Unusual ideas about science

The following ideas about science were gleaned from essays, exams, and
classroom discussions. Most were from 5th and 6th graders.

* Q: What is one horsepower?
A: One horsepower is the amount of energy it takes to drag a horse 500
feet in one second.

* The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down.

* When people run around and around in circles we say they are crazy. When
planets do it we say they are orbiting.

* South America has cold summers and hot winters, but somehow they still
manage.

* Most books now say our sun is a star. But it still knows how to change
back into a sun in the daytime.

* Water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. There are 180
degrees between freezing and boiling because there are 180 degrees between
north and south.

* Vacuums are nothings. We only mention them to let them know we know
they're there.

* Some oxygen molecules help fires burn while others help make water, so
sometimes it's brother against brother.

* Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun. But I have
never been able to make out the numbers.

* We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation
gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.

* To most people solutions mean finding the answers. But to chemists
solutions are things that are still all mixed up.

* I am not sure how clouds get formed. But the clouds know how to do it,
and that is the important thing.

* Water vapor gets together in a cloud. When it is big enough to be called
a drop, it does.

* Isotherms and isobars are even more important than their names sound.

* It is so hot in some places that the people there have to live in other
places.

* Genetics explain why you look like your father and if you don't why you
should.

Oh, the wisdom of children! I especially like that last one. I would
say that, in a similar way, the Bible explains why those of you who are
Christians look like your Father, and if you don't why you should!

That's our goal, isn't it? To learn to love as He first loved us. To
have the kind of patience that He has shown with us through the years. To
grow in the wisdom to make right choices, as He is perfectly wise. To be
holy, just as He is holy.

"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is
perfect." (Matthew 5:48).

Here's a personal question to cause you some reflection: When people
look at you, do they see the family resemblance?

Alan Smith

The Rescuers

When our children were young we watched a lot of Disney movies with them, as I'm sure that you having children did likewise. One of my daughter's favorites (and mine too) was "The Rescuers." This was the animated movie where "Bernard and Miss Bianca" (the heroes) were sent by the mouse version of the United Nations to rescue Penny, a little orphan girl who had been kidnaped by "Miss Medusa" (the villain). My favorite character was "Evenrude, the outboard dragonfly."

I know that this opening paragraph relates to a cute little movie, but it also serves to provide me with a lead-in to our lesson topic for today. I'm going to combine that paragraph with a phrase that we've all heard used several times in the past few months. That phrase is: "rescue mission." See, that's what Bernard and Miss Bianca were sent out on - a "rescue mission" to save a person from peril who could not save herself. Let's see if we can enlarge on this thought for a few moments.

Within a relatively short period of time we've seen "rescue missions" sent out to rescue a 17 year old girl who was attempting to sail solo around the world and her boat had become disabled. She was found and rescued. We've had a couple of "mine rescues" attempted, one with good results and one that didn't.

The one that went badly was the one in Australia in which all of the trapped miners perished. The good one is the one in Chile wherein all of the miners were successfully saved by the "rescue mission." We'll come back to these Chilean miners in a moment, but first, let me tell you about the greatest "rescue mission" ever sent out and I see this lesson as being appropriate to the holiday season that's upon us right now.

Approximately 2000 years ago God, the Father and Creator of all mankind, launched the greatest, most beneficial, "rescue mission" ever. He sent His "only begotten Son" to the earth to save the eternal souls of everyone on earth. And this was not a spur of the moment endeavor on His part. Because He created man "in His own image," meaning that man differed from all the rest of creation in that he has a soul, has an intellect and a conscience and thus is capable of making choices, God knew that man would make poor choices and in doing so, would put his soul in grave danger of being eternally lost.

From the very beginning of time, from the creation of man, God had a plan for rescuing man from the poor choices made in his life. Probably the poorest of man's choices is to "follow the pleasures of sin for a season." (Heb. 11:25) Those doing so are in the clutches of Satan, having been, shall we say, "soul-napped." And, God knew that man cannot "rescue" himself from that dire situation. Is not capable of saving his own soul, therefore a "Rescuer" IE: a "Savior" was needed.

So, about 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ was sent to earth by His Father for the sole purpose of rescuing all the souls of mankind from sure and certain death. Those souls that had become trapped in Satan's mine and were/are incapable of rescuing themselves. In Matt. 1:21 we see an angel telling Joseph exactly what I just said, only in different terms. The angel said, "thou shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." There is no doubt as to who our "rescuer," our "Savior" is. Parabolically speaking, who our "rescue capsule" is - Jesus Christ.

Okay, let's go back to the Chilean miners again for another illustration. Their "rescue mission" consisted of a "rescue capsule" sent down to where they were trapped. All they had to do was get into the capsule and be raised to the surface. To their salvation from a certain death in the location where they were trapped.

Let's use that "rescue capsule" as an analogy of how our souls are rescued from their trapped location. For our souls to be rescued, they have to get into the "capsule." Here's my analogy: the "blood of Christ" is our "rescue capsule." The mechanism that we must "get into" in order to be rescued, be saved. There are numerous scriptures that tell us this, but these three are sufficient to make this point: Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7 and Ephesians 2:13.

And, here again, we can make use of the Chilean miners and their situation to make a lesson point. What if some of the miners refused to "get into" the "rescue capsule?" It's almost beyond our capability to imagine that scenario, isn't it? Think about it - they couldn't save themselves. A plan was perfected, that when launched, would provide an avenue of rescue for them. "At just the right time," the rescue effort was sent forth that would bring them out of their peril.

We would consider any of the miners insane if they didn't choose to participate in this rescue effort, wouldn't we? We'd probably conclude that they had some sort of "death wish" if they refused to get in the capsule. Well, I ask you, isn't this the same principle to be seen when people refuse to accept God's "Rescuer" and choose rather to stay in the "mine?" Certainly it is.

God has a perfect plan, designed from the very beginning of time, for the rescue of man's soul. He launched His perfect plan by sending His Son to earth as the perfect sacrifice to initiate the "rescue mission." Again, parabolically speaking, He sent down the "rescue capsule" and all we have to do to be "rescued" is to get in it. Hard to imagine not doing so, isn't it?

Maybe some don't like this particular method of rescue. Maybe they prefer a different one that doesn't require them to leave their place of entrapment. Perhaps they believe that if they wait a while longer another form of rescue will come. If any of those reasons are subscribed to, I have sad news for them. There will not be another "rescue mission" sent for them. If they reject this one and refuse to "get into" the "rescue capsule" they will perish ETERNALLY. God said that He only sent out one "rescue mission" and if we don't take advantage of that one "....there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Heb. 10:26)

In summation, we (mankind) are the "miners" trapped in our own "mine" to wit: a lost condition in which we cannot save ourselves. It was for this very reason that God sent us His "rescue mission." If we "get into" the "rescue capsule" we'll be like the Chilean miners - we'll be "rescued" (saved). If we ignore the "capsule" we'll be like the Australian miners - forever lost.

Ron Covey

Johann Gottfried von Herder

"Say oh wise man how you have come to such knowledge? Because I was never ashamed to confess my ignorance and ask others."

Johann Gottfried von Herder, German philosopher, theologian, and poet (1744-1803)

A two-ton vehicle spinning out of control

 

If you don't have to get out in it, it's absolutely beautiful.  The
weather service had issued a winter storm warning, and this time they
were right on target.  Early this morning rain began falling, though
the surface temperatures were subfreezing.  As a result a layer of
ice, perhaps a quarter of an inch thick, has coated everything -
trees, shrubs, blades of grass and driveways.

That last item in the list is where things can get tricky.  My driving
today has been seriously curtailed, but I had to get out and take a
few photos of the winter wonderland.  Just a step or two on the
asphalt told me to use extreme caution.  Even if I'm standing still,
I'll start sliding if there's any slope at all.  A person has no
control under such circumstances.

Driving is where danger can really occur.  A two-ton vehicle spinning
out of control on an icy road is a completely unsettling experience.
Even if you're driving carefully, there's always the other fellow who
doesn't adjust for the slick conditions.  Each of us probably has a
story or two on this subject.

Ice is not the only slippery thing to be found.  Walking through a
creek presents hazardous circumstances, as moss-covered rocks hide
underneath the water.  In the woods one has to beware of muddy slopes
or wet leaves.  In the mountains keeping one's footing is vital.  A
mere slip of the foot can be disastrous.

The Bible speaks of slippery places.  These are not places a good
person wants to be.

Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, wrote about his frustration while
observing the prosperity of wicked people.  Did it do no good to serve
the Lord? he wondered.  "Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain," he
wrote in Psalm 73:13.  He had stated at the beginning of the psalm,
"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly
slipped" (Psalm 73:2).

Then something happened to change his outlook: "... I went into the
sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.  Surely You set them in
slippery places; you cast them down to destruction" (Psalm 73:17,18).
Those who thought they were well established would find it impossible
to keep their footing, Asaph learned.  Though the path of sin may seem
easy now, up ahead will be a slick spot that will take the sinner
down.

David also used this image of slipping.  "The mouth of the righteous
speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.  The law of his God is
in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Psalm 37:30,31).  To
maintain traction and control of one's steps, it's always wise to walk
in God's paths.

Human nature, however, has not changed very much.  There are those who
will object, "I know how to drive in wintry conditions.  Don't be
lecturing me about safety on icy roads!"  Others will affirm their
ability to direct their own life; they don't need (they think) God's
help in navigation.

Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12 is timeless: "Therefore let him
who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  A car spinning out of
control is terrifying.  How do you think a life spinning out of
control will feel?  Walk in the sure paths of God and you'll never
have to worry about such a scenario.

Timothy D. Hall

Henry Drummond

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love."

Henry Drummond, Scottish preacher, writer, and lecturer (1851-1897)

 

strange dreams

It was a week before Christmas and at our house, the party was in full
swing. The whole family was there and boy can we celebrate. I was in the
living room "discussing" politics with my brother-in-law; we could just
about straighten out the county if given a chance. Part of the crowd was in
the kitchen finishing up the Christmas feast. The older kids and grandma
Melody were playing a board game, the younger kids were running wildly
through the house pretending to be pirates or some such, while in the
background Teresa Brewer belted out "rocking around the Christmas tree!" We
all were munching on the snacks set artfully around at convenient places
through the house. Yep, we know how to throw a party!

About that time the doorbell rings and the grandkids rush to the door in
mass to see who it is, hollering, laughing, pushing and shoving all the way!
They suddenly get quiet and I hear one of them holler, "Grandpa there's some
weird guy here in a dress and he wants to talk to you! So, I grudgingly
leave off saving the country and head to the door.

The kids are right, he is kind of weird looking, like he was someone heading
to a Christmas pageant, long hair, a short beard and wearing a robe. I say,
"Can I help you?" (I figure he either wants a contribution or wants
directions). He says, 'Didn't you hear the trumpet?" I replied, "Well it's
kind of hard to hear anything with all the noise this mob makes. What are
you talking about?"

He looked down and kind of shakes his head and then said, "The Trumpet of
the Lord, didn't you hear it? It's time to go!" It takes a minute for this
to register and I think this guy is some kind of religious nut and tell him,
"I'm sorry, but I can't talk to you right now, we have the whole family here
celebrating Christmas and I need to get back to them." He replied, "We know
that's why God chose this time of year, there are so many people gathered
together singing hymns and praising God, he thought more people would be
ready." In my mind I replay those words, "Singing hymns, praising God," as
Teresa belts out one more time, "deck the halls and let's be jolly."

Then I happen to notice what's happening outside. I get a chill down my
spine as I see folks floating upwards towards a cloud with someone at the
center with a bright glow around them. I holler for the wife and tell her to
get everyone together; we have to get out side right now.

As we try to get everyone attention, someone at the game table hollers,
"Wait until we finish this game!" The grandkids scream, "We don't want to,
we're watching Frosty the Snowman on Television." Someone in the kitchen
calls out, "I can't come, I have to finish basting the turkey, and the
potatoes are boiling."

In the mean time the fellow at the door is standing there listening,
observing this mass confusion. Again he looks down, with kind of a sad
expression on his face shakes his head and turns as if to go. He stops, cups
his hand to his mouth and calls our, "OK Lucifer, here is another house
that's yours. They aren't ready either."

About this time, I wake up in a cold sweat and lay there replaying this
dream in my mind and wonder if we; or our world are ready if Jesus comes
back at Christmas? Would we welcome him or complain because we have some
really nice gifts we don't want to miss out on. Are we more interested in
being jolly or praising God? Are you "Dreaming of a white Christmas," or of
celebrating with God?

I know it's a strange dream, but what if it really happened!

Russ Lawson

Colonel Harlan Sanders

"There's no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can't do any business from there."

Colonel Harlan Sanders, American entrepreneur (1890-1980)

 

Glory to God in the Highest

 

   "And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" (Luke 2:14).

            As the angel appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of the Messiah, suddenly the heavens burst forth with an angelic chorus praising God. Their praise stated three facts: (1) the birth of Jesus gave glory to God; (2) the birth of Jesus gives peace to men; and, (3) the birth of Jesus demonstrates God's good will towards mankind.

            As great and powerful as angels are, to learn of their resounding praise of God for giving His only begotten Son for the purpose of going to Calvary that mankind might be saved, can only emphasize the superior love and greatness of both God and His beloved Son (1John 4:9).             

            While these words teach us many things, at the top of the list is the fact that nothing glorifies God more than the salvation of a soul!  And remembering the words of the apostle Paul, "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages" (Ephesians 3:21), it stands to reason that one cannot glorify God outside of His church; and if a person cannot glorify God, that person is not saved.

            But note the next phrase: "On earth, peace…" These words were not true till Jesus came to earth. Since the day that the cherubim, with fiery swords, drove man out of the Garden of Eden, wars have raged from one end of the earth to the other. There has been no true peace on earth, even in the consciences of men, until this babe was born in Bethlehem, and eventually was crucified and resurrected from the dead.  Let me ask you: Where do you expect to find peace if not in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? IF it is a "truth" that money brings peace, then it would be axiomatic that everyone who had money would also have peace – but we know that isn't the case. You cannot find peace in the law, in good moral behavior, or even in altruism. You can only find peace in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In all the Scriptures, only JESUS is called "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Only Jesus provides peace between the Forgiver, and the forgiven. This is what the angels meant when they sang "Peace on earth."

            The angels ended their praise with, "Good will toward men."  No greater proof of kindness and love between the Creator and the created could possibly be demonstrated than when the Creator gave His only begotten Son to die for the created.  Don't be discouraged; be assured that God does have "good will toward man."  "As I live saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that he should turn unto Me and live" (Ezekiel 33:11).

            "Glory to God in the Highest"  --  "Peace on Earth"  --  "Good will toward man." All this, but you cannot glorify God apart from Jesus Christ; you cannot have genuine peace apart from Jesus Christ; and you cannot accept God's good will toward you apart from Jesus Christ. God is "in Christ" reconciling the world to Himself (2Corinthians 5:19). Have you been baptized "into Christ?" (Galatians 3:27).        --Toby Miller

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."

George Washington, Commander in chief of the Continental Army and first President of the United States (1732-1799)

 

Phillips Brooks, American theologian

"I do not pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back"

Phillips Brooks, American theologian and author (1835-1893)

Lord Halifax

"Anger is seldom without argument, but seldom with a good one."

Lord Halifax, British politician (1881-1959)

 

The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision

"The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision."

Maimonides, Spanish philosopher (1135-1204)

 

George MacDonald

"To be trusted in a greater compliment than being loved."

George MacDonald, Scottish author, poet, and theologian (1824-1905)

 

Babes shall rule over them

Our editorial lesson last week centered around children and, if you recall, we looked at several examples of their sayings and their ways. Today, I'd like to continue on with some more thoughts about children with a look at them from a little different viewpoint. Children are one of my favorite subjects for editorial purposes, probably because they are just about my favorite people on earth.

I'll even go out on a limb here and opine that they are probably your favorites too. Think about it, who doesn't look at babies and smile? Who doesn't enjoy getting hugs from little kids? At the risk of being evicted from the he-man club, I'll admit that I love babies and little kids and I'm not ashamed of it. Furthermore, with the exception of a few derange-minded people, I believe everyone else feels the same way about children.

Have you ever wondered why children have such an effect on us? There's probably several answers that could be given to that question, but I have several opinions as to why they do and in just a moment I'll share those opinions with you. But first, I'd like you to consider something else.

Have you ever thought about the use of the word "children" as we see it used in the Bible? When you think about it and take note, it's used all the time, isn't it? Here's a few examples: Christians are called "children of God" (Mt. 5:9). Or, they're referred to as "children of the Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:45). In Matt. 12:38 we find them called, "children of the Kingdom." Christians are also called "children of light" (Jn. 12:36), "children of the Highest" (Lk. 6:35) and "children of the Living God" (Rom. 9:26). Go back to the Old Testament and see what God called His chosen people - the "children of Israel" (Ex. 1).

The point I'm making here about the use of the word "children" in God's Word is that's it's not an accidental or incidental usage of the word. It's there because it is God's design for it to be there. And this brings us to my first opinion that I said earlier that we'd get back to. It's my humble opinion that the reason God used this word so much is simply because the qualities and characteristics of children are the same qualities and characteristics of those faithful and obedient to His Son and His Gospel.

Well, you might ask, what are the qualities and characteristics of children that would relate to Christ and to God and His usage of the word? The Q's and C's that I see are that children have purity of heart. They're guileless, if you will. Babies aren't born, they don't come into life on earth, with any preconceived hatreds or prejudices. These are things that are learned. That have to be acquired. Children come to us innocent. Their character, their souls are pure and clean. Could this have been what Christ meant when He said, "...of such is the Kingdom of heaven?"

Now, on to my second opinion and this is directed towards why babies and children have the effect on us that they do. When we look at that pure and innocent little baby/child, we're looking at someone who has yet to be covered with the earthly layers of fear, distrust, prejudice and all the other layers that we adults get coated with. I like to think that when a little baby looks at us and smiles, perhaps it's that they just might be seeing through those "grown-up" layers and seeing the purity that we once had. I know that's pretty deep thinking, but still I'd like to think that's the case.

There's a passage in Isaiah regarding children that I found interesting. And I think that all of us that have kids, have had kids or know someone who has kids, can attest to in sort of a humorous vein. In Isa. 3:4 we find this little phrase; ".... and babes shall rule over them." I ask you, have you ever seen a house anywhere having a baby in it where that baby didn't "rule?" I mean, that baby determines when they go to bed, when they get up, where they go and how they go. Just about everything about that household is determined by the baby. And you know what else? It doesn't take long for that baby to realize who the "ruler" is either.

Here's another of my thoughts and opinions: remember in Ex. 23 when Moses wanted to "see" God and was told that no one "can see God and live?" Don't you think that a lot of people would like to see God? Wouldn't you like to see God? I would. No, we can't see Him face to face, but you know what? We can see the "essence" of God. We can see the "essence" of God by two ways and here's how.

First, by looking at Jesus because He told His disciples in John 14:9 "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." Think about this - Jesus was just like a little baby His whole life. He never lost His purity nor His innocence and was the only person on this earth to never lose those qualities. (1Pet. 2:22) Christ was the "essence" of God throughout His whole time here on earth and we can certainly see that.

And that takes us to the second way of "seeing God." Keeping in mind the 1^st way, we can see God by looking at the nearest thing to God we have now on earth - a baby. A little child. I say that based upon something Solomon tells us in Eccl. 12:7. It's there that we find out that our souls come from God thus, a baby's soul is the closest thing to God's "essence" we have to look at on earth. There's some fitting words to this thought I'd like to share with you and you might be surprised by who said them. "Children are the most wholesome part of the race, the sweetest, for they are freshest from the hand of God." (Pres. Herbert Hoover)

I'm going to close today's editorial with one more little story involving children that speaks to our thoughts regarding God and children. Remember what David said, (".... out of the mouths of babes..." Psa. 8:2) as you read this:

A couple had just had a baby boy and were already the parents of a four year old girl. Shortly after he was brought home, the little girl began asking if she could be alone with the baby. Well, the parents were somewhat concerned, as most would be, about the daughter feeling a little jealous, might shake him or hit him or something like that. But, she had shown no signs of jealousy and had treated the baby with only kindness and love. She kept asking to be left alone with the baby and finally the parents decided that they would allow it.

When they told her it was alright, she very happily went to the baby's room and after going in, closed the door almost all the way, but left it open just a crack. The parents tiptoed to the door and peeked in through the crack and listened. They saw the little girl go up to the baby, put her face near the baby's head and said, "Baby, tell me what God feels like. I'm starting to forget."

I think we can all learn a lot from that little girl. We should help each other "see God" and remember Him, lest we forget.

Ron Covey

Bad floral arrangement

A man opened a new business and his best friend sent him a floral arrangement. The friend dropped by a few days later and was sorry to see the flowers had a card that read, "Rest In Peace." He called the florist to complain, and the florist said, "It could be worse. Somewhere in this city is an arrangement in a cemetery that reads, "Congratulations On Your New Location." Spiritually speaking, the same message could be sent to those who have died to sin and been buried with Christ in baptism. Romans 6:3-4 reminds us that baptism plays a vital role in changing our spiritual location! That passage reads, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." A simple and unbiased reading of this passage makes clear that baptism is a burial that blesses!

Baptism blesses first of all because it is "into Jesus Christ." Spiritually speaking, there are and always will be only two spheres of spiritual existence: either "in Christ" or "in the world." The difference in these two spiritual locations in writing is a matter of only a few letters, but the difference in reality is incalculable. Salvation is "in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:10); eternal life is "in His (God's) Son" (I John 5:11); every spiritual blessing is located "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3); and for those who are "in Christ" there is now "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1). The list could go on and on, but those who are "in Christ" are in a sphere of comprehensive and superlative spiritual provisions! Contrast that to those who are not in Christ: "without Christ .... having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).

Baptism blesses again because it is "into His (Christ's) death." That is, baptism gives us access to the benefits of Christ's death! A bank may have millions of dollars in its vault. But all that money helps an individual not one bit unless he/she can access it. Baptism buries us into Christ's death, thereby giving us access to all the things Jesus died to accomplish for us (forgiveness, salvation, sanctification, etc.).

Baptism blesses yet again because after burial into Christ's death we are raised to walk in "newness of life." Baptism is a tomb where we bury the old man of sin. But it is also a womb from which God raises us to "newness of life." While debates about baptism continue among believers in Christ, the Bible clearly portrays baptism as a burial that blesses!

Dan Gulley

 

Thomas Carlyle

"Let each become all that he was created capable of being."

Thomas Carlyle, Scottish writer, historian, and teacher (1795-1881)

 

19 to 16 field goal

Last weekend, Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson dropped an easy
game-winning pass in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Having
separated himself from his defender, Johnson was wide open for a 40-yard
pass, but he dropped it in the end zone.

In the next possession, the Steelers kicked a field goal to win 19-16.

Johnson was inconsolable after the game. "How would you feel?" Johnson
asked. "All of a sudden, when the biggest play needs to be made, you don't
make it. You feel bad. I'm devastated right now. . I had the game in my
hands and then dropped it. I'll never get over it."

Johnson was so despondent after the game, he sent out a "tweet" on Twitter
where he blamed God for making him drop the would-be touchdown pass:

"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO
LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO."

Steve Johnson later admitted that he spoke rashly and foolishly in blaming
God for his mistake. He retracted his statements. *

Observe some parallels from Johnson's experiences to our own.

We've ALL dropped the ball! "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Therefore we have essentially "lost the game"
of life, for "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

We can't blame God! "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by
God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and
enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (James 1:13-15).

But, we can still "win" the victory through Christ. God sent Jesus His Son
to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins. When we submit our lives
in trusting obedience to His will, His sacrifice is sufficient to cover our
sins (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)

Those who are victorious are those who: place their faith and trust in Jesus
(Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess
Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in the name
of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

Yes, each of us has "dropped the ball," but because of Jesus, we can STILL
triumph over sin. We can share in HIS victory -IF- we will trust and obey
Him today!

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent

Trophimus in the Bible

                        What do Marilyn Monroe, Eddie Murphy, author Dave Pelzer, Olympic athlete Reese Hoffa, Cher, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer have in common?  All of them spent time growing up in foster care.  There have been a great many famous foster parents, too.  My parents were involved in foster care for several years during my childhood.  Several good brethren today continue to provide a home, if temporarily, to those whose own homes are strained or broken.
      There is a man in Acts, an Ephesian, whose time upon the inspired stage is brief.  His name, Trophimus, literally means "foster child."  Though there is no particular significance attached to his name, it is one of the more interesting names in the New Testament. It seems that adoption was very common in the Greco-Roman life.  Ryrie says, "Childless couples could often adopt a son who then became their heir. Even if the adopted son had living biological parents, they had no more claim over him after the adoption had taken place. Often parents were willing to let their sons be adopted by another family if it meant a better lot in life" (Basic Theology, 306; see rules of adoption in Women's Life in Greece and Rome, Lefkowtitz and Fant, 99-100).  A foster child would have been essentially the same as an adoptee in that society,
     It is not far-fetched to think that Trophimus was converted through Paul's efforts (cf. Acts 20:4; Easton considers him to have literally been a foster child).  Paul once called Timothy his "true child in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2) and his influence over many others, among them Titus, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Jesus Justus, Clement, may have had a paternal flair.  Once, he told the Thessalonians that he was as gentle as a "nursing mother" caring for her own children (1 Th. 2:7; the word for "nurse" there is in the same word family as Trophimus).
      Trophimus was certainly nurtured and tutored in discipleship under Paul's capable guidance.  The Ephesian was with Paul when he was arrested in Jerusalem, mistakenly assumed to have entered the temple with Paul (Acts 21:29).  Trophimus had come to Jerusalem on Paul's last recorded visit to that city (Acts 20:4).  At the end of Paul's life, Trophimus was unable to accompany the apostle due to illness (2 Tim. 4:20).  Some have supposed that he was one of the brothers who accompanied Titus in delivering the second epistle to Corinth in 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (cf. Elwell and Comfort, 1275).  "Legend suggests that Trophimus was ultimately beheaded by the order of Nero" (ibid.).
      That is all we know of Trophimus, but we know he was in the sphere of Paul's influence.  Paul adopted him, as he no doubt did others.  What an example Paul provides for us of the power of mentoring and influence.  Leadership training, church growth, and elder, preacher, deacon, or other working enlisting is a valuable, but too seldom practiced, work.  We need to foster our own Timothys, Tituses, and Trophimuses.  Who are you helping grow in the service of the Lord?

 

-Neal Pollard

Amos Bronson Alcott

"To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."

Amos Bronson Alcott, American teacher, writer, philosopher, and reformer (1799-1888)

Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus"

What does a performance of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" have in common
with a kitten playing a piano or a child biting the finger of his
brother?  If you've watched at least a few YouTube videos, you
probably know the answer: Each of the above are examples of videos
that have gone viral.

"Viral" comes from the physical phenomenon we all dread.  There are
over 2,000 species of viruses that have been discovered, and many
(such as the rhinovirus) commonly infect the human body.  Once inside,
they can multiply at an extraordinary rate and cause serious symptoms.
Many who will read this have already received a flu vaccine, hoping to
fight off at least one strain of virus this fall.

Then there are the computer viruses.  You can't infect your computer
by sneezing on it; these are man-made mini-programs that will make
your computer "sick".  You catch these through seemingly innocent
emails and web sites.  Companies that help protect our laptops and
desktops from viruses make billions of dollars each year.

The videos mentioned above, however, are things people enjoy watching.
The performance of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" at a Philadelphia
Macy's store just over a month ago has already been watched over 5.5
million times.  That event was a planned (though seemingly
spontaneous) performance.  Many others of the viral videos were more
accidental.  Someone happened to take a video of an otherwise ordinary
event, uploaded the video, and the rest is history.

There was another viral event that occurred hundreds of years ago, and
the effects were predominantly beneficial.  It all started with Jesus ...

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," Jesus
commanded His apostles before leaving the earth (Mark 16:16).  The
message was new, but it was good news (the literal meaning of the word
"gospel").  When people heard the message of salvation, many "gladly
received" it (Acts 2:41) and dedicated themselves to following Jesus
Christ, no matter what.

The viral spread of this message was not without resistance.  Many
chose not to believe Jesus is the Son of God, and worked militantly to
suppress Christianity.  But despite all efforts the word of God
flourished.  When Paul wrote about how the gospel had been "...
preached to every creature under heaven" in Colossians 1:23, he may
have affirmed the fulfillment (in his generation) of the charge Jesus
had given His followers.

How can such a phenomenon be explained?  Those who live for Jesus
quickly learn the truth of His claim: "I have come that they may have
life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).  They
discover that, even in adversity, placing their lives in the hands of
the Almighty God produces a "peace that surpasses all understanding"
(Philippians 4:6).

This is one "virus" you don't need to fear!  In fact, wouldn't it be
wonderful if more of us could become carriers of this virus, infecting
others with the remarkable attitudes and actions produced by the
gospel of Jesus Christ?  After all, which is more deserving of sending
to our friends: a video showing how dance has evolved over time, or a
message that will rescue their souls from destruction?

Timothy D. Hall.

 

Jonathan Swift

"We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another."

Jonathan Swift, Irish author and satirist (1667-1745)

 

STEVE JOHNSON BLAMES GOD

                              

             Wide receiver Steve Johnson of the Buffalo Bills has been incredibly good this year.  Even though he is young and inexperienced, he has emerged as one of the top receivers in the league.  Last Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was an incredibly close game.  It went into overtime and both teams had multiple chances to win.  On the Buffalo Bills' last drive, their quarterback threw a deep pass to Steve Johnson in the end-zone.  This pass was the epitome of perfection.  Johnson had no one close to him and it was placed perfectly in his hands.  All Johnson had to do was catch the ball and the Bills would have made an astonishing comeback win against a very good Steelers team.  Instead, he missed it.  Johnson dropped the pass and the Steelers ended up winning the game.

            Wide receivers drop passes all the time.  Not all are as significant as this one, but it happens.  This is just a part of the game.  Most fans and players could have moved on from this, especially since the Bills are not a good team this year, but the comments Johnson said on his twitter account have struck a nerve with many people.  This is what he said, "I praise you 24/7!!!!!! And this is how you do me!!!!!  You expect me to learn from this???  How???!!!  I'll never forget this!!  Ever!!! Thx tho...."

            Again, wide receivers drop passes all the time, but I have never heard anyone else actually blame God for it.  He even seems to throw a little sarcasm at the end as well.  There are many factors Johnson could have blamed the dropped catch on.  He could have blamed it on the lights, lack of practice, and even himself.  Instead the blame was thrown on God.

            It is too bad that Johnson reacted in this way, but thankfully he has since retracted this statement.  The problem is, people do this every single day.  People throughout the world go through terrible difficulties and many of these same people conclude that it is God's fault.

            Often in Scripture we see people suffering.  One of the most devastating accounts is of Job.  Job lost 1000 oxen, 500 donkeys, 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 1000 oxen, and all his sons and daughters (10 total) in one day (Job 1:13-19).  Not long after this he also lost his health and had sores and boils all over his body (Job 2:7).  To top it off, even his own wife turned against him and told him to "Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9).  However, no matter what Job went through, not once did he curse or blame God (Job 1:22; 2:10).

            Suffering happens to people all over the world.  Job was a very faithful man and he still suffered greatly.  People seem to be under the mindset that if they are faithful and praise God, then bad will not happen.  God has never promised this.  We are just people.  God is supreme, all-knowing, all-powerful, and almighty.  Do we really ever have the right to blame God for anything?  Does praising God automatically mean He will give us blessings?  Too many people blame God for their misfortune, but God should never be blamed.  We must keep in mind God's words in Isaiah 55:9, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thought than your thoughts."  We simply do not know why many types of suffering happen, but one thing is for certain, we should never blame God, nor do we have the right to do so.

 

--   Brett Petrillo