HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY PRIORITIES ARE?

The young man who came to the Lord asking what good thing he should do to have eternal life probably would have said that spiritual concerns were his highest priority. But when told to sell what he had, give to the poor, and follow Jesus, "he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (Matt. 19:22). What he may have said about his values indicated one thing, His actions indicated another.

If we are not constantly careful, our list of priorities can become disordered. At such times, being honest enough to face the truth about the situation is not easy. When anyone asks what is most important to us, the tempting thing is to answer in terms of what we know should be most important. Because we think we are moving more or less in the direction of putting first things first ("I plan to pray and study my Bible more just as soon as I can get my schedule under control, etc."), we may think that gives us the right to say the spiritual concerns are our top priority right now. But the Lord does not judge what our priorities are by listening to our theories. He looks at our practice. And if we do not somehow gather our courage and look, as He does, at what means the most to us in actual fact -- and repent accord- ingly -- eternity holds no hope for us. Before it's too late to make any changes, we need to be asking ourselves some blunt questions about what our priorities really are.

What Would Others Say Our Priorities Are By Viewing Our Actions And Words?-- Others may not know us as well as we know ourselves, but they are often more objective about what they do know. The neighbor who lives next door could probably sum up in a word or two what we are really about. Perhaps more than anybody, our children are able to cut through our preachments and tell what actually matters most to us in the rough and tumble of daily living.

What Do We Think About? -- Our true priorities are the things our minds are drawn to when they are "in neutral." When activities and obligations do not require us to be thinking about anything in particular, our thoughts are attracted, like things to a magnet, to our real enthusiasms. The person who finds that he meditates on God only when he forces himself to do so is lying if he says the spiritual life is his overriding concern.

What Do We Talk About Most? -- Is it God? -- The conversations we engage in arise quite naturally out of the things that are on our minds. If we have to admit that we rarely talk about the Lord except in connection with the services of the church, that ought to tell us something. Even if we do sometimes talk about spiritual matters, if our acquaintances would have to say that our conversation gravitates more naturally and enthusiastically toward other things, then there is serious doubt whether our ultimate priorities are really spiritual.

How Do We Spend Our Time? -- Hardly anybody has as much "spare" time as he would like. But all of us have some, and the way we spend it displays our priorities. I have known families, for example, who "vacationed" by traveling to gospel meetings or Bible lectureships at congregations in distant states. Judging from their use of time that was theirs to do with as they pleased, one would tend to believe such folks if they said they loved the Lord more than anything else. On the other hand, I have known folks who all their working lives complained that they didn't have as much time as they wanted to do the Lord's work -- and then spent virtually all of their retirement years in personal leisure, with perhaps less time devoted to the Lord than before! The fact is, the way we spend our time speaks loudly regarding our values.

How Do We Spend Our Money? -- Suppose a Bible class teacher recommended a $50 reference book that would help us in our study of the Scriptures, but we said we couldn't afford it. Suppose a preacher recommended a $30 a year periodical that would help us grow spiritually, but we said it cost too much. If it was know that we some- times spent that much on sporting events and recreational activities, that it wasn't unusual for us to spend that much in a single evening at a restaurant, that we couldn't object to spending that much on decorative home furnishings, etc., could anyone take seriously our claim that the Lord is our uppermost concern?

What "Gives" When We Face A Conflict Of Priorities? -- Of the many conflicts involving priorities, perhaps none are more annoying than "scheduling" conflicts. Unable to be two places at the same time, we very often have to sacrifice one activity for another. When that happens, if we subordinate the things of the Lord to worldly activities, we give the lie to our professed priorities. In the matter of sports, to take a familiar example, if we can manage it such that our softball league and the services of the church hardly every conflict, that is all well and good, but it says relatively little about our priorities. When the occasional conflict does arise, that is when we make a statement about our priorities. The same is true of work. If, on business trips, we've been willing to violate our commitment to assemble with brethren at our travel destination, we may try to make it look as if we chose between one thing that was "optional" and another that was not. But, in truth, we've simply demonstrated which of our various priorities we are willing to make the bigger sacrifice for. Indeed, it's when priorities collide that we learn the most about ourselves, our values, and whether the Lord reigns within us or not.

How then do I know--in all honesty--what my priorities are? By looking at what I am, in fact, doing with my life. Paul wrote: "To whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness" (Rom. 6:16). At least one thing would seem to be clear: I can't pour the first and the best of what I am into pursuing what has euphemistically been called the American Dream and still turn around and say I love the Lord with all my heart. I can't go "all out" for one thing and then truthfully claim that something else is more important. Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24).

Where my priorities are, there will my energy and enthusiasm be also!

GARAGE SALE GRACE AND FLEA MARKET SALVATION

The obvious question is, "What in the world do garage sales and flea markets have to do with grace?" The obvious answer ought to be, "Absolutely nothing!" But such is not the case. Many people today are in search of a bargain even in the religious realm.

The overwhelming success of garage sales and flea markets in today's society demonstrates that many are interested in a bargain. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, many seem to approach the subject of grace with the same bargain hunting frame of mind. They want to obtain the benefits of grace, but they want to do so as cheaply as possible. In truth, their question is: "How little must I give before I can possess it?"

Grace Is Free but Not Cheap

In Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 5:15-18, we find that salvation is by God's grace and cannot be merited by any work which man can perform. But for someone to think the benefits of grace can be had at bargain basement prices is a serious mistake and only serves to demonstrate how that individual has completely misunderstood the subject of grace. The unmerited and gracious gift of God's Son for the redemption of fallen man was not something that was deserved by any thing man has done or ever could do. It comes as a free gift from God and is completely unmerited by man, but this is not to say it is not without great cost on the part of both God and man. Does this all seem confusing to you?

Are you wondering how something can be free yet costly? Then maybe you are confusing the physical and spiritual realms. Let's spend some time considering the cost of God's grace.

What It Cost God

Our God and Heavenly Father gave His "only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16, 17). The Father gave His Son and the Son gave His life; but there is more. The relationship the Father and Son had enjoyed throughout eternity (John 1:1) was disrupted (Philippians 2:5-8) so that man could be justified (Romans 3:26). When one begins to contemplate the great sacrifice of both the Father and the Son, one is simply overwhelmed by the great cost of this thing called grace.

What It Costs Man

One gets an insight into what the "free gift" of salvation costs man when, in Matthew 13:44,45, our Lord said: "Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and seeketh all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." To receive the benefits of grace, one must be willing to give all that one has, i.e., "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). In other words, in order to receive the benefits of God's grace, the Lord requires a complete sacrifice of our lives to Him (Romans 12:1, 2).

The blood-bought are aware of the marvelous price God paid so that He could bestow His grace upon them (I Corinthians 6:19,20), and know they are under obligation to the Giver of this grace to walk in the footsteps of Jesus (I Peter 2:21-23). When one truly understands the great value of grace, he will give all that he has to possess it, knowing that there is no way he could ever really pay for it. It is within this context that the Lord said: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light" (Matthew 11:29, 30). He is not saying there is no work (i.e., righteousness) to be performed, but that when compared with the benefits to be received such righteousness is easy and light. In other words, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

Cheap Prices

When grace is reduced to a doctrine, principle, or system it is cheapened, and those who engage in such endeavors demonstrate a real lack of understanding about this subject. The religious world is full of flea market salvation and garage sale grace. Belief in God (viz., mental assent), we are told by some, is all that is necessary for one to receive the remission of his sins. The benefits of grace can be possessed, they say, without repentance, baptism, and a continual "walking in the light." Furthermore, these "faith only" advocates tell us that once one has received the blessings of God's grace and been saved from his past sins he can never fall from such grace so as to be lost. In addition to being a clear contradiction of Scripture (cf. Galatians 5:4), such teaching cheapens grace and ultimately makes it nothing more than a cloak for evil-doing.

There are those who call themselves Christians today who have no concept of discipleship. They wish to join themselves to local churches of Christ but they do not intend to submit to church discipline. To those like this, the apostle Paul wrote: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:7-9).

That which has cost God so much cannot be cheap for us. It must be seen as the priceless gift it is. Although we give all we have to possess it, it is ours because God gave it to us. Let us always be determined to keep grace in its proper perspective, remembering what it cost our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. Let us be determined never to reduce grace to simply a theological system to be memorized. Let us teach that grace must be accepted on God's terms and not man's. In so doing, we will never become involved in that which is worthless, namely, bargain basement salvation!

12 REASONS FOR CHURCH ATTENDANCE

1. I AM COMMANDED TO ASSEMBLE WITH THE SAINTS: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." Heb. 10:25. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

2. I AM COMMANDED TO BREAK BREAD STEDFASTLY (REGULARLY) ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

3. I AM COMMANDED TO GIVE AS I HAVE PROSPERED UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by in store, as God has prospered him...” 1 Cor. 16:2. If I do not attend this command is broken.

4.  I AM COMMANDED TO SING WITH GOD'S PEOPLE: “...teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16. If I don't attend, this command is broken.

5. I AM COMMANDED TO PRAY WITH GOD'S PEOPLE: “they continued stedfastly...in prayers.” Acts 2:42. If I don't attend, this command is broken.

6. “IT PLEASED GOD BY THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING TO SAVE THOSE THAT BELIEVE” 1 Cor. 1:21. I must give attendance to the preaching of God's word.

7. I AM COMMANDED TO BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS: “...be thou an example of the believers...” 1 Tim. 4:12. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

8. I AM COMMANDED TO LET MY LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT THEY MAY SEE MY GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY GOD: Mt. 5:16. If I don't attend, this command is broken.

9. I AM COMMANDED TO BRING MY CHILDREN UP IN THE NURTURE AND ADMONITION OF THE LORD: Eph. 6:4. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

10. I AM COMMANDED TO BE READY UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK: Titus 3:1. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

11. I AM COMMANDED TO BE STEDFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD: 1 Cor. 15:58. If I do not attend, this command is broken.

12. I AM WARNED AGAINST NEGLECT: Heb. 2:1-3. Brethren, how can we afford to stay away from any service of the church, and thus doing neither should we neglect special meetings and other services of the church?

Let us begin now if we have not already to be sure that we attend every service, and thereby encourage others to do the same.

The Next Generation

As Solomon looked at life under the sun, he observed that "One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever" (Eccl. 1:4). With the passing of each generation, knowledge, values and even faith are handed down from the older to the younger. Paul thanked God for the "genuine faith" of Timothy, which he says, "dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5).

Sometimes the older generation does not do a good job of transmitting what it should to the generation that follows. Sometimes the younger generation refuses to receive what was left them by their forefathers. When this occurs, the consequences are almost always negative.

British anthropologist John D. Unwin conducted an in-depth study of eighty civilizations that have come and gone over a period of some four thousand years. He discovered that a common thread ran through all of them. In each instance, they started out with a conservative mind-set with strong moral values and a heavy emphasis on family. Over a period of time, the conservative mind-set became more and more liberal, moral values declined, and the family suffered. In each instance, as the family deteriorated, the civilization itself started to come apart; and in all eighty cases the fall of the nation was related to the fall of the family. In most cases, that civilization fell within one generation of the fall of the family unit. (from Zig Zeiglar)

The effectiveness of one generation in bringing along the next generation not only has ramifications for families and nations, it also has great ramifications for God's people. The reality is that the error that one generation accepts in moderation, the next will accept in excess. In this way, standards of personal morality, decisions regarding the work of the church, and doctrinal soundness can degrade tremendously from one generation to the next. There are churches which were once faithful that have changed so drastically from what they were a generation ago, that if someone from the previous generation rose from the dead and visited, they would think they had walked in on the worship assembly of a completely different religion.

The Psalms have a lot to say to us about the need to faithfully transmit God's truth from one generation to the next (cf. Psalm 22:30; 71:18; 78:4-6; 145:3-4). There is an especially poignant passage in Psalm 48:12-14, where faithful Israelites are instructed to "Walk about Zion, and go all around her. Count her towers; {13} Mark well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. {14} For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death." Just as the Israelites needed to know exactly how everything was to be in Zion so that they could pass the information on to the next generation, the older generation of today needs to know exactly how things are to be in the church in order to pass that information on to the next generation.

What will ypur church at be like a generation from now? Much will depend on the job we do today of passing down truth, helping the young develop their abilities, and being examples of diligent laborers ourselves.

Effective Discipline

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). This verse, along with others, teaches the necessity of proper teaching of children. The are to be brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:1-4). While many parents recognize their duty of training their children, some of them have a difficult time in effectively training or disciplining their children. Some parents throw up their hands in despair over even small children, normal children, saying, "I just can't do anything with him!"

This article, by no means a proclamation that it's author can solve all problems, is intended to be a "how to" article, setting forth some practical principles that are, in my judgment, basic and essential to effective discipline. Please examine these thoughts carefully, and if they can help you, use them to the developing of good lives for your children.

1. Discipline Begins In Infancy: -- Waiting till a child is 4 or more years old to begin some of the basics of discipline creates severe problems.

2. Discipline Must Be Impartial: -- Consider the problems caused by Jacob's apparent favoritism among his sons (Gen. 37). While one child may have a more appealing manner, parents must not allow such to excuse his misbehavior, while punishing other children for the same misdeed.

3. Effective Discipline Must Be Consistent: -- This seems to be one of the greatest weaknesses with some parents. It is confusing to a child's sense of obedience to punish him one day for doing what he is allowed to do on other days. Our "no's" and "yes'es" should be as consistent as we can make them. Parents who fluctuate between severity and laxity with their children will have problems with their behavior.

4. Effective Discipline Should Contain Incentives: -- Though it is not always possible or necessary, children should be given an understanding, whenever possible, of the values and goals of doing assigned tasks or behaving in a prescribed manner. This gives them something to work for, a desirable thing to accomplish.

5. Effective Discipline Must Be Authoritative: -- When a parent gives a command, he should expect proper compliance, and the child should clearly understand that he is expected to obey. When parents command and allow children to ignore those commands, they are actually teaching their children that obedience is not necessary. This applies to minor instructions like "Pick up your shoes," as well as to weightier matters. Parents, mean what you say, and back it up with the corrective measures necessary to enforce it.

6. Effective Discipline Must Begin With Self: -- Parents who do not discipline themselves are in no position to effectively train their children. How can one teach his children the ruinous nature of bad habits while he indulges in them himself? How can he teach his children obedience to the law when he habitually violates laws? Self-control is essential for parents to effectively teach their children.

7. Effective Discipline Must Be Based On Good Judgment And Common Sense: -- Do not the Scriptures stress wisdom, discretion, and reasonableness? Technical know-how must be tempered and used with sensibility. Extremism begets extreme behavior. If one wants his children to behave calmly, to have level dispositions, he must not be explosive and violent himself.

8. Love Is The Bond Of Perfectness: -- All the efforts of discipline should be motivated by a healthy, godly love, as children are taught the love of God and man. Thus they should learn that obedience is a demonstration of love, just as proper discipline is a demonstration of love.

Should We Read The Bible?

Some people would tell us the Bible will only confuse us unless there is some Clergy to explain what we have read. Others would say we can’t understand the Bible alike. While yet others would say it doesn’t really matter whether we read it or not, just as long as we are honest and sincere in what we are doing.

Somehow in my seven years of preaching and studying God’s word, I have never found these things taught therein. As a matter of fact, when we say that we can’t understand the Bible alike, we are pointing a finger at God, and accusing Him of being the cause for religious division in the world today. Not only is this so, but we are casting a shadow of doubt upon the Holy Scriptures.

Paul said that God made known unto him by revelation, “the mystery; (as I wrote afore in a few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” (Eph. 3:3-5). Evidently Paul didn’t know the Bible would only confuse people when they read it. He said when we read it we can understand. He told Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). Peter says we are to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and always be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of our hope (1 Pet. 3:15). The word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our pathway. (Psa. 119:105).

It isn’t the Bible that confuses man, but man’s lack of study of it. It is man’s doctrines that confuse. We can read the Bible and all agree on what it says, but where the problem arises is when man says, “I know that is what the Bible says but...”. Usually this means, sure, I know that is what it says but I am going to do what I want to do.

Friends, when we one day stand before the Son of God in judgment and hear Him say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you”, it will not be because the Bible couldn’t be understood or because God is the author of confusion, but because we didn’t read the Bible to see what God would have us to do. If we are lost, we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. God sent His Son to the world. Jesus gave His life on the cross. The Holy Spirit came to the apostles and guided them in the writing of the New Testament. It has been printed in almost every language and priced within the range of us all. God doesn’t give us the knowledge of the Bible, this is up to us. If you want to know what God expects of you, read your Bible and it will tell you.

The New Testament is the last will and testament of the Son of God. This is the law that we are under today and the law we will be judged by in the judgment. It isn’t a very large book and it isn’t all that hard to read. I suggest that you start with the book of Matthew and each day read a few chapters. Before you know it, you will have completed the entire New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. Try it! I believe you will find it to be very informative and enlightening instead of confusing.

Those Were The Days

I was reading some religious journals from the 60’s and found numerous times that debates were mentioned either as had happened or were being planned. There are few people today in any religious circle that remember what a debate was. Fewer still were part of those debates. Decades ago debates were quite frequent and varied from place to place. Some debates would have crowds of up to 600 to 800 people a night. One such debate spoke of nearly 1000 people in attendance. I am sure there were other debates of various sizes but the debates happened often.

The focus of the debates would examine doctrinal differences between religious groups and for many years well known men were renowned for their prowess on the debating stage. In the ones that I read after it was also noted how that each participate in the debate was cordial and respectful as they argued their position in favor or against the established point of difference. Debates would challenge Baptist, Methodist, Christian Church and so forth on a field of discussions ranging from the means of salvation, instruments of music, church work and benevolence and a host of topics appealing to the minds of the religious community.

It is painfully clear that debates have fallen by the wayside. Trying to imagine a debate between two parties discussing the issues of salvation in a public venue; attended by 600-800 people each night – is truly a thing of the past. Revivals and gospel meetings rarely attain that level of interest. There seem to be some root causes for the demise of debates and public interest.

Religion is no longer a subject that people want to discuss. It either offends them to have challenges to their faith or they have become so satisfied in their system of faith they will not discuss it. It is harder still to find many people who are interested in having a study in their home. Religion has become the manna of over satisfied self-absorbed individuals who have little time to talk about what they believe in. "You believe what you believe and I will believe what I believe" is the clarion call of the religion of convenience.

How did Jesus view this self-inflicted wound of religious pride? In Matthew 23 the Lord said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (vv2-3). Did the Son of God suggest that it did not matter what you believed as long as you believed in God? Did Jesus Christ ever challenge the religious groups of His day? "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Mathew 23:15).

The apostle Paul went into the Jewish synagogues to discuss the scriptures on a frequent basis (Acts 13; 14:1; 17; 18; 19:8 for three months). He would find few recipients today interested in debating the scriptures. Satan has dulled our senses with the frivolities of the world. Conviction has given way to convenience. Self-indulgence hearts are guided by carnal desires. Who has time to talk of the Bible? “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). These are those days.

The Preacher And His Work

What is a "preacher"? What are the duties of a preacher? What exactly is a preacher supposed to do? Most everyone has a notion or opinion and will readily give it, but what does God say?

The Lord's Herald

There are three terms in the New Testament that describe God's worker known as a preacher. These words are not only descriptive of the worker, but the work God expects of him. These terms are: minister, preacher and evangelist.

"Minister" (Gr. diakonos), means one who serves, a servant. A preacher is a minister or servant of Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 4:6). His work is to serve the Lord's Word, the Gospel to all men (Acts 6:4; Rom. 15:16). A "good minister of Jesus Christ" must also "put the brethren in remembrance of these things..." (1 Tim. 4:6). A preacher is to "take heed to the ministry which (he) hast received in the Lord, that (he) fulfill(s) it" (Col. 4:17).

The word "preacher" (Gr. kerux) which means a herald, a public proclaimer from the king who authoritatively declares the king's law to the people which must be obeyed. The Lord authorized (1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11) and sent out His preachers or "heralds" into all the world (Rom. 10:14-18). Their sole work is to proclaim His message, the gospel (2 Tim. 2:1-7; 4:1-5) and only His message (Rom. 10:15; 15:19; Gal. 1:6-10; 1 Thess. 2:9).

An "evangelist" (Gr. euangelistes) is a messenger of good. Christ gave evangelists (Eph. 4:11-12) to bear His good message, the "gospel" which means "good news." Paul warned preachers to "do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry" (1 Tim. 4:5). A preacher is to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2).

Diverting the Lord's Heralds

The work of a preacher is short and simple in its description, but large and vital in its scope. Men dissatisfied with God's simple work, have devised many other roles and work for their "preachers." By this device, Satan delays, distracts and diverts the important work of the King's royal heralds into a thousand channels. Simply preaching the Word is not sufficient work for preachers, according to some men. As churches have expanded their work and mission beyond what the Lord gave, they have expanded the "job description" a preacher. Preachers are to be pastors or "shepherds" and counselors busy visiting, overseeing and guiding "the flock."

Some want preachers to be caretakers and superintendents, managing and supervising the church building and facilities. This man-made work has become so bloated that in recent years it has been divided up among several specialties: the "Youth Minister," the "Singles Minister," the "Outreach Minister," the "Pulpit Minister" and more.

A gospel preacher is not a "pastor," shepherd, elder or counselor. A pastor is a shepherd, the office of an elder, bishop or overseer. This is a different worker for the Lord with a different work. A pastor's work is to shepherd and oversee the flock, watching for their souls (Acts 20: 17, 28; Heb. 13:17). A preacher appoints men qualified to do the work of a shepherd, he does not do their work, as he has sufficient of his own (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7).

A gospel preacher is not a caretaker of the church property or work. A preacher is not to leave the Word to serve tables, but give himself continually to prayer and serving the Word (Acts 6:1-4).

The Preacher And The Church

Much of the error concerning preachers and their work comes from a wrong view of the relationship of the preacher and the local church. Many consider the preacher as an employee of the church. As such the church is an employer that determines the scope and duties of his work. This view is expressed in the statement: "We pay the preacher and we tell him what to do."

The Lord's command to pay preachers for preaching (1 Cor. 9:14) does not make them church employees. Such support is compared to that of God's priests (1 Cor. 9:13-14). The priests were supported by the people's offerings to the Lord as the Lord's servants, not the peoples' hirelings (Num. 18:1-20).

A preacher is not an employee of any church, but a servant of the Lord (1 Tim. 4:6). He is accountable to the Lord, entrusted to do the Lord's work and not "entangle himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:3-4).

The Scriptural relationship between a preacher and the Christians that support him is that of fellow-workers in the Lord. The Lord commands the preacher to preach the gospel and those who hear him to support him in his work. Together they have "fellowship in the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:6-14; Phil. 1:5-7).

Think on these things

To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink!


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Better to love God and die unknown than to love the world and be famous; better to be content with poverty than to die a slave to wealth.

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Don’t pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines.

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Ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.

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A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.

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If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.

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One slip does not make a person forever a failure anymore than one good deed makes him a saint forever.

The Preversion of Romans 14

Preaching the gospel for seven years, I have heard many perversions of Romans Chapter 14. It is a serious thing to pervert any part of the gospel of Christ. Some in the churches of Galatia were perverting the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7). Paul warned of the serious consequences of preaching another gospel, other than the one which he preached (Gal. 1:8, 9). We need be careful lest we be accursed for preaching another gospel, other than the one Paul preached in Romans 14.

A Serious Examination Of What He Taught

We are taught to receive the weak brother (Rom. 14:1). This does not mean we are to receive every weak brother. Some weak brethren are to be rejected (Tit. 1:9-14; Tit. 3:10, 11). Others are to be “marked” and “avoided” (Rom. 16:17). The weak brother we are to receive is not a false teacher. He just simply does not understand that we may eat meat (Rom. 14:2). He does not understand that there are some days that may be regarded to the Lord, without sinning; while at the same time it it not necessary to regard these days to the Lord (Rom. 14:5, 6). These are matters of indifference! God does not care one way, or the other. It does not matter with God whether you eat meat or not. God does not care if you want to be a vegetarian, and reject meat altogether. Neither does God care if you want to eat a pork chop, ham, bacon, catfish, or rabbit (I Tim. 4:4, 5). It was wrong under the law of Moses to eat certain meats (Lev. 11). But under the law of Christ, it does not matter. “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17).

We are not to receive the weak brother to “doubtful disputations” (Rom. 14:1). This would mean we are to receive him without disputing with him about things he has doubt about, which doesn’t matter one way or another. If he doubts that he should eat meat, we are not to dispute with him, trying to persuade him to eat meat. There is no need to convert him to our way of thinking, because God doesn’t care whether he eats meat or not. This does not mean we should not dispute with him about things which matter with God, even though he is weak, and has doubts about things. The strong brother, who can eat meat, should not despise the weak brother, who cannot eat meat with a clear conscience (Rom. 14:3). The weak brother, who cannot eat meat with a clear conscience, should not judge (condemn) the strong brother, who can eat meat (Rom. 14:3). He should not condemn him, because “God hath received him” (Rom. 14:3). This principle will apply to any incidental matter. It will apply to any situation where God does not care one way or the other. If God receives and endorses what someone does, I have no right to judge (condemn) that person. I have no right to condemn another person’s servant if his master, or employer, receives him, and does not condemn what he is doing (Rom. 14:4). Therefore, I have no right to condemn a fellow Christian, if God accepts him. However, if God refuses to accept what he is doing, I have not only the right, but the responsibility to condemn him. Paul judged and called upon the Corinthians to judge the brother who had his father’s wife (I Cor. 5:1-5). God receives a man who eats meat, therefore you have no right to judge him. God rejects fornicators, therefore you have a right, and the responsibility to judge them.

We are not to judge and set at nought our brother (Rom. 14:10), because we are all going to stand before the judgement seat of Christ. This statement is to be understood in light of the context in which it is found. This statement applies only to matters that are incidental, where God doesn’t care one way or the other. A man is not to judge, or set at nought a brother for eating meat, or regarding days that God does not care whether you regard or not. However, we should judge a brother for fornication (I Cor. 5), because God cares about whether you commit fornication or not. In verse 13 where Paul says, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way”, he is talking about incidental matters. He is talking about things where God does not care one way or the other. God does not care whether I eat pork or not. Therefore, I should not condemn those who eat pork. Those who eat pork should not despise me for not eating pork. Those who eat pork should not influence the weak brother, who cannot eat pork with a clear conscience, to eat pork, and thus violate his conscience. This would be putting a stumbling block in the weak brother’s way. The weak brother would not be eating with faith, but with doubt (Rom. 14:23), and he that doubts is damned if he eat.

Paul says, “there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean” (Rom. 14:14). He also says, “all things are pure” (Rom. 14:20). The context shows he is talking about meat. He is certainly not saying all things are morally pure and clean. Fornication and homosexuality are not pure and clean, no matter how much a person may esteem them to be. During the Old Testament period certain meats were unclean (Lev. 11). Now, all meats are clean (I Tim. 4:4). However, if you consider certain meats to be unclean, to you they are unclean (Rom. 14:14). If you should eat them, esteeming them to be unclean, you would sin (Rom. 14:23).

The Problem Of Eating Meat In Paul’s Day

The church at Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles. The Jewish brethren had been taught, all their life, the law of Moses which forbad the eating of certain meats (Lev. 11). It was difficult for them to eat what they considered unclean meats with a clear conscience. The Apostle Peter fell into a trance and saw a vessel let down from heaven with all kinds of unclean creatures in it. There was a voice that came to him, saying “Rise Peter, kill and eat”. Peter responded to this voice by saying, “Not so Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean” (Acts 10:10-14). The purpose of this vision was to show Peter that he was to preach to the Gentiles, and that he should not call any man common, or unclean (Acts 10:28). However, God had cleansed meats, and we should not consider any meat unclean (I Tim. 4:3-5). God did not show Peter the vision to convince him to eat meat, because God didn’t care whether Peter ate the unclean animals or not. In fact it would have been wrong for Peter to eat them, because he could not eat them in faith (Rom. 14:23). God was not trying to convince Peter to eat them, and Paul did not dispute with Peter about something Peter had doubt about; trying to convince Peter to eat meats he considered to be unclean. Paul received Peter, but not to doubtful disputation (Rom. 14:1). This is what Romans 14 is about.

Part 2 will be revealed at a later time.

Suggestions For Christian Living

STUDY: -- Upon becoming a Christian we should let God speak to us every day, through His Word. Paul wrote: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." (2 Tim. 2:15).

PRAY: -- Talk to God everyday! Paul wrote: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6). Also: "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:17,18).

BE FAITHFUL: -- It does no good to become a Christian unless one remains a Christian! Jesus said: "...he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 10:22). Likewise He told the saints at Smyrna, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Then in Acts 2:42, we learn that the early Christians were steadfast in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayers. Hence, Christians must be faithful to God in regular worship and in every day life.

BEHAVE: -- In Eph. 4:1 we find Paul imploring church members to: "Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called". In other words, Christians must always behave like Christians. One way to accomplish that is by constant and continued self examination. Paul encourages his readers to know themselves. If we will conscientiously judge ourselves we will not be condemned under the judgment of God. (2 Cor. 13:5). He also wrote: "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world" (1 Cor. 11:31, 32).

ADD TO YOUR FAITH:-- Many have made "shipwreck" of their faith because they did not sustain themselves spiritually after becoming Christians. In thirty years of observation, I have never known an able bodied person, who only attended one service or less per week, who could really be considered faithful! To be faithful is to be active, serving, growing and working. To be faithful is to personally be involved in the spreading of the Gospel, furthering the up building of the church and ever growing as a Christian.

VISIT THE SICK: -- Christian living is a life of love, concern and service to others (Matt. 25:30-34). It is truly more blessed to give than to receive! Jesus went about doing good. And saints are admonished to follow in His footsteps.

ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL: -- (1 Thess. 5:22). In Eph. 5:26,27, we learn that the church is likened unto the bride of Christ. We learn that the bride (the church) is to be glorious, without spot, wrinkle or blemish. The church is made up of Christians. Therefore, if the church is to be pure and without blemish, its members will have to be pure and without blemish. To be a member of the bride of Christ is a great blessing but it carries with it grave responsibilities.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15;58)

Beating Around The Bush

(A Study of the Excuses of Moses in Exodus 3-4)

A study of Moses' life is fascinating and beneficial, not only by considering his faith, but also by noting his shortcomings. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and commissioned him to go to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom, Moses began to offer up several excuses recorded in Exodus 3-4. These excuses, and God's response, teach valuable lessons for we today who would be tempted to justify ourselves like Moses tried to do. See if any of these sound familiar.

LET SOMEONE ELSE DO IT. When God instructs Moses of his duty, Moses responds first by asking, "Who am I?" (Exod. 3:11). In effect, Moses was telling God to let someone else take his place. To answer Moses' question, he was the individual to whom God was giving instruction! As we study God's word we need to view His instruction personally, understanding that I have a personal duty before God which cannot be passed off to someone else. Pure and undefiled religion involves my personal attention and faithfulness (James 1:27; 2:14; Gal. 6:10). Many in God's kingdom have been guilty of using this excuse. It didn't impress God when Moses used it. Neither will it when we use it today.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY. Moses second excuse to God was, "What shall I say unto them?" (Exod. 3:13-22). In this passage several points are made by God to answer his question. First, Moses was to speak a message of God's authority (vs. 14, 18). He was to speak to God's people, as well as to their enemies (Pharaoh) the commandments of God. All that we say and do today must be by the authority of Christ (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17). Second, Moses was to speak a message of God's deliverance - salvation (vs. 16-17): "I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt; and I have said, I will bring you out of the affliction". Our message to sinful man is one of salvation. Today, God will bring man out of the affliction of sin, to which he is in bondage (Rom. 7:24; John 8:32; Mk. 16:16). Third, Moses was to speak a message of duty (vs. 18): "And they shall hearken to thy voice..." His message demanded a response; those who heard had a duty to obey. Christians have a duty to steadfastly labor in God's kingdom (John 9:4; 1 Cor. 15:58). The sinner has a duty to obey the gospel of Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Fourth, Moses was to speak a message of judgment (vs. 19-20): "And I will put forth my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof..." When Paul preached Christ to Felix and Drusilla, he reasoned with them concerning "...the judgment to come" (Acts 24:25). Today, we must warn of God's judgment and the eternal consequences to those unprepared (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:46). Fifth, Moses was to speak a message of victory (21-22): "And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians ... and ye shall despoil the Egyptians." Because Jesus was victorious over Satan by His resurrection from the dead, He has given us assurance of this same victory (Acts 17:31). Our message to the world is one of victory, as we "show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). The next time you want to use the excuse, "I don't know what to say," think of Moses.

IT WON'T DO ANY GOOD. Moses said, "they will not believe me, nor hearken to my voice" (4:1-9). Moses' problem in pre-judging how others would respond was in the fact that he left God out of the equation. God showed him that His great power would be with him in the miracles he would perform. Today, many are similarly guilty of pre-judging that people will not believe - they are either "too old" or "too young"; "too educated" or "not educated enough"; "too busy" or "too lazy"; etc. We must remember, though we cannot work miracles (1 Cor. 13:8), we have God's power unto salvation in the gospel we preach and teach (Rom. 1:16). To use this excuse is actually a reflection on God. It says that He cannot accomplish with His word what He has purposed. Remember, God's word does not return to Him void (Isa. 55:10-11).

I CAN'T. "I am not eloquent ... I am slow of speech..." (4:10-17). Moses was looking at this all wrong. Accomplishing God's purposes in his life didn't depend on his own strength and abilities, but on God working in him. The unbelief of the ten spies Moses would later send into Canaan illustrates this same problem (Num. 13:25-33). If they had remembered God was with them, like Joshua and Caleb did, it would not have mattered how big the giants were - God is bigger! Paul understood that whatever good accomplished by his service in God's kingdom was not of himself, but by God being with him: "I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Cor. 3:6). God continues to work through those who trustingly surrender to serve God (Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Thess. 2:13).

The fact that we have limitations, even handicaps, does not mean that God cannot use us. Though Moses had a problem speaking, God gave him his brother Aaron to speak for him. How many today use this excuse because they focus on their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Can't speak? Then give someone a Bible tract or a copy of last Sunday's sermon. Can't go? Then mail someone a tract, cd, Bible correspondence course, or give someone a word of encouragement on the telephone. There is work that we all can do.

In conclusion, remember how Jesus condemned the use of excuses to justify oneself in not doing God's will (Luke 14:15-23). They won't carry any weight on judgment day either (Matt. 7:21-23; 25:44-45). May we have ears to hear.

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."