BABY JESUS AND BIG JESUS

 

BABY JESUS AND BIG JESUS

 

We are at that time of the year when people's attention is drawn to the birth of Christ. The Bible does not tell us the date of His birth. We only know that "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…" (Galatians 4:4-5). We rejoice over that birth—as well as the earthly life, teaching, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, coronation, intercession, and promised return of Christ. How wonderful it would be if the world could be as excited about Christ the whole year 'round as it is at Christmas—though I am deeply thankful that at least once in a while people will give Him some thought!

 

How great it would be, too, if the world would be as attracted to the "Big" Jesus as it is to the "Baby" Jesus. Perhaps it is just part of human nature to be smitten by a baby. (I have never seen an ugly baby—at least one that I would say was ugly!)

 

As we approach what the world knows as Christmas, let us look again at the "Baby" Jesus, and then do some serious thinking about the "Big" Jesus.

 

Baby Jesus was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and born in Bethlehem of Judea. All of this was in fulfillment of divine prophecy made centuries before the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18 – 2:12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2). (Let me encourage you to turn in your Bible and read this beautiful story of how our Savior came to earth. It will build your faith in the word of God and it will touch the hardest of hearts to read for yourself this wonderful story of God's love for all mankind). It is hard to see how anyone would not believe these passages of Holy Writ and rejoice greatly that our Savior was born and that the Word (Christ in his pre-fleshly existence with God the Father from all eternity) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-14).

 

But Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew to become a boy and then a man. As a boy, He was subject to Mary and Joseph (who married Mary after the birth of Christ, Luke 2:1-7, especially v. 5) (Luke 2:51). As a boy, Jesus advanced "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. (Note: Parents today might well ask themselves, "How are my children growing and developing? What am I doing to train my children in these four areas of a well-balanced life?").

At about the age of thirty, Jesus was baptized, being immersed by John the Baptist (Baptizer) and began His ministry of teaching (Luke 3:21-23). However, His teaching did not sit well with many who heard Him, and it does not sit well with many people today—even with some who profess to follow Him. The adoration that people have for Baby Jesus does not always translate into adoration and agreement with Big Jesus.

 

Consider the following:

Jesus came to bring "peace on earth and good will among men" (Luke 2:14). But in another sense He did not come to bring peace but a sword and to cause division even among families when some family members choose to follow Christ and other family members reject Christ (Matthew 10:34-39). (Note: Christ bringing both peace on earth but also a sword is one of the great antinomies of scripture, a situation in which two seemingly contradictory statements are made, but which, in reality, are two contrasting yet reasonable and valid truths, two sides of the same coin).

Christ makes demands of people that they don't want to meet (Matthew 16:24-26). Christ taught things that people do not want to hear. He condemned anger and hatred toward others (Matthew 5:21-22. He said that lust was equal to adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). He permitted divorce and remarriage for only one reason (Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:1-9; Romans 7:4). He taught that the two greatest commandments was to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as he loves himself (Matthew 22:36-38) and to do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12). He said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

Jesus taught that He is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12). He said that if people do not believe in Him they will die in their sins (John 8:24), and that if one does not repent he will perish. (Luke 13:3). He said if we do not confess Him before men, He will not confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32-33). Jesus taught the necessity of being baptized (immersed in water) in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5). Many do not accept the "Big" Jesus on these matters.

Christ emphasized the necessity of obedience to God—instead of the substitution of pious deeds that one might do in His name. In other words, no one can buy or earn his or her way into heaven by just being a good person, with a good heart, and who does some good things along the way of their life (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus said things that caused people to to turn away from Him (John 6:66-68).

Yet in none of these things was Jesus trying to discourage people from becoming His disciples. In fact, He sought to do the very opposite. Big Jesus said (and still says), "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will fine rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). But such involves counting the cost and being willing to pay the price. (Luke 14:26-28).

So, at this season of the year, as we adore the Baby Jesus let us remember that the baby became a man who made demands. In many ways, He was the demanding Christ.

Are we big enough to commit ourselves to the Big Jesus?

Hugh Fulford

A New Chapter Begins

A New Chapter Begins

 

 The Lord willing, we are about to begin writing a new chapter in the story of our lives. As we come to the end of 2025 and enter 2026, most of us will find ourselves looking back over the months gone by thinking about the good times as well as those not so good. We will think about things we said and did that we wish we had not said or done and, yes, we will think about the things we should have said and done but did not say or do.

 

Days gone by have brought to us moments of happiness, joy, peace and contentment. There have also been those moments when pain, heartache, sorrow and disappointment have filled our soul. I believe it is safe to say that all of us have laughed together and cried together with our families, friends and the brethren. All in all, this has been a wonderful journey thus far.

 

As we move forward into the year 2026, I pray that all of us will resolve to give God the best we have to give. He wants a service from us that comes from the heart (Prov. 23:26). He calls for the best of our love (Mark 12:30-31), and the best of our loyalty (Luke 9:23-26).  Our thoughts, desires, intents and purposes must center on the things of God (Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1-2; Matt. 6:33; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:25-32; John 14:15).

 

May we never forget that there are no guarantees that we will ever see any of those days of 2026 and if we do, they may be few in number. One day the final line will be written on our lives, the last chapter will be finished and the book will be closed on our earthly journey. Each passing day just brings us a step closer to the moment when we will face God in the great judgment ( Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10).

 

  As I think about entering the new year 2026 with all of its uncertainties, I think about the chorus of the beautiful song that proclaims, "Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; free from all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I'm living by faith and feel no alarm." For whatever time I may have left on planet earth, this is the way I intend to live my life. How about you?

 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me"—Galatians 2:20

 

Charles Hicks

swabbie5256@gmail.com

 

 

 

The Greatest of These

 

The Greatest of These

 

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:13).

 

As we sail the sea of life, our faith, hope and love are like protective barriers that surround us and enable us to navigate through the fiercest of storms that so often arise on our voyage through this life. Faith is not just believing in God although believing is necessary (Heb. 11:6). True faith is one evidenced by a life of obedience to the word of the Lord Romans 6:17; Heb. 5:9; 1 Thess. 1:7-9). Hear the words of the Lord from Jeremiah 7:23: "But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you".

 

Hope is founded on that which we cannot behold with our human eyes. It is grounded in that which we have not yet attained (Rom. 8:24; Phil. 3:12-14). Thus, hope is the anchor of our souls as we sail this sea of life with all of its trouble and strife. Although I cannot now see it, I know there is a place prepared for me that is more wondrous than any words can adequately describe (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21:1-4; Rev. 22:1-5). Without this hope dwelling steadfastly in my heart, my life would, indeed, be a miserable existence (1 John 3:1-3).

 

Love is the foundation upon which our faith and hope is built. It is the love of God for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8-9) along with our love for him (Mark 12:29-30) that will impart to us the strength and courage we need to see us through each day. Our love for the church becomes an integral part of our faith and hope (Matt. 6:33). And we must not forget the importance of loving each other (John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 4:10-12, 19-21).  There is no doubting that love is the greatest of these because without a great love there would be no faith, no hope for a better country

 

Suppose for a moment that you are standing before the judgment seat of our Lord and he says to you, "According to your love for me, the church and your brethren, so be it unto you". Where will you spend your eternity? Sobering thought, isn't it?

 

Charles Hicks

 

 

Comfort When Affliction Fills Our Heart

Comfort When Affliction Fills Our Heart 

I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalms 119:48-50)

 On this earthly sojourn "things" happen to us that sometimes seem to be unbearably harsh. Who among us has not at some point felt like punching a hole in the wall. Hearts have been broken, lives disrupted, days have been long and difficult, and some nights it seems as if sleep will never come. All this because "things" happen to us and often we do not understand why they happen. Friends, we are all frail, weak, flawed human beings and "things" are going to happen to us that will try our faith (James 1:2-4, 12). Sometimes faith will bring about a change in a particular circumstance that envelopes us. Sometimes faith will not bring about a change. We must never let the circumstances surrounding us determine what kind of faith we have in God. Our faith may be little (Luke 12:28), weak (Romans 4:19), great (Luke 7:9) or strong (Romans 4:20). We need that great, strong faith that will allow us to trust God at all times (Psalms 62:8; Romans 8:28, 31; Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 40:28-31).

There is no doubting that in those times of affliction, one source of comfort springs from the love and fellowship we have with one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 1:6; Romans 12:15).  However, there is no better source of comfort to be found for our troubled hearts than that which comes from God through his word. This is a comfort that reaches deep into our hearts and if allowed to dwell there will impart to us a measure of strength and courage that will soothe our troubled souls.

 I dearly love the words of Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". My knowledge of eagles is very limited. I once read that eagles have the ability to sense when a storm is approaching and will take flight, soaring high into the heavens where they are safely above the storm. The thought occurs to this writer that trusting our Lord with complete confidence, trusting him with a faith that is strong and steadfast will enable you and I to soar above the storms that threaten us and thus find comfort in all of our afflictions whatever they may be.

 Our God is able and willing at all times to comfort our troubled souls (1 Peter 5:6-7; Hebrews 4:16). We only have to reach out with an earnest desire and embrace those exceedingly great and precious promises found in God's word.

 Charles Hicks

 

Hugh's News & Views (Church Arithmetic)

 

SOME CHURCH ARITHMETIC

 

Church Arithmetic Problem # 1: Can one person anywhere in the world today hear, believe, and obey the gospel, and become just a Christian without joining any denomination? If one person can do that, can two people do that? Can ten? Can 100? Can 100 people in a given geographical area who have become Christians only without joining any denomination organize themselves into a congregation and begin reading and studying the Scriptures on their own, committing themselves to following the Scriptures in all things to the best of their ability, worshiping as the Scriptures instruct, governing themselves as the New Testament instructs, committing themselves to living and serving others as the Bible instructs, and disciplining themselves and correcting themselves wherein they fall short in anyway either personally or as a congregation?

 

If there could be one such congregation, could there be two? Could there be ten such congregations? 100? Could there be an indefinite number of such congregations, made up entirely of people who had only heard, believed, and obeyed the gospel, becoming Christians only without ever joining any denomination? What is your answer to this "church arithmetic problem"?

 

Church Arithmetic Problem # 2: According to sources such as the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, the World Christian Database, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there are an estimated 45,000 professing Christian denominations around the globe. The Protestant Reformation in the 16thcentury led to the establishment of many different denominations who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Professing Christian denominations in different parts of the world have adapted their beliefs and practices to the social and cultural context in which they exist, leading to further divisions. For example, there are twenty-four denominations within the Catholic Church.

 

The Lutheran Church was the first protestant denomination and was founded by the followers of Martin Luther in c. 1530. Think about that for a moment. Christianity had been in the world for 1500 years before the first protestant denomination was ever established! How did the world get along for so long without a single one of the protestant denominations that we have today? Today, there are over forty different Lutheran denominations in the United States alone.

 

The World Methodist Council represents eighty Methodist-related denominations, but there are additional Methodist denominations that are not a part of this Council. There are dozens of different kinds of Presbyterian Churches, especially in the United States. There are more than fifty different kinds of Baptist denominations. There are hundreds of Pentecostal denominations. Many of them are part of the World Pentecostal Fellowship. On and on we could go, talking about the many denominations that exist in the world today. (The above information is available online from the sources named in the first paragraph of this section).

 

Now, here is my question: What if we started with the last denomination that was established and removed it from the thousands of denominations in existence? Would we destroy Christianity by taking away that denomination? Remember, we had Christianity before that last denomination was ever established. Now, let us proceed back to the next one, then the next, then the next—all the way back to the first one. Would we destroy Christianity by doing away with all the protestant denominations? Again, remember that we had Christianity hundreds of years before we ever had even the first protestant church.

 

What if we then went about dismantling the Catholic Church with all its elaborate hierarchy, topped off by the pope? What if we removed every rite, ritual, doctrine, and practice in the Catholic Church that could not be substantiated by inspired scripture? What if we moved all the way back to the days of the New Testament and the church that existed then under the direction of the inspired apostles of Christ? What if we did only what people did in New Testament times to be Christians? What if we believed and taught only that for which we could find Bible authority?

 

What if the people who had been members of all the various protestant denominations and the two billion plus Catholics decided they would just be Christians only without denominational affiliation? Would we not then have "one body (not multiplied thousands), one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith (not hundreds of thousands), one baptism (not many), one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all"? (Ephesians 4:4-6). Does not this passage affirm that there is but one body (which is the church, Ephesians 1:22-23), one faith, and one baptism, just as it affirms that there is one but Lord, one Spirit, one hope, and one God? Based on this passage, would it not make just as much sense to ask which God do you believe in, which Lord do you serve, which Holy Spirit dwells in you, which hope do you have as to ask which church are you a member of, of what faith are you, or of which "mode" were you baptized? Biblically, is there not just one of each of these? Why can we not all be one in Christ just as He prayed in John 17:20-21? Why can we not just be the church of which we read in the New Testament? What is your answer to this "church arithmetic problem"?

 

Note: I am not so naive as to think that all denominational churches [Catholic or Protestant] will ever go out of existence. What is possible, however, is for those who are members of such man-originated churches to leave them and determine to be Christians only without denominational affiliation and without the doctrines, traditions, beliefs, and ceremonies not sanctioned by the Bible.

 

Church Arithmetic Problem # 3: Suppose an evangelist comes to a town somewhere in America and preaches only the gospel of Christ and what it requires of one to be saved from sin and become a Christian. Suppose that 400 people respond to the gospel, doing exactly what people did in the Book of Acts to be saved and made Christians. At the end of the meeting/revival, 100 join denomination A, 100 join denomination B, and 100 hundred join denomination C. However, the remaining 100 join no denomination, but resolve to meet together on the Lord's Day (Sunday) to study the Scriptures and to follow them in all things pertaining to Christian living, the worship of God, and the structure to which they should adhere as a congregation devoted to Christ and His will. Can that be done in today's world? What is your answer to this "church arithmetic problem"? Note: The last group, the ones who joined no denomination but chose to remain an autonomous congregation of Christians only, is a microcosm of what all faithful churches of Christ are today. We have no denominational hierarchy or headquarters. We have no human creed or catechism. We wear no denominational name. Our worship is in accordance with the way Christians worshiped in New Testament times. We seek to live as Christ has taught us to live. To the casual and uninformed observer, conditioned by a denominational mindset, this last group, on the surface, may look very much like those in Denominations A, B, and C. But to those acquainted with the Scriptures, it would be known that these people were not a denomination but just simply Christians, members of the one spiritual body of Christ, the church of which we read in the New Testament.

 

Hugh Fulford

A Walk Down Memory Lane

 

A Walk Down Memory Lane

 

The memory of the just is blessed........(Proverbs 10:7)

 

       "As I travel on life's pathway.

         Know not what the years may hold:

         As I ponder, hope grows fonder,

         Precious memories flood my soul."

        (J.B.F. Wright)

 

 Seventy three years ago, my precious father shed these earthly bonds. Twenty-seven years ago, my loving mother departed this life. Twenty-eight years ago, my precious daughter followed, crossing over into eternity. Eight years, seven months  ago my beautiful wife folded up her earthly tent and went home, As I sit here attempting to put into words the feelings of my heart, precious memories are truly flooding my soul. In some ways it seems as if it was only yesterday that I was just a young man enjoying the peace and security of a precious father and a loving mother. It seems as if it was only yesterday that our precious daughter would burst through the door with that beaming smile lighting up the whole room. But, alas, it is not yesterday and 91 years have come and gone leaving me with only those precious memories that now flood my soul. I am confident that many, if not all, who now read these words will find themselves with like precious memories of their loved ones. As we grow older, the strength ebbs from our feeble bodies. We watch as those we love silently slip out into eternity and then suddenly it begins to sink in that ere long we too will shed these earthly bonds and cross over into eternity. This earthly life is a great adventure that will one day come to an end. On that day we will leave what we have here and take with us only what we are as we go to meet our God face to face.

 

Except for a very dire circumstance (suicide), we do not, yea cannot control how long we live on this earth but we can control how we live while on this earth (Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 2:11; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17; Col. 3:1-2; Matt. 6:19-21; Matt.6:33). One day I want to rest from my labor (Rev. 14:13). One day I want to view that majestic city of God from inside (Rev. 21:1-7). As a child of God this is my eternal destiny. I pray it is your eternal destiny also.

 

As we make our way through these days of unrest and uncertainty, I pray that all of us will feel the touch of the Master's hand on our hearts and feel his love surrounding us with tender care.

 

Charles Hicks

We Are From God

We Are From God

 

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one--1 John 5:19 (ESV)

 

Faith, obedience and love are three great tests of where we stand in the eyes of God. Without faith, we cannot be pleasing to him (Heb. 11:6). Obedience to his will is the only way to obtain the eternal salvation we seek (Heb. 5:7-9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). Without love permeating our entire being we will never be able to stand approved before God (Mark 12:29-31; 2 Peter 1:22). All who pass the test of faith, obedience and love will have no doubt as to whom they belong to while living in a wicked, sinful world ruled over by the evil one, Satan. All who live outside of Christ have made themselves subjects of the devil and are under his dominion. The God of this world has truly blinded their eyes (2 Cor. 4:4).

 

Long ago there came a time in which God looked down upon his creation and saw that wickedness was great so much so that the imaginations and thoughts of its inhabitants were only evil continually (Gen.6:5; 11-12). It does appear that we are now witnessing the same conditions unfolding throughout the world in which we live. Our own beloved nation is no exception. America has become a nation filled with anger, hatred, jealousy, covetousness, unbelievable corruption and immorality. Read the words of Romans 1:18-32 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and you read words that are as up to date as this morning's newspaper or the evening newscast. The works of the flesh spoken of in Galatians 5:19-21 have now become so commonplace in the lives of men and women they are no longer viewed in horror. As a result, adultery, drunkenness, homosexuality, lesbianism, same sex marriage and transgender foolishness are not only being accepted but glorified as well. Purity of life is openly discouraged as we are fed a steady diet of magazines, books, movies and television openly promoting and glamorizing a host of evil practices (James 4:8; Tim. 4:12; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:1-3).

 

All is not doom and gloom here. I know of a surety that the God I believe in and serve, the God who created all things and is the ruler of this universe is alive and well and he is still in control. I also know he is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but wants all men to repent (2 Peter 3:9). My friends, understand this, regardless of what human beings may do or become, in the end God wins!

 

Charles Hicks

 

Faith and Commitment

Faith and Commitment 

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled (1 Samuel 17:45). 

1 Samuel 17:17-51, That which began as a simple visit to his brothers with no indications of any difficulties or troubles suddenly turned into one of the greatest challenges of his young life. We are not challenged to fight a human giant as was David but every day we live, we are challenged in many ways physically and spiritually. As challenging as physical things may sometimes be, it is the spiritual challenges that are the ones that carry the most weight. If we prevail over them, the physical challenges may be difficult but they will never deter us as we press on toward our eternal destiny. 

 Carefully study the entire 12^th chapter of Romans, drink in the words of Ephesians 4:17-32, feed on the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:4-24, think about passages like Matt. 6:33, Matt. 6:19-21, Mark 12:29-31, Col. 3:1-3, 1 Tim. 4:12, 1 John 2:15-17  and you will get a picture of the enormity of the spiritual challenges we will face as we strive to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12) 

Read carefully 1 Samuel 17:45-47 and take note of David's trust and commitment to God. We can draw at least two great lessons from David as he meets this great challenge head on. First, have an unfailing faith in God, trust him at all times (Psalm 62:8, Prov. 3:5-7, Rom. 1:16-17, 1 Thess. 5:8-10, Psalm 31:23-24). Our faith and trust in God will be the support that will enable us to prevail against the spiritual challenges we face. Remember this, if we are successful in prevailing in spiritual challenges, the ones of a physical nature will not deter us from pressing on to our eternal dwelling (2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 1:21, Philippians 3:13-15). 

Secondly, we must have a rock-solid attitude of commitment to our God. This commitment cannot be a half-hearted one—remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32, Gen. 19). It cannot be just verbal (James 2:14-20, 1 Cor. 15:57, Matt. 5:16). When I think about a rock-solid commitment to God, my thoughts turn to Job who says, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him" (Job 13:13-15). This is a commitment that says, come what may, good or bad, I will not lose my confidence in God, I will maintain my trust in him! This is the attitude of commitment sorely needed by all of us. 

Charles Hicks

 

 

Such As I Have

Such As I Have

 

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk—Acts 3:6 

As Peter and John went up to the temple at the hour of prayer they encountered a forty year old man who had been lame from birth begging for alms from those entering the temple. Peter fixed his gaze on the man and said, I don't have any silver or gold but I will give you what I do have and what he gave that man was far greater than any monetary gift could or would have been. That man never expected to be more than a poor beggar but Peter gave him a healthy body, the ability to live a normal life and do meaningful work for a living. Peter gave that man hope but greatest of all he gave him Christ enabling the man to praise God (Acts 3:1-8). Perhaps greatest of all Peter gave all the people seeing this man walking and praising God a tremendous example of the power of God and set the stage for his second sermon (Acts 3:9-26).

 Peter did not just look at the man, then turn to John and say, "I feel so sorry for that man, sure wish we could help him". He didn't look at John and say, "Let's go find a charitable organization, tell them about this man and maybe they can help him." He didn't say to John, "Let's go back to the other disciples and form a committee to help this man". He just told the man, "Look on us" (verse 4) and then said, "Such as I have give I to you". Peter simply used what he held in his hand to bring glory and honor to the Lord and to give that man one of the greatest blessings he would ever receive.

 I know that we cannot perform miracles but I am convinced in my heart that God expects no less of us than he did of Peter, namely use what we hold in our hands to glorify and honor him while at the same time being a blessing to others physically and or spiritually. I fear that too often in an attempt to not become too involved, we try to convince ourselves that we are so little and insignificant and there just isn't anything we can do. You see, if we are not very careful, we will tend to look at the leanness of the purse rather than the riches of God. It is far better not to ask ourself what we can do but what can God do through us. I think about the occasion in Matthew 14:13-21 when the disciples of Jesus held in their hands only 5 loaves and 2 fish. A meager amount of food but when placed into the Lord's hand it fed 5000 men besides women and children and twelve baskets full were left over."

 I really like the story told in Mark 14:3-9 about the woman who poured a very costly ointment on Jesus. Seeing this, some of those present were indignant, saying that the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus responded by telling them to leave her alone, she has done what she could. I wonder, have I, have you, have we done, are we doing what we can? Such as I have, give I to you—that's what God wants from all of us not only to him but to each other as well as our fellow man (Mark 12:29-31; 1 Peter 4:8-10; Gal. 6:10; James 2:14-18; Mt. 5:14-16).    

 Charles Hicks 

 

No Tears

No Tears In Heaven 

And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new."—Revelation 21:4-5

 Today we live in a world where often tears will flow unbidden from our eyes. Tears of sorrow, sympathy and sacrifice; tears shed over losses, disappointments and failures in life; tears flow because of the pain and an anguish resulting from illnesses and diseases that strike our human frame or that of one we love; tears sometimes stream from our eyes when a loved sheds these earthly bonds. Tears, tears, tears.

 What individual has not shed tears on this journey of life? But let's pause for a moment, close our eyes and listen. Can you not hear it? I do. I hear John as he proclaims loudly and clearly that one day all those things that are a source of our tears will be no more (Rev. 7:16-17; Rev. 21:4). I hear him as he tells us that "he who sits on the throne will make all things new" (Rev. 21:5). On that day there will be deliverance from the trials and tribulations of this world and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes!

  Robert S. Arnold wrote the song, No Tears In Heaven, and the third verse of that song tugs at my heart mightily, "Some morning yon-der, we'll cease to ponder O'er things this life has brought to view; All will be made clear-er, saved ones be dear-er, In heav'n where all will be made new….No tears, no tears, no tears up there, Sorrow and pain will all have flown…No tears, no tears up there, No tears in heav-en will be known." What joyous anticipation is ours today!

 I don't know about you, but even with all the troubles, strife; trials and burdens of this life that cause tears to flow from our eyes, I still want to live for as long as possible. At the same time, I am so thankful that the magnificent grace and love of God makes it possible for everlasting peace and happiness to one day replace those tears (John 3:16; Col. 1:14-16; Titus 2:11; Heb. 2:9, 5:8-9).

 If we live our life today in a way that we can with the greatest of confidence say as Paul does in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me", then all the tears we shed on our journey through this life will not deter us from one day living in the land where we'll never grow old and tears will be no more.

 To God be the glory!

 Charles Hicks

 

 

 

An Enduring Faith

 

 An Enduring Faith

 

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord—Job 1:20-21 

Satan was given permission to use his powers to induce Job to curse God. His efforts to do so brought financial ruin to Job. That effort inflicted upon Job some of the deepest, most agonizing pain and grief of heart known to man, the death of his sons and daughters. Yet even in the darkest hour of his life, Job held firm to his faith in God. Satan's efforts to induce Job to curse God only led him to bless the name of the Lord.  He is a great example of a man with an enduring faith and in this he becomes a great example for you and I.

 We often live for months, even years, in which we experience nothing but good things. O, to be sure there are always those momentary aches, pains and burdens of life but nothing devastating. Then one day it happens, some horrific event comes crashing into our life. What will we do? How will we respond?  It now becomes a question of how deeply we have been willing to submit ourselves to God's will (Rom. 8:28, 31, 35-39, Psalms 23, James 4:6-10).

 When tragic events strike our human frame, they bring grief and pain and cause us to hurt. But for one who has submitted totally to God's will it will not be a question of why did this happen. There are so many things that happen in this life that I do not understand why they happen but one thing I do know, so long as I love and serve God with all my being, he will take care of me and he will do the same for you (Psalms 34:17-19, 1 Pet. 5:6-7). The words of Isaiah 40:31 have come to mean a lot to me: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint".  It is not the tragic events of life that cause us to falter, it is how we handle those events that determines whether we fail or rise to greater heights of faith. The storms of life will not overcome us if we allow the power of God to lift us above them.

 I am human, I am flawed, I am fragile—so are you. When everything seems to be chaos, when our hearts are pained so deeply it seems as if all is lost, I pray ours will be a sustaining faith just like Job of old.  Don't panic, pray (1 Thess. 5:17, Phil. 4:6-7, Heb. 4:16). Recognizing how great our God is will impart to us the strength and courage needed to sustain us all the way every day.

 "Oh for a faith that will not shrink though pressed on by every foe, that will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe" (William H. Bathurst) 

Charles Hicks

 

WHY DO WE SPEAK AS WE DO?

 

Preface to this article: Our "News & Views" two weeks ago was titled "Why Do We Talk As We Do?" This edition of "News & Views" is a sequel to that article and addresses another way in which we are guilty of the wrong kind of speech. I have changed one word in the title of this article from the previous article – the word "Talk" to the word "Speak." In accordance with I Peter 4:11, "speak" sharpens the focus this article intends to bring. I am aware that some of my readers will think that what I say in this article is much ado about nothing. Too, I acknowledge that this will be considered a hard hitting article by some of my readers. I am reminded, however, of the farmer who was breaking his mule and began by taking a 2 x 4 and hitting the mule squarely across the head, staggering the animal. A neighbor who observed the action asked the farmer why he had hit the mule in such a brutal fashion, to which the farmer replied, "Well, before you can break a mule, you have to first get its attention." I hope to get my readers' attention with this article and cause them to reflect on how so many think, speak, and write about the church in a denominational way. Until we have a clear, biblical, undenominational, non-sectarian view of the church we will never grow "with a growth which is from God" (Colossians 2:19, NASB). Instead, we will continue to think and speak of the church as a denomination, and untaught members will shuffle from one religious group to another, thinking there are no significant differences between them, and therefore no significant consequences to be suffered. I urge you to give the following article a careful, thoughtful reading.

 

I continue to be dismayed by the denominational terminology that I increasingly hear and read so many of my brethren using, including elders, preachers, Bible professors, and others who should know better. For example, not long ago I read where a preacher (who is also a Bible professor) posted on a website and spoke of "CofC churches." He was alerting churches of Christ to how long it might take them to find a preacher if they should be in need of one. He was underscoring the shortage of gospel preachers, or, as per his thinking, "Church of Christ" preachers. His terminology, however, was sectarian and denominational to the core! Some of my progressive brothers now speak unabashedly of "Church of Christ churches." How redundant can one be, to say nothing of being utterly unbiblical!

 

On another website I read where one who claims to be learned among us referred to "the Stone-Campbell tradition of churches." In this, he was including the churches of Christ, but he was speaking of them as though they were but one of many religious traditions in the broader "Christian community of believers," i.e., his view that the church is just another denomination among many other denominations. I hear and read of brethren who refer to the church as "our tradition, our tribe, our tributary, our little corner of the kingdom," etc. In God's matchless plan for Christianity He made no allowance for various traditions, tribes, tributaries, and corners in His kingdom! In fact, His word forbids and severely condemns such. (See John 17:20-21; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 4:1-6).

 

A columnist for what purports to be the brotherhood newspaper spoke of her "Church of Christ" friends, lumping them in with her Baptist and Methodist friends. As per her thinking, all three groups fall into the same category. But are they all in the same category? Is the body (church) of Christ just another denomination originating with men such as the Baptists and Methodists? How far some have come from thinking, speaking, and writing simply about "churches of Christ" or "churches of God" (Romans 16:16; II Thessalonians 1:4; et. al.)! Is it not enough to speak of individual members of the body of Christ simply as "Christians"? (Acts 11:26). Why do so many today resort to expressing themselves in ways which the New Testament writers never thought of, spoke of, or wrote of?  "CofC churches" indeed! "Church of Christ" friends! What an embarrassing shame such speakers and writers should feel for their denominational view of the Lord's church!

 

When I read such statements, I ask myself, "What have these guys been reading? Where do they come up with such terminology?" Unfortunately, I know the answer to my questions. These men (and women) have lost all sight (if indeed they ever had such) of the restoration principle and the restoration plea and the great work of going back to the New Testament alone to determine how to become and be God's people in the 21st century. They have totally lost the import of Peter's words, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11a). Their notion seems to be, "If anyone speaks let him speak as the religious (denominational) world around us speaks." After all, we do not want to sound exclusive or be offensive!

 

Was the church of which we read in the New Testament a denomination? Can we be today what it was then? Why then this lumping of God's church with the denominations that men have founded? Why speak "the language of Ashdod" (Nehemiah 13:23-24), the language of sectarians and denominationalists, when we can and should speak as the oracles of God? Of course, before we can speak as the oracles of God, we must first be informed in the oracles of God.

 

Yes, I know that over the years I have written much along the lines above, but I have no intention of letting up in my efforts to set before my readers the beautiful bride of Christ, the church of my Lord in all its radiant splendor as depicted on the pages of the New Testament.

 

As I close this essay, I want to acknowledge that many members (hopefully, most) do not view the church as a denomination and do not wish to intentionally portray it as such. But they find themselves living in a denominational world and have thoughtlessly and unknowingly adopted denominational language. After all, so goes the thinking, if I have friends and family members who are Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans, Nazarenes, etc., then I must be Church of Christ! They have not learned how not to think and speak in denominational terms about the undenominational church of the New Testament. A sweet lady who resides in the Senior Living Community where I now live and a member of the body of Christ since her youth, recently stopped by my dinner table, leaned over and whispered to me, "We have a new resident and she's 'Church of Christ.' " She meant no harm and just sincerely wanted me to know that another sister in Christ was now a part of our community, but she had never been taught nor had she learned how to speak biblically of one who is just a Christian without any denominational affiliation, a person who is only a member of the spiritual body of Christ, the church. To all such, I urge thoughtful and careful reflection on what I have written above.

 

Hugh Fulford

Count Your Blessings

 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward--Romans 8:18

 

Notwithstanding the fact that as children of God we are the recipients of so many wondrous blessings and exceedingly precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) there will fall upon us those times of sorrow and suffering that are common to all mankind. At this moment there are so many thoughts echoing through my mind. Sometimes it seems as if the sufferings of this life are so overwhelming. There are the times when we try and try to say and do that which is right only to become disappointed. Sometimes the burdens weigh so heavy on us making our pilgrimage on earth one in which the days do indeed become weary and the nights become dreary. Stop and listen to the words of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal".

 

Find a song book and turn to the song "When Upon Life's Billows". Look diligently at the sentiments of each verse and then heed the words of the chorus  "Count Your Many Blessings, See What God Hath Done". To be sure, the path we walk often becomes difficult but the blessings of God on our lives far out weigh the hardships. I am convinced that when we  reflect on our lives, we will find that God has been so good to us and in fact has "blessed us with wealth untold". The greatest blessing for all of us is found in the honor of being  called the sons of God (1 John 3:1-3). For us to have this honor our Lord had to endure some tremendous trials while on this earth. He suffered ridicule and shameful treatment at the hands of his accusers. He had to walk that lonely road to Calvary and have nails driven into his flesh and then be hung on a cross to die. He gave his life, shed his precious blood to make it possible for us to be called the sons of God (Colossians 1:12-14). Whatever besets us on this journey will not deter us as we press onward toward that prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14) so long as we lean on the mighty arm of Jesus and stand firm on the Rock of Ages (Psalms 18:2; Isaiah 26:4).

 

Charles Hicks

 

THE CONVERSION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

THE CONVERSION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

 

Nebuchadnezzar was a ruler of the Babylonian Empire for some forty years (from near the close of the 7th century B.C. to 562 B.C.). His conversion and why he needed to be converted is detailed Daniel 4. Before looking at his conversion, we need a bit of historical background concerning the connection of the Babylonian Empire with the people of God, the Kingdom of Judah.

 

Following the death of Solomon in c. 933 B.C., the one united Kingdom of Israel, composed of the twelve tribes, divided into two separate kingdoms. The tragic story of the division and why it occurred is recorded in I Kings 12 and II Chronicles 10. Ten of the twelve tribes revolted against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the rightful heir to the throne, and formed a separate kingdom under Jeroboam. These ten tribes retained the name of Israel and were known as the Northern Kingdom. This ten tribe kingdom did not have a single good king during the entirety of its existence! In 721 B.C. this kingdom was attacked by the Assyrians and taken into captivity, never to return as a distinct kingdom of its own.

 

The other two tribes—Judah and Benjamin—remained loyal to Rehoboam, and because Judah was the larger of the two they became known as the Kingdom of Judah or the Southern Kingdom. This kingdom fluctuated between good and bad kings. After the captivity of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians the Southern Kingdom continued for another 100 plus years before being attacked by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar and taken into Babylonian captivity. Among the first to be deported from Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were given Babylonian names, but Daniel continued to be known as Daniel rather than by his Babylonian name of Beltezhazzar while the other three became (and remained) famously known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. In Babylon, these men were given positions of authority (see Daniel 1).

 

Nebuchadnezzar had a series of dreams that Daniel was able by the Spirit of God to interpret. Daniel 2 records an exceptionally important dream that foretold the setting up of God's eternal kingdom, the church (V. 44). In Daniel 4 we read of a dream by Nebuchadnezzar in which he saw an exceedingly high tree whose height reached to heaven. It was so large that it could be seen to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were lovely and its fruit was in such abundance as to provide food for all. In the dream a holy one came down from heaven and ordered the tree to be cut down, its leaves stripped, and its fruit scattered. The beasts of the field were to flee from its shade and the birds were to fly from its branches. However, the stump of the tree was to remain with its roots in the earth and a bronze band around it. The stump was to be watered by the dew of heaven.

 

Daniel was called in to explain the dream to Nebuchadnezzar. The tree and stump symbolized Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom which had grown strong and powerful. But Nebuchadnezzar had also become haughty and arrogant. (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had been thrown into the fiery furnace for failure to worship Nebuchadnezzar as God). Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzar that he would be driven from his kingdom until "seven times" (years) had passed. During these "seven times" he would dwell with the beasts of the field, eat grass like oxen, and be wet by the dew of heaven until he had come to know "that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Daniel 4:19-25). The stump of the tree was left to assure Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom would be returned to him after he had come "to know that Heaven (God) rules" (Daniel 4:26).  In the meantime, Nebuchadnezzar was instructed by Daniel to "break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor." He was told, "Perhaps there may be a lengthening (prolonging) of your prosperity" (Daniel 4:27).

 

Exactly one year later, Nebuchadnezzar was walking in his palace. He said (perhaps musing to himself), "Is this not great Babylon that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:28-30). While his words were still in his mouth, a voice from heaven said, "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it has been spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Daniel 4:31-32). "That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like bird claws" (Daniel 4:33).

 

Nebuchadnezzar spent seven years as a mad man and as a beast of the field, experiencing all that Daniel had said would happen to him. "And at the end of the time" he said, "And I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?' At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down" (Daniel 4:34-37).

 

Thus we have the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar. He learned his lesson. How many today need to undergo a similar conversion from arrogance and pride to humility and a recognition of the omnipotence of God? Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

 

Hugh Fulford

Give More Earnest Heed

Give More Earnest Heed 

 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (Hebrews 2:1) 

The writer of Hebrews tells us in verse 2 of chapter 1 that God has in these last days spoken to us by his Son and he goes on to tell us that the Son is superior to angels or any man who has ever lived (Hebrews 1:3-13, 2:5-8, 3:1-6). Now he tells us to pay close attention to that which is spoken by the Son.  

We hold in our hands one of the greatest treasures the world has ever known, the Bible, the word of God. Every word of this great treasure is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). This great treasure is able to cleanse us and purify our souls (1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 1:22). This treasure is comprised of truth and it is truth that will set us free (John 8:32, 36, John 17:17).

For all who will allow it to do so, this great treasure becomes the power of God that leads to eternal salvation (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 5:8-9) We must give strict adherence to the truths of the gospel of Christ, the word of God, not to just some of them or only to the ones we like but to all of them without exception. If we neglect to feed on the treasure of God's word and be doers of that word (2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 2:1-3, James 1:22-27, 2:17-26), it will result in the truths that make us free and bring eternal salvation to slip from our minds and be forgotten. Don't let that happen! 

We are weak, frail human beings and if we do not diligently guard our hearts, it will be so easy to become engrossed in the pursuit of worldly things (wealth, homes, cars, possessions, things of all kinds) that we have little or no time left for spiritual things like studying God's word, praying, being involved in the work of the church. It will be so easy to become obsessed with material things, pleasures, amusements, recreational activities and allow those desires to leave no opportunity to do those things that will secure the eternal salvation of our soul to slip away (1 Cor. 15:57, 2 Peter 1:4-11, Hebrews 10:23, 2:1, Colossians 3:5-8).

 It is a great privilege and an honor to be a member of the Lord's church. To be called out of this world, to have redemption, the forgiveness of sins and be translated into the kingdom of God's beloved Son is cause for much rejoicing and praise to God (Col. 1:12-14). Giving heed to things spoken by the Lord, we must realize that we are a branch in Christ the vine. I cannot get by on the fact that the other branches are fruitful and function as they should while I do not and neither can you (John 15:1-8). We are a living stone in the building (1 Peter 2:4-5). I cannot get by on the fact that the other stones fit into their place and do their work well while I do not and neither can you. We are lights in the world and must shine (Matthew 5:14-16, Phil. 2:14-16). I cannot get by on the fact that other lights shine leading the lost and erring into the fold of safety while I do not and neither can you. 

Hold on to your faith so tenaciously that we will not falter or give up regardless of the struggles we face in this life (Hebrews 12:1-3).

 Charles Hicks

End of the Journey

End of the Journey

 

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it"--Ecclesiastes 12:7 

Today we are on a great earthly journey that began the day we were born. It is uncertain as to when our departure from this life will take place. Each day we live just brings us one step closer to the time when our sojourn on this earth will come to an end (Eccl. 9:5, Heb. 9:27). If we live another week, a month or even years, it will still be only a short time when we consider the eternity to which we are going (Psalms 90:9-10). We do not need to be anxious about the when or how of death. Our major concern should center on being ready to exit this world and enter the world that will never end (Eccl. 12:13-14, 2 Cor. 5:10, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 2 Corinthians 5:9).

   The words of Ephesians 5:14-17 sound out a great warning to us, especially verse 16: "Making the most of your time, because the days are evil".  Every step we take must be taken with great caution and watchfulness lest we find ourselves walking down that broad way that leads to everlasting destruction (Matthew 7:13).  Walk not after the flesh but strive to walk in a manner that becomes a faithful child of God (Gal. 5:19-25, 2 Pet. 1:3-11).

 Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow may never come, thus we must understand that all we have is this present moment of time and it can end in the blink of an eye. Now is the time to be obedient to the Lord (Heb. 5:8-9, 2 Cor. 6:2, Phil.2:12). Now is the time to put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11-18), to set affections on things above (Col. 3:1-3, to lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21, time for those members of the Lord's church who have become lukewarm, indifferent, inactive and unfaithful to come home, repenting and praying for God's forgiveness (Rev. 3:15-16, 1 John 1:9). Are you ready to come to the end of the way and take that last step through the door of death? Take heed, it may be later than you may think. Make peace with God while it is still today, tomorrow may be too late. Hear him, believe him, repent, confess him, be baptized for remission of sins, then live faithfully for and with him until that hour comes when these earthly bonds are cast off and we go to meet our God face to face (Romans 10:17, John 20:30-31, Acts 17:30-31, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:19-23).

 The end of this earthly journey for the child of God is a home of eternal rest (Rev. 14:12). The builder of that home has promised that he will come again and take us there to dwell with him (John 14:1-3). As I have grown older, I have become acutely aware of the insecurity of this earthy life. I have seen so many of my loved ones and friends slip silently through the door of death and I am keenly aware that my days on this earth are passing swiftly and all too soon I too will be leaving this world behind. Now, none of us knows when, where or how we will die. The only thing we know for sure is that the day is coming when our fleshly heart will beat for the last time. Does the thought of that day scare you or excite you (Phil. 1:21-23, 2 Cor. 5:6-9, Gal. 2:20). I venture to say that how you answer this question depends on the way you are living your life right now and how you view death.

 Charles Hicks