QUESTIONS ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL

People have all kinds of ideas about heaven and hell. Some believe that the bliss and joy in heaven is everlasting but that the pain and anguish in torment in hell is not everlasting. Some believe that heaven will be here on earth after it has undergone a renovation by fire. Some of these same people believe that the person who goes to hell will be vaporized with a “poof” and completely annihilated. (“Poof” was actually used to describe the end of those who are lost: Christian Chronicle Podcast featuring Rubel Shelly, hosted by B.T. Irwin, March 2026). All that anyone really knows about heaven and hell is that which is revealed in the Bible. Everything else is just idle speculation and wishful thinking.

To help us focus on these matters, I raise the following questions. The first three are foundational to the ones that follow.

If the English reader of the New Testament knows nothing about the Greek in which it was originally written, can the average man on the street take his English New Testament and learn therefrom what it teaches about both heaven and hell?

Could he/she lay several English translations side by side and by comparing them arrive at what God has taught us about heaven and hell?

If the reader of the English New Testament cannot learn from it what it says about heaven and hell, can he/she learn anything else the New Testament was intended to teach mankind (the virgin birth of Christ, the purpose of Christ coming to earth, what He did and taught, His death, burial, and resurrection, how to be saved from sin, how to acceptably worship God, how to live a life that is pleasing to God)?

When Jesus said to the penitent thief “today you will be with Me in Paradise,” was He talking about a place somewhere here on earth or a place somewhere else? (Luke 23:43).

When Christ died His body was buried in Joseph's tomb and His soul went into Hades but it did not remain there (Acts 2:25-31). (Note: Hades is not synonymous with hell, but refers to the unseen realm of the dead). Is Hades some place here on earth or is it somewhere else?

When Jesus had completed His mission here on earth He ascended back to heaven (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11)? Is the heaven to which He ascended somewhere on earth?

When Jesus ascended back to heaven He said to His apostles (and, by extension, all His faithful followers), “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Did He go to some place here on earth to prepare that place? Or is He not now doing what He said “I go” to do, and will do it later at His second coming?

When He comes again to receive us to Himself, will that be some place here on earth or a place that He left this earth to go and prepare for us somewhere else?

When Paul was “caught up to the third heaven” (II Corinthians 12:1-7) to where was he caught up? To some place here on earth, or to some realm above the earth?

Did Jesus say that everlasting punishment would be co-extensive with eternal life, i.e., each at long as the other? (Matthew 25:46).

What is the significance of Christ's quotation of Isaiah in Mark 9 when He spoke three times of a place “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched”? (Vv. 44, 46, 48).

In speaking of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus said that Lazarus was in Abraham's bosom (likely another reference to Paradise), while the rich man was “in torments in Hades” (Vv. 22-23). Were both the rich man and Lazarus somewhere here on earth when one was in Abraham's bosom and the other in torments? Or, were they in realms beyond the earth?

When the rich man asked Father Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue, did Abraham say to him, “Hold on a little while longer, son; in a few minutes your torment will be over and you will be 'poofed' out of existence?”

How did Paul view heaven and hell when he wrote in Romans 2:6-10 and said that at His second coming Jesus “will render to each according to his deeds: to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality—eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”?

Did not Christ say that the everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels? (Matthew 25:41). Will the devil and his angels be vaporized with a “poof”?

What is the significance of the apostle John's statement that the devil was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone “where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever”? (Revelation 20:10)? (From the earlier chapters of Revelation we learn who the beast and the false prophet were—people).

What did John have in mind when a few verses later he said, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire”? (Revelation 20:15). When cast into the lake of fire would they be vaporized with a “poof,” or like the devil, the beast, and the false prophet, would they also be “tormented day and night forever and ever” (V. 10)?

One final question: Can a gospel preacher, using his English New Testament, preach and teach about heaven and hell in the very words used in the New Testament to describe these two places and by so doing teach God's truth about these two places?

We all have many questions about both heaven and hell. The ones mentioned above should stimulate us to serious thought and study. More importantly, they should move us to live as God intended for us to live so that we might gain heaven and avoid hell. Let us rely on the knowledge and wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of men in regard to these vital questions. (See I Corinthians 1:18-25).

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (II Timothy 4:4, ESV). Is this what some have done when it comes to the Bible doctrine of heaven and hell?

Are you a Christian? Are you living a faithful Christian life? If you are not living a faithful Christian life and died today, do you know where you would spend eternity? Is that where you really want to be throughout eternity? (Note: “spend eternity” is an accommodative expression. Eternity cannot actually be “spent”; it goes on and on and on, without any end).

Hugh Fulford

 

What does Bible say about Marriage, Divorce and remarriage?

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND REMARRIAGE (AGAIN)

“Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever puts away his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I (Jesus) say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except for sexual immorality/fornication, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery' ” (Matthew 5:31-32).

“He (Jesus) said to them, 'Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality/fornication, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery' ” (Matthew 19:8-9).

“And He (Jesus) said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery' ” (Mark 10:11-12).

Jesus speaking: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18).

The apostle Paul speaking: “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man” (Romans 7:2-3).

The apostle Paul speaking: “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife” (I Corinthians 7:10-11).

“A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord” (I Corinthians 7:39).

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).

The language in the above texts is clear and straightforward. All quotations are from the New King James Version. You are encouraged to read all of these passages in several versions of the New Testament: King James Version, American Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, et. al. The Greek scholars have done an excellent job of translating the original language into the English language. We do not have to be Greek scholars in order to know what Christ, Paul, and the writer of Hebrews said in the above passages. All of the various versions are in complete agreement on what they say.

In the light of the preceding passages, it requires a lot of “jumping through hoops and loops” to say that one under the law of Christ can divorce and remarry for any reason whatsoever and still NOT be guilty of adultery! In that case, the law of Christ would be no different from what the law of Moses permitted. If such were the case, then neither the words of Christ nor those of the inspired apostle Paul have any real meaning. If one can divorce and remarry for many reasons and not be guilty of committing adultery, then, pray tell me, when would a divorce and remarriage constitute adultery? Christ and His apostles did not not engage in such word games and “double-speak.” Their words are plain and easy to understand and the point they make is clear and direct.

Paul dealt with various marital problems in the church at Corinth, some of which had been addressed by the Lord while He was on earth and some of which He had not addressed while on earth, but which Paul addressed under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 7; cf. I Corinthians 14:37). Nothing that Paul wrote in I Corinthians 7 regarding various marital situations contradicted or countermanded what he and the Lord had said in the texts cited above. Many people, wanting to divorce their present spouse and marry another but with no scriptural ground for doing so, often go looking for “loop-holes” as to how they may divorce and remarry with the Lord's approval. Most of the time, this is done when a forbidden marriage has already been entered into.

It is regrettable that many people have gotten their marital lives so badly tangled with multiple marriages, divorces, and remarriages, or by simply living together without a civil marriage ceremony. I grieve for those who have done so, and my heart goes out to the children who have been the innocent victims of these unscriptural marriages or “living-together-but-not-married” arrangements. God has not commissioned me to untangle these marriages and unholy relationships. Only the parties involved in them and who know why they divorced and remarried can untangle them. But I (and all other gospel preachers and teachers, including elders) have been charged with the responsibility to teach what the Lord and His apostles taught on this important subject as set forth in the above passages.

Do not be taken in by the trickery of men who, for whatever reason, want to get around what the word of God plainly teaches about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Don't go looking for “loop-holes” in what the Bible says. Over the years, I have observed that when an effort is made to get around a plain, positive statement of scripture, behind that effort is an agenda to defend someone who has violated that scripture and who is living (or practicing things) contrary to the Scriptures.

I pray that all marriages that have been entered into in harmony with God's word will be strong and lasting just as God Himself from the beginning ordained (Genesis 2:24-25).

Hugh Fulford

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does the church of Christ believe?

HAVE WE FORGOTTEN THAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS UNIQUE?

(Note: The following article was written by John Jones, minister of the church in McEwen, TN and appeared in that church's bulletin of August 4, 2025. I have never met brother Jones, but for a period of over thirty years, beginning in 1980, I conducted at least six meetings with the church in McEwen and spoke there at various other times on special occasions. I know most of the present elders and what they stand for. I commend brother Jones' excellent article to all readers of Hugh's News & Views. It is a fitting sequel to the article two weeks ago on "How Do You View The Church of Christ?" If some think my emphasis on the distinctiveness of the church of our Lord is a case of "overkill," I would simply note that it is "the squeaking wheel that gets the grease." Far too many Christians, including many preachers and elders, have either forgotten, never knew, or have abandoned, what the New Testament says about the one church Christ established. The denominational world has absolutely no concept of Christianity except from a denominational perspective. Brother Jones' article follows).

One truth that we cannot overemphasize is that the church of Christ is unique in the religious world today. We claim to be the church you can read about in the Bible because we follow what we see as a pattern in the New Testament for the establishment of the Christian church (not used as a "name" for the church, but as a descriptor of the New Testament church, as distinct from "the church in the wilderness" composed of fleshly Israelites, Acts 7:38, hf). We meet together on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7), sing songs of praise to God without instrumental musical accompaniment (Ephesians 5:19), give of our means to support the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1–2), offer prayers to God (1 Timothy 2:1), and hear a message from God's word (Acts 2:42). We do these things because this is what the early church did in their worship. We recognize the apostle's doctrine of male spiritual leadership (1 Corinthians 14:33–34) but also appreciate the roles of service our hard-working women provide the church (Titus 2:3–5). We follow the pattern of each congregation having elders who lead the local church to follow Jesus (1 Timothy 3:1–6). We emphasize, scripturally, that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). These biblical principles make us unique in the religious world today!

The ability to provide a scripture reference behind each of the spiritual activities we do is very important to us. We believe in biblical authority that comes from recognizing the Lord's authority in the running of His church. He purchased it with his own blood (Acts 20:28), He built it (Matthew 16:18), and He is its head (Ephesians 5:23), therefore He commands and we obey. But those commands are given in a spirit of love because He knows what is best for us. When we obey Him, we recognize His love for us and respond submissively to Jesus because we love Him (John 14:15).

Unfortunately, I've recently seen some of our members act like the church of Christ is just one among many denominational options or, sadly, that their membership is only tied to where their parents raised them. I'm worried that we may be turning into the Israelites of Judges 2:10 - "And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel." I've heard some recently explain that former members here are now attending with the Baptists or Methodists and, instead of expressing deep sadness over this, act as if its better to be worshiping in falsehood than not at all.

Don't get me wrong, we love everyone. But our love for them ought to be shown in a deep concern for their souls. If we believe all churches are essentially the same, other than some minor differences, we have completely missed the point. Jesus built one church and disunity among Christians is condemned (1 Corinthians 1:10). Jesus calls all Christians to a unity that is founded upon the truth of His word (John 17:17, 20–23). If we give up on that, can we really claim to be Christ's followers?

Do we know who we are and what we stand for? Do we understand the "restoration plea"? Are we still interested in Christian unity from a "back to the Bible" perspective? Let's encourage our brethren about what makes us unique and invite everyone we know to join us in the ongoing work of restoration: restoring individuals to God and restoring the church to the pattern the apostles show us clearly in the pages of the New Testament.

Hugh Fulford

Bible Truths...Baptism

BIBLE TRUTHS ABOUT BAPTISM

 

* John the Baptist preached "baptism for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4).

 

* Those who refused John's baptism rejected the counsel of God (Luke 7:30).

 

* Jesus Himself was baptized by John and God was well pleased with Him (Matthew 3:13-17).

 

* Jesus had no sins (I Peter 2:21-22), but in being baptized Jesus "fulfilled all righteousness" (Matthew 3:13-16), i.e., He obeyed a commandment that God had given through John the Baptist and all of God's commandments are righteousness (Psalm 119:172).

 

* Jesus also was baptized to avoid the conflicting position of being "a teacher come from God" (John 3:2) while not submitting to the preaching of another teacher from God, John the Baptist (John 1:6-7).

 

* Jesus and His disciples baptized (John 3:26; John 4:1-2).

 

* Jesus said that a man who had experienced the natural birth from his mother's womb must nevertheless be "born again...of water and the Spirit" (John 3:3-5).

 

* Jesus commanded the apostles to teach all nations, baptizing people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

* Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).

 

* The apostle Peter told sinners to "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).

 

* As a result of having Christ preached to him, the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized, and upon confessing his faith in Christ, he immediately was baptized (Acts 8:35-39).

 

* Baptism is a complete immersion in water (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:4-5; Colossians 2:12).

 

* The Philippian jailer and his household were baptized the same hour of the night in which they learned what to do to be saved (Acts 16:25-34).

 

* "And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed, and were baptized" (Acts 18:8b).

* There is but one baptism: baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the remission of sins (Ephesians 4:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38).

 

* Baptism is so important that Paul re-baptized about twelve men who had received the outdated baptism of John the Baptist (no longer valid if administered after Acts 2), i.e., the men had to make a second trip to the water in order to be right with God (Acts 19:1-7).

 

* Baptism washes away sins (Acts 22:16).

 

* Baptism is into Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27).

 

* Baptism is into the death of Christ where He shed His blood (Romans 6:3-4; John 19:33-34).

 

* It is in baptism that one contacts the blood of Christ (note the preceding) and has his sins washed away (Acts 22:16).

 

* Baptism is not a work of human merit, but a work of God (Colossians 2:11-12).

 

* God saves people according to His mercy "by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-7).

 

* Baptism is into the one body, the church (I Corinthians 12:13; (Ephesians 1:22-23).

 

* The church of the Lord (the composite of all those who have been saved—Acts 2:47) is sanctified and cleansed "with the washing of water by the word" (Ephesians 5:25-26).

 

* Baptism saves (I Peter 3:21).

 

Hugh Fulford

 

He Lives

He Is Alive

 

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead . . . . . . . .(1 Corinthians 15:19-20)

 

 Jesus has been crucified, his body taken from the cross and laid in a sepulchre that is tightly sealed with a stone (Mk. 15:46-47). With high hopes and dreams, the disciples of Jesus had given their hearts, souls and minds to him. Up to a few days ago everything was going well but now they have watched as Jesus was crucified and his body placed in that sepulchre. Now his disciples are miserable and gather together mourning and weeping (Mk. 16:10). Suddenly, Mary Magdalene appears telling them that Jesus is alive, she has seen him. The mourning and weeping will now be replaced with joy.

 

As I sit here today, these words from a beautiful song echo within my heart: "Because he lives I can face tomorrow, Because he lives all fear is gone, Because I know he holds the future, And life is worth the living just because he lives." We don't have any inkling of an idea what lies just around the corner in front of us. It may be good but it also may not be good. Thanks be to God, we don't have to be fearful of the next moment (Isa. 12:2-3); Heb. 4:14-16; John 14:1-3, 27; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 13:5; Rom. 8:35-39).

 

So long as we obey him and him only, so long as we love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, ever trusting and confiding in him, his faithful love will surround us with tender care and, not in a literal sense, by faith he will whisper to us, "You are not alone" (Mark 12:30; Psalm 62:8; Heb. 13:5-6). We are greatly blessed with the privilege of walking each day of our life with him as our friend, our companion and protector always instructing and safely guiding us whatever betides us (John 15:14; Psalm 145:18-20; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).We know that he holds the future in his hands and with confidence we can face each day knowing we have the touch of the Master's hand on our heart.

 

I can think of no better way to end this thought than by the words written by A.H. Ackley in the song, He Lives: "He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."

 

Charles Hicks

 

No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home

 

We are confident, I say, and willing to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him (2 Cor. 5:8-9).

 

As I think about this passage from 2 Corinthians 5, some beautiful words from the song, Anywhere Is Home, begin fill my heart: "Oft I'm tossed about and driven by the foe, Sad within without wherever I may go, But  I press along still looking up in prayer, For its home sweet home if Christ my Lord is there." Long ago I came to the conclusion that wherever you go, whatever you do, there just is no place like the comfort and peace of a home filled with the faithful love of Christ. As much as this is true in the temporal realm, I, for one, believe to be absent from this body and be present with the Lord is far greater.

 

I love this life and want to stay here for as long as possible. Yet I know that this world is not my permanent dwelling place and neither is it yours (Phil. 3:20; 1 Pet. 2:11). With all our being we should be reaching forth to that which lies in front of us knowing that with the passing of each day, yea even the passing of each minute of each day, we are brought  one step closer to shedding these earthly bonds (Phil. 3:13-14). Yes, I do love this life and want to stay here a little longer, yet there is within my heart a longing for that day when I will shed these earthly bonds and be present with the Lord. What do you say about yourself?

 

Life as we know it is so uncertain. Job tells us it is of few days as well as like a swift ship (Job 14:1, 9:26); Isaiah compares life to a thread soon to be cut Isa.:38:12); 2 Sam. 14:14 tells us life is like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again and James tells us that our life is like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14-15). Psalms 90:9-10 is a great summation of life: "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our days as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away."

 

As we journey through this earthly life, I pray that for each of us it will be one in which happiness, contentment, prosperity, reasonably good health, comfort and peace of mind will far outweigh the adverse conditions that will surely strike our human frame from time to time. But most of all I pray that when we take that journey from which we will not return, it will be well with our eternal soul on that great appointed judgement day. O, how I want one day to stand in the presence of the Lord and proclaim, Home, Home at last! How about you?

 

Charles Hicks

 

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