Samoa's parliament announced they were switching time zones

 

Singapore's "Straits Time" reports that Samoa's parliament announced they were switching time zones so that it lies west of the international date line.  That island nation's government makes this decision to get on the same time zone as its major trading partner, Australia. Currently, the dateline runs just west of the main island, making them 11 hours behind GMT and one of the last places to see the end of each day.  Incidentally, 767 residents were born and 43 resident couples were married on December 30th.  What are they going to do?  Next year, they will have a December 30th, but this one is being stolen from them.  Samoa will go from 11:59 PM on Thursday to 12:00 AM on Saturday morning.  That day will be lost!

I don't blame whatever percentage of the nation's 200,000 people that will feel gipped of an entire day!  However, we do that to ourselves in much smaller increments all the time.  It is so easy to squander the precious, limited commodity we call time.  We may not rob ourselves of entire days, but we may do so with our minutes and hours.  We've heard the adage, "Time.  That's the stuff life is made of."  Yet, how many opportunities do we allow to go by the boards?  Some spend much time in chat rooms, online discussion groups, or even Face Book rants.  Time flies and lost souls have not been evangelized, sick have not been visited, lonely have not been tangibly encouraged, and on we could go!  Entire days get lost this way!  Web surfers do the same thing to themselves, as do those who while away their time glued to the TV or their computer screens in idle pursuits.  

Stewardship refers to managing our God-given resources.  Time is a fixed, finite, inflexible commodity from God to us.  How are we using God's golden moments?  

 

--Neal Pollard   

 

Remember Christ the Savior was born on Christmas day

It's amazing how we can learn to ignore the things which surround us,
especially when we who are adults are constantly dealing with the demands of
life. We often reach a point that much of what goes on around us is just
blocked out. A few years ago we lived about one block from a train track.
For the first few weeks we lived there we heard the train constantly, it
would even wake us from our sleep at night. However after a relatively short
time we learned to ignore the noise, some how we just blocked it out.
Sometimes when people would visit and a train would pass they would ask how
we could stand that noise. We of course never even noticed the trains
passing.

I was reminded of this when our daughter-in-law shared this recent event
with us. It seems that "Bing Crosby was on the radio crooning out: 'Remember
Christ the Savior was born on Christmas day.' Upon hearing this song our 4
year old granddaughter Allison exclaimed excitedly: 'They're talking about
Jesus!!'"

How many times have you heard that song (especially this time of the year)
and not consciously though about the meaning? I know this is a problem in
other areas of life also, but what about when you sing a hymn in a church
setting? How often do you just sing the words from memory and not really
contemplate the meaning?

The apostle Paul giving instructions to the church in Corinth wrote, "I will
sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also," (1
Corinthians 14:15 KJV). That seems to say that it is important how we listen
as well as how we sing.

Singing is a very important part of our Christian life and fellowship. Paul
writes about this in Ephesians 5:19-20 where he says, "Speak to one another
with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to
the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our singing is in part speaking: "to one another," (this is group
participation, exhortation and encouragement), as well as "to the Lord," (it
is worship). He also says that the music is made "in your heart," (it is a
personal involvement coupled with understanding).

So, the next time you join with the church, don't just sit there and be
entertained. Participate in the worship of our Lord, encourage and exhort
one another and stop and think about what you are doing or singing. After
all, if a 4 year old can recognize that songs sometimes talk about Jesus,
shouldn't we? Do you hear what I hear?

--Russ Lawson

6.1 million in unclaimed property

Lives are turned upside down on a regular basis.  Sometimes unexpected tragedy is the
cause, or a dire diagnosis.  Maybe domestic strife finally boils over and
relationships are severed.  Not as frequently, though, do we read of a good cause for
the upheaval.  But there is in Missouri a lady whose life was recently changed, and
we suspect she couldn't be happier.

We say "suspect" because her name and location have not been released. Officials with
the state of Missouri have only reported that she was told she had $6.1 million in
unclaimed property.  We can only speculate on the reason: maybe it was stock in which
her grandfather invested decades ago.  A large insurance policy taken out by her
unmarried aunt might be the source of this windfall.  Whatever the reason, someone is
now a millionaire (if she wasn't one already).

"Unclaimed assets" are something many of us dream about.  Occasionally our local
newspaper has a listing of people in the county who have funds due them.  I have
looked carefully, but never found my name on such a list.  In fact, the Missouri
officials observe that the average payout for such assets is only $300.  Still, few
of us would turn up our noses at such a paltry sum!

Millions (billions?) now living on earth have assets of which they know nothing.
These assets are not items of securities, currency or real estate, but they have the
potential to bring joy and happiness into any person's life.  Education or ethnic
background are not criteria; in fact anyone is able to step forward and fulfill the
simple terms to receive these assets.  If only more people knew about these - and
believed in their value!

We're speaking, of course, of the blessings made available by Jesus. He spoke about
this in John 10:10: "... I  have come that they may have life, and that they may have
it more abundantly."  Life in abundance does not depend on large bank accounts,
contrary to what some may think.  Just think of how many stories you've read about
wealthy folks whose lives were actually miserable.

Another statement by Jesus points to the richness of these blessings: "Do not fear,
little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke
12:32).  The Father in this case is God the Father; He possesses the whole world, and
vast spiritual treasures besides.  And Jesus informs us that God absolutely wants to
give us this kingdom!

Paul pointed to this lavish lifestyle awaiting our claim: "Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in
the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).  We're conditioned to look for
material blessings.  God offers us something even better - spiritual blessings that
never drop in value.

Great gain?  That's part of the package.  "Now godliness with contentment is great
gain", wrote Paul (1 Timothy 6:6).  We'll need to develop a new mindset to realize
these gains, but they're there.

Have you claimed these assets?  The key is to be "in Christ" (note again Ephesians
1:3).  And when you're ready to get serious, Galatians 3:26,27 will tell you how to
get into Christ.

Timothy D. Hall

 

Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found and hanged

I know this may come as a shock for some, but Christmas is a real difficult
time for some folk. You may or may not celebrate the holiday as the birthday
of Jesus or you may just celebrate it as a national or family holiday, or
you may even choose not to celebrate it at all.

Whatever your choice, that's OK, we don't find it in the bible, but the
bible give us the liberty to celebrate things other than just the things
mentioned there. So, you may proclaim, "I don't believe in Christmas", and
that's OK, because the important thing is that you believe in Jesus.

A friend sends me the following little story that makes an important point.
"It seems that there was a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two
children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys & everything
else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for
everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the
elevator with her two kids.

Finally, the doors opened to an already crowded elevator. She pushed her way
into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff.
When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and said, "Whoever
started this whole Christmas thing should be found and hanged."

From the back of the elevator everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond,
"Don't worry. We already crucified Him." For the rest of the trip down it
was so quiet you could hear only the breathing of the people in the
elevator.

You see, whether you believe in Christmas or not is really not important,
but if we don't understand the sacrifice that was made on our behalf we
believe in nothing. Paul reminds us: "But God demonstrates his own love for
us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

So for me I really don't believe in Christmas as a bible based holiday, but
I do believe in the one that the holiday remembers. His birth was indeed
miraculous, if it weren't, it wouldn't have been recorded the way it was.
But it is his death, burial and resurrection that saves us! Yes, our sins
crucified him and he loves us anyway! Now, that's what we really need to
remember.

Russ Lawson

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

 

            The Bible is full of miracles - from the creation to Jesus feeding 4 and 5,000 people with just a handful of a few loaves of bread and fish.

            On the other hand, skeptics reject the miracles of the Bible. 

 

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

            The Dictionary of Philosophy and Religion defines a miracle as: "an event which cannot be understood as part of the natural order" ("Miracle", Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Humanities Press, 1980. pg 360).

            The Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (318; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1991) defines a miracle as "events that run counter to the observed processes of nature."

           

            In the spirit of the prophets, who also had to deal with a lot of skepticism relative to the invisible nature of God, "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord (Isaiah 1:18).

 

ARE MIRACLES POSSIBLE?

          Are miracles violations of natural laws? Are there laws that we have not discovered yet? Is there a God who can supersede the laws that He Himself has put in to place? If the God of the Bible exists, then miracles are possible.

 

ARE MIRACLES CREDIBLE?

            This argument is based on experience. No one - at least in modern times - has seen or experienced a miracle, therefore we can't believe they happened in the Bible times. But to say that some, or most, people have not experienced miracles does not mean that no one has experienced or seen a miracle.

          These skeptics think that a rare event is not as believable as a common event. The more frequently something happens, the more likely it is to believe that it did happen. Miracles are, by definition, rare events. But just because something is rare - someone will have a perfect hand in bridge at some point! - it doesn't mean it's impossible.

 

ARE MIRACLES SCIENTIFIC?

            Is it true that only what can be predicted can qualify as an explanation for an event? There are many events that happen in the world that cannot be predicted. Car accidents. A house robbery. Even scientists cannot always predict what will happen. Ask any weatherman!

          But the Bible teaches that miracles are necessary when God chooses to use them. God doesn't intervene in nature just to play around with us and confuse us. In their appropriate contexts, miracles do mean something. Consider Exodus 14:30-31.

 

          If the evidence leads to the conclusion that Jesus is God-in-the-flesh, then it is illogical and unreasonable to deny that conclusion. Jesus is God in the flesh and our Lord and Master.

 

          God does not call us to believe "impossible things." "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

 

--Paul Holland

Heb. 13:1-2 ESV

Last Friday evening my wife (Grammy) and I (Papa) attended our youngest granddaughter's (Taylor) annual holiday musical pageant at the "middle school" where she is a student. They called them "junior high schools" in Grammy's and my day. For about an hour and a half I sat on a hard, metal folding chair and listened to some really talented kids sing and play music related to this holiday season. Being totally objective about it, I have to admit that Taylor was the prettiest and the most talented performer of the evening.

While sitting on my uncomfortable perch and doing my usual surveillance of my surroundings (I am a trained observer you know) I made mental notes of several observations. One being, how did junior high kids get so tall? Some of them looked like they might be faculty. Of course, they might have been because another observation was how young the teachers looked. And, if you think the teachers looked young, you should have seen the parents of the kids on stage. They looked like kids themselves. I don't think I'll go to anymore of these events.

Of course the performance was centered around this holiday season and the music was the familiar songs relative to it. Some mentioned "angels" as in "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and that got me to thinking about a topic for today's editorial. (I had to do something to take my mind off of my hard chair and being surrounded by an auditorium of young-looking people.) Kidding aside, I remembered a piece I had saved in my "possible editorial material" file and thought that today's effort just might be the time to incorporate it into a lesson. Let me at least try.

In just a moment I'm going to provide you with the aforementioned article, saved for this occasion, but first I'd like to sort of gear our minds to the lesson subject - "angels." I'd like put you in mind of two passages found in the book of Hebrews that I think fits with our topic. First, the writer in speaking about "angels," says in chapter 1, verse 14, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation." (ESV)

Then the second reads in this manner: "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:1-2 ESV) And now for the little "saved piece" which is actually a short story written by a lady named Laura E. Richards and adapted by myself. I feel that it fits both of the passages cited above.

"Mother," said the child, "are there really angels?" "The Bible says so," said the mother. "Yes," said the child, "I have seen the picture, but did you ever see one, Mother?" "I think I have," said the mother, "but she was not dressed like the picture." "I'm going to find one!" said the child. "I'm going to run along the road, miles and miles and miles, until I find a angel." The mother said that this sounded like a good plan, but that "I will go with you, for you are too little to run far alone."

The child protested, "I am not little any more. I have trousers; I am big." "So you are," said the mother. "I forgot. But it is a fine day and I should like the walk." The child then said, "But you walk so slowly with your lame foot." "I can walk faster than you think!" said the mother. So they started, the child leaping and running and the mother stepping out so bravely with her lame foot that the child soon forgot about it.

He danced on ahead and soon he saw a coach coming towards him, drawn by prancing white horses. In the coach sat a splendid lady in velvet and furs, with white plumes waving above her dark hair. As she moved in her seat, she flashed with jewels and gold, but her eyes were brighter than diamonds. "Are you an angel?" asked the child, running up beside the coach. The lady made no reply, but stared coldly at the child, then spoke to the driver who whipped the horses and they rolled away in a great cloud of dust and disappeared. "That was not a angel!" said the child. "No indeed!" said the mother. "Nothing like one."

They went on, with the child running and dancing on ahead, from one side of the road to the other and the mother following as best she could. Then they met a beautiful maiden wearing a white dress. Her eyes were like blue stars and the blushes in her face came and went like roses in the snow. "I'm sure you must be an angel," cried the child. She blushed even more and said, "You dear little child. Someone else said that just last evening. Do I really look like an angel?" "You are an angel," said the child. The maiden picked him up and kissed him and held him tenderly. "You're the dearest little thing I ever saw," she said. "Tell me, why do you think that I'm an angel?" But then, suddenly her face changed as she looked down the road.

"Oh," she cried. "There he is, coming to meet me and you have soiled by white dress with your dusty shoes and messed up my hair. Run away from here and go back to your mother." She dropped the child, not very gently, and he stumbled and fell down. She hurried off down the road to meet her lover. The child lay in the dust road and cried until his mother came along and picked him up and wiped away his tears with her blue gingham apron. "I don't believe that she was an angel after all," he said. "No," said the mother, "but she may be one some day. She is young yet."

"I am tired," said the child. "Will you carry me home, Mother?" "Why yes," said the mother. "That's what I came for." The child put his arms around his mother's neck and she held him tight and trudged along the road, singing his favorite song to him. Suddenly he looked up at her face and said, "Mother, I don't suppose you could be an angel, could you?" "Oh, what a foolish child," said the mother. "Who ever heard of an angel in a blue gingham apron." And she went on singing, and stepped out so bravely on her lame foot that no one would ever have known she was lame.

What do you think? Should we look a little more closely around us for "angels?" There's an old saying about "not seeing the forest for the trees." Perhaps we can be guilty of "not seeing angels for the people."

Just a last little thought and then the lesson is yours. As the little story so effectively points out and, as seen in the verse previously cited (Heb. 1:14), I have no trouble visualizing Christian mothers as "angels." As "ministering spirits."

A man once said, in speaking about Christian mothers, that "she stands in the place of God to the child." Wouldn't you see that as fitting with Solomon's admonition in Prov. 1:8 to "not forsake the law of thy mother" because a Christian mother teaches the principles of God?

I'm not sure if there are very many "gingham aprons" still being worn today, but that isn't the only uniform worn by "angels." They could also be wearing work boots and denim pants, military uniforms, grandma's clothing or even middle school choir dresses. Just be on the alert so you don't miss one.

Ron Covey

　

　

A Dog And Two Kittens

"

The news media know that readers like an occasional cute story.  And
what could provoke moans of "That's so sweet!" and "How cute!" better
than a story about a dog who rescues two kittens?

Reagan is a Labrador Retriever who came upon a sealed bag of cat food
lying beside a Des Moines, Iowa roadside this summer.  Someone had
placed inside the bag several newborn kittens, and then dumped them.
Before Reagan discovered them, the bag had been run over by cars and
only two kittens were alive.

Reagan managed to get his owner's attention focused on the bag, and
the kittens were rescued.  Three months later, Tipper and Skipper have
been nurtured to health, and news agencies are having fun with the
fact that "the Gipper" (Ronald Reagan's famous nickname) saved Tipper
and Skipper.

This is certainly a heartwarming story.  It also challenges the
stereotype we often hear about how people may be "fighting like cats
and dogs".  Normally these creatures are on opposite sides.  That's
another dimension of this news story that makes it so appealing.

The Bible, however, provides a superior version of the enemy-helping-
enemy-type story.  Jesus told it, and 2,000 years later it still has
instructive value.

You've surely heard about the Good Samaritan who came to the aid of
the Jewish man lying in the ditch.  Jesus described this victim of
robbery as "half dead" (Luke 10:30).  Without someone's assistance the
man would have died; he could not possibly help himself.

Two other fellow-Jews, men who should have seen their responsibilities
to help, simply "passed by on the other side" of the road (Luke
10:32).  The third fellow who came along had been raised in a culture
of highly-charged prejudice.  Jews generally despised Samaritans, and
Samaritans felt the same toward Jews.

In this case, though, a natural enemy laid aside his prejudices to
help the victim.  Jesus pointed to this as an example for us all: "Go
and do likewise" He said (Luke 10:37).  This parable is a legitimate
contender in any contest for the most memorable story in the world.

But that's not the ultimate story in the Bible about an estranged
party helping the other.  Paul speaks of that greatest of all examples
in Romans 5: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet
perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7,8).

If you fail to grasp the gravity of our situation, consider what Paul
went on to say about the effect our sins have on our relationship with
God: "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through
the death of His Son ..." (Romans 5:10).  By committing sin -
something all of us do (Romans 3:23) - we alienate ourselves from God.
We become His enemies.

This beautiful truth reminds us, however, that God loves us so much
that He is willing to look past our hurtful actions in order to rescue
us.  That's far better than any dog-and-kitten stories I've ever
heard!

Timothy D. Hall

Titus 3:4-7

How would you feel if I said, "Kentuckians are a bunch of liars?
They're lazy. They're self-serving gluttons. They are simply evil." What
would you say? You'd probably say, "Paul - you're just mad that Kentucky
beat Tennessee last week!" You wouldn't take me seriously.
Now, that's exactly the situation that the apostle Paul left one
of his young disciples - Titus on the island of Crete. A poet from Crete,
named Epimenides (who lived around 600 B. C.), called the Cretans "liars,
evil brutes and lazy gluttons." The apostle Paul quotes Epimenides in Titus
1:12.

In the midst of that decadent society, Titus was to get the
church of Jesus Christ organized and continue evangelizing and maturing
young Christians. What a formidable task! What Paul says about Jesus in
this short letter is powerful.

THE CRETANS WERE DIRTY AND NEEDED CLEANSING:
Paul begins this letter by talking about "knowledge of the
truth" which is "according to godliness" (verse 1). Knowledge and godliness.
Christianity - our walk of life - can be summed up by those two words: what
we know and how we live according to what we know.

Paul quotes Epimenides in 1:12, saying they were always liars.
In 1:2 Paul points out that God "cannot lie." It is outside of the nature
of God, it is beyond the nature of God, to lie. It's not that God chooses
not to. It's not that God doesn't want to. It's that God cannot.

Thus, I counted 19x in these three chapters where Paul
emphasizes the truth of God. He uses such words as: truth, word,
proclamation, teaching, sound doctrine, the faith, word of God, instruction,
speaking, authority, believing. We cannot live the truth if we don't first
know the truth - 1:14, 11. But their mouths had to be stopped by Titus
teaching the truth (2:15).

But there is also this emphasis on godliness. Keep in mind that
the Cretans have the reputation of being liars, self-serving gluttons and
evil. Look at 1:16 and then 2:1-14.

CLEANSING COMES FROM GOD, THE SAVIOR:
Here is where we consider Paul's words in 3:4-7 [all one
sentence in Greek]. "But" - that's a sharp contrast. We once were but....

When did the kindness of God our Savior appear? When did "His
love for mankind" appear? It was clearly in the coming of Jesus Christ.

Notice back in 2:13-14. That is an implicit reference to the
virgin birth of Jesus. Paul here clearly calls Jesus our "God" and
"Savior." The crucifixion is suggested in verse 14. The resurrection and
second coming are also implied in the fact that we are "looking for" the
appearing (return) of Jesus Christ. So in those two verses, Paul succinctly
mentions the four great doctrines of the Christian faith - the incarnation,
the crucifixion, the resurrection and the second coming.

Not on basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness
Our salvation does not have its origin in our works. This would
include but would not be limited to works of the law - i. e., not stealing,
no slander, no adultery, practicing circumcision, fasting, diets, etc. There
is no way that we can obligate God to save us by our works.

THE BASIS OF OUR SALVATION: According to His mercy
Mercy is God's initiative - John 3:16. 2 Peter 3:9.
This mercy is undeserved. Romans 3:9, 10. We are all in debt to
God, a debt that cannot be paid off by our good works.
God offers salvation to "all men". Titus 2:11.

THE WHAT OF OUR SALVATION: Three metaphors... Here, Paul mentions "the
washing of regeneration (1.) and renewing (2.) of the Holy Spirit" and (3.)
justification. To what does Paul refer in this "washing"? Consider passages
which use the word "washing": 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews
10:22. These talk about the washing but one verse pin-points when the
washing takes place: Act 22:16 when Ananias tells Paul, "And now why do you
wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."

THE MEANS OF OUR SALVATION: "Renewing" - This is the only reference to the
Holy Spirit in Titus. Again, look at other verses which use the word
"renew": Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:10. Justification is
the third metaphor of our salvation. It is a legal term suggesting that we
were guilty but will be treated as if we are innocent.

THE GOAL OF BEING CLEANSED:
This washing and renewing is what allows us to be "heirs
according to the hope of eternal life" (verse 7). Again, back in chapter 1
Paul had said that God - who cannot lie - promised "long ages ago" that He
would give us the "hope of eternal life" (vs 2).

Unless we receive the washing of regeneration and renewal of the
Holy Spirit, our outside may look good, but the inside is still just as
putrid as before.

- Paul Holland

Fw: Messages From The Heart

Someone wrote, "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil, it has no
point." That sounds like a cool, insightful saying to those of us who are
Christians, but what about those who are not. I received a question as to
how to answer a non-believing friend who had responded to this quote in this
way: "Life with God is like a lead pencil; you sharpen it and it keeps
breaking, eventually there is no more pencil." So, lets think about that
response.

How do you respond to someone who sees life and God in that way? My first
thought is that obviously this person doesn't know MY God! The first analogy
is not that God is like a pencil, but rather that life without him has no
point! To the response, of God being like a continually breaking pencil, it
makes me wonder when this person tried to find an answer to something that
broke in their lives, but when they didn't they choose to blame God. Now,
this may or may not be a correct conclusion, but I've known several people
through my lifetime that have reacted this way.

Does God break? Does God fail us? I don't believe he does. However there is
another problem that comes into this equation. What if you don't believe in
God in the first place?

The problem with any answer that might be given from the standpoint of a
believing and practicing Christian is that all of our answers are based upon
faith; which are based upon scripture, which are based upon provable,
confirmed historic facts and information. (1 Corinthians 15:1-9 for
example).

Those who do not accept the idea that there is a God who is in control of
our universe, really have nothing in common with us. Most of our beliefs and
doctrines are rejected out of hand because they refuse to believe that there
is a God. Whereas our basic tenant of life is based upon our belief that
there is a God.

The point where the rubber meets the road (so to speak) is that our belief,
our faith gives us something that those who reject God can never and will
never have. That is a hope, a belief, a faith that there is something better
for us than just this world with its problems and grief. It is a belief that
causes us to live, make decisions, raise our families, have certain work
ethics, guides our relationships and so much more. All of those things are
based upon our belief in God and the hope he gives us that (if you will) the
lead in the pencil never breaks or is used up.

For the non-believers this will not mean much, but to those of us who
believe, the words of the Apostle Paul seem appropriate here. He wrote:

Don't forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called
"uncircumcised heathens" by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision,
even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.
In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from
citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant
promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and
without hope.
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from
God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:11-13, The New Living Translation)

I don't know about you, but I much prefer my life of HOPE, than one without
any.

Russ Lawson

Pickett’s charge

                                "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have

                                anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is

                             in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (Mk. 11:25 ESV)

Well, we're coming towards the end of year 2011 and I'm going to assume that, like me, you've probably been offended or hurt by the actions or words of another at sometime during this year. Maybe even to the degree that you harbor a grudge/s towards another person. I feel that this is a good time to pause and remind ourselves, especially myself, of how Christians are supposed to deal with this type of situation. Which is why our lesson today is on the subject of forgiveness.

First off, I am fully aware of the fact that "forgiveness" is sometimes a tough thing to deal with in life. The apostle Peter, a human being just like the rest of us, seemed to think pretty much the same way. We can tell that by a question he once asked Jesus seeking an answer about forgiving others. By his question, he was basically wanting to know "What's expected of me? How am I supposed to act in order to be righteous?"

When you think about it, shouldn't that be the underlying reason for all of our thoughts and actions, remembering that this is the proper sequence - we think and then we act. Like we sometimes do though, we don't think enough before we act, do we? But shouldn't, in the thinking stage, we consider how our actions will effect our righteousness? I guess, in short, that will be the aim of our lesson here. IE: What is expected of us, as Christians, in the area of "forgiveness".

Like Peter, we should be concerned about something that has an effect upon our righteousness. Concerned with how we are to act when we've been offended, when we've been wronged in some way, by someone else. Concerned with forgiving those persons for whatever the trespass against us was. As previously stated, we realize that this, responding properly to an offense, is probably one of the toughest emotions in our makeup to control. But, the answer Peter was given by Christ to his question shows us that we must control it.

The concept of this is, if we don't control "it," "it" controls us. "It" is a sin that falls under the category of "pride of life"(1Jn. 2:16). The natural progression of "it" becomes "anger," which becomes "resentment" and then becomes "hatred." Then "hatred" takes us away from God because it is the antithesis of "love." Just remember this little equation, "love" takes us towards God, but "hatred" takes us away.

As has been my practice in past editorials, I run across some little item or article that inspires me to write about a particular subject and today is no exception. What I came across is a little story about an event that occurred in1913 when a reunion of veterans of the famous Battle of Gettysburg got together to commemorate that momentous occasion. I feel that, if I can adequately adapt it here, it can help illustrate our lesson on "forgiveness."

Prefacing this story, let me remind you that the Battle of Gettysburg was a three day battle, culminating in a major action forever after known as "Pickett's charge" named after the Confederate General that led it. Gen. Pickett began his charge with 12,500 men across a wide open, up-sloping field towards the Union lines on the crest of a hill. He suffered a 50% casualty rate, figuring out to the loss of about 6,800 men in this charge and did not win the day.

Now let me return to the article regarding the reunion in 1913. At one point during this reunion the participants did a reenactment of Pickett's charge. It was reported that when the old Confederate soldiers lined up and started across the open field and up the hill, that an audible moan was heard coming from the Union veterans stationed on the hill. It said that, following the moan, the Union soldiers rushed down the hill towards the advancing Rebels, but it was not to repel them. Instead, they embraced them with tears flowing and "all was forgiven."

Please consider with me for a moment, the amount of "forgiveness" involved in that event. Think about what had transpired in the actual battle. Here were two armies, bitterly opposed to each other, acting with all the intent of obliterating the other. Think about the horrors of war and all that entails and the effects it would have had on the veterans of the battle. And then consider the thoughts and actions of those veterans - "all is forgiven." I can only think - what a Gospel-like action.

Yes, "forgiveness" is not easy, is it? But know this - it is necessary! It is essential to both our physical and spiritual lives. Physical because it can bring about a lot of unnecessary problems, health-wise and other-wise. Things like nervous problems, depression and relationship problems. But more importantly to be considered is - spiritual problems because if we suffer spiritual-health problems, the suffering will be of an eternal nature and not just a temporary type of suffering.

Let's go back to Peter's question and the answer he received in response to it for our closing thought today. Read this account in Matt. 18: 21-35 as I offer a short synopsis here. Peter asked, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" The answer Jesus gave Peter to his question would be the same if we had asked it. Let's review this answer.

Christ shows Peter, and us, why our Christianity, our standing with God, makes "forgiveness" necessary. In the parabolic answer given to Peter, Jesus pointed out that the "King" forgave a man an enormous debt because he was moved by "compassion." (Vs. 27) The same man had a fellow worker who owed him a paltry amount yet refused to forgive him and had him cast into debtor's prison.

Now in verse 33 we find the key to knowing what Christianity requires of us in the area of "forgiveness." The King said to the "unforgiving" man, "you should have had the same compassion towards the man in your debt as I did towards you and your debts." (Paraphrased by me)

Then caps the whole lesson/answer in verse 35 by saying that "we should forgive others their trespasses as the 'Heavenly Father' has forgiven us ours." And, with the knowledge that the debt we've been forgiven is the "enormous" one. That if we can't find it in our hearts to have compassion on others, as God has on us, He will not forgive us until we do.

One last thought to close on and I'd like you to seriously consider this: forgiving someone doesn't make them right - it makes us right!

Ron Covey

　

Gender Confusion

 

            The left, world-wide, is intent on destroying everything good and wholesome. In Stockholm, Sweden, a preschool has decided to stop using gender talk. The Egalia preschool has forbidden the use of pronouns like "him" and "her." Their reasoning is that the use of such pronouns maintain gender distinctions which further reinforce inequality in society. Instead, they will use pronouns invented by the transgender community.

 

            Words cannot describe how ludicrous this is. "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?" (Matthew 19:4). Society did not create genders. Biology did not create genders. Physiology did not create genders. God created genders.

 

            God created genders for a reason. We may not be able to determine all the reasons God made man "male and female" but He did. And we need them. Mankind needs little boys playing with their trucks and guns and army men and footballs. Mankind needs little super heroes. Mankind needs little girls playing with their tea cups and dolls and stuffed animals.  Mankind needs little princesses.

 

            There is gender distinction among children just as there is gender distinctions among adults. Mankind needs them. Mankind needs the soft touch, soothing voice and tender heart of the woman. Mankind needs the hard hands, commanding voice and determined will of the man. That's the way God made us. He designed us to be complimentary - physically, socially, psychologically and spiritually.

 

            Speaking of spiritual equality, the apostle Paul wrote: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28).

 

-        Your fellow-servant in Christ,

-        Paul, Paris KY church of Christ

 

 

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify

 

                                   "I will praise God's name in song and glorify

                                       Him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

Well, it's finally arrived. My favorite season of the year - autumn, and in a few days, one of my two favorite holidays - Thanksgiving. I love the warm days and cool nights, the various sports related to the season and I love the fellowship, and yes the food, related to the holiday.

Did you ever pause to think about the timing of Thanksgiving holiday? Why it's observed in November, in late autumn? Think about it for a moment. It's the perfect time of the year to have a special day of being thankful for the things we've been blessed with. It's harvest time. It's the time we reap the benefits of the bounty of the crops that were sowed.

When we look at all of the seasons of the year, we see that it fits perfectly with an autumn occurrence. In the sense of crops and reaping benefits, think of it this way. Winter is not only cold, but is the germination period. Then spring comes and that brings warmer weather and rain and the seeds begin to grow. Summer has the hot weather that matures the crops and then fall (autumn) and we realize the benefit of the collective efforts of the seasons - harvest.

Having said that I see the Thanksgiving holiday as perfectly situated to the fall of the year, I'd like to emphasize that we should be grateful all year round for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We should be thankful and while being so, remember Who bestows those blessings.

Now we all remember the history lessons we learned in elementary school about the pilgrims and the Indians and the origin of "our" Thanksgiving Day observance, don't we? I emphasized "our" observance, but historically, it certainly wasn't the first "day" so designated. I don't know when the actual first one was, but I do know one that occurred a little over 2500 years ago.

After the Jews had returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, led by Nehemiah, they rebuilt the wall around the city, despite various setbacks and dangers. Upon completion, both Ezra (the priest) and Nehemiah (the governor) appointed a day for "gladness and thanksgiving" to be set aside for the dedication of the wall. (Read in Neh. 12:27)

About 2300 years ago another leader by the name of George Washington "appointed" another day of "thanksgiving" to be observed on a yearly basis by the citizens of America. Allow me to give you a few excerpts from his proclamation made regarding this observance.

It's in perfect keeping with our forefathers' many statements about the reliance on "the Creator" and His providence in the establishment of our nation that President Washington would say things in his proclamation of 1789 such as these:

That this holiday "be devoted by the people of these states, to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."

He also proclaimed that we should: "Unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country..... and in general, for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us."

He also added that we should: "humbly offer prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of nations." That we should pray for "our national and other transgressions." One prayer that he specified in his proclamation was that "our national government be a blessing to our people by enacting wise, just and constitutional laws...." (AMEN to that)

The last excerpt I'd like to mention from the proclamation establishing our national day of Thanksgiving is this prayer: "That God would grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best." Again, AMEN!

According to the precepts of Christianity set forth in the Gospel, the very nature of a Christian is to be of a spirit of being "grateful." Of being "thankful." One example of that precept can be found in Col. 3:15. It's beyond my comprehension to think of a Christian not being thankful to God for the "temporal prosperities" we receive in our lives. As a matter of fact, now that I think about it, I don't see how an unthankful or ungrateful person could qualify to be a Christian.

I once heard a man ask this question regarding atheists and unbelievers who were celebrating Thanksgiving (and they do) "Exactly who do they thank?" That little question sure engenders a lot of thought, doesn't it?

In a humorous vein, I once read a comment that said "more Americans commit suicide with a fork every year than with any other weapon." Four days from now I'm going to gather with my family and friends around a table that, if past holidays serve as an indicator, will be loaded with various examples of God's bounty. There by my plate will be that most-misused "weapon" so I covet your prayers that I respect its lurking threat and my vulnerability.

Let me close today's thoughts on our observance of Thanksgiving with the words of a little nine year old girl offering the blessing prayer one Thanksgiving Day:

                            "Heavenly Father, we thank thee for the turkey, the rolls,

                              the mashed potatoes, the red jiggly stuff and the bread

                              stuffing even though I don't like it. We ask that you not

                              let us choke on this food. Amen"

Ron Covey

　

But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay,

To cover up a very ugly spot right outside our back
door, my husband and I have been laying patio stones.
After shopping the market and seeing that we could not
afford the right pavers, we opted instead to pour
concrete mix into molds to form pavers on the area.

In spite of the backbreaking labor, it has been a lot
of fun, embedding pebbles and pressing leaves into the
wet mix to make leaf impressions in the wet concrete.

Okay, we also scratched the perfunctory "GB & TB"
initials with the hearts, too. I guess we can get away
with silliness like that after almost 38 years of
marriage.

One thing good about molds is that you get the same
product each time, with the exception of what you
imprint or embed into it. They fit together nicely and
will make a lovely patio for a cheapskate couple.

The same is true (minus the cheapskate couple) in
Christianity. We are molded into the image of Christ
by the pattern found in the Bible.

"Brethren, join in following my example, and observe
those who walk according to the pattern you have in
us" (Philippians 3:17 NASB).

The product will be the same if the same mold is used.
The Bible contains the mold, or pattern, that we obey
to become Christians. We may look a little different
on the outside, with our own personality, just as each
of our leaf pavers will be one-of-a-kind.
Nevertheless, our purpose will be identical. As New
Testament Christians, we serve our Master and our
risen Lord.

It delighted and impressed me this week to find a
Facebook post by my daughter using the exact same
Bible verses and same arguments against early marriage
that I used when I was her age. I must admit that my
first emotion was surprise, because she is at that age
when she seems to feel that her mother knows very
little. Then I realized that she was simply allowing
herself to be molded by the same power that molded me.

She was quoting the same Bible verses and references
that I used so long ago. That same wisdom, found as a
pattern in the Bible, kept me safe from the unstable
and unhealthy relationships that plagued my friends.
In fact, I didn't date at all until I met the
wonderful, godly man who is now my husband. Why
bother? Dating has a goal, and the goal should be a
godly mate. I could not see any of the other possible
love interests ending up that way.

I thank God for the molding that happened as I studied
God's way in the scriptures, rather than following the
way of the culture around me. That same information
and wisdom is there in the Book, ready for anyone
willing to be molded and shaped by God.

As we teach our children, we do well to remember that
the amount of Bible facts that we stuff into their
heads have value. But far greater is the value of
teaching them to allow that precious book to mold them
as they continue studying and learning from it!

"But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay,
and you our potter; and all of us are the work of your
hand" (Isaiah 64:8).

Christine Berglund @ forthright.net

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life

I recently heard a story about a little boy who was sailing his little sail
boat in a pond in the park. He had tied a string to the boat so he wouldn't
loose it, but it had come untied. The boat began to drift out further into
the pond than the boy could reach and of course he became very upset. His
father was watching the whole thing and walked up and began throwing large
stones to the far side of the boat. The idea of course was that the splash
and the ripples would begin to move the boat back towards the shore. Before
long the boat was back within the reach of the boy and he was happy once
again.

I wonder if sometimes that is how God works in our lives? We begin to drift
away from him, fail to talk with him, fail to worship with his children, do
we fail to live lives which would honor him. Then something happens to upset
the calm waters of our lives, it makes a big splash and cause ripples.
Hopefully these things will cause us to begin to drift back towards God. Do
you think that God ever uses those bad or difficult things that happen in
your life to get your attention and shove you back into his arms?

I think the problem is that sometimes our string becomes untied, we loose
our anchor and we drift. We sometimes sing the old hymn, "Will your anchor
hold", notice some of the words:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

The writer of the book of Hebrews uses this theme to assure us that we can
trust in God. God never changes and never goes back on his word and is
always there for us. Notice what the writer says: "God also bound himself
with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure
that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and
his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God
to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great
confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong
and trustworthy anchor for our souls."(Hebrews 6:17-19, NLT)

Is your string securely tied? Will your anchor hold? Will you recognize that
the ripples or storms taking place around you may be God trying to get your
attention? If you are "fastened to the Rock," then you can speak the words
of Psalms 23 with security and serenity of one whose father is watching over
us. You can sing the words of the song knowing even the storms won't cause
you to drift?

Russ Lawson

1 Kings 18:27

The story is humorous, but there was nothing funny about it at the
time it happened.  An airplane had departed Asheville, NC last night,
bound for LaGuardia Airport in New York City.  Along the way the pilot
stepped out of the cockpit to go into the lavatory.  When he tried to
exit the lavatory he found the door had jammed and he couldn't get it
open.

A passenger heard the pilot banging on the door, and was asked to
inform the copilot to the situation.  The copilot wasn't convinced of
the story, however, and alerted authorities to a possible highjacking
situation.  Eventually the pilot got out, and the tense situation was
defused before fighter jets were scrambled.

We can chuckle about it now, but it was a potentially serious
situation.  What if the copilot was not trained in certain emergency
procedures?  What if there had been no copilot at all?  On whom could
the passengers rely if the pilot was unavailable?

The same might be asked of God.  The writers of Bible times knew
nothing of aircraft, of course, so there's no need to look for
occurrences in Scripture of this metaphor.  But God's ability to guide
lives is a prominent theme, and that's in the same category as an
airline pilot.  What if our Pilot was unavailable when we needed Him
most?

An interesting episode is found in 1 Kings 18.  Elijah, a prophet of
God, confronted false prophets.  He proposed a contest to prove whose
deity was actually real.  As the false prophets tried hard to get
their god, Baal, to answer them, "... Elijah mocked them and said,
'Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy,
or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened"
(1 Kings 18:27).  Following their failure to rouse their so-called
god, Elijah showed the power of the true God by calling fire down from
heaven to consume his sacrifice.

Didn't Elijah raise a valid point, however?  Could it not be the case
that God, the true God, might Himself be unavailable?  What would we
do if that moment was a time of urgent need?

Psalm 121 answers our fears with powerful reassurance: "He will not
allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm
121:3,4; we suggest reading all eight verses of this beautiful psalm).
God is never off-duty.

Jesus also taught us to trust the loving concern of our heavenly
Father.  After stating that God takes note of the activities of the
birds, He went on to say this: "But the very hairs of your head are
all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many
sparrows" (Luke 12:7).  The lesson: God watches over us, and will give
us the guidance we need.

But that's precisely the point most fail to realize: We need God's
guidance.  The wisdom and understanding of people are limited (see
Jeremiah 10:23).  We don't have infallible ability to make good
decisions.  God, though, reaches out to us with a stunning offer: "I
will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide
you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8).  The promise is not to guide us by
means of an angel (though that would be awesome); God will guide us
personally!

Timothy D. Hall

Did you ever kiss a mule?

A young somewhat cocky cowboy was riding his horse one day when he
spied a hunched-over old farm hand on a mule. Deciding to have a little
fun, the young cowboy drew his six-shooter and told the old man to get down
off his mule. He then asked the old man "if he had ever danced" and began
to empty his revolver at his feet with great laughter.

The old man slowly turned back to his mule (unamused) and put his hand
into his pack and drew a shotgun, aimed it at the now bulletless young
cowboy and said, "Did you ever kiss a mule?"

To which the young cowboy said with fright, "No, but I have always
wanted to!"

There is nothing like a bullet for motivation. What is it, though,
that provides you with the motivation to serve God day after day?

Perhaps you are motivated by the fear of punishment if you don't. It's
a valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about hell.

Or perhaps you are motivated by the hope of reward. Again, it's a
valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about heaven.

But I would suggest to you that there is an even higher motive and that
is to serve God out of a love and appreciation for all that He has done for
us.

As a parent, that's what I hope for my children. They may at times
obey me to avoid punishment or to gain some reward I've promised them, but I
hope that in time they come to listen to me simply because they love and
respect me.

"We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)

Whatever your motivation, may you give your life wholly to God!

Alan Smith

Scottish minister Alexander Whyte

I know that this is a difficult time of the year for some people. It seems
that the subject of every conversation includes something about the
Thanksgiving holiday. It's difficult for some people, because they really
don't feel that they have anything for which to be thankful. For most it is
a time of gathering and celebration with family, yet for some they have no
family or perhaps they are separated by great distances from their family.
It may be that you have just lost a loved one, a spouse or a parent and this
holiday is not something to which they are looking forward to celebrating.
In fact it may be difficult for them to try to find anything for which to be
thankful.

"Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in
the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday
morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself,
"Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord
on a wretched day like this." Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by
praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.'" (Daily
Bread, 1989.)

Don't you wish that you could have that kind of spirit, that kind of faith?
Wouldn't it be great if you had the kind of relationship to God that would
allow you to look for the positive, to see the hope for the future and His
power in the present? You see that's what it takes to be able to truly
celebrate and give thanks not just at this holiday season, but also
throughout all of the year.
Let me suggest that rather than dwelling upon all of the bad things in your
life that you start offering the prayer of Alexander Whyte and say, "We
thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this!"
Notice a couple of scriptures that give us an idea of how we can find the
strength to be thankful. First in Romans 6:3-5 Paul writes, "Know ye not,
that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we
also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in
the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection."

Notice especially that Paul said we have been "planted together" with Christ
(some translations say 'united". Now notice another scripture (and I love
this translation), Colossians 2:7, the apostle Paul says, "Let your roots
grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in
faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives
overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." (NLT)
So how about it, is it time for a change in your life and relationship to
Christ? How about taking a look at your life, today and always, letting it "
overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." But, there is a catch to
doing that, first you have to be planted with Christ before you can let your
roots grow down and draw up nourishment form him.

Russ Lawson

Attention Assist Mercedes Benz

 

I've been quite frustrated lately.  The fire alarm system in our
church building has gone off on four occasions within the last two
weeks - and there was no fire (thankfully).  Twice the alarm has
pulled me out of bed as I'm at the top of the list the monitoring
service calls in such circumstances.  A service repairman has made
some adjustments which "might" take care of the problem.

I'm all for fire alarms.  In the event of an actual fire, we want to
know as quickly as possible so damage can be minimized.  But when
alerts don't work properly, I'm tempted to shut them off completely.
That approach, though, could prove disastrous.

Mercedes Benz has introduced a safety feature for its automobiles.
"Attention Assist" monitors the driving habits of the person behind
the wheel, as well as external factors such as wind gusts.  If it
detects the car drifting out of its lane, it will send an audible
alert suggesting that the driver take a break before falling asleep.
(A survey by AAA found that 40% of drivers confessed that they have at
one time or another nodded off while driving.)

But what if these safety alerts have been incorrectly programmed?
Human error is a common factor in accidents.  Isn't it possible that
such devices may not be wired properly?

God has placed within each human soul an alert system to help keep
them from veering off the path.  It's what the Bible calls a
"conscience".  When it's functioning properly, dangerous turns are
avoided and our lives stay on the "straight and narrow" path.  But
sometimes ...

Paul wrote of the need for a good conscience: "Having faith and a good
conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have
suffered shipwreck" (1 Timothy 1:19).  In this case the people under
discussion had the opportunity to receive God's guidance and the
assistance of a conscience; but they chose to reject those resources.
Their end was tragic - a spiritual shipwreck.

You know how it works: You were likely taught from childhood to
respect the property of others.  If a thought comes into your mind to
take something that belongs to another, a twinge of guilt shoots
through your subconscious and you abandon the plan.  It's like an
alarm going off, warning you not to go down that path.  Some, however,
learn to ignore those alarms.  In time, they no longer even feel any
remorse for going against what they were taught.

Being taught the right things - that's the key to an effective soul-
warning system.  The wise man stated it clearly: "Also it is not good
for a soul to be without knowledge ..." (Proverbs 19:2).  Later in the
same chapter he taught this: "He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
he who keeps understanding will find good" (Proverbs 19:8).

We can't depend on the world to teach us correctly.  They often do,
but sometimes the message varies from God's instruction.  The safest
course for successful living is to allow God to "program" our
conscience.  Once programmed, we must then take heed whenever that
alert goes off.

Of course, you can choose the alternative: Ignore God's teachings and
trust your own decisions.  But wouldn't you feel more secure allowing
the all-wise God to guide you?  "The steps of a good man are ordered
by the Lord, and He delights in his way" (Psalm 37:23).

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him
in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you'd like
to discuss these ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall

Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin

His family had been told that there was no chance of finding their missing
boy alive. His body had not yet been discovered after five days of
searching in the rubble of the building in which he had been working when
the earthquake struck eastern Turkey. The building was one of about 2,000
that were leveled by the quake, killing at last 573 people and injuring
approximately 2,500 others.

Thirteen-year-old Ferhat Tokay was working in a shoe shop on the ground
floor of the building in Ercis, Turkey, when the 7.2 magnitude quake
occurred. He was instantly trapped, and despite his efforts was unable to
free himself.

But soon after rescue workers had sent his uncle and other relatives away to
get some rest with no glimmer of hope, they discovered Tokay - alive! The
workers were able to pull him from the rubble without injury.

A state-run news agency reported that Tokay survived, despite having no
food, by drinking rainwater that seeped through cracks in the wreckage
around him. While trapped, he was able to peer through a tiny gap in the
wreckage to see when it was day or night. He and his family were unsure if
he would ever see the light of day again. But he was rescued! *

Tokay's entrapment in the rubble illustrates our own bondage to sin. Jesus
said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin"
(John 8:34; see also Romans 6:16). In sin, we are ALL (Romans 3:23) under
its dominion and doomed for destruction (see Matthew 7:13-14). And, we
can't dig our way out! We are trapped!

But JESUS came to our rescue! By paying the price for our sins, He is able
to pull us from the wreckage and ruin of sin (Ephesians 1:7) - IF we will
accept His offer!

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

Trapped in the rubble of sin, don't despair! Jesus has come to rescue you!
Accept His offer of salvation, and you can be freed from sin.

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent

Denver Broncos fans

Being a Denver Broncos fan, it pains me to say that the Oakland Raiders have had a respectable season this year.  Last week the Raiders brought in quarterback Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals.  Palmer has had a decent career but hadn't played in a while.  Not to mention that had only been with the Raiders for a week and definitely didn't know their offensive system.  Despite this, the coaches put Palmer in during the 3^rd quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.  The result?  The Chiefs dominated 28-0 and Palmer threw three interceptions.  What really stood out to me about this loss was the fact that Palmer was put into the game even though he only knew 15 plays by game time.

 

A couple of spiritual applications come to mind from this situation:

 

1. High Expectations Of New Christians.  I don't know what the coaches expected, but Palmer certainly was not ready to play in this game.  He didn't know the offense well enough and he just wasn't ready to be on his own.  The same is true with new Christians.  Even though it is rarely intended this way, congregations often bring people to Christ and then just let them coast their way to a halt.  New Christians need to be guided and taught continually.  How would you feel if someone convinced you to move to a new country (with new culture, language, food, etc), and when you arrived they left you on your own and no one helped you to learn and adjust?  It would be very frustrating.  The same is true with new Christians and many end up falling away.  Bible studies and mentoring shouldn't stop at conversion.  This should just be the beginning.

 

2. Expectations of Continued Growth.  Carson Palmer only knew 15 plays last game, but if he doesn't know more then that by the next game then he will likely find himself on the bench and soon without a football team at all.  There are expectations that Palmer will continue to learn and become a better quarterback.  The same is true in our spiritual lives.  When a person has been a Christian for a few years, or even 10+ years, and yet they are still Christian "rookies," there is a serious problem.  We must keep on learning and growing.

 

With Palmer being very new with this team and inexperienced with their offensive system, the result was a 28-0 blowout.  It's clear that Palmer must improve if the Raiders want to be successful.  Whether we are talking about a new Christian or a seasoned Christian, there also must be improvement in order to achieve spiritual success.  Sometimes we need to help the new Christian to improve, and sometimes we just need to motivate ourselves to improve.  The bottom line is, improvement is a must.

 

Brett Petrillo

 

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The country of Serendip

There is an old story handed down from the country of Serendip (present day
Sri Lanka). In this story there were three princes who traveled the country
and quite by accident would discover amazing and unexpected things. In 1754
after discovering these stories, Horace Walpole coined the word,
"Serendipity". The basic understanding of the word I prefer would be: "The
art of finding what you're not looking for." (From Horse-Feathers, by
Charles Funk).

As I thought about this understanding of the word, I though of how much of
our Christian life is a serendipity. How many things do we find unexpectedly
which turn out to amaze us. I think that is why we sing songs like, "Amazing
Grace," or "I stand amazed in the presence "or" Oh what wondrous love."

Our journey through life with Christ, the creator and sustainer of the
universe is amazing, especially when you consider his sacrifice for and his
fellowship with us. I can hardly read any section of the scripture that I
don't find some new understanding, run across some tidbit that I've somehow
over looked in the past or suddenly awaken to a new insight. Christianity is
never boring, it is always amazing, always a serendipity.

This has always been the effect that Jesus has had upon people. In Matthew
7:28 we are told that people were amazed at his teachings and the authority
he exhibited. In Mark 10:24 we see that his disciples were amazed at his
teaching. He revealed hidden treasures unexpectedly then as he does now.

The question is, what we do with the treasure, how we deal with the
serendipity of life in Christ. Well the scripture doesn't leave us hanging
on that on that point, but gives us some instructions concerning how to deal
with these unexpected treasures.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Don't store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and
steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the
desires of your heart will also be." (NLT)

May your life be a continual amazing serendipity!

Russ Lawson

What do ye more than others?

A couple of months or so ago, I taught a lesson based upon the above question asked by Christ in His sermon on the mount. For our lesson today I'd like to sort of amplify that lesson a little and discuss some thoughts that we didn't have time to cover in class. If there was a "Great Questions Of The Bible" list published somewhere, I believe this one asked by Jesus would occupy a spot near the top. With your indulgence, I'd like to opine some thoughts relative to this question for you to consider today.

First off, we're told in Titus 2:14 and 1 Pet. 2:9 that Christians are to be a "peculiar people." When you look up the definition of the Greek word "peculiar" used in those verses you find that it means "special" or, what I consider to be the best definition, "beyond the usual."

I like that definition. It's saying that we, Christians, are not supposed to be like everyone else. Oh yeah, I know that we have the same innate desires, needs and aspirations as all human beings. That we're subject to the same passions as everyone else but, we're supposed to control those natural motivations .

We're supposed to be of a different character than the rest of society when it comes to things where character is involved. Things like love, patience, compassion and service, to name a few. In character, Christians are supposed to be "beyond the usual."

We can easily see this by looking at the context of what Christ was saying when He asked the question "What do ye more than others." By looking at what He said prior to the question, you'll find that, practically, the whole 5^th chapter of Matthew is devoted to pointing out the difference between Christianity and the rest of society in general. Perhaps we can say it this way; pointing out a Christian's character as opposed to society's character.

And the reason it's different is simple - a Christian's character is based upon the character of their namesake and Lord - Jesus Christ. I'm hard-pressed to say what society's character is based on, other than whatever the prevailing, man-made mores of the people are at any given time.

Going back to Matthew 5 we see that, after showing several examples of the characteristic differences between His followers (Christians) and society in general, we come to verses 46 and 47. Notice in those two verses Christ asks His listeners (and us) a couple of other questions pertinent to the question serving as the basis for our lesson here today.

First He asks them, "if you only love those who love you...." and then secondly asks, "if you salute your brethren only....." - "What do ye more than others?"

In other words, He's asking, how are you any different? How is your character any better? To borrow a word He used earlier in this chapter (vs 20) He's asking, how does your character "exceed" society's character? AND THE ANSWER IS.....if our character is no different, it doesn't "exceed" society's character - IT DOESN'T!

Today we hear the phrase "economic downturn" a lot on the news, don't we? I'm sure that is "political speak" for "we're losing money!" Rapidly! And that phrase is sort of like another one I mentioned a while back - "very low food security" - which was used in place of "hunger." You see, we don't want to overly alarm anyone by using harsh sounding words. It's just my opinion BUT, somebody had better sound the alarm and do it pretty soon. Keep that thought in mind as it'll apply later.

Yes, our "economic downturn" is a bad situation and in need of being addressed. But, I'm sorely afraid that we're in danger of a "spiritual downturn" at the present time. As serious as society's "economic downturn" is, society's "spiritual downturn" is far worse.

Why? You may ask. Because the end results are far worse. Let's look at it in principle by recalling what the writer of the book of Hebrews said in regards to the comparison of the New Covenant (The Gospel) with the Old Covenant in chapters 8 through 10. I'll paraphrase this comparison here for brevity sake, but please read those passages and make sure that I speak it truthfully.

He said that the New was better than the Old because it was based upon better promises and thus, better rewards, IE: eternal rather than limited. It is also pointed out that the same principle applies to the punishment being greater for those not following the New Covenant.

Parabolically speaking, the "spiritual downturn" is worse than an "economic downturn" for the same reason we see in the difference between the New Covenant and the Old. Society's "economy" will suffer only for a temporal, or limited, time but, society's "spiritual" problem can bring eternal suffering.

You know, neither of these "downturns" came into being overnight. They've been developing over the years as society moved more and more away from God's precepts. From the precepts of our nations founding fathers. To borrow another phrase, this one from Deuteronomy, our national "feet" have been "sliding" for some time now. (Deut. 32:35) Allow me to illustrate what I'm saying by telling you a little story about a couple of frogs.

Once upon a time there was a frog who was dropped into a pot of hot water. Feeling the intense heat, he immediately jumped out and saved his life. But, there was another frog who was put into a pot of cold water - set on a burner over low heat. One degree at a time the temperature increased, but the frog became accustomed to it, stayed in the pot and was boiled.

Our "spiritual downturn" has been coming on us for a long time, just like the temperature increased slowly under the pot. I think society is like frog number 2, it needs to be made aware of it's dire circumstances. It needs the alarm to be sounded. I'm sounding mine right now and I hope all of you do the same wherever you are and whenever you have the opportunity.

Ron Covey

Harold Camping and the end of the world

I've been prepared for many years. During that time I've changed the locks on the house in which we live a time or two. I'm satisfied they're working properly, and we keep the doors locked. I can't help but wonder, though - will today be the day that a thief tries to break in? I hope not, but if so I feel we've done all we can within reason to keep him out.

 

Honestly, I don't think about thieves breaking into my house very often. But today is a good day to bring up the subject. Why? Because Harold Camping has predicted that today is when Jesus will return to earth a second time. Prepare for that event, he warns. I'll agree with that latter message.

 

But wait - Isn't Harold Camping the same fellow who predicted Christ's return back in May? That's true; the 90-year-old former civil engineer had said that the world would witness Jesus' return on May 21. That prediction caused quite a reaction with some. Some invested all or large chunks of their savings to purchase billboard space warning neighbors to get ready. Many put their full faith in this man's ability to see in Scripture the exact date of the Second Coming.

 

You and I know that Jesus didn't return on May 21. Camping admitted an error in his calculations, but announced October 21 as the corrected date. Not as much excitement has been aroused over this new date, though. No billboards have been rented in my town to publicize this date.

 

Let me be clear on this matter: I cannot tell you that Jesus will not return today. But I would be going against what the Bible teaches if I were to say that I know that He will come back today. What I'll admit is that I simply don't know. Nor do I think that any other person knows.

 

Jesus Himself taught this truth. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36). What "day" did Jesus have in mind when He said that? The next verse makes it clear: "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:37). How could Jesus have made His point more clearly?

 

A few verses later Jesus used the image we used above: "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:43,44).

 

Thieves generally do not inform their targeted victims ahead of time of the day they plan to strike. Why did Jesus choose this image? Because just as it's wise to always be ready for the thief, so it's even wiser to always be ready for the Lord's return.

 

Let there be no doubt: "But the day of the Lord will come ..." (2 Peter 3:10). Also be sure of this: "... as a thief in the night" (2 Peter 3:10).

 

No, I cannot tell you that Jesus will not return to earth today. But I have no basis on which to claim that He will. The best advice I can offer is to live as if this really is the day. Living by this philosophy, we'll be ready - whenever He comes.

 

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

 

Timothy D. Hall.

http://www.networkedblogs.com/

There are some GREAT blogs at http://www.networkedblogs.com/. 

 

You can also find my material here at these links:

 

http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/daily-devotional-blog

 

http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/greek-word-study-blog

Funeral sermon for an elderly person

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. … He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…"

 

Today is our time to weep, mourn, embrace, speak, and love. I loved – the deceased -  because…

 

That reminds of a story that Jesus told about some workers in the vineyard. "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them … for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' Because no one has hired us,' they answered. "He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.' "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.' The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius…" (MT 20:1-16)

 

            *- the deceased - entered the vineyard of the Lord late in the day, and he didn't work as long as some others have. Yet the promise of Christ is the same for everyone who gives their life to Him.

 

            *Thank God for His mercy, grace, and love. – the deceased -  is now receiving the promised reward that God has in store for all of His people.

 

There are two observations that are here for those of us who remain.

 

            *Death is certain for all of us. Hugh has now walked the path to it's completion. And we are all walking along that same path. "It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment," the Bible says. Death may come soon to some of us, suddenly, or after a long illness. Rich or poor, strong or weak, death comes to us all. And we must be ready.

 

            *There is only one way to prepare for death and the judgment. That is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me           will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do            you believe this?" We must decide if we believe Christ or not. And if we say we do believe

Christ, then we must live our lives under the control of His will.

 

Today I would like to offer these comforts to the – the deceased -  family.

 

            *You have done your best for – the deceased -. You were very attentive to his needs. You cared for him. You sacrificed your days and nights, your personal family times, and your own needed rest so that you could offer your love to Him.

 

            *You can remember that death is not all. Beyond – the deceased -  passing, there is another life, another land. There is a new home. Apostle Paul wrote, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."

 

            *You can see – the deceased -  again … for if we give our lives to Christ and He saves us … just as He saved – the deceased - … we believe will know him in Heaven. Romans 6:3-5 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."

 

When Dwight L. Moody was dying, he said, "earth is receding, heaven is coming down, and I am going home." And the same is true for – the deceased - 

 

King David wrote, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." John wrote, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on….they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." He knows every breath that we draw, every pain we endure, and every groan that we utter. And though it brings us grief, God is blessed for He has saved one of his children.

 

Theodore Roosevelt said, "… Both life and death are parts of the same Great Adventure."  I do not believe that – the deceased -  was ever afraid of an adventure. He lived a full life and left behind many exceptional memories, enriching all of our lives.

 

 In closing today, I would like for us to remember the words written by Mrs. A. S. Bridgewater:

 

We read of a place that's called Heaven,

It's made for the pure and the free;

These truths in God's Word he hath given,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

In Heaven no drooping or pining,

No wishing for elsewhere to be;

 

God's light is forever there shining,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

Pure waters of life there are flowing,

And all who will drink may be free;

Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

The angels so sweetly are singing,

Up there by the beautiful sea;

Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

 

John Dobbs 

Forsythe Church of Christ  Monroe, LA