Historical Posts
Why Can’t We Agree?
Division is condemned
Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much disagreement among professed believers? Will believers ever be united? Unity is desirable. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united (John 17:20-21). Division was condemned in the church at Corinth. Paul pleaded with them to speak the same thing and to be perfectly joined together in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is said of the early church at Jerusalem that they were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).
What can we do?
Can we understand the Bible? Is unity possible? Where have we gone wrong? What can we do?
We need unity
First, we must acknowledge the need for unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:22-28). When division occurs, believers become so involved in fighting each other that the real enemy, Satan, goes unchallenged. He (the devil) is, therefore, the greatest advocate of division. Only the devil rejoices when brethren fight. All of us should long for common ground upon which we can stand together.
Authority of Scripture is the answer
Second, not only is unity desirable, it is attainable. But, for unity to occur we must acknowledge the authority of Scripture, and willing submit to it. Here is where the problems arise. The difficulty is not in understanding what the Scriptures say, but in accepting what they say. Far too often, our actions are based, not on what the Bible teaches, but on what we think, feel, or believe! Everything is subjective, and the absolute standard of God’s word is ignored. There can be no unity where truth is ignored. Faith and practice must derive from Scripture (1 Peter 4:11).
Unity in faith
The pioneer preachers of the Restoration Movement made a valid plea when they proclaimed: “In matter of faith, unity! In matters of opinion, liberty! And, in all things, charity (love)!”
Cannot compromise principles
We desire unity, but we cannot compromise principles to achieve it!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Too Much, Or Too Little Religion?
Just playing it safe?
Someone has written: “The most uncomfortable person in the world is one who has just enough religion to make him uneasy, not enough to be enjoyed, and too much to be ignored.” It’s sad, but true! For many religion is little more than a passing aberration. Going to church is their way of playing it safe, just in case there really is a God. As a result, they never experience the hope, joy and peace of true Christianity.
New Testament Christianity was never intended to be a hobby
It was designed to be a way of life. When one becomes a Christian he becomes a different person. The apostle Paul wrote: “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is why Jesus spoke of the new birth and told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Jesus demands a wholehearted commitment, not a halfhearted faith. This new life will be reflected in the way we treat others, in the way we face discouragement and defeat, and in the way we radiate the love of Christ to those around us.
How much religion do you have?
Do you believe with all your heart that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 8:37)? Have you changed your mind, and in turn, your life to conform to His image and example? That’s what the Bible calls repentance (Acts 2:38). Do you have the courage to confess your faith in Him (Romans 10:9, 10)? Will you be baptized as He demands (Mark 16:16)? Will you put Him at the center of your life (Matthew 6:33)?
You need a genuine commitment
You can experience the hope and joy of Christianity, but not without a genuine commitment to Him and His cause.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Just Man
We know very little about Joseph, the husband of Mary
One thing we do know is that he was a just man! Matthew wrote of the birth of Jesus: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took unto him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called his name JESUS (Matthew 1:18-25).
He would not make a public example of Mary
This is a familiar passage to Bible students. There are many lessons to be drawn from the text, but our focus is on Joseph. When he learned that Mary was pregnant, his immediate response was to break off the engagement. He knew the child was not his, and at that moment he could think of only one possible explanation. Yet, being a just (honorable, righteous) man, he would not make a public example of Mary, but would privately break off the engagement.
Not vindictive
Unlike many today, Joseph was not vindictive. Nor did he plan to humiliate Mary. Just men do not behave that way. Fortunately, before he had opportunity to carry out his intentions, it was revealed to him that the child Mary carried was of the Holy Spirit. Joseph went through with the marriage. He raised Jesus as his own. It was a decision he never regretted.
We need more just men
Often, it is those with the greatest personal sins who are most intolerant of the sins of others. However, just men know when to publicly expose a sin and when to do deal with it privately. We need more just men like Joseph.
— Roger
FEBRUARY 5, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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It’s a Crazy World
Some time ago I read a story in the Columbus Dispatch about a child-custody case in which the parents were in disagreement over their daughter’s education. The mother was insisting on home-schooling her daughter, and the father was just as insistent that the child attend public schools. My interest in the story had nothing to do with the pros and cons of home-schooling. What caught my attention was the reason the mother gave for wanting to home-school her daughter. She said, “I believe when you teach your children, you teach from the Bible.”
Claiming to be a Christian
Again, I have no quarrel with the home-school movement, nor do I have a problem with our local public school system. I feel my children received a good education in our public schools. But, as parents, we also played a significant role in their education. So, what’s the point? It seems this girl’s parents were never married. They have lived together for the past four years. The child was the result of that relationship. Still, the woman claimed to be a devout Christian.
While living an immoral life
I realize that many in our society see nothing wrong with two people living together outside of wedlock and conceiving a child in that environment, but the Bible does not condone it. It is sin. And, someone living in open sin cannot be called a “devout Christian.” Granted, I don’t know the whole story, only what I read in the paper. It is possible that this woman just acquired her faith, and as a result, kicked the father out of the house because he would not do the right thing and marry her.
Christians are called to live godly lives
At any rate, living together outside of marriage, and conceiving a child in that sinful relationship is not right. Devout Christians do not live that way, and they do not defend those who do. Christians are called to live godly lives. And, although we are not perfect, we certainly do not live in open sin while professing a devout faith. We are called to live a different life. Paul wrote to Titus that “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Anything less is not devout Christianity but blatant hypocrisy. Though the world seems not to know it, Christianity demands a holy life! In our crazy world, this truth has been forgotten!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Truth in Love
What do you want to hear?
When you go to the doctor for your annual checkup, don’t you want to hear that everything is just fine? But, what if it’s not? Do you still want your physician to tell you that you are fine even though all the tests say otherwise? Of course not! That would be malpractice. Why then, when it comes to our spiritual health, are we so reluctant to hear the truth?
Not just, “smile, God loves you”
Someone has observed: John the Baptist’s message from the wilderness was not, “Smile, God loves you.” It was “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Jeremiah was not put into a miry pit for preaching, “I’m OK, you’re OK.” It was for crying against the adultery, idolatry and other wickedness of his nation. Noah’s message from the steps of the ark was not, “Something good is going to happen to you.” He condemned the world and was a preacher of righteousness. Jesus Christ was not crucified for saying, “Consider the lilies, how they grow,” but for saying, “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites … children of hell … fools and blind guides … whited sepulchers … generation of vipers.”
Listen to the whole counsel of God
When Paul was about to part company with the Ephesian elders, he said to them: And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:25-31).
The whole truth is the truth in love
Faithful men of God must always teach and preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They can do no less and please God, and it is God, not men, who is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10). Of course, the truth must be presented in love (Ephesians 4:15). No faithful preacher will delight in being offensive, but truth cannot be compromised in a bid for the love and praise of men. Real love for God and for souls requires that the truth be taught in spite of any personal ramifications. That is why John was compelled to say to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Matthew 14:4). In so doing, he was preaching the truth in love.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Need to Worship
Worship was an important part of first century Christianity
The Lord’s Day (Sunday) was a special time of remembrance and celebration. Christians came together to partake of the Lord’s Supper as a memorial to the broken body and shed blood of Christ the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7). They worshiped a living Lord, not a dead Savior. Jesus had resurrected, and there was cause for celebration. In the words of Luke, historian of the early church: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Important Benefits
Not everyone understood the importance of their weekly gatherings or the benefits to be derived from them. The writer of Hebrews urged his readers to be faithful in this matter. He admonished: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: 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” (Hebrews 10:22-25).
Worship is neither boring nor useless
I frequently talk to people who express a strong distaste for “going to church.” They claim to be as religious as the next guy, but have little use for boring religious services. Personal experience, as well as Scripture, has taught me that worship is neither boring nor useless. I have never left a service without gaining something of benefit. We need the fellowship, encouragement and instruction that the worship setting provides. It is a grave mistake to forsake the assembly of the saints. In reality, it is sinful to do so!
The Bible offers much
Don’t be mislead by those who suggest that worship is unimportant or unnecessary. The Bible offers a much different view of worship and its importance. If you come to the assembly with an earnest desire to worship and learn, you will not leave disappointed. The Lord knew what He was doing when He summoned His church to faithful worship, and we need to hear and heed His summons.
–Roger
JANUARY 15, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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No Problem with God, Just Religion
TIME, in its November 21, 2011 edition, asked ten questions of Sting (born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), the famous English musician, singer songwriter, activist, actor and philanthropist.
Among them was this query: “When asked your religion, you write “devout musician.” Does that mean you pray to Angus Young?”
Sting replied: “It’s not a frivolous answer. I’m essentially agnostic. I don’t have a problem with God. I have a problem with religion. I’ve chosen to live my life without the certainties of religious faith. I think they’re dangerous. Music is something that gives my life value and spiritual solace.”
Men are free moral agents
Sting has a right to live his life as he sees fit. God has never forced Himself on anyone. No one has ever been compelled to be a believer. What I found interesting in his response is how many times I’ve heard similar things from others.
Agnostics say that we cannot know if God exists
We must accept Him on faith, and that means for many “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” Ambrose Bierce’s definition comes to mind. He argued that faith was “belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge of things without parallel.” Those who accept this premise won’t dismiss God outright, but they also won’t let Him intrude into their lives.
No problem with God, just religion
Like a lot of other folks, Sting has no real problem with God, but he does have a problem with religion. That is the same thinking that causes a man to reject the church and worship on the Lord’s Day because he says he can commune with God just as intimately on the golf course, the river, or in the great outdoors. It also explains why so many who claim to be believers never involve themselves with organized religion.
Finding spiritual solace?
Sting finds value and spiritual solace in music. Others find it in yoga, meditation, the contemplation of nature, or some other outlet. It is impossible to really get away from the innately human need for life to have a spiritual dimension. Men yearn for something higher, better, and eternal. Christianity satisfies that longing better than anything else.
We can know God is real
In response to Sting, and all who share his skepticism, I would argue that we can know that God is real based on abundant and unassailable evidence (1 Peter 3:15). Further, I would insist that there is something in our collective worship which we will not find on the golf course, the lake, or simply sharing in the beauty of nature (Hebrews 10:22-25).
No substitute
There is no substitute for the assembly of the saints to draw us nearer to God, to encourage us to faithfulness, and to stir us to greater love and good works.
–Roger
JANUARY 8, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Culture Wars
The devil is very real
He is determined to do anything and everything he can to make discipleship just as difficult as possible. He has always operated that way. First century Christians were misunderstood, maligned, and frequently mistreated, yet they held their ground, refused to compromise, and ultimately were triumphant. Will twenty-first century Christians fare as well?
Christian principles are at odds with modern culture
A war is raging against the institution of marriage. An effort is presently underway to redefine marriage. Some states have already legalized same sex marriages. Divorce has reached epidemic proportions. A hundred years ago divorce was almost unheard of, but because of the scope of the problem now, many are abandoning the teaching of Jesus on this subject (Matthew 19:1-12). Jesus is at odds with modern cultural practices, so what He said about marriage, divorce, and remarriage is undergoing change to meet cultural demands. This is the inevitable outcome of allowing culture to overrule Scripture.
Christian principles are at odds with modern sexual mores
Free love, casual or recreational sex, and “friends with benefits” all describe the loose attitude toward human sexuality which pervades modern society. In an effort to defend homosexuality culture now frames the discussion in terms of the civil rights movement and away from the moral precepts of the Bible where adultery, fornication and homosexuality are all declared to be sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Many of the problems we presently face as a society can be directly tied to our failure to respect the sanctity of marriage and God’s laws governing sexuality. Christian principles are at odds with the modern perception of the sanctity of life. It has been said that the most dangerous place in the world for a baby is in its mother’s womb. Over three thousand abortions are performed each day in America. At the other end of the spectrum, the aged have just as much to fear. At what age is it no longer cost-effective to provide medical care? A society which has no regard for the unborn will easily transition to the same calloused approach to the elderly. To do so, however, one must again sacrifice Christian principles for cultural dictates (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Be Loyal to the Lord and the Truth
Loyalty to the Lord and truth still leads to Christians being misunderstood, maligned, and mistreated, but that is a small price to pay compared to the consequences of surrendering to culture. The demands of the Lord are clear (Romans 12:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). With faith in Him, may we stand shoulder to shoulder against all who would compromise truth to please people!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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