthew 3:3, Luke 4:17, John 12:38, Acts 8:30, etc. attest sections to Isaiah 5. One of three most quoted books of the OT in the NT B. Dating 1. Isaiah prophesies from Uzziah through Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1) 2. Therefore, prophecies date from ca. 750-690 BCE C. Audience 1. Isaiah 40-66 likely sealed up in prophet's day, to be opened in days of exile (cf. Isaiah 8:16) 2. Thus, material for Israel ca. 532 BCE, just before the return from exile 3. We can gain much also D. Purpose 1. To encourage the exiles to return to Judah 2. To affirm God's uniqueness and sovereignty 3. To set forth the future hope of Israel, seen most clearly in the Christ III. Isaiah 40-66: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Comfort to Israel, God's Sovereignty (Isaiah 40-48) 2. The Servant (Isaiah 49-55) 3. Living in the Land, Future Promise (Isaiah 56-66) B. Comfort and Strength (Isaiah 40-41) 1. Message of comfort to people; Jerusalem as pardoned (Isaiah 40:1-2) 2. Preparation of way back to Judah; God's glory to be revealed (Isaiah 40:3-5) 3. Message cried out: flesh as grass, but God's word remains forever (Isaiah 40:6-8) 4. God's greatness, manifest in power, unfathomable depths of His ways; cannot be compared to an idol; God as Creator, giver or taker of life; even when it does not seem like He is, God is there, watching, providing strength (Isaiah 40:9-31) 5. Renew people in strength; God as first and last, king maker and deposer; idol makers strong, but God stronger; Jacob as chosen servant, God with him; those against him will fail; God the Helper of the worm Jacob; God will do wonderful things (Isaiah 41:1-20) 6. Case of God vs. idols: idols unable to say anything, for they are nothing; God as from the beginning, idols as emptiness, nothing (Isaiah 41:21-29) C. The Servant, the New Song, God's Greatness (Isaiah 42-44) 1. Introduction of the servant: one who does righteousness (Isaiah 42:1-4) 2. God as Creator, calls out His people, renewed covenant, new things are present, former things have passed (Isaiah 42:5-9) 3. New song to the LORD: sing praise, God's greatness , God no longer restrained, those who believe in Him He will lead, those who trust idols ashamed (Isaiah 42:10-17) 4. None as blind and deaf as servant/messenger; LORD magnifies His law despite His people being beleaguered; God will raise them up (Isaiah 42:18-25) 5. Jacob not to fear; God honors Jacob, will gather the Dispersion; bring out witnesses, recognize that there is none other than God; Chaldeans to become fugitives; God as doing a new thing, deserts now fertile; Jacob has not brought sacrifices but sins; God will forgive them, but only after the devastation (Isaiah 43) 6. Jacob as God's chosen; no gods like God; story of the makers of idols, using half to warm by the fire, bowing down to other half: foolishness (Isaiah 44:1-20) 7. Jacob to remember these things; God has forgiven them; heavens to sing of it; God as creator, making foolish those using black arts; restorer of Judah; One who lifts up Cyrus (Isaiah 44:21-28) D. Cyrus, the LORD, Babylon (Isaiah 45-48) 1. Cyrus as God's anointed, commissioned to rule to re-establish Judah; God as alone, there are no others, God the Creator (Isaiah 45:1-7) 2. Showers of righteousness; woe to those who challenge God; God as the Creator (Isaiah 45:8-13) 3. Wealth of others to Israel; God as a God who hides Himself; idolaters will be confounded; God as Creator; His case against idolatrous nations; no other God but Him, all turn to Him to be saved; every knee will bow (Isaiah 45:14-25) 4. Babylonian idols stoop; God will carry Jacob; how can God be likened to an idol?; no other God like the LORD; His counsel will stand; stubborn of heart must hear that God will bring salvation to Zion (Isaiah 46) 5. Babylon to be humiliated; God gave Israel into their hand in His anger, they did not honor Him, presumed their own glory; ruin and devastation upon her; try to find security in idols, astrologers: all to be put to shame (Isaiah 47) 6. Message to disobedient Jews: God declared what would be done lest they give His honor to idols; they remain rebellious; attempt to refine them; God will not give glory to another (Isaiah 48:1-11) 7. God as originator of all; God declares purpose on Babylon, will accomplish it; God wishes Israel would have heeded His commandments, would have prospered them; nevertheless, depart from Babylon; water from rock; no peace for wicked (Isaiah 48:12-22) E. Servant, Restoration, Comfort, Salvation (Isaiah 49:1-52:12) 1. Servant as called from the womb; Israel, in whom God will be glorified; servant to gather Jacob back to God; all will see that Israel is chosen (Isaiah 49:1-7) 2. God's day of salvation; God will lead them back across the land, preparing way for them; God as comforting His afflicted people (Isaiah 49:8-13) 3. Zion as forsaken, but God does not forget her; Zion to be rebuilt; bereaved of children, she will now have more than ever; all nations humiliated before Zion; Israel's oppressors to suffer violence (Isaiah 49:14-26) 4. Israel not divorced, just cast off for sin; no one answered God's call despite His ability to save; servant not rebellious, chastised by others; God as helping servant, will be justified; those who believe in God, hear servant, should serve God (Isaiah 50) 5. God provides comfort for Zion, those who serve Him; His people should watch and see His power manifest against the nations; do not fear the reproach of man, God will prevail; God as defeating Rahab, did other great things, will redeem Zion; God as comforter, why fear man who perishes? (Isaiah 51:1-16) 6. Jerusalem to wake up and stand; drunk on the cup of the LORD's wrath; He now removes that cup, places it in hands of tormentors (Isaiah 51:17-23) 7. Zion to awake, put on beautiful clothes; only the clean will now enter; no longer captive (Isaiah 52:1-2) 8. Sold for nothing, redeemed without money; people of God fled to Egypt, oppressed by Assyria; all God's people will know His name (Isaiah 52:5-6) 9. Beauty of feet of those who bring good news to Zion; joy of the city; God has redeemed Jerusalem; His people to leave where they are, go to Jerusalem (Isaiah 52:7-12) F. The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) 1. Servant exalted; appearance beyond human semblance; will sprinkle many nations; kings silenced before him (Isaiah 52:13-15) 2. Who has believed report? Servant grows up as tender plant; no beauty to see; despised and rejected; despised (Isaiah 53:1-3) 3. He bore our griefs; esteemed stricken by God; wounded for our sin; by his stripes we are healed; we have strayed; LORD laid on Him our iniquity (Isaiah 53:4-6) 4. Despite affliction, did not open mouth, like lamb before slaughter; made grave with the wicked despite doing no wrong (Isaiah 53:7-9) 5. God's will to put him to grief; many made righteous through the servant; his portion with the many; poured out his soul, makes intercession for transgressors (Isaiah 53:10-12) G. God's Covenant and Greatness (Isaiah 54-55) 1. The barren to sing; will have many children; offspring will prosper; they will be unashamed; God as husband; Israel as wife God calls back, shows compassion (Isaiah 54:1-8) 2. Like days of Noah; covenant will not depart; afflicted will obtain jewels; righteousness will be established; all who rise against her will fail (Isaiah 54:11-17) 3. Come to God, obtain good things; serve God and live; David as witness to peoples; God as glorifying Israel (Isaiah 55:1-5) 4. Seek God while He remains near; God has compassion; His ways, thoughts not our ways, thoughts; God's purposes will be accomplished like rain falls to earth; joy and peace and prosperity for Israel (Isaiah 55:6-13) H. Foreigners and Idolaters (Isaiah 56-57) 1. Need to do what is right; foreigners and eunuchs will be given place among God's people, brought to Temple, sacrifices accepted (Isaiah 56:1-8) 2. Rulers as beasts; satiate themselves (Isaiah 56:9-12) 3. Righteous die in peace; idolaters, other sinful people revel, partake in their idolatry and sinfulness; they will not profit (Isaiah 57:1-13) 4. God will heal the lowly, contrite, despite previous iniquity; no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 57:14-21) I. Righteousness and Wickedness (Isaiah 58-59) 1. Declare to Jacob his sin: they seek God daily, fast, but not for God; God's desire is for them to relieve oppression, do justice; then God will heed them, prosper them; take delight in God's ways (Isaiah 58) 2. God able to save, but man's sin has created separation; great sin among the people, seek after sin; justice far from them, removed from them; great despair since justice has been turned back; truth lacking (Isaiah 59:1-15) 3. God sees this, displeases Him; delivers with His own arm; armed with righteousness; repays according to their deeds; people will fear His name, Redeemer to Zion; new covenant, His words perpetually in their mouths (Isaiah 59:16-21) J. The Glory of Coming Salvation (Isaiah 60-62) 1. Glory of God upon people; nations drawn to it; abundance and prosperity from nations; foreigners will rebuild city; God's favor restored (Isaiah 60:1-11) 2. Those who do not serve Israel will perish; oppressors will come in humility; Zion made majestic; Israel will know that the LORD is their Redeemer; great wealth, no more violence; LORD as their light; righteous people; all will be well (Isaiah 60:12-22) 3. LORD has anointed prophet to speak good news to the poor; liberty; Zion to be place of gladness, restored; foreigners will maintain fields, people as priests; eating wealth of nations; God loves justice; covenant restored, perpetual; people known to be of the LORD by all; rejoice n the LORD who has clothed Israel with salvation; righteousness and praise before all the nations (Isaiah 61) 4. Zion's righteousness to go forth, seen by kings and nations; new name; LORD delights in Zion; Zion as married, rejoiced over; watchmen appointed; LORD will not have rest until Jerusalem established; foreigners will not plunder again; salvation in Zion, not forsaken (Isaiah 62) K. Vengeance, Rebellion, Restoration (Isaiah 63-64) 1. Winepress of God's anger tread, Edom suffers; God brings salvation Himself (Isaiah 63:1-6) 2. God's love recounted; rebellion of Israel; God leads people; God as Father of Israel, why are their hearts hardened? (Isaiah 63:7-19) 3. Petition that God would make Name known to adversaries; Israel as condemned for sin; petition that God will not remember sin, be forgiven, no longer be afflicted (Isaiah 64) L. Judgment, Salvation, and the New Kingdom (Isaiah 65-66) 1. God ready to be sought by people who did not ask for Him; hands spread out to rebellious people, idolatrous, sinful; God will repay (Isaiah 65:1-7) 2. God will not destroy everyone; people who seek Him will be delivered; those who forsake God will be condemned; contrast of fate between God's servants, others (Isaiah 65:8-16) 3. Creation of new heavens and new earth; God as rejoicing in Jerusalem, is people; no more distress; all will be well; peace and tranquility (Isaiah 65:17-25) 4. God ruler of all; looks upon humble and contrite; sacrifices vain since people choose their own way; harsh treatment since they did not do what God says (Isaiah 66:1-4) 5. Evil may cast out righteous, but they will be put to shame; LORD recompenses enemies (Isaiah 66:5-6) 6. Zion brings forth children quickly; rejoice in Jerusalem; peace extended, God will comfort; judgment brought upon enemies, idolaters (Isaiah 66:7-17) 7. All nations will see God's glory; all will be brought to Jerusalem as offering, God will make some priests; everyone comes before God to prostrate before Him; they will see the corpses of the rebellious (Isaiah 66:18-24) IV. Isaiah 40-66: Important Passages A. Isaiah 40:3-5 1. Heralding John the Baptist 2. Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23 B. Isaiah 40:6-8 / 1 Peter 1:24-25 C. Isaiah 47 / Revelation 17-18 D. Isaiah 49:8 / 2 Corinthians 6:2 E. Isaiah 52:7 / Romans 10:15 F. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 1. Prediction of suffering of Jesus 2. John 12:38, Romans 10:16, 1 Peter 2:22-25, Acts 8:32 3. Many other passages evoke language here! G. Isaiah 55:8-9 H. Isaiah 59:1-2 I. Isaiah 61:1-4 / Luke 4:18-19 J. Isaiah 65 1. v. 1 / Romans 10:20 2. vv. 17-20 / 2 Peter 3:9-12, Revelation 21-22 K. Isaiah 66:1-2 / cf. Acts 7:49-50 V. Conclusion A. Isaiah 40-66 1. Hope for the disconsolate 2. Strong affirmation of God as unique, Creator, there is no other 3. The suffering Servant B. Hope for the future 1. Israel will return to the land 2. God will have victory over idols 3. The future kingdom of Christ: all nations to serve God C. Let us take great comfort in Isaiah's prophecies! 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 J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue May 19 05:34:36 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 06:34:36 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) A CHURCH OF GOD UNITED 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: A CHURCH OF GOD UNITED There is a beauty of unity clearly seen when we witness groups of birds in flight moving in symmetry or multiple jets performing choreographed maneuvers or a band marching and playing in rhythmic patterns on the ball field. These groups seem to move as one, thinking and acting in unison. The apostle Paul pled with brethren in the church of God in Corinth to "all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). God desires His Son's followers to move in symmetry in choreographed maneuvers marching in a rhythmic pattern as a church of God. How would the church be able to do this? This kind of unity occurs when a leader is followed. Jesus Christ is that Leader or Head of the church. Unity can be maintained whent he followers of Christ only allow Him to be their Lord and Savior. Jesus is not divided. Jesus was crucified for us and we are baptized into Him (1 Cor. 1:13). No other person or persons, including Peter and Paul can be leader of the church of the Lord (vs. 12). Jesus Christ should be everything to the church, and then the body of Christ will not be divided (vss. 26-31). The church of God will be united when the message of the cross of Christ is preached (1 Cor. 1:18-25). The only way a group of believers can speak the same thing and be of the same mind and the same judgment is for that group to have the same teaching to follow. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides the guid- ing instructions necessary for such unity. God gives His Spirit to unite His people (1 Cor. 2:1-16). The power of harmony comes from the heart of men and women thinking about spiritual things. The spiritual man will judge everyting according to the wisdom of God and not by the teach- ing of men. The church of God is united through Christ the Head, His teaching and His Spirit's guidance -- "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God -- and right- eousness and sanctification and redemption -- that, as it is writt- en, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:30,31). It is truly difficult to step aside with our thoughts and our views to only adhere to the tenants of Jesus Christ, but that is what it will take to be a church of God that is united. ------------ Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090519/dbda5988/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue May 19 05:34:49 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 06:34:49 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) PATIENT IN TRIBULATION Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. PATIENT IN TRIBULATION "Patient in tribulation" (Rom. 12:12 NKJV) is another practic- al dictum of Paul in this wonderful chapter of living a transform- ed life for God. We need this exhortation to remember to "hang in there," as my friend Randy Harshbarger ays, "like a hair on a biscuit." In fact. this ungodly world is a "furnace of affliction" (Isa. 48:10) for the faithful Christian and will "cook our goose" if we waver in our devotion to Christ. Yet, Paul assures us that, by God, we can do it! The word "patient" (Gr. hupomeno) literally is "to stay under," which means "to remain, i.e. abide, not flee...to preserve under misfortunes and trials, to hold fast to one's faith in Christ, to endure...bravely and calmly" (Thayer). We need this character- istic to face all the evils in the world that may discourage and defeat us. Paul tells us that, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). This world is not a play- ground; rather, it is a battleground for the souls of men! A specific example, in our context of Rom. 12, of such perse- verance needed is: "bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (vs. 14). It is hard to persevere and be patient with people when they seek to hurt you while you are trying to do them good. Sinners often do not like the light of truth that expos- es their ungodliness, nor the convicting influence of righteous examples. So they may criticize us, reject us, and perhaps even try to harm us. Paul teaches us that Christians do not allow oth- ers to determine how we treat them. Christians are transitional people in this fallen world. Adam Clarke observed concerning being "patient in tribulat- ion": "Remember that what you suffer as Christians you suffer for Christ's sake; and it is to His honor, and the honor of your Christian profession, that you suffer it with a patient mind." We can handle any "what" if we have a big enough "why." Practical Help In Hanging On: -- So, we know the Bible abundant- ly teaches we msut persevere (Lk. 21:19; Heb. 10:36). The Bible says it is possible to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4). Yet, many of us are often subject to discouragement. Some feel they are losing the battle of dealing with the temptations and trials of being a dedicated saint. So what "take home" guidance does Paul give us so we can patiently hang on to the Lord amid our tribulat- ions? 1. The Eyes Of Faith: -- We must remember to see our trials through the eyes of faith. The world thinks all suffering is a big waste. Yet, Paul teachers that God-relying "faith" (Rom. 12:3) sees things from God's perspective. Our "faith" to stand in divine "grace" empowers us to "exult in the hope of the glory of God"(Rom. 5:1). Earlier in Romans, Paul encourages us amid our trials "We also exult in our tribulatiosn, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who was given to us" (Rom. 5:3-5). We must see a spiritual benefit in our trials, in order to endure them success- fully (Jas. 1:2-4). "Tribulation" (Gr. thlipsis, lit. "pressure") can remind us of our weaknesses. We see our need to draw upon God's love in Christ as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Tribulation, through the eyes of faith, will refine our character and motivate us to seek heaven's eternal reward. 2. Drawing On God's Resources: -- Paul tells us we have God's "mercies" that he described in the first half of Romans in the gospel plan of salvation. We have God's 'grace" (Rom. 12:3) in which He moved heaven and earth to save us. He will be there for us in prayer (Rom. 12:12), while Christ at God's right hand "intercedes for us" (Rom. 8:34). If Jesus were sitting by you right now, praying specifically for you, wouldn't you be encouraged? By faith He promised to always be with us (Matt. 28:20). Paul elsewhere teaches that if we focus on"increasing in the knowledge of God" that we will be "strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfast- ness and patience" (Col. 1:10,11). Paul should know because he overcame horrific adversity by growing closer to the Lord in patience (2 Cor. 11:23 - 12:10; Phil. 4:13). 3. Help From Brethren: -- Paul explains that we are members in the body (Rom. 12:4,5) that works together to spiritually edify and meet the needs of each other (Rom. 12:6-8,13). We are also part of God's family, the Lord's fellowship of brethren (Rom. 12: 10), who rejoice together and empathize with one another (Rom. 12:15). In isolation from brethren, trials can demoralize us and then destroy us. Yet, they can be borne with the loving support of empathetic brethren. 4. Look To Heaven: -- We can hang on, regardless of how bad circumstances are, by "rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12a), which is "laid up in heaven" (Col. 1:5). The reason we endure temptation and trials is because we see this as part of the refin- ing process, whcih ultimately fits us for heaven (1 Jno. 3:2,3). We joyfully look to be with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, along with the redeemed of all ages, as well as the heaven- ly host in famulous glory. 5. The Bible Safety Rope: -- You can hang on if you will hold open the Scriptures and latch on to the thrilling examples of per- severance therein! "For whatever was written in earlier times was writtn for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is filled with many ordinary people, just like us, who persevered against overwhelming odds because of their extraordinary faith in God! Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, you can find a similar situation that can help you persevere! For example I remember seeing a young man in a hospital's intensive care unit with a life-threatening condition. For weeks he hovered be- tween life and death. He told me that the best thing that helped him to persevere without giving up was reading through the Book of Job. He could connect, across 4,000 years, with Job's severe trial of suffering and his example of perseverance (Jas. 5: 11). At another time, I went to see a sister in Christ who had suff- ered a botched surgery that was almost fatal. I walked into her room during her difficult recovery, just as she was looking at the gaping incision in her side. I overheard her say, "Just think that Jesus had His side pierced for me." In both cases, they were thinking about Biblical examples of spiritual victory over difficult problems. This is how Paul in Romans says we can use Scritpure to be patient in trials. As you read both the Old Testament and the New Testament, get to know those heroes of faith. Look at their examples, along with Jesus, who persevered under severe trials They stand at the finsh line of life's journey (Heb. 12:1,2) and wave us on: "Your can do it!" Don't give up! God's heavenly reward is worth it!" Remember, you're not beaten unless you quit. -------- W. Frank Walton in Focus Magazine, No. 103, Feb. 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090519/444127a5/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 20 03:43:50 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 04:43:50 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here are a couple of questions and answers that might be helpful in your study. These are taken from my files: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS QUESTION: -- Could you explain James 4:17? Isn't this verse taken out of context when it is used to try to force people to do good? ANSWER: -- "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boast- ing is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin" (Jas. 4:13-17). I included the verses preceding the text you mentioned so that we would have the context for this verse. James is warning us about the careless attitude of business and daily life. While we make plans for a grand future, life can change in a moment. Death, illness, unemployment, foreclosure can catch any one of us. We should not be so sure of ourselves that we think we can make tomorrow or next year exactly what we want them to be. Instead, we are to be humble, relying on God and counting on Him to sustain us, regardless of the unex- pected turns in life. In this context James wants us to keep our priorities straight Since we do not know what tomorrow will bring, let alone next year, we should busy ourselves with doing what is good. To let our focus drift to mundane things instead of the important things is wrong, it is sin. So, in simple terms, James (as he does throughout his letter) is pushing us to keep our loyalty to God in place at all times. We are to maintain our focus on Him by doing good every day. As to this verse being misused, I don't know. I suppose, like any verse, someone can manipulate it. But, doing good is our task before God. Any time we do less than God wants, we sin. So, this verse may specifically point to our priorities, but it speaks more broadly to another principle as well. We should do good at all times, because God is our priority. --- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 21, May 22, 2009. **************************************************************************** **** QUESTION: -- Is it proper or correct for one to partake of only the bread during the Lord's Supper and not the fruit of the vine? ANSWER: -- When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, it was with both the bread and cup (Matt. 26:26-28). The apostle Paul wrote later, "For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, This is My body, which for you: this do in rememberance of Me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying. This cup is the new covenant in My blood: this do, as often as ye drink (it), in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till He come" (1 Cor. 11:23-26). It seems clear to me that the Lord intended for His disciples to partake of both the bread and the cup, for He said for them to do so. Paul also shows that in 1 Cor. 11. I have no idea why the lady in question doesn't partake of the "fruit of the vine," but there is a simple way to find out. Instead of talking about her behind her back, talk TO her, and ask her. She may have some concerns with which you can help her, and if you approach her with a loving attitude you can try. She may have some under- standing about the purpose of the Lord's Supper, or she may feel that she is not worthy of the blood of Christ. I don't know. Just ask her. -------- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 21, May 22, 2009. (Does not, the Catholic priest give just the wafer of bread to the recipients of the Communion? And he himself partakes of the fruit of the vine? Just a question of my own, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090520/acf6b2d7/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed May 20 03:44:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 04:44:00 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) DID JESUS FAIL IN HIS MISSION? (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. DID JESUS FAIL IN HIS MISSION? (1) Faced by the conditions around us, many point to the deplo- rable situation brought on by the raucous chantings of the apos- tles of violence, deceit and licentiousness, men are sometimes led to believe that Christianity has failed. On every hand we hear that conviction expressed, and see it manifested in the lives of men who have denied their own upbringing and childhood train- ing, that the gospel of Christ was sufficient for ancient times, but is really not relevant in our society today. If the "law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus" was sufficient then (Rom. 8:2), what or who has failed that it is no longer considered sufficient? It is time for Christians to take stock to see whether the princ- iples of Christianity are still working today, and if they will, to press with renewed vigor to fight for their enforcement. What many fail to understand is that if Christianity has failed, then Jesus Christ has failed. If the gospel is without value today, then all of the churches had better close their doors and spend their money and time to better profit than in preaching it, until a new one is discovered that will meet conditions as they are today. Before we close our church buildings, though, we had best first ask in what specific ways Christ has failed, adn then wheth- er He has actually been given a fair trial (He did not receive one while he was upon this earth the first time, JWS). Many men speak of His failure who have not the slightest idea as to the pur- pose of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Without knowledge of an individual's purpose, none can rightly say that he has failed in it. If the Lord Jesus Christ has failed in what He set out to do, then we must admit it and quit. But if men assign to Christ pur- poses and plans which were not His, and then claim that He has failed in them, the obligation to close up shop falls upon the accuser and not on the Christian. (The only place that Christ might have failed in any way is the failure to be able to enter the hearts of the unbelievers. This would be failure on their part and not upon His. Look at the millions of success stories surround- ing those who have believed and obeyed. To them He is every- thing but a failure, JWS). The Purpose Of Jesus In Coming To Earth: -- Jesus clearly stat- ed His purposes in coming to earth. First, He came to reveal God to mankind. Man had not known God, as the apostle Paul explained to the people of Athens. To these idolaters, he said of God: "He made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us: for in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone graven by art and device of man. The times of ignorance there- fore God overlooked; but now He commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:26-30). Jesus, during His ministry on earth, said, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father" (Jno. 14:9); and, "Yea and if I judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me...I and the Father are one" (Jno. 8:16; 10:30). Jesus Came To Bring Salvation To Man: -- When Jesus came to reveal God to man, that meant showing that God wanted to save man from his sins. Sin separates man from God, and God wanted man back in fellowship with Him: "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, so that He will not hear...for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever be- lieveth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (Isa. 59:2; Jno. 3:16). In describing His mission in the world, Jesus said, "The Son of man ame to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk. 19:10). That was His mission, an it remains His mission today. Be- fore He left earth to return to the Father in heaven, Jesus met with the twelve apostles and told them: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned" (Mk. 16:15,16). All the history of mankind shows that man expected something beyond the grave. In every cult- ure, man looks forward to something beyone death. But it was Jesus Christ who rolled back the curtain to reveal what that is, and give us assurance that the grave is not the end. "And He said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, adn rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Lk. 24:46,47). Because His purpose was to save people, the thrust of His gospel was and is "the remission of sins." And that is why He explains, by His own experience and His divine wisdom, that we shall be raised from the dead. "But now hath Christ been raised fromt he dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrect- ion of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."a (1 Cor. 15:20-22). (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090520/1c6dc216/attachment-0001.html From brschoolau at yahoo.com.au Wed May 20 15:16:44 2009 From: brschoolau at yahoo.com.au (david) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 06:16:44 +1000 Subject: [Biblemat] Help with Role of Women In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <26CD3E3A6FCE43AEA0B0F9F20F26BAE5@Moses> Looking for some help via sermon, article powerpoint on the role of women in he church We do not have a problem with this at trhe monent but overheard conversations indicate we need to look at this subject. Many thanks for the great contributuions that come via this list David Australia -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/c220ef8c/attachment.html From exhortingyou at gmail.com Wed May 20 21:51:07 2009 From: exhortingyou at gmail.com (Exhorting You) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 21:51:07 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Exhorting One Another newsletter, Issue 74 Message-ID: <300d676a0905201951i726e6962u721f1da43552f23f@mail.gmail.com> Issue 74 of the Exhorting One Another newsletter is now available. This issue features the following: - Helping Shoulder The Load - Did You Think To Pray? by Brother Allen Webster - Children and Worship by Brother Bobby Witherington - Straight Talk for Young People by Brother Jacob Hudgins In order to access this newsletter, click on http://groups.google.com/group/exhorting-one-another/web/issue-74 - or if this link does not work, copy & paste it into your browser's address bar. If you would like to receive this newsletter on a regular basis, please email me at exhortingyou at gmail.com. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Pet 5:6-7) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090520/226097cc/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu May 21 05:16:10 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 06:16:10 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE CHURCH OF GOD -- APOSTOLIC 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 CHURCH OF GOD -- APOSTOLIC All children of God know that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. It is understood that Christians live under the guidance of the New Testament teaching. A church of God in the same way looks to the gospel of Jesus Christ for directions in its work and worship. Christians and the church have Christ's teaching through the writings of the apostles and prophets. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, "So then, men ought to regard us as trust- ed with the secret things of God" (1 Cor. 4:1). Earlier Paul wrote, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" ( 1 Cor. 3:10,11; 2:1-5). The apostles and proph- ets of the New Testament were guided by the Holy Spirit to write down the truth of Jesus Christ (Jno. 14:15-17,25-27; 15:26,27; 16:7-11,13-15). Describing the body of believers at Ephesus, Paul wrote this of the church: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone" (Eph. 2:19,20). Every church from the New Testament times until now and into the future until the coming of Jesus Christ is a church of God that is built upon the teaching of the apostles (Acts 2:42). A church of God that is apostolic will not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). People following Jesus Christ will seek guid- ance from the written Word of God. Paul explains, "Surely you have heard about the adminstration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, your will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ..." (Eph. 3:2-4). Christians imitate the things that the apostles did. Again, Paul wrote: "Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending Timothy...He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere and in every church" (1 Cor. 4:16,17). Churches of Jesus Christ are alike because they follow the apostolic pattern revealed in the New Testament. Each church using the teaching of Christ written down by Holy Spirit directed apostles and prophets, does its work and worships God. The church does not go beyond what is written and follows the pattern the apostles gave. ------ Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/e163f5b0/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu May 21 05:16:21 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 06:16:21 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) DID JESUS FAIL IN HIS MISSION? (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. DID JESUS FAIL IN HIS MISSION? (2) Salvation From Sin Is A Matter Of Choice: -- God doesn't force salvation on anyone. But the offer of salvation is there for each of us to choose. But the offer of salvation is there for each of us. "For the Word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but tunto us who are saved it is the power of God...We preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:18-24). That Christ, "Died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and tht He was buried; and that He hath been raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3,4), is the basis of the mission of Jesus Christ. For many, the idea that God's Son could becoem a "flesh and blood" human being, and die on the cross is ridiculous (1 Cor. 1:18-24). But for those who believe, tht is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God." Each one of us has the choice: believe and live, or reject the gospel and per- ish. The mission and purpose of Jesus Christ was to die on the cross, and then see that the Word of the cross was made known to the lost. Notice again the promise of Jesus, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that disbelieveth shall be condemn- ed" (Mk. 16:16). That is simple. And He made it simple so that all could understand it and make the choice for themselves. The cross is not an emblem of failure, but of the success of His miss- ion. He came to earth to die: "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, He also Himself in like manner par- took of the same; that through death He might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:14,15). Scoffers may ridicule, but the preaching of the cross is still "the power of God and the wis- dom of God." Let those who claim that Christianity has failed show where, when it was tried, it has ever failed. How can we account for the higher ideals of love, justice and mercy where Christ has been taught than in other places, except that Christianity has the div- ine spark that man's systems lack? And if, in so-called Christ- ian communities and nations, we find things that are not what they ought to be, it is not the fault of the gospel nor of Christ, but of those who profess to be Christians, but are not. If the teach- ings of Jesus were followed flawlessly, there would be no flaws, no imperfections, for it is perfect. The Growth Of The Early Church: -- The first day the gospel was preached after the death of Jesus, 3,000 were baptized into Christ: "They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls...And the Lord added to the church daily such as were be- ing saved" (Acts 2;41,47). And it grew: "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women... Now is these days, when the number of the disciples was multi- plying...And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great com- pany of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 5:14; 6:1,7). From a handful of disciples, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, and history tells us that believers numbered in the millions. What was it that upheld these men and women -- in the face of terrible persecution and threats of death -- to em- brace and uphold that faith? it had to have been their knowled- ge that their Lord was in heaven, watching over them and inter- ceding to the Father on their behalf. Some claim that Christian- ity has caused most of the wars in modern history. But that is blatantly false. Those wars were never a part of the system of Christianity. They are all in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ. When men who are supposed to be Christians foment and encourage wars, don't lay the blame on Christianity -- put it where it belongs: on the failure of men to practice what the Lord has clearly taught in His gospel. Don't blame Christianity for those things that are done in opposition to its teachings! One great hinderance to the cause of Christ is division caus- ed by denominationalism. Blame for division among those who profess Christ cannot be laid on Christ or His religion, but must be placed on those who choose either to ignore part of God's law or add something to what has been revealed. When men obey what the Bible says, they are made members of "the body of Christ," being added to it by the Lord, Himself (Acts 2:47). Add to the Bible, though, or subtract from it, and you have anot- her body. Multiply this by hundreds, and you have the denomin- ational system that exists in the world today. But in fairness, the blame for conditions as they are cannot be laid on Christ nor on His teachings, but on those who profess to follow Him and do not. Jesus prayed that there wold never be any denominations: "Neither for these only (the apostles) do I pray, but for them also that believe on Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that Thou dids't send Me" (Jno. 17:20,21). By the inspired apostle Paul, Christ wrote: "Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the smae mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). Then, discussing the division that actually existed in Corinth, he asks, "Is Christ divided?" (vs. 13). Some will claim that undenominat- ional Christianity has failed. But the truth is that it has never failed! Where it has not been practiced, it has simply never been tried, and therefore cannot have failed. The greatest day in the life of any person is when he discov- ers the perfect Christ of the infallible Bible, make his resolve, trusts in Jesus, obeys His Lord and begins to live through Jesus Christ as He directs. This is the practice of true Christian- ity. And it can never fail. The news that must be carried to the world today is the same old gospel story that was revealed to Paul: "For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gosp- el which was preached by me, that it is not after man. For neith- er did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:11,12). No other gos- pel is authorized by Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:6-9). Christianity has not failed any person. But many are the ones who have failed Christianity. ------------- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 21, May 22, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/e62bd95b/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Thu May 21 14:04:44 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 14:04:44 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 020 Message-ID: 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 020: May 24, 2009 This Week's Article: Growing This Congregation It is the spring--growing season and we need to learn from nature around us that we should start growing again. We should want to see more individuals attending more services. We want to see more members bringing guests to services. We want to see more souls being saved! This world is racing toward its end, one second at a time. The end will be the second coming of Christ? Peter describes the end of this world in 2 Peter 3:10-12; from this description we learn that at death or the 2nd coming of Christ our hope for change will be too late. A person must be alive to hear, to believe, to repent, and to be baptized for the remission of their sins. A person must be alive to prepare him or her self for judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Hebrews 9:27 says, "It is appointed for man to die once and then the judgment". We can't put salvation off to tomorrow. Paul further declares, "Today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). We need to pray for the strength to go today. We need to pray that those who listen will act before it is too late. We have limited time to look, find, and share the truth with an almost limitless number of souls (Matthew 9:37-38). This week we will look at three different examples of individuals telling others to focus our minds on our responsibility in this matter is to tell others about our hope (1 Peter 3:15). We are to share the gospel-we are executing the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-47). We are going out with the ONE TRUE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ-nothing else (Galatians 1:6-8). To share anything else is to deceive others and heat them out of their salvation. Paul spoke of these deceivers in Colossians 2:1-10. Let's study three different examples that teach us three different things about our work of Growing This Congregation. You Don't Have To Go Far To Find A Willing Soul. Many times we look past the obvious. We do not have to take on the whole world in order to be a good worker and we do not have to go a long distance to find a soul that needs saving. Case in point: Andrew (John 1:35-42). Andrew found the promised One, the One for whom he had been looking. Andrew reacted the same way that we should-he couldn't keep it to himself for long. John 1:40 records that Andrew went and told his brother Simon Peter. Andrew must have been excited about his new discovery. His attitude must have influenced Peter to go to Jesus. Are you excited about salvation? Go and tell. I think of the attitude that the Eunuch had when he became a Christian. Acts 8:39 tells us he, "went on his way rejoicing." I wonder how many people he might have told on the way home and when he returned home. I wonder how many other in Candace's court became Christians? We need to maintain our level of excitement and use our zeal to influence others like Andrew. Think of how much good Andrew accomplished by not over looking his own brother. We need to rejoice in our own hope and share that hope with, as the eunuch certainly must have. You Must Be Prepared For Different Reactions. Back to John 1:43-51, Philip was told to follow. Philip reacts much the same way, as did Andrew. He for joy went to share his hope; he was not willing to keep it to himself. Philip went and told a friend. All too often friends are overlooked: We must share the gospel if we call ourselves a friend. Andrews was our first example and he met a positive reaction. This current example of Phillip does start off so easily-we find some speculation. Philip told Nathanael who was, at first, doubtful (v.46). Nathaniel arrogantly proclaimed, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" There are too many people who, like Nathaniel, want the truth. But they want it in fancy wrappings and that is not how it comes. 1 Corinthians 1:25-31 speaks of the truth of God's plan to be plain and simple. Philip simply told Nathanael to 'Come and See' (vs. 46). Can't we do this today? Ask your friends to sit down with you and open the Bible. Show them Jesus. If you don't feel comfortable teaching, tell them 'Come and See' right here. Philip didn't attack Nathanael over his doubt he encouraged him to look for himself. We too need to learn how to deal with situations like this. We must always be prepared to defend our faith intelligently and correctly from the Scriptures (1 Peter 3:15). Tell It Far And Wide To Whoever Will Listen. Our final example is the woman at the well of Sychar (John 4:25-42). She was looking for the Messiah to come. There are many, today, who are looking for Christ (Matthew 9:37-38). We need to show them the way (John 14:1-6; Mark 16:15-16). She heard believed and went to tell. Anyone who would listen, anyone she could convince to go and see. Many came to Christ to hear and they believed (vs. 39). Conclusion: What can we learn from these three records? We can teach our family like Andrew. We can teach a friend like Philip. We can teach strangers like the woman in John 4. Something else we learn is that without the courage to tell. Peter may have never been saved. Nathanael may have never been saved. Many Samaritans may not have heard the truth. The truth is ours to share. The truth concerning salvation is that all must obey. ~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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/e452ac2a/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/e452ac2a/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7811 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090521/e452ac2a/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 22 06:14:33 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 07:14:33 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. I will be away from my computer for several days. I hope that you will miss my posts. I hope to be back around the first of June. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN God is our only security. All else is transient. Our security in God depends upon our trusting Him, listening to His warnings and direction, and heeding His commandments. He has warned us through Christ and His Apostles, and He has charged His people to exhort and admonish each other by using the Scriptu- res aright (Col. 3:16,17; 1 Tim. 4:15,16; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:1-17; 4:1-4), Warnings, heeded, save souls (Jas. 5:19,20). Is the path before us broad and smooth, or is it narrow and difficult (Matt. 7:13-20)? Shall we cry, "Peace and safety! All is well!" , or shall we shout, "Be careful! Be alert! Danger is all around you!"? Is the world a haven of rest, now that faith is attacked on every hand? What would you pay for a broken alarm? How much would you pay a watchman to sleep on his job, admonishing him never to awaken you for any reason? How much do you pay a preach- er to make you feel safe and secure and never disturb you by talking about dangers you face? Do you deem all warnings to be useless and all warners to be misguided alarmists? Were Jesus and His Apostles misguided alarmists as they sounded out warning after warning? Brethren and Friends, if we do not wake up and sound proper warnings, what will happen to us and to the people oblivious to danger? Note: Ezk. 3:17-21; 33:7- 11; 1 Thes. 5:1-10; Col. 1:28; 2:8-23. -------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090522/350be302/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri May 22 06:14:43 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 07:14:43 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) BUT IT IS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE SCHOOL YEAR! Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. BUT IT IS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE SCHOOL YEAR! It comes every year. You walk through the mall and see that J.C. Penney's, Sears, and Macy's have rack after rack of formals for sale, and the tuxedo rental shops are advertising special deals. Before too long a lot of young Christians across the land are going to have to answer what is, for many of them, a very diff- icult question: "Should I go to the Prom?" Please allow me to suggest a few things that might help you if you are faced with that question and that migth help parents assist their teenagers in making the right decision. First of all, a prom is a glorified dance. I know this, because I went to several of them before I learned the truth. Sure, every- body gets dressed up, trips to the beauty salon are made, flowers are given, and special pictures are taken. But before too long those expensive shoes come off the feet of the girls, and the cummerbunds will be off of the guys, along with those formal bow ties and rented coats, and it will be just like any other dance. I hope you are not, but at this point some might be saying, "So what? What's wrong with going to a dance?" I've never seen clogging at a prom, and I don't think they square dance there, so let's admit that we are talking about modern dancing. In Gal. 5:19 Paul mentions several "works of the flesh." He wrote, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..." There are several definitions of the word "lasciviousness" -- lewd, wanton, unchaste bodly movements, unchaste handling. Take your pick; any one of trhem fits modern dancing. Indeed, any one of them may very well be the point of modern dancing. Someone may be saying now, "Well, I won't dance." This little article is being written by one of the all-time non-dancers. But you know what? you will not have your eyes closed. You will be watching. Let's be honest, especially you guys. The ones you will be watching will be the best dancers, and the best dancers are generally the ones who are dancing in the most pro- vocative way. Please, don't sin through lasciviousness or throu- gh lustful gazing. Don't put yourself in that position. Secondly, while I haven't read about it in the newspaper or heard about it on the evening news, there must be a worldwide shortage of material. How else can we explain all the formals that do not cover the shoulder (not even the little bitty straps), or the majority of the chest, or a major portion of the thighs? If we admit that there is no shortange of material, aren't we also admit- ting that those formals are designed the way they are to attract attention? Maybe you wouldn't wear tht kind of dress, but I guar- antee you that the majority of the girls at the prom will be wear- ing just that kind of dress. Whatever happened to shamefaced- ness, or the ability to blush? Why would any young woman go out in public with half her chest, all of of her shoulders and a large portion of her thighs exposed, if not to attract attention? Now tell me, what good can possible be said about that? There is one more thing I want to mention. The prom had a problem attached to it that the other dances didn't seem to have to the same extent. Almost all of the guys had a Five-Step Pre- paratory Program that they went through for the prom. It went like this: a. Get a date. b. Rent a tux. c. Buy flowers. d. Make dinner reservations. e. Make sure you have access to some- thing alcoholic to drink. Now I'm sure you wouldn't do that. And hopefully your date wouldn't do that. But a whole lot of the people driving to and from that prom will have done it. As I read the paper every year and read of another prom night accident, I can see that it hasn't changed one iota. It is exactly the same. What a silly waste of time, energy, and potential! Young Christians, don't take part in something that is just not good. Paul made an interesting statement in Rom. 6:21; "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death." Maybe the Prom seems big to you now, but don't take part in something that you are just going to be ashamed of having done later on. (Usually there is a sixth step that young men have in their preparatory accomp- lishments for the prom and that is to "Make Out" as it is called. To be sure to try to take the virginity away from the girl you have at the prom. Many times this is in the mind of the young girl that is his date, as well. The girls as well as the boys, want to brag about "making out" at their prom. I know that most young Christian boys and girls will not go that far, but it is really a temp- tation given the atmosphere of the prom and its surrondings, JWS). ------- Greg Litmer in That Ye May Grow Thereby. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090522/7a250139/attachment.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri May 22 17:08:40 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 17:08:40 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "I Have Been Redeemed" Message-ID: <20090523.082600.2420.7.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study "I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED" "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people..." (Lk. 1:68) INTRO.: A song which praises the Lord God for having visited and redeemed us is "I Have Been Redeemed" (or just "Redeemed" in some books; #362 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #253 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by James Rowe (1865-1933). Rowe's best-known hymn is probably "Love Lifted Me" with music by Howard E. Smith, but a lot of his other songs have appeared in our books, including "After the Shadows," "God Holds the Future in His Hands," "He's My King," "Home of the Soul," "I Choose Jesus," "I Walk with the King," "I Would Be Like Jesus," "Just Outside the Door," "Looking to Thee," "O Come to the Savior," "Praise The King," "Ring Out the Message," "The Friend Divine," "What Is He Worth to Your Soul?", "Wonderful City," "Wonderful Jesus," "Won't It Be Wonderful There?", and "You Never Mentioned Him to Me," among others. The tune (I'm Redeemed) for "I Have Been Redeemed" was composed by Stancel A. Ganus (1889-1960). I have been unable to locate any further information about him. The song was copyrighted in 1916. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, it appeared in the 1978 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 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 expresses the outpouring of a heart overflowing with gratitude to God for salvation. I. Stanza 1 talks about singing "Sweet is the song I am singing today; I'm redeemed! I'm redeemed! Trouble and sorrow have vanished away; (I have been) I have been redeemed!" A. One thing that a cheerful heart does is to sing: Jas. 5:13 B. Yes, a certain amount of trouble and sorrow must enter every life: Job 14:1 C. However, those who are redeemed find comfort in their troubles from the Lord so that they do not sorrow as others who have no hope: 2 Cor. 1:3-4, 1 Thess. 4:13 II. Stanza 2 talks about joy and praise "Great is my joy now as onward I go; I'm redeemed! I'm redeemed! All the way homeward my praises shall flow; (I have been) I have been redeemed!" A. Those who are in Christ can rejoice always: Phil. 4:4 B. This joy can be demonstrated as we press onward, running the race set before us: Phil. 3:14, Heb. 12:1-2 C. The means by which we express our joy is praise to God: Heb. 13:15 III. Stanza 3 talks about the Savior "Precious indeed is my Savior to me; I'm redeemed! I'm redeemed! Happy in glory some day I shall be; (I have been) I have been redeemed!" A. Everything about redemption in Christ should be precious to the Christian: 1 Pet. 1:18-19 B. Especially precious to us is the Savior who died for us: 1 Jn. 4:14 C. Because of Him, we can have the hope of being happy in glory with Him: 1 Tim. 3:16 CONCL.: The chorus reminds us that the reason for all this singing, joy, and praise is that we do have redemption in Christ. "I'm redeemed by love divine; Glory, glory Christ is mine, Christ is mine. All to Him I now resign; (I have been) I have been redeemed." Like John Newton, "I once was lost, but now am found." Even though I sinned against God, He loved me enough to send His Son to die for my sins and to make it possible for me to have forgiveness so that I can go to heaven. Therefore, my heart should be filled with joy that "I Have Been Redeemed." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 office phone: (618) 548-1774 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. ____________________________________________________________ Criminal Lawyers - Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTOVoJJokpskogxwWo8cwqa3BUEhNlbR2jY1ltxTdqGW67Y9LKONXq/ From crxtra at gmail.com Sat May 23 14:26:20 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 12:26:20 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Watch That First Step Message-ID: <000001c9dbdc$608b26b0$21a17410$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper May 24, 2009 Watch That First Step Every year about this time, young people across the country are being graduated from high school or the universities and moving on to the next step in their lives. For some of those leaving high school, the next step is college and about four more years of education; for others [some from high school and some from the universities], the next step is moving right into the world of work and their careers; for others still, the next step is not yet clear and time will pass before weighty decisions are made, or made for them by others. For all who may be contemplating that next step, may I offer a bit of advice? Watch that first step! What you do now as you decide which step to take is very important, and should not be taken lightly. The wise writer once said, "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil" (Prov. 4:26, 27). His warning is to plot your course wisely and walk the path that is firm and smooth, turning neither to the right nor to the left, but staying the course of certainty and faithfulness. I would echo those words and add a few words of warning as to why it is so important you make the right decision before you take that "first step" out into the world and away from home. The Devil is Watching. If you have been raised in a home that knows and serves the Lord, you also know who your enemy is. God's word tells us, "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1st Pet. 5:8). That "someone" is you. He is watching now, licking his lips at the possibility of a new soul to be added to his list of ones led astray, discouraged, and weakened simply because someone did not seriously consider the path they were about to take. He is always there, though, waiting in the shadows to attack when we are least expecting him and scores - generations - of young folks have been devoured simply because they were not watching for their enemy. If you are about to embark on your life's journey and ready to move away from the only home you have ever known, please consider seriously the reality that he is looking at you like he once looked at Job, saying to God, "Have You not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?" (Job 1:10). The devil is thinking that the only reason you are faithful now [at home] is because you have been surrounded by godly people who love you and are keenly interested in your soul's salvation. He thinks that, once away from that protective environment, you will fall prey to his offers of physical pleasures and material enticements and you will abandon all that you have been taught. He thinks your faith is only an "inherited faith" and not your own. He thinks it will not take much to convince you to try things you've never tried before, believing that the only reason you didn't indulge in the sinful practices of your worldly friends is because you thought someone might see you or find out about it. He is going to entice you to do things you may have never even heard of before, presenting them as "exciting" and "fulfilling" or as something that will help you to be popular amongst your newfound friends. He thinks you will quickly abandon your old ways once you see how much fun these things are and that there is "no harm done." He thinks it will not be long before you will be doing the things you once abhorred, and only because you didn't have a chance to experience those things. Sadly, for some young people moving away from a godly home and on their own for the first time, he will be right. Don't let that be you. Watch that first step! The World is Watching. Young folks who are Christians sometimes forget that they, too, are an example to others; it's not just older adults who have to be concerned with their reputation. In fact, what you choose to do and which direction you go right now will often set the direction you will go for the rest of your life, and - many times - even though you change direction, the world will not let you forget what you once did, how you once lived, and who you once were. The world is watching - especially if you call yourself a believer - and they are looking to see [1] what it means to be a Christian, and [2] if you really live what you say you believe. They will watch your every move, critically examining your life's words and deeds to see if you really mean it, and they will test you at every turn, if given the chance. There once was a King of Judah who lived very wickedly in his younger years, but then changed later when he was humbled by God (2nd Chron. 33). But, as much as Manasseh wanted to change the effects of his past life, his successes were short-lived. After he died, his son, Amon, returned the people to unfaithfulness and angered the Lord once again. Manasseh's choice when he was young to follow in the ways of the surrounding nations was a poor one - and one with long-lasting and long-reaching effects. Young folks, as you are about to choose your life's direction, don't forget all the godly wisdom you have learned from God's word and the wisdom of experience you have heard from those who love the Lord. What you do next will not only have an effect on you for the rest of your life, but it can, like Manasseh, have an effect on others long after you make things right. Watch that first step! God is Watching. Many young folks who move out on their own for the first time just have to try out all they never experienced in their younger years. For some reason, they feel "deprived" of the experience and will not believe that such things could be dangerous until they personally experience it. [The foolishness of that argument would make for an entire article's worth of material!] Some will then slowly "try out" different sinful practices, finding that no immediate harm comes and - often - no obvious, identifiable ill effects at all. Many times, no one ever knows what they have done [except those who may involved with the sin] and they begin to think they "got away with it." Think again. God always knows. God knows not just all of the outward deeds you may do, but also knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. He knows what you are thinking and He sees all that you do, and for all that we do and think, we will one day have to give an account (cf. 2nd Cor. 5:10; 1st Cor. 4:5). While other men may never know what we have done, God always knows. God knew that Achan had stolen those items from Jericho, though no one else knew (Josh. 7) and He will know - though your parents and friends back home may not - if you choose to follow the path of the world. Instead of choosing a path that will grieve Him, why not choose a path that will be pleasing to Him and which will lead you to eternal life? The devil and the world are calling you to take the wide and easy path, but you know that it leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13). They will be constantly pulling you to join with them and "blend in with the crowd," but you know that God is always watching and you, being one of His children, do not want to break His heart and profane the precious sacrifice of His only Son, who died that you might be freed from the power of sin and death. The next step you take will make a difference in your life, in the lives of others, and will have lasting, eternal consequences. Now is not the time to be thinking about all the "fun" you're going to have and all the new things you can do; now is the time to be thinking about how you can be a positive influence on the new world in which you live and on the people you will get to know. The devil is watching, the world is watching, and God is watching. Please! Watch that first step! -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090523/65866f2b/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat May 23 21:10:42 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 22:10:42 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 21: May 24, 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 21: May 24, 2009 ---------------------------------------------------------- Why the Church Matters If you pay attention to the headlines and the "talking heads," you would get the impression that the church is in trouble. More and more people seem to be leaving churches, seeking out their own "spirituality." Signs everywhere encourage you to "go the church of your choice." Many churches seem to be outdoing each other, trying to appeal to you, accommodating your every want. Plenty declare that the church is irrelevant and unnecessary today: in their minds, you can serve Christ without being part of a church. Are these people right? Has the church been made irrelevant in the twenty-first century? When we turn to the New Testament, however, an entirely different picture emerges. God sets forth many reasons why the church remains important after two thousand years. The church matters because it represents the Body of Christ. The image of the church as a body is found in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-28; this body is identified as the body of Christ in Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-33 and Colossians 1:18. God chooses this image for good reason: only those who are part of Christ's body have a share in Jesus, and outside of the Body of Christ there is no life! Just as we recognize that no physical creature can exist without a body, so we must understand that we cannot have spiritual life without being part of Christ's body! Furthermore, since Christ is the Head of the body (Ephesians 1:22-23), and the body must follow all the dictates and purposes of the head, so the church must follow the will of Christ in all things. Therefore, the church matters because it must be the pillar and support of the truth, as Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15. A church that does not reflect the "one body," "one faith," "one Lord," and "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:4-6 is not serving Christ and following His direction. Any organization that does not follow Christ and the Apostles in all that they preached and practiced does not belong to God or Christ, and will be uprooted on the last day (Matthew 15:13). While it may be fashionable to promote attending the "church of your choice," we instead should promote attending the "church of God's choice" so that we may be saved! The church matters because it is part of God's plan, as it is written: To the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:10-11). God's manifold wisdom is made known through the church! In the church, all men (and women) can be one through Jesus Christ, no matter their color, social status, previous affiliations, or any other mark of identification (Galatians 3:28)! Everyone is welcomed to become part of something greater than themselves, to serve God's eternal purpose, and to have a share in the inheritance of the saints! While Americans especially may value the "Lone Ranger" mentality, and believe that they can go at it all by themselves and "raise themselves up by their own bootstraps," God exposes this as folly. Going at it alone only makes us easier prey for the Adversary that roams about (1 Peter 5:8). Such is why God intends fellow believers to share in association with one another in order to encourage one another and to build each other up in love (1 John 1:5-7, Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 10:24-25). Fellow Christians are to be there to share in life's ups and downs, and then you also can build others up during their ups and downs. Does the church always live up to God's intentions for it? No, it does not, since it represents fallible people who still fall prey to sin and worldly temptations (1 John 1:8-10). Yet such is the condition of anything that involves people! Nevertheless, what other religious organization has been as inclusive from the beginning? Where else can hope and encouragement both for life today and for life eternal be found? Where else can someone find complete acceptance and warmth for no other reason than that they are fellow human beings and able to partake in the same spiritual blessings? Unfortunately, too many people see various churches at their worst, and then believe the entire concept irrelevant. We ask you to please consider God's intentions for the church, and seek out a group of people that are trying to live up to those intentions, promoting God's truth in the community while showing great love, care, and compassion for one another and all men (Galatians 6:10). We encourage you to become a part of the only eternal organization that exists among mankind-- the Church of Christ. In the Church of Christ, you will find acceptance no matter who you have been or what you have done, and you can have a share in God and the encouragement of fellow believers. Please join us in serving God today! 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 richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun May 24 22:09:17 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 21:09:17 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (5/24/09) Message-ID: <20090525031204.F259A23000D@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) May 24, 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: "Jesus' Deity While On Earth" (Richard Thetford) "Once Saved Always Saved?" (David M. Bonner) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- JESUS' DEITY WHILE ON EARTH Richard Thetford The nature of Jesus Christ in the flesh has been debated since early times in the church. Varying ideas have been suggested. One of which is that Jesus, while on earth was just a man, an ordinary man like you and me. Such a unique thing as "God in the flesh" causes a sense of wonder. Yet in Matthew 1:23 it says: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Then John writes: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." These verses clearly show that Jesus was fully Deity and remained so when He dwelt here on earth in the likeness of man. But some are not content with what the scriptures clearly say and want to know matters beyond what is revealed therein. In Deuteronomy 29:29 it says: "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." We must learn that God has revealed unto us everything that we need to know to be able to have eternal salvation. There simply are some things that man will never understand (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33). Man has never been able to, or never will be able to, supply all the answers to why God did or did not do something. Therefore, when we look at "the Deity of Jesus", we must look at what is revealed and be content with a "thus saith the Lord" attitude on this subject. Jesus Is God Even though Jesus assumed the role of a servant and clothed Himself with flesh, He was nonetheless God, God in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus Himself claimed to be the "existing one", the "I AM" (John 8:24; 8:58). Even the Jews recognized that eternal existence belongs only to God (Isaiah 43:10-11). When Jesus made the claim that He was in fact Deity, the Jews got mad and wanted to stone Him. (John 8:59). They wanted to stone Him because He was claiming to be equal with God which they considered to be blasphemy. The Jews would have been correct in wanting to stone Jesus IF He were "merely a man" and not really God. But that was not the case. Jesus said: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). The word "one" means a united one. One not in person, but in essence or nature. Jesus Was Deity On Earth The attributes of His Deity was manifested while on earth. Notice that Jesus said: "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9), "I and my Father are one" John 10:30), and "...in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). Jesus plainly stated that His Father and He are ONE. Paul said that the fullness of the Godhead dwelled in Jesus while He was housed in the physical body. This can't be much plainer. Jesus was fully God while He lived on this earth. We also can read where Jesus was omniscient (had divine knowledge) while on earth. Jesus knew people's thoughts (Matthew 12:25; Luke 6:8; John 6:64; John 13:1,11). We know that He had to be God to be able to do this. Paul couldn't do this (Acts 24:16ff). Jesus was all knowing because He could even remember being with His Father before He came to earth (John 17:5; Luke 2:49). Jesus was omnipotent (all powerful) while on earth. He had the power over disease and demons (Matthew 12:22), life and death (John 11:43), and over nature (Matthew 14:25). Was this something an ordinary human being could do? No. Only God could do these things. Jesus allowed Himself to be worshiped (John 9:35-38; Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; Luke 24:52; Matthew 28:9). At no time do you ever read where man accepted worship (Revelation 22:8-9; Acts 10:25- 26; Acts 14:13-15). Jesus never denied worship (because he was God), but man did. When Jesus came to earth He possessed ALL the attributes of Deity, and lived as a man among the people. The Bible teaches it, and therefore we must believe it. --- ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? David M. Bonner Once saved, always saved is the belief that once a person becomes a Christian, his salvation is eternally fixed. He can never be lost again. Some say, Once in grace, always in grace. What does the Bible say? The book of Galatians is addressed to the CHURCHES of Galatia (1:2). In Gal.1:6 the apostle Paul writes, I marvel that ye are so soon REMOVED from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: and in verse 8 states, But though WE, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. The NIV translates accursed as ETERNALLY CONDEMNED. When a Christian falls away there are some that will argue that he made a false profession of faith and was never saved in the first place. The apostle Paul had not made a false profession of faith but was a true Christian and apostle yet he said it was possible for even him to sin so as to be accursed or eternally condemned. He knew he could fall from grace. Later, in Gal.5:4 he states, CHRIST IS become of NO EFFECT unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE. The NAS translates the verse as, YOU HAVE BEEN SEVERED FROM CHRIST,YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE. The Bible not only says it was possible for Paul to fall from grace, but also says some of these Galatian Christians HAD FALLEN FROM GRACE! The purpose of much of the Galatian letter was to get these erring Christians to understand they had fallen from grace and needed to be restored. In fact, most of the New Testament was written to Christians and churches to encourage faithfulness to God and to warn of the possibility of apostasy. Note James 5:19-20, BRETHREN, if any of YOU do ERR from the truth, and one convert him; SHALL SAVE a SOUL from DEATH. --- SENTENCE SERMONS You are an influence, whether you are aware of it or not, either for good or evil. What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today. You cannot keep your shoes shined if you continually walk in the mud. The Devil is willing for a man to preach the truth as long as he doesn't practice it. Easy street and the strait and narrow path do not intersect. Christians should be humbly grateful instead of grumbly hateful. A little man doesn't really know how little he is. Common sense is about the most uncommon thing there is. --- SERMON CALLING BLACK BLACK AND WHITE WHITE (with PowerPoint Charts and Audio) 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090524/a12840f9/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090524/a12840f9/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090524/a12840f9/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090524/a12840f9/attachment-0005.gif From 8jne1958 at sbcglobal.net Mon May 25 09:04:52 2009 From: 8jne1958 at sbcglobal.net (John Evans) Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 07:04:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Religious "ornaments" Message-ID: <249250.90019.qm@web83604.mail.sp1.yahoo.com> Dear brethren, ?? I'm looking for study material related to religious "ornaments" and such like--rosary beads, crucifixes as pieces of jewelry, images of Mary in natural objects and so forth. Any material you have related to this would be greatly appreciated. Respectfully, John N. Evans 8jne1958 at sbcglobal.net ? ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090525/d11aa12d/attachment.html From shewemail at earthlink.net Mon May 25 13:17:36 2009 From: shewemail at earthlink.net (shewemail at earthlink.net) Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 14:17:36 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Brother Evans request for materials on Ornaments Message-ID: <4A1AE0C0.9070003@earthlink.net> Brethren, The scriptures tell us that we will be judged by the same criteria by which we judge others. Furthermore, while Jesus was here on earth he rebuked those who condemned others while violating principles that were the same or similar. If we rebuke others for crucifixes, how can we quietly tolerate crosses? I refer to crosses as "empty crucifixes." God chose how he wanted the life and death of Jesus to be memorialized and ANY "memorial" that goes beyond the one which God chose is unauthorized and presumptuous. I recently visited at a local assembly where they displayed three crosses. I wondered whether the number of crosses was deliberate or not. I also wondered whether the topic had ever come up for discussion. ( The circumstances involved so many topics that this topic was not as high a priority as others in my mind. ) Nevertheless what was disturbing was that I was relatively certain that this assembly was more strict on matters which are viewed as "the issues" than many other places. Yet, there were those three crosses, unauthorized and prominent. Agape, James H. Shewmaker From kerux at bellsouth.net Tue May 26 06:42:40 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 07:42:40 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Believe In What Is Right (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: Believe In What Is Right (Kent Heaton) In the book of Daniel, three young men are put to a great test of character as they stood before the King of Babylon in defiance to a decree that will cost them their lives. Nebuchadnezzar had made an image of gold nearly ninety feet tall in the plain of Dura and commanded all people to fall down and worship the image at the sound of various forms of music. When the time came, all the "people, nations and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up" (Daniel 3:7). In the midst of this great throng of bodies bowing down in worship three men remained standing and refused to bow. The penalty for rebellion was clear. "Whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace" (Daniel 3:6). Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were Hebrew slaves taken from their homeland in the invasion of Judah by Babylon. They had been placed in the king's palace to serve and learn the language and literature of the Chaldeans. We know them best by their Chaldean names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Brought before King Nebuchadnezzar the king gave them a second chance to reconsider their refusal to bow down and worship the image. Their reply was clear and demonstrative. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up" (Daniel 3:16-18). The three Hebrews were cast into the furnace but through the grace of God delivered without the hair of their hair singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them (Daniel 3:27). God used their faith to show the king of Babylon who "rules in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17). This remarkable story of courage is one fitting for our young people to embrace as they graduate High School and begin the challenging walk of life. Two things stand out in this story: first, the importance of believing in something; secondly, the need of believing in the right thing. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not go along with the crowd. It was not their life's aim to be like everyone else. They believed in something and not only believed it but were willing to disobey the law of the king because of what they believed in. It is easy to go along with everyone else and be like the crowd. When the music began to play in the plain of Dura, thousands of people fell down to worship the image. Consider how odd they felt to be the only ones standing. Literally, everyone was bowing but these three men. They could have fallen down and who would have noticed? They possessed a belief system that challenged the moral code of the day. Young people, you must posses a system of belief to find happiness in life that will set you apart. Following the crowd will get you no where (Matthew 7:13,14). Having a belief system is not enough - you have to believe in the right thing. They refused to worship the image because it was wrong. They stood for what was right because they stood for what God taught them. They served the Lord and not man (Acts 4:19,20; 5:29). As young people going out into the world, you must believe in the right thing and the only thing that is right is what is found in God (John 17:7). True happiness will not be found in bowing down to the music of the day. It will only come from standing for God in the face of great opposition to the norms of today. If your life is going to make a difference it must be made with the Lord as your guide and compass (John 14:6). 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090526/c31eb790/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue May 26 18:32:14 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 19:32:14 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Jeremiah Message-ID: Jeremiah I. Introduction A. Jeremiah B. The end of Judah 1. Jeremiah left with unpleasant news 2. Illustrative of the problems of Judah C. Let us consider the book II. Jeremiah: The Details A. Authorship 1. Prophecies of Jeremiah, some written by Baruch his scribe 2. Inspiration without doubt (cf. Hebrews 8) B. Dating 1. Jeremiah prophesies from 13th year of Josiah to time right after destruction of Jerusalem 2. Therefore, prophecies date from ca. 627-585 BCE C. Audience 1. Immediate audience is Jeremiah's contemporaries 2. Much written for exilic, post-exilic Israel 3. We can gain much also D. Purpose 1. To warn the people regarding the imminent destruction of Jerusalem 2. To set forth what God expects of the people 3. To point to the new covenant III. Jeremiah: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Call, Condemnation of Judah (Jeremiah 1-20) 2. Jeremiah, the LORD, and the People (Jeremiah 21-29) 3. Destruction and Effects (Jeremiah 30-45) 4. Nation Oracles, Conclusion (Jeremiah 46-52) B. Jeremiah's Call and Message (Jeremiah 1-6) 1. Introduction (Jeremiah 1:1-3) 2. God calls Jeremiah; knows him from the womb; Jeremiah does not know how to speak, but the LORD will provide him with what to say over nations and kingdoms (Jeremiah 1:4-8) 3. God causes Jeremiah to see almond branch, boiling pot; indicates how God is watching over His word, going to destroy Judah on account of all of their evil; charge for Jeremiah to go and speak God's word to the people, not be afraid; God will deliver him (Jeremiah 1:9-19) 4. God remembers Israel's past, following after God; yet their fathers departed from Him, defiled the land; iniquity of priests, elders, prophets; God still contends with Israel: what other nation has changed gods?; God brings disaster because of this, no deliverance from Egypt or Assyria (Jeremiah 2:1-19) 5. Israel as degenerate; denies sin of Baal service; Israel as lustful as wild donkey; Israel will be shamed in her idolatry, will recognize futility of idolatry; God contends: people have not accepted discipline, deny sin despite oppressions; Israel headed toward failure (Jeremiah 2:20-37) 6. Israel as in condition of woman in Deuteronomy 24:1-4; pollution of the land; spiritual whoredom of Jews; example of Israel, yet Judah follows after her; God calls back for faithless Israel as long as she repents (Jeremiah 3:1-14) 7. At that time, shepherds will properly lead Israel; no need for an ark of covenant; nations will gather to Jerusalem, Judah and Israel united; God desired to give good things to people, but they were treacherous; LORD is salvation, not idolatry; great shame for Israel for disobedience (Jeremiah 3:15-25) 8. Israel should return to the LORD, not idols; Judah should circumcise the heart; disaster coming upon Judah from the north; sword reaching for their lives (Jeremiah 4:1-10) 9. Judgment upon Judah; call for repentance; God's anguish over destruction; folly of the people; creation interrupted by God's presence; desolation decreed (Jeremiah 4:11-31) 10. Search to find people in Jerusalem who do right; not found; the poor have not heard, but when hear, do not listen; no pardon to be granted for their immorality; destruction in the vineyard despite complacency (Jeremiah 5:1-13) 11. God is therefore bringing a nation upon them; destruction, but not a full end; they will serve foreigners in a foreign land; God as Creator, and yet the people do not fear Him; oppression and iniquity; iniquity of the religious authorities (Jeremiah 5:14-31) 12. Benjamin exhorted to flee for safety from Jerusalem; Jerusalem as city needing punishment for their sin; people do not listen, LORD weary of holding in His wrath; everyone thinks things are well, that there