Historical Posts
Choices
Our most important choices are regarding Jesus.
A young man applied for a job on a farm. The farmer had one question for him. “Are you willing to work hard?” The young man assured the farmer that he could count on him to do an honest day’s work, so the farmer hired him.
The first morning he was put to work chopping wood. The farmer told him what he wanted done and then went off to do his own chores. He returned at noon to check on his new employee, and to his surprise, found the wood all chopped and neatly stacked. What should have been an all day job had been done in four hours.
That afternoon the young man was put to work painting the barn. That, too, went smoothly and much faster than the farmer had expected. The job was completed by the weekend.
The following Monday morning the young man was put to work sorting potatoes. Some were for market, some for the farmers’ table, and some were for planting. This involved making choices. After showing the new hand what was expected, the farmer again went off to do his own work. To his surprise, when he returned later that morning, he discovered that the young man had made no progress. “What happened?” he demanded. “You were such a good worker last week!” Embarrassed, the young man replied, “I told you I was a good worker, but I didn’t say I could make decisions.”
When it comes to faith, it seems the young man has lots of company. At Mount Carmel Elijah chided Israel: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him. But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21).
The most important choices we make are the ones regarding Jesus. Are we with Him or against Him? There is no neutral ground. There are only the two choices: we are either on His side or we side with the devil (Matthew 12:30). We have made a choice. Have we made the right one? Remember, time is running out!
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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You Ought to Know
Two Things You Ought to Know
“There is something you ought to know…” Have you ever heard those words before? Perhaps important information needed to be given to you so you could make a better decision. Perhaps you have also heard, “If only I knew then what I know now…” What if it were possible to know something so you can make a good decision? Well, it is! There are many resources available to do research on a lot of things to help make better decisions. There are at least two things we all ought to know, and we have the resources to know them.
First, we ought to know the truth. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).” By knowing and obeying the truth, we can be made free from sin! Jesus even told us Himself what is true: Himself (John 14:6), His Father (John 17:3), and His Word (John 17:17). If Jesus said or did it, it’s true! God, His Father, is the only true God! The Bible, the inspired Word of God, is all true!
Second, we ought to know we can have eternal life. John wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).” There should not be any doubt that a Christian has eternal life! Earlier, John stated that eternal life is in God’s Son (1 John 5:11). Thus, if one is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), he has access to all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), including the hope of eternal life.
The truth can be known! We can know we have eternal life! These are things you ought to know…
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Good Example
A good example says more about us than what we say.
The apostle Paul wrote to two young preachers. Both were encouraged to set good examples. Timothy was admonished: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Titus was challenged: “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8).
The challenge of the gospel is to live life imitating the example of Jesus Christ, being a good example. He left us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). We are to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). A mature disciple is one who can say with Paul: “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:19-20).
The effects of a good sermon are destroyed by bad living. The best parental advice is overruled by a bad example. Children imitate what they see and hear. Imagine the frustration of a child who is punished for smoking the cigarette butt his father threw away, or has his mouth washed out for saying a word he learned from his mother. Jesus warned regarding the Pharisees: “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” (Matthew 23:3). Sadly, the Pharisees are not the only ones to have their influence destroyed by living a bad example.
It’s impossible to place too much emphasis on the importance of a good example. What we do says more about us than what we say. Edgar Guest wrote: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear. And best of all the preachers are the men who live their creed. For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.”
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Life and Death
The Bible Sheds Light on Life and Death
Hebrews 9:27 reads, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Sooner or later, every human being experiences death. Death is the inevitable end of life. Whenever someone we love dies, we are vividly reminded of our own mortality, and of the fact that we shall die also, unless we are alive when the Lord returns to the Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Life on Earth is overcast by the looming shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), and many live in abject terror of facing the end of life. We all face life and death.
What is death? It may surprise you to know that doctors, lawyers and philosophers find that a very difficult question to answer. Is death the cessation of the beating of one’s heart? Not necessarily. The definitions of life and death can be difficult. Some life-saving surgical procedures require the patient’s heart to be stopped for long periods of time. Some people’s hearts have stopped beating for several minutes at a time, only to be restarted by doctors. Is death the cessation of respiratory function? Not necessarily. The human body can survive for several minutes at a time without breathing, under certain conditions. There are many documented cases of people who were fully revived, even after their breathing had stopped for much longer than anyone had ever thought possible. Is death the cessation of brain function? Not necessarily. There are cases of people whose brain functions ceased for months, or even years at a time, and yet they were able to completely recover. Questions like these, about life and death, are debated in our courts, halls of medicine, and halls of academia, with no easy answers forthcoming.
Can the Bible shed some light on questions about the definition of death? As a matter of fact, the Bible offers us its own definition of death, in James 2:26. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Some have argued that the word, “spirit” ought to be translated, “breath,” since that is the primary meaning of the Greek word, in the text. But, the secondary meaning is “spirit,” and that is the translation that is called for, in the context (as in John 4:24). Besides, we have already pointed out that, just because someone has stopped breathing, it does not necessarily mean that they are dead.
Once the spirit leaves the body, the body begins to decay (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Only God can restore life to such a dead body (John 3:2). Only God has made something living out of something that is not living (Genesis 2:7). People who are truly dead (according to the Biblical definition) cannot be brought back to life by any natural means. This is why I am convinced that people who claim to have died and come back to life probably did not, in reality, experience the death that they claim to have experienced.
For most people, life and death are a great mystery. People speculate about life and death and whether there is any such thing as life after death. Some argue that, in death, the souls sleeps until it is awakened by resurrection. Others say that, in death, one simply ceases to exist. But, the Bible says that, while death may be the end of life on Earth, it is not the end of life, altogether. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus gives us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, demonstrating life and death. Both of these men died, and both of them continued to live on, after physical death. The rich man experienced the best that life had to offer, in this world, but he then experienced the worst that life has to offer, in eternity. Lazarus’ experience was just the opposite of the rich man. From this parable, we learn many things; not the least of which is that, faithfulness to God, in this life, results in an eternal reward, in Heaven (Luke 16:25).
When we think of life and death, we often think of death as being final, and absolute. But, the truth of the matter is that death is not a permanent condition. Instead, death is a transition from life in this physical world to life in the spiritual world. The time is coming, when death shall no longer exist (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). When God shall destroy this world and we shall exist only the spirit world, where death has no dominion (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). At that time, death shall be destroyed, and the faithful shall live eternally – without the shadow of death looming (Revelation 20:14).
Now is the time for us to prepare ourselves for what lies beyond life in this world. We all ought to learn from death that we shall not live in this world forever (Hebrews 9:27). Here and now is the only time and place to prepare for what lies beyond (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Content by Russell Kline
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Heed the Warning
Heed the Warning from God
There are many kinds of warnings that are available to us in this world. A siren sounds when a tornado has been sighted. A horn blows before an accident is about to occur. An announcement is made when there is a certain amount of time left in the game. Sometimes people warn us that if we do a certain thing, we will suffer the consequences. But these are not the most important warnings.
As Paul was on his voyage to Rome, he knew very well that the increased winds and other factors meant that the voyage would end in disaster. In fact, he told those in charge of him, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives (Acts 27:10).” Sure enough, the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and owner of the ship than he was by Paul. As they continued on their journey, a storm arose and they had to lighten the ship, losing their cargo. Thankfully their lives were spared.
Just as they did not heed Paul’s warning from God, many do not heed God’s warning today. Historically, many prophets warned the people to repent or disaster would strike. Some listened, yet others did not, and we can see the consequenses. Today we must heed God’s warning and be obedient to Him, or else we will suffer eternal consequenses. Remember the words of the song, “Careless soul, o heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone; o how sad to face the judgment, unprepared to meet thy God.” Are you ready to face the judgment? Prepare yourself now. Heed the warning.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Make the Most of Today
Make the Most of Today
Dale Carnegie observed, “One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” In a sense, the Psalmist said the same thing. He wrote: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, KJV).
Someone else has written: “Today is the day I have been looking for. All my life has been spent in preparation for it. Yesterday and tomorrow are faraway nothings – the one a faint memory, the other a vague promise. But this is my day. It offers all that God has to give, and I’m a laggard or a coward if I fail to make the most of it.” We need to make the most of today. We cannot afford to spend all of our time regretting the past or daydreaming about the future. If we do, we miss out on the present. Nor can we afford to live today in fear. Life is too brief and time too precious for us to do that.
Yet, there is a sense in which all of us must be vitally concerned about both the past and the future. A relationship with Christ will take care of both and enable us to make the most of today, to live today. Through obedience to the demands of Jesus Christ we can have all our past sins washed away (Acts 22:16). In this new relationship with Him, we can also live with heaven before us (John 14:1-3). As long as we walk in the steps of Jesus our future will remain secure (1 John 1:7). With the past forgiven, and the future secured, the present takes on greater significance. Jesus came so that we could live an abundant life (John 10:10). As a Christian we can face each day with confidence. With a smile on our face and a song in our heart life becomes an adventure. Each day offers new joys, rewards, pleasures and opportunities. Life is worth living and we can make the most of today.
But, if we remove Christ from the picture there is no hope and no forgiveness. The past will haunt us and the future will frighten us. The good news is that Jesus can make a difference, if we will let Him.
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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What About Music at Weddings?
Though weddings are civil ceremonies, they are not occasions to go beyond the limits of the Law of Christ.
While the Bible has much to say about marriage, it has very little to say about marriage ceremonies and weddings. Yet, there are questions that frequently arise about whether the Bible does or does not authorize certain practices at weddings. In answering such questions, it is important to remember that marriage ceremonies are, in essence, civil ceremonies, rather than religious services. The objective of weddings is not to worship God, but to celebrate the commitment that is being made by the bride and groom. Therefore, there are certain things that would be permissible at weddings, which would not be permissible at worship services, and vice versa.
For example, the question of whether or not it is Scriptural to use mechanical instruments of music at weddings is one that arises with great frequency. Certainly, it is a violation of the teaching of the New Testament to use mechanical instruments of music in worship. Passages like Ephesians 5:19 make it abundantly clear that worshippers are to “sing,” with the Scriptures authorizing nothing more and nothing less than that. Note the reading of the passage: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Even just this one verse makes it obvious that the Lord desires pure and unadulterated singing, as part of the worship we offer Him. The word, “speaking,” indicates that it is to be a verbal exercise. The phrase, “making melody in your heart,” indicates that whatever tune is being sung is to be kept in our bodies, and not on any kind of mechanical instrument, like an organ or a piano. When compared with other passages, like Colossians 3:16 and Hebrews 13:15, it is quite evident that God expects all of His saints to sing together, without anything to drown out the words of truth being sung, as part of the worship we present to Him (John 4:23-24).
But, as we have already pointed out, a wedding ceremony is not a worship service. The same standards do not apply in both cases. If a bride and groom wish to have music played on an instrument like an organ, or a piano, or a violin at their wedding, there is not any commandment in the Scriptures that would forbid it. There are, however, some obstacles that Christians couples may have to overcome, in order to have mechanical instruments of music at their wedding ceremony.
It may be the case that the church building in which they wish to be married has something called an “exclusion clause” in its deed. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when churches of Christ were dividing over the issue of instrumental music, some brethren had clauses written into the deeds of their church buildings, which forbade any mechanical instruments of music to be brought on the premises for any reason. It may be the case that, even if the leadership of the church agrees to allow an instrument to be brought into the church building for a wedding, it is impossible to do so for legal reasons.
Also, Christian couples must consider the example they are setting for their friends and family, who are not members of the Lord’s church. It may seem hypocritical for brethren to forbid the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship, but then allow them to be used at weddings. Since we are commanded to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22), it is wise to consider how guests at a wedding might perceive the use of such things.
I am persuaded that it is sinful for Christians to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” with the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music, under any circumstances. The Bible is silent on the matter, so it may not be argued that there is Scriptural authority for the practice (Colossians 3:17). As it has already been observed, Christians who sing praise to God with the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music may be seen as hypocrites by people in the denominational world. Such confusion can poison a Christian’s influence and result in turning souls away from the truth (Matthew 5:13-16).
Anyone who is planning a wedding would do well to heed the words of Paul, in Ephesians 5:15, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” Even though weddings are civil ceremonies, they are not occasions to go beyond the limits of the Law of Christ. A couple seeking to celebrate their union in holy matrimony ought to do so in accordance with their wishes, as long as they do not do so at the expense of compromising God’s will.
Content by Russell Kline
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God is in Control
Rember That God Is In Control
This past week many of us were affected by the fierce storms that passed through the area. Some of us were even under a tornado warning for a brief period of time. Most of us received hail, high winds and heavy rain for a time. Often during times like this, one may feel the presence of God in the untamed power of nature. But truly, God is in control of nature.
Nahum 1:3b-5: “The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it.”
Yes, God is in control over the weather! In the New Testament, Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), proved this to the disciples when He calmed a great storm (Mark 4:35-41). They were fearful and thought they would perish, but Jesus said to the sea, “peach, be still.” We may be scared when bad weather approaches, but we must remember that God is there. Likewise, when the storms of life try to shake us, God is there.
Truly, God’s control of nature is just an indication of His control over all things. We need to fully entrust our lives to Him.
Psalm 56:3: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” God is in control and we need to trust in Him. Take action now to put yourself in His hands.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Wrong Questions
Are We Asking The Wrong Questions?
When disaster strikes, we ask, “Why?” When suffering comes into our lives, we ask, “Why me?” These are the wrong questions. We should be asking, “What can I learn from this?” Or, “How do I deal with it?” No life is free from adversity. It is foolish to think that we can go through life unscathed. Troubles come into life as surely “as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). No one should be surprised by adversity. It is inevitable! How we deal with it is another issue altogether. It can make us or break us, and we really do determine which it will be.
When troubles enter a marriage the first question often raised is, “Should we get a divorce?” But, again, that is the wrong question. What should be asked is, “How do we fix it?” There are no broken marriages which cannot be fixed if both parties want to resolve the problems. At the root of nearly every broken marriage is a communication problem. And frankly, at the heart of this problem is a failure not to talk but to listen. It is not by accident that James admonished, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). When we focus on the symptoms we are asking the wrong questions. If you find yourself in a troubled marriage, start looking for solutions, not an escape!
When religious controversy arises, the question is raised: “Who is right?” That’s another example of asking the wrong questions! The correct question ought to be, “What is right?” If truth is to triumph in the hearts of men there must be a constant pursuit of the truth. After all, it was Jesus who said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). We cannot close our eyes to the message because we dislike the messenger. We must not reject the truth because it conflicts with our traditions. We must not let the messenger have more sway over us than the message. This is, however, exactly what happens when we allow “smooth words and flattering speech” to triumph over truth (Romans 16:17-18).
When someone dies the inevitable question is, “How did they die?” Was it an accident? Had they been sick? Did they have a heart attack? But, the more important question to be raised is, “How did they live?” Death is inevitable, and judgment follows (Hebrews 9:27). The verdict rendered at Judgment is not based on how we died, but how we lived? Perhaps we would all benefit from an honest appraisal of how we are living, and whether or not we are prepared for death and what follows!
Don’t get mired in asking the wrong questions. Let’s ask the right questions. Let’s consult the Bible for the right answers.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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An Abundant Life
God’s promise of an abundant life in Jesus
Jesus provides an abundant linfe. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The context in which this verse appears is a discussion of the Lord’s role as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-17). In this discussion, Jesus made many important points about how He interacts with His “sheep” (you and me).
- The Good Shepherd is not a thief, so He enters the sheepfold through the door.
- He knows the names of His sheep and His sheep recognize His voice (John 10:1-5).
- Jesus also described Himself as the Door through which His sheep enter into His fold (the church). Everyone else who pretends to be the Messiah is a thief and a robber, who wants only to destroy the sheep (John 10:7-10).
- The Good Shepherd cares about His sheep, and would lay down his life for them. A hireling (also a Messianic pretender) will not give his life for the sheep. That is something that only the Good Shepherd will do (John 10:11-14).
However, I want to focus on Jesus’ statement in the latter part of John 10:10. What is an abundant life? What did Jesus promise, when He promised to His sheep, life more abundantly?
The English word, “abundantly” is translated from a Greek word, which means, “exceedingly; above measure.” It is used again in Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” One of the central ideas of this passage is that God is capable of doing things that we haven’t even thought of yet. Why, then, should we limit our prayers to meager requests for God’s help with this, or that? Christians ought to learn to think big, dream big of an abundant life, and make bold requests of our God, who is able to exceed our expectations and bless us even beyond our capacity to receive blessing (Malachi 3:10).
The promise of an abundant life, therefore, is the promise of a life that exceeds our expectations and surpasses what we might think of as reasonably good. As Christians, we are blessed with certain assurances, which make life on Earth a much more pleasant prospect than it might be otherwise (Ephesians 1:3). For example, the assurance of eternal salvation gives us an inner peace, which the world cannot even comprehend (Philippians 4:7). Also, the assurance of God’s providence at work in our lives comforts us, when times are tough (Matthew 6:25-34). Finally, the assurance of knowing what will happen to us when we die helps us not be afraid of death, so that we can embrace all that life has to offer us (Revelation 14:13). These concepts all contribute to living an abundant life. Christians have much to live for, in this world, and they have much to look forward to, in the next (Philippeans 1:21).
Not only does living for Jesus benefit us here, but it also benefits us in the hereafter. What faithful Christians have to look forward to in eternity is such an abundant life it defies human description. John’s vision of Heaven, in the Revelation, was something that was unlike anything he had ever seen on Earth. He used the words “like” and “as” so many times in the book of Revelation, because he was trying to describe in Earthly terms something that transcends life in this world. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John say the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4) John told us about Heaven by telling us what is not there: death, sorrow, crying, and pain. These are things which can make life on Earth miserable, therefore they do not exist in Heaven!
An abundant life is something that is promised to every Christian, so let us resolve to lay claim to our share of it. Let us rejoice in all the blessings with which the Father so abundantly blesses us (Philippeans 4:4). Let us trust in the blessed assurance of the promises that God has made to all who will yield to His will (2 Peter 3:9). Let us look forward to the prospect of an eternal home in Heaven, and allow this hope of eternal life to be the anchor, which keeps our souls steadfastly secured to our Lord and Savior (Hebrews 6:19).
May we all live an abundant life, victoriously, and triumphantly, in this present world!
Content by Russell Kline
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Threats to the Family
The Demise of Home and Family
The children of a prominent family decided to give their father a book of the family’s history for a birthday present. They commissioned a professional biographer to do the work, carefully warning him of the family’s “black sheep” problem: Uncle George had been executed in the electric chair for murder. The biographer assured the children he could handle that situation. He would record complete truthfulness and without any embarrassment to their father. He later wrote: “Uncle George occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution. He was attached to his position by the strongest of ties and his death came as a real shock.”
It has been said that there is a skeleton in every closet, and a black sheep in every family. Just so you know, I’m not interested in uncovering either. But, I do want to address a real problem and that is the demise of homes and families.
Who could dispute the fact that homes are under attack in this nation?
Families are facing real threats, and we ignore them at our peril. The church is not immune. Whatever is in the world will creep into the church!
A recent Pew Study revealed that 38% of births in the U.S. in 2006 were to unwed mothers. In 1960 it was 5%. That same study found that nearly ½ of those in their 30’s and 40’s in 2005 had lived with a partner outside of marriage.
Not only are divorce and immorality rampant, but there is a concerted effort underway in this nation to redefine marriage. A few states now allow same sex marriages. Behind the scenes efforts have been underway for some time to make it the law of the land.
Marriage is under assault, but the words of Jesus still ring true: “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
Motherhood is devalued. But the reality is that the greatest fulfillment in life will never come from the nine-to-five world of the women’s libbers! A woman’s greatest influence is in the home and family (Proverbs 31:10-31). The world has gotten it wrong!
Fathers are assailed. The media generally presents men (fathers) as bungling idiots routinely rescued from the brink of disaster by a strong woman (think Ray Romano, Tim Taylor, Homer Simpson). The Bible challenges men to lead the family and home. Fathers must be active in child care and training, and make a positive impact on home and family (Ephesians 5:25-6:4).
Return To A Biblical Family Framework
Family and the home will not only survive, but thrive when we adhere to Biblical principles for marriage and the family. We invite disaster when those principles are ignored. The church must be the voice of reason (1 Timothy 3:15). We must rise to the challenge! The threats to the family are real, but they are not insurmountable if we will only return to a Biblical framework for home and family.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Look Up, Not Down
Do People Look Up To Us?
Have you ever felt that someone was always looking down on you? Maybe you felt short, young, or inexperienced. You just wished there was something you could do to change the way others look at you. Well, there is something you can do!
1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down upon him because he is a youth; instead, they should look up to him because of how he lives! Whether we are young or old, short or tall, a babe in Christ or a maturing Christian, we should conduct ourselves in such a way that people look up to us.
Are we setting a Christ-like example with our words, our conduct, our love, our spirit, our faith, and our purity? Does our conduct cause others look down upon us, or do they look up to us? Are we being a good role model?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Sober Facts About Sin
Think on these sobering facts about sin.
Clarence Macartney called it the “saddest word in the Bible and in human speech.” He was talking about the little word “sin.” Sin is the fountain of woe, the mother of sorrows, as universal as human nature and as eternal as human history. It can be labeled as “the cause of all war and violence and hatred and sorrow and pain.” Sin alienates from God, establishes fellowship with the devil, brings moral perversion, sears the conscience, and ultimately issues in death (Romans 6:23). There are some things that we all need to know about sin.
First of the facts about sin: it made to look attractive.
When Eve beheld the “forbidden fruit” she saw that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desired to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). What she did not see was sin’s true nature. It brought pain, suffering, death, and separation from God. Sins true colors are seldom seen until it is too late.
Second of the facts about sin: it is fun.
The writer of Hebrews commended Moses because he turned his back on the “pleasures” of sin (Hebrews 11:25). Anyone who would suggest that sin is not enjoyable simply does not understand how Satan works. Sin is not only made to look good, but brings some pleasure when pursued.
Third of the facts about sin: sin never produces everything it promises.
Sin may be enjoyable, but the pleasure is always short lived. In the words of the Hebrews’ writer, the pleasure last only for a “season.” A few minutes of “euphoria” may result in a lifetime of misery and pain.
Fourth of the facts about sin: sin is destructive.
The destructive effects of sin may be experienced both now and throughout eternity. Solomon observed that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). Life is made more difficult because of sin in our lives. If it not dealt with, it will lead to eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).
Fifth of the facts about sin: there is forgiveness of sin in Christ, but the scars of sin still remain.
Jesus died to save men from the eternal consequences of sin. We never want to downplay the importance of His role. He is the giver of life. Through Him forgiveness is available to every man. But, though forgiven in Christ, the ghosts of a former life of sin may often linger to haunt us. The best advice for life was offered by the apostle Paul when he wrote: “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Have you experienced forgiveness through Jesus Christ?
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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How is Your Reflection?
Your reflection reveals you and shows where you need to improve.
We often look at our reflection. At times we may see ourselves reflected in water; other times we look in a mirror. Are you fully satisfied with what you see in your reflection, or do you need change? Do you need to fix or improve something in order to be satisfied with what you observe?
Proverbs 27:19: “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Your reflection reveals your heart.
James 1:23-25: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” Keep your reflection in mind.
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word truly reveals your reflection.
Putting the aforementioned verses together, we must look deep into ourselves. We must be honest with ourselves about what we see. Is the Word of God there? When we look deep into the word of God, do we see a description of ourselves? Does your reflection truly show the Word of God the way you want it to?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acceptable Worship
Acceptable Worship in God’s Eyes
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
To suggest that all worship is acceptable and approved by God would be contradictory to the teaching of Jesus. He accused the Pharisees of drawing near to God with their lips, but having their hearts removed from Him. He then charged them with “vain worship,” accusing them of teaching for doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:8-9). Obviously, their worship was unacceptable to God.
There are three essential elements to acceptable worship according to the Lord (John 4:24).
First, acceptable worship must be directed to the right object – GOD. As the object of worship, He alone has the right to dictate what should be done as worship. Worship is not a spectator sport. We are all to be participants, and our worship is to be directed heavenward.
Second, acceptable worship must be in spirit. That is, it must be prompted by the right motives, and done with the right attitude. Our heart must be in it.
Third, our worship must be done in truth. Therefore, it must be authorized and approved by God in His word. We must come to God on His terms, not ours. We can be sincere and still not worship in truth. Should that happen, our worship is unacceptable to God. We must always seek to discover what God has revealed in His book and do it.
All three ingredients are essential for acceptable worship. Though directed at the right object (God), the Pharisees’ worship was unacceptable. It lacked both spirit and truth. Worship directed toward the right object and offered in the right spirit is also unacceptable if not governed by the dictates of God’s word. It is not a question of what is pleasing to men, but what is pleasing to God?
Is your worship acceptable to God? Is your worship directed toward Him? Are you prompted by the right motives? Are you guided by God’s word?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Facing the Future
Are you facing the future with confidence?
Over the years I have learned to expect the unexpected in facing the future. Many a family outing, vacation, or dinner out has been interrupted by some unexpected development.
James, the brother of our Lord, addressed the matter of facing the future when he wrote: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14).
We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but that is not to say that we should not look beyond today. Every farmer plants in spring with an eye to fall. It is not only all right to be looking to and facing the future, it is essential. James, however, did go on to advise his readers to preface their plans with the acknowledgment that all is subject to the Lord’s will (James 4:15).
Why do we need be facing the future? As parents, we need to plan for our children’s education. As fathers, we need to plan for our families in case of our untimely death. We need to plan for retirement. At some point in our lives our bodies will no longer function to the extent that we can continue to work and support ourselves. We would like to retire while we can still enjoy retirement. That requires planning and facing the future. The fact is, no one plans to fail, but far too many fail to plan. And, as a result, their dreams don’t come true.
But, the most important planning we do is for eternity. Yet, this is the area folks seem to put off longest. In fact, many never get around to it at all. They just don’t want to be facing the future that awaits. However, when life is over, and it can end for us at any time, it will be too late.
We can confidently face the future only when we live in the present! Someone has written: “Today is the day I have been looking for. All my life has been spent in preparation for it. Yesterday and tomorrow are faraway nothings – the one a faint memory, the other a vague promise. But this is my day. It offers all that God has to give, and I’m a laggard or a coward if I fail to make the most of it.”
Too many of us spend so much time reliving yesterday or daydreaming about tomorrow that we forget about today. The past cannot be undone, and the future is forever unknown. But today, that’s a different story. It is in our grasp and we must not waste it! Please understand, I am not implying that we forget the past or fail to look to the future. I am suggesting that we give more attention to the present. If we do, the past will be remembered with greater fondness, and the future will hold greater promise.
Stop fretting about yesterday and tomorrow, and focus on today. Today is all we have. What are we going to do with it?
- Today is the day to mend a broken relationship.
- Today is the day to speak an encouraging word or write a hope filled note.
- Today is the day to let your mate, your children, and your grandchildren know how much they are loved.
- Today is the day to put your best foot forward at home, at school, at work.
- Today is the day to put your life right with God (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the action you need to in order to be facing the future with confidence.
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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Be of Good Cheer!
Christians have good reason to be of good cheer.
Bible class teachers, preachers, song leaders, elders, deacons, and all Christians may need encouragement at times. For some, this ability to encourage and offer good cheer is a special gift that they can use to glorify God and edify one another. There was one person in the New Testament who encouraged others: Jesus Christ. “Be of good cheer” was spoken by Jesus on at least four occasions:
- A paralytic was brought to Him, and Jesus said: “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you (Matthew 9:2).”
- The disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, and Jesus said: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27).”
- Jesus also told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
- Paul was arrested for preaching Him, and was told: “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).”
Whenever we are lagging and need encouragement, just remember:
- Jesus will forgive us of our sins!
- We have nothing to fear, for God is with us!
- Jesus has overcome the world, and through Him we can too!
- God has seen us through a lot, and will continue to be with us every step of the way.
If you are a Christian, you should be of Good Cheer! If you are not, you are encouraged to become one today!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Sense of Urgency
Feel a sense of urgency when it comes to evangelism.
As we approach the start of the 19th Annual Madisonville Church of Christ Bible Lectureship, I find myself thinking more and more about the theme of this year’s program – Evangelism: Our Mission and Passion. Do Christians really understand that the evangelism of lost souls is the mission upon which the Lord has sent us in this world? In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with your always, even unto the end of the world.” In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus said: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” In Luke 24:46-47, Jesus said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” Do we really take the great commission personally? Do we understand that it is OUR task to evangelize the whole world? Do we realize that, if we fail to do it, there is no one else who will? If we did, then perhaps we would feel more of a sense of urgency, when it comes to evangelism.
Are we truly passionate about evangelism? Every Christian wants the church to grow, but few seem to want to do anything about it (Matthew 9:37). There seems to be no sense of urgency. The only way that the church will grow is if the members of it will actively attempt to recruit others to join the cause of Christ. Please don’t imagine that the preacher and his family are the only ones who are supposed to play and active role in the evangelism of our community. A preacher’s influence is limited to those around him. You will encounter people in the course of your daily life that your preacher might never even meet! Who is going to speak to them about Jesus, if you do not?
Those of us who have had some success in seeking and saving the lost know that there is no other feeling on Earth to compare with knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s eternal destiny. Being passionate about evangelism is not something that one can just “switch on” and “switch off.” It is something that comes with experience of seeking the lost. How many people have you led to Christ? There is still time to increase that number!
Next weekend, we will be in the midst of our Bible lectureship. We all need to hear the lectures that will be presented, and so do our friends and neighbors, who are lost in their sins. I want to challenge you to think of ten people you know, who are not Christians, whom you can invite to come to the lectureship. It doesn’t matter if you send them an invitation in the mail, or post an invitation on their Facebook page, or call them up on the telephone and invite them, or invite them in a text message, or even invite them in person. Just invite them to “come and see” what the Lord’s church has to offer. If even just one soul says “Yes” and comes to the lectureship, you will have done something wonderful for them and for yourself.
Evangelism is our mission, and it certainly ought to be our passion and be undertaken with a sense of urgency. My sincere hope and fervent prayer is that, by the end of the next weekend, all of us shall renew our commitment to tell everyone we know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take as many souls with us to Heaven as we possibly can.
To God, be the glory!
Content by Russell Kline
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The Growth of Samuel
Samuel grew in stature and favor…
Hannah grieved and was bereft and wept because she had no children. She was barren. She had no children because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:2, 5). In tears she prayed to the LORD and promised that if she would receive a son, she would give him back. He answered her prayer, and Samuel was born.
When he had grown from a baby and been weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. He stayed there with Eli, and ministered there faithfully. There, with Eli, he grew “in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men (1 Samuel 2:26).”
Does this sound familiar? Compare the growth of Samuel with the growth of Jesus. Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).” Samuel grew three ways similar to Jesus.
As Samuel got older, he grew taller. The LORD would speak to him directly on several occasions. He “judged Israel all the days of his life (1 Samuel 7:15).” Later, he would later appoint the first two kings of Israel. Yes, Samuel grew a lot like Christ and had a great influence on many children of Israel.
In like manner, God expects us to grow. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
What about you? Are you growing like Christ and having a good influence on others? Are you able to lead them to the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Christ? You can’t lead where you have not gone. Have you accepted that salvation yourself?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Voice from the Past
What can the voice from the past teach us?
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel and a voice from the past for us, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and without a strong moral foundation no nation can long survive. As I read Isaiah, I am struck by the similarities between his society and our own.
First, this voice from the past described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape through the bottle.
He wrote, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11). In a culture where alcohol and drug abuse have reached epidemic proportions, his words are hauntingly familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. The voice from the past is still applicable today. Misery is the companion of those who turn to drugs and alcohol.
Second, Israel had forgotten God.
They would go into captivity because they had no knowledge of God (Isaiah 5:13). Today, parents do everything in their power to see that their children have the best toys, the latest fashions, the nicest home, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. The voice from the past teaches that only in God can we find the answers to the great questions of life. If God is left out, it matters little what kind of education we provide our children, for they will grow up spiritually ignorant and without meaning and purpose for their existence.
Third, he spoke of a nation with warped values.
Good had become evil, and evil had become good in the eyes of the people (Isaiah 5:20). Again, the voice of the past applies to our culture today. Many of those things which our parents and grandparents recognized as sinful are now embraced and endorsed by society. Adultery, abortion, homosexuality, gambling and a number of other immoral and ungodly activities are no longer frowned upon. In fact, those who oppose these things are now considered the bad guys! Good is again evil, and evil is good.
It is not too late, yet, but soon it will be.
It is imperative that harken again to the voice of the past. That we begin again to build a society on the moral and ethical foundations of God’s word. Unless we change directions soon, the America many of us know and love will no longer exist.
Do you want to make a difference?
Build your life on the solid foundation of Christ and then teach others.
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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