God's Recipe for Good Thoughts
The devil has raged a battle for the minds of men, women, boys, and girls. He is aided greatly by the mass media which often portrays unrealistic and unchristian views of life an distorted values. To whom will we surrender our minds? To God or satan. As an individual, as a church, and even as a nation, we progress or fall backword morally and spiritually, based on our thinking.
Paul's thoughts were against Christ prior to his obedience to the gospel. According to Acts 26:9, Paul said, "I verily thougth with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 22:19-20 tells of Paul confessing that he imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on God, and that he was actually there when Stephen was stoned, consenting unto his death.
When God estroyed the world and all of mankind with a flood, it was because of man's wickedness: "and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. "Genesis 6:5
Philippians 4:8, just about covers it all regarding clean living and good thoughts. "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things."
TRUTH: Ephesians 4:25, Col. 3:17, Eph. 5:9 Lying will cause your life to FALL APART. Lying caused David to suffer terrible guilt. 2 Sam. 11:12, Psalm 32:1-4 Ananias and Sapphira lost their very lives because of lying. John 8:32 says, "the truth shall set you free."
HONEST: In this passage it means honorable. Romans 13:13, says "let us walk honestly; as in the day". An honorable man is respected by friends and rivals alike.
RIGHTEOUS: Titus 2:12, says,"teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, rougheously,and godly, in this present world."
JUST: We should try to do the right thing all the time.
PURE: We must have clean thoughts. Romans 12:21, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Also read the "verse of the day" below.
There are many more verses regarding Christian living on a daily basis:
25 March 2011
24 March 2011
GOD AND THE SPIDER 3-24-11
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge and crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your-will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love and trust you. In Jesus name, Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of the cave.
"Hah", he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of the cave. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, they glanced in the direction of his cave and moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
Pray to God for help and comfort - then -look for God to help you and bless you in ways that you never imagined. Always remember what Jesus said in Mark 10:27, "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
Skaggs church of Christ, Pocahontas, Arkansas, shared by Neva Haley
God measures our service, not just by our ability, but also by our
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge and crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your-will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love and trust you. In Jesus name, Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of the cave.
"Hah", he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of the cave. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, they glanced in the direction of his cave and moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
Pray to God for help and comfort - then -look for God to help you and bless you in ways that you never imagined. Always remember what Jesus said in Mark 10:27, "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
Skaggs church of Christ, Pocahontas, Arkansas, shared by Neva Haley
God measures our service, not just by our ability, but also by our
11 March 2011
ROOT SINS
~Philip B. Box
Some sins have a broader effect than others. There are sins that are “Root Sins” because they produce other sins. The Root Sin is sometime overlooked. We must be on alert for “Root Sins”!
UNBELIEF
Unbelief is a root sin, and always leads to other sins. “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by the following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:11) Unbelief leads to disobedience, but saving faith produces works. (James 2:14-26) If faith produces works that please God then unbelief produces works that do not please God. When we understand this idea, we see there are more unbelievers than we may have realized.
IGNORANCE
This root sin does not live alone! God said, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6) Ignorance always produces a denial of basic truths. “Jesus answered and said, “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Their ignorance led to the denial of the resurrection of the dead and the power of God. Ignorance, as a root sin, produces false doctrine (Colossians 12:14 and Hebrews 10:9) about how to be saved, the church, and even worship.
ENVY
Envy is another root sin (James 3:13-18) It teaches, and produces many other sins. The fruit of envy includes: bitterness, strife, and confusion. It is no wonder that the Bible is so strong in it’s condemnation of envy. Joseph’s brothers envied Him, and just look where it lead. (Genesis 37:11 & f) The fruit that their envy produced is seen in the story, and we learn that the companions of envy are many. Don’t let it grow in your heart, it’s fruit will overwhelm you. Envy you see will stop at nothing (Matthew 27:18)
Some sin has a much broader effect, avoid root sins and you will be able to avoid many other sins. Put God in first place in your life, faithfully obey His will by staying far from sin!
~Philip B. Box
Some sins have a broader effect than others. There are sins that are “Root Sins” because they produce other sins. The Root Sin is sometime overlooked. We must be on alert for “Root Sins”!
UNBELIEF
Unbelief is a root sin, and always leads to other sins. “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by the following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:11) Unbelief leads to disobedience, but saving faith produces works. (James 2:14-26) If faith produces works that please God then unbelief produces works that do not please God. When we understand this idea, we see there are more unbelievers than we may have realized.
IGNORANCE
This root sin does not live alone! God said, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6) Ignorance always produces a denial of basic truths. “Jesus answered and said, “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Their ignorance led to the denial of the resurrection of the dead and the power of God. Ignorance, as a root sin, produces false doctrine (Colossians 12:14 and Hebrews 10:9) about how to be saved, the church, and even worship.
ENVY
Envy is another root sin (James 3:13-18) It teaches, and produces many other sins. The fruit of envy includes: bitterness, strife, and confusion. It is no wonder that the Bible is so strong in it’s condemnation of envy. Joseph’s brothers envied Him, and just look where it lead. (Genesis 37:11 & f) The fruit that their envy produced is seen in the story, and we learn that the companions of envy are many. Don’t let it grow in your heart, it’s fruit will overwhelm you. Envy you see will stop at nothing (Matthew 27:18)
Some sin has a much broader effect, avoid root sins and you will be able to avoid many other sins. Put God in first place in your life, faithfully obey His will by staying far from sin!
10 March 2011
The Difficulty Of Trusting God
By:Garry Knighton
________________________________________
We love repeatable phrases. "If you are going to talk the talk, you must walk the walk." Catchy! "God didn't create everything in one day." True! "Trust in God." Hey, we even have that one printed on our money (for now). We love to talk about trusting God.
You will notice every time we get ready to do something larger than normal, we talk about trusting God. "Let's evangelize Africa," someone says. "Great! Let's go for it." We present the idea to the church and tell them, "We must trust God to pull this off." This is so true. We must!
We started the CD ministry that has now gone world wide. People from everywhere are seeing and hearing the Gospel because of this work. What did we say? "Trust God!" And frankly, I believe we have and still are. This whole thing is running on trust. We live from hand to mouth in this ministry and just about the time the crumbs look like our next meal, along comes a biscuit. God is in control of the work and we want to leave Him right there in that position.
When we try and raise funds for this work outside of our congregation we often hear about trust. "Brother, you just have to trust God to provide." Hey, I know and understand that. I often want to reply, "I do. As a matter of fact I was talking to Him about funds last night and He told me I should talk to you." But, I contain myself. :-)
The work we do here with the CD Ministry, the Towel Ministry, the Men's and Women's Ministries and all the rest of them are done on faith. We are trusting God to lead and provide and He does that very well through the hands of His children like yourself.
It is easy to see a need to trust God when something bigger than ourselves is on the line. We build a building and say, "Let's trust God to help us." But, when is the last time we had an assembly and said, "Let's trust God to lead us this morning or this evening?" When is the last time we pondered a situation for which we are trained and experienced in handling and said, "Let's trust God to guide us in this matter?"
I remember kneeling in our living room one time in my whole life asking God to help us. It was during the Cuban missile crisis when we thought our nation was going to be under attack. It was funny how that kneeling only lasted as long as the crisis. We needed God to help us until we could get enough bomb shelters built in the neighborhood to protect us. Now, this may be an overstatement, but I doubt it.
Where is the trust in the smaller things of life? It is like saying to God, "God, I do not need you on this one. I can handle it myself." How sad we are when we assume God's role in our own lives. You cannot totally trust me. I am not flawless and I will let you down. I cannot totally trust you because of the same reasons. But, we can trust a flawless God without hesitation. He will not let us down.
So, whatever we do, whether great or small, let's put it in our mind to trust God to help us. If it is serving someone else, leading a song, teaching a class, visiting someone who is sick, speaking a word of encouragement, trust God for guidance. If we will put our trust in Him we will never be ashamed!
By:Garry Knighton
________________________________________
We love repeatable phrases. "If you are going to talk the talk, you must walk the walk." Catchy! "God didn't create everything in one day." True! "Trust in God." Hey, we even have that one printed on our money (for now). We love to talk about trusting God.
You will notice every time we get ready to do something larger than normal, we talk about trusting God. "Let's evangelize Africa," someone says. "Great! Let's go for it." We present the idea to the church and tell them, "We must trust God to pull this off." This is so true. We must!
We started the CD ministry that has now gone world wide. People from everywhere are seeing and hearing the Gospel because of this work. What did we say? "Trust God!" And frankly, I believe we have and still are. This whole thing is running on trust. We live from hand to mouth in this ministry and just about the time the crumbs look like our next meal, along comes a biscuit. God is in control of the work and we want to leave Him right there in that position.
When we try and raise funds for this work outside of our congregation we often hear about trust. "Brother, you just have to trust God to provide." Hey, I know and understand that. I often want to reply, "I do. As a matter of fact I was talking to Him about funds last night and He told me I should talk to you." But, I contain myself. :-)
The work we do here with the CD Ministry, the Towel Ministry, the Men's and Women's Ministries and all the rest of them are done on faith. We are trusting God to lead and provide and He does that very well through the hands of His children like yourself.
It is easy to see a need to trust God when something bigger than ourselves is on the line. We build a building and say, "Let's trust God to help us." But, when is the last time we had an assembly and said, "Let's trust God to lead us this morning or this evening?" When is the last time we pondered a situation for which we are trained and experienced in handling and said, "Let's trust God to guide us in this matter?"
I remember kneeling in our living room one time in my whole life asking God to help us. It was during the Cuban missile crisis when we thought our nation was going to be under attack. It was funny how that kneeling only lasted as long as the crisis. We needed God to help us until we could get enough bomb shelters built in the neighborhood to protect us. Now, this may be an overstatement, but I doubt it.
Where is the trust in the smaller things of life? It is like saying to God, "God, I do not need you on this one. I can handle it myself." How sad we are when we assume God's role in our own lives. You cannot totally trust me. I am not flawless and I will let you down. I cannot totally trust you because of the same reasons. But, we can trust a flawless God without hesitation. He will not let us down.
So, whatever we do, whether great or small, let's put it in our mind to trust God to help us. If it is serving someone else, leading a song, teaching a class, visiting someone who is sick, speaking a word of encouragement, trust God for guidance. If we will put our trust in Him we will never be ashamed!
09 March 2011
GOD’S RECIPE FOR GOOD THOUGHTS
We must remember that everything we do, good or bad, begins with our thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7: For as He thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Psalms 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
The devil has raged a battle for the minds of men, women, boys, and girls for centuries. Today he is aided greatly by the mass media which often portrays unrealistic and unchristian views of life and distorted values. To whom will we surrender our minds? To God or satan. As an individual, as a church, and even as a nation, we progress or fall backward morally and spiritually, based on our thinking.
When God destroyed the world and all of mankind with a flood, it was because of man’s wickedness, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen. 6:5-7.
Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
This verse about covers it all. Let’s take each point one at a time.
Whatsoever things are true: We need truth in word, Ephesians 4:25, in action, Colossians 3:17, and in thought, Ephesians 5:9. Lying will cause your life to fall apart. Lying caused David to suffer terrible guilt, II Samuel 11:12, Psalms 32:1-4. Ananias and Sapphira lost their very lives because of lying. Revelation 21:8 says all liars shall have their place in hell. “The lips of truth shall be established forever Proverbs 12:19. John 89:32, says “the truth shall set you free”. We must be truthful in all our activities of life even though it may sometimes hurt in the short run.
Whatsoever things are honest: In this passage it means honorable. Romans 13:13, says “Let us walk honestly, as in the day”. An honorable man is respected by all--friends and rivals alike.
Whatsoever things are righteous: Titus 2:12, says “teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
Whatsoever things are just: Do we try to do the right thing all the time? 2 Peter 2:15
Whatsoever things are pure: We must have clean thoughts. Romans 12:21, says “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
If we can follow Philippians 4:8 daily, and live a good Christian life, setting an example for others about us, maybe we can be able to say what Paul said near the end of this life in II Timothy 4:7-8.
We must remember that everything we do, good or bad, begins with our thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7: For as He thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Psalms 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
The devil has raged a battle for the minds of men, women, boys, and girls for centuries. Today he is aided greatly by the mass media which often portrays unrealistic and unchristian views of life and distorted values. To whom will we surrender our minds? To God or satan. As an individual, as a church, and even as a nation, we progress or fall backward morally and spiritually, based on our thinking.
When God destroyed the world and all of mankind with a flood, it was because of man’s wickedness, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen. 6:5-7.
Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
This verse about covers it all. Let’s take each point one at a time.
Whatsoever things are true: We need truth in word, Ephesians 4:25, in action, Colossians 3:17, and in thought, Ephesians 5:9. Lying will cause your life to fall apart. Lying caused David to suffer terrible guilt, II Samuel 11:12, Psalms 32:1-4. Ananias and Sapphira lost their very lives because of lying. Revelation 21:8 says all liars shall have their place in hell. “The lips of truth shall be established forever Proverbs 12:19. John 89:32, says “the truth shall set you free”. We must be truthful in all our activities of life even though it may sometimes hurt in the short run.
Whatsoever things are honest: In this passage it means honorable. Romans 13:13, says “Let us walk honestly, as in the day”. An honorable man is respected by all--friends and rivals alike.
Whatsoever things are righteous: Titus 2:12, says “teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
Whatsoever things are just: Do we try to do the right thing all the time? 2 Peter 2:15
Whatsoever things are pure: We must have clean thoughts. Romans 12:21, says “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
If we can follow Philippians 4:8 daily, and live a good Christian life, setting an example for others about us, maybe we can be able to say what Paul said near the end of this life in II Timothy 4:7-8.
04 March 2011
DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS?
Here is a brief list of what should constitute basic biblical literacy. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. The list is divided into three parts: (what you should remember) (what you should understand) (what you should be able to do)
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Books of the Old and New Testament in order
2. The different classifications of biblical literature (history, poetry, prophecy, gospels, epistles)
3. The basic order of events of the Old and New Testament--who lived before whom, the basic outline of Jesus’ life, how the early church spread.
4. The names and deeds of major Old Testament figures--Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Ester, Nehemiah.
5. The names and deeds of New Testament figures --John the Baptist, Jesus, the 12 apostles, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla, Timothy)
6. The known authors of the New Testament books--Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul,James, and Jude.
7. The key elements of Biblical geography--rivers, mountains essential countries, regions.
8. The names of at least three translations of the Bible.
9. What one must do in order to be saved.
SCRIPTURES YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND QUOTE FROM MEMORY:
1. Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
2. The 23rd Psalm
3. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
4. The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)
5. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
6. The Great Commandments (Matthew 22:36-40)
7. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
8. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
9. The Golden Text (John 3:16,17)
10. The Christian Graces (2 Peter 1:5-8)
11. Acts 2:28
12. Hebrews 11:1
13. Philippians 2:3-8
14. Philippians 4:4-7
15. 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-7,13
16. Ephesians 2:8-10
17. 1 John 1:5-7
SKILLS YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE:
1. Find any passage in the Bible quickly
2. Use a concordance of a marginal reference
3. Locate key points of biblical geography on a map
Here is a brief list of what should constitute basic biblical literacy. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. The list is divided into three parts: (what you should remember) (what you should understand) (what you should be able to do)
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Books of the Old and New Testament in order
2. The different classifications of biblical literature (history, poetry, prophecy, gospels, epistles)
3. The basic order of events of the Old and New Testament--who lived before whom, the basic outline of Jesus’ life, how the early church spread.
4. The names and deeds of major Old Testament figures--Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Ester, Nehemiah.
5. The names and deeds of New Testament figures --John the Baptist, Jesus, the 12 apostles, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla, Timothy)
6. The known authors of the New Testament books--Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul,James, and Jude.
7. The key elements of Biblical geography--rivers, mountains essential countries, regions.
8. The names of at least three translations of the Bible.
9. What one must do in order to be saved.
SCRIPTURES YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND QUOTE FROM MEMORY:
1. Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
2. The 23rd Psalm
3. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
4. The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)
5. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
6. The Great Commandments (Matthew 22:36-40)
7. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
8. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
9. The Golden Text (John 3:16,17)
10. The Christian Graces (2 Peter 1:5-8)
11. Acts 2:28
12. Hebrews 11:1
13. Philippians 2:3-8
14. Philippians 4:4-7
15. 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-7,13
16. Ephesians 2:8-10
17. 1 John 1:5-7
SKILLS YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE:
1. Find any passage in the Bible quickly
2. Use a concordance of a marginal reference
3. Locate key points of biblical geography on a map
02 March 2011
One Man Sharpens The Other
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ, Shreveport, La.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."(Proverbs 27:17)
Fellowship is perhaps one of the sweetest words ever invented. Most often, we take the term fellowship and wrap it in the context of some kind of "church" setting where we have a "fellowship meal," or "enjoy the fellowship" of an evening together and things of that nature. It is very true that the word fellowship works for all these things, but it is much broader than that.
The word "fellowship" comes from the Greek word KOINONIA. This is a very special word, and is used in such a broad range of thinking, it seems a shame to lock it down to only something we do when we are at the assembly and assembly-related functions together. This word is defined as these terms: communion, fellowship, sharing in common. This word is a form of the word KOINOS, which simply means to have something in common.
We've taken the term communion and used it almost totally in discussion and practice of the Lord's Supper. It's fine to call the Lord's Supper communion, as long as we know that the word is deeper, or may we say, broader than that.
For instance, when two of you have a Bible Study together, you could very easily use the word communion to illustrate the closeness and the commonness of the experience. Paul used it that way in the discussion of light and darkness as well as the Christians with the god Baal.
Fellowship, communion and sharing are concepts that envelope life. When someone is struggling with some situation in life and we lend ourselves for support, it is fellowship. When someone expresses a joy to you and shares some kind of good news with you, you are in fellowship.
Another way this word is used is the term partnership. Paul spoke to the brothers at Philippi about their "partnership" in the gospel. It's true that some of the Philippian brethren physically participated with Paul in the spreading of the gospel. They were there. They actually went with him. On the other hand, Paul made it very clear that their financial support for the work of spreading the Good News was also partnership, communion.
When we share with one another something we have, it is called fellowship, partnership or communion. This sharing might be financial. It could be a word of encouragement. It could very well be a loving, listening, supportive shoulder to cry on when you need one. It always involves someone else.
Then you take the concepts behind this word and apply them to God. Communion with God is not some church ritual that we plug into in an attempt to "fulfill" His requirements. The Lord's Supper, or communion, as we call it, is a time when we can sit down with the Lord and remember how He served us. We remember how He gave His body to serve us in sacrifice. We remember how He gave His blood to provide atonement for our sins, and how He served us in that selfless act of sacrifice. We then are stimulated to serve one another and continue the kind of fellowship that God continues to extend to us.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we need one another. We need to be the iron that sharpens our brother or our sister in the Lord. We need one another. There is no retreat. There is no place for selfishness and a self-serving spirit. We must grow to understand that we cannot "serve God" without loving and serving one another.
When people begin backing away from the assemblies they lose touch with the needs and the direction of their brothers. If we were together daily as the early Christians were, this would not be so true, but we are not... and that's a fact. We need each other. Not only that, we need each other's weaknesses as well as each other's strengths.
If we ever really capture the concept of fellowship and put it into practice the way the Lord practices it with us, we would be one united and powerful force on the earth to reckon with.
I know very few thieves who steal money and other tangible goods from others, but I do know a host of people who steal something more precious than gold almost every week of their lives. These robbers break in and steal fellowship every time they miss an opportunity to be together with those of like faith.
There has been a burning question since AD. 33: Do I have to attend all the assemblies to go to heaven? Will I go to hell if I don't. You've heard those questions and perhaps, you may have even asked them, but you see, they are the wrong questions. They are centered in YOU, not others. You might better ask it this way. "Would my soul be in jeopardy if I refuse my fellowship? There is only one answer!
.
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ, Shreveport, La.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."(Proverbs 27:17)
Fellowship is perhaps one of the sweetest words ever invented. Most often, we take the term fellowship and wrap it in the context of some kind of "church" setting where we have a "fellowship meal," or "enjoy the fellowship" of an evening together and things of that nature. It is very true that the word fellowship works for all these things, but it is much broader than that.
The word "fellowship" comes from the Greek word KOINONIA. This is a very special word, and is used in such a broad range of thinking, it seems a shame to lock it down to only something we do when we are at the assembly and assembly-related functions together. This word is defined as these terms: communion, fellowship, sharing in common. This word is a form of the word KOINOS, which simply means to have something in common.
We've taken the term communion and used it almost totally in discussion and practice of the Lord's Supper. It's fine to call the Lord's Supper communion, as long as we know that the word is deeper, or may we say, broader than that.
For instance, when two of you have a Bible Study together, you could very easily use the word communion to illustrate the closeness and the commonness of the experience. Paul used it that way in the discussion of light and darkness as well as the Christians with the god Baal.
Fellowship, communion and sharing are concepts that envelope life. When someone is struggling with some situation in life and we lend ourselves for support, it is fellowship. When someone expresses a joy to you and shares some kind of good news with you, you are in fellowship.
Another way this word is used is the term partnership. Paul spoke to the brothers at Philippi about their "partnership" in the gospel. It's true that some of the Philippian brethren physically participated with Paul in the spreading of the gospel. They were there. They actually went with him. On the other hand, Paul made it very clear that their financial support for the work of spreading the Good News was also partnership, communion.
When we share with one another something we have, it is called fellowship, partnership or communion. This sharing might be financial. It could be a word of encouragement. It could very well be a loving, listening, supportive shoulder to cry on when you need one. It always involves someone else.
Then you take the concepts behind this word and apply them to God. Communion with God is not some church ritual that we plug into in an attempt to "fulfill" His requirements. The Lord's Supper, or communion, as we call it, is a time when we can sit down with the Lord and remember how He served us. We remember how He gave His body to serve us in sacrifice. We remember how He gave His blood to provide atonement for our sins, and how He served us in that selfless act of sacrifice. We then are stimulated to serve one another and continue the kind of fellowship that God continues to extend to us.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we need one another. We need to be the iron that sharpens our brother or our sister in the Lord. We need one another. There is no retreat. There is no place for selfishness and a self-serving spirit. We must grow to understand that we cannot "serve God" without loving and serving one another.
When people begin backing away from the assemblies they lose touch with the needs and the direction of their brothers. If we were together daily as the early Christians were, this would not be so true, but we are not... and that's a fact. We need each other. Not only that, we need each other's weaknesses as well as each other's strengths.
If we ever really capture the concept of fellowship and put it into practice the way the Lord practices it with us, we would be one united and powerful force on the earth to reckon with.
I know very few thieves who steal money and other tangible goods from others, but I do know a host of people who steal something more precious than gold almost every week of their lives. These robbers break in and steal fellowship every time they miss an opportunity to be together with those of like faith.
There has been a burning question since AD. 33: Do I have to attend all the assemblies to go to heaven? Will I go to hell if I don't. You've heard those questions and perhaps, you may have even asked them, but you see, they are the wrong questions. They are centered in YOU, not others. You might better ask it this way. "Would my soul be in jeopardy if I refuse my fellowship? There is only one answer!
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01 March 2011
Ministry is a Terrible Thing To Waste
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We have all heard the phrase, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." The same is true with ministry. We often sit idly by and allow our minds to become mush. They must be fed and they must be exercised. Ministry is the same way. For years, ministry has become mush in churches all over the world. We have waited and waited for someone to come along and "teach us" how to do it. We've hired professionals to come in and do it for us, and it still goes undone for the most part. Or, perhaps we are doing it and don't really know it.
Ministry is common. It is taking the things God has already gifted us to do and using them to His glory. Ministry is not as religious as we might suppose. It is ordinary. But, what makes it awesome is, empowered by God and exercised in His name, it becomes extraordinary. God can take the simplest of actions, on our part, to assist our fellow man, and turn them into issues that can reach across generations with their good. He is an awesome God.
The most important thing about ministry is God, not us. There are specific things like sharing the Word that need training, but for the most part, God has already put in us the things necessary for us to complete our job here. It is important to remember why we do what we do instead of just doing something. We should do what we do in His name and for His honor. It is easy to get caught up in doing things for others that highlights us. If we do for others and they think more of us than they do of God, something is wrong. God did not gift us for our glorification but for His.
Every day of our lives we are faced with opportunities to minister (serve) others and they often go unnoticed. We find ourselves wishing for training and expertise from others instead of desire and empowerment from God. God set us on a track in life, gifted us and has promised to be with us, empowering us to do those things which He has called us to do. He would not be so unfair to put us out among a sea of people and leave us on our own.
We are being called to open our eyes, not to look for opportunities, but to see those which are already around us. Helping others is a broad concept. How do I help others? What do I do? How long should I do it? These questions arise in our minds and we struggle with them because we are seeking self-empowerment. What I do depends on what needs doing. And, how it should be done would depend on the situation at hand. God will show us if we really want to know. How long it will take will depend on the severity of the situation and the willingness of the part of the servant and the one being served.
The Lord's Supper was left for us to remember how Jesus served us. The bread, which represents His body, "given for you," and the cup, representing His blood, "given for you," is a reminder for us to give ourselves for others. Sure we remember in this that Christ died for us, but if we fail to remember the why, and the fact that it was "for us," we will miss the point. Every time we partake we are called to remember to serve and to honor His service to us. Few would rarely forget that He died for us. But, we often forget to serve others. As a gravestone reminds us of the person and the life of one who has gone on before, the Supper is a memorial to remind us that He served us so we are to serve others.
Ministry can be embedded deeply in the Word, teaching and admonishing each other in the principles of God. But it can also be lending an ear to someone who just needs to talk. It can be as common as helping a young, struggling mother with her children or with overwhelming responsibilities. It can be a pie baked and delivered in the name of God Almighty to someone who needs their spirits lifted and needs to know that someone is thinking about them. It can be as ordinary as stopping on the side of the road to give a lift or change a tire or take someone to get gasoline. It can be as ordinary as taking food to someone who is overwhelmed with grief at the loss of a loved one. It could be slipping someone a few dollars to help them make it to the next pay period or to get the gas or electricity turned back on. The list could be endless and could be named among the things already being done.
But one thing that is different is that it is done in the name of Christ... no strings attached. Do it because we love Jesus first and the person we are helping second. Let Christ shine. Let others know that God has blessed us and all we are doing is passing on the blessing. God will be glorified and the ordinary service we render will become EXTRAORDINARY as it is empowered by God. God will then use these efforts to grow His Kingdom in His own time, at His own pace and in His own way. But whatever we do, we must constantly remember that "Ministry is a terrible thing to waste.”
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ North, Shreveport, Louisiana
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have all heard the phrase, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." The same is true with ministry. We often sit idly by and allow our minds to become mush. They must be fed and they must be exercised. Ministry is the same way. For years, ministry has become mush in churches all over the world. We have waited and waited for someone to come along and "teach us" how to do it. We've hired professionals to come in and do it for us, and it still goes undone for the most part. Or, perhaps we are doing it and don't really know it.
Ministry is common. It is taking the things God has already gifted us to do and using them to His glory. Ministry is not as religious as we might suppose. It is ordinary. But, what makes it awesome is, empowered by God and exercised in His name, it becomes extraordinary. God can take the simplest of actions, on our part, to assist our fellow man, and turn them into issues that can reach across generations with their good. He is an awesome God.
The most important thing about ministry is God, not us. There are specific things like sharing the Word that need training, but for the most part, God has already put in us the things necessary for us to complete our job here. It is important to remember why we do what we do instead of just doing something. We should do what we do in His name and for His honor. It is easy to get caught up in doing things for others that highlights us. If we do for others and they think more of us than they do of God, something is wrong. God did not gift us for our glorification but for His.
Every day of our lives we are faced with opportunities to minister (serve) others and they often go unnoticed. We find ourselves wishing for training and expertise from others instead of desire and empowerment from God. God set us on a track in life, gifted us and has promised to be with us, empowering us to do those things which He has called us to do. He would not be so unfair to put us out among a sea of people and leave us on our own.
We are being called to open our eyes, not to look for opportunities, but to see those which are already around us. Helping others is a broad concept. How do I help others? What do I do? How long should I do it? These questions arise in our minds and we struggle with them because we are seeking self-empowerment. What I do depends on what needs doing. And, how it should be done would depend on the situation at hand. God will show us if we really want to know. How long it will take will depend on the severity of the situation and the willingness of the part of the servant and the one being served.
The Lord's Supper was left for us to remember how Jesus served us. The bread, which represents His body, "given for you," and the cup, representing His blood, "given for you," is a reminder for us to give ourselves for others. Sure we remember in this that Christ died for us, but if we fail to remember the why, and the fact that it was "for us," we will miss the point. Every time we partake we are called to remember to serve and to honor His service to us. Few would rarely forget that He died for us. But, we often forget to serve others. As a gravestone reminds us of the person and the life of one who has gone on before, the Supper is a memorial to remind us that He served us so we are to serve others.
Ministry can be embedded deeply in the Word, teaching and admonishing each other in the principles of God. But it can also be lending an ear to someone who just needs to talk. It can be as common as helping a young, struggling mother with her children or with overwhelming responsibilities. It can be a pie baked and delivered in the name of God Almighty to someone who needs their spirits lifted and needs to know that someone is thinking about them. It can be as ordinary as stopping on the side of the road to give a lift or change a tire or take someone to get gasoline. It can be as ordinary as taking food to someone who is overwhelmed with grief at the loss of a loved one. It could be slipping someone a few dollars to help them make it to the next pay period or to get the gas or electricity turned back on. The list could be endless and could be named among the things already being done.
But one thing that is different is that it is done in the name of Christ... no strings attached. Do it because we love Jesus first and the person we are helping second. Let Christ shine. Let others know that God has blessed us and all we are doing is passing on the blessing. God will be glorified and the ordinary service we render will become EXTRAORDINARY as it is empowered by God. God will then use these efforts to grow His Kingdom in His own time, at His own pace and in His own way. But whatever we do, we must constantly remember that "Ministry is a terrible thing to waste.”
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ North, Shreveport, Louisiana
28 February 2011
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
A policeman who spends a great deal of his time looking for lost children said that when he begins to look he always goes in the direction in which the wind was blowing at the time. Now, that may sound strange, but his explanation really makes sense.
You see, the wind blows and catches many things in its path and takes them with it. It might be a balloon, a handkerchief, a napkin, or just some bright leaves; but it catches the eyes of a child. This child will run after this thing and, sooner or later, will find that he is lost, not remembering which way he had come or simply not thinking he continues in the same direction that the wind is blowing.
The experiences of this policeman is to continue in the direction of the wind. Many times the answers or the child himself will be found that way.
People who go through life in whichever way the wind is blowing are trying to take the easy way out. They do not want to make their own decisions. They do not have any of their own convictions for which they are willing to fight. Theirs is the chicken way out.
This way of approaching life is very well illustrated by the young man who was hitch-hiking. He had painted a sign which told the story, not only of his present situation, but most probably of his entire life. The sign which he held up to passers-by read: ANYWHERE. This young man had already arrived at his destination and did not even know it.
Going through life with no direction and convictions about the path does not take very much fortitude. Once these are a part of your journey, very little will stand in the way. Consider that today!
The Richmond Messenger
A policeman who spends a great deal of his time looking for lost children said that when he begins to look he always goes in the direction in which the wind was blowing at the time. Now, that may sound strange, but his explanation really makes sense.
You see, the wind blows and catches many things in its path and takes them with it. It might be a balloon, a handkerchief, a napkin, or just some bright leaves; but it catches the eyes of a child. This child will run after this thing and, sooner or later, will find that he is lost, not remembering which way he had come or simply not thinking he continues in the same direction that the wind is blowing.
The experiences of this policeman is to continue in the direction of the wind. Many times the answers or the child himself will be found that way.
People who go through life in whichever way the wind is blowing are trying to take the easy way out. They do not want to make their own decisions. They do not have any of their own convictions for which they are willing to fight. Theirs is the chicken way out.
This way of approaching life is very well illustrated by the young man who was hitch-hiking. He had painted a sign which told the story, not only of his present situation, but most probably of his entire life. The sign which he held up to passers-by read: ANYWHERE. This young man had already arrived at his destination and did not even know it.
Going through life with no direction and convictions about the path does not take very much fortitude. Once these are a part of your journey, very little will stand in the way. Consider that today!
The Richmond Messenger
25 February 2011
The Writing Is On the Wall
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In Daniel chapter five there was a happening, the like of which has never been seen again. The king of Babylon, Belshazzar, was throwing a great banquet. In his exuberance to humiliate the Jews, he ordered the holy vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple of God to be brought before him. With a thousand of his nobles present, he began his feast.
To drink from these holy vessels was an utter disgrace to the Jews. As Belshazzar and his companions continued their party, God intervened. From out of nowhere a hand came down and began to write on the wall before them. Belshazzer was so terrified that his knees became weak, knocked together and finally gave way. There was no doubt. . .he was frightened.
As they pondered the situation, Belshazzar sought to find the meaning of the words inscribed on the wall. With no success, he was instructed to call in God's prophet Daniel.
With great caution, Daniel gave the meaning of the writing. As he interpreted the event, he let the king know that God would not allow something holy to be defiled without punishment. In verse twenty-two he rebuked the king for his pride. Next he said, ". . .you have set yourself up against the Lord of Heaven..."
As they conversed, he gave the meaning of the writing, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." MENE - God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL - you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. PARSIN - your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night the king died and another world power took over.
God is not pleased when something holy is defiled. He no longer has holy cups, bowls, candlesticks and such. He now has vessels that are of far greater value. He has made us His vessels. Paul said in I Corinthians 6, that the Spirit of God dwells in us. God only dwells in what He has made holy. You and I are the holy vessels of God.
Since this is true, we should never lose sight of the need of purity. Jesus said that we are blessed when we are pure in heart. For it is the pure in heart who will see God.
When we use our lives in pride, as Belshazzer used the temple vessels, we defy God. We take something holy and treat it as if it were common. When we hurt one another, we desecrate something that God has made holy. If He caused a nation to lose its status as a world power, how will He view me if I act in an unholy manner?
We have a great responsibility to one another as the vessels of God. We have the responsibility to honor and protect, keeping one another in tip-top condition in order to serve the Master. God made us holy. We must not defile what He has made!
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ North, Shreveport, La.
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In Daniel chapter five there was a happening, the like of which has never been seen again. The king of Babylon, Belshazzar, was throwing a great banquet. In his exuberance to humiliate the Jews, he ordered the holy vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple of God to be brought before him. With a thousand of his nobles present, he began his feast.
To drink from these holy vessels was an utter disgrace to the Jews. As Belshazzar and his companions continued their party, God intervened. From out of nowhere a hand came down and began to write on the wall before them. Belshazzer was so terrified that his knees became weak, knocked together and finally gave way. There was no doubt. . .he was frightened.
As they pondered the situation, Belshazzar sought to find the meaning of the words inscribed on the wall. With no success, he was instructed to call in God's prophet Daniel.
With great caution, Daniel gave the meaning of the writing. As he interpreted the event, he let the king know that God would not allow something holy to be defiled without punishment. In verse twenty-two he rebuked the king for his pride. Next he said, ". . .you have set yourself up against the Lord of Heaven..."
As they conversed, he gave the meaning of the writing, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." MENE - God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL - you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. PARSIN - your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night the king died and another world power took over.
God is not pleased when something holy is defiled. He no longer has holy cups, bowls, candlesticks and such. He now has vessels that are of far greater value. He has made us His vessels. Paul said in I Corinthians 6, that the Spirit of God dwells in us. God only dwells in what He has made holy. You and I are the holy vessels of God.
Since this is true, we should never lose sight of the need of purity. Jesus said that we are blessed when we are pure in heart. For it is the pure in heart who will see God.
When we use our lives in pride, as Belshazzer used the temple vessels, we defy God. We take something holy and treat it as if it were common. When we hurt one another, we desecrate something that God has made holy. If He caused a nation to lose its status as a world power, how will He view me if I act in an unholy manner?
We have a great responsibility to one another as the vessels of God. We have the responsibility to honor and protect, keeping one another in tip-top condition in order to serve the Master. God made us holy. We must not defile what He has made!
Garry Knighton, Church of Christ North, Shreveport, La.
24 February 2011
Departing From The Living God
Philip B. Box, Minister
Man has seldom stayed faithful to God for very long. This was true in Adam’s day. It was true in Noah’s day. It was true of mankind when Jesus walked on the earth, and it is also true of people today. It is no wonder that God warned through the writer of Hebrews. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) Both our spiritual life, and the church are exposed to change and sometime need change. Not all change is good however; some change is simply a “departing from the living God.”
What causes people to depart from the living God? Often change comes so slowly it is not even detected until it is too late spiritually. Most do not “run” away from God’s truth, they simply “drift” in the wrong direction. (Hebrews 2:1) The moment we close our Bible is the moment we will begin to drift from God.
One sign of departing from God is the development of a critical spirit. It is strange but those that leave God are often very “critical” of others for being “unloving.”
Departing is also marked by a lack of appreciation for Biblical truth. Many do not respect, appreciate, nor love God’s truth. (John 8:32)
Departing from God causes people to want the world instead of Christ. The Bible says, “If any man loves the world the love of the father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Departing blinds spiritual eyes. People begin to say, “I can see anything wrong with _______” (and they fill in the blank with anything.)
Departing also leads to lukewarmness. God hates the spirit of spiritual laziness that is seen among many. (Revelation 3:14-19)
What is the cure for those that have departed from God? To reverse the departures: Take heed to yourself and make sure of your salvation. (Hebrews 3:12). Remember what it was like to follow the Bible whole-heartedly. Those preachers that have changed should remember the joy they had in preaching “gospel sermons.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5). If any love for truth still burns in your heart fan the flame. Let us take our stand on truth. (Ephesians 4:15). Get busy in the kingdom. We are saved to serve. (John 4:35), and be Christ-like. Those that have the desire of going to heaven will walk with the Lord. (Galatians 2:20)
Those that do the Lord's commandments will be blessed with an entrance into heaven, and with the tree of life. (Revelation 22:14) To become a Christian, you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized to be saved (Acts 2:38). After baptism be careful that you do not depart from God, but faithfully obey His will each day!
Philip B. Box, Minister
Man has seldom stayed faithful to God for very long. This was true in Adam’s day. It was true in Noah’s day. It was true of mankind when Jesus walked on the earth, and it is also true of people today. It is no wonder that God warned through the writer of Hebrews. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) Both our spiritual life, and the church are exposed to change and sometime need change. Not all change is good however; some change is simply a “departing from the living God.”
What causes people to depart from the living God? Often change comes so slowly it is not even detected until it is too late spiritually. Most do not “run” away from God’s truth, they simply “drift” in the wrong direction. (Hebrews 2:1) The moment we close our Bible is the moment we will begin to drift from God.
One sign of departing from God is the development of a critical spirit. It is strange but those that leave God are often very “critical” of others for being “unloving.”
Departing is also marked by a lack of appreciation for Biblical truth. Many do not respect, appreciate, nor love God’s truth. (John 8:32)
Departing from God causes people to want the world instead of Christ. The Bible says, “If any man loves the world the love of the father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Departing blinds spiritual eyes. People begin to say, “I can see anything wrong with _______” (and they fill in the blank with anything.)
Departing also leads to lukewarmness. God hates the spirit of spiritual laziness that is seen among many. (Revelation 3:14-19)
What is the cure for those that have departed from God? To reverse the departures: Take heed to yourself and make sure of your salvation. (Hebrews 3:12). Remember what it was like to follow the Bible whole-heartedly. Those preachers that have changed should remember the joy they had in preaching “gospel sermons.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5). If any love for truth still burns in your heart fan the flame. Let us take our stand on truth. (Ephesians 4:15). Get busy in the kingdom. We are saved to serve. (John 4:35), and be Christ-like. Those that have the desire of going to heaven will walk with the Lord. (Galatians 2:20)
Those that do the Lord's commandments will be blessed with an entrance into heaven, and with the tree of life. (Revelation 22:14) To become a Christian, you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized to be saved (Acts 2:38). After baptism be careful that you do not depart from God, but faithfully obey His will each day!
23 February 2011
ARE YOU ‘HIGH MAINTENANCE’?
A blessing enjoyed in Christ is support from brethren in times of spiritual crisis. Those who are strong are to support the weak (Ro. 15:1)We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Those who are spiritual are to help those overcome in a fault (Gal. 6:1). It is part of the "law of Christ" to thus bear one another’s burdens (Gal.6:2).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.
At the same time we have a responsibility to become strong. Each Christian has a responsibility to "bear his own load" (Gal. 6:4-5)..But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. We will be accountable for our own actions (Rom. 14:12).So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. It is thus our responsibility to pick ourselves up as well. (Heb. 12:12-13).Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Some Christians never seem to progress from being supported to supporting themselves. They remain very dependent upon their brethren. Unless constantly nurtured by brethren, they fall away or become apathetic. Such brethren are what might be described in the vernacular as "high maintenance".
Are you "high maintenance"? In everyday life this means someone or thing which requires a lot of attention. Christians who are high maintenance require a lot of attention in order to remain faithful. They require a lot of coddling or pampering to be active Christians, attending and working in the church only when constantly prodded.
Even churches can be high maintenance. The church in Corinth certainly was (I Cor. 3:1-4, 2 Cor. 12-20-21).And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. The church in Phillipi was not. (Phil. 1;3-7)I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. High maintenance is crucial for the newborn Christian, who is new in the faith and very susceptible. Without proper attention, they may soon be overcome. High maintenance is essential for the hurting Christian, whether it be physical illness, or emotional turmoil.(I Thess. 5:14)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. We can overcome high maintenance by individual growth. When we study and grow strong we will no longer need it, when we can become the providers, not the recipients. Consider the unfortunate case of the Hebrew Christians (Heb. 5:12-14)For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Strength from our brethren is certainly helpful when we need it, but we should also reach a point where our strength comes from God. And we can become the producers, not just the consumers. Consider the remarkable example of the apostle Paul Phil 4:11-13; Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ[who strengthens me. (2 Cor. 1:3–6) since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified
A blessing enjoyed in Christ is support from brethren in times of spiritual crisis. Those who are strong are to support the weak (Ro. 15:1)We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Those who are spiritual are to help those overcome in a fault (Gal. 6:1). It is part of the "law of Christ" to thus bear one another’s burdens (Gal.6:2).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.
At the same time we have a responsibility to become strong. Each Christian has a responsibility to "bear his own load" (Gal. 6:4-5)..But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. We will be accountable for our own actions (Rom. 14:12).So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. It is thus our responsibility to pick ourselves up as well. (Heb. 12:12-13).Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Some Christians never seem to progress from being supported to supporting themselves. They remain very dependent upon their brethren. Unless constantly nurtured by brethren, they fall away or become apathetic. Such brethren are what might be described in the vernacular as "high maintenance".
Are you "high maintenance"? In everyday life this means someone or thing which requires a lot of attention. Christians who are high maintenance require a lot of attention in order to remain faithful. They require a lot of coddling or pampering to be active Christians, attending and working in the church only when constantly prodded.
Even churches can be high maintenance. The church in Corinth certainly was (I Cor. 3:1-4, 2 Cor. 12-20-21).And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. The church in Phillipi was not. (Phil. 1;3-7)I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. High maintenance is crucial for the newborn Christian, who is new in the faith and very susceptible. Without proper attention, they may soon be overcome. High maintenance is essential for the hurting Christian, whether it be physical illness, or emotional turmoil.(I Thess. 5:14)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. We can overcome high maintenance by individual growth. When we study and grow strong we will no longer need it, when we can become the providers, not the recipients. Consider the unfortunate case of the Hebrew Christians (Heb. 5:12-14)For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Strength from our brethren is certainly helpful when we need it, but we should also reach a point where our strength comes from God. And we can become the producers, not just the consumers. Consider the remarkable example of the apostle Paul Phil 4:11-13; Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ[who strengthens me. (2 Cor. 1:3–6) since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified
And The Thunder Rolls...
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As I write this there is an awesome electrical and thunder storm raging outdoors. The rain has been tremendous, falling as if it were in sheets being dropped one right after another. The thunder rattles windows and the lightning makes you nearly jump out of your shoes. Some parts of the area are getting pelted by hail, as if the rain were not enough. And do you know what? I love it! I don’t particularly like being wet, but wet is what you get when you love the rain.
It was the thunderstorm that made me want to write this. It reminds me of various Scriptures in the Bible that describe in some kind of form we can understand what the activity is like around the throne of God. Lightning and rumblings were very often closely associated with a throne scene. God likes the rumble and the flash.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.” (Isaiah 6:1-4)
The awesome nature of God stands out in His presence. There cannot be quietness, unless He is about to pass judgment on a nation. When heaven gets quiet, something is about to happen to someone somewhere.
How awesome and terrifying it must have been standing at the foot of that mountain when Moses was up there in God’s presence. How taken back Isaiah must have been when He witnessed “The Lord of Host” in the passage above. All he could do was look at himself and see that he did not fit in the picture. “I am a man of unclean lips,” he cried.
Being in the presence of God should make us take a good, hard, close look at ourselves. We often think we are pretty good, but standing up next to His holiness paints a whole different picture.
Do you know what is even more remarkable about Isaiah’s experience? Later in the Bible, in the book of John, John writes to his audience concerning some of the folks who were having a difficult time believing on Jesus and quotes some of the verses from Isaiah’s experience in Isaiah chapter 6. After the quote John gives this commentary: “These things said Isaiah, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.” (John 12:41)
This same God, “the Lord,” mentioned in Isaiah 6:1 is identified as Jesus Christ by the Apostle John. Now, this same Jesus Christ has taken up residence on His throne and that throne is in our heart. He dwells in us. Awesome! Therefore, there should be some sense of awesomeness in us constantly. This powerful, all knowing God lives in us. Somehow that should be a humbling experience. There is nowhere we can go and nothing that we can do that does not include the God of the universe. It is a huge responsibility for us to correct our steps and keep our lives in check.
And, do you know what? Just like the thunder is rumbling right now and the lightning is flashing, God just may decide to do the same thing through you when He touches the lives of those to whom you minister. You may not see it or hear it, but the power can move people just the same. And when it happens, it will not be you. It will be God working through you. What an awesome thought.
So, next time you hear the thunder and see the lightning in a storm, just remember that the same God who shook the doorpost of the temple by just making His arrival is in you and you and I are a vessel of a precious cargo. There is power within us!
Garry Knighten, Church of Christ North, Shrevveport, LA.
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________________________________________
As I write this there is an awesome electrical and thunder storm raging outdoors. The rain has been tremendous, falling as if it were in sheets being dropped one right after another. The thunder rattles windows and the lightning makes you nearly jump out of your shoes. Some parts of the area are getting pelted by hail, as if the rain were not enough. And do you know what? I love it! I don’t particularly like being wet, but wet is what you get when you love the rain.
It was the thunderstorm that made me want to write this. It reminds me of various Scriptures in the Bible that describe in some kind of form we can understand what the activity is like around the throne of God. Lightning and rumblings were very often closely associated with a throne scene. God likes the rumble and the flash.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.” (Isaiah 6:1-4)
The awesome nature of God stands out in His presence. There cannot be quietness, unless He is about to pass judgment on a nation. When heaven gets quiet, something is about to happen to someone somewhere.
How awesome and terrifying it must have been standing at the foot of that mountain when Moses was up there in God’s presence. How taken back Isaiah must have been when He witnessed “The Lord of Host” in the passage above. All he could do was look at himself and see that he did not fit in the picture. “I am a man of unclean lips,” he cried.
Being in the presence of God should make us take a good, hard, close look at ourselves. We often think we are pretty good, but standing up next to His holiness paints a whole different picture.
Do you know what is even more remarkable about Isaiah’s experience? Later in the Bible, in the book of John, John writes to his audience concerning some of the folks who were having a difficult time believing on Jesus and quotes some of the verses from Isaiah’s experience in Isaiah chapter 6. After the quote John gives this commentary: “These things said Isaiah, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.” (John 12:41)
This same God, “the Lord,” mentioned in Isaiah 6:1 is identified as Jesus Christ by the Apostle John. Now, this same Jesus Christ has taken up residence on His throne and that throne is in our heart. He dwells in us. Awesome! Therefore, there should be some sense of awesomeness in us constantly. This powerful, all knowing God lives in us. Somehow that should be a humbling experience. There is nowhere we can go and nothing that we can do that does not include the God of the universe. It is a huge responsibility for us to correct our steps and keep our lives in check.
And, do you know what? Just like the thunder is rumbling right now and the lightning is flashing, God just may decide to do the same thing through you when He touches the lives of those to whom you minister. You may not see it or hear it, but the power can move people just the same. And when it happens, it will not be you. It will be God working through you. What an awesome thought.
So, next time you hear the thunder and see the lightning in a storm, just remember that the same God who shook the doorpost of the temple by just making His arrival is in you and you and I are a vessel of a precious cargo. There is power within us!
Garry Knighten, Church of Christ North, Shrevveport, LA.
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22 February 2011
King Saul Had It All
King Saul had it all! Perhaps no other person in the Bible had as much going for him and as many opportunities to succeed in life than did he. He had a good body, a good mind, good training, courage, leadership skills, generosity and forbearance. Most important of all he had God's favor and God's promise of success.
Saul blew it all! He not only missed his great opportunities in life, he deliberately abused them. The tragic story of his life is recorded in I Samuel 9-31.
Saul was anointed by Samuel as God's chosen King. He was filled with the Holy Spirit (I Samuel 10:22,27;11:12-13.)
With the passing of time Saul lost his humility and his self-control In his pride he disobeyed God on several occasions, made rash vows, and became consumed with a cold hearted jealousy. He made several enraged attempts to kill David, his successor and a man after God's own heart. After staining his hands with the blood of many innocent people, he stained them with his own blood by ending his life in suicide. Thus after destroying his moral life Saul finally destroyed his physical life.
Saul's tragic story is repeated daily. The people, places and circumstances are different but the results are the same. The tragedy of Saul and of all others who walk in his steps in such moral, physical and eternal destruction is so needless.
King Saul had it all! Perhaps no other person in the Bible had as much going for him and as many opportunities to succeed in life than did he. He had a good body, a good mind, good training, courage, leadership skills, generosity and forbearance. Most important of all he had God's favor and God's promise of success.
Saul blew it all! He not only missed his great opportunities in life, he deliberately abused them. The tragic story of his life is recorded in I Samuel 9-31.
Saul was anointed by Samuel as God's chosen King. He was filled with the Holy Spirit (I Samuel 10:22,27;11:12-13.)
With the passing of time Saul lost his humility and his self-control In his pride he disobeyed God on several occasions, made rash vows, and became consumed with a cold hearted jealousy. He made several enraged attempts to kill David, his successor and a man after God's own heart. After staining his hands with the blood of many innocent people, he stained them with his own blood by ending his life in suicide. Thus after destroying his moral life Saul finally destroyed his physical life.
Saul's tragic story is repeated daily. The people, places and circumstances are different but the results are the same. The tragedy of Saul and of all others who walk in his steps in such moral, physical and eternal destruction is so needless.
18 February 2011
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
Lack of knowledge is the main reason for all the unscriptural changes and practices taking place in the Lord’s Church.
Hosea 4:6 says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
The question is : if there is one church in the New Testament times, why do we have so many denominations today?
The apostle Paul prophesied in II Thessalonians 2:3-10
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
II Corinthians 11:13-14: warns also against "False apostles and deceitful words.
Colossians 2:8,20, 21 , 11 Galatians 1:7-9
Paul again warns another gospel preacher in: I Timothy 4:1-3 Now the spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth
These prophesies came true with the founding of the Roman Catholic church. The pope in the Roman Catholic church has put himself on a throne as a "GOD". The first pope recorded was Boniface III who was in 606 a.d. He claimed to be infallible in his decisions, being the supreme head and having all authority and power. Other popes had such divine titles as Our Lord, God the Pope and another God on Earth.
Whether it’s the long distant past or today, an ignorance of the word of God is the basis by which God’s people shall live or die.
The world is not divided because of what the Bible says, but what it does not say.
Lack of knowledge is the main reason for all the unscriptural changes and practices taking place in the Lord’s Church.
Hosea 4:6 says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
The question is : if there is one church in the New Testament times, why do we have so many denominations today?
The apostle Paul prophesied in II Thessalonians 2:3-10
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
II Corinthians 11:13-14: warns also against "False apostles and deceitful words.
Colossians 2:8,20, 21 , 11 Galatians 1:7-9
Paul again warns another gospel preacher in: I Timothy 4:1-3 Now the spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth
These prophesies came true with the founding of the Roman Catholic church. The pope in the Roman Catholic church has put himself on a throne as a "GOD". The first pope recorded was Boniface III who was in 606 a.d. He claimed to be infallible in his decisions, being the supreme head and having all authority and power. Other popes had such divine titles as Our Lord, God the Pope and another God on Earth.
Whether it’s the long distant past or today, an ignorance of the word of God is the basis by which God’s people shall live or die.
The world is not divided because of what the Bible says, but what it does not say.
11 February 2011
NEVER LOOK BACK
Tim Gunnells
Perhaps the first thought some of you have as you read this is “remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Here, Jesus is recalling the plight of Lot and his family as they fled from Sodom (a place they never should have been). The original story is recorded in Genesis 19. Lot and his family were told to flee Sodom before it was destroyed. They were told not to look back, but Lot’s wife did, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.
Looking back to an old way of life, and even worse, turning back to an old way of life can be disastrous. “Remember Lot’s wife.” Never look back!
There is someone else in the Bible who talked about never looking back in a different light. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3 told of his previous life in Judaism. He told of his former status and notoriety, but not with great pride because he counted his past accomplishments as “rubbish”.
Here is some of what he had to say: “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Looking back with fondness on our life is fine, but spiritually speaking, we must always look ahead, if we hope to grow in our faith. So I say, never look back! Always reach forward!
Tim Gunnells
Perhaps the first thought some of you have as you read this is “remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Here, Jesus is recalling the plight of Lot and his family as they fled from Sodom (a place they never should have been). The original story is recorded in Genesis 19. Lot and his family were told to flee Sodom before it was destroyed. They were told not to look back, but Lot’s wife did, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.
Looking back to an old way of life, and even worse, turning back to an old way of life can be disastrous. “Remember Lot’s wife.” Never look back!
There is someone else in the Bible who talked about never looking back in a different light. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3 told of his previous life in Judaism. He told of his former status and notoriety, but not with great pride because he counted his past accomplishments as “rubbish”.
Here is some of what he had to say: “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Looking back with fondness on our life is fine, but spiritually speaking, we must always look ahead, if we hope to grow in our faith. So I say, never look back! Always reach forward!
10 February 2011
Every Morning is a New Day
Shawn Hart. Garden Valley church of Christ
Every morning we wake up, we have a yet another beginning opportunity with God. We have a fresh day to sit up out of our beds, place our feet on the floor, and set in our hearts the need to follow the will of God. As we approach another New Year celebration, we learn through this passage, that we face another year in a world that does not comprehend the true nature of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ...the light in the darkness! So who are we then? Well, we are the torch bearers of that light. We are the chosen ones that have been blessed with the joy of sharing the Good News of Jesus to the world. We are the Children of the Cross; those elect few that have been entrusted with the Message of Salvation.
This year I encourage us all to realize how significant a role we play in this thing we call life. For most of the world, they have not accepted the true will of God because Satan has twisted their hearts, and made them believe that they could find happiness and safety in this earthly realm. He did it with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when he tempted them with the forbidden fruit, and he is still walking the earth deceiving the nations today. But God has prepared His people to become warriors of truth and righteousness. He has given us His Holy Word to equip us with all the necessary weapons that are needed to combat the Devil. We are the Army of the Lord; shining His powerful light into this world of darkness: marching proud against the armies of Darkness, proud to testify the glory of his power.
Take this year as an opportunity to shine the Light of Jesus Christ to those around you. Take it to your jobs: take it to your schools: fill it through the rooms of your homes. If you are reading this today, it means that you still have time to share Christ with someone. Let's not waste these opportunities.
Shawn Hart. Garden Valley church of Christ
Every morning we wake up, we have a yet another beginning opportunity with God. We have a fresh day to sit up out of our beds, place our feet on the floor, and set in our hearts the need to follow the will of God. As we approach another New Year celebration, we learn through this passage, that we face another year in a world that does not comprehend the true nature of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ...the light in the darkness! So who are we then? Well, we are the torch bearers of that light. We are the chosen ones that have been blessed with the joy of sharing the Good News of Jesus to the world. We are the Children of the Cross; those elect few that have been entrusted with the Message of Salvation.
This year I encourage us all to realize how significant a role we play in this thing we call life. For most of the world, they have not accepted the true will of God because Satan has twisted their hearts, and made them believe that they could find happiness and safety in this earthly realm. He did it with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when he tempted them with the forbidden fruit, and he is still walking the earth deceiving the nations today. But God has prepared His people to become warriors of truth and righteousness. He has given us His Holy Word to equip us with all the necessary weapons that are needed to combat the Devil. We are the Army of the Lord; shining His powerful light into this world of darkness: marching proud against the armies of Darkness, proud to testify the glory of his power.
Take this year as an opportunity to shine the Light of Jesus Christ to those around you. Take it to your jobs: take it to your schools: fill it through the rooms of your homes. If you are reading this today, it means that you still have time to share Christ with someone. Let's not waste these opportunities.
09 February 2011
ARE YOU OUT OF SYNC?
By: Paul Faulkner
A biblical character that touches me is David. He touches me because I see myself so plainly in him--a fellow who messes up. He made so many mistakes and, yet, the Bible says, “…he was a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). And, oh how I hope that I can just have his heart. David’s attitude of heart is obvious in Psalm 51. It just twists your heart and breaks it. That’s what God wants to do, you know. He wants to break your heart. He wants to get right down there with you and adjust your attitude.
David says, “God, against you, you only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4). Well, David, didn’t you sin against this man when you killed him? Didn’t you sin against this woman, Bathsheba? But you see, David hit it right at the core of the problem. If you never sin against God, you don’t have to worry about your fellowman.
The “big” sin is against God. If you get right with God, and your heart is right with Him, you don’t have to worry about having a problem with other people, it will take care of itself.
And that is where I find myself and you probably find yourself. Is your heart right with God? If so, you are likely right with your family, friends, and co-workers, too. If your attitudes rebel against God, you’re likely “out of sync” with those around you as well. It’s a direct parallel. It’s up to you to change your life.
It’s up to you to make things right when things go wrong, and God has given you the power to do it
By: Paul Faulkner
A biblical character that touches me is David. He touches me because I see myself so plainly in him--a fellow who messes up. He made so many mistakes and, yet, the Bible says, “…he was a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). And, oh how I hope that I can just have his heart. David’s attitude of heart is obvious in Psalm 51. It just twists your heart and breaks it. That’s what God wants to do, you know. He wants to break your heart. He wants to get right down there with you and adjust your attitude.
David says, “God, against you, you only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4). Well, David, didn’t you sin against this man when you killed him? Didn’t you sin against this woman, Bathsheba? But you see, David hit it right at the core of the problem. If you never sin against God, you don’t have to worry about your fellowman.
The “big” sin is against God. If you get right with God, and your heart is right with Him, you don’t have to worry about having a problem with other people, it will take care of itself.
And that is where I find myself and you probably find yourself. Is your heart right with God? If so, you are likely right with your family, friends, and co-workers, too. If your attitudes rebel against God, you’re likely “out of sync” with those around you as well. It’s a direct parallel. It’s up to you to change your life.
It’s up to you to make things right when things go wrong, and God has given you the power to do it
08 February 2011
STARS
Brian Pannell, West Main church of Christ, Medford
In the car this morning I heard a commercial I hadn't heard since I was a kid. The Star Registry was advertising that you could "buy a star" for someone you loved. Apparently they send you a map of some type, you pick a yet "unnamed star" and for a small fee you get to name that star for someone special.
That's right, then from here to eternity that star "belongs" to them.
I remember as a child thinking how cool this sounded! I also remember as a teen thinking how goofy this sounded. Today I had a new thought: How arrogant this sounded! Who is man that we think we have the right to claim a star? Who are we to stake ownership in the infinite creation of God? How arrogant to think we can map the stars, yet alone name them.
Only God can make such a claim. Psalm 147:4 says "He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them." Do you know how big that is? In 1993 scientists said that there were 70 sextillion stars in the visible universe, or some 70 thousand million million million. That’s a 7 followed by 22 zeros! And those are just the ones within range of our telescopes.
Can you grasp that? We serve a HUGE God. SO big in fact that He actually knows the number of stars and has each one named! That puts everything in perspective for me. There are days when I feel so small. There are times I feel alone. There are times that we all feel helpless. But we should not! The God and creator of the stars also knows OUR name and stands behind us, holding us up and pressing us forward.
Next time you look into the heavens on a clear Oregon night and you gaze upon the North Star, the Big Dipper or even Orion, remember who put them there. Remember who named them. Remember how big your God is. And then, remember that He is right there beside you, in your life, and in your heart.
Brian Pannell, West Main church of Christ, Medford
In the car this morning I heard a commercial I hadn't heard since I was a kid. The Star Registry was advertising that you could "buy a star" for someone you loved. Apparently they send you a map of some type, you pick a yet "unnamed star" and for a small fee you get to name that star for someone special.
That's right, then from here to eternity that star "belongs" to them.
I remember as a child thinking how cool this sounded! I also remember as a teen thinking how goofy this sounded. Today I had a new thought: How arrogant this sounded! Who is man that we think we have the right to claim a star? Who are we to stake ownership in the infinite creation of God? How arrogant to think we can map the stars, yet alone name them.
Only God can make such a claim. Psalm 147:4 says "He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them." Do you know how big that is? In 1993 scientists said that there were 70 sextillion stars in the visible universe, or some 70 thousand million million million. That’s a 7 followed by 22 zeros! And those are just the ones within range of our telescopes.
Can you grasp that? We serve a HUGE God. SO big in fact that He actually knows the number of stars and has each one named! That puts everything in perspective for me. There are days when I feel so small. There are times I feel alone. There are times that we all feel helpless. But we should not! The God and creator of the stars also knows OUR name and stands behind us, holding us up and pressing us forward.
Next time you look into the heavens on a clear Oregon night and you gaze upon the North Star, the Big Dipper or even Orion, remember who put them there. Remember who named them. Remember how big your God is. And then, remember that He is right there beside you, in your life, and in your heart.
07 February 2011
USED TO IT?
In his work, Memoirs from the House of the Dead, Fyodor Dostoevsky remarked that, “Man is a creature who can get used to anything.” This is a startling and bone-chilling assessment. The truth of the statement is backed up and proven by human history. Consider, for example, the atrocities committed against mankind during World War II in the Nazi concentration camps. The senseless murder and torture of millions of men, women and children is well documented.
Victor Franki, a holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, recalls the way in which his peers became desensitized to the brutality around them. The same process was done repeatedly. When someone was new to a concentration camp they would at first be confused. “Where am I? Why am I here? Through all this confusion, they would hold out hope that they would soon be rescued and soon be reunited with their loved ones. Also in these early stages, they would recoil in honor and dismay when they saw fellow prisoners being tortured and beaten. They simply could not stand to see a camp mate being abused.
Soon the horror would turn to hum-drum. The amazement would turn to apathy. The prisoners reached a point where they had seen so much pain, sorrow, and suffering that they were no longer affected by it. Their hearts were not affected no matter how brutal the scene.
What a pitiful situation. Men and women had seen so much violence and bloodshed that they no longer cared. They got used to it. Certainly there is an important lesson here for us. We must be alert. We must be guarding our hearts and minds. It may just be a case that, like Israel before us, we are getting used to sin.
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down. Says the lord” (Jeremiah 6:15). Don’t get used to sin! Just because we are bombarded with worldliness and sin constantly does not give us an excuse to become apathetic to those things. God still expects His children to talk, dress, act and think differently then the world. Man can get use to anything. Have we gotten used to sin?
Jordan Edwards, Garden Valley church of Christ
In his work, Memoirs from the House of the Dead, Fyodor Dostoevsky remarked that, “Man is a creature who can get used to anything.” This is a startling and bone-chilling assessment. The truth of the statement is backed up and proven by human history. Consider, for example, the atrocities committed against mankind during World War II in the Nazi concentration camps. The senseless murder and torture of millions of men, women and children is well documented.
Victor Franki, a holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, recalls the way in which his peers became desensitized to the brutality around them. The same process was done repeatedly. When someone was new to a concentration camp they would at first be confused. “Where am I? Why am I here? Through all this confusion, they would hold out hope that they would soon be rescued and soon be reunited with their loved ones. Also in these early stages, they would recoil in honor and dismay when they saw fellow prisoners being tortured and beaten. They simply could not stand to see a camp mate being abused.
Soon the horror would turn to hum-drum. The amazement would turn to apathy. The prisoners reached a point where they had seen so much pain, sorrow, and suffering that they were no longer affected by it. Their hearts were not affected no matter how brutal the scene.
What a pitiful situation. Men and women had seen so much violence and bloodshed that they no longer cared. They got used to it. Certainly there is an important lesson here for us. We must be alert. We must be guarding our hearts and minds. It may just be a case that, like Israel before us, we are getting used to sin.
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down. Says the lord” (Jeremiah 6:15). Don’t get used to sin! Just because we are bombarded with worldliness and sin constantly does not give us an excuse to become apathetic to those things. God still expects His children to talk, dress, act and think differently then the world. Man can get use to anything. Have we gotten used to sin?
Jordan Edwards, Garden Valley church of Christ
03 February 2011
Let All That you Do Be Done in Love
By: George Bryan
Love is really the summation of all that we do. It is to be a mark, or a token, by which Christians maybe distinguished from those of the world. These distinguishing features do not just refer to dress or speech, but also to actions. They refer to a way of life. As our Lord confirmed, love is our badge of discipleship. Therefore, it just follows that those who do not love properly do not display to the world the mark, or token of Christians. Those who do not love are not genuine disciples because they are not following the Lord’s command.
The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians to be sure that love was involved in all that they did in order for their salvation to be secure. Notice his words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3:”Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Notice the importance that Paul placed on love here. He said that though he should be able to speak all the tongues known to men or angels, that would not insure his salvation unless he possessed the attribute of love.
Judas Iscariot possessed the power to work miracles, just as the other apostles did (Matt. 10:1), but he did not posses love, and what happened? The Bible says that he betrayed the Lord, and went to his own place (Acts 12;25). The love that Jesus is referring to is expressed in the concern and interest for God, our fellow men, and the lost.
Even when we oppose false doctrine and impure living (and we MUST do so), love must be our motive in doing so (II Timothy 4:1-5). We must oppose these things because we love God, and because we love our fellow man and are concerned about his salvation. So many times we fail to reach others with the Gospel simply because we neglect this very principle, but, there is no room for hate in the heart of a Christian - except toward evil (Hebrews 1:9).
We are to love God supremely, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt.22:35-40). We must let love prompt us in our teaching, preaching, and caring for the needy, visiting the sick, and in faithfully attending the services of the church (Matt. 25:31-46).
Col. 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all the in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
By: George Bryan
Love is really the summation of all that we do. It is to be a mark, or a token, by which Christians maybe distinguished from those of the world. These distinguishing features do not just refer to dress or speech, but also to actions. They refer to a way of life. As our Lord confirmed, love is our badge of discipleship. Therefore, it just follows that those who do not love properly do not display to the world the mark, or token of Christians. Those who do not love are not genuine disciples because they are not following the Lord’s command.
The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians to be sure that love was involved in all that they did in order for their salvation to be secure. Notice his words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3:”Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Notice the importance that Paul placed on love here. He said that though he should be able to speak all the tongues known to men or angels, that would not insure his salvation unless he possessed the attribute of love.
Judas Iscariot possessed the power to work miracles, just as the other apostles did (Matt. 10:1), but he did not posses love, and what happened? The Bible says that he betrayed the Lord, and went to his own place (Acts 12;25). The love that Jesus is referring to is expressed in the concern and interest for God, our fellow men, and the lost.
Even when we oppose false doctrine and impure living (and we MUST do so), love must be our motive in doing so (II Timothy 4:1-5). We must oppose these things because we love God, and because we love our fellow man and are concerned about his salvation. So many times we fail to reach others with the Gospel simply because we neglect this very principle, but, there is no room for hate in the heart of a Christian - except toward evil (Hebrews 1:9).
We are to love God supremely, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt.22:35-40). We must let love prompt us in our teaching, preaching, and caring for the needy, visiting the sick, and in faithfully attending the services of the church (Matt. 25:31-46).
Col. 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all the in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
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