From GLClair at aol.com Fri Apr 6 12:59:49 2012 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 13:59:49 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] FROM THE PREACHER'S DESK - April 6, 2012 --- read and forward to others Message-ID: <29fd8.76615269.3cb08915@aol.com> FROM THE PREACHER?S DESK CONSISTENTLY FAITHFUL _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - Friday, April 06, 2012 Perhaps the greatest and most sought after attitude and commitment of the Christian is the desire to always be faithful. The new converted Christian understands that they are to be faithful to the teaching of the Bible; he/she is aware of such teaching as the following which requires; not only obedience to the entrance requirements for salvation but also includes continued faithfulness ? Psalms 11:1-7 11:1 In Jehovah do I take refuge: how say ye to my soul, flee (as) a bird to your mountain; 2 For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart; 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 Jehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 Jehovah trieth the righteous; but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For Jehovah is righteous; He loveth righteousness: the upright shall behold his face. Psalms 12:1-8 12:1 Help, Jehovah; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor: with flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak. 3 Jehovah will cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh great things; 4 Who have said, with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 5 Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for. 6 The words of Jehovah are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou wilt keep them, O Jehovah, Thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever. 8 The wicked walk on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men. ASV 1 Cor. 4:1-2 1 Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. ASV 1 Cor. 10:13 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. ASV Heb. 10:23-24 23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; ASV 1 John 1:6-10 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. ASV Yet; if this desire is absent in the Christian he/she may not remain faithful to God or to their other commits of life. The problem arises from an often misunderstood conception of conversion {i.e. believing and obeying the gospel is necessary for salvation}. God?s plan for man?s salvation from sin consists of two understandable and Biblically taught concepts; The Plan of Salvation ? 1-Hear the gospel message - i.e. understand the concept of conversion from sinner to new newborn again Christian - Rom 10:13-17 - 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. ASV 2-Believe the gospel ? Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. ASV John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, (even) to them that believe on his name: ASV John 20:31- but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name. ASV 3-Repent of past sins ? Acts 2:38 - And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ASV Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; ASV 4-Confess that Jesus is God?s Son ? Matt. 10:32-33 - 32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. ASV Rom. 10:9-10 - 9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus (as) Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ASV 5-Be baptized for remission of sins ? Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. ASV Acts 2:38-41 - 38 And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (even) as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized : and there were added (unto them) in that day about three thousand souls. ASV Gal. 3:27 - For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. ASV Indeed; the new Christian has obeyed and been added to Christ?s church but must continue to remain faithful to God in all things taught via. The Bible ? Acts 2:47 - praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved. ASV Remember this: 1 Cor. 4:2 - 2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 2 Tim. 2:2 - And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. ASV Heb. 10:23-24 - 23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; ASV 3 John 5 - Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; ASV Rev. 2:10 ? To the Christian martyrs at Smyrna ? 10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. ASV Conclusion: The dedicated Christian will seek to pursue the righteous standard that is revealed via the Holy Scriptures. The faithful will add the Christian Graces ? cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11 - 5 Fruitful Growth in the Faith But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NKJV Beloved Christian ?Keep the faith, steadfast ?? SEE ALSO ? considermagazine.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120406/d19adb0f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Apr 7 02:33:19 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 03:33:19 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: <37eed.75ade3b.3cb147bf@wmconnect.com> Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN The message of God in the New Testament is not obscure, ambiguous, or lacking coherence. The human mind is not in- capable of understanding God's truth. The Problem We Face Is Willing Ignorance Which Leads To Stubborn Unbelief. People who wish to be free to follow the appetites of the flesh wherever they lead, without the restraints of the strait and difficult way call- ed righteousness and holiness, simply refuse to see and hear God's warnings and His loving appeals to His creatures to repent. Jesus Christ described some of His hearers thus: "And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, 'By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise perceive: For this peo- ple's heart is waxed gross (grown dull NKJV), and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand with their heart, and should turn again, and I should heal them'" (Matt. 13:14,15). Israel fell because they Refused To Hear God in the days of the judges and kings. Those who are called Jews today and those of the state of Israel today refuse to hear Jesus Christ Who died to redeem them from their sins. (Jno. 10:1-18). Jesus said: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one cometh to the Father but by Me" (Jno. 14:6). That statement is clear and concise. No person of normal mind should misunderstand it, whether he is a Jew or Gentile. The problem already stated is whether people Will Believe What Jesus Plainly Said. Many Peo- ple Will Not Believe Jesus Christ. Even many Professed follow- ers of Jesus Will Not Believe that the Only way of salvation from sins is through Jesus Christ. They would rather believe that all great world religions are good, and lead to acceptance with God. Dear Readers, we are all faced with a choice; Either to belie- ve solidly in the exclusive claims of Christ attested to by God through the works of Jesus, or to reject Christ as Lord and accept the philosophies of the wisdom of men. Either He came as Immanuel (God -- With--Us), or He was an imposter whose death closed the door of any hope in Him. Where do we stand? ------------ Gilbert Alexander. From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Apr 7 02:33:21 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 03:33:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] S) YOU ARE SPECIAL TO GOD (2) Message-ID: <37eee.42e445b0.3cb147c1@wmconnect.com> Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. YOU ARE SPECIAL TO GOD (2) You Are Special To God Because He Wants You To Hear Him Hearing The Lord Is To Hear His Word: -- If we hear the Word of the Lord and trust in Him, we can have salvation. In Eph. 1:13, Paul says: "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation; in Whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of prom- ise." In Col. 1:5, Paul tells of the hope we have in heaven as a result of hearing the Gospel. He says: "because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the Word of Truth of the Gospel." The importance of hearing the Word of God is stressed by none other than The Christ, when He said: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hers My Word and believes in Him Who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live" (Jno. 5:24,25). Hearing HIs Word Will Produce Faith: -- Paul asked the quest- ion: "How shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). We are told in the Scriptures that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10: 17), "and he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). Those who hear the Word and refuse to allow the Word into their hearts and to change them into what God desires will not be profited by the Word of God. "For indeed, the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard It" (Heb. 4:2). The writer of Proverbs says that the "one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his pray- er is an abomination" (Prov. 28:9). We ARe To Hear In The Assembly: -- "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God, and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are evil" (Eccl. 5:1). It was the hearing of God's Word tht cut the heart of those Jews on Pentecost and caused them to come to Christ, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren what shall we do?' The Peter said to them. 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remis- sion of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call'" (Acts 2:37-39). Inspiration records for us the story of a man who went to sleep in the worship services and fell from a third story window and died. (Paul raised the dead man to life again). We are told about this man in Acts 20:7-10. The man's name was Eutychus. What a way to be remembered for 2,000 years! (More will be posted on this subject, Monday, the Lord willing, JWS). From wswalker310 at juno.com Sat Apr 7 08:54:40 2012 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (wswalker310 at juno.com) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 13:54:40 GMT Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Where the Roses Never Fade" Message-ID: <20120407.085440.11765.1@webmail01.vgs.untd.com> 4/7/2012 Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. HYMN OF THE WEEK Weekly hymn studies “WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE” “The tree of life…yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2) INTRO.: A song which pictures heaven as the place where the tree of life yields its fruit and leaves is “Where the Roses Never Fade” (#199 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #389 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text and the tune both are usually attributed to “Elsie, Jack and Jim.” Some have assumed that this refers to a couple of people named Jack and Jim Elsie, but in fact, according to Praise!: Our Songs and Hymns, compiled in 1979 by John W. Peterson and Norman Johnson for Singspiration Music, formerly a division of the Zondervan Corporation which had purchased the Stamps-Baxter Co., the authors and composers are Jack and Elsie Osborn and James (Jim) C. Miller. Little is known about these individuals, other than that they lived in the early twentieth century. The song may have been produced in 1940, the date used in Praise!, with a renewal date of 1968, but the claim Stamps-Baxter now makes for the song is that it was copyrighted and first published in their 1942 book Blessed Hope, with the renewal coming in 1970. However, one website says that Janie West Metzgar, now deceased, wrote the lyrics and her son Robert Metzgar composed the music in 1929. Given the Stamps-Baxter Company’s penchant for taking other people’s songs and claiming them as their own, there could be some truth in the Metzgar’s claims. At the same time, a website devoted to the Metzgars makes some claims about other songs which are rather questionable. Another website says that Janie West was raised by the staff at Buckner’s Baptist Orphanage in Dallas, TX, and earned a degree from Baylor University in Waco, TX, becoming an English teacher. Marrying William Metzgar, who was a preacher with the Assembly of God, she became the mother of five children. In addition to being a teacher, a minister’s wife, and a mother, she was also a singer and song writer, with her first songs published in the early 1920s as sheet music, and she received several awards for her literary and song contributions. Diagnosed with leukemia at an early age, she was given no hope of recovery and suffered great pain for many years, though she went into remission. Among hymnbooks published by member of the Lord’s church for use in churches of Christ, the song has appeared in the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; the 2008 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat; and the 2009 Favorite Songs of the Church and the 2010 Songs for Worship and Praise both edited by Robert J. Taylor Jr.; in addition to Hymns for Worship and Sacred Selections. The only other book in which I have ever seen the song is Praise! The song focuses our attention on the beauty and glory of heaven. I. Stanza 1 tells us what will be there I am going to a city Where the streets with gold are laid, Where the tree of life is blooming, And the roses never fade. A. Heaven is often pictured in Scripture as a city: Heb. 11:16, 13:14 B. The beauty and glory of this city are symbolized as having a street that is paved with gold: Rev. 21:21 C. And in this city is blooming the tree of life which God had originally put in the garden of Eden: Gen. 2:8-9 II. Stanza 2 tells us what will not be there In this world we have our troubles; Satan snares we must evade. We'll be free from all temptations Where the roses never fade. A. In this world we have our troubles because man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble: Job 14:1 B. As long as we live upon this earth we must evade Satan’s snares because he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour: 1 Pet. 5:8-9 C. However, in heaven, we’ll be free from all our troubles and temptations because nothing that defiles or causes an abomination will be there: Rev. 21:27 III. Stanza 3 tells us who will be there Loved ones gone to be with Jesus, In their robes of white arrayed, Now are waiting for my coming Where the roses never fade. A. Again, with the implication that Christians cannot expect to see any “loved ones” in heaven, Sacred Selections editor Ellis Crum changed the opening of this stanza to read “Saved ones,” but certainly we can have the hope that our loved ones in Christ who have departed have gone to be with Christ: Phil. 1:23 B. They are pictured as being arrayed in robes of white: Rev. 7:9-14 C. Also, they are waiting for our coming and for that time when the Lord shall return with those who sleep in Jesus to raise the dead, change the living, and catch us up together in the clouds to meet Him in the air where we shall ever be with the Lord: 1 Thess. 1:13-17 CONCL.: The chorus contrasts the temporality of this life with the eternity of heaven. Here they bloom but for a season; Soon their beauty is decayed. I am going to a city Where the roses never fade. Several years ago, an editor of a paper published among us wrote an article on “Our Singing” in which he made some comments that our singing is turning to music which emphasizes mechanics and rhythm to the neglect of spiritual thought and that he would rejoice to see congregations of God’s people distinguished by song services noted for their spirituality. I agree with many of his observations, but he did cite this song individually in such a way as to imply that it was among the songs which emphasize mechanics and rhythm as opposed to those being noted for their spirituality. I do not recall whether he mentioned a specific objection to the song or just a general objection to it as not truly spiritual, and I looked for the exact quote, but I could not find it. Of course, the particular language of roses which never fade is not found in the scriptures, but nearly every other phrase in the song is taken directly from God’s word or is based on Biblical concepts. I cannot think of any reason why it would violate any scriptural principle to view heaven as a place “Where the Roses Never Fade.” Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 329 W. Boone St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 cell phone: (618) 292-2694 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/ Notes: Many of the hymn studies are available at the Hymn Studies weblog. 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 http://www.faith-facts.com/index.html . 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. ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f804784ae751152c47st05vuc -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120407/28890a98/attachment-0001.html From robertwater at gmail.com Sat Apr 7 09:12:35 2012 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 09:12:35 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A) WHAT DOES ACTS 2:38 MEAN? Message-ID: WHAT DOES ACTS 2:38 MEAN? Does Acts 2:38 teach that one is to repent and be baptized "for the remission of sins" or is it to be done "in order to the remission of sins?" The latter is what most preachers are teaching. But Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life..." (John 5:39a; Acts 17:11). The truth regarding what this text teaches is very important. One of the best ways to determine what a text means is to read it from several different reputable versions. Virtually all of them either say "...for the remission of sins" or "...unto the remission of sins." Another way to determine the meaning of the text is by comparing the phrase "for remission of sins" (eis aphesin amartion) to how the exact same phrase is used in Matt. 26:28, where Jesus said, "My blood of the new testament which is shed for many FOR REMISSION OF SINS" (eis aphesin amartion). Christ did not shed his blood because remission of sins had been provided, but in order that remission of sins could be provided. Likewise baptism is administered to one so that he might obtain remission of sins rather than because he has had remission of sins. It is done in order to receive that remission of sins which was made available by the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3,4,17,18; Col. 2:12,13.) Have you been baptized? If so, what was the reason you did it? Were you taught that baptism is merely to show that you have been saved? Understand that most preachers will not baptize a person "for the remission of sins" despite the apparent teaching of our text. In verse 41 of this same chapter (Acts 2) we see that "...They that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." And we see from verse 47 that the Lord continues to add those he saves to His church. Scriptural baptism necessitates an understanding prior to the act (Acts 8:30-40). In a case where there had been a misunderstanding, or lack of understanding, disciples were baptized again after their instruction (Acts 19:1-6). God didn't leave us to wonder as to the exact point that we become Christians. If we trust and obey what he says, for the reason intended, there can be no doubt that when we rise from the water God has forgiven us of our sins (1 Pet. 3:21). Our confidence will then be based upon his promise-not our feelings. www.ForumCOC.org www.TotalHealth.bz -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120407/16e33266/attachment-0001.html From tommythornhill at yahoo.com Sat Apr 7 11:46:07 2012 From: tommythornhill at yahoo.com (Tommy Thornhill) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 09:46:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] The Etna Enlightener Vol.1 no.9 Message-ID: <1333817167.85534.YahooMailNeo@web121206.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> The Etna Enlightener ?Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life?? Phil.2:14-16a. This paper is published weekly as a work of the Etna church of Christ meeting at 8026 S Hwy 23 - Ozark AR 72949. Time of Services - Sunday - Bible Study 9:30 AM, Worship 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM. Wednesday ? 6:30 PM. All are welcome to any and all services. Address comments and/or questions to: Tommy Thornhill evangelist and editor. Address ? 2703 Whitney Dr. Ozark AR 72949. Tel.479-667-1085. cell 662-419-5378. Email tommythornhill at yahoo.com ? Vol.1???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? April 8, 2012???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??? No.9 ? 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/20120407/09d42207/attachment-0001.html From tom at thomastedwards.com Sat Apr 7 11:56:41 2012 From: tom at thomastedwards.com (Tom Edwards) Date: Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:56:41 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 4/1/12 Message-ID: <4F8071C9.8080707@thomastedwards.com> ------------------- 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" (Matt. 28:19,20). -------------------- April 1, 2012 -------------------- Contents: 1) Philippians 4:14-20 (Tom Edwards) 2) News & Notes ------------------- -1- Philippians 4:14-20 by Tom Edwards As we continue in Paul's address to the Philippians, he next makes mention of their financial support to him, by saying: "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God" (Phil. 4:14-18). The phrase "first preaching of the gospel" refers to the first time the Philippians heard that message, when Paul had brought it to them during his second missionary journey. Philippi had been "a leading city of the district of Macedonia" (Acts 16:9-40). The KJV uses the term "communicate" in verse 14, which the NASB translates as "share." Thayer defines the Greek word (sugkoinoneo) as "1) to become a partaker together with others, or to have fellowship with a thing." A similar rendering of it in the past tense (koinoneo) is seen in verse 15, rendered as "shared." It is also translated as "contributing" in Romans 12:13, where it speaks of "contributing to the needs of the saints...." And "share" in 1 Peter 4:13, where Peter states, "but to the degree that you SHARE the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation." In Philippians 4:15, the sharing has reference to the financial support the Philippians were sending Paul. Some folks have interpreted the phrase in this verse that speaks of "the matter of giving and receiving" as pertaining to a "sponsoring church" arrangement, such as many liberal churches engage in today. It is where various churches will give to one sponsoring church, and the sponsoring church will then oversee those funds and use it for what they see best, such as in the work of evangelism. Those of this belief, therefore, see these other churches as doing the "giving" and the sponsoring church doing the "receiving"; but this is all foreign to the Bible. For, according to the Scriptures, each congregation was -- and is to be -- autonomous or, in other words, "self-governing." In supporting an evangelist, the New Testament shows that churches sent directly to the evangelist. There was no "sponsoring church" or "missionary society" that various churches would send to. And in matters of benevolence to needy saints, churches would help their own needy; but if a congregation was not able to, then funds could be sent to that congregation to be given to the needy saints among them. In the matter of "giving and receiving" that Paul is referring to in Philippians 4:15, the Philippians did the giving, and Paul did the receiving. Interestingly, though, this phrase, "giving and receiving," as some commentators point out, is a "mercantile metaphor" (Robertson Word Pictures). John Gill writes that this phrase "is often used by the Jews for trading and commerce...; and the allusion is to the keeping of accounts by men in business, by debtor and creditor, in a book, putting down in one column what is delivered out, and in the other what is received, whereby accounts are kept clear: the apostle's meaning is, that whereas he and his fellow ministers had delivered out spiritual things to this church, they had in return communicated their carnal things; so that there was a proper account kept, which was not observed by other churches, and which was greatly to the commendation of this." I don't believe, however, that Paul was literally keeping some type of tally sheet, but the phrase metaphorically expresses the fellowship in the gospel Paul and the Philippians had through their financial support of his preaching. Paul mentions that the Philippians had sent support to him when he was in Thessalonica, which is where he had gone after leaving Philippi. The Philippians had also sent support to him when he was in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:8,9), and now while he was under house arrest for two years in Rome. Philippians 4:17 also shows something else about Paul: His concern for the spiritual well-being of others. The verse states, with regard to this financial support sent him by the Philippians, "Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account." As we had seen, there were times when Paul was greatly in need; but here we find him looking more to the spiritual benefit it would be to the Philippians to participate in this type of fellowship. Paul then says in Philippians 4:18, "But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." It is interesting that Paul refers to their financial support as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." This reminds us of the sacrifices under the Old Testament times. Thayer shows that this Greek word for "fragrant" means not only "a fragrant or sweet smelling thing, incense," but also "an odour of acquiescence, satisfaction." It is also "a sweet odour, spoken of the smell of sacrifices and obligations, agreeably to the ancient notion that God smells and is pleased with the odour of sacrifices"; and "metaphorically a thing well pleasing to God." And "aroma" (from "osme") also refers to a fragrance that can be either literal or figurative (James Strong). The phrase "fragrant aroma" is also used in Ephesians 5:2, in which Paul exhorts the brethren to "...walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Our life unto God should also be a sweet fragrance, in a manner of speaking. Consider, for instance, 2 Corinthians 2:14-16: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?" Helping Paul in his support was an "acceptable sacrifice" (Phil. 4:18). Surely that would be included with what the Hebrew writer alludes to in Hebrews 13:16, "And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." So Paul seems to be making an allusion to Old Testament incense offering in Philippians 4:18, where he likens that to the support the Philippians had sent him. As we're thinking about this, consider Genesis 8:20,21: "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, 'I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.'" I would think this is accommodating language for our benefit. We can relate to noticing a sweet fragrance and being pleased by it. It can be delightful. Is this, therefore, in Genesis 8:20,21, a way in which God could express His being delighted and pleased in what Noah was doing? Paul then tells the Philippians in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." The Lord has promised to meet our needs if we will put His kingdom first, and all His righteousness (Matt. 6:30-34). The word "supply" (Phil. 4:19) is from the Greek word "pleroo." Some of the definitions that Thayer shows for this term is "to fill to the full," "to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally," "to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim," and "to make complete in every particular, to render perfect." We should, therefore, not think of this supply merely pertaining to our physical needs, but also to those that are spiritual in nature -- which are, by far, much more important. One way in which the Lord supplies us of our spiritual needs is through His word: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Pet. 1:3). This spiritual food is made available through the knowledge of God's word, but it must be eaten (by studying it), and assimilated (by applying it). Then we will truly be spiritually nourished by it. As Jesus states in Matthew 4:4, in using the "sword of the Spirit" to cut through Satan's temptation to command the stones to become bread, "...'It is written, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"" The implication being that man can, should, and must live on the word of God. So, though, Jesus, who had been fasting for 40 days, was now probably going through a starvation process, He still realized that there was a food more important than that which could only sustain His physical life. And Jesus is the greatest example of all when it comes to practicing what He preached: "In the meanwhile the disciples were requesting Him, saying, 'Rabbi, eat.' But He said to them, 'I have food to eat that you do not know about.' The disciples therefore were saying to one another, 'No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?' Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work'" (Jn. 4:31-34). Job, too, was of that nature: "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). Paul then next says in Philippians 4:20, "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen." This statement, though short, is referred to as a "doxology." The term simply means "a hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to God." The primary definition of the word "glory" is "very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown." The use of doxology is also seen in some of Paul's other epistles. For example: "to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 16:27). "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36). "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (1 Tim. 1:17). John, too, used doxology: "And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever'' (Rev. 5:13). And also Jude: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 1:24,25). Concerning Philippians 4:20, Johann Bengel writes that this "...doxology flows out of the joy of the whole epistle." A joy that is based on God, as Paul's was, is certainly something to glorify the Lord for. In this doxology, Paul says "Now to our God and Father...." God and Father are, of course, referring to the same person; but these different terms cause us to reflect upon different aspects of God. Zerr, for example, points out that the term "God" refers to the "eternal, self-existent and infinite power" of Deity, while the term "Father" expresses "His affectionate relationship to the creatures of His care." We need to remind ourselves that God is not merely that great omniscient, eternal being who can awe us by his very greatness; but He is also a caring Father toward us; and one who loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to atone for our sins (John 3:16). The expression "forever and ever" (Phil. 4:20) is also for emphasis. For these conjoined terms are from the same Greek word ("aion") and, therefore, expressing the same thing. Thayer defines that word as "1) for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity." Though it is also used in other instances to refer to, as Thayer shows, secondly, "the worlds" or "universe"; and, thirdly, as a "period of time, or age." And for this third definition, we might think of the Passover, for instance, that is spoken of in Exodus 12:24 as an ordinance that is to be observed "forever." Yet there, "forever" means a "period of time" -- and that period being the Mosaical Age, which came to an end at the cross of Christ, when the Lord instituted the New Covenant by His blood. But in Philippians 4:20, in referring to God, "forever and ever" is speaking of His eternal nature. As we also see in Psalm 90:2, "Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." Isn't that interesting? And doesn't it express the eternal nature of the Lord? For it does not say that "from everlasting to everlasting, You HAVE BEEN God" -- or "You STILL WILL BE God"; but, rather, "from everlasting to everlasting, You ARE God." Sometimes we might think of the infinite space that surrounds us as somehow graphically illustrating the eternal nature of God. Many years ago, when I was in my late teens or early 20's, I remember driving my grandfather from Pennsylvania to Florida. The close of the day is often a favorite time for me, when the sun's glare begins to soften and the endless sky seems even more appealing. I remember glancing way down the highway and above it into that sky and thinking about that space that probably stretched through infinity -- and in no matter what direction I would look. We realize that we just don't have the ability to truly imagine all of infinity. So, in a manner of speaking, it also illustrates for us the eternal nature of God -- who "from everlasting to everlasting" is always the same. The eternal nature of God is one of the many amazing attributes about Him. So let us close with Paul's doxology: "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen" (Phil. 4:20). ------------------- -2- News & Notes Let those of us who are Christians be praying for the following people who were mentioned in last's week's News & Notes: Gyndell Henry (who has breast cancer); Mike Dubose (who must receive cancer treatment for the rest of his life); R. J. Stevens (who is undergoing therapy, following heart by-pass surgery and a mini stroke), Roy Fenner (who has macular damage causing distortion, for which he must receive monthly shots in his eye indefinitely, and the development of a small, unpredictable legion near the scar where cancer had been recently removed, and who requires plastic surgery to eliminate a basal cell wound that has been behind his ear for more than 2 years); and for our members who have been sick, with poor health, and/or physically weak: Geneva Wilson, Jean Calloway, Shirley Young, and Cheryl Crews. Also Mozelle Robertson (who is healing from wrist surgery at 91), Clifton Trimble (whose health has been poor), and Anthony Webb andAndrew Robertson(who are seeking new employment). -------------------- The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation 1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30,31). 2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18). 3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). 4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38). 5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). 6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). -------------------- Park Forest CHURCH OF CHRIST 9923 Sunny Cline Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Sunday services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 6 PM (worship) Tuesday: 7 PM (Bible class) evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 Tom at ThomasTEdwards.com http://ThomasTEdwards.com/go (Gospel Observer website) http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120407/46478390/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Sat Apr 7 15:06:11 2012 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon Quinn) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 13:06:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 19.4 April Message-ID: <1333829171.95867.YahooMailRC@web80802.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Concerning April?s Expository Files: Expository Files at bible.ca has been hit by sabotage. Steve Rudd, who operates the website and does the technical work on the server, ?reported that an anarchist group known as ?Anonymous? who has targeted governments and corporations, as well as Google and other web related? entities, ?announced some time ago that they were going to target religious sites as well.? They hacked Steve?s server, causing damage and removing data. ?Links were changed which, if selected, would take the viewer to a video of the world?s leading militant atheist, Richard Dawkins, calling for more aggressive attacks on religion. Of course, the server was taken off line so Steve could make repairs. ? As a result, ?Expository Files at bible.ca has lost issues from December of last year to present (prior to that, EF was still on an old, unused server which has been bought back into service and so November, 2011 and previous issues? are still available at bible.ca). Steve is working on repairing the sabotaged server and we hope to get EF back up to date there in another 1 or 2 months. ?As my fellow editor Warren Berkley does the PDF?version,??the April?Expository Files is still available in PDF?at his web site. Expository Files 19.4 April 2012 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: ? Front Page, ?Part-time Christians,? Dee Bowman (From Pressing On) Paul?s Thankfulness in Three Specifics, 2 Thess. 1:3, Warren E. Berkley ---------------------------------------------------------- http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to Nov 2011; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://www.texas.wberkley.info/ EF in highly compatible PDF by issue Note to Kindle users. A Kindle version is now available! Contact Warren E. Berkley at warren at warrenberkley.com Jon W. Quinn Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, Illinois ? A Call To Praise, Psa. 100:4-5, George Slover ?Sit At My Right Hand,? Psa. 110:1-7, Jon W. Quinn Not To The Right Or Left, Josh. 1:7, Ethan R. Longhenry Epaphroditus, Phil. 2:25-30, Nathan E. Quinn Final Page, ?I Have Not Seen The Righteous Forsaken,? Jon W. Quinn? __._,_.___ From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Sat Apr 7 15:26:03 2012 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon Quinn) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 13:26:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files; April 2012 Message-ID: <1333830363.11857.YahooMailRC@web80802.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Apologies. ? There was a cut and paste error in the previous announcement. ? Concerning April?s Expository Files: Expository Files at bible.ca has been hit by sabotage. Steve Rudd, who operates the website and does the technical work on the server, reported that an anarchist group known as ?Anonymous? who has targeted governments and corporations, as well as Google and other web related entities, announced some time ago that they were going to target religious sites as well. They hacked Steve?s server, causing damage and removing data. Links were changed which, if selected, would take the viewer to a video of the world?s leading militant atheist, Richard Dawkins, calling for more aggressive attacks on religion. Of course, the server was taken off line so Steve could make repairs. As a result, Expository Files at bible.ca has lost issues from December of last year to present (prior to that, EF was still on an old, unused server which has been bought back into service and so November, 2011 and previous issues are still available at bible.ca). Steve is working on repairing the sabotaged server and we hope to get EF back up to date there in another 1 or 2 months. As my fellow editor Warren Berkley does the PDF version, the April Expository Files is still available in PDF at his web site. Expository Files 19.4 April 2012 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: Front Page, ?Part-time Christians,? Dee Bowman (From Pressing On) Paul?s Thankfulness in Three Specifics, 2 Thess. 1:3, Warren E. Berkley A Call To Praise, Psa. 100:4-5, George Slover ?Sit At My Right Hand,? Psa. 110:1-7, Jon W. Quinn Not To The Right Or Left, Josh. 1:7, Ethan R. Longhenry Epaphroditus, Phil. 2:25-30, Nathan E. Quinn Final Page, ?I Have Not Seen The Righteous Forsaken,? Jon W. Quinn ? ?---------------------------------------------------------- http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to Nov 2011; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://www.texas.wberkley.info/ EF in highly compatible PDF by issue Note to Kindle users. A Kindle version is now available! Contact Warren E. Berkley at warren at warrenberkley.com Jon W. Quinn Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, Illinois From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Apr 7 18:50:33 2012 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 16:50:33 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> An Opportunity For Good Message-ID: <098B8CE9-C869-4DC5-8FBA-9CAADC3A92C0@gmail.com> An Opportunity For Good In the Bible record of the lives of King Saul and David, we are told Saul tried to kill David several times ? and only because David was of superior character; King Saul was resentful towards David simply because David was praised by the people more than he (1st Sam. 18:6-8). King Saul first tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him (vv. 10, 11); He would try the same thing later (1st Sam. 19:9, 10) and he would even go so far as raising up a small army [twice] and pursuing David with the intent of killing him (1st Sam. 24, 26). We might think that David would begin looking for ways to avenge himself, or to stir up rebellion and a revolt but, throughout all of this, David ?behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him? (1st Sam. 18:14), which caused King Saul to fear him even more (v. 15). Even when Saul pursued David into the wilderness in hopes of finding and killing him, David resisted the urging of others to take advantage of a couple of opportunities to kill King Saul (1st Sam. 24:3-12; 26:5-24). The behavior of David was exemplary and still stands as one worthy of note, but it should be behavior that we not just praise; it should be behavior we choose to follow and imitate. Let?s take a few minutes today and consider the example of David as he coped with the unjust persecution of King Saul; let us note what he did and said, and his thinking that is worthy of our note and worthy of our imitation, especially as disciples of Jesus. Let us note some worthwhile points about David that are important lessons for us today and how we respond to others who trouble us for no apparent reason, or who trouble us because of our faith and character. There are some important principles that guided David and should guide disciples even today. Behave Wisely. (1st Sam. 18:14) It is very tempting, sometimes, when the world stands against us and someone is personally making it their job in life to make us miserable or give us a hard time, simply because we believe in God and refuse to compromise our beliefs to ?go along? or just to make someone else a little less uncomfortable. Some, when confronted with someone who is living righteously and who is truly good, cannot stand the fact there is living proof a man can abstain from the fleshly pursuits, and will then do everything they can to destroy the reputation and life of the one who does so. Our best response is not to engage in the same behavior as those attacking us, but to act wisely and prudently. The word translated as ?wisely? also has a literal meaning of looking to the future, and that is something worth considering. When we think about future events before we act or respond to others? bad behavior, we will avoid doing or saying things we will regret or which might destroy or limit and future opportunities to have a positive impact on them or others. Get Away From the Troubler. (1st Sam. 18:11; 19:10-12) When King Saul heard the praise of the people for David and how it was more than the praise they offered about him, he was angry and tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him ? twice. David did not hang around to try to goad King Saul into doing something foolish and did not stubbornly stand his ground on matters of principle; he got out of there! A common response to unjust attacks is often to stand and defend oneself ? sometimes to the point one side or the other is destroyed [or both]. Stubborn pride often causes us to just keep fighting and fighting until we lose our sense of right and wrong, our tempers, and then our reputation. We might argue David had every ?right? to defend himself, as well as many situations we face today where others have attacked us unfairly, but that is really irrelevant. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our primary goal is not self-defense, but defense of the truth, and the promotion of godly behavior. In situations where we are attacked unfairly, defend yourself only if it is a defense of the truth and of Christ; if the attackers persist and it becomes evident they have no interest in hearing the truth, it may be time to just get away and plan for future opportunities. Don?t Act Presumptuously. (1st Sam. 24:4-7; 26:8-11) Twice, when David was being pursued by King Saul while in the wilderness, David had opportunity to kill King Saul and end the persecution. The first time, David?s men said, ?Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ?Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you??; the next time, Abishai told David, ?God has given your enemy into your hand this day.? Each time, though, David refused to lift his hand against King Saul and kill him. David did not presume that the ?opportunity? was for his persecutor?s demise. [Ponder the possibility God delivered King Saul into David?s hand not to kill Saul, but to test David.] Today, when we have faced persecution from others, we may be afforded opportunities to exact revenge or even to destroy them. Sometimes, ?information? falls into our hands that would ruin our persecutors or publicly embarrass them and alleviate our hardships; what should we do in such cases? Just remember the words of Jesus: ?So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them? (Matt. 7:12). If we presume to act and we exact revenge when afforded an opportunity, we may look foolish if it is known that we acted with presumption or if we had opportunity to do good, instead. Never presume to think or act in ways contrary to a godly example. Return Evil With Good. (1st Sam. 24:10, 11; 26:9-11) As we just read, David had opportunity to do to King Saul the very thing he sought to do to him. But David did not do that. Instead of returning evil for evil, David chose to return King Saul?s evil with good. This principle is one that is taught within the gospel message of the New Testament, and should not come as a surprise to any faithful disciple. Paul said, ?Bless those who persecute you? (Rom. 12:14), ?Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all? (v. 17), ?Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God? (v. 19), and, ?Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good? (v. 21). Four times within eight verses, Paul essentially says the same thing: Do good to those who have done you evil. This principle is one exemplified by Jesus as He suffered through the trial and crucifixion. Though He was plainly and unquestionably innocent of any wrongdoing, He was shamefully treated, beaten, spat upon, and mocked ? all before and during the tortuous death on the cross. And how did Jesus respond? Peter reminds us, ?For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly? (1st Pet. 2:19-23). Let us see hardships through the view of Jesus, and let us turn the evil of others into an opportunity for good. ?? Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120407/e2e60539/attachment-0001.html From voice at venicechurchofchrist.org Sat Apr 7 23:49:56 2012 From: voice at venicechurchofchrist.org (The Voice) Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2012 21:49:56 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] The Voice 2.15: April 08, 2012 Message-ID: [image: The Voice] Hermeneutical Agnosticism When one surveys the various aspects of ?Christendom,? it does not take long to notice the great variety in doctrines, teachings, and practices among the various denominations and groups who claim to follow Jesus. Most such groups claim to base their understanding and practice on the Bible: they will profess the Bible as their standard of authority. Most will even agree about the basic contextual meaning of most of the Biblical text. It is in the endeavor to apply the Bible?s message to modern faith and practice where most of the divisions become evident. Since everyone is reading the same Bible but so many are coming to such different conclusions, what is the modern believer to do? This is a major challenge and difficulty; if everyone is reading the same Bible, we all should be able to come to a common understanding of what God would have us to believe and do (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10). And yet many sincere people with plenty of training, insight, and understanding come away with very different understandings, interpretations, and applications of the Bible?s message. In such an environment, it is quite easy and tempting to profess a level of ?hermeneutical agnosticism?: to declare that we humans truly cannot fully know how to properly interpret the Bible, and therefore we should be wary of challenging or condemning a given form of interpretation as wrong or inaccurate (?hermeneutics? involve methods of interpretation, and ?agnosticism? involves declaring the impossibility of knowing a given thing or matter). In our increasingly relativistic world, hermeneutical agnosticism is the expected response to divisions in doctrine and practice: if what is right for you need not be right for me, and *vice versa*, then there remains little need to come to a consensus about the nature of truth as revealed in Scripture. Furthermore, hermeneutical agnosticism tends to be cloaked in a profession of humility: who am I to declare which interpretation is right or wrong? In such a view, it is arrogant to presume to have better insight or understanding than others. But is hermeneutical agnosticism really the way forward when it comes to what God has revealed in Scripture? Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free? *(John 8:31-32 )*. Since we remain human and in the flesh, we find ourselves continually falling short of God?s glory (Romans 3:23): therefore, it remains highly unlikely that any one person has completely accurately understood, interpreted, and applied the Scriptures in every instance. All of us can be and often are wrong; we must constantly examine ourselves according to the standard of God in Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Timothy 2:15 ). We do well to consider our biases in interpretation and how our culture, upbringing, and traditions have led us to understand the Bible in certain ways, and whether those ways are accurate or not. But just because we will not know everything perfectly does not mean that we cannot know anything at all. We must always remember that God has revealed His message to us in the Bible so that it might be understood. Jesus affirms that we can know the truth. Paul expects believers to be able to become one in mind and love (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:1-4 ). Division and sectarian denominationalism are works of the flesh, a source of confusion from the Evil One, based in misdirected traditions and accommodation to cultural norms (cf. Matthew 15:1-9, Galatians 5:19-21 , Colossians 2:1-9 ). Even today it is possible to know the truth of God so as to be saved. Hermeneutical agnosticism, therefore, is a dead-end, for God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). There always remain proper ways to understand and apply God?s message in the Bible to our lives. We must all be ?convinced in our own minds? (Romans 14:5 ). No one will stand justified before God declaring that they did not know what to believe because of all of the different teachings of different religious organizations; those who will be justified on that day are those who knew God?s will and sought to do it (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). We must stand in God?s truth by faith, entrusting ourselves to God in Christ, seeking to do all things by His authority and not our own (Colossians 3:17 , Hebrews 11:6). Let us seek to understand God?s will as revealed in the Bible, rightly handling the word of truth, living and acting by faith! Ethan R. Longhenry The Voice *The Voice* is a weekly publication of the Venice church of Christ, disciples making disciples on Los Angeles' Westside. If you would like to change your subscription preferences, please e-mail voice at venicechurchofchrist.org or visit our website . If you live on the Westside of Los Angeles, will be traveling around there in the near future, or are simply interested in more information about the Venice church of Christ, please check us out online at our website, our Facebook page , or our Twitter feed . Thank you very much for your interest in spiritual matters, and have a good day! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120407/689b0260/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Sun Apr 15 22:13:34 2012 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:13:34 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Those Were The Days (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <000d01cd1b7e$e8c164b0$ba442e10$@bellsouth.net> Those Were The Days (Kent Heaton) I was reading some religious journals from the 60's and found numerous times that debates were mentioned either as had happened or were being planned. There are few people today in any religious circle that remember what a debate was. Fewer still were part of those debates. Decades ago debates were quite frequent and varied from place to place. Some debates would have crowds of up to 600 to 800 people a night. One such debate spoke of nearly 1000 people in attendance. I am sure there were other debates of various sizes but the debates happened often. The focus of the debates would examine doctrinal differences between religious groups and for many years well known men were renowned for their prowess on the debating stage. In the ones that I read after it was also noted how that each participate in the debate was cordial and respectful as they argued their position in favor or against the established point of difference. Debates would challenge Baptist, Methodist, Christian Church and so forth on a field of discussions ranging from the means of salvation, instruments of music, church work and benevolence and a host of topics appealing to the minds of the religious community. It is painfully clear that debates have fallen by the wayside. Trying to imagine a debate between two parties discussing the issues of salvation in a public venue; attended by 600-800 people each night - is truly a thing of the past. Revivals and gospel meetings rarely attain that level of interest. There seem to be some root causes for the demise of debates and public interest. Religion is no longer a subject that people want to discuss. It either offends them to have challenges to their faith or they have become so satisfied in their system of faith they will not discuss it. It is harder still to find many people who are interested in having a study in their home. Religion has become the manna of over satisfied self-absorbed individuals who have little time to talk about what they believe in. "You believe what you believe and I will believe what I believe" is the clarion call of the religion of convenience. How did Jesus view this self-inflicted wound of religious pride? In Matthew 23 the Lord said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do" (vv2-3). Did the Son of God suggest that it did not matter what you believed as long as you believed in God? Did Jesus Christ every challenge the religious groups of His day? "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves" (Mathew 23:15). The apostle Paul went into the Jewish synagogues to discuss the scriptures on a frequent basis (Acts 13; 14:1; 17; 18; 19:8 for three months). He would find few recipients today interested in debating the scriptures. Satan has dulled our senses with the frivolities of the world. Conviction has given way to convenience. Self-indulgence hearts are guided by carnal desires. Who has time to talk of the Bible? "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" (Hosea 4:6). These are those days. Kent Heaton 206 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 352-463-6916 (Home) 352-283-3889 (Cell) 352-463-3793 (Office) Trenton Church of Christ www.trentonchurchofchrist.com North Florida Bible Camp July 1-7, 2012 www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120415/3b5fe482/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Apr 16 04:10:00 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:10:00 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE THIRD CHANGE Message-ID: <266a1.17bc3970.3cbd3be8@wmconnect.com> Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning tp each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my ancient files: THE THIRD CHANGE Most Christians Understand That They Must Undergo Two Major Changes In Their Lives As Disciples Of Christ: -- The first takes place when one becomes a Christian, in being "delivered from the domain of darkness, and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Col. 1:13). Paul also says: "if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17). We thus come out of the world and are added to God's family as newborn babes in Christ. This is a very great change -- we now have the forgive- ness of all of our past sins. The second great change that we know about is the one which will ocur after teh second coming of Christ, when all will be changed at the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:51-53; Phil. 3:21). Hence, there is a noted change for all Christians both at the beginning and at the end of our earthly relationship with Christ. However, there is another change neessary for Christians, one that may often be overlooked. This change transpires be- tween conversion and the resurrection -- that of growing in spirit- ual maturity as a child of God. About one third of the New Testa- ment is written to Christians to tell us how to behave as discipl- es of the Lord. Unfortunately, however, many Christians appare- ntly do not understand that these instructions are essential for our salvation. Paul addressed Christians who wre at Rome (Rom. 1:6) as those who were "called of Jesus Christ." In "Romans 12:1,2, Paul urged the Christians at Rome (and us too) to be transform- ed (changed) into another form (metamorphosis). We do this by the renewing of our minds. In Romans 13:14 we are told to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provisions for the lusts of the flesh. To the Corinthians, Paul said that Christians are to mirror the image of Christ by (being) transformed (changed) into that same image of Christ that is seen in the Gospel (2 Cor. 3:18) Greek scholars say that the form of the word used here indicat- es that it is to be a continuous changing, extending over a period of time. This intermediate change that Christians are to undergo is described in Eph. 4:11-25 simply as growing up, spiritually, from an immature babe in Christ to a mature or complete Christian. We do this by putting off the old self (vs. 22) and putting on the new (vs. 24). Similar instructions are given in Col. 3:1, to contin- ue seeking the things above. We are to lay aside the old ways of anger, wrath, malice and slander (3:8,9) and put on the true knowledge. Vss. 12-16 list other characteristics we are to adopt, things which resemble the fruit of the spirit described in Gal. 5: 22. At the same time we are to put off the deeds of the flesh list- ed in Gal. 5:19-21. One preacher explained this by saying that though we quickly become Christians, yet many of our old desir- es come along with us into the new life. We then must spend a lot of time ridding ourselves of these old desires and bad habits. This is what growing is all about. In explaining putting on Christ (Rom. 13:14), Thayer says that we are 'to become so possessed of the mind of Christ as in thought, feeling and action to resemble Him and, as it were, rep- roduce the life He lived.' Peter commanded Christians to add to their faith moral excel- lence (conviction), knowledge, self control, perseverance, godli- ness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Pet. 1:5-7). In vs. 8, Peter said that these qualities were to be increasing -- meaning that he did not expect instantaneous change, but rather a constant attempt by his brethren to become better Christians. This is the transformation each Christian must constantly experience, try- ing each day to be better than he was the day before. In the same way as a caterpillar changes from an eating, con- suming worm to a beauty-giving butterfly, so should each of us strive daily to change from a gospel-consuming babe in Christ to a giving, concerned, spiritual butterfly whose beauty rediates reflected ligh from our sun, the Son of God. When our primary thoughts no longer center around oursel- ves, but leap out to others around us -- to our brethren and to the lost -- then we probably are also shedding most of our earth- ly desires and may be about fully coverted to Christ. Somewhe- re in the process we should become a butterfly. That doesn't mean that we can then quit, for we still must keep trying to grow. However, when we become a butterfly we will never be the same. We will truly live for Christ and for thers first -- and the world will be able to see the beauty of Jesus living in us. ----------- Lawson Winton in The Christianity Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 2, Feb. 1986. From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Apr 16 04:10:01 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:10:01 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT DO YOU DO DAILY? (1) Message-ID: <266a3.6b0e20f7.3cbd3be9@wmconnect.com> Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHAT DO YOU DO DAILY? (1) The Word Of God Tells Us What People Who Pleased The Lord Did Day By Day: -- We want to look at these activities, and check ourselves to see if we use each day in a way that pleases our Maker. 1. Those who were noble searched the Scriptures daily: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11). The man who works his field regularly gets far more out of it than the man who neglects and seldom touches his. The one who searches the Scriptures finds a storehouse of treasures. The more he digs and searches the more he finds. He can learn history that can be learned in no other place. He can learn the origin of the universe. He can learn his own origin, his purpose in life, and his possible destiny. He can learn the great princip- les of moral conduct. He can live with the great and noble char- acters who have beautifully graced God's footstool. He can hear God's warnings. And he can learn God's plan of salvation for lost man through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. "The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth under- standing unto the simple" (Psa. 119:130). "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Have You Searched The Scriptures Today? -- 2. Those who are after God's own heart pray daily. David prayed daily: "Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily" (Psa. 86:3). Even though he was forbidden by the Law of the land o pray to His God, Daniel, as was his custom, continued to pray daily to the true and livng God. For doing so he was cast into the lion's den, but the God who heard his daily prayers "shut the lions' mouths" (Dan. 6). Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matt. 6:11). When one prays for his "daily bread" "this day," he is one who prays every day. In regard to prayer Christ has made a wonderful promise: "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh ti shall be opened (Matt. 7:7,8). It is to be understood that if we ask, we are to ask according to God's Will. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His Will, He heareth us." (1 Jno. 5:14). Daily prayer gives one the opportunity to praise God daily: "And daily shall He be praised" (Psa. 72:15). Solomon had this to say about the king, but it would far more apply to God Who is worthy of all praise. Daily prayer gives one the opportunity to thank God regularly for the outpouring of His copious blessings "Blessed is the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation" (Psa. 72:19). Daily we need to beg His guidance, for, like Solomon, we re but a little child; we know not how to go out or come in. (1 Kgs. 3:7). (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). From robertwater at gmail.com Mon Apr 16 05:07:08 2012 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:07:08 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A) Are You Trusting Others to Tell You What the Bible Says? Message-ID: *Are You Trusting Others to Tell You What the Bible Says?* by Robert Waters Many preachers claim they have been "called" to preach. Paul was called to be an apostle and Christians are called to be saints (1 Cor. 1:1, 2), but where does the Bible speak of the preacher's "call"? Does God call a man to be a preacher in some special, or even miraculous, way? One preacher said, "I was out hunting in the field and I saw the letters ?GPC? formed in the clouds. It was God saying to me, ?GO PREACH CHRIST.?" Should we believe a man who tells us something like this and then be confident that he will tell us what the Bible says because God "called" him? He could have been lying and he may have been seeking a profession. Or, maybe he simply misinterpreted the letters. "GPC" could have stood for "GO PICK COTTON." Preachers are bearers of glad tidings, and we love them for the time and effort they put forth to learn truth and to teach it (Rom 10:15). But today preachers are not inspired in their teaching (we now have the Bible, 1 Cor. 13:8-12). Therefore, we cannot fully trust these men to tell us the truth on important Bible subjects. The same is true regarding what our church teaches. The important thing is not what the preacher preaches or what some earthly body teaches, but what the Bible says. But how can we know for sure what the Bible says if we do not do our own studying using good study methods (hermeneutics)? When Paul said, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thes 5:21), we can be sure he meant for us not to accept without question what we hear preachers say. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life... " ( John 5:39a). Paul spoke highly of the people of Berea when he said, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). The apostle John wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1 ASV). You who preach, are you truly aware of the huge responsibility placed upon you to tell the truth? James wrote, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more severely" (Jas. 3:1, ISV). Do you think your preacher is inspired and therefore infallible? How do you know for sure that he is telling you the truth on important Bible subjects? Does he present Scripture and use reason and logic to prove his teachings? Does he allow, or even encourage, you to question him? If not, it is a bad sign. No matter how intelligent, honest and trustworthy the man standing in the pulpit is, or appears to be, YOU remain responsible for how you hear. Jesus said, "Take heed therefore how ye hear..." (Luke 8:18). Also, you are responsible for your "talents" or abilities, whatever they might be (Luke 16:2), so don?t be a hearer only but strive to be a "doer of the work" (Jas 1:25). The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120416/1544c6a5/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Apr 17 11:22:56 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:22:56 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT DO YOU DO DAILY? (2) Message-ID: <1cd01.85ec37c.3cbef2df@wmconnect.com> Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHAT DO YOU DO DAILY? (2) Do You Watch Daily? 3. Those who are blessed watch daily: -- "Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates waiting at the posts of My doors" (Prov. 8:34). This was said in regard to wisdom, but isn wisdom one watches for opportunit- ies to learn more of God's Will. One who is blessed watches daily for opportunities to serve in God's kingdom, to serve his fellowman, to recognize and overcome the temptations of Satan. Because Satan is the enemy of all mankind, we need to watch his every temptation, however open, however subtle. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roar- ing lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5: 8). Christ showed that the way to overcome every temptation of Satan is to apply properly the Word of God. Satan has no power to cope with "it is written," when the Word of God is used as "the sword of the Spirit" (Matt. 4:1-10; Eph. 6:18). One watches daily to be ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus. "Watch, therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matt. 24:42-44). -- Are You Watch- ing Daily? Are You Following Christ? -- 4. Those who follow Christ take up their cross daily. -- "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). One who follows Christ takes up his cross and denies himself of whatever would stand in the way, or hinder his waling in the footsteps of Christ. Thus, he would deny himself of worldly honors, if they wr e a stumbling block. He would suppress the cravings of the fleshly man. At whatever sacrifice, he would see that the high and noble spiritual nature overcomes the low and lustful fleshly nature. The apostle Paul was determined to keep the fleshly man in subjection: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). Have you carried His cross today? What have you denied your- self today in order to follow Christ? Those Who Are Concerned And Faithful Exhort One Another Daily. 5. "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin"(Heb. 3:12,13). Christ- ians are a great blessing to one another: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Rom. 14:19). "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1,2). "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of our- selves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see theday approaching" (Heb, 10:24,25). Have you tried to exhort, to encourage, to pro- voke anyone to love and good works today? Christians Are To Teach The Gospel To Others Daily: -- 6. Yes, Christians Are To Teach The Gospel Daily -- "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Christ" (Acts 5:42). The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation. (Rom. 1:16). ---- Have You Sought To Teach Anyone Today? ---------- Billy Norris via The Jackson Drive Admo- nisher, July 10, 2011. From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Apr 17 11:39:41 2012 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:39:41 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Love--What Is It -- Anyhow? Message-ID: <1d82d.35de84d0.3cbef6cd@wmconnect.com> en and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morn- ing to each anc everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: LOVE -- WHAT IS IT, ANYHOW? "God...has given us the best definition of love ever penned... and if it were not found in the dictionaries of men but in their hearts, how much happier and content mankind would be!" Love has been the subject of poets and philosophers since time began. It is the primary subject of countless songs, son- ets, plays, books, soap operas (?), wars and human behavior in general. Love brings out the best in man, and, when misused, the worst as well. It is the most defined, used and abused sub- ject in the human vocabulary and most of us have only a vague idea of what it is all about. A recent cartoon in the newspaper presented a fellow ambl- ing down the road musing on the subject of love. He thought as follows: "Love is a subconscious, involuntary response to an unwitting, unintentional invitation to form an illusory metaphy- sical bond." Our philosophical friend in the nationally-syndicat- ed cartoon presents a whimsical understanding of love which, i am afraid, is much closer to the truth of modern understanding than we care to admit. Let's cut through the academic vocabulary of the above def- inition and see what it is really saying: "Love is something which escapes my understanding so I must define it in terms which demonstrate that it is instinctive, purely accidental and without any basis in reality." In other words, "Love is blind." Love is an illusion. Love is beyong our ability to control through conscious effort. Love is the result of "chemistry" rather than mutual respect and admiration. Love is finally a mistaken effort to form a lasting attachment with another. What rubbish! Yet, as we look around us in our modern society, we see "love" falling in every aspect of human behavior. Friendships fail. Marriages fail. Communities cannot work in harmondy. Gov- ernments and nations war within and without. Certainly all is not black. All is not without hope and joy and peace. Yet, while society as a whole seeks "love," it seems unable to either find it, define it properly or apply it effectively. Why is that so? For all our wisdom and knowledge, man has never -- not will he ever -- better define Love than the One Who is the source of all Love, Jehovah God Himself. For God IS Love! (1 Jno. 4:8). God, through Paul, has given us the best de- finition of Love ever penned. it is contained in t he thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and if it were found nto in the dictionarries of men but in their hearts, how much happier and content mankind would be! Love is patient. Are we? Love is kind. Are we? Love does not envy nor covet. Do we? Love is not conceited or unmanner- ly. Are we? Love is not easily angered nor does it entertain evil thoughts. Do we? Love finds no pleasure in sin but delight s in the truth. Do we? Love bears he errors and faults of others. Do we? Love believes all the promises of God. Do we? Love re- mains hopeful under all circumstances. Do we? Love endures no matter what befalls us. Do we? Love never ceases but pre- vails. Do we? --------- Richard Williams in The Christianity Maga- zine, Vol. 3, No. 2, Feb. 1986. From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Apr 30 15:34:07 2012 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:34:07 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Thirty Three Years Of Perfection (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <006a01cd2710$97ac8bc0$c705a340$@bellsouth.net> Thirty-Three Years Of Perfection (Kent Heaton) Establishing a perfect record is a milestone of huge proportions. The 1972 Miami Dolphins had a perfect season including defeating the Washington Redskins for Super Bowl VII. Philip Humber of the Chicago White Soxs pitched a perfect game on April 21, 2012 against the Seattle Mariners. Many records reflect flawlessness such as perfect attendance to school, perfect scores on tests, perfect musical performances and so forth. Consider living for thirty-three years without one mistake; or even more consider how a man could live thirty-three years and never transgress the law of God. The phrase "without sin" is only found twice in scripture. The first time is in John 8:7 when Jesus was presented with a woman caught in adultery. He knew the scribes and Pharisees were testing Him and after writing on the ground He said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7). No man is without sin. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). A second time the phrase is found is in Hebrews 4:15. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." The Hebrew writer is speaking of Jesus Christ who partook "of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). Jesus was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26). He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), He committed no sin (1 Peter 2:22) and "in Him is no sin" (1 John 3:5). It is possible to live one day without sinning but can we imagine living 12,045 days (rounding out thirty-three years) without ONE sin? Jesus did! He did so with the power of prayer, the courage of His faith, the tenacity of the Holy Spirit and the willingness to do the Father's will (Matthew 4:4). The struggle of His flesh against the spirit must have been a colossal battle with Satan. How tender those words on the cross when he whispered, "It is finished" (John 19:30). His battle with the devil was over and He had gained the final victory. If Jesus can do that why should I not live to defeat sin? We do fail and we do sin but this does not excuse us but rather show our greater need for the grace of God and the saving power of the sinless Son of God. Even if we were able to live one year without sin (not possible) we could never attain the perfection of thirty-three years. Jesus lived perfectly with the graces of 2 Peter 1:5-7. We fail because we fail in one of these measures. One sin makes us indebted to the perfect life of Jesus Christ. All men are indebted to Jesus Christ. This shows the saving power of His blood. Jesus was killed on a cross and He had not committed any crime worthy of death nor committed a crime against His Father. The blood of Jesus flows with perfection. Salvation through His blood is a sacrifice that is "without blemish" for thirty-three years! "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). What an amazing Savior we have that left a legacy of perfection that we can follow. Thirty-three years. He lived perfect so that we could be perfected (Hebrews 10:14). Kent Heaton 206 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 kerux at bellsouth.net 352.463.6916 ( H ) 352.283.3889 ( C ) Trenton Church of Christ 502 NE 7th Street Trenton, Florida 32693 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com 352.463.3793 North Florida Bible Camp July 1 -7, 2012 High Springs, FL www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20120430/71e21ba1/attachment-0001.html