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:

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

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!

The Difficulty Of Trusting God
By:Garry Knighton
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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!

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.

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

One Man Sharpens The Other

Garry Knighton, Church of Christ, Shreveport, La.


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"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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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

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

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.

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!

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

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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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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

I Once Heard a Story I Will Always Remember
Brian Pannell, West Main Church of Christ Medford, OR

I once heard a story that I still remember. It took place at a small county church revival meeting. It had been powerful, and many had found faith. At the end of the week, the preacher said: “Is the person who most influenced you in becoming a Christian here? Maybe it’s a parent, youth minister, Sunday school teacher, minister, or neighbor. I’d like you all to go and shake hands with the one who most influenced you to follow Christ.” All over the auditorium people went and encouraged one another. They thanked each other. Many went to parents. Others went to teachers, and ministers. The longest line, though, formed in front of an elderly lady in the church. She’d never taught a class or filled any leadership role in the congregation, but for years her quiet life of service had touched more people than anyone else! In worship, in her home, and in the town, she had led many to Christ, many times unknowingly, just by living a righteous and loving life.

This is a powerful example of a godly life! This kind of life may convert someone when sermons and studies may not. It is the consistent acting out of faith and living of a truly changed life that will lead our kids to Jesus. Maybe teaching isn’t your thing. So what? If you live a faithful, devoted life of service to the lord, you will have a wholesome influence on all of those around you!

Let us all take advantage of opportunities to encourage those who have been a good influence on us in our lives. This family is full of people who have lived lives modeled on Jesus. Let us all strive to be that for our next generation.

Matthew 5;16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

HOW WILL YOU VOTE?

Almost every year we have city, state, and national elections of some sort. This is important, but there is a more important issue to vote for as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Each time there is an assembly of God’s people, you are casting your vote. We want to once again give our appreciation and praise to all of those who seem to never, or hardly ever, miss the assemblies. It is their conviction to be here every time and they cast their vote YES to the assemblies of the church, all of them!

WHEN YOU MISS AN ASSEMBLY, YOU ARE VOTING NO!

If you become consistent in your absence, you send even a stronger message. You are saying “No, Bible study is not important.” You are telling teachers that they are NOT appreciated and they are wasting their time. You are voting NO to the good that comes from assembling together

You are voting NO to God’s worship. You are voting NO to encouragement and edification. You are saying NO to the wishes of the Lord! Yet, you have deceived yourself in to thinking that you can continue to say No to God and His Son and in the judgment, they will say YES to you. Why do you allow Satan to fill your heart with such a lie?

What is YOUR vote on the assemblies of God’s people?

Taken from the Evergreen Bulletin

IS IT EVER RIGHT TO JUDGE?
Darrell Powell

“Don’t judge me!” You hear it on television, at work, at school, and just about anywhere you turn. The universal defense for any action seems to the quotation of Matthew 7:1, “Judge not that you be not judged.” This Bible statement makes it clear that some types of judging are wrong. No man is a judge in the sense that he can pass judgment, or sentence3, on someone else in the spiritual sense. But, we will all give an account, and God will judge us (1 Peter 4:5). Let us study together what the Bible says about our judging others.

Jesus did not condemn all judging. John 7:24 says “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with a righteous judgment.” The Bible has been given to us as a standard for living, and as a tool that points out the spiritual needs of our fellow man. We are not to lie in wait for others to stumble, just we can ”judge” them. But when we see that one is struggling, it is our Christians duty to “restore him: (Gal. 6:1). And how can we do that unless we first judge whether or not that person is in need of restoration. In Matthew 7, we are told that we can “know” men by their fruits. Just as we can determine what kind of person someone is by their actions. So, the Bible teaches that in some instances, for the right reasons, Christians are to participate in a form of judging.

Many times in the Bible, Jesus’ disciples judged others, John judged Diotrephes, saying he would bring to Diotrephes’ mind the deeds he had don (III John 9:10). Paul said to judge a heretic, or a divisive person, ”Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3;10). As we see here, this person’s own character condemns him, and it is evident what kind of person he is. So, there is obviousneed for Christians to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). All those who would “judge” must always remember the reasons for doing so. One must never to it for any kind of pleasure, but always in love, for the hope that it would bring about repentance.

WORSHIP
Ronnie Young

We should never underestimate the importance God places upon worship. Let us make a careful observation in the very beginning of this discussion; God does not need to worship man, man needs to worship God. It is therefore essential that man understands clearly what God requires and expects in worship to Him.

It is Jesus who made this statement to the Samaritan woman, “True worshipers MUST worship in spirit and in truth,” John 4:23-24. This statement makes it very clear there is a way God expects us to worship Him.

The way is God’s way based upon the truth revealed to us in His word. This apparently is a difficult concept for any to comprehend and certainly willing to implement. Man has pursued ways to worship God based upon what pleases man without any consideration to what pleases God . The actions send a clear message regarding the importance and respect man has for God’s word.

Some of the programs man has adopted in the guise of religious worship lends one to believe religion is attempting to compete with Hollywood for the best entertainment of the year award. It is not uncommon to see plays orchestrated in the worship services, and recognition and honoring individuals or groups of people during worship services. Add to this the music ensemble, oftentimes appearing almost as a full orchestra, with specialized singing groups, and you have a full course of entertainment complete with applause and standing ovations.

Church entertainment is certainly on the increase. The apparent marketing philosophy to attract more church goers, and be more competitive with other groups is to place or emphasis on entertainment. The news media is now giving their accolades and awards to the best T. V. Evangelist programs.

It is interesting to observe, in the midst of all this, the Bible gives no authority for any of the entertainment items to be used in the worship service. “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” is the biblical instructions. Ephesians 5:19. The heart is our instrument and with OUR voices we teach and admonish one another, singing our praises to the Lord. Col. 3:16. Through the principle of exclusion, the commandment to sing eliminates playing instruments or other forms of entertainment.

Jesus made this observation of the Pharisees in his day: “These people draw near to me with their mouth; and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Mat. 15:8-9

This is certainly applicable to us today. It is our commitment, at the Elba Church of Christ, to worship God His way, in spirit and in truth. Man’s way is seriously unimportant, and with all sincerity lead those who follow completely away from God.

ETERNAL SECURITY
Ronnie Young

We are all concerned about our security, especially since 9-11-2001--the terrorists’ successful assault against our country.

We are concerned about our job security. Many have lost their jobs due to downsizing and company closings. We are concerned about financial security, our ability to provide for our families, especially as we grow older. We are concerned about our personal security and the security from harm and abuse of our family members.

There are valid and very serious concerns for each of us. The uncertainty of security looms even greater today than most of us have ever experienced. Doubts and fears occupy more and more of the thought process robbing us of time needed in more productive areas.

Yet, there is an area of security far greater than any of the foregoing concerns, and that is, of course, our eternal security. John recorded these most comforting and encouraging words of Jesus in John 10:27ff: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.”

The promise of eternal security is available for each of us and all who will be obedient to God’s Word. Most of us will never be in a position to control what happens around us or what others may do to us, but we can control our relationship to God, and determine our “eternal security.”

God’s Word Studied and Taught
By: Tom Maddox

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

While I would immediately confess my failure to be diligent in this regard, I certainly would not argue with the importance of the admonition to teach. Teaching God’s word is one of the most important things we can do. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul told Timothy, “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which ware able to make you wise for salvation.” Timothy was taught by his mother and grandmother from his childhood, but what happens when God’s word is not studied and taught? The Bible tells us in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.”

Bill Beck would often remind us that we were to study to attain knowledge and to pray for the wisdom to apply it correctly. There is no shortcut for attaining the knowledge. 2 Timothy 2:15 begins with the word “study” and continues with the benefit of that study: “To show thyself approved.”

Why do people fall away? Listen to Hebrews 3:12: “Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” How do we build our faith so we will not have “an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God”? Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” And as James 1:21 says, “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Only by knowing God’s word can our children and our souls be saved.

Make time in your busy life to study God’s word. If you have children, please help them see the importance of knowing God’s word. Take advantage of Bible study classes at church. If you teach, be diligent in your own study and preparation. AND, if you teach: Thank you! We appreciate and commend our Bible class teachers.

Just Open the Doors and They Will Come
By: George Bryan

How many times have you heard someone say that evangelism is just not necessary? How many times have you heard someone say (in effect), “just open the door and they will come”? This sounds a lot like a movie release from some years ago. In that instance, it really worked very well, but in real life it just simply will NOT work. In real life, we must work to take the Gospel to others. The truth of the matter is they will not just come simply because the doors are open. If we want others to know the Truth, then we MUST take the Truth to them.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Notice also the words of James 2:14-17: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother of sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, ‘depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled,’ not withstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead being alone.”

I believe the words of the Apostle Paul from Romans 10:14-15 put everything in perspective for us: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, AND BRING BLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!”

And finally, we should always be aware of the consequences of NOT evangelizing. May we always keep in mind the words of Ezekiel 3:17-19: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, “Thou shalt surely die,’ and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life, the same wicked man shall died in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou has delivered thy soul.”

We have been commanded to take the Gospel to others. If we fail to do so, then God will surely hold us responsible for our lack of action. May we all be diligent in our efforts to evangelize the world, beginning with our local community.

Our Responsibility

Ronnie Young

It is important to constantly remind each of us of this responsibility. To stir up implies a continuous activity of mixing, rearranging, and sorting ingredients that promote love and good works. When we prepare a meal, we do not simply pour all of our ingredients into a container and leave them alone. Certainly not! We continuously mix, measure, and watch carefully as the items cook into a finished product.

The same can be said about Christians. The ingredients we use are very important if we want to have the desired product. Let us consider and ask ourselves: Am I presently stirring up love and promoting good works by my current activities and actions?

Someone has said, and rightfully so, our actions speak louder than words. It only takes a few moments to send a message of encouragement. It only takes a few moments to exemplify our good works. It also only takes a few moments to destroy our influence and relationship with others.

Remember that God has blessed us with our abilities. Let’s not be hesitant to demonstrate our love for each other and encourage good works among the brethren.

James 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Luke 6:46-49 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. and when the flood rose, the stream beat vehemently agains that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

Getting the Most out of Reading
Pam Crittenden

While reading, I conjure up pictures in my head; therefore, concise descriptive writings (not too tedious) are important to my enjoyment of books--mysteries, biographies, history, the Bible.

For example, can’t you just see Jesus getting exasperated as you read Mark 8:12. The Pharisees are disputing Jesus, and seeking a sign, testing Him. He answered them this way, “But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

We don’t have a description of Jesus in the Bible, understandably so. We do have descriptions of others, such as Saul, David, Samson, Peter, Esther, and Rachel. While some of the descriptions are not detailed, their character and dispositions are well documented, which can certainly help to picture them. For instance, Saul, David, and Samson, were all described as handsome. Because Peter was bold and aggressive, it is easy to assume he was at least fairly robust. By contrast, I have never pictured Paul as robust because of his “thorn of the flesh; however, he certainly had to have a lot of stamina and determination to endure the hardships he faced. It is easy to picture John the Baptist as a rugged wilderness man in his camel hair and leather clothing.

We have beautiful comforting descriptions of what heaven will be like in Isaiah 35, John 14:1-3, Revelation 21 and 22, that have inspired glorious hymns. Teresa Kimbel, in “Seed to the Sower” said: “We talk about getting our troubling spiritual questions answered when we reach heaven, but when I’m safe in the Father’s arms for eternity, I don’t figure on having any more troubling questions.”

We also have vivid terrifying descriptions of hell in Mark 9:46-48, Matthew 25:41, 46, Matthew 12:42,50, and 2 Thess. 1:7-9. We have a tract titled “Scared of the Dark” by Allen Webster, which points out that aside from the fire and heat that is not quenched, and the worms that do not die, it will be forever dark. Dawn will never come, we cannot switch on a light. We will be totally alone, isolated in the dark, not just dark, but total blackness forever.

None of Self
By Bette Ham

When Anna asked me to write a column for the bulletin, I confess my mind drew a complete blank.

I began to consider the many, many weaknesses and faults I have as a Christian. I decided selfishness is one of the “biggies” for me, and so I chose this subject for my brief words. This is just another of the very human qualities I battle every day and I am reminded of Paul’s comment to the Corinthians at the end of chapter 9 where he states he “fights” to keep himself from yielding to “normal wants” and desires of his body ( a form of selfishness) when it is contrary to the will of Christ. In verse 27 he says, “But I keep under (buffet) my body; and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Not meaning to compare myself to Paul, I battle also every day those things that “pull” me the most, and selfishness is one of them. If I am not very careful, I find myself thinking primarily of “I, Me, and Mine”. Again, Paul said in Philippians 3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” This too is much easier to say than to practice… at least for me.

There is a song we often sing with a powerful meaning: “None of Self and All of Thee.” The first verse arrogantly says to Jesus “All of self, and none of Thee”; the second verse, recognizing His great sacrifice for us, changes to a reluctant, “Some of self and some of Thee”, and finally, when conquered by the wonderful love of the Savior, verse four triumphantly says, “None of self, and all of Thee.” As you can see this is a “growing process”, and is the goal I fervently strive for. Perhaps you do as well.

I cannot discuss this subject without a mention of my mother. She was undoubtedly the most completely unselfish person I have ever known. She was the epitome of unselfishness. We were raised in the country in the after math of the’29 depression, having almost nothing of this world’s goods. However, I remember that nobody among our many relatives, the neighbors, or hungry strangers ever faced a need of any kind but that my mother was there to help. There was no task too menial for her to step right in with love and a smile and do whatever she could. She fed any and all hungry or needy passersby (sometimes called Hobos) with whatever we had ourselves. There are so many memories of the things she did for others, always without a thought for herself, that I cannot put them all down in this article. Just suffice to say that I will always thank God for the wonderfully unselfish person she was and the example she was to me.

FAITH IN OUR CEO
Tom Maddox

Hypothetical:

A person is hired by a large corporation to do an important, but not too difficult job. The company has a wonderful reputation for its contribution to the community and its CEO is a person of utmost integrity and ability. The new employee is elated that he has been chosen for the position. Upon inquiry about the salary, he is told just to have faith and his needs would be met; that in the history of the company no one who has performed his duties satisfactory as every been forced to leave the company before retirement. He questions several in the work force who assure him that he will be happy. He accepts the position and begins a very rewarding experience. The pay is not exorbitant, but is adequate for his needs. The work is sometimes difficult, but never overwhelming and the challenge is just what he needs to keep him “on his toes”. In almost no time he falls in love with the work and, because of the pay and all the benefits, he develops faith in the company and its leadership. No task is impossible and because of his faith and commitment, he is willing to do whatever is asked of him.

Non-hypothetical:

God has offered us “employment” in His kingdom, the church. The job requirements included service to God and to other people. Even though there is no financial remuneration, He has never failed to recompense faithful “employees”. Even in this life, with all the anxieties, confusion, and disturbing events, His workers can feel peace and contentment, knowing, by faith, that the “pay” will be more than adequate. Faith in our “CEO” results in benefits that are beyond our comprehension. Just as in the hypothetical example, we can have faith that our needs will be met, but there is another aspect of faith that we must keep in mind. The person in the secular example realized that if he had “faith” and followed the “plan”, his needs would be met. Faith in God also requires that we follow the ”plan”. If we have faith in God, then we will be willing and happy to do what he requires.

Birds of a Feather
By: Pam Crittenden

Choose your friends wisely: Much has been written on this subject. The following stuck in my memory best (even better than “Birds of a feather flock together”).

Many animals and insects take on the color of their surroundings, making it almost impossible to see them, even when they are in plain sight. The tree frog merges into the bark of the tree. Chameleons just melt into any background. People often take on the “color” of their environment too, and become like their friends--good and bad. (taken from a bulletin by Greg Terry at the Tenth St. Church of Christ in Opelika)

In Acts 4:13 we read how the religious leaders “saw the boldness of Peter and John” and realized “they had been with Jesus.” The disciples became like Jesus because they spent time with Him, listened to Him teach, walked and talked with Him, and they followed His example. We will take on the character of Jesus, if we will study and obey God’s word, and walk and talk with Him throughout the day.

Teenagers are especially vulnerable when picking friends, but we may reach adulthood before our choice of friends leads us astray. Sometimes the devil is very subtle. This is when he is most dangerous. A Christian sees and avoids the obvious pitfalls, such as going to bars. The subtle pitfalls come at social gatherings with social drinking, etc., and when other activities conflict with worship services.

One of the most interesting examples in the Bible which underscores the need to beware of subtle ways the devil can use trusted people, is in I Kings 13. The young priest, who was commanded not to eat or drink with the people in Bethel had no problem turning down the king when he offered him food and drink at the palace, but when an old trusted priest lied and told him an angel said he should come back to his dwelling to eat and drink, he did just that. For his disobedience God struck him dead.

As George Bryan, one of our elders, told us in a Bible class, “Satan doesn’t care if we put God last, as long as we put Him second.”

Home, at Last
By: Betsy Martin

As a child asleep in the back of the station wagon, I’ll never forget the feeling of coming home. We would spread out in the car so that no two kids would touch each other. (Mama was happier that way). Regardless if it were a long trip or a short one, no matter the length of time, I was usually asleep. When we neared the house, I would somehow sense the arrival, and come to a state of semi-consciousness. Finally, we were home!

Even now as an adult, whether returning from a short shopping trip to Montgomery, from a botched flight in South Florida (complete with a hydroplaning experience on the interstate), as I near the city limits of Elba, then my street, and finally my driveway, a sense of relief and security overtakes me.

I know that no home is perfect, but I have been blessed. I grew up in an exceptionally loving hoe; and I have made it a main goal in life to have a home that my family will want to come to at the end of a busy day. I have come home elated with a new baby; I have come home sick and gone straight to bed; I have come home ecstatic over a ballgame victory; and I have come home in tears over the news of a loved one’s death. Just get me home, and I can handle things okay!

Our lives are part of a journey that will continue until we go home, that is our true home, heaven. What a relief to finally realize that we are turning into the neighborhood, the driveway, and finally the beautiful gate of heaven. There will never be any tears, fears or dreads in heaven. I will never have to dress for a funeral. I will never have to pick up the phone only to hear bad news about someone I love. No more precious families split up. No one will need anti-=depressants or pain pills. There will be no wars and no politics. There will be no gossips or tattletales. Heaven is waiting for us to finish our imperfect trip and arrive at our perfect home, prepared by God.

Finding True Joy
By: Nancy Bedsole

One of my biggest struggles is remembering that joy should not be dependent on the circumstances around me, but on the attitude within me. In Philippians 4:4, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.” What makes this verse so meaningful is that Paul wrote it while he was in prison--certainly not a desirable circumstance. However, he managed to find joy in spite of his situation.

God wants us to have joy, but how can we? One way is by doing God’s will. The latter part of Proverb s 29:18 says, “He that keepeth the law, happy is he.” This means we can find joy in doing what God wants us to do. It follows then that we cannot have true joy if we are not doing God’s Will. All of us have selfish and wrong things and later felt the pain of regret. How much more joyful we are when we are consistently trying to do what we know is right!

A second way of finding true joy is by helping others. Someone very close to me tried to tell me this for a long time, but it was only recently that I understood it.

In the last years of Mrs. Rossie (Ellenburg)’s life I visited her often. Even though she was not always at her best when I went to see her, I always knew that she was glad that I had come. Somehow I would always leave feeling that I had received the greater blessing for going. Each time, I would resolve to go back sooner, but many things got in the way. Now that she and others have passed on, I know that many of us feel that we should have done more. We cannot go back to those times, but we can resolve to help others more in the future.

There is joy to be experience as a Christian. However, it is something that we must purposefully seek. No matter what happens in life, we should be hopeful and happy because we are members of the Kingdom of God.

Nancy Bedsole

Oh Be Careful Little Mouth
By: Alice Maddox

Oh be careful little mouth what you say
Oh be careful little mouth what you say
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So be careful little mouth what you say

These are words to a familiar children’s song. Some of us might remember it from our childhood days. Many of us have sung it as we have taught children’s bible classes. The message is clear and plain, and confirmed repeatedly in scripture. In Colossians 4:6, Paul writes “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” This indicates that our speech should be courteous to others and appropriately spoken. Sometimes it is not entirely what we say, but when or how we say it, that determines how it is received. Paul repeats a similar warning to the Ephesians in Eph. 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word (corrupt communication) proceed from your mouth.”

Contrary to another childhood saying which begins “Sticks and stones may break my bones…”, we know that words can indeed hurt. In Colossians 3:8, Paul warns against using abusive speech. This seems to refer to demoralizing words which are hurtful to others, and are often the product of anger. Speaking out of anger is addressed by James. In James 1:19. He writes “..let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Words spoken in anger are often the source of sorrow and regret. James writes in chapter 1: 26, “if any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is in vain. Now, that is serious business. Controlling the tongue is an important issue. But controlling our tongue is only the first step. Further action is needed. Our words are the expression of our thoughts. Evil words are the expression of evil thoughts. Evil thoughts are the product of sinful hearts.

Ultimately, we need to clean up our hearts. Jesus taught in Matthew 15:18 that the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. Again, from Matthew 12:36-37, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

THE EXTRA MILE

Once upon a time there was a little country girl whose uncle and aunt would go a couple of miles out of their way down a dirt road to pick her up for Sunday School. She spent a lot of time at their house playing with her older cousins and doing odd jobs to make spending money., The uncle was in poor health and required extra help with their large pecan orchard and large garden.The Aunt was a teacher by nature. Whether they were picking up pecans, picking beans, shelling peas, peeling apples, or just goofing off she was always teaching. She would teach Bible stories, right from wrong, how to treat other people, the value of a college education, etc. She never raised her voice. She always had words of praise and encouragement for any worthwhile accomplishment.

The little girl was greatly influenced by this sweet Christian aunt, as well as by her three Christian cousins. Her oldest cousin was a counselor one summer at a Christian Youth Camp and invited her to come along. At this camp, the summer before 7th grade she was profoundly changed forever, but it wasn’t until a couple years later that this shy little girl was brave enough to come forward one Sunday morning requesting to be baptized and become a Christian. In the meantime, her aunt and uncle had started to study the Bible with her parents, and they too were baptized shortly thereafter.Several years went by .

The little girl grew up and met a young man to her fancy. He attended church with her and was baptized not long before they were married. The years slipped by and the couple were blessed with three wonderful children.

More than 40 years went by since the car first went down the dirt road to pick up a little girl for Sunday school. One Sunday morning as she sat in church with her family, she wondered how different all their lives would be today and throughout eternity had it not been for the aunt who was willing to go "the extra mile". As she sat next to her children and her husband who is now an elder of the church, she joyfully scanned the pew and knew she owed a world of gratitude to her aunt.

The little girl from long ago was me; and I am so, so thankful that my Aunt Eloise was willing to go "the extra mile, literally, and that she took advantage of teaching opportunities to influence me. I am so thankful that I grew up with Christian cousins who exerted a positive influence on me; and I am especially thankful for Cousin Joyce who cared enough to take a kid to Camp with her.

I share my story for one reason. We all have opportunities to influence, to teach, to encourage, to lead others to Christ one way or the other. We need to look for those opportunities and not let them slip by. Children are especially susceptible to our influence and Christ encouraged us by his example to seek after these precious souls while their hearts are still tender. (Matt.18:1-6, Mark 10:13-16)If we can influence just one person to become a Christian today, we, like Aunt Eloise, may be packing a pew or two 40 years from now also; or many pews 100 years from now; or a whole neighborhood in Heaven 1000 years from now. We never know just how far reaching our influence may be. Let us always "go the extra mile" for Christ.

Glenda Bryan

ONE STORY—SEVERAL POINTS

My favorite bible stories are not the usual. They are the ones we all know and love, but the points that interest me most are the ones often skimmed over; the ones that show their very human side, and give me hope that God will forgive me too.

Jonah is one of my favorites, not because he was swallowed by a big fish, but because he actually thought he could run from God. Also the fact that when he finally obeyed God and went to Nineveh to urge the people to give up their evil ways, he pouted when he succeeded in his mission. The people of Nineveh repented and God forgave them. Jonah, however, wanted them to be punished, not forgiven. Basically Jonah spent much of his time either trying to hide from God or disagreeing with Him. Jonah (the whole book)

In the story of Samson, a most interesting part is regarding his father and mother. Samson saw a Philistine woman and liked her. His mother and father asked him if he couldn’t find a woman among the brethren, but he wanted the Philistine woman. Since he was obviously the apple of their eye and an only child, they relented against their better judgment and went with him to get her. Just like us today when we cannot say no to our beloved children, things often begin to go awry. Judges 14:1-4

Even Abraham sinned, and in a way which was bound to fail.. Sarah, his wife, was “fair to look upon” and he was afraid when he traveled to Egypt during the famine, someone would want Sarah and kill him to get her. He then dragged Sarah into his sin, by having her pretend she was his sister. This plan backfired completely. The princes of Pharaoh beheld her and took her to the palace. The Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house because of Sarah. Pharaoh was understandably upset with Abraham saying: “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say she was your sister? I might have taken her as my wife.” Fortunately for Abraham, the Pharaoh sent him and Sarah away unharmed. Genesis 12:10-20

These are just three stories with interesting sub topics. The more I read and study, the more I find. David, for instance, merits an entire article by himself.

Pam Crittenden