Know God or No God

 

The world is being duped into believing that equality holds equal footing in every realm of life with a strong footnote on feelings and whom one desires to be at any given moment. Equality has also pushed God, right and wrong, aside, and opened wide the unrestricted practices of evil among humans which the world hasn’t experienced since the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5-8). In the name of equality, righteous living has been forced to step aside without prejudice, in fear of being unjustly punished, to make room for evil to develop as a personal right of thought and action. I thank God for those who are at the front of this battlefield and making a difference by exposing the evil which has been hidden far too long from the naive persons of this world that have been educated through propaganda.

Many go through life making a deliberate choice to ignore God. Any mention of God or Jesus seems to flip a switch in their minds to “Off”. Most do acknowledge a belief in God, but they have no idea as to the nature of God, or what He has said in His Word. There is much confusion that comes from the many different and erroneous doctrines taught in the “religious” world. Many have become convinced that nothing is needed other than a belief in God – but they don’t know God. Yet, there are millions who make a deliberate choice to ignore God because He doesn’t “fit” into their life. Being a follower of Christ demands time which they are not willing to give. It would interfere with their lifestyle, their personal life, their golf game, their sports event, their family life, their work, or some other “god” which they prefer.

Often there are young couples who want to live their own lives and “plan to get religion” when they are older. What they fail to realize is the older they get the more attached they become to the things of this world. And their children will suffer the consequences of being educated by the standards of the world, not the righteous guidance of God’s Word. The world is determined to destroy the family! Life-long worldly habits are hard to change!

[Hosea 4:6] “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest (2 Peter 2:4-10) before Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

We can ignore God all our life. God gives us that choice which brings with it devastating results at the end of life. The Israelites learned this lesson the hard way. Moses and Joshua tried to impress upon them that God meant what He said as they led them to the promised land, but the people refused to believe and obey God. Today, we have God’s Word that tells us how to reach a far more beautiful “promised land” awaiting us in a place called heaven. But it’s impossible to ignore God and His Word still expecting to get there.

The rich young ruler faced a decision when the Lord told him to go and sell all he had (Luke 18:18-23) – he made a bad decision. Lot faced a decision when Abram gave him the choice as they divided the land for their herdsman (Genesis 13:8-13) - he made a bad decision. Gideon faced a decision when God reduced his men from 32,000 to 10,000, then to 300 (Judges 7:1-22), he made a good decision. Thousands heard the gospel on the day of Pentecost. They faced a decision when the apostles told them of their sins (Acts 2:22-37) – about 3,000 of them made a good decision (Acts 2:38-41). First century Christians faced a decision with the need to grow in service to the Lord, learn more of God’s will for their life, and how to serve one another. Many made excellent decisions as they added to their faith, grew in knowledge, wisely used their time and energy, developed talents to serve the Lord. You have a decision to make about God in your life. “Know God” or “No God”!

Temporal or Eternal - Your Decision

 

There is a charming story concerning the noble statesman, William Ewart Gladstone. Crossing the frontier between France and Belgium, he was interrogated by an officious customs officer: “Have you anything to declare?” “Only a bunch of grapes,” replied the Englishman. The officer countered, “You cannot pass with those grapes, sir. They are dutiable.” “I will pay no duty!” retorted Gladstone. “Then you must leave the grapes behind,” said the customs examiner. “No, I shall pass, grapes and all,” insisted Gladstone. Whereupon, to the astonishment of the officer, he started slowly eating the grapes, until they disappeared. “Now,” he said with a smile, “I shall pass, grapes and all."

If one were to ask a three-year-old if he would rather have a piece of candy now or a new car when he is sixteen, what do you suppose the response would be? We would not be surprised if the child wanted the candy, especially if we had it in hand tantalizing him with the very sight of it. The candy is something the child can see that can give him immediate satisfaction.

However, the car is a distant intangible prospect. Since the car will be “new” when the child turns sixteen, it has not yet been made, and it’s hard for him to imagine exactly what will be available to him in the realm of automotive transportation in thirteen years.  From our experience as adults the decision is a “no-brainer”. We recognize the vast difference in the value of each option. We recognize that in a matter of seconds the candy will be gone, and it’s delight dissipating. Our perspective is different than a child’s.

[Revelation 21:4; 22:2] Our heavenly Father offers the rewards of heaven with no pain nor sorrow, but unending healing and prosperity in the presence of God and the saved.

[Hebrews 11:25] By way of contrast, the pleasures of sin are for a season. The problem for us is that the devil dangles the pleasures of sin before our eyes and invites us to experience the delight right here and now. Though sin is delightful for a season, it soon ends, and the bitter realization of its consequences remain. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are all of this world which is passing away (1 John 2:16). Heaven, however, is described as a city that has foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Heaven will never pass away; its delights will never languish. It is eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12), eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10). We cannot see heaven at this moment, neither can we experience being in the very presence of God Almighty, but we can choose to patiently wait for it. Through the Bible we can see God’s perspective of the matter and make the wise choice of heaven.

[2 Corinthians 4:18] “…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Do we make our decisions based on the here and now? Let us be reminded that the visible things are temporal – they have an expiration date. The eternal things ought to be the basis of our decisions, though they are unseen. The apostle Paul goes on to describe in 2 Corinthians 5, how though we are now in this earthly tabernacle, that is our physical body, we earnestly await the time when we will inhabit our spiritual house that is eternal in the heavens (5:1) and be present with the Lord (5:8). 2 Corinthians 5:7 explains, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Let us walk by faith, by God’s word, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), which opens up the unseen world of superior blessings, rather than by sight in a temporal world. If we do so, we will patiently wait for the great reward, rather than the devils sugar stick.

The Father of Fathers

 

When the good Lord created fathers, He started with a tall frame. An angel nearby said, “What kind of father is that? If you’re going to make a child so close to the ground, why have you put the father up so high? He won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child into bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.” And God smiled and said, “Yes, but if I make him child size, who would the children have to look up to?” When God made a father’s hands, they were large and sinewy. The angel sadly shook his head and said, “Do you know what you’re doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can’t handle diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on ponytails, or even remove splinters from baseball bats.” God smiled and said, “I know, but they’re large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day – yet small enough to cup a child’s face.” Then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. The angel said, “Boy, this is the end of the week, all right! Do you realize you just made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?” God smiled and said, “A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sheepy-head on the way home from the circus.” God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain himself no longer. “That’s not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby is crying? Or walk through a small birthday party without stepping on at least three of the guests?” God smiled and said, “They’ll work. You’ll see. They’ll support a small child who wants to ride a pony or scare off some mice at the summer cabin, and display shoes that will be a challenge to fill.” God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words, but a firm, authoritative voice and eyes that could see everything, but remain calm and tolerant.

[Psalm 96:4-9] A little boy asked his father what the highest number was he had ever counted. Replying he didn’t know, the father asked his son for his highest number. It was 973. “Why did you stop there?” wondered the father. “Because church was over.”

I suspect that you have probably sat through worship services where your mind was focused on something just as trivial rather than on God. It’s easy to allow the mind to wander. “I can’t wait to see the ball game this afternoon.” “I wonder what we’re having for lunch?” “I’ve never noticed before that the carpet down there is beginning to unravel a bit.”

Is it any wonder we so often leave the worship assembly with the feeling that it wasn’t very meaningful? Worship should be a time when we are confronted with the majesty and glory of God. As we reflect on God’s power, we realize how much we need Him in our times of weakness. As we reflect on God’s wisdom, we realize how much we need Him in our times of indecision. As we reflect on God’s holiness, we are made aware of our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness. As we reflect on God’s love, we realize the effort that God has gone to make that forgiveness available. It’s not a ritual we go through every week. It is an opportunity to express our praise to the One who means more to us than all the earth. As we truly worship and praise God from the heart, we become more aware of how much we really want to live close to Him. We leave with the challenge to “be holy as He is holy.” “…Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below – always.

Are You an Ant or A Grasshopper?

 

Æsop Fables – “The Ants and The Grasshopper” One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants were bustling about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat. "What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last summer?" "I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it the summer was gone." The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust. "Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!" And they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their work. There's a time for work and a time for play. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. “What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!” he said to himself. As he continued to walk alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. Turning to look, he saw a seven-foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could along the path he was on. Looking over his shoulder he saw the bear was closing in on him. Then, he tripped and fell on the ground! He rolled over to pick himself up and saw the bear raising his giant paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out, “Oh my God…” Time stopped! The bear froze! The forest became silent! It was then a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying, “You deny my existence all these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you now expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?” (Matthew 7:21-23) The atheist looked directly into the light. “It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the bear a Christian?” “Very well,” said the voice. The light went out, and the sounds of the forest resumed, and the bear slowly lowered his big paw, bowed his head and spoke, “Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful, Amen”

[Proverbs 6:6-11] I was reminded of these two stories in light of the probability of World War III - not to mention, the overtake of Europe, Great Britian, the great state of Texas and several states in these United States of America, along with Canada and several African countries, being systematically conquered by the cultic regime of Islam. And it seems nobody cares as Americans just go about their business fiddling with what’s important to them – personal ideologies, sports, games, electronic possessions, and money, money, money. Nobody is preparing for the inevitable loss of the freedoms we so richly enjoy at the present time. I’m here to warn y’all, winter is coming! Get some essentials stored up for when the lights go out! Quit fiddling around. Wake up! Look at the world around you!

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer, or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep – So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man” The ant is truly one of God’s remarkable creations. They are a model of industry, organization, and hard work. Hard-working people are getting more difficult to find. People want to be paid well, but few want to work hard for their money. Far too many of our citizens think the world owes them a living. Be careful – you may just be the one the ant turns away when you’re hungry.

How Important Is The Church?

 

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper complaining that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for thirty years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the preachers are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.” This started a conversation in the “Letters to the Editor” column, to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until some wrote this clincher: “I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of these meals, but I do know this – They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.

There is more than one way to defeat an army. Head-on clashes with the enemy works – if you’re stronger. A sneakier approach is to cut off the enemy’s supply lines. This tactic has been used for centuries. Soldiers need food, medical supplies, and ammunition. If you can find a way to disrupt the flow of these things you have greatly weakened your opponent without even firing a shot. Hungry soldiers don’t fight very well and eating the questionable leftovers are a problem. (Napoleon lost more soldiers from spoiled food than from bullets).

You can be sure that our enemy, the devil, uses the same strategy. God is stronger so head-on attacks are not Satan’s best option. Jesus says about His sheep that since God is greater than all “no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). With God we are undefeatable! To win the devil has to weaken us up first. I think the best way to do that is to try and cut us off from the source of our spiritual strength. If the devil can distract us when it is time to pray, if he can convince us that more television is more important than the Word, if he can convince us to fill our Sundays with activities that aren’t church then we are going to have problems. You become spiritually hungry and weak when these supply lines are cut off.

Let us all take to heart the words of Jesus! He proclaims, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). I’ve picked up many fallen branches in my yard. Separated from the tree they all quickly wither and die. But connected they bear leaves and fruit. We are the same. Connected to God not only do we thrive but we also bring many blessings to others. If we remain in Christ, we spread the light of Jesus wherever we go. So, let’s stay connected. Defend your supply lines so you remain strong. Zealously defend your times of prayer, study, and worship. The One, who is in us, is greater – so as long as we are connected to Him victory is ours.

(Matthew 16:15-18) Jesus promised to build His Church upon the great truth that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God! “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock l will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it". Whatever your understanding of the Church may be, it is easy to see from what the Savior said that it must be important to Him. How important is His Church to you?

What a privilege it is to be a member of the Church (Ephesians 2:19-22)! In the Church we find those with whom we have the most important things in common - fellow citizens of the everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ! In the Church we are granted opportunities to grow in grace and to prove our love for God by loving our brethren (1 John 4:20-21)!

The Bible is Right

Willie Cato’s book “His Hand and His Heart” is about the wit and the wisdom, dedication and sacrifice of the beloved Marshall Keeble. “Brother Keeble,” as he was affectionately known, was one of the greatest preachers of the Twentieth Century. Read about this great servant of God, listen to his sermons and learn from his life. In life this giant of a little man touched thousands and, although gone from this world for many years, still impacts lives today. Like Abel, “…he being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

Keeble’s preaching was simple, sincere, powerful and practical. He believed in God. He lived a devoted life. He sacrificed and endured much. He loved the truth, and he loved the souls of men. He preached from the heart and thousands responded to the gospel!  Keeble would often say, “The Bible is right! You can leave this meeting and go home mad, but the Bible is right! You can fuss at Keeble all night, but the Bible is right! All men can die and go to Hell, but the Bible is right!”

[Acts 17:32-34] “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” Is it not strange how people react to the word of God? When Paul preached at Athens, his message drew different reactions. People react differently to the truth today. Some become angry. Some shrug off the saving message of the gospel. Some rejoice and receive it. One man might say, “I didn’t get a thing out of that message.” Another might say, “That message really helped me.”

Keeble was right! Regardless how people react to it, “The Bible is right!” It is the inspired message of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It will be the standard by which we are judged (John 12:48). One can reject it, neglect it, or “interpret it” (a fancy way of saying change God’s word to fit your life instead of changing your life to fit it), but as Keeble said, “The Bible is right!”  One must hear the word! One must believe the word! One must obey the word! One must proclaim the word! One must defend the word! Why? “The Bible is right!” Keeble knew it, and so do I!

[Genesis 3:9] God called to Adam, “Where are you?” The first question in the Bible involves a man trying to hide from God. No one can hide from God. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). If you were asked the question, “Are you with the Lord or against the Lord?” what would you answer? In the great conflict of good versus evil, no middle ground exists. If we are not allied with Christ, then we are a co-worker with the evil one. If you were asked, “Are you a servant of righteousness or servant of sin?” what would your answer be? Jesus said no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). To be a servant of righteousness one must obey all of God’s commands; to live in sin is to obey the evil one. Jesus points out that only two roads are open to us and that we must make a choice. Are you among the wise or the foolish? Are you in the church or in the world? The Lord closes the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27) placing all people in one of two groups. The wise who hear and do; they will be able to stand at the judgment. The foolish also hear but fail to do; they will be lost at the judgment. All “accountable” beings are in one category or the other.

When the separation takes place at the judgement, will we be among the “sheep or the goats”? (Matthew 25:31-46) “The Bible is right!” Obey and be saved (Acts 2:36-47). 

Who's In Charge?

 

We’ve heard it said, or maybe even said it ourselves, “Nothing good ever happens to me.” We get some unwelcome news, things don’t go as planned, etc., and we immediately respond negatively. I recognize that some folks experience more misfortune than others, and maybe you’re someone who has delt with an overwhelming number of headaches.

I was reading an article written by a woman who was raising a difficult child. In the article she confessed how her faith in God had deepened in the midst of her struggles. She said something that made me stop for a moment and think. She wrote, “I found out God really doesn’t give you more than you can handle. He just makes sure you know He’s the one in charge!” What made me pause was her last statement. I have to admit that this never occurred to me when thinking about life’s challenges. God doesn’t necessarily take away the challenge or even make it easier. The promise is it won’t be more than we can bear. I guess I had always thought that it would become easier. But if we begin to think that somehow, we are handling it by our own strength, then we are not really trusting in God.

[Romans 8:28] Hardships seemed to follow the apostle Paul everywhere he journeyed (2 Corinthians 11:24ff). Job, could easily have won the award for “misfortunate man of the year.” Even David, in in those years before becoming king over all of Israel, faced an onslaught of headaches and pain (1 Samuel 18:1ff). What about Joseph? You think you’ve had it bad? A quick journey with Joseph (Genesis 37-50) will make one realize how truly blessed you are. Speaking of this man Joseph, it would do us well to remember his words to his brothers who had, by their evil deeds, brough about his many sorrows: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). You read it correctly, “but God meant it for good.” If Joseph’s brothers never sell him to the Midianites, then Joseph never goes to Egypt – he’s never sold to Potiphar – Potiphar’s wife never falsely accuses him of rape, then he is never put in prison – he never meets the baker and butler of Pharaoh, he never interprets their dreams – thus, he never interprets Pharaoh’s dreams – he’s never rewarded and made prime minister – he never wisely administrates for the severe famine coming upon the region – if so, then his family back in Canaan perishes from the famine – thus the Messiah couldn’t come forth from a dead family – Jesus would have never come. If Jesus never came, you would still be dead in your sins and without hope in this world.

 Instead of complaining and being critical of all the misfortune he had endured, Joseph, as he looks back on his life, recognized the providential workings of God and the ultimate good that resulted. We, like Joseph, need to focus more on the big picture and not the big problem before us!

[2 Corinthians 12:7-10] Jesus is calling us to follow Him, bidding us to “take up our cross” and come after Him. Surely that cross has to do with the burdens and challenges we confront as humans in this life. We each carry our own foibles and shortcomings. Who we are and where we come from are always with us. We take these with us in following the Lord. We become victims of our own desires or of circumstances that we cannot control. In all this God helps us in that they will not overwhelm us. This is either because He is in control of what happens, or He gives us the strength to stand.

I like the thought, “He just makes sure you know He’s the one in charge.” Paul wrote about his request to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” The answer was in the power of God being revealed and demonstrated through Paul’s weakness. Reveal God in your weakness.

Busy Mom's

 

Prayer of a Stretched-Out Woman by Alice Cravens Moore.

 

“Lord, I’ve done it again. I have too much to do and too little time. Not only that, Lord, even if I had the time, I wouldn’t have the energy.

Why am I always the one to do everything? Lord, why am I a chronic volunteer? Why couldn’t you have made me fragile-looking and shy? That way no one would ever ask me to do anything or even allow me to whenever I open my big mouth to commit myself.

Why can’t I learn to say, “No” - just once? Lord, I don’t want to say, “Sure,” when they ask me to serve on that committee. That “Sure” just slipped out. When they said, “Can we depend on you to prepare six dozen sandwiches?” Lord, why didn’t I smack my mouth when I said, “No problem!”?

I wish I could scream, “Not in a thousand years,” instead of, “When do you need it?” or “That shouldn’t take much time.”

Lord, enough dust is under my bed and behind the refrigerator to fill the low spot in my back yard, and here I am cutting out 350 bulletin board letters. Lord, I’m tired of being everything to everybody and nothing to myself. There isn’t enough of me to go around anymore.

I’m so worn out, Lord. I’m always on the run, and I’m so cranky that my kids have decided the Wicked Witch of the West is not dead after all.

My husband says I bring it all on myself. No sympathy there. It doesn’t help to know he’s right.

Lord, did Deborah have this problem? Surely Ester had a maid. What queen doesn’t?

Of course, I know the real problem, Lord. I need to understand what is truly important and then push the excess away right out of my life.

Helping my children with Bible school lessons is more worthwhile than deciding which decorations to use for the class party. Preparing my husband’s favorite meal is of more consequence than meeting with some committee for the umpteenth time.

Lord, help me realize that the world won’t end if the beds aren’t made or the floor isn’t mopped. In my heart, I truly know that making snow angels with my children is of more value than planning another congregational “42” party. Playing with the children is more important even than nagging them to clean their rooms.

When Mary followed her Son and stood there as He suffered on the cross, I don’t imagine she thought of all the other places she needed to be or the things she needed to do.

Perspective, Lord, that’s what I need. Help me find it. Teach me to spend my time on the things that matter. Guide me, Lord!

Lord, I’m so glad we had this talk. Now don’t let me forget what was said… Amen.”

 

[Genesis 3:20] “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Imagine with me some of the possible statements of famous people's mothers to their children – Columbus’ Mother: “I don’t care what you’ve discovered Chris. You still could have written.” Batman’s Mother: “It’s a nice car, Bruce, but do you realize how much the insurance is going to be?” Super Mans Mother: “Clark, your father and I have discussed it, and we’ve decided you can have your own phone line. Now, will you stop spending so much time in all those phone booths?” I remember the one statement my mother said, “Someday you’re going to miss me.” Once their gone, we all miss our mom.

Are We Losing Our Spirituality?

 

Two words, LAUS DEO, are displayed on the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there. LAUS DEO, two seemingly insignificant unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most powerful nation in the world. So, what do these two words, in Latin, composed of just two syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say, “Praise Be to God!”

Construction began on the monument in 1848 but was not completed until 1888 when it was opened to the public. From the top of this magnificent granite and marble obelisk structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city. Charles L’Enfent formed a perfect cross upon the landscape with the White House to the north and the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capital Building to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Such was the spiritual mood given by the founders of our nation, a unique constitutional representative form of government. When observing the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capital, one will easily find the signature of God as it is unmistakenly inscribed everywhere you look. As Christians we are reminded of Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Un less the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

[1 John 4-4] Over the years poles have been repeatedly taken as to the morality statis of our country and the world. From what the poles show, America’s moral values are in free fall! It is incredible to me how many who come to the church asking for assistance are unabashed about co-habiting with a sexual partner without permission of a marriage license. Few consider it wrong. More consider it wrong for asking.

Let’s be honest about a few facts we cannot deny. Our prisons are overcrowded. Our court system is overloaded. Bibles and prayers have been removed from the classroom. Our churches are not even holding their own while Islam is growing. Blatant immorality is more tolerated in our culture than conservative Christianity. Anti-Christian philosophies such as relativity and naturalism rule the day. The lack of spiritual direction in America has created much larger problems today than what we saw sixty years ago. So, how is this all going to play out? Can it be turned around? Has the slide away from God gone too far?

Only God knows the answers to our troubling questions. However, what we do know is that the true church has always existed in an untoward world. Jesus recognized that His disciples in the first century were “…not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). John later wrote to the churches for all ages, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

Let us not be surprised at anything that happens against Christ and His church (not being surprised doesn’t mean that we have to like it). But let us be determined to not surrender without a fight against the forces of darkness that want to bring down Christianity. If respect for the body of Christ and practice of the truth decline in the world, they don’t have to in our personal life. We can remain stronger than the world. We can remain separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). By the devotion of each individual, the individual can conquer (Romans 8:37-39) and lead the way for others to follow in the truth of God.

Simply Walking With Jesus

 

In the midst of all the flimflam surrounding religion and religious organizations, the simple message of God’s Word is being lost. Is it possible to simply be a Christian in the 21^st century? Can we avoid being entangled in and weighed down by all the trappings and innovations of man which have found their way into religion over the past 2000 years?

I believe “yes,” and can be accomplished by taking an “island approach” to Christianity. What do I mean by that? Supposed there was an isolated island filled with people who knew nothing of Jesus. Then, one day a chest washed ashore and contained within it a copy of the Bible. The islanders began reading this book with great interest. After months of careful study, they came to the point of faith (believing), turned from their sins, confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, were baptized into Christ, and began worshipping God together and committing themselves to the moral standards contained in the Scriptures. Question: What denomination were these islanders when they obeyed the gospel? What “brand” of Christian were they? It’s a silly question, isn’t it? They would not be a part of any denomination, sect, or party. They would simply be Christians and Christians only. If people on an isolated island can be “Christian Only,” then why can’t all Bible believers be “Christians Only” where they live? The fact is, we can. However, it will require to do what the islanders did …open the Bible, unite on what it teaches, leaving behind those practices and doctrines that are not found therein. (John 17:20-21)

[Luke 24:13-24] On the road to Emmaus is a fascinating story where two of Jesus’ followers were walking along with Jesus after His resurrection, but they did not realize who Hie was. “But their eyes were restrained, so they did not know Him” (v.16). So, were these disciples “blinded”? One might think so, but for what Jesus himself said, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (v.25). They simply did not believe it. They did not see the Christ, who stood right next to them, because they did not expect to see Him. They were, “slow of heart to believe,” which intensifies His judgment that they were not spiritually alert.

Imagine, walking along side Jesus and not even realize who He is. Conversing with the Master and not conscious that you are speaking with the Savior. I wonder, does this ever happen to us in our walk with Jesus? Do we fail to “recognize” Him in our life? Have we heard His words so often that we dismiss the power and authority of His message? Have we walked with Him so long and He has become so familiar that we are no longer attracted to His presence?

As one proceeds through the book of Mark, allow your heart to fall in love with Jesus once again. If you have taken your eyes away from Him, it’s time to look at Him again. If you have grown complacent in your walk with Christ, it’s time to pick up the pace and move on.

If you have never really looked at Him, it’s time to start looking at the One who brings salvation to all who believe. Allow Jesus to open your eyes, refresh your heart, and revive you to become spiritually alert to his presence in your life on a daily basis.

[Joshua 1:9] Joshua was taking over the leadership of the people of God and knew that Moses left some pretty big shoes to fill. But God gave him the assurance he needed to lead the people into the promised land. He told him, “…Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We are all on the road to forever; walk with Jesus and he will lead us into the promised land.

PAID IN FULL

 

After living what I felt was a “decent” life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened, and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around, I saw the “prosecutor.” He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He was definitely the evilest person I had ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me; I felt I knew him. He looked at me and smiled!

The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. As he took his seat behind the bench, he said, “Let us begin.” 

The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan, and I am here to show you why this man belongs in Hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and times when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down I sank in my seat. Satan told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about, and I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone — even my own attorney. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had changed. Satan finished with a fury and said, “This man belongs in hell! He is guilty of all that I have charged and there’s not a person who can prove otherwise.”

When it was my attorney’s turn, He asked the judge if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar. This was Jesus my Lord and Savior representing me.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, “Hi, Dad.” He then turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.” Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross to pay the punishment he deserved… so that he might have eternal life. He has been baptized in My Name and his sins have been washed away. He accepted Me as his Savior, so he is mine.”

[Revelation 20:11-15] My Lord continued, “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand this yet. Your Honor, I ask for mercy and your grace for this man who has lived in faith awaiting the day he receives Your promise of everlasting life.” As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, “There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all.”

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips… “This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, “I won’t give up, I will win the next one.” I asked Jesus, “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said, “Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, “PAID IN FULL.”

(Jude 20-25) Jesus can and will present you before God, faultless, to be with Him forever.

The Hour Has Come

 

"The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified" (John 12:23). Previously, the time had not been right, but now it was time for Jesus to be glorified through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. These things were necessary before the gospel could be preached in its fullest sense to the Jews and Gentiles.

(John 12:24) "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" - As a grain must "die" in order to germinate and ultimately produce fruit, so Jesus must die in order to bear much fruit (i.e., the salvation of lost souls through His blood). Jesus speaks these words to illustrate the fact that only through His death could His work be completed and glory come. In any seed is the germ of life, but only when it is planted (i.e., it “dies" to itself by ceasing to exist as a seed as it opens up and sprouts) is fruit able to be produced. If a seed remains unplanted it will not "die" but instead remain fruitless. Jesus knew it would be difficult for His disciples to accept the idea of Him dying, yet He wants them to understand that such is necessary to fulfilling God's plan. If Jesus had not died, then He would not have born any fruit in the form of saving the lost.

(John12:25) "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (Matthew 16:25). This paradoxical statement simply means that a servant of God who appears to have little concern for the preservation of his earthly life is really guaranteeing himself eternal life in heaven. Certainly, Jesus has His own death in mind, though this is a general principle. On the other hand, if a seed "saved itself," it would remain as one grain until it rots. But, if it gives up its life-germ in good soil, it will multiply itself indefinitely from one planting generation to the next.

(John 12:26) "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also" - Those who are truly faithful to Jesus will follow Him in doctrine, disposition, and duty. Jesus wants His disciples to follow Him in fruit-bearing self-sacrifice. One of the greatest joys of following Jesus is the expectation of being with Him in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8-10). It is foolish to claim to be a servant of Christ while refusing to do His will. The Father will honor those who serve Jesus with the gift of eternal life and the glory of a home in heaven (1 John 2:4).

[John 15:8] “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” Christians are attached to Jesus. The Son of God will provide strength and nourishment to Christians, as Jesus is the vine, and we are the attached branches (John 15:1-6). Branches that do not bear fruit will be pruned or removed from the vine, so they do not take away from other branches that are bearing fruit. When a child of God bears fruit, it proves itself. And God is glorified. Apple trees bear apples and prove themselves to be “apple” branches. If it is receiving the proper nourishment, the branch will produce a glorious apple. When the child of God does what one should, one produces fruit that glorifies God. When the world sees these fruits in us, they will glorify God who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 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 1:17-19). Salvation is the fruit of Christ - through His death, burial, and resurrection - fulfilling God’s plan of reconciliation.

How Do You Value Your Soul?

 

A man owned 80 acres of land, some of the best in the county where he lived. The wheat planted was green and looked great, and the price also looked great at $8.50 a bushel. But then, one of his neighbor’s called him on his cell, “Have you seen your wheat? The geese are about to eat all your wheat!” Taking a short trip in his pick-up, he looked and sure enough it appeared 30 of the 50 planted acres had been grazed to the bare ground. Geese were marching across the field ten abreast and the line seemed to be a quarter of a mile long. When he drove his pick-up toward them, they took flight, and the sky blackened. It looked like 10,000 geese (preacher’s count) had all risen at once. He had thought to himself, this year looks like I will make a good profit from my crop. The wheat looks good, my opportunity for marketing at a fair price seems excellent, and I may even be able to make enough to store some until next year. “Wow!” he thought, “relax and enjoy the fruit of your labor.” Then, God sent geese. “Fool!” echoed in his mind (Luke 12:20). God reminded the man of what is mine and what is His. “I give and I take away” (Job 1:21). One never really owns anything. God is in control of everything and generously allows us to use his temporal blessings. If God takes care of the birds of the air, why should one worry about themselves? After all, aren’t we humans greater than animals? “…blessed be the name of the Lord.”

[Revelation 20:12-15] In a sermon titled “When the Books are Opened,” by V.P. Black, he observed the following: “My friends, I say to you without the least fear of exaggeration that many will never realize they are lost until those books are opened. Many will learn when the books are opened that the most important thing in life was not their job; it was not their home; it was not their loved ones; it was not their friends; it was not their money; it was not their property. The most important thing is your soul, and if you don’t learn it in this world, you will learn it when the books are opened.” (“Truths That Lead to Eternal Life” p.164) Obviously, we need to learn the value of the soul before the books are opened on the Judgment Day. On that day, it will be too late to do anything to save our soul. However, we currently hold in our hands the Book that has the power to save our soul. James wrote, “Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Again, I repeat, before the books are opened on that final day, we need to open the Book and learn the value of the soul. The value of our soul is priceless, and Jesus has paid that price.

Concerning the soul, Jesus declared, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Clearly, Jesus knew the value of the soul. However, in context, the rich young ruler did not (Matthew 19:16-22). I know this because he chose earthly possessions over eternal salvation. Obviously, the majority of people in the world today are making the same mistake as the rich young ruler did. They are laboring for that which perishes rather than that which endures forever (John 6:27). Furthermore, concerning the soul, Jesus declared, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Sadly, many are more worried about losing their riches in an earthly fire than they are about losing their souls in the eternal fire of hell. Clearly, they have missed the value of the soul. It is my prayer that we will each examine ourselves and make sure that we have put the proper emphasis upon the soul that will never die. One day we will all discover and agree on its value of eternal life or eternal suffering and shame. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

God Expects Us To Deal With It

 

A student came into the Principal’s Office one day with a surprise. “Ex­cuse me, but there’s a snake in the hallway.” “What?” the Principal asked. “Yeah! A snake, right outside your office door!” The Principal opened the door, and sure enough, there was the foot-long garter snake, motionless in the middle of the hallway floor a full 50 feet from the front door. He deftly picked it up (the student said, “Eeewww!”) and took it outside, releas­ing it in a flower bed with the Vulcan gesture and farewell greeting, “Live long and prosper!”

Returning to his office, he began to medi­tate about how often the spiritual Serpent (Revelation 12:7-9) has entered the Christian student center and how often he slithers into the church building, thinking he must be a regular vis­itor at both places. In fact, he’s been sliding into the homes and assemblies of the righteous for eons, inflicting pain, suffering, and death wherever he is not discovered and tossed out. How can we deal with the Serpent more effectively? A sim­ple plan would correspond to what one must do to keep that snake out of every righteous environment. * Prevent the Serpent from entering in the first place. There may be a ne­glected opening through which he en­ters again and again. Find it and stop it up. * Assume that he will be trying to get in or is in already. The Serpent likes nothing better than to sow dis­cord among believers (Galatians 5:16-26) or to cause saints to stumble (Luke 22:31-32). No doubt Christians are tops on his list of in­tended victims. * Look around for him. He may be right out in the open without notice. He may be hiding behind good intentions, competi­tion, or hurt pride. * If you find him, get rid of him imme­diately. The larger snakes grow, the more troublesome they become. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

[Galatians 6:1-2] “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Wilbur Chapman tells of a distinguished minister who preached on sin. One of his leading members came to him and said, “Please don’t talk so plainly about sin. It will give our young ones the wrong idea. Call it a ‘mistake’ if you will.” The preacher took a bottle of strychnine that was marked ‘Poison’ and showed it to his visitor. He said, “I understand what you want me to do. You want me to change the label of ‘Sin’. Suppose I take the label off this bottle and replace it with a label that reads ‘oil of Anise’ or some other mild liquid. Can you see the danger in what you are asking me to do? The milder one makes the label, the more dangerous it makes the poison.” The world hardly recognizes sin anymore. It’s been replaced with far too many politically correct names to mellow its destruction.

Why is it that some people begin to object aloud, and some people are ready to ignore obvious sin? Why is it that when sins are obvious and public we sit and say nothing? Oh, my, did I step on some toes! Why is it that we will stand strong on some obvious sinful situations and say absolutely nothing about others that are even more obvious or egregious? Is it because we have our own man-made rating system of sins. We don’t look at all sin as bad. Some sin we seem to make allowance for. Some sin would require confronting people by which we are intimidated, so we let it slide rather than experiencing personal criticism. There are a lot of reasons we do so, but we aren’t consistent, are we? 

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). God expects us to deal with sin. Ignoring sin is not an option!

Let's Get Educated Again

 

A teacher asked one of her second-grade students, “If I gave you two cats, and another two cats, and another two, how many cats would you have?” Johnny answered, “Seven.” The teacher replied, “No. Now listen carefully. If I gave you two cats, plus another two cats, plus another two, how many cats would you have?” Johnny seriously answered, “Seven.” Frustrated the teacher said, “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, plus another two apples, plus another two, how many apples would you have?” Johnny immediately answered, “Six.” Beaming, the teacher said, “Correct! Now if I gave you two cats, plus another two cats, plus another two, how many cats would you have?” Johnny answered, “Seven.” Confused, the teacher asked, “Johnny, where do you get seven from?” Johnny said with confidence, “Well, I’ve already got one cat at home.”

Two college students planned a trip to Australia during their winter break. Before leaving home, one of their dads gives them both a bit of advice: “You watch them Aussie cab drivers. They’ll rob you blind. You haggle the price with them.” At the Sydney airport, the students catch a cab to their hotel. When they reach their destination, the cabbie says, “That’ll be twenty dollars, lads.” “Oh no you don’t! My dad warned me about you. You’ll only be getting fifteen dollars from me,” says one of the students. “And you’ll only be getting fifteen from me too,” adds the other.

The world is changing every day and it’s not hard to focus on any given subject with pros and cons, acceptance, or rejection. Probably the hottest subject of the day is education, and the reactions of many groups is over the top with personal concerns ignoring the fact that our education institutions are failing our children in every area of education, placing our society far down the list of productive world participants. Just think. A century ago, when discipline and education was a priority at home and in school, intelligence shined, and pride grew with productivity. Today the only way to feel productive is to invent a cause to complain about - finding a way to shine a spotlight upon oneself - and draw money from other attention-getting fools. What ridiculous shameful people we have become as we act upon the world stage. Once upon a time we were known as a refined righteous society shining as a beacon of hope in a lost world. We ourselves have become lost in ignorance.

[Acts 17:11] Bible reading, though discouraged by some, is a wonderful privilege as well as an essential for Christian living. Being greater than any product of purely human genius, the Bible cannot but be a benefit to man. In studying the Scriptures man receives lasting blessings: 1. Strength. Who doesn’t need greater strength for the heavy loads of life? Proverbs 24:5 says, “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.” 2. Happiness. The common objective of human beings is to be happy. The Bible must be central in the search for happiness for success to be realized. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night.” 3. The approval of God. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). No higher goal in life is there than to seek God’s favor.

Patrick Henry, near death, said “Here is a book, the Bible, worth more than all others that were ever printed; yet it is my misfortune never to have found time to read it.”

Reader, apply yourself to the Scriptures and then apply the Scriptures to your life (Galatians 3:26-28). The Bible needs to be, once again, the Book of home schooling.

God Made A Farmer

 

Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra, (born Lorenzo Pietro Berra), May 12, 1925 – September 22, 2015, was a professional MLB baseball catcher and outfielder for 19 seasons with ten World Series championship rings to his account. He also contributed his talents as a coach and manager for several years. Yogi has been renowned for his “Yogi-isms,” and I just like to throw in a few every now and then. * “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” * “You can observe a lot by watching.” * “You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.” * “I never said most of the things I said.” * “Baseball is ninety percent mental, and the other half is physical.”

One of the great American radio broadcasters, Paul Harvey, September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009, will always be remembered for his short quips and witty stories that could make us laugh uncontrollably or be so heartwarming could bring a tear to our eye. He educated the world with, “The Rest of the Story” and shocked the world with his essay, “If I Were the Devil” in 1965. As a great philosopher of life, he shared many thought-provoking shorts of which my favorite is one he borrowed from Horace Porter, “There are far too many people in charge that are “educated beyond their intelligence.” Sad but true.

As I witness thievery of farmland and regulations driving the farmer out of business along with another apparent long season of draught ahead, I’m reminded of another Paul Harvey essay, “So God Made a Farmer.” (Admittedly, not Biblical, but one bringing honor to the hard-working soul of the farmer and his family without whom we could not survive.)

On the eighth day, God looked down on His planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. God said, “I need somebody to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the schoolboard.” So God made a farmer. “I need someone with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Someone to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait for lunch until his wife’s done feeding, visit with ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon – and mean it.” So God made a farmer. God said, “I need someone willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt and watch it die. Then dry his eyes and say, ‘Maybe next year.’ I need somebody who can shape an axe handle from a persimmon sprout, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire, who can make harness out of haywire, feed sacks and shoe scraps. And who, planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty-hour week by Tuesday noon, then, pain’n from ‘tractor back’ put in another seventy-two hours.” So God made a farmer. God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place. So God made a farmer. God said, “I need someone strong enough to clear trees and heave bales, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets, who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a meadow lark. It had to be someone who’d plow deep and straight and not cut corners. Someone to seed, weed, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish the hard week’s work with a five-mile drive to church. Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life ‘doing what dad does’” So God made a farmer. As Paul Harvy would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.”

No Rules - Just Right?

 

A young soldier left home on Army deployment overseas. He told his girlfriend he would write every day. After about six months, he received a letter from his girlfriend stating she was getting married. He wrote home wanting to know who she was marrying. The family wrote back and told him it was the…. mailman.

If a boy has a part-time job after school, he’s called “a go-getter.” If the church asks him to rise early on Saturday morning to spend a couple of hours doing some work for the Lord, people might say, “That’s asking too much!” If a woman were to work eight hours at some community project, people would say, “She’s a fine, energetic, public-minded person.” But if she were to work eight hours for the church, some would say, “Her religion has gone to her head!” If an employer asks an employee to work each day, and not be tardy, some people will say, “He’s a sensible businessman who requires that which is only right.” But if the elders of the church ask the members of the church to attend three services each week, and to please arrive on the scheduled time, some are ready to say, “You ask too much. And besides, it doesn’t matter if I’m on time to services anyway.

If one wants a good steak and baked potato, Outback Steakhouse, is probably a good choice. By now most have heard their advertisements on the radio and television. After making the pitch for their product, the announcer, in his Australian brogue, says, “Outback Steakhouse. No rules. Just right.” That sounds great, doesn’t it? There’s some appeal to a place where there aren’t any rules or restrictions and no matter what, everything turns out all right.

One day it dawned on me that many people have “Outback Religion.” When it comes to their relationship with God, they want it to be “No rules. Just right.” They want to be able to come to God on their own terms and yet have Him welcome them just the same. More and more it seems we find people, who find comforting the thought of having a meaningful relationship with God, who are unwilling to follow the rules. I suppose it has always been so that many wanted God on their terms, but it has always been true that Jehovah has never allowed mankind to call the shots or make the rules. Either we come to Him as He wills, or we don’t come at all. When one claims a relationship with God but want to keep their bad habits, and ungodly practices, and sinful relationships then what their looking for is an Outback Religion.

[Acts 20:25-30] But God does have “rules” and here are three things to remember about them. 1) “The Rules” Are God’s. The natural tendency is to “kill the messenger” but we must realize that if one is speaking the truth, he is only a messenger of the will of God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jonn 14:21). To be sure, making our own rules is a violation of God’s will (Revelation 22:18), but just as wrong is the ignoring of God’s law (Revelation 22:19). 2) The Rules Are For Our Own Good. Ultimately, what God requires of us is in our best interest. Throughout the centuries of His dealings with mankind, God has never forbidden something good for man, nor has He required something harmful. 3) “The Rules” Will Judge Us. Whether we live by them or not, we will be eternally judged by the will of God. Jesus said, “He who rejects me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John12:48).

When we submit ourselves wholly to living by the will of God, “He cleanses us of our sins” (1 John 1:7-9). One might say, when we live by God’s rules, He makes us just right.

Who Owns the Church?

 

Sometimes people will ask me about my church. They assume since I am a minis­ter (“the pastor”) of the church of Christ, that somehow, I have some ownership or say over it. Members do that too. We remark ‘at my church’ or ‘come to my church.’ It might just be a slip of the tongue, but we need to work to correct it. Because it is not ‘our’ church, and that is a particularly good thing! The church of me wouldn’t be a good one. Oh, it might be likable enough, it could be entertaining, and it might have the community’s approval. The church of me could be growing and financially stable but it doesn’t have enough.

You see churches come at a cost. In order to have a group of redeemed, you must have a redeemer. A sacrifice to pay the cost. And I don’t have enough in me. A church founded on me cannot save because I can’t save myself, much less anyone else. Jesus was the only one sin­less, the only one with the blood pure enough to make that purchase. He said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18) and place the saved into it (Acts 2:47). That is the church one should seek.

Many have tried to steal Jesus’ church from Him and make it their own. But the minute He isn’t the head of the church; it ceases to be His. If it is my church, it can’t be His. Any other church, no matter how pretty it is on the outside, is lacking the core of what matters, sal­vation. I don’t want any part of my church; I only want to be a part of His!

[Joshua 24:15] The remainder of this article is being met with much displeasure these days. I am sorry to say it, but many do not like to hear about it. People don’t like the description. They think it is exclusionary, arrogant, and egotistical. For example, when someone asks me what church I am a member of, I often reply, “I am a member of the Lord’s church.” Perhaps I might say, “I am a member of the church you can read about in the Bible.” Again, I could say, “I am a member of the body of Christ,” or of the “church of Christ.” Much of the time the last one gives them what they want. Now they can categorize me into their own opinion about what they think I believe.

Let’s examine that within the light of the Scriptures. What does the Bible say about the idea of The Lord’s church? [Matthew 16:18] “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (the solid rock truth of Peter’s confession stated in v.16 “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” [Acts 2:47] “…the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” [Acts 20:28] “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” [Ephesians 1:22-23] “And he put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” [Ephesians 5:23-25] “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” So, if the Lord built the church, is head of the church, and if the church is His body, and it is subject to Him in everything, doesn’t it make sense that it belongs to Him? I think the real problem lies with those who have attempted to organize a “church” to be something other than the Lord’s. Unfortunately, many have accomplished that goal. But as for me and my house, we will continue to let the church be His and urge and teach others to flow into it. I am not, nor will I ever be, a member of the unscriptural, hedonistic “United” church of Christ. Amen!

What Is A Good Christian?

 

I have a good friend. She doesn’t drink alcohol; thus, she has never been involved in any alcohol-related crimes or embar­rassments. She doesn’t destroy her mind through the use of illicit drugs. I have never heard my friend gossip or tell a sin­gle lie. She never wastes her time in nightclubs, casinos, or questionable establishments. I cannot recall ever hearing her speak with profanity or vulgarity. And she has never cheated a soul in business. Many people would call my friend a “good Christian.” Yet you need to know that I have just described my dog, Bella!

The world holds many good and hon­est souls who are not maliciously en­gaged in the blackest of evils. Many of these good, moral citizens are our neighbors, our friends, our relatives. They may, in some cases, be more mor­al than some of the church’s more nom­inal members. But they should not, by virtue of their upstanding lifestyles, be confused with “good Christians.” They may refrain from wrong; they may even be involved in promoting much that is right. But outside of Christ they cannot be considered Chris­tians. Not until one comes to Christ and obeys the gospel is one a Christian. There’s a world of difference between my dog and a “good Christian.”

 [Acts 4:12] Why is it that some Christians seem to believe that their only responsi­bility in reaching the lost is to live a pure lifestyle before them? Will alien sinners become Christians by simply observing that Christians refrain from things like profanity, fornication, and drugs? Will simply being kind to others convert the lost? There are many others in this world besides Christians who are kind to others. There can even be atheists who choose to be kind to their fellow man. There are other religions besides Christianity which emphasize humility, kindness, sobriety, modest dress, and other forms of morality. What makes Christianity different, and how will the lost learn those differenc­es?

Certainly, the Christian’s influence must not be minimized (Matthew 5:13-16); and yes, Christians are to live holy lives and be kind to others (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:38-48); but is that all it takes to con­vert the lost? No one can live a pure enough life to save himself, and there is still no other name to save us but the name of Jesus Christ.

We need to learn what being a Chris­tian is all about. Being a Christian in­volves more than merely not doing evil. A Christian must be concerned with actually doing good, fully submitting to Christ, and living by faith. Christ taught, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Complete and total submission to Christ is essential if we would be called by His name. Like the brethren of Smyrna, all who are in Christ are expected to “…be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10).

Of course, the answer is that Chris­tians must expose the lost to the words of the Bible! True faith does not come from seeing someone live a good, mor­al life. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God! (Romans 10:17). If the Seed (God’s Word) is not planted, the fruit (a Christian) will never be produced (Luke 8:11-15). The Great Commission does not teach Christians to simply go out and live an upright life. Christians are specifically told to teach, baptize, and teach some more (Matthew 28:19-20). Philip had to “open his mouth” to con­vert the Ethiopian (Acts 8:35). If we would open our mouth and “preach Jesus” like Philip did, would we not expect the same reaction of the Ethiopia? “...what hinders me from being baptized? …I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:30-37).

Jesus commanded “…love one another as I have loved you” (Matthew 15:12).

The Last Best Hope

 

Sir Winston Churchill, who led Britian through its darkest hours, was a man of many notable accomplishments. He is recognized as one of the great leaders in world history. But of his life’s work, he said, “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.” He and his beloved Clementine were married in 1908 and remained married until his death 56 years later. Of course, many couples have been married longer than the esteemed prime minister. According to Guinness World Records, the record is 86 years, 9 months, and 16 days, and it belongs to Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher. They were married in 1924, 18 and 16 years old at the time. Their marriage held up through the Great Depression, World War II, the Koreon War, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and fifteen presidential administrations.

Both Herbert and Zelmyra are gone now, each dying at the age of 105. Before they died, they talked about their marriage and some keys to its longevity. They felt it was important for them to respect, support, and communicate with each other. Being faithful, honest, and true to each other was critical. And, of course, loving each other with all their hearts. They always remembered that marriage I not a contest and it did no good to keep score.

[1 Corinthians 13] is often called the “love” chapter of the Bible. What these passages say about love are certainly pertinent to a marriage. No question. But the apostle Paul is primarily writing about what it takes for any relationship to work, whether it is an intimate connection like a spousal or family relationship, a church or neighborly connection, or the person who lives in the room or apartment next to you.

“Love is patient,” Paul writes. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (v’s 4-8a). Put this advice to work and any relationship will work!

In 1997 Western Christian Foundation published a book by Nelson M. Smith, entitled Agape Study Manual. Smith identified all the places the word love and its related terms appeared in the KJV Bible. Then he wrote comments on every single verse where love was mentioned. The book has 475 pages. Smith said he was no scholar, but one thing he understood well: Love is at the center of God’s plan of salvation. How would our lives be changed if we read the Bible through while focused on love, especially the love of God? How would we change the lives of others if we moved throughout each day while focused on love, especially God’s love for the lost? How would our families change if we spent every moment with them charged with love, especially God’s familial love? How would our congregations be changed if a handful of saints decided to love as Jesus loved? Just reading about love in the Bible won’t change anything. But reading with open hearts, with prayers to be transformed by the Word, with effort to become like the Lord Jesus Christ, God will make love radiate from our lives outward to touch and bless everyone around us.

One month before signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter to Congress in which he addressed freeing the country’s slaves. Lincoln stressed the importance of doing the right thing to “save our country,” which he described as “the last best hope of earth.” God says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…” (Psalm 127:1). When it comes to modeling for the world what the home should look like, the church of Jesus Christ is “the last best hope of earth.”

Gray Hairs

 

Well, I’m about to complete my seventy-fifth trip around the sun and I’m looking forward to several more before my ship runs out of steam. I thought I would wax poetic for a moment and then honor those who are far ahead of me in their journey on the road of life. Without parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and wise tutors of life, we would have certainly had a much harder time getting this far.

When shades of night begin to fall, And shadows lengthen on the wall, My thoughts roll back to days of yore; Like waves that gently lap the shore. The youth I lost, so long ago. Just where it went, I do not know. Too soon, a young man took his place. Then, age replaced that smiling face. The child I raised, from very birth, Has gone to find his place on earth. He, too, will find that time flies by. ‘Tis but a twinkle of God’s eye. I live my memories, o’er and o’er, And wonder if I could have done more. Not one of those days were perfect spent. And yet the next was duly sent. I tried and tried, with all my might, But never did get one right. I’ve lived for many thousand days; A testament to God’s patient ways. And now my memories, good and bad, Remind me of the chance I had, To live my life the way I should; To shun the bad, embrace the good. And yet, I trod the time worn road. I walked alone, with heavy load; Too proud to think that God would care, My many burdens to gladly share. And then, one day, I was wholly spent. So, down from heaven, His Son He sent. Not only did He lift my earthly load, But put me back on the narrow road. So now, my mind is full at ease, No longer tossed like heavy seas. Whatever life, now, has in store, I have a haven on yonder shore. It’s not a prize that I have won, But the gift, from God, of His precious Son.

[Leviticus 19:32] “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.”

From time to time, it is appropriate, and actually commanded by God, that we reflect upon the “specialness” of the older generation. What champions they are. They have been victorious over many ruthless enemies. They have blazed many trails before us that has made life better for us. They have taken the gospel to much of the world. They have built many great congregations. With their generous giving they have financed an innumerable list of tremendous works to the glory of no one but God.

The “gray hairs” encourage us. Many have retired but most of them haven’t stopped being productive citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom. They have a mind for work, a heart for giving, and faces covered with “laugh lines.” Older folk make mole hills out of mountains. They adapt, find solutions, pray fervently, and love to worship. They give us stability, maturity, confidence, wisdom, sound instruction, and direction.

They know a lot more about people than computers. They belong to the generation that delights in simple things: a grandchild’s laugh, a warm pot of coffee shared with friends, all five verses of “Amazing Grace,” our nation’s flag, a hand-made quilt.

With dignity they have weathered many storms, bade farewell to many precious loved ones, seen too many doctors, battled diseases, depression and loneliness.

Older people stand for something. They live on for Christ. They take time to smell the roses. They still say “sir” and “ma’am” and deserve the same from others. Their bodies age but their souls have no wrinkles. They built the fires we warm by, and with God’s help, they’re not done yet. There’s still plenty of fuel in the tank. The sun has not yet set on them.

“Gray hairs” we owe you, big time! Thank you, Lord, for those who are leading the way.

God Is In God's Word

 

“Mister, why doesn’t this cow have horns?” asked the young lady from a nearby city on a field trip to the country. The farmer cocked his head for a moment, then began in a patient tone, “Well, ma’am, cattle can do a powerful amount of damage with horns. Sometimes we keep ‘em trimmed down with a hacksaw. Other times we can fix up the young’uns by putting a couple of drops of acid where their horns would grow in, and that stops ‘em cold. Still there are some breeds of cattle that never grow horns.” Not wanting to embarrass her in her ignorance the farmer continued hoping to properly answer the child’s question, “But the reason this cow don’t have no horns, is ‘cause it’s a horse.”

There is an urban legend about a group of famous scientists who stopped for lunch at a small-town diner. Seated at the table were six of the greatest thinkers of our day. Their average IQ was in the 160s. They noticed that their salt and pepper shakers had been reversed. One with the S on top was filled with pepper. The other with the P on top was filled with salt. So, they concocted an elaborate plan to switch the contents without spilling them. It involved a napkin, a straw and a saucer. Proud of their solution, they presented it to the waitress. "That is an interesting scheme," she said. "Of course, we could do this." Whereupon she simply unscrewed both shakers and switched the tops.

The Bible asks an important question: "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20b). To a Being as wise as our Lord, we must seem like little children to Him. We develop our theories and axioms and syllogisms, but to Him it's just child's play. So, the truly wise one is the one who accepts God, and His Word, by faith.

A graduate philosophy instructor was a newly minted PhD, and he was an expert in Immanuel Kant. A well-informed, thoroughly devoted expert. His seminar on the German philosopher was, of course, excellent. Too many instructors present philosophy and philosophers through the writings of other interpreters. They rely on broad historical overviews and topical anthologies — academic texts that cover hundreds of philosophical concepts — to expose students to a wide range of ideas. As valuable as such resources may be, nothing takes the place of reading what the original thinker thought. His cardinal rule for his class was simple: Read Kant.

The instructor once mentioned a paper he had presented at a philosophy conference. It was one of those over-the-top academic treatises that only fellow philosophers (especially the Kantians) would appreciate. After the presentation, a world-renowned Immanuel Kant scholar approached him, shook his hand and said, “You've read Kant.” The instructor was thrilled. Of course he'd read Kant. He didn't just read what other people said that Kant said. He read Kant. His thorough familiarity with the philosopher's thought was evident. Clearly, he had immersed himself in Kant's own words.

[2 Timothy 2:15] The application for Christians? “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Don’t just read what someone else says the Bible says. Read the Bible. Handbooks and commentaries and background studies are all excellent tools. But if these are your main source of knowledge, and you fail to read His word directly, you might miss what God actually wants you to know.

If you want to know what Immanuel Kant thought and said, I suggest you go to the primary source. Read Kant. If you want to know what God wants you to know and how God wants you to live, go to the primary source. Read God’s word. Know God, know life.

Update the Gospel?

 

William Barkley, in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians, states that during the period of the Roman Republic, the Romans had not one single divorce in a 520-year period. However, as they moved away from the Republic into a more of socialistic empire, things began to change. Although they had previously conquered the Greeks militarily, the Greeks “Grecianized” the Romans in terms of morality. The fornication, homosexuality, and related sins of Corinth are an indication of this Grecianization in the first century.

Similarly, the American Republic has also moved further and further away from personal responsibility toward more collectivism – arrangements whereby we are subject to many more laws, regulations, institutions, and bureaus designed to do what was previously done by individuals. We are now suffering the same dissolution as did ancient Rome: our morals, our patriotism, our self-esteem, our productivity, and our homes have deteriorated.

We live in a day and age in which everything seems to be changing constantly. Because of this, some claim that the gospel must change to keep in step with the times. They say, “Time does not wait for anybody. It leaves behind those who do not keep step.” Is this true? Should the gospel be changed; can it be changed and still be the gospel? All will admit that we live in a society in which things change constantly. But I will hasten to add that everything does not change with time. One’s need for food, clothing, and shelter are the same, in that we still need such to survive. Also, sin has not changed. Eve sinned when she transgressed (disobeyed) the law of God (Genesis 3:1-6). Today men sin when they transgress (disobey or over-ride) God’s law (1 John 3:4).

[Galatians 1:8] Now if sin is still the same, why should the remedy (the gospel) be changed? The apostle Paul makes it clear to the Galatians that the gospel could not be changed and still be the gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). Jude, writing concerning the common salvation that came by the way of the gospel, exhorted the brethren to, “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Jude speaks of the faith which comes from the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) and says that it was once delivered. The gospel is complete and needs no changes. It gives all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It finishes one completely with the spiritual diet unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The gospel is the “…power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is the Word of God that we will be judged by (John 12:48). Since the gospel will save and it is that by which we will be judged, then why would we want to change (over-ride) it? All we must do is recognize the gospel for what it is - The TRUTH (Colossians 1:5). Obey it as written or be lost (1 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 1:16)!

There is little individuals can do to change a major tide of history, but we can form our families and our characters according to the ancient standards of God, as recorded in the Bible. We do not have to go along with the crowd. We do not have to salivate like Pavlov’s pups simply because the culture in which we live rings a bell of conformity. We can resist the fornication, lies, indolence, and dishonesty around us. We can form marriages with like-minded Christian people and live faithfully ever after. We can nurture our children in the chastening and admonition (discipline and character) of the Lord.

Of course, as Lot can tell you, it’s difficult to keep our family standards intact in Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, it’s not impossible. Remember, “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (Satan)” (1 John 4:4). And “…if we walk in the light (God’s TRUTH) as He is in the light …the blood of Jesus Christ …cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-9).