Historical Posts
Citizens of the Kingdom
You are a citizen of a kingdom, not an island affecting only yourself.
There was a time, not that long ago, when news traveled slowly. That time is no more. Now we are inundated with information almost instantly about anything that happens anywhere in our world. It drives home the very real nature of our global environment. And, it reaffirms the validity of Paul’s statement: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). Truly, each of us is a citizen of one kingdom or another.
John Donne may have been thinking of that very passage when he wrote: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
In the sixteenth century Francis Bacon observed: “If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them.” We would do well to remember our interconnectedness!
The premise of the Bible is that we share a common origin, and thus a common ancestry. We are all the offspring of God. One blood flows through all our veins (Acts 17:24-29). We may live in different parts of the world, speak different languages, and differ in color and size, but we are still one family, one humanity.
However, though we are one humanity, sin divided God’s creation. Christ came to repaire and reunite it in a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). The Scriptures do not call us to embrace a one world government and be a citizen of a single earthly kingdom, but they do call us to be an active citizen in the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ (John 18:36). That kingdom knows no borders, in space or time. It is a brotherhood of believers sent forth to conquer, not with the sword, but with the sword of the Spirit – the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The battle of today is for the hearts and minds of men. Truth is our only weapon. Satan our only enemy! Victory in Christ our certain end!
Are you a citizen in the kingdom of Jesus Christ? Are you part of the brotherhood of believers? Are you wielding the sword of the Spirit in the fight for the hearts of men? Salvation is in Christ’s kingdom and nowhere else. It is for those who choose to be a citizen, and no one else. Where do you choose to be a citizen?
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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Why I Am a Believer
Why am I a Believer?
When it comes to the great questions of life regarding origin, purpose and destiny, each of us chooses to be a believer in one of two explanations:
- We are the product of divine intervention, or
- We owe our existence to a freak accident of nature sometime in the distant past.
It is universally accepted that our universe has not always existed. It had a beginning. Who or what began it? I am convinced that it is more reasonable and logical to be a believer in a divine Creator than to embrace the idea that life got its start by some accident of nature. I am compelled to exclaim with the Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
When it comes to life and how it ought to be lived, we must conclude either:
- Every human being is left to his own devices, or
- There is an instruction manual from the Maker to guide our steps
I am convinced that the Bible is the Creator’s instruction manual for His creation and His believers. It is often call THE GOOD BOOK. If that is an accurate portrayal, then it is fair to inquire as to who wrote it. It obviously did not write itself. I think we could all agree that a good book would not be the work of bad men. But, if it is merely the work of good men, could those men still be considered good if they attributed their work to God? That would be true only if God was the ultimate source. This is the claim the Bible makes (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The evidence supports the assertion. I am a believer!
When I look at Jesus several questions arise. Who was He? Was He a good man? Would a good man allow others to think him something he was not? As others have argued, only three possibilities exist. Each of us chooses to be a believer of one of the three:
- Jesus was a lunatic, or
- Jesus was a liar, or
- Jesus is Lord.
Peter proclaimed Him the Son of God (Matthew 16:18). The evidence supports his confession. I am a believer!
Two choices are before us.
- We are believers, or
- We are unbelievers.
If I have nothing to gain as an unbeliever, and nothing to lose as a believer, which makes the most sense? Or, if I have everything to lose as an unbeliever, and everything to gain as a believer, which choice is reasonable? I choose to believe, and the evidence supports my faith (1 Peter 3:15).
You are a believer in something. What do you choose to believe?
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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It Happens in Three Days
What can happen in three days?
There is a popular saying that goes, “it always happens in threes.” Another saying goes, “the third time’s a charm.” Interestingly, there were several events in the Bible that occurred in three days.
In the Old Testament, both the butler and the baker had a dream of what would happen to them in three days. With God’s help, Joseph told them that the chief butler would get his job back, but the chief baker would be hanged. Three days later, it happened as Joseph said (Genesis 40). Also, Jonah was sent to Nineveh to proclaim God’s word. When he disobeyed, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. Yes, he was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40).
In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was blinded three days as he was on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:11). Ananias then preached to him. When Jesus was 12 years old, He went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Upon His return, His parents could not find Him. Three days later He was found with the teachers of the law in the temple (Luke 2:41-49).
The most significant event that ever occurred in human history also took place in three days. That is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus promised to “destroy this temple, and in three days” He would raise it up. He spoke of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). He taught His disciples that He would suffer, be rejected, be killed, and yet rise again the third day (Mark 8:31). He did exactly as He said; He rose third day (Luke 24:6-7)!
He rose in three days to conquer sin and death and bring salvation to man, reconciling man and God. What will you do in the next three days? Will you accept His offer of salvation and change your life?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Sound Familiar?
Pay attention to the warnings form the past. They should sound familiar and we should learn from them.
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The warning should sound familiar. 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 that society and our own.
First, Isaiah described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape in 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 hauntingly sound familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. 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 houses, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Does this sound familiar? Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. Only in God can we find 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 (Isaiah 5:20). That surely does sound familiar. 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 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 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.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Time to Die?
There will be a time to die for each of us.
None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing when that day will come. Death is both certain and uncertain. In a way, I am glad that is the case.
The Bible simply states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Regarding the brevity of life the Psalmist wrote: “…we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). We will all come to our time to die.
I enjoy life. It’s great to be alive. But, as a Christian, I should not be afraid of my time to die. Death is not foreboding, frightening, or final. Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). In another of his letters he observed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). No, for the Christian, death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. The time to die offers release from the shackles of the body and freedom to soar into the presence of the Almighty. Heaven awaits the redeemed.
But, if we are not Christians, death and not knowing our time to die are the most frightening thoughts our minds can entertain. Apart from Christ there is no hope beyond the grave, only the certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:26-31).
The good news is that Jesus died for all men. We can all be prepared for death and eternity. We can be ready when it is time to die. We can escape hell and enjoy heaven, but we must prepare. It matters little whether our life is long or short as men measure things. What matters is whether or not we have made preparation for death and judgment. Have you accepted salvation in Christ? Are you ready to face your time to die?
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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Who Do We Worship?
Worship God Only
From the beginning, God has made it very clear that He, and He alone, is worthy of our worship. He commanded the children of Israel not to have any other gods before Him, nor make any graven images for themselves (Exodus 20:1-6). Aaron, along with Israel, broke this commandment when a golden calf was created for idol worship (Exodus 32); God was not pleased.
Besides images, people and angels have sometimes been the objects of worship. The devil tempted Jesus to worship him, and he would give Him the kingdoms of the world and their glory. However, Jesus, said, “…For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve (Matthew 4:8-10).’” When Peter was sent to preach to Cornelius, Cornelius fell down at his feet and worshiped him. However, Peter did not accept his worship and replied, “Stand up; I myself am also a man (Acts 10:26).” Similarly, John fell down at the feet of an angel to worship him. Again, the worship was refused and he was told: “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9)!”
There is one who walked the earth, however, who did not refuse worship. The blind man was healed by Jesus, and when he learned that he had been healed by the Son of God, he believed in Him and worshiped Him. Jesus, who was God in the flesh (John 1), did not forbid him to worhip (John 9:35-39).
Content by Richard Dillon
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He’s Coming Again!
Jesus Christ is coming again. Be ready.
Christians find great comfort in the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. His return is either stated or implied more than three hundred times in the New Testament. For almost two thousand years gospel preachers have been proclaiming the coming of Jesus.
From the beginning, it was understood that this message would not be well received by all. Peter warned of scoffers who would ask, “Where is the promise of his coming, for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation?” (2 Peter 3:4).
The apostle answered their question saying, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God hasn’t forgotten His promise. Jesus is coming again. But, each day His return is delayed additional souls will have opportunity to prepare for His arrival (2 Peter 3:15).
When will He come? In spite of the many predictions which have been, and continue to be, made, no one knows the answer to that question. His coming is to be like the “thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10). Thieves do not make appointments. At least the ones who broke into our home several years ago didn’t let us know when they were coming. He’s coming! That’s certain! When? God only knows!
Am I ready? That is the crucial question we must each answer for ourselves. According to the Scriptures, when He comes the world will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-12). Opportunity will be lost forever at that time. If we are not ready then, we never will be. For those who are prepared, God has something better planned (2 Peter 3:12).
He is coming again. Are you ready? Have you accepted His salvation?
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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Theudas and Judas
Theudas and Judas came to nothing…
The apostles were commanded to go and preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). As they did so, they often found themselves in prison. In Acts 5, an angel of the Lord allowed them to escape prison. Then, shortly after, they were found teaching again. Next, they appeared before a council to hear of their fate. The council had a decision to make.
Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the law, called for a private conference with the council to offer them guidance. He cautioned them about becoming enemies of God and suggested releasing the apostles. The thrust of his argument was based on Theudas and Judas. He reminded them that Theudas, who had about 400 followers was killed, but nothing came of his followers. Then, Judas of Galilee rose up after him, and when he died his followers also came to nothing (Acts 5:34-37). Since God was not with them, nothing came of them.
The apostles, on the other hand, were different from Theudas and Judas! After Jesus died, they came to something! Their impact was noticed throughout the whole world. The church multiplied. Many heard the gospel preached, believed it, and were baptized for the remission of their sins. Evidence proves that Jesus did die on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-7).
The apostles had God with them. They did see Jesus; and through their eyes, we can too! Based on their eyewitness account, we can learn of Jesus, accept His salvation and then teach others the gospel. Just think, what kind of an impact can you have for Him? Who can you bring to eternal life in heaven?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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That is no Excuse!
So called reasons are really no excuse.
Have you heard any of these lame excuses before?
- “The dog ate it!”
- “My alarm clock failed to go off.”
- “I have a headache.”
Have you ever used any of these “no excuse” lines yourself? They don’t always work; they are not always true. The fact is, some people give excuses to get out of doing something that they should do. Then reality sets in. Parents, teachers, and bosses do not accept these “no excuse” reasons. God will also accept no excuse.
Moses tried to make excuses when God called to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3-4). God accepted no excuse from Moses. Instead, God helped him overcome his excuses. God does not accept our excuses either! Paul said that the world God created shows us that there is a Creator! The world we see proves there is a God we cannot see (Romans 1:19-21). We have no excuse.
That same God loves the world. He sent His only begotten Son to save it from sin (John 3:16). Jesus exposed men of sin, and died to take away all sins! He even said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin (John 15:22).” Man must realize he has sinned, and do something about it! No excuse.
If one follows God’s plan for dealing with sin, he can enjoy an eternal feast. Jesus taught a parable of a man who prepared a great supper, inviting many. Sadly, those invited made excuses: one bought a piece of ground and had to see it, another bought five yoke of oxen and had to test them, and even another married a wife. None of invited were able to attend that great supper (Luke 14:15-24). No excuse was accepted. God has prepared an eternal home for us; if we make excuses, we’ll miss out! Accept His salvation right now.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Don’t Be Ashamed!
Don’t be ashamed of being a Christian.
Christianity is under assault. Prayer has been banned from the classroom. Religious symbols have been prohibited on public property. The Ten Commandments have been removed from public display. Christians are regularly maligned. Michael Weisskopf wrote in the Washington Post that conservative Christians are “largely poor, uneducated and easy to command.” The world is trying to make us ashamed of Christianity.
What should be the Christian response to these attacks on our faith? Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).
That Christianity is under assault comes as no surprise to Bible students. Jesus warned His disciples of the cost of discipleship on more than one occasion (Matthew 10:16-39; Luke 14:26-33). The real test of discipleship is our willingness to let our lights shine in the face of adversity and persecution. It’s not hard to be a Christian when life is easy and burdens are light. The challenge is to live our faith in the face of ridicule and persecution without being ashamed. The enemies of Christ have no defense against the power of an upright life and a committed faith.
Take comfort in the words of Peter: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:14-16).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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What is Happening to The Lord’s Church?
Declining? What is Happening to The Lord’s Church?
Lately, I’ve been reading several articles and blogs on the declining state of the churches of Christ. Certainly, there is no denying that the statistical evidence shows that the total number of members of the Lord’s church in the United States of America has been declining steadily (by about one half of one percent per year) since the 1990’s. Towns that once had thriving congregations now have no church at all. Right here, in Hopkins County, the city of Dawson Springs once had a church that was capable of supporting a preacher, but now has no church of Christ, at all. This sort of thing is happening all over the country. What’s happening to the Lord’s Church?
Based on my own observations, it seems to me that there are many factors that are contributing to the numerical decline in the ranks of the Lord’s Church. For one thing, our society, as a whole, has changed its attitude toward religion in general. More and more Americans identify themselves as atheist or agnostic. Some have been made suspicious of religion by the high-profile scandals that have come to light, in recent years. Many have become so caught-up in materialism that they simply do not care about religion, as they once did. Take for example, the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On the Sunday following that tragic Tuesday, churches all over the country were braced for a massive influx of people who had not been coming regularly, but the numbers show that, while some churches saw an increase in attendance, many did not. In contrast with previous events, like the Cuban missile crisis in the early 1960s, the “bump” in church attendance was hardly noticeable and completely unsustained.
While there are none who would deny that our culture has changed, there are many who place the blame for declining membership in the Lord’s Church rests squarely on the shoulders of the church itself. They claim that the Lord’s Church has been slow to respond to the changing times, and that we must make some substantive changes of our own to keep up. The problem is that some are proposing changes that are counter to the Biblical model, which we are supposed to defend and uphold (Jude 3).
Some are arguing that the Lord’s Church should have open fellowship with denominational churches, which the Bible warns us not to do (Ephesians 5:11). Some say that we should open up leadership roles for women in the church, which the Bible again warns us not to do (1 Timothy 2:9-15). Some recommend that we should not insist upon a capella singing in worship services of the Lord’s Church, which the Bible insists upon (Ephesians 5:19). Some assert that we should stop talking so much about the essentiality of baptism in salvation, as does the Word of God (Mark 16:16). In fact, many are insisting that we place far too much emphasis upon the Bible, and that we need to stop quoting it so much, if we are going to connect with future generations. What do you think the Bible has to say about that (Colossians 3:17)?
Of course, the Lord’s Church can and should make changes that will help in the accomplishment of its mission. We need to learn how to use new technology to advance the cause of Christ. We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity we have to share the gospel with lost souls. We need to be more active in advocating what is right and opposing what is wrong. There are certain things that we, as the Lord’s Church, do have the liberty to change. But there are some things that we cannot and must not change. It is important for us to know the difference (Romans 14:23).
It seems to me that one of the biggest contributing factors to the decline in membership in the churches of Christ, the Lord’s Church, is that the church is no longer on the offensive when it comes to evangelism. When every member of the Lord’s Church learns to take the initiative, invite people to come to worship and study with them, talk to them about the fundamentals of faith, and show them the way that leads from Earth to Heaven, then our numbers may increase. For too long, we have focused our attention upon how to keep ourselves entertained, rather than how we may save lost souls. Salvation is the issue. If we will keep ourselves focused on lost souls, then we will spend more time in the Word of God, and we will remember and not forget the fundamentals of faith, because we will be teaching them to others.
What is happening to the Lord’s Church is nothing new (John 6:66-68). What we do about it may well determine what will become of the church in the future.
Content by Russell Kline
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I Did a Terrible Thing
Everyone has done a terrible thing at some point. We are all guilty.
Are there skeletons in your closet? Is there a terrible thing, or more than one, in your past which you want to keep in the past? Have you done things for which you are deeply ashamed? If we live long enough to discover the difference between right and wrong. Then, sin comes to be a plague on the soul of every man. The only exception I am aware of is Jesus. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Only He never did a terrible thing to anyone.
No one can honestly say, “I have never sinned!” We all have regrets. There are things in our past which we would undo if we could. I’m not interested in dredging them up, but I do want to acknowledge that the Lord has a remedy for them. It is His blood. It can forgive and wash away the guilt of every terrible thing we have ever done. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
The depth of God’s forgiveness is one of the hardest lessons in life to grasp, and one of the most important. God loves us! Christ died for us! His blood can cleanse us! He is no respecter of persons. His forgiveness is accessible to all, but on His terms, not ours. If we truly believe in Him, will repent of our sins, confess His name, and be baptized, His blood will cleanse, and He will add us to His church. As long as we walk in the light (are faithful to our commitment), His blood continues to provide cleansing. And, when we sin, doing another terrible thing, if we will confess those sins and seek His forgiveness, we will find it (1 John 1:7-10).
We are all guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But, we all have access to the same remedy, His blood, and we can share in the forgiveness He came to provide. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God’s love, mercy and grace are sufficient to save. Three names immediately come to mind – David, Peter, and Paul.
- King David, though called “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery, tried to cover it up, and then conspired to have the woman’s husband murdered. Yet, when he sought forgiveness, God granted it. Of course that did not mean that David avoided the consequences of his sin. He had to live with his mistakes, but God still forgave him.
- In a moment of weakness, Peter denied his Lord three times, but when he recognized his sin, he repented in tears. Christ forgave him, and did not remove the “keys of the kingdom” from his hands.
- As Saul of Tarsus, Paul was an ardent persecutor of Christians. He operated under the misguided belief that he was serving God when he hunted down, arrested, and brought to trial men and women whose only crime was believing in Jesus. When he discovered the truth and turned to Christ, he also found forgiveness (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
They each did a terrible thing, but God forgave them. If they could be forgiven, then so can we. Will you accept His forgiveness?
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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Avoid Foolish Disputes
Foolish disputes over a dress?
Recently on Facebook, a picture of a dress has sparked foolish disputes. What color is the dress? Even Fox News has gotten involved! Some say the dress is blue, others say it is gold; some say white; others say black. This one picture of a dress with stripes has been shared with thousands of people, and generated as many comments. Various factors come into play. Depending on the lighting, the device used, and other factors, different answers are given according to the perception of the observer. But, what is the point of what color the dress is? Why are people taking part in these foolish disputes? Is it just a matter of being seen to be right?
Paul told Titus, “avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless (Titus 3:9).” Imagine the useless debates of the old law, and the problems that were created in Bible times. Some things do not matter; some things are not explained. However, other things do matter. Jesus pronounced woe to the scribes and Pharisees because they had “paid tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23).” They should have done those things, without leaving the rest undone!
In our lives we may argue and have foolish disputes over things that are worthless. We need to let go on the unimportant. Instead, we need to pay attention to God’s laws that are in effect for us today and work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12). This is what is most important! Have you worked out your salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Come and Go Christians
Come and Go Christians are Indefensible.
I have real trouble understanding the “revolving door mentality” which seems to pervade the thinking of so many. I refer to these people as “come and go Christians”. I see it all the time, and everywhere I go. The “turnover” in congregational membership is astonishing. Please know that I do not have in mind those who, after much thought and prayer, leave one congregation for another for just cause. I’m more concerned with those who move from congregation to congregation (or sometimes church to church), always critical of the last place they were, and soon to be critical of where they are now.
I’m just as puzzled by those who seem to be conscientious, but then over time fade to the sidelines and eventually are altogether gone. These folks no longer have an interest in spiritual matters and the salvation of their souls. To what do we attribute this mindset of “come and go Christians”?
Some folks have an unrealistic and hypercritical attitude! They are looking for the perfect church, but given that the church is made up of imperfect people, their search is never satisfied. Even if a perfect church existed, she would cease to be such the moment these hypercritical Christians identified with her!
Some folks have a mistaken view of what the church ought to be. They are searching for someone to raise their kids, plan their social calendar, tickle their ears, and satisfy their desirers. Rather than nourish the soul, they want the church to cater to their personal desires. When they don’t find what they want, they become “come and go Christians”.
Some folks make up their mind about what the church should be and do, how God ought to be worshiped, and what ought to be taught and practiced from the pulpit, without ever consulting the word of God. “I think” carries greater weight with them than “God says.” Yet, God is to be worshiped in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The word (Bible) is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:2). God, not men, is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10).
Some folks are not converted to start with. They go through the motions as long as mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa are around, but as soon as they are out of the picture, they are gone, too! Demas is not the only one whose attraction to the world caused him to forsake the church (2 Timothy 4:9).
The Bible is very clear regarding the need for faithfulness. Faithful does not mean sinless. We are not perfect, but we can be faithful. Paul charged the Christians at Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The attitude of “come and go christians” seen so often in religion is indefensible. That same philosophy, if adopted at work would soon lead to the loss of employment. In the church, it can lead to the loss of the soul!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Who is The Holy Spirit?
What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
Who is The Holy Spirit? While no one has ever actually asked me a question which was worded in exactly that fashion, I have been asked about the essence of this question on more than one occasion. Also, it should be noted that, in undertaking a study of the Holy Spirit, it is absolutely essential that this question be asked and answered, in order to lay a proper foundation upon which full understanding of the subject may be built. In answering this question, it is not my intention to engage in idle speculation about the nature of the Holy Spirit, nor is it my intention to advance unsubstantiated theories about the Holy Spirit, but simply to document what the Bible says about the subject.
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is a living being. While the Spirit of God is without gender, it can hardly be said that He is merely an “it,” with no personification (Romans 8:26-27). It is true that the Greek word which is translated “Spirit” in English versions of the New Testament literally means “a current of air, such as a breath, blast, breeze, etc.,” but this does not mean that the Holy Spirit is just a wil-o-wisp, with no sentient qualities. According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), He has a will (Acts 16:7; 21:11-14), He has knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:1-13), He can speak (1 Timothy 4:1), He can teach (Nehemiah 9:20), He searches (1 Corinthians 2:10), He helps (Romans 8:26), He strives (Genesis 6:3), He loves (Romans 15:30), He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), He can lead, or forbid (Acts 16:6-7) and He can command, call, or send (Acts 13:2-4). It is difficult for the human mind to conceive of the “form of God,” because God is a spirit (John 4:24), and is not composed of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). However, it should be noted that, while the Bible does not say exactly what the Holy Spirit looks like, there is plenty of reason to believe that His “form” is very much like that of the other members of the Godhead (Philippians 2:6).
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead. In the simplest of terms, “Godhead” is synonymous with “Godhood,” and may be described as the state, or office, or quality of being God. The most common Hebrew word for God is a plural term, and the second most common Hebrew word for God is considered to be the Jewish name for God (Psalms 83:18). Both of these terms appear in Deuteronomy 6:4, which reads, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” This passage sets forth the idea that, although the Godhead is composed of three persons, there is only one God. As 1 John 5:7 affirms, “there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
The Holy Spirit is usually referred to as the “Third Person” of the Godhead. This does not mean that He is of lesser importance and power than the Father and the Son. According to Hebrews 9;14, the Holy Spirit is eternal, just like the Father and the Son. According to Micah 3:8, He is omnipotent, just like the Father and the Son. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, He is omniscient, just like the Father and the Son. According to Psalm 139:7, He is omnipresent, just like the Father and the Son.
The role of the Holy Spirit within the context of the Godhead has been described as that of “organizer,” with the Father being the “planner,” and the Son being the “executor.” One of the best examples of this arrangement is seen in the creation of the universe, in which the Father commanded (Genesis 1:1), the Son created (John 1:3), and the Holy Spirit brooded (Genesis 1:2). In addition to this, the Holy Spirit is responsible for inspiring the writers of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:12-21), and for the miraculous conception of Jesus (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35), among other things.
The Bible reveals much about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. While there are many misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is, and what He does, the Word of God makes it possible for us to know the truth about the Spirit of God. In the final analysis, we must not trust the teaching of men on this issue, but rather we must place our truth in the Word of our Heavenly Father, which will not lead us astray.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
Content by Russell Kline
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Fear and Trembling
When a person is very afraid, a natural response is to shake. Hence the reference to fear and trembling.
One may experience fear, and tremble either inwardly, outwardly, or both. One example found in the Bible is that of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She touched Jesus’ coat, knowing that she would be made well. When Jesus felt the power going out of Him, He asked whom it was that touched Him. She came and fell down before Him, in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Because of her faith, she was made well. Another example is the faithfulness of David. He was overcome with “faithfulness and trembling” at the sight of a wicked city, and prayed to God that he would be saved from it (Psalm 55:5).
As Paul shared the gospel with the Corinthians, he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3).” He was concerned not only for the spiritual well-being of them, but also for himself. That is the attitude we should all have! We must realize the importance of being right with God and have fear and trembling when we are not. The Psalmist wrote, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11).” Christians are commanded to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).”
We serve a powerful, just, and loving God. He has told us clearly in His Word what He accepts and what He rejects by sending many individuals to proclaim His Word, who were received with fear and trembling (e.g. Titus in 2 Corinthians 7:13-15). Servants are to be obedient to their masters with fear and trembling, as to Christ (Ephesians 6:5).
Our souls are very precious in the sight of God! It is perfectly natural to experience fear and trembling as we strive to serve God. However, we must not have fear forever. After all, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us (1 Peter 4:18-19).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Do you believe everything you hear? Or do you check it out?
At the end of every episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton would say, “…But, you don’t have to take my word for it.” The kids would then give book recommendations on a common topic. Each viewer was encouraged not to believe everything you hear, but to choose a book they trusted and read for yourself.
Do you believe everything you hear in the religious world? Why? We should not just take someone’s word for it; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves! We must not rely just on the words of others; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves and go to the authority. Solomon wrote, “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps (Proverbs 14:15).”
Discovering the real truth will help us take the proper steps. Jeremiah wrote, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).” No, man does not know how to direct his own steps; he must let the LORD direct them (Proverbs 16:9).
Do not believe everything you hear. Whatever we read, hear on the radio, see on TV, or learn in Bible class or in worship, let us seek the truth from God’s Word (John 17:17) for ourselves. Let us be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
Once you hear the truth and check it out, will you believe and act on it?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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He Cares About Me
God Cares About Me
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).
There are approximately six billion people in our world, and that number is growing daily. Frankly, I have trouble comprehending the great sea of humanity and my place in it. Who am I among so many? There are others who are smarter, stronger, better looking, and more talented than me. Yet, in God’s eyes I am special!
HE KNOWS ME AND STILL HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Paul warned the churches of Galatia about the dangers of returning to their formal sinful ways. He asked how they could contemplate doing that now that they had come to know God, or rather, God had come to know them (Galatians 4:9). God also knows me, down to the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). He knows me intimately and still He cares for me, in spite of all my flaws and failings.
HE LOVES ME AND HE CARES ABOUT ME!
He loved me so much that He gave His Son for me (John 3:16). It was an inexpressible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I have done nothing worthy of His love, yet He still loves me. Even when I am unloving, rebellious, and sinful, He still cares (Romans 8:31-39). Nothing can separate me from His love through Jesus. Yet, His love will not protect me from my bad choices, nor will it save me if I will not save myself.
HE HEARS ME BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME!
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12). “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). I don’t know how He does it, but I know He does. He hears and answers my prayers. The answer may not always be the one I seek, but it will always be the right answer.
HE PROVIDES FOR ME IN HIS CARE FOR ME!
He has not promised to satisfy my every desire, but He has promised to meet my every need, but not unconditionally. Just as surely as He clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, He provides for His own. If I will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, He will always meet my needs. (Matthew 6:25-33). David observed: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). He has not promised to do for me what I can do for myself, but He will sustain, strengthen, and never disappoint!
BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME HE SAVES ME!
I can’t do it on my own. It’s only because of His grace that my salvation is possible (Ephesians 2:5-10). That doesn’t mean that I have no obligation to Him. He gave His Son for me, but I must accept Him as my Savior, and do so on His terms and not my own. After all, He is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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50 Shades of Facebook
You may have missed this in the news cycle, but the social-media giant, Facebook, made an interesting announcement last week. In the midst of so much controversy about granting special rights and privileges to homosexuals in America, Facebook has added a new feature to the “about” section of everyone’s personal profiles. In addition to the gender distinctions “male” and “female,” it is now possible to list oneself as any one of fifty other possible choices. Options like “transgender,” “cisgender,” “gender fluid,” “intersex” and “neither” are now available to users in the United States. As CNN put it in an article on their web site, “You don’t have to be a man or a woman on Facebook anymore.”
In an explanation posted on Facebook’s “Diversity” page, a spokesperson said, “When you came to Facebook to connect with other people, causes, and organizations you care about, we want you to feel comfortable being your true, authentic self.” The post then added, “An important part of this is the expression of gender, especially when it extends beyond the definitions of just ‘male’ or ‘female,’… So today, we’re proud to offer a new custom gender option to help you express your own identity on Facebook.” Facebook says that it worked with a group of leading advocacy organizations to come up with the new gender categories. According to Allison Palmer, a former GLAAD vice president, who worked on the project, “Facebook users from across the country have been asking for the ability to reflect their gender accurately, and today Facebook showed they have been listening.”
In light of the moral confusion reigning in today’s society, it is not altogether shocking than an influential web site like Facebook would submit to pressure from militant homosexual advocacy groups. As a part of their ongoing struggle against reality, many such groups have sought to redefine universally recognized terms in order to skew the discussion in their favor. The promotion of gender confusion is a tactic that has served them well. It does not win them many battles in the present, but will assure victory for them in the future. By confusing children about the issue of gender, the homosexual movement in America hopes to recruit more of the next generation to its cause.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of parents demanding access for their elementary school age boys to the girls restrooms and vice versa, because they assert that their children are “confused” about their gender. In middle school and high school, gender confusion has led some boys to be granted special permission to compete in girls sports and vice versa. Some parents have even sought to have their children surgically altered, because of gender confusion. At a time when children are vulnerable and need their parents to guide them, some parents are being influenced by homosexual propaganda to feed their children’s insecurities, rather than to help them understand and interact with society at large. We are becoming a nation of “enablers,” as we celebrate and encourage homosexual behavior, instead of trying to correct it.
I know that this is a controversial thing to say, but homosexuality is condemned in the Bible – just as fornication, adultery, incest and transexuality are condemned as sin. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27; NKJV). Notice that Paul described homosexual behavior as “shameful.” Today, it is precisely the opposite of that. “Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The terms, “homosexuals” and “sodomites” are translated from a Greek term, which mean “submissive” and “dominant” homosexuals, respectively. Paul was anything but ambiguous in his condemnation of homosexual behavior.
I still have a profile on Facebook and I hope that I can use it to accomplish some good. The Internet, like other forms of media, can be used either to promote good or evil. It is up to us to decide which.
Content by Russell Kline
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Choose to See the Good
I choose to see the good stuff!
The prophets of doom and gloom are everywhere. The economy is in the tank. Hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs. Every day we face the threat of another terrorist attack. Crime is on the rise. Drug and alcohol abuse is an increasing blight on society. Political scandals are a daily occurrence. Newspapers are filled with stories of man’s inhumanity to man. Is there nothing good to report? Yes, but we have to choose to see the good.
Realistically, there are a lot of good things taking place in our world, but they don’t get reported. Sadly, the good stuff doesn’t sell papers or attract viewers, so it’s ignored. Most of us have experiences every day which reaffirm our faith in God and restore our confidence in mankind. Good things are happening, they just aren’t being reported. I, for one, choose to see the good and refuse to let the purveyors of doom and gloom rule my day.
I know that God is still in charge (Daniel 4:17, 25, 34-35). I know that the Lamb of God rules the universe, and those who trust in Him will overcome (1 John 4:4; 5:4). I know that God’s ears are open to the prayers of His saints. He hears and answers (1 John 5:14-15). I know that “all things work together for good” for those who love God (Romans 8:28). And, I know that no matter what happens here, He has something better awaiting us on the other side (2 Corinthians 5:1).
I don’t deny that there are a lot of bad things taking place in our world, but I refuse to let them rule my day. The writer of Proverbs offers the following insights regarding life and the attitude we bring to each day. We would do well to hear and heed those admonitions. Here are but a few examples of what he wrote as an inspired author. “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it” (Proverbs 15:13-17). “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25). “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). It is hard to have a glad heart unless you choose to see the good around you.
I can only speak for myself, but I choose to see the glass as half full, not half empty. I choose to see the good and to dwell on the good and not the bad. I choose to thank God each day for His blessings, and not to complain about my minor inconveniences. I choose to let the Lord and not the world direct my steps. I choose to see the good news over the bad stuff. And, I choose to see the day as the Psalmist did: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I choose to see the good! What are you choosing?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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