Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent

Denver Broncos fans

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Brett Petrillo

 

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The country of Serendip

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

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

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

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

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

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

May your life be a continual amazing serendipity!

Russ Lawson

What do ye more than others?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ron Covey

Harold Camping and the end of the world

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Timothy D. Hall.

http://www.networkedblogs.com/

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

 

You can also find my material here at these links:

 

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

 

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

Funeral sermon for an elderly person

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We read of a place that's called Heaven,

It's made for the pure and the free;

These truths in God's Word he hath given,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

In Heaven no drooping or pining,

No wishing for elsewhere to be;

 

God's light is forever there shining,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

Pure waters of life there are flowing,

And all who will drink may be free;

Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

The angels so sweetly are singing,

Up there by the beautiful sea;

Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,

How beautiful Heaven must be.

 

John Dobbs 

Forsythe Church of Christ  Monroe, LA