Historical Posts
The First Day of the Week
A significant difference between the churches of Christ and other churches is the practice of observing the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Some churches do so only twice every year (at Christmas and Easter), some include other holy days on the calendar, and some have a “Communion Sunday” once every month. The practice of a weekly supper is not what most people today would consider to be the norm in Christianity.
But, what if I told you that ancient Christians, in the earliest days of the Lord’s church made the Lord’s Supper a regular part of their weekly worship services? The best evidence of this is seen in Acts 20. The first few verses of the chapter record Paul’s three-month excursion into Macedonia. We see in Acts 20:6 that Paul sailed from Philippi to Troas, where he rejoined traveling companions who had arrived there before him. He stayed for a week in Troas, and preached to the church there at their weekly assembly.
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together…” – Acts 20:7
The language of Acts 20:7 indicates that “the first day of the week” was “when the disciples came together.” That is why the modern church meets for worship on Sunday – not because it is Sunday – but because it is the first day of the week. 1 Corinthians 16:2 also indicates that the first day of the week was the day in which the church gathered for its regular assembly. Hebrews 10:25 indicates that ancient Christians understood these regular gatherings to a compulsory exercise. Relevant to this discussion, 1 Corinthians 11:20 indicates that an observance of the Lord’s Supper was supposed to be part of the weekly worship assembly. Paul rebuked the church in Corinth for failing to observe the Lord’s Supper, as they were supposed to do so. Members of the church in Corinth had made the Lord’s Supper into a common meal, which was not even shared among all the brethren. Paul reminded them of the emblems and purpose of the supper, as he encouraged them to get back what they ought to have been doing all along.
Does the church where you worship celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week? If not, then I would like to invite you to consider worshipping with the church of Christ in your community. In accordance with the Biblical pattern, we partake of the Lord’s Supper, as a regular part of our weekly worship, just like our brethren did, in ancient times.
Content by Russell Kline
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Tame Your Tongue
As you read this article, try a simple experiment: hold your tongue between your fingers. Is it still moving? No matter how hard you try to physically keep your tongue from wiggling, it is impossible (or at the least, very difficult)!
Just as the tongue is difficult to tame physically, it is spiritually. James wrote, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 2:8).” Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t? Did you say something in the wrong way, and could have made it nicer or clearer? Blessing and cursing can proceed out of it (James 3:10), but only blessing should.
We should think before we speak, as there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7).” When we do speak, we should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and our speech should be “with grace, seasoned with salt, that [we] may know how [we] ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:6).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Remember Lot’s Wife
People leave lasting impressions. If someone asked you, “Do you remember…?” When a name was inserted, immediately you remember!
“Oh yes! He/she once told me…”
“He/she was the one that…”
Depending on who the person was, they did or said something good or bad, and you’ll probably never forget that for the rest of your life.
Do you remember…Lot’s wife? She was the one that…looked back toward Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and turned into a pillar of salt.
Many years later, Jesus taught the disciples of when the kingdom of God would come. He Himself would suffer many things and be rejected by His own people. They would eat and drink, marry, and be given in marriage, all unaware of what was happening.
Jesus reminded them, “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:28-32).”
The kingdom of God is here! Let us remember Lot’s wife and not turn back; instead, let us press on toward heaven by being a part of the kingdom of God!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Little R and R
Everybody loves a little ‘R and R.’ We all work very hard, and from time to time need rest and relaxation. A little ‘R and R’ is needed for our physical health.
A little ‘R and R’ is needed for our spiritual health, too. Paul explained to the Romans that we were “reconciled to God through the death of His Son…and not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Romans 5:10-11).”
We need to be reconciled because our sins have separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2). As Christians, we have reason to rejoice! After all, through the death of Christ we can be reconciled to God.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!” Why? We are reconciled to God!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Samuel Growing as Christ
Here is a Bible trivia question: Can you name the four ways in which Jesus grew?
(If you need help, turn to Luke 2:52)
You’ll find that Jesus grew in four ways:
- In wisdom
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
Now, try this question: in what three ways did Samuel grow? Here’s a hint: he grew three out of four ways in which Jesus grew. They are (1 Samuel 2:26):
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
As I look at the similarities between Samuel and Christ, I ask myself if others can see similarities between Christ and me. Am I growing as Christ (and Samuel) did? Even though we are not told that Samuel grew in wisdom, yet God’s word often came directly to him and he obeyed it.
Today, we must desire the pure milk of God’s word that we can grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). After all, Christ is our example. As Samuel was like Christ, so should we (1 Peter 2:21).
Are you growing like Christ? Don’t settle for three ways, but strive for all four!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Passing of the Blush
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
It is growing increasingly more difficult to guard against mind pollution. The things that are lovely, true, good, just, and pure are not getting a lot of exposure these days. Do a little research. Listen to the lyrics of today’s music. Count the number of times prostitution, homosexuality, and adultery are portrayed as normal and acceptable on television. Note the movies currently showing. How many of them promote good wholesome themes? How many are of the “adult” variety? Next, survey the local newsstands. Count the number of pornographic publications on display.
Nudity, profanity, and immorality are no longer shocking! We have grown accustomed to this sort of thing. We don’t blush any more. It is reminiscent of the conditions the prophet Jeremiah encountered. When confronting the immorality of his contemporaries, Jeremiah asked: “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?” He then replied to his own question, “No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush” (Jeremiah 6:15). Tragically, the same could be said today. Little is shocking or surprising! Everything must be tolerated in the name of individual freedom, but God’s cry through Jeremiah needs to be heard again. We desperately need to return to the Bible and God’s standard for morality. With Jeremiah we say: “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
There are many things about the past we would not want to return to. We are thankful for the many advances modern technology has made possible. But, when it comes to ethics and morality, it would be nice to return to a time when right and wrong were clearly recognizable, and people honored what was right and rejected what was wrong. That time has long since passed, and we are all losers because of it.
The good news is that it’s not hopeless. We can return to the old paths and the good way. And, we can learn to blush again! But, will we? That remains to be seen.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Our Kids and Sex
Decisions regarding sex are the number one problem facing teenagers today. Our children are bombarded with sex at the movies, in advertising, and on television. Few are equipped to deal with the pressures they face. Parents have a tremendous responsibility to prepare their children for the temptations they are sure to encounter. What do we need to teach them?
First, we need to teach them that sex was created by God, and is reserved exclusively for marriage (Hebrews 13:4). All sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Second, we must educate them regarding the dangers of promiscuity. Sexually transmitted diseases have reached epidemic proportions! And, there is the ever present danger of AIDS. Illicit sexual activity can be deadly!
Third, we should tell them of the shock, shame and sadness that come through pregnancy outside of marriage. One time is all it takes. Make them aware of the consequences of their actions. Talk about the responsibilities of parenthood.
Fourth, warn them of the long term psychological difficulties that follow abortion, or in giving up a child to adoption. Certainly adoption is preferred to murdering the unborn baby, but both are traumatic. A little self-control can spare one a lifetime of guilt and regret.
Fifth, teach them the difference between love and sex. A young man who really loves a young lady will not make demands. (Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for an excellent definition of what love really entails).
Finally, as parents, we must keep the lines of communication open. Our kids need to know how special they are to us and to God. Let them know that they are loved. Offer them a secure foundation upon which they can build their lives. Be there for them, and trust them to do what is right.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Meaning of Baptism
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines “baptism” as a “Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community.” The word “baptize” is defined as, 1) to administer baptism to, 2) to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal. Neither word is properly defined in its New Testament setting. The act of baptism has come to mean the sprinkling, pouring, or immersion of an individual in water for the purpose of obtaining membership in a religious body. But, such was not the case in the first century.
Our English word “baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptisma“, meaning immersion or submersion. The word “baptize” meant to dip repeatedly, to immerge, or submerge. These words find there origin in the Greek “bapto” which meant to “dip, dip in, immerse” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, pages 94, 95). There is no word in the Bible whose meaning is more certain and yet more disputed.
In the New Testament baptism is described as “a burial” (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). It involved a “going down into” and a “coming up out of” water (Acts 8:38-39). It never implied the sprinkling or pouring of water upon an individual. And, not one single account of infant baptism can be found in the Bible!
According to the New Testament, baptism was for “the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and necessary for one’s salvation (Mark 16:16). Saul of Tarsus was told, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Have you been baptized?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Music of the Church
The subject of church music is of great interest and importance. It should be apparent to all that music was an important part of the worship of the New Testament church. But, what kind of music was it?
If we are at all concerned with “biblical authority” for what we believe and practice, we will want to know what kind of music the Lord authorized for His church. There are essentially two kinds of music: vocal and instrumental. What constituted the music of the church? Was it vocal, instrumental, or a combination of the two? The answer is quite clear. The music of the early church was vocal, a cappella singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Matthew 26:30). Instrumental music came centuries after the birth of Christianity and was foreign to the word of God!
Two objections are usually voiced in this regard. It is argued that the instrument was a part of the worship of the Jews in the Old Testament. This we readily acknowledge. But, we must also point out that the burning of incense and the offering of animal sacrifices were also a part of their worship. Should these things also be included in the worship of the church? Surely no one would argue that they should. The real issue is not what was practiced under the Mosaic system, but what did Christ authorize for His church?
Some attempt to justify the instrument on the basis of the word “psallo” (psalms – Ephesians 5:19). The argument goes something like this. The word “psallo” from which the word “psalms” comes, means “to pluck the hair; to twang the bowstring; to twitch the carpenter’s line; to touch the chord of a musical instrument.” It is then argued that this word authorizes the use of the instrument. If the word was understood to mean that in the New Testament it would not only authorize the use of the instrument, but would demand it. However, the same authority says of the word “in the New Testament to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, page 675). For centuries the New Testament was understood to authorize only singing as the music of the church.
Someone may ask, “What makes the difference? Does it really matter?” Nadab and Abihu might have asked the same questions moments before the fire of the Lord came down from heaven and consumed them (Leviticus 10:1-3). They were responsible for burning incense before the Lord. The account says that they used “strange” fire (unauthorized fire, NIV) which the Lord had not commanded. This “minor” deviation from what God had authorized cost them their lives. They may have thought it an insignificant change, but the Lord did not agree.
If it is important to obey God, and it is, then we must always seek to carry out His will as He has commanded. Even “minor” changes can have major consequences. In relationship to church music, God has authorized singing, and if we respect His authority, that is what we will do.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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April Showers Bring May Flowers
As the month of April is now underway, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” is common. If it continues to rain as much as it already has this month, the flowers should be very beautiful! Nature is just of one of God’s ways of showing us His goodness.
Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Hosea 10:12: “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness upon you.”
Let us seek the LORD, for His goodness is everywhere! Yes, there are ‘showers of blessing’ all around. Let us use what God has given to us for His glory, and many things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Salvation Is Here
Have you ever been so excited about an upcoming event that you couldn’t sleep? Whether it’s a birthday party, graduation, wedding, vacation, holiday, or some other special occasion, there is a sense of excitement and mystery about it.
There was a time in which salvation was near. The LORD said, “My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed (Isaiah 56:1).” Imagine awaiting the day in which the LORD would give salvation to His people! Likewise, the apostle Paul said, “…for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).”
Friends, there is good news! Salvation is here! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. God has sent His Son Jesus, in whom salvation is found (Acts 4:12). Let us hear Him, believe Him, obey Him, live for Him, and share Him with others so salvation can be theirs too!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The God Particle
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).” God clearly tells us how the world was created, yet some people still do not believe God did. The Bible calls them ‘fools’ according to Psalm 14:1 and 53:1. Even the wisdom of men is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 1:19-21; 3:19). God reminds us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:6-9), yet wants us to seek Him.
Isn’t it amazing to learn that scientists have just discovered the so called ‘God particle?’ It is even admitted by scientists that even though this does not explain the origin of the universe, it can help predict the end of the world (which, according to them, may be billions of years away!).
Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:20-22)…”
As to the end of the world, no one knows the day nor hour when the Son of Man will come (Matthew 24:35ff.), so we must always be ready!
I know there is a God! I know He wants me to learn, obey, and serve Him! If I do so, I know I can live forever with Him (1 John 5:13)!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord’s Command
One of the clearest statements made by the Lord is found in Mark 16:16. Jesus said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” In spite of that clear command from Christ, many persist in denying the importance of baptism. Baptism is said to play no part in a person’s salvation. It is argued that one need not be baptized to go to heaven. This argument is made even though Jesus made faith and baptism prerequisites to salvation.
It is sometimes argued that because Jesus did not say, “He that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned,” baptism is not a necessary ingredient in man’s salvation. Be assured the Lord expressed himself clearly. He knew that if a man truly believed he would not refuse baptism, and if he did not believe he would not desire baptism. One who rejects the command to believe and be baptized stands in rebellion to the authority of God’s only begotten Son. We cannot be saved and at the same time reject his commands (John 12:48). Not one single argument against the necessity of baptism is found in the New Testament, but there are many for it!
Someone will usually charge that if baptism is essential to salvation, then salvation becomes a matter of works. Such could not be further from the truth. Baptism is the logical expression of one’s faith. Through it (baptism) one is brought into Christ (Galatians 3:27). It is in no way meritorious! It is a loving response to the commands of a loving Savior. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Jesus said it! Do you believe it? Will you obey it?
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Power of Prayer
James, the brother of our Lord, wrote: “…confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
I am convinced there is power in prayer, but I’m also convinced that many of us use it much like we use the spare tire in the trunk of our car – just in cases of emergency. But prayer should be the pulsation of the Christian faith. It should be an expression of reverence, gratitude, and the felt presence of God. We can never pray too much (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18).
Perhaps we don’t pray as often as we should because we’re not sure how to pray. Most of our prayers are offered in strange language (thee and thou), and filled with oft repeated words and phrases that lack real meaning in today’s world. Jesus offered some much needed direction regarding this matter (Matthew 6:5-7).
Prayer should be the expression of the heart, and the representation of our unique personality. I read somewhere that Sam Houston, before going into battle, stopped his troops and said, “Men, it will soon be morning and we will engage the enemy beyond those hills. I want each man to pray.” One old Texan knelt by his horse and said, “Lord, if it be your will, help us whip those Mexicans, but if it isn’t your will, lay low ’cause you’re going to see the biggest fight you ever saw.”
Then there was the little girl who heard a sermon entitled, “Is God Dead?” When she said her prayers that evening they included the following request, “And please, God, don’t die, because if you do we’re all sunk!”
The earnest and fervent prayer of a sincere heart is not without power. “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice rise like a fountain for me night and day” (Tennyson). Remember, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Send the Light
There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave…
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save.
We have heard the Macedonian call today…
And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay.
Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound…
And a Christ-like spirit ev’rywhere be found.
Let us not grow weary in the work of love…
Let us gather jewels for a crown above.
The above verses may sound like a telephone call. You can hear the Macedonians dialing your number, and when you answer they say, “Send the light, the blessed gospel light!” Of course, telephones did not yet exist when this idea arose, but the message was perfectly clear!
In the night, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. He concluded that the Lord had called him to go there and preach the gospel. As a result of heeding that call, Lydia, her household, and a jailer, all from Philippi (first city in Macedonia) were baptized.
What if you got a similar call?
Would you answer it?
Christ has already called (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
Let us answer the call!
— Richard Dillon
Content by Richard Dillon
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Troubles Come
Trouble is hard to avoid. It is the lot of every life.
Job observed, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). What is its source? Again, listen to Job. “For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:6-7). It’s just a part of life. There is nothing we can do to prevent it. Job was a righteous man. He worshiped faithfully. He was morally upright. He was a good father. “Yet trouble came” (Job 3:26).
It is inescapable.
The real question is not, “Will trouble come?” The question is, “How will we deal with it when it does come?” Troubles can make us or break us. Job’s wife was broken. She advised her husband to curse God and die (Job 2:9). Job, on the other hand, through it all sinned not, nor charged God foolishly (Job 1:22). In the end his faith was vindicated.
What should we learn from the story of Job?
A man’s faith should not be predicated on the number of blessings God bestows. Nor, should adversity be allowed to undermine our faith. Job proved that a righteous man could and should maintain his righteousness in the face of adversity. To a lesser degree, our faith is sure to be tested like Job’s. When that time comes, how will we respond?
The apostle Paul gives us some direction.
He wrote from prison: “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:10-13). The apostle saw his share of trouble, but he never lost hope. His faith in Christ gave him the strength to endure. He argues that the same can be true for us.
Trouble will come.
Will it draw us closer to God, or drive us further away? That’s up to us.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Strong Drink
Some time ago this paper carried a letter to Dear Abby about a person who justified his heavy drinking by saying that the Bible approved of giving a person intoxicating drink to drown his sorrow and lessen his pain. Abby responded that indeed the Bible did give such direction. She quoted Proverbs 31:6-7: “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” Then Abby observed: “However, since the Bible was written, we have learned that not everyone can handle “strong drink,” and for those who cannot, I recommend the National Council on Alcoholism.”
Abby’s Bible literacy is appalling. Had she read Proverbs 23:29-35 she would have discovered the following: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at last it bits like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perverse things. And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. They struck me, but I did not become ill; they beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I shall seek another drink.” Abby said that since the Bible was written we have learned that not everyone can handle “strong drink.” The fact is, folks have not yet learned what the Bible does say about alcohol! Only fools drink it (Proverbs 20:1)!
Now, what about Proverbs 31:6-7? That verse, like one in 1 Timothy 5:23, permits the consumption of alcohol in small amounts for medicinal purposes, but in no way does it justify drunkenness or social drinking. Alcohol was used then in the way that a doctor uses a sedative today to calm a person who has had a traumatic experience, or administers morphine to relieve pain. But clearly the Bible does not justify drunkenness or the indiscriminate use of intoxicating drink.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Nathanael as Christ
Nathanael is perhaps best known for asking, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth (John 1:46)?” When told to come and see, he began to approach Jesus. As he approached, Jesus said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit (John 1:47)!”
Jesus gave Nathanael a wonderful compliment! Sometimes it is difficult to say the right thing or do the right thing at any given moment, but Jesus knew Nathanael was very good at it. After all, there was no deceit in him.
There was no deceit found in the mouth of Christ either (1 Peter 2:21-22; Isaiah 53:9). He is the perfect example, and in this regard Nathanael is just like Him!
What about us? Are we being deceitful? Remember, “Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:2).”
We must always “speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)…”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Does It Say That?
Have you ever the term, “Chimney Corner Scripture?” This means something thought to be in the Bible, though is not.
People often say something like, “it’s in the Bible somewhere…”, when the truth is, it isn’t in the Bible, or the Bible says something different. See if you can find the following in the Bible:
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Hockey
Based on history (pardon the pun), these sports were not known until after the Bible was written. However, one could (incorrectly) attempt to justify them as follows:
- In the big inning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
- Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court (Genesis 41);
- Aaron lit the lamp at twilight, scoring the first goal (Exodus 30:8)
As humorous as these examples may seem, many lost souls try to justify themselves in the same way, using “Chimney Corner Scriptures,” thinking they are saved when they are actually lost. “…As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:16-17)…”
God says what He means, and He means what He says! We don’t need to try to change His meaning, add to, or take away from it (Revelation 22:18-19).
Does God really say that?
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Speckled Ax
One of my favorite books is the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. In it Franklin tells about a man who wished to buy an ax with the whole surface ground as bright as the edge. The smith consented to grind it bright for him if he would turn the wheel; he turned, while the smith pressed the broad face of the ax hard and heavily on the stone, which made the turning of it fatiguing. The man came every now and then from the wheel to see how the work went on, and at length would take his ax as it was, without further grinding. “No,” said the smith, “turn on, turn on; we shall have it bright by-and-by; as yet it is only speckled.” “Yes,” said the man, “But I think I like a speckled ax best.”
I have a hunch there are a lot of folks who prefer speckled axes. Like the man in Franklin’s story, we have high ideals, but are often unwilling to put forth the effort necessary to see them realized. Therefore, we settle for less than what we desire. That’s all right when it comes to an ax, but not when it comes to the development of character.
Paul admonished, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). To accomplish what is really important requires hard work, dedication, and determination. Little that is worthwhile comes easily. This is especially true regarding the building of Christian character.
Peter wrote: “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8). Spotless character does not come easily. We must work at it every day, and we should not be satisfied with anything less.
We must not settle for a speckled ax when we can have a shining one. We must work hard at being everything God envisions for His people. We will never be flawless, but we will get better and better if we are willing to work at it!
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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