Kevin Hardy Times Free Press online

In the greatest sermon ever preached, Jesus wrote, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat. 5:12-13).  Persecution takes many forms, but if you want to see one form of it simply go to Ridgedale's Facebook page and look at the dozens of examples of tolerance from broad-minded people as they help that congregation face what the world thinks of them.  

 

An article by Kevin Hardy in today's Times Free Press online (http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/aug/21/repent-or-leave/), which reflects some basic ignorance of what the Bible teaches about church discipline, unleashed a firestorm of hateful response by readers who are on Facebook and who in turn posted their remarks on the aforementioned page.  My prediction is that things will get worse before they get better for the good people at Ridgedale.  Understanding that we do not have all the facts of the case and would not expect a person in the world to give them to us, what we should do is focus on what is alleged.  A professed lesbian's family that attended Ridgedale was approached by church leaders after the woman's mother publicly supported her daughter as she sought same-sex benefits from the city of Collegedale.  As the family's support of their daughter was public, the church felt compelled by scriptural mandate to ask the family to repent or be subject to church discipline.  The family publicly made their exit and a congregational matter is now being splashed across news outlets.  But, why is this congregation facing such an outcry and disapproval?  The answer will differ from individual to individual, but here are some broad reasons evidenced from people's responses.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because of the cultural sickness of subjectivity.   One woman writes, "I think the decision makers of this church will one day pay for their sins..." Another woman writes, "I think the Cooper's will be far better off without a church who punish's them for not turning their back on their child...." Another puts it, "In my world, my God accepts, doesn't judge and loves all his children!" Still another says, "Wow! I guess we know different Gods. My God offers unconditional love and tells me not to judge others...." (misspellings and grammatical errors made by the original writers). Others' subjectivity is more subtly expressed, but here is the common thread.  People think they get to co-opt God and make Him over in their image.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because of society's warped view of tolerance.  Certainly, so many who commented on that page are not tolerant of anyone who interprets Scripture literally.  They are not tolerant of this congregation's autonomy. They are not tolerant of the view that homosexuality is a sin.  It is abundantly clear from the comments.  You will read such slurs as "bigot," "hoping the church burns in hell," "Scumbag Church," "group of horrible people," and more.  This is dripping with irony.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because the average person does not know the Bible.   People speak of God loving unconditionally, Jesus accepting everyone, and that one's sexuality does not matter.  There is a famine of hearing the words of the Lord in our land (cf. Amos 8:11). Such lack of knowledge will destroy a people (Hosea 4:6).  God's unconditional love does not mean unconditional acceptance if someone lives in rebellion to His will.  Jesus will not accept everyone.  To the majority, He will say, "Depart from Me" (see Mat. 7:13-14, 21-23).  Apparently, one's sexuality does matter (see 1 Cor. 6:9-11). But people are grossly uninformed about the only book that reveals the heart and mind of God.

 

Please pray for Ridgedale.  Encourage them and show them love.  The detractors are popular and validated by a world separated from God.  Let us have the courage to stand by God's people who are willing to stand up for His will.

 

--Neal Pollard

 

Proverbs 22:24-25

"Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man,
or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself" (Proverbs 22:24-25
NASB). We must give attention to the company we keep. This concept is just
as important for adults as it is for kids. We have a tendency to behave in a
way that is "normal." If the company we keep is given to anger, that becomes
normal and we find ourselves becoming more angry. This is why children so
often inherit their parent's habits of yelling and angry outbursts. It has
become normal to them; they think everyone does it. If we are striving to
live for Christ, normal isn't something we want (cf. Romans 12:2). We need
to watch our behavior and consider the value of the friends we make.

Jeremy Sprouse

"Educated Beyond Our Capacity"

by Tom Wacaster "The mind is a terrible thing to waste." It has been four decades since the United Negro College Fund used this catchy little phrase to help emphasize the need to educate men and women of all races. The famous quote remained unchanged for more than thirty years and has come to be a part of the American vernacular used by lay persons and educators alike to drive home the point of the necessity of education. Over the years other phrases and quotes have drawn our attention to the power, and even the danger, of a good education. "The more you learn, the less you know." "A little learning is a dangerous thing." It has been more than four decades since the advent of the personal computer. We used to think those "geeks" who hid themselves in their back rooms and closets had become "educated beyond their capacity." Little did we know that their much learning would lead to the technological advancements we have experienced since those early days of computers. Luke records the arrest and interrogation of Paul in Acts chapters 21-28. Having been arrested on false charges by his fellow Jews, he was interrogated by a chief captain, the Jewish council, Festus, Felix, King Agrippa, and even the high court of Rome, Caesar himself. Of particular interest was Paul's encounter with Festus. Having made his defense before Festus, and following Paul's closing appeal to the resurrection of the dead, the governor responded, "Paul, Thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee made" (Acts 26:24). In other words, "Paul, you have been educated beyond your capacity." Knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Terrorist groups have some obviously intelligent personal in their organization. I read just last week that such organizations have now produced a liquid explosive. According to the report, clothes are dipped in the liquid, hung out to dry, and presto, you have an explosive that you wear. Light a match, and you literally become a living Roman candle. The proper use of knowledge, however, can be a wonderful blessing, as is evidenced by all the good that has been accomplished in the last two or three centuries. Scientists, medical doctors, astrophysicists, et al. have contributed vastly to the betterment of mankind. But a good working knowledge of God's word far exceeds all the knowledge that man might acquire through much learning in human institutions. I am not criticizing secular education; I am simply saying it must be kept in proper perspective. All the education in the world without a knowledge of God's word leaves one illiterate and uneducated in matters of importance. But a good knowledge of the Bible with only a first grade education will produce wisdom that far exceeds that of the ancient philosophers of Greece or Rome. With these things in mind, let us ask, "How should the Christian use his knowledge of things holy and divine?" Here are some suggestions. First, we should be humbled by this knowledge. Knowledge tends to puff up (1 Cor. 8:1). This does not mean it has to; it just means that it has a propensity to do so. All of us have known the educated fool who thinks he is much better than others simply because he has a degree from some prestigious college or university. A brother in Christ once told me that when I arrived at his level of education I would understand better why he believed a particular (and obviously false) doctrine which he had embraced. We dare not allow our knowledge to produce contempt in our hearts for the less fortunate, those less educated, or even those who have been deceived by false teachers. Second, knowledge should compel us to be more considerate of the less informed. Paul wrote, "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor. 8:9). To the Galatians this same apostle penned these words: "For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another" (Gal. 5:13). Knowledge in and of itself, is of no value when it comes to eternal values. If our knowledge of God and His will in our lives does not compel us to share that knowledge with others, then we have missed one of the greatest responsibilities of this God-given gift to man. Third, knowledge will give certainty to our faith. It is tragic that some allow their knowledge to destroy their faith. A good case in point is the increasing number of young people who go off to college only to have the professors destroy their faith in God. One brother observed, "One of the sad casualties of higher education - even for preachers - is loss of faith." Learning, coupled with solid faith in the word of God, is a good thing. A study of archaeology, science, languages, and history will enhance our faith provided we have a healthy attitude toward the scriptures. Fourth, knowledge should produce a willingness to sacrifice some of our personal liberty for the greater good of Christ and His church. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble" (1 Cor. 8:13). Paul was not talking about giving in to every cantankerous troublemaker. He was talking about foregoing our rights for a brother who did not have the knowledge to make reasonable and sound conclusions. It is with such immature, but growing brethren that we forego some of those liberties God has given us in Christ. Guy N. Woods touched on this very point with these words: "This is an example of waiving one's own liberty for the sake of another's conscience - waived, not surrendered! Paul deferred to a weak brother, because he was weak, to keep him from stumbling." Fifth, knowledge should make us grateful. I sometimes wonder why God has blessed me with the wonderful opportunities I have had to study His word. I'm not talking about a casual reading, but the time and circumstances to drink deeply from His word. Words cannot express my appreciation to the Father, and to the brethren, for the support given, and the time provided that are necessary to do what I do. To whatever degree you have time and circumstances to read and study, in all things give thanks to the Father. Finally, knowledge should never be kept to oneself. God never intended for His people to be educated in His word for the sole purpose of knowledge. The Great Commission is evidence of the divine intention. In addition, Paul wrote: "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). The founder of Investor's Business Daily, William J. O'Neil, is credited with saying, "People who hope to influence what goes on around them develop the habit of reading great books." I would add one element to that observation: "People who desire that their influence extend beyond this life into eternity, for both themselves and others, make it a habit to read and study the Bible." Only within the pages of the inspired book can be found the knowledge that, once acquired, will educate us, but not educate us beyond capacity!

 

Riley Cooper Philadelphia Eagles

Riley Cooper is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. In July, Cooper attended a concert where he was denied access backstage. Angered by this, and also a bit drunk, the football star spouted off with a very offensive racial slur at the black guards. What Cooper didn't know at the time was that someone captured his words on a smart phone and soon the video was posted all over the Internet. Like a wild fire, the wide receivers words spread to his teammates, the NFL, fans, and to millions of others through the media. Cooper has received harsh criticism from people all over the United States, as well as a fine from the Eagles.

 

Ever since this became public, Cooper has profusely apologized to his teammates and fans, and is even seeking counseling. He went on to say, "The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me. My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better" (BleacherReport.com).

 

Obviously Riley Cooper messed up, but thankfully he stepped up and is accepting responsibility for his actions. Whether these were the words of an extreme racist, a one time slip of the tongue, or the "alcohol speaking" (which is a topic for another day), Cooper is going to have to deal with the consequences of his words.

 

This situation is a cold slap of reality about the danger of our words. Our words can do terrible damage to others and ourselves. Certainly this is why Scripture places so much emphasis on our words. We are warned about the general dangers of the tongue (James 3:2-10; Colossians 3:8-10), gossip (Proverbs 26:22-25), words of anger (Matthew 5:22), lies (Colossians 3:9), etc.

 

As Riley Cooper can attest to, just a few poorly chosen words can quickly spread and damage our reputations. People are watching, listening, and sometimes even imitating our words. Let's be all the more careful in what we say and all the more diligent to use our words for good.

 

--Brett Petrillo

Zone alarm sale

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/summer-sale/save-50-percent.htm?cid=W100040

 

George H.W. Bush is bald

"Sympathizing"

By now you've probably seen the photos: George H.W. Bush, 41st President of
the
United States, is bald. No, it's not a secret accidentally exposed; Bush
shaved
his head to show support for 2-year-old Patrick, son of a member of Bush's
security detail. Patrick is bald, too, but from chemotherapy treatments for
his
leukemia.

President Bush's show of support becomes more touching when you learn that
he
and his wife, Barbara, lost a 4-year-old child to cancer nearly 60 years
ago.
The 89-year-old may be hairless for a time, but he suddenly seems more
attractive.

We've heard other stories like this: friends and family members who shave
their
heads when a loved one begins losing their hair during cancer treatments.
It's
a powerful gesture, designed to send a message that they're not fighting
their
battle alone.

Amy Wadsworth, herself a cancer patient, probes into this method of showing
support: "Is [shaving your head] something they will find touching? Are you
sure? Or, is it an empty gesture in lieu of actual valuable help they will
need, such as meals, phone calls, help with rides, and house cleaning?"
(http://www.butdoctorihatepink.com/)

Yes, people need support when they suffer. But they need the right kind of
support.

The story of Job is well known. God allowed this righteous man to be
tempted by
Satan. In one day he literally lost everything. The next day he lost his
health. Three friends came to show their sympathy: "... they lifted up
their
voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head
toward heaven" (Job 2:12). For seven days they sat with Job, saying
nothing.

When the friends did speak, they tried to advise Job on why he was suffering
and
what he should do. Before long Job blurted out, "Miserable comforters are
you
all!" (Job 16:2). The sympathy they thought they were showing was not
working.

On the other end of the spectrum, consider Jesus. "For we do not have a
High
Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points
tempted
as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus lived out the prophecy of
Isaiah 53:5: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for
our
iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him" (Isaiah 53:5).

The most telling statement of all: "... the Lord has laid on Him the
iniquity of
us all" (Isaiah 53:6). What a friend we have in Jesus, the one whose
sympathy
truly helps!

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

A. J. McCarron Alabama Crimson Tide football team

People are Watching  

          A. J. McCarron is the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. At the recent SEC media days, Alex Scarborough wrote about McCarron on Espn.com. McCarron has done something with Alabama that no quarterback has done in decades – win back-to-back national championships. He is, undoubtedly, a high-profile athlete.
 
          But how did he react during the SEC media days? How did McCarron spend his summer? He and his team are odds on to win another (third-in-a-row) national championship or at least the SEC championship. How does that impact McCarron's off-the-field behavior?
 
          I found Scarborough's article on McCarron fascinating. A. J. admits that he cannot live the "normal" lifestyle of a 22-year-old. "I have to watch what I do at all times." He explained to Scarborough that his name and his reputation were too important for him to risk going to a bar. He can control his actions online and in public and so he works on that.
 
          "I can't go out and act a fool in public, can't go out and drink excessively and end up being wild," he said. "I'm not saying that I want to in any type of way. I want to be the type of kid and guy that younger kids can look up to -- even if it's only a couple."
 
          Then Scarborough adds: "Even though he'd love for it to be all about football, he understands it's just not the world he lives in."
 
            The world you and I live in judges Christianity, not just by Who Jesus is or what He teaches, but also by how you and I live. How many times have we heard people say, "I'm just as good a person as so-and-so who goes to church every Sunday." That may or may not be true and it may or may not be a fair judgment but the reality is many people see things that way.
 
            When they do, our life may be getting in the way of Jesus' testimony. Our life has become a stumbling block to the salvation of others. The world judges Christians by appearances and so we have to be careful what others see in us.
 
            That gives new meaning to the commandment: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain" (Exodus 20:7).
 
            You and I wear the name of Christ every day – Christian. Our lives need to reflect His nature – His love, His holiness, His grace, His righteousness. Otherwise, we may be taking/wearing His name in vain.
 
            In the world we live in, people are watching you.

 

Paul Holland