Bible Study Announcement

·      I Would like to thank everyone who has been following my publishings around the world. I would like to take this time to invite all that are close to Jemison Alabama to a public bible study starting in April.

    On April 12^th 2012 bible studies of God’s Word will be held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Jemision wedding chapel from 10:30 until noon. All will be welcome, so come and spiritually be filled with our first study on Bible Authority given by preacher Brian Funderburg. Still hungry after our study, have lunch at the wedding chapel from 10:00am to 2:00pm Monday thru Friday. Look us up on the web. (www.jemisonweddingchapel.com or http://jemisonchurchofchrist.blogspot.com) For more information call Cindy Vining at the Wedding Chapel 205-688-2290 Or Brian Funderburg at 205-688-5807.

THIS CHURCH AT JEMISON

The church of Christ at this place is nothing but a church. There is no social program, nor does the church have a kitchen, fellowship hall, gymnasium or television lounge. This church does not promote fun, frolicking, frivolities or feasting. It has no ball teams, skating parties, hay rides or wiener roasts. We are attempting to try to “hold” young people with the truth of the gospel. This church specializes in being a church.

The church of Christ at this place is not a member of any organization larger than itself. It has no organizations within it smaller than itself. (Its classes are not organizations but mediums of teaching, being a part of the teaching program of the church.) It sustains organic ties and contributes to no organizations outside of itself. As we said before, this church specializes in being just a church.

This is not an apology. We believe that being a church is enough for the church to be. (That’s all that Jesus made it!) And that involves much on the positive side.

Jesus established the church for spiritual purposes. It is a “spiritual house”. The “stones” of which it is made are people who are also the priesthood, in order to offer up acceptable spiritual sacrifice (worship) to God through Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Therefore we meet to worship God (we have not yet discovered a better reason for meeting.) just as Christians did in the New Testament. We are careful to do as they did, namely, to sing and pray, and on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s supper and give liberally (1 Cor. 14:15; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). We are equally careful not to do anything as worship that He has not authorized for worship, such as counting beads, burning incense and playing musical instruments. We want to do all that He wants and nothing that He does not want. After all, a church of Christ must worship as authorized by Christ.

The Bible teaches that the church has work to do (we take it seriously). This important work is recognized, emphasized, and done by the church of Christ at this place. It is the preaching of the gospel of Christ which is God’s power to save, and therefore of the utmost importance and urgency (Eph. 4:12; Rom. 1:16). The church, of all the institutions and organizations in the world, is the one to which God committed this work. His church is “the pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Churches of Christ therefore are to sound out the word of truth. The church at Thessalonica sounded out the work in Macedonia and Achaia; the church at Philippi financially supported Paul as part of its evangelistic work (1 Thess. 1:8; Phil. 4:14-17). The teaching of divine truth to its members is an integral part of its work as the flock if fed spiritual truth and the body thus builds up itself (Acts 20:38; Eph. 4:12,15-16). The secondary work of ministering to the needs of the saints is to be done as the need arises, and is thus done by the church of Christ at this place (Acts 6:1-6; 2 Cor. 9:1ff).

Yes, this church specializes at being a church. (It’s a full time job!) Besides, to be of Christ, a church cannot be anything except a church.

The Church Treasury - Only In An Emergency- Can You Spare A Dime Brother?

It seems that considerable controversy has arisen regarding what we call the church treasury, meaning of course the funds contributed by the members of local churches. This controversy seems to be a by-product of the discussion of scriptural and unscriptural ways in which such funds are spent. In the course of discussion we occasionally hear the question raised as to whether or not a church should have a treasury other than on a temporary basis, designed to cope only with emergencies. The following quotation from the FIRM FOUNDATION, November 1, 1960, p. 696, will serve to illustrate the point: "The collection of funds on the first day of the week was commanded due to the rise of the Jerusalem emergency (1 Cor. 16:2, 3) .... The church is recorded as having a collected fund on hand, that is, in their treasury, only after an emergency had already arisen (Acts 2:44,45; 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2). In no case does one find the church collecting funds, except after an emergency had already arisen."

In this writer's judgment, the author of the foregoing, as well as those who share his views on this subject, has evidently failed to consider some matters of biblical record. In fact, it seems to us that even a superficial study of the Bible will reveal that God's people have always had a treasury. And, that such was always drawn upon to meet the normal demands "for the service of the house of God," as well as to cope with emergencies.

The Jews Had A Treasury

Turning to the Old Testament, let us note that the Israelites stored-up treasure - had a treasury - to be used for the construction and maintenance of the temple, both in its planning stage in the days of David, as well as its restoration in the days of Nehemiah. Let us read: "They with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of Jehovah" (I Chron. 29:8). "They gave after their ability into, the treasury of the work" (Ezra 2:69). "The governor gave to the treasury of the work" (Ezra 2:69). "The governor gave to the treasury a thousand darics of gold" (Neh. 7:70). "And, some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold" (Neh. 7:71).

Even the collection of first-fruits, tithes, free-will offerings, etc., constituted treasure, and such were given a Storage-room or treasury in the temple (Neh. 13:5). The prophet, Malachi, charged the people with having robbed God because they had not surrendered the tithes and offerings which were due Him. He admonished them, saying: "Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse [treasury James Moffatt], that there may be food in my house, etc." (Mal. 3:10).

Turning to the Gospel by Mark, chapter 12, verses 41 through 44, we learn that the Jews continued to have a treasury in the temple into which the people gave of their money. Jesus once sat in the temple, these verses inform us, "over against the treasury" and observed the gifts of the people, and from his observations He taught a much needed lesson. And again: when Judas Iscariot returned the pieces of silver which he received in payment for betraying Jesus, the chief priests said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood" (Matt. 27:6). So, we see that the Jews always had and sustained a treasury, and used it to meet the demands made upon them as the people of God. It seems also quite evident that Jesus approved of this arrangement.

Jesus And His Disciples Had a Treasury

That Jesus and His disciples had a treasury is clearly shown from a reading of John 13:27-29. Also the fact that they used it to aid the poor and to purchase the necessary things for their worship of God.

The Jerusalem Church Had A Treasury

Passing now to the establishment of the church in Jerusalem, we observe that the early disciples, among other things, "continued steadfastly" in "fellowship" (Acts 2:42). Upon this statement, David Lipscomb commented: 'In the fellowship' means the spiritual union and sympathy for each other that all should have. This embraced the contribution and distribution of means to help the needy." - Commentary on Acts, McQuiddy Printing Co.,Nashville, Tenn., 1896.

Regarding this same verse, J. W. McGarvey wrote: "The original term, koinonia, is sometimes used for contributions made for the poor." He gave as references, Romans 15:26 and 2 Corinthians 9:13. In the former passage Paul wrote "of a certain contribution (fellowship) for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem." In the latter reference he tells the donors that "the liberality of your contribution (fellowship) unto them" both filled their needs, and was the cause of many thanksgivings to God. Fairness of course, demands that we quote from brother McGarvey: "While this is one of the ways in which fellowship is manifested, the word is not usually restricted to this sense." With this we willingly concur. But note: although the word koinonia may have included more than just the "contribution for the poor," it evidently did include such, and so we find the Jerusalem church with a treasury before any mention is made of an emergency. It therefore follows that the liberality of the saints, recorded in Acts 4:34,-37, did not result in the establishing of a treasury, but simply a replenishing of the treasury that already existed.

We might also point out that the treasury of the Jerusalem church was in the custody of the apostles. But, when its administration began to interfere with their ministry of the word, upon their recommendation, seven deacons were selected and appointed to handle it.

Read Acts 4:34, 35; 6:1-6. Again, David Lipscomb wisely remarked: "The first fruit of an earnest church was a full treasury, and these men were appointed to distribute it. . . . Without a treasury there is no work for deacons in a church." -Queries And Answers, P. 86, F. L. Rowe, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1918.

Did You Know? . . .

That the apostles never used food, games or social activities to draw a crowd so they could preach to them? Yet in many churches today, even some calling themselves "Church of Christ," the social programs are so extensive that a social director or a "youth minister" must be hired to oversee the social planning.

Although schools existed in the first century, and the apostle Paul even taught in one for 2 years (Acts 19:9,10), no churches ever supported them financially? Yet in many churches today, even some calling themselves "Church of Christ," the financial supporting of "Christian schools" or "Colleges" is a regular part of the budget.

That the apostle Paul illustrated many of his epistles with analogies from sporting events (1 Cor. 9:24,25). Yet no church sponsored or had sporting teams? Yet in many churches today, even some calling themselves "Church of Christ," the sporting activities are so much a part of the work that full scale gyms have been built.

If these things mentioned above were not a part of the early church and we do not find them in the Bible, WHY are churches doing them today? And who gave them the RIGHT to do it? These things ought not to be! "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17).

How Does The Lord "Open" Hearts?

How Does The Lord "Open" Hearts?


In Acts 16 we read: “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized and her household, she besought us, saying, if ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (vs. 13-15). How did the Lord open her heart? Does He do the same thing to people today? Does this imply the necessity of a direct action of the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to know and obey the will of God without divine intervention in our lives?

Look carefully at this immediate context. Notice that they “spake unto the women” (vs. 13), and Lydia “heard us” (vs. 14), and she “attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul” (vs. 14). It seems clear that the means by which Lydia’s heart was opened was by the Word of God. There is nothing mysterious here. Rather, it is a demonstration of the power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16), and an example of God’s plan for “preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21).

Whatever the Lord did, and however the heart of Lydia was opened, it was the same thing that occurred in every other case of conversion in the book of Acts. Remember, God is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34,35). On Pentecost they “heard” and were “pricked in their heart” (2:37). On that day many “gladly received his word and were baptized” (2:41). Other examples abound in the book of Acts that directly link the teaching of the word with a heartfelt, obedient response (4:4, 8:12, 13:12, 13:48, 15:7, 16:32-33, 17:32-34, 18:8, 19:5,).

The Lord “opens” hearts today in the same way He always has — through the preaching of the Word.

I Need Another Opinion

Most have heard about the overweight smoker who, after taking his annual physical exam, was lectured at length by his doctor on the dangers of smoking and obesity. When asked by the doctor what he intended to do about these things he replied, "Sir, I’m going to go out and find me a fat doctor who smokes!"

Herein, even if in a humorous vein, is revealed an all too common response to things that expose our weaknesses and call for correction. You might expect adverse reactions when such judgments are rendered in ridicule or from ulterior motives, but not when their purpose if for our profit. And if this is true in the physical realm, how much more so in the spiritual? Yet, even here it is not unusual to find some looking for "fat doctors who smoke." It was so in the days of Isaiah for he writes of those who wanted such prophets as would speak unto them "smooth things" and not right things (Isa. 30:10). Recall also how wicked Ahab hated the prophet Micaiah because, he said, "he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (1 Kings 22:8). Faithful Micaiah had spoken only what the Lord had told him (v. 14) but this was not what Ahab wanted to hear. Many modern Ahabs feel the same about God's word.

Indeed, God said it would continue this way. "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth and turn aside unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:3,4). They will leave the faith, but not religion. Their measure of acceptable preaching will be personal preference rather than sound doctrine. To this end, they will hearken less unto the words of the Great Physician and heap to themselves "fat doctors who smoke," so to speak; preachers who will feed them pleasant fables instead of objectionable truth.

In fact, here is the heart of the problem. It is not that such persons find ALL truth distasteful, or even most of it. Many are deceived on this point because they think only in terms of what they receive and not what they reject. They fail to see the gospel as a system of truth -- to be accepted as a unit, or not at all. This is why he who stumbles in one point is guilty of all (Jas. 2:10). Not that he has violated every law, but that in the violation of one, he reflects disregard for the entire system of law as well as the Lawgiver. Now, which laws do violators not want to hear about do you suppose? The answer is obvious because the truth that incriminates is often the truth that irritates.

However, it is also such truth that convicts and converts. This is the means by which the Holy Spirit convicts the world in respect of sin (John 16:8). It is not a question as to whether this Truth or its faithful spokesman may show us to be wrong on some point. They will expose our spiritual infirmities -- and they must, because only the convicted can be changed! May we love, respect and respond to God's truth, even when it hurts--and shun the counsel of "fat doctors who smoke"!

Morals-Religion-Politics

Yes, we are fed-up with political debate. But at this point let me ask you what the most important issue in the current election of officials is Economy? War? Medical care? Taxes? Social Security? Prayer in schools and public gatherings? The Ten Commandments in public places? National debt? The answer none of the above!!!

Where does killing babies rank 3,671 per day- destroying the lives God has created in the womb? Explain your answer to your Creator, not to me! The One who gave you life in your mother's womb will demand an answer as to why you give your approving vote to those who uphold the destruction of that life given to others in the womb. All the rationalizing of the most intelligent and sophisticated cannot make destroying our own kind in the birth process a moral action. Nor is your guilt lessened by dismissing me as a religious fanatic or by unsubscribing from this blog.

This is not mixing religion with politics. The non-religious recognize moral, humanitarian standards. They approve of laws against murder, rape, incest, slander, thievery, and fraud -- all moral issues. They oppose genocide.

Partial birth abortion cannot be defended morally by atheists or believers. Intentional killing of an infant ten minutes after its birth is murder. Who can deny that? Can intentional killing of an infant ten minutes before it is fully delivered be morally acceptable instead of murder? Who can believe that? In partial birth abortion, the infant's skull is punctured in the delivery process and the brain is suctioned out mechanically. In any circumstance or setting, that is grossly horrid, unbelievably inhumane, and undeniably immoral. "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked!"

More lives are willingly terminated by abortion each day than were willingly terminated in the 9-11 attacks. The latter was a one-time killing; the other is continued daily. You know which candidates vote to allow that to continue and those who oppose it. Your vote inescapably aligns you with one or the other as a voice for the helpless and innocent or as a voice against them. And silence when you have opportunity to speak is also a voice against them. Those same politicians loudly decry the war casualties but they are as silent as the tomb about 3,671 lives aborted daily in our country (World Almanac statistics for 1996).

There is something grievously perverted and wrong: A girl cannot get her ears pierced without parental consent but she can readily get an abortion without it – even free of charge. A man can be arrested and fined for killing a kitten or puppy but an abortionist "doctor" is paid well for killing an infant in the birth process. Currently in Round Rock, an arrest warrant is issued for a young man who cropped a pit bull puppy's ears and tail without anesthesia and medication and for other cruelties to it -- a state jail felony. Animals are treated more humanely than humans!

Abortion mills (aka "clinics") are lucrative businesses. Approval of taking lives for stem cell use can easily open another horrendous "industry."

Infamous murderers have lawyers to plead their cases (even at taxpayer expense) to save them from execution. The helpless and innocent baby, peacefully alive and moving in its mother's womb, has no voice, attorney, or standing in the court. A just God will call individuals and societies into account for such.

A mother's love for her child is the most basic natural affection. Those lacking in natural affection (inhumane, heartless, ruthless) face Heaven's condemnation (See Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3 in various versions).

We see banners crying "Keep Abortion Legal" in emotional rallies, but none read, "Keep Abortion Moral." Being legal is not equivalent to being moral. When Jesus stood before Pilate with the Jews demanding his crucifixion, "Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.' And all the people answered, 'His blood be on us and on our children.'" (Matt. 27:24). When the complacent try to wash their hands of responsibility and let abortionists, demanding the right to kill babies, go ahead with their slaughter, they become no less guilty of innocent blood than Pilate was. Their blood will be on us and our children.

Yes, there are many matters of importance in the election like taxes, economy, war, and medical care, but self-interests must not be put ahead of care for the helpless and innocent in the birth process. "So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" (Matt. 7:12).

I am speaking for myself rather than for a group or church. If you say I am mixing religion and politics, so be it. Our founding fathers courageously set a precedent for me.

Ignoring Unfaithfulness to the Lord

A man who was intent on being unfaithful to the Lord once told me, "I'm not hurting anyone but myself. Leave me alone, and quit bothering me about attending the services."

The Devil has really convinced many irresponsible brethren that they have a right to go to Hell "unbothered" by others who wish to rescue them. Never mind the admonition of Scripture to the faithful that "if a man is over taken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1). The easy course for the faithful is to ignore the unfaithful. Some churches do this as a matter of policy, in fact. Some brethren want to be a part of a "fellowship" which quickly looks the other way if sin and unfaithfulness is the path a brother or sister is taking. But both brethren and churches who operate in such a fashion have completely missed what is church is all about.

Discipline, both instructive and corrective, is almost defunct in many places. The unfaithful brother walks away into obscurity, wishing to be ignored, forgotten, and left "unbothered." Some churches are all too eager to accommodate his unrighteous desire. You see, it is much easier to remove his name from our directory than it is to roll up our sleeves, go to work on his problem, shed tears over his unfaithfulness, and attempt to save his soul from Hell. The sad fact is that if we ignore the erring brother and give him the quiet exit he wants, we are no better off than he is.

It is a serious thing to ignore our brother's sin. We enable him to be unfaithful by turning our heads. We fail to do what we are expected to do by our Father. In short, we fail to be our "brother's keeper" (Genesis 4:9).

Cain made the mistake of thinking that he was not responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of his brother. The very nature of brotherhood suggests responsibility for those who have come from the same womb. When a child is born into God's family he has mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who must now take responsibility for his care. No earthly family would ignore a member walking away from the circle of love which binds a family together. Why then, does it happen so frequently in the family of God?

Let us be reminded that Galatians 6:1 was not just addressed to the elders of the church. Certainly, as shepherds of the flock, they have a responsibility to keep the sheep together and in the fold. Shepherds who are asleep and allow the sheep to be scattered receive scathing rebukes for doing so in Ezekiel 34:1-10. Indeed, they do have a special responsibility to "watch for souls" (Hebrews 13:17). But all members who are "spiritual" are charged with the same responsibility of restoring the erring.

James 5:19-20 says, "Brethren if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." When you became a part of this local church, you were asking for love, acceptance, care and discipline. It's what makes us a family. Please understand that if you choose to walk away from our fellowship that we cannot ignore your behavior. Our love for you, for your soul, and our concern for your eternal welfare will not allow us to look the other way if you fall headlong into sin.

Basically, our understanding of the Scriptures differs from the majority of the religious world because we operate on a different principle of interpretation. To most religious people "truth" is relative, adjusting freely to different times and circumstances. For us, however, truth is truth. It is unalterable, unchangeable, and everlasting. But did "we" just arbitrarily decide this would be our regard for truth? Not at all. God's own word boldly claims "thy word is truth" (John 17:17) and "the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth." (Psalm 33:4) While there are scoffers at the idea of absolute truth, we accept Bible teaching that such does exist, and we are determined to know it. Pilate's piercing question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) was prompted by these words from Jesus: "I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

This then, is the basis upon which we may come to see religious matters alike. There must be a commitment to the same standard of truth. No one would ever attempt to use differing standards of measurement if building a house, marking off a football field, or sewing a garment. This would guarantee error and disaster. Twelve inches must equal one foot on all our rulers if we desire uniformity. There must be a healthy regard and respect for the Bible on the part of every religious person in order for understanding to occur. Without this common devotion to God's word, all efforts to see things the same will fail.

In order to come to agreement on matters essential to salvation, we must begin where we agree. From this point we must study the Scriptures, resolving differences as we go along. Major problems of difference are solved in small steps, and then we can be united in Christ. But we will never see things the same if we cannot agree on the existence, necessity, and location of the truth.

No Bible discussion is profitable unless every participant is a truth seeker. If everyone concerned really wants the truth, then coming to an agreement and an understanding of truth will be achievable. Believe it or not, it is possible to discuss religious differences without becoming rude or creating hurt feelings. People who love the truth are not concerned with WHO is right, but with WHAT is right. Every truth seeker is willing to surrender any position if it is false. There is no other honorable course for an honest man. An honest man will seek the truth, and when he finds it he will believe it. "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23).

What about our sin?

Sometimes I wonder how seriously you and I take sin. Have we become so familiar with it that we think little of it? Oh, I know that we give lip service to the horrors of sin. We say things like, "Oh, sin is terrible. I just hate sin. I am so sorry when I sin. And, I try never to sin again!" But then we go home and watch sin on television, listen to it on our car radio, buy CD''s and go to movie theaters that are overwhelmingly full of sin and, we enjoy it! Brethren, just remember what the Lord said about such, "Do not be deceived, evil associations corrupt good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33). We hate sin so much that we think we can be around it all the time and not be tainted by it! Figure that one out.

Ask yourself this honest question: "Do I really believe that sin will send a soul to hell?" If you are not sure, then carefully read Acts 8:22-23. "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." And this, my friends, after Simon had committed one sin. Peter surely thought one sin was terrible, and that it could cause Simon to lose his soul. Do you think sin is that bad?

Ask yourself another question: "Do I think my loved ones who commit sin are doing something cute or do I think they are lost in sin?" We often wink at sin committed by our loves ones as though they have some kind of "scotch guard" clothing on that will not allow their sins to stick! If we really think sin is that bad, then we'll mourn sin in our lives, and in the lives of those we love. Don't fool yourselves, beloved. Your attitude toward sin comes through loud and clear to your parents, your children and other relatives and friends. Why not sit down and take a hard look at your attitude?

Are You Contagious?

Evil is like an infectious disease. One person with a contagious illness can pass it on to many others just by being in close proximity to them. In the same way, evil seems to spread among a group.

Godliness, on the other had, must be deliberately sought after. We do not become godly by only associating with religious people in a secluded environment. You will not "catch it" by simply being in the same room as a righteous person. Godly people are a great example for everyone; however, godliness comes through faith and obedience to the Lord on the part of each and everyone.

That is the point Haggai made centuries ago. He spoke about meat that had been set apart for sacrifice to God. If that meat touched some other food, it would not make the other food holy (Hag. 2:12). On the other hand, uncleanness could easily be transmitted by a simple touch (Hag. 2:13).

"If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy? Then the priests answered and said 'No.' And Haggai said, 'If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?' So the priests answered and said, 'It shall be unclean.'" (Hag. 2: 12,13).

Haggai told the people of Israel, who assumed they were holy because of their godly heritage, that they actually had become defiled because of their disobedience: "So is this people and so is this nation before Me, says the Lord, and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean" (Hag. 2:14).

If you want to be godly YOU must decide that you're going to follow God. You must learn what God wants and obey Him. Having devout parents and associating with religious friends will certainly help, but they cannot make you godly.

We become godly only as we live close to the Lord and do what He tells us to do.

Questions to ponder

God created man with a mind to think. Sometimes the mind has to be stimulated to do this work, not by drugs or alcohol, but by questions. Questions make people think. Besides that, great lessons are taught and grasped by asking questions. Every time a question is asked in the Bible, by either God or some inspired man, a great lesson is taught.

“WHERE ART THOU?” (Genesis 3:9)

This was God’s first question to man. It was a serious and very important question because Adam and Eve had sinned and were trying to hide from God. It is a serious and important question today, for mankind is trying to hide sin. Yet we need to proclaim as Hagar did: “Thou God seest me” (Gen. 16:13). We wold be better off to remember this at all times for there is an “all seeing eye” watching us (Hebrews 4:1). Another verse says it like this, “...and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23. Jesus said it like this in Matthew 10:26: “...for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known”.

“IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?” (Job 14:14)

Job was interested in this question for he was in misery and it seemed that death was at his door. This question has lost none of its interest today. We need to be thankful that God has given a clear answer. “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28,29). “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Our life here will determine our life beyond.

“WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED...?” (Matthew 16:26)

Christ asked this question. Let’s read the whole verse: “For what is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” This verse contains two questions in one and I know of no answer for it. It is an unanswerable and unanswered question. Our souls are just that valuable and yet most folks are selling their souls at a rock bottom price.

“WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?” (Matthew 19:25)

This question was asked by Jesus’ disciples after Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler. The young man had kept the commandments but Jesus told him of the one thing he lacked. However, because of his great love for riches, the young man refused to comply with what Jesus had requested and left sorrowful. Because the desire for material things is so strong Jesus made the remark concerning how hard it would be for those who trust in riches to enter Heaven (vs. 23,24). It was then that His disciples asked this question. Many answers have been given to this question depending upon the person doing the answering. The atheist will tell you that this question doesn’t have any merit, thus there is no need to ask it. Religious sectarians have numerous answers: those who do nothing except wait on the Lord, those who have faith only, those who pray their sins away, or those who say, “Lord save me”. Yet all these answers are without merit because nowhere in the New Testament after Jesus’ death can you find an example where anyone was saved by doing any of the aforementioned things! The Bible answers in no uncertain terms: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16).

“WHAT SHALL THE END BE...?” (1 Peter 4:17)

“For the time is come that judgment must being at the house of God; and if it first begins with us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” The “end” will certainly not be salvation for Paul states in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power:” It is sad to say that teaching abounds everywhere on radio, television, and from pulpits that deny this and teaches otherwise.

“...WHY TARRIEST THOU?” (Acts 22:16)

It was Ananias, the preacher, who asked this question to a man who was praying. The man, Saul, was also a strong believer in Jesus Christ and was very penitent. Ananias goes on to tell Saul: “...Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord.” Notice: Ananias did not tell Saul to keep on praying until he “prayed through” as many preachers today would have told him. How many preachers today are telling people to be baptized to wash their sins away? Most that I hear are telling people that baptism has nothing to do with getting rid of sins. You’ve probably heard them yourself. In fact, you might be attending a church where that very doctrine is taught. But you know what? Saul did just as Ananias told him. Will you? Why tarriest thou?

No progress without practice

It is foolish to think that we can make progress in the habits of godliness by doing nothing more than listening and learning. While these are essentials, they are not enough. It takes practice to make progress, and we should not expect that to be any less true in spiritual matters than in those of a worldly nature.

When we meet individuals who have become adept at the disciplines of the godly life, we often suppose that they're just more devout than we are. Or perhaps we think that they're more intelligent or insightful. Or we wish that we could have read the books and heard the sermons that they've read and heard. But when we think this way, we betray an ignorance of the real thing that produces spiritual progress: practice. The trait that distinguishes the adept from the inept is that the adept have done certain things...over and over, every day, for many years.

Prayer: -- Not all of our prayers are of equal quality. Keeping in mind a scriptural definition of "good" praying, it must be said that we do not pray as well at some times as at others. Paul mentioned that "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought" (Rom. 8:21), and the disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Lk. 11:1).

But how do you make progress in your prayer life? Well, we certainly need to learn all that we can about the principle of prayer, but the time comes when we have to start practicing the art of prayer. It can't be learned any other way than by praying...over and over and over, every day, for many years.

Understanding: -- It would be hard to overestimate the importance of Bible study, but frankly, some people do a better job than others of correctly understanding what the Bible teaches. The Ethiopian eunuch, for example, was reading the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, but he was having trouble understanding what the passage meant (Acts 8:30-34). So we need to work not only on the quantity but also the quality of our Bible study. (2 Tim. 2:15).

But how do you make progress in your understanding of the Scriptures? It can't be done by the simple investigation of hermeneutics. It requires patient repetition of the act of Bible study. You're not likely to find a mature, responsible student of God's Word who arrived at that point any other way than by doing Bible study...over and over and over, every day, for many years.

Discretion: -- Isn't it refreshing when we encounter some older Christian who has grown very wise in matters of discretion and discernment? In a good sense, don't we "envy" those who have learned how to size up a difficult situation and see which course of action is best to take? Surely we do, and of all the abilities we need in this life, none is more vital than the ability to take God's general principles, apply them to a specific situation, and discern what God would want done. Paul wrote, "Do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17).

But how do you learn to be a better decision maker? There is only one way, and the Hebrew writer put his finger on it when he spoke of those "who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).

In matters of godliness, then, there aren't many effective shortcuts. Being a beginner is just hard; that's all there is to it. Some time will have to pass before we can be more skilled. But the passage of time will not, by itself, guarantee improvement (Heb. 5:12); we have to actually do the things that need improving -- and do them repeatedly. So let's look for every opportunity to practice the things we want to improve. God deserves nothing less than our very best, and the best that we can do won't be done unless we pray and study our Bibles and use our discretion -- over and over and over, every day, for many years.

By Your Facebook You Shall Be Known

More and more folks are using Facebook to communicate to others. It’s a powerful useful tool that allows mass communication. Usually it’s shared by friends and friends of friends near and far. The downside is that it is often used to communicate what we don’t want to read, see, or know about others. Want to find out about a fellow brother or sister in Christ? Check out their Facebook page. One can learn all sorts of things. You can get some idea of who they are away from worship services. Regardless of how they dress, talk, and act at services, they may have a different life away from the individual you think you know. You may be surprised and shocked.

Some post photos of immodest attire demonstrating their different standards of modesty away from worship services while others post pictures of others wearing immodest attire. Some seem to wear sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16). Their outside clothing (or lack of) speaks loudly of their weak profession of godliness and good works (1Timothy 2:8-10). Our fruits should profess holiness (Romans 6:21-23). We need not be hypocritical like those spoken of in Matthew 23:24-26.

Some use suggestive language and even use the Lord’s name in vain. Ephesians 5:3-5 tells us not to let “coarse jesting” be named among Christians. We are not to take the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11). Christians must bridle their tongues (James 1:26).

Others write of their interest in sexually suggestive movies, television programs, website links, music with vile lyrics, school dances, and other activities. Some are “fans” of other things (i.e. companies, celebrities, slogans, etc.) that are inconsistent with God’s Word. First Corinthians 15:33-34 tells us that evil companionship corrupts good habits. The Bible teaches us not only to turn from such behavior (Ephesians 5:3-5) but to flee (2 Timothy 2:21-23). Christians are not to participate in activities that promote lewdness and lust (Roman 13:13; I Peter 4:3). Christians are to think on things that are pure, lovely, virtuous, and of good report (Philippians 4:7-9). We are to walk in the spirit and not after the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26). Participation in sinful activities will choke us of our spirituality (Luke 8:13-15). We are to bear fruit for God not to death (Romans 7:4-6).

It seems that some find Facebook a convenient place to come out of their shell or to expose things about themselves. The posting of interests and/or participation in sinful matters comes across as boasting. The Corinthians were reprimanded by the Apostle Paul for their approval of sin and an almost gloating of its existence (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). The contributing comments from other Christians who seem to approve of other’s worldly behavior is disturbing. Romans 1:18-32, tells us the importance of not showing approval to sin.

Paul writes to the Philippians to be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11). In Colossians 1:9-11, Paul writes that they should be fully pleasing to God, being fruitful in every good work. There is great danger in turning back to the ways of the world (1 Peter 2:21-22). Could it be that we are in danger of having the axe laid to our roots and being cast in the fire due to our lack of good fruit (Luke 3:7-9)? Could it be that our branch is being taken away due to lack of fruit (John 15:1-2)?

James 1:12-18 tells us that sin comes from the heart. Using Facebook improperly isn’t the real problem. It’s a sign of much deeper issue problem with the heart. We cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). We must put off the way of the world and put on Christ. God knows every sparrow that falls and the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:28-31). He knows our Facebook too. By our fruits (Facebook) we will be known (Matthew 7:15-20; 12:32-34).

Assurance from God, Or Self-Assurance

When the great crises of life loom before you, would you rather have assurance from God or self-assurance? Great moments of choice and lifelong decisions in terms of consequence should be based upon the most profound and only choice upon which to base life's pathway. Self-assurance is empty when it lacks divine guidance, and all human assurance is subject to the frailty of human knowledge, experience, and absence of fore-knowledge.

The believer has the greatest source of assurance, but "not all have faith" (1 Thess. 3:2). Many who claim to have faith do not seek solutions to their problems in life from the wisdom of God. Many who say that they are Christians have opportunity to marry faithful Christians who are steadfast and strong, but the opportunitists choose rather to marry unbelievers of poor character to their own hurt and ruin. They assure those who exhort and warn them that they know what they are doing and that all will be well. Their marriages end in divorce, and their children suffer the burden of their parents' folly for most of their lives.

Many professed believers seek salvation in ways not commanded of God, while refusing to accept God's way and His assurance in His Word. Rejecting God's assurance, they choose their own standard of conduct, their spiritual fellowship, their own churches, their own form of religious conduct, and their own code of morals and ethics. All the while, they assure themselves that all is well with their soul -- self-assurance of salvation.

True believers turn to the Lord for their "full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22). "Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord, Teach Me Thy Way," they sing and pray. They apply themselves to diligent study of the Word of God with the aim of complying with it and walking in "The old paths wherein is the good way" (Jer. 6:16), unwilling to walk elsewhere. They pursue diligence in faithful service to God "to the full assurance of hope until the end" (Heb. 6:11). They seek to enrich their hearts "to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:2,3). What a comfort it is to do anything with the assurance of the Word of God that it is the right and proper thing to do! No nagging doubts or fearful worries accompany assurance from God. Our hearts are assured before God when we live and love as we ought (1 Jn. 3:14-19).

Assurance that originates from self or from mankind is a form of pride and self-exaltation. Assurance from God honors and glorifies God and keeps human humility intact. If we know that we cannot see prophetically, that knowledge should impel us to seek the greater knowledge and guidance of God, to study and apply the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15). Then "blessed assurance" reigns, and we can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer lives," and with Paul, "I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day."