Weshould be on our knees with a grateful heart thanking God

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--Ephesians 5:20

 

To the Thessalonians, Paul says, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). To the churches of Galatia, Paul says, "...be ye thankful" (Gal.3:15).

 

I pray that we fully understand that being thankful is one of the great marks of a child of God while on this earth. Just a few days ago we celebrated the day we call "Thanksgiving Day". This day marks a time in which the spirit of thankfulness fills the air and men and women openly mention those things for which they are thankful and encourage others to do likewise. All of this is proper and good but lest we forget being thankful and expressing that thankfulness for the many blessings we enjoy should be an integral part of our lives on a daily basis, every day of the year.

 

 We should be thankful that we live in the greatest nation on earth (even with the problems that now beset it). Thankful for God fearing spouses; thankful for children who love and are faithful to God, thankful for loving families and even though we may have aches and pains, thankful for the reasonable amount of health that we enjoy,

 

Then there are the spiritual blessings, It is here that I think about the love of God (1 John 3:1-2); the love of Christ (Rom. 5:8) and the church (Matt. 16:13-19; Acts 2; Matt. 6:33).  And then there are all the blessings of being in Christ: redemption (Rom. 3:24, Col. 1:12-14); Forgiveness (Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14; salvation (Acts 4:12. 2 Tim. 2:10); support (Heb.4:16); comfort (2 Thess. 2:17); peace (Phil. 4:16-17), along with a place of refuge with hope as an anchor for our souls (Heb. 6:18-19). Our hearts should be filled  with praise and thanksgiving for all the physical and spiritual blessings we enjoy not just once or twice a year or only on certain occasions. Every day of our lives, we should be on our knees with a grateful heart thanking God for his abundant blessings bestowed upon us.

 

Charles Hicks

 

Scriptures on Thanksgiving

 

Psalm 9:1–2

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

 

Psalm 95:2

Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him

       with songs of praise!

 

1 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

 

Use It or Lose It

This expression is often heard in regard to physical exercise, when the idea is being promoted that muscles have to be used in order to insure greater use of them in the future. To fail to do so, will tend to slowly lead to muscular atrophy, a loss of what strength you presently have. But the same principle applies to things spiritual as well.

In Mark 4:24-25, Jesus says, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." When it comes to hearing God's word, understanding it and then applying it, God warns in so many words, "use it or lose it."

We all have some ability to get to know God and His will. We all have opportunities to fulfil the desires of our heart religiously, but if we neglect to use them, we may end up losing even that which we have. Conversely, the more we put into seeking after God, the more we will get out of it and the more we will be equipped for future success.

Ecclesiastes 12 warns mankind to remember the Creator in the days of youth, before the evil days come and there is no interest. We go through changes in our lives, and some not for the better. One such change may be a degenerating interest in spiritual concerns. Don't let this happen to you. Use it, so you don't lose it.

- by Whit Sasser

 

R. L. Whiteside

Preaching and Science

Do not worry about science. It has its legitimate field, and in its field it has done wonderful things. We reap its benefits and are glad. The average preacher knows little about science, and the average scientist knows less about the Bible.

The claim that science and the Bible do not agree should disturb no one. What is called "science" it not static. Each generation brings new light; most of the old theories have been exploded by scientists themselves. Yet, each generation of scientists boldly announces that science has disproved the Bible.

But it can as easily be proved that science has disproved itself. With all their dogmatism about the Bible and science, there are few theories that real scientists are willing to take their stand on and say: "Here is the ultimate truth; no future discoveries will contradict this." So long as they cannot afford to affirm that they have arrived at ultimate truth, how can they with honor say that science disproves the Bible?

Besides if the Bible fully agreed with the scientific theories of one age, it would not agree with theories of the next age. The Bible is unchangeable and cannot keep up agreement with that which constantly changes.

Some of the foremost scientists recognize the limitations of science and are firm believers in the Bible. Preach the word! No known truth contradicts the Bible.

- by R. L. Whiteside

 

Memory lane

".......The righteous will be remembered forever"--Psalms 112:6 (NASB)

 

We are now in that time of the year in which hearts seem to overflow with memories of days past spent with family and friends enjoying all the festivities centered around this time of year. There are also those heart warming memories of loved ones who have shed these earthly bonds. So far as I am concerned, these are the most precious memories of all. July. 65 years ago my father ended his earthly sojourn. October, 19 years ago, my mother followed him into eternity. It was in December, 20 years ago that my precious, twenty-seven year old daughter put off her earthly tabernacle. Then only eight months ago my beautiful wife departed this life to be with the Lord. Today, as I walk down memory lane there are so many remembrances of friends and loved ones that flood my soul. Without a doubt, I believe that, like myself, most, if not all, who now read these words will find themselves flooded with memories that will put a little smile on the face. It may be the memory of a little grin, a chuckle or even a hearty laugh. It could be a story told, a word spoken, a bit of handiwork, just a picture, a day of celebration or maybe a little mischievous deed that will open the floodgates.

 

Today, as I walk down memory lane I am thankful that my mother and father provided for me a home that was filled with warmth, love and joy. The most priceless memory is the example of loyalty, dedication, truthfulness, and commitment they gave to me. I remember that I was taught the true values of life, namely, respect, work, love, trust and right companions (Eph. 6:1-4; Prov. 22:6).. The greatest memory of all centers on the fact that they taught me to love God thus instilling in me a hope that goes beyond this earthly life (Mark 12:30; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 6:19). I pray that I will leave to my children, memories that will provide to them strength, comfort and help as they journey on through life. Each ofe us should be very concerned as to how we will be remembered long after we have crossed over into eternity.

 

I realize that this "Thought" is a very personal one. I only hope that each of you will have like memories that will lighten the load and brighten your day. I pray that each one of us will live our lives in such a way that we leave for our families precious remembrances that will flood their souls as they make their way down the pathway of life.

 

Charles Hicks

 

The Spirit and Salvation

 

It’s funny how many denominations teach that the Holy Spirit enters the heart of the sinner to produce faith in Jesus and thus salvation, well before any need for baptism. But compare this idea with what happened to some Ephesian disciples as reported by Luke in Acts 19:

 

And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19:1-7.

 

It's instructive to let the Scriptures do the talking, isn’t it? For example, we note that an inspired Paul asked: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” These disciples were obviously believers, but their reply to Paul’s question was that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. How come? Because, as Paul went on to make clear, the Holy Spirit is received by believers when they are baptized in Jesus’ name! One has to believe and be baptized

in Jesus’ name before receiving the Spirit. This puts the opening claim right where it belongs: in the false teaching

seat! It appears, though, from Acts 8:14-18 and 19:2-6, that receiving the Spirit is about being able to perform

confirming miracles through the laying on of the hands of the apostles.

 

Right at the beginning of Christianity, we read this:

 

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:36-39

 

No mention at all about receiving the Spirit to believe and be saved. Rather, “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, and you will receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is … for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” Same as Acts 19.

 

But in light of the Ephesians in Acts 19  and  the Samaritans in Acts 8 as well , should we understand the gift of the Spirit everywhere in Acts to be talking about the ability to do miraculous signs through the apostles’ hands?

 

And, to change the subject a little, we ask: how does God call sinners to Himself, as in Acts 2:39? Through the Spirit? No, through the preaching of the gospel, as the inspired Peter showed in Acts 2, or in Acts 10.

 

Now notice something:

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

 

When the gospel is taught, and sinners believe the truth of the gospel, sinners are saved through being sanctified by the Spirit. But, as we have seen, this sanctification by the Spirit can come only after one is baptized in the name of Jesus. Truth is, sinners are justified, sanctified and washed or baptized in one and the same conversion:

 

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11.

 

The washing is a reference to water baptism. Sins are washed away by Jesus’ blood in the baptism of the repentant believer:

 

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:16

 

You see, many quote a passage like Ephesians 1:13 as though it says everything about the Holy Spirit and salvation:

 

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit."

 

But there’s more to it, isn’t there, as we saw above? Those very Ephesians, to whom Ephesians 1:13 attributes hearing the word of the gospel, believing and being sealed with the Holy Spirit, actually had to be baptized in Jesus’ name in order to receive the Spirit. Acts 2:38 and 19:1-5 prove it. Ephesians 2:8, which says “by grace are you saved through faith,” is not the whole story. All truth on a subject isn’t necessarily found in one verse!! Or 2!

 

Remember Paul saying this: Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:26-27

 

And again: how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, Acts 20:20

    

We must teach anything that is profitable … the whole counsel of God … and not just our favourite proof text!!

 

But another question: does being sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13, have the same sense  as it does in Acts? Or are there different aspects to receiving the Spirit – non-miraculous measure and miraculous measure, as possibly implied in Galatians 3:2-5? A related question would be: why do we not read of receiving the Spirit – either miraculous or non-miraculous – in a conversion such as that of the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-39 or the Roman Proconsul in Acts 13:6-12 (no laying on of apostle’s hands here!)? Is it implied in those examples, as per Romans 8:9? And is it because signs were not needed in those cases, as Paul had already confirmed the truth with his miracle performed on Elymas the magician in Acts 13, and there were no witnesses to benefit from signs in the case of the Ethiopian in the desert?

 

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, Titus 3:5-6

 

One, Lord, one faith, one baptism. Eph 4:5  Three Ephesian examples are better than one: Ac 19; Eph 1:13; 4:5!

 

 

Proverbs 16:20

"He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; and whosever trusteth in Jehovah; happy is he."--Proverbs 16:20 ASV

 

Each morning we awake to go about our daily activities not knowing what the day will bring forth. Will it be success, happiness, peace of mind or will it be failure, sickness, pain and heartache? We just don't know from one moment to another what we are going to encounter on our daily walk. When all is well with us, our spirits are high and we are a happy people but then suddenly that changes when some burden or great trial comes upon us. I confess that there are times when I don't really understand why some adverse condition strikes at my human frame. But one thing I do know is that so long as my confidence is in my God, so long as I truly believe in his word and trust him without reservation, happiness will be my companion in this life. This life is too short for us to live our days being sad and unhappy. As we journey through life there is really no reason for us not to be happy. We have a saviour who loves us and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 13:5). We are told in Hebrews 4:16 that there is not a creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened to his eyes. It is a fearful, yet a wonderful thing to know that we have an all seeing eye watching over us on this pathway of life. When all is well with us, he sees; when our hearts begin to be troubled, he sees and walks right beside us, keeping us safe.

 

True happiness will not be found in our own knowledge; nor will it be found in our own strength; nor will it be found in riches, possessions, popularity or recreational activities. Although these may bring feelings of happiness into our hearts, it will be only for a fleeting moment and those feelings of happiness will depart the heart just as quickly as they once entered. True happiness will only be found in the Lord where we will find perfect peace and safety that cannot be removed so long as our trust and confidence remains in him (Psalms 128:1-2; Psalms 144:15; Psalms 146:5) Be happy--Enjoy your life, have fun, cherish the moments you have with family and friends because that is the way it should be. But as you do so, make absolutely sure that you include plans in all you do for the eternity that is to come.

 

Charles Hicks

 

www.trimblestrong.org

Faith, Family, Football

 

Coaches often preach to players about dealing with adversity, but Allan Trimble is delivering that sermon without having to say a word, said Jenks (Oklahoma) High School’s athletic director, Tony Dillingham.

 

Why is it that Coach Trimble’s message is especially impactful?

 

The success of the team that he’s coached gains the attention of many.  His Jenks Trojans have 13 state titles and a 235-36 record entering the current football season.  He is the most successful coach in Oklahoma prep football history.

 

His message of dealing with adversity is resonating with his players and many others because he is dealing with adversity in his own life.  In the summer of 2016, Trimble was diagnosed with myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  It’s an incurable, progressive neurogenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

 

But he is still coaching… and teaching and influencing others.  This is his second season coaching after his diagnosis, and even though he is only 54-years-old, he has said that this coaching season is likely his last because of his diminishing energy.

 

In honor of Coach Trimble, the Jenks High School administrators changed the name of the football stadium in August to Allan Trimble Stadium.  During the renaming ceremony, Jenks’ school superintendent, Stacy Butterfield, spoke of the lessons Trimble had imparted on players that have come through the program.

 

“He has changed lives of countless students through leading by example and not only telling them, but also showing them what it means to be humble and how to find fulfillment through serving others,” Butterfield said.  “Even in the midst of his courageous fight with ALS, Allan has remained steadfastly committed to the things that matter most in his life — faith, family and football.”  And it’s in that order: faith, family, football.

 

Murray Evans reports: “Not long after he made his diagnosis public, members of Park Plaza Church of Christ [where Trimble serves as an elder] joined with the Jenks community in conducting a prayer service for Trimble at the high school gym. Nearly 3,000 people attended.  Trimble spoke and told those gathered that, ‘Long before I’m a football coach, I’m a follower of Jesus.’  He encouraged them to ‘just put God at the center of everything we do.’” *

 

Faith, family, football -- in that order.  Why put faith first?  Because faith in God is what carries us through the adversities of life and gives us hope beyond this life: to eternal life in heaven, where there is no ALS, no sorrow, no death (see Revelation 21:4).

 

God gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can have forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:23).

 

God will save and give eternal life to 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) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

 

Coach Trimble says it’s all about putting first things first, and FAITH in God is first.

 

Are YOU listening to Coach?  Won’t YOU heed his words?  Won’t YOU follow Jesus?

 

-- David A. Sargent

 

* Information gleaned from “A Coach’s Real Success” by Murray Evans in The Christian Chronicle, November 2017.  Learn more about Coach Trimble’s journey living with ALS at www.trimblestrong.org