Article - Christian Walk and Worship (part 1)
Paul addressed his “Ephesians” letter to the holy and faithful ones in Christ Jesus who resided in the city of Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1). Throughout his letter Paul emphasized all the spiritual blessings each individual Christian as well as the church of Christ as a whole enjoyed in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11; 2:4-7, etc.). In light of these wonderful facts, Paul urged these brethren (as he does us) to “walk worthy of the calling with which you [plural] are called…” (Ephesians 4:1; 2:10; the Ephesian brethren were all called/invited the same way: by hearing the gospel, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Not only did Paul enumerate how the individual Christian husband, wife, father, child, slave and master were to walk or behave (Ephesians 5:22-6:9), but also how Christians as a whole were to conduct themselves around one another (compare 1 Timothy 3:14-15). Such reciprocation or mutual exchange among brethren was expressed in Paul’s instruction either by a reciprocal pronoun, such as “bearing with one another” (Ephesians 4:2), being “members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25), being “kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “submitting to one another” (Ephesians 5:21) or the reflexive pronoun (expressing the same idea as the reciprocal pronoun), such as “forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19; see also 1 Corinthians 6:7; Dana & Mantey’s Greek Grammar, pp. 131-132; Moulton’s Greek Grammar, p. 43). Christians in their individual lives as well as part of the body of Christ were to walk wisely, following the acceptable will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:10, 15-17).
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Article - Social Drinking Is A Sin
Ethyl alcohol is pharmacologically classified as a drug (the depressant, narcotic type). Therefore, whatever position one takes on social drinking would also apply to illegal as well as prescription drugs. In other words, if it is the case that it is morally alright to drink alcohol for pleasure so long as it is in moderation, it logically follows that it would be morally (though not legally) alright to take illegal or prescription drugs for pleasure as long as they are taken in moderation. If not, why not? The Bible never authorizes the use of alcohol (or drugs) for pleasure, much less in moderation. The Bible does, however, authorize the use of alcohol (hence, drugs) for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23, assuming the wine is fermented). Therefore, social drinking is a sin because (1) it is not authorized by God to be consumed for pleasure (Colossians 3:17); (2) it can cause a brother/sister in Christ to stumble (Romans 14:21); (3) it can harm your body/mind (Proverbs 23:29-35; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20); (4) it leads to other sins such as fornication, contentions & drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21). Our attitude should be like Timothy’s. He was against alcohol so much that he would not even take it as medicine (1 Timothy 5:23). After all, the Bible does encourage abstinence (Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 31:4; Luke 1:15). It is best not to even look at the alcoholic beverage (Proverbs 23:31).
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Article - Morals: Right and Wrong (part 2)
Consider what our world would be like without morals. If there was no higher purpose in life than to serve one’s own selfish desires, then there would be no difference between a man giving a child candy and a man raping a child. The one would feel accomplished by giving a child candy while the other would feel accomplished by raping a child. According to this faulty reasoning, neither action would be right or wrong – just mere, neutral, even “normal” behavior. If God does not exist, then rape is no more excusable or inexcusable than any other action one may perform. Without God nothing is excusable or inexcusable. It is what it is! However, thanks be to God that there is a universal moral law. Since there is a universal law, there must be a universal Law Giver, namely, God. There can be no other reasonable or logical explanation. Those who disagree must produce answers to the following questions: (1) Is there a universal moral standard? (2) What is the standard? (3) What or who is the source of the standard? (4) Why must every man follow it? The Bible teaches that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 2:27; Ecclesiastes 7:29). We are born innocent, "good" and "right" (Deuteronomy 1:39; Isaiah 7:16). “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). One of God’s invisible attributes is His goodness which is seen (to an extent) in ALL mankind (Deuteronomy 6:24; Psalm 89:14; 3 John 1:11). What makes “right” right and “wrong” wrong? God does!
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Article - Morals: Right and Wrong (part 1)
On April 27, 2011 several tornadoes swept through Alabama and surrounding areas killing hundreds, injuring thousands and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. Many came together to lend a helping hand - but why? Christians and even atheists would answer, “Because it was the ‘right’ thing to do.” It is evident that right and wrong exists; but from whence do morals come? The person who denies God and His Word as the absolute standard is obligated to explain this universal moral law some other way. The main answer usually given is that either morals eventually “evolved” over time through “natural selection” or man must have thought up morals himself. However, since animals, plants, bacteria, etc. do not have a standard of right or wrong, why must humans have one (for many atheists believe man is little more than advanced animals produced by “evolution”)? Atheists usually define morality as something that “minimizes harm and pain.” But what kind of harm and pain (mental, physical, etc?). For whom should the harm and pain be minimized? Should it be the individual, his family, his friends, his enemies, etc.? If morality arose through man, then morality is man-centered and man-determined. It is completely autonomous; therefore, no one can occupy any moral ground that is higher (or lower) than any other. All actions would neither be right or wrong, but simply mere actions. Since animals, plants and bacteria (living things) do not have a moral standard, yet continue to survive without a moral code, then why can humans (living beings) not survive without a moral code? Why are humans the only living organism that MUST have a moral code to survive? See part 2 for the answer.
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Article - Inward Spiritual Struggles—Good or Bad?
Do you ever feel like you need to do more for the cause of Christ? Does the feeling that you just aren’t everything you need to be ever trouble you? Maybe these feelings are something you struggle with every day. I have a friend who constantly struggles with this problem. He would often get discouraged by the feeling of imperfection and deeply distressed over the fact that he just didn’t feel like he was doing enough in the kingdom. As I thought about his situation and the inward struggle that each of us face, I wondered “Are these feelings of imperfection a good or bad thing”? The more I thought about this matter the more I realized this truth: It’s not the people who have these struggles and feeling of imperfection that I worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that bother me. I know this is correct, for Paul expressed this to the church in Philippi saying, “not that I have already attained” and “not that I have already perfected” or “I do not count myself as apprehended” (Philippians 3:12-14). In essence, Paul was recognizing the fact that all of us face the inward struggles of imperfection and incompetence. And, if we use those feelings correctly they are not bad. How can these feelings help us?
If these feelings of imperfection motivate us to do more, they have been beneficial to us. In view of his own inward struggles Paul said, “I Press on” (Philippians 3:12). Instead of getting discouraged, Paul used his inward struggle as a motivating factor. As one faces these struggles, maybe a little introspection would be in order. Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). In times like these we should each look for more ways to serve God faithfully and stay busy in the kingdom!
If these feelings of imperfection keep us on our toes, they have been beneficial to us. Maybe these feelings are simply a correct response of a good conscience seeking to help us do more and be more for Christ (1 John 3:20; Romans 2:15). Rather than growing stagnant and becoming lukewarm, they remind us to stay busy and fruitful in the kingdom.
While a person can take these feelings to the extreme and allow them to affect his spiritual life negatively, if used correctly they do have a positive spiritual benefit. Remember, It’s not the people who have these struggles and feeling of imperfection that we should worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that should worry us.
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship”
The New Testament word for “fellowship” is from a Greek word which means “common” (“koinos”, where we get our English word “coin”, which is our “common” currency). There are two aspects to this word. One has to do with physical fellowship and the other has to do with spiritual fellowship. From the standpoint of physical fellowship, all human beings share in common or “partake of” the physical traits of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14); but what about the spiritual aspect of fellowship? First and foremost, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). In order for one to have the true spiritual “fellowship” mentioned in Ephesians 3:9, he must become a joint-heir, part of the joint-body and a joint-partaker of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). In other words, he must obey the gospel and get into the body of Christ in order to become a “partaker” of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 1 Corinthians 12:13). According to the doctrine of Christ, the persons who are in fellowship with God are only those who have heard and believed the gospel, repented of their sins, confessed Jesus, been baptized scripturally “for the remission of sins”, been added by the Lord to the church of Christ and are remaining loyal to Jesus and His doctrine (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Romans 10:9-10, 17; 16:16; 1 John 1:5-10; 2 John 1:9-11; Revelation 2:10). Are you in fellowship with God?
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Article - The New Testament Will Judge Us in the Last Day
Jesus emphatically states in John 12:48, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” When Jesus established His New Testament in the first century, He ceased to judge the world by the Old Testament, including the Jewish feasts, dietary laws and the Sabbaths (Colossians 2:14-17). Yet, there are “Churches” today who still utilize the Old Testament to justify their practices. The Seventh-Day Adventists’ website insists, “God’s unchangeable law REQUIRES the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.” Whereas, the New Testament church observed the first day of the week (Sunday) as the day of congregational worship (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Many Evangelical “Churches” go to the Old Testament to justify the use of mechanical instruments and choirs in church worship as well as insisting on the congregates giving a tithe (tenth). Whereas, the New Testament only authorizes congregational singing as the type of music in church worship; and the weekly Sunday giving is to be as each member has prospered (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). At one time God did speak to man through the Old Testament prophets, but now He speaks to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Therefore, by Jesus’ authority, namely the New Testament, we MUST all speak the same thing with the same mind and judgment by using the New Testament as our final authority in religious matters (1 Corinthians 1:10; Matthew 28:18).
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Article - Enron, WorldCom, & Situation Ethics
History illustrates that some in corporate America have thrown all morals and ethics out the window for the almighty dollar. Beginning with Enron and continuing with WorldCom, we have seen a growth in situation ethics in the business world. Situation ethics teach if the ends justify the means then it is acceptable. For example, if Enron and WorldCom’s CEO and accountants think that a quarterly profit margin will be much higher than what it actually is then it would be justifiable to lie about those numbers to gain stock value. This is a clear example of the influence of Humanism and Utilitarianism on our society. What does the Bible say about all of this scandal and situation ethics?
Our God is not a god of situations but of eternal principles. God does not change and cannot lie (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 6:18, Titus 1:2). Therefore, God’s nature and law will not change to meet 20th century problems. For example, if murder was wrong when Cain slew his brother Abel then it is still wrong today in principle and in practice. If it is wrong to lie at all (Revelation 21:8) then it is wrong to lie at any time regardless if one thinks the outcome will justify the lying. If something is sinful in principle it is sinful in practice at anytime.
The thinking of situation ethics has had a terrible impact on our society. For example, the Bible teaches that abortion is a sinful practice of killing innocent babies (Proverbs 6:17, Exodus 20:13). Then, we come along 2000 years later and approve of abortion on the grounds of rape. As much as I feel compassion and sympathy for the woman who is raped that does not mean that two wrongs makes a right. As wrong as it was for the rapist to rape the now pregnant woman, it would just as wrong for her to abort that baby. For example, rape is a violation of one’s individual privacy and will. Is not abortion the same thing? When a woman aborts an unborn baby she, in essence, rapes that child of its individual privacy and will to choose to live. Remember, two wrongs do not make a right. Another example of situation ethics in our culture is euthanasia. The Bible teaches that it is wrong to murder others (Exodus 20:13). God is the giver and the taker of life (Hebrews 12:9). Therefore, we cannot come along later and practice death for the aged and ill and be justified. We do not possess the omniscience to see the future. Those who are near death and “terminally ill” may recover and live a healthy life. Physical death is not the worse thing that could happen to someone. We may not always see the benefits of death but they can be numerous. For example, it may cause the dying person to think about his own spiritual life, he may be strengthened in the faith and become closer to God, or others may see his godly example and become Christians. It is time for us to stop playing god for He doesn’t even bend the rules to meet the situation.
Enron and WorldCom thought they could look into the future and justify their lying. They were grossly mistaken and left in a state of financial loss and embarrassment. If we would practice the principle of right at all times life will be much easier for us. May we never give in to the allurement of situation ethics but practice what the Bible teaches in principle.
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Article - Five Rules for Prosperous Bible Study
- Study the Bible Prayerfully. Before a person ever open his Bible, he should fall down on his knees and ask for God’s blessings. Paul reminds us of this principle as he prays for the Christians at Collosae. “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9).
- Study the Bible Carefully. One must never study the Bible with a flippant and irreverent view of God and His Word. Paul taught Timothy to, “Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
- Study the Bible Practically. For the Word of God to do us any good in this life, we must apply its’ teachings to our daily life. Paul reminded the Christians in Phillipi of this when he said, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:9).
- Study the Bible Impartially. To study God’s word correctly a person must put aside all prejudice, bias and preconceived notions of God and His Will. We must have the attitude of Samuel who said, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10). We must remember the words of the Proverbs writer; “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).
- Study the Bible Expectantly. For a person to receive the full blessings of Bible study, he must study it expecting several things. For example, we should study the Bible expecting to understand it (Ephesians 3:4). We should study the Bible expecting its principles to bless us as they are applied to our life (Psalm 1:1-3). We should study the Bible expecting to learn how to be set free from sin (John 8:32). We should study the Bible expecting to learn how to be saved (Acts 2:38).
May God bless each one of us as we apply His will to our lives!
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 3]
Eli Bunch was a normal, every day person until he stepped into the life of gambling. It started with just a thirty dollar win. Then, he won 3,000 dollars with only a twenty dollar investment. After this win, things went downhill for Eli & his wife Jody. At the end of three years of gambling, Eli & his wife were in the red over 250,000 dollars. Eventually, Eli lost a good job at a prominent business company, his total retirement and his wife separated from him (Seattle Post, Feb. 2004). If you think Eli is just a sad story that could never happen to you, you’re wrong. Eli started as just a twenty dollar, every once in a blue moon gambler. He ended up a financially bankrupt man with a broken life. We must realize the terrible affect that gambling is having on our societies and on our families in America. Let us again notice a couple of biblical reason why gambling is wrong.
Gambling violates the way a Christian can make money or receive goods. To understand this point, one must first realize that everything he does in life must be authorized by the Bible. Paul said, “Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Colossians 3:17). When we do something in the name of another, we are doing it by their authority (Acts 4:7). Thus, anything a Christian does must be found in the word of God. In the Bible, there are only three ways a person can make money or receive goods. First, a person is authorized to make money by working for it (2 Thes. 3:10). Next, one may sell land or other goods and receive money for them (Acts 4:34; 5:1ff). Finally, one may trade food or other products for money or goods (Genesis 34:10; 42:34). The question now arises. Where does gambling fit into these three ways? It does not. Gambling is not honest work. It is based on chance and luck. Gambling is not a selling/trading of lands or goods. It is actually stealing money from others. When it is all summed up, the Christian can know that gambling is not an authorized method of making money. Therefore, if it is not found in the Word of God, Christians must not take part in it (Revelation 22:18-19). May we strive not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Gambling destroys the biblical design for the family. There are numerous examples of how children are suffering the most from their parents’ gambling problems. For example, In Indiana, a review of the state’s gaming commission records revealed that 72 children were found abandoned on casino premises during a 14-month period. In Louisiana and South Carolina, children died after being locked in hot cars for hours while their caretakers gambled. Another disturbing examples shows the length gamblers will go to support their habits. An Illinois mother was sentenced to prison for suffocating her infant daughter in order to collect insurance money to continue gambling. Doesn’t it turn your stomach when you wonder how many children are being abandoned and left hungry in America so that their parents can go down to the casino and gamble? You think it isn’t happening? You better think again! The family as God designed it is to be a place of love and happiness. It is designed to be a place where father and mother put each other first. It should be a place where children learn what it means to love and the fundamental values of life. When gambling comes into the family, the family starts a downward spiral of destruction. May God help us to speak out against gambling so that we may save the American family from destruction! Truly, Gambling is SIN!!!
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Article - Christian Walk And Worship
Prior to becoming Christians, the Ephesians walked “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air”, but after becoming Christians they were to “walk as children of light”, producing the fruit of the Spirit and no longer having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:17-19; 5:8-14). This meant that they were no longer to be intoxicated with (fermented) wine (representing wasteful, fleshly lusts; compare James 1:21); but instead, they were to continue to be filled to full capacity “in spirit/Spirit” (that is, in spiritual matters and/or by God’s Spirit, Acts 2:38; 5:32; Romans 7:4-6; 8:5-17). Walking “in spirit/Spirit” includes worshiping together with fellow Christians “in spirit” and in truth (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 14:15), whether it is during the first-day-of-the week worship (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) or outside the Sunday worship assembly (Acts 16:25). Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 5:18-21 that Christians who walk worthily and are truly filled with God’s spirit/Spirit are to SPEAK (which excludes humming, clapping, playing, stomping, making instrumental sounds with the voice, etc.) TO ONE ANOTHER (which excludes choirs, duets, solos, etc.) IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS (which are multiple words emphasizing the same idea, namely, spiritual songs; thus excluding secular songs; compare Ephesians 2:1; 5:2; 6:10), SINGING AND MAKING MELODY (which are multiple words emphasizing the same idea, namely, singing; thus excluding playing a mechanical instrument; compare Ephesians 3:17; 6:13-14, 14-15) IN YOUR HEART TO THE LORD, GIVING THANKS…TO GOD (which excludes singing spiritual songs as entertainment; instead it is to be for the purpose of praise, and edification: Colossians 3:16), SUBMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER IN FEAR OF GOD (compare, Philippians 2:12-13). Those who have heard God’s word, believed in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13), repented of their old walk of life (Ephesians 4:20-23) and have been sanctified and cleansed “with the washing of water” (Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16) are to continue to be “filled in spirit/Spirit” by singing praises to God with fellow Christians without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments. May we always worship God His way and not ours as we walk in the light as Jesus is in the light, fellowshipping with one another (1 John 1:5-7).
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 2]
Gambling is becoming one of the most highly addictive and destructive problems our nation is facing. For example, studies show that in 2001 the “gross revenues from gambling were $68.7 billion — more money than Americans spent on music, movies, spectator sports, video games and theme parks combined”(Minnesota Department of Mental Health)! If we think gambling is not a problem that we have to worry about, we better wake up! The National Council on Problem Gambling reported in March 2003 that over 80 percent of U.S. adults have reportedly gambled at least once in the past year. A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health concluded 4.2 million Americans are addicted to gambling, 60 percent of whom have yearly incomes under $25,000. The amount of problem gamblers America has today is larger than the population of Los Angeles, California! Indeed, gambling is a very serious social problem. Yet, it is a more serious biblical problem. Let us consider three more reasons why gambling is a sin.
Gambling causes Christians to be addicted to evil practices. The Christian should be able to say, “I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). The Bible teaches that a Christian should not allow anything, except Christ, to control him (Romans 6:16-18). The addictive nature of gambling violates the biblical teaching of self-control. If I am addicted to gambling, I do not have control of myself, gambling controls me in some ways. The Bible makes it amply clear that Christians must have control of themselves (Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6). Gambling is a sin because it causes Christians to be addicted to the wrong things.
Gambling sets an evil and worldly example. The Christians is called out of the world to serve God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Jesus taught us to be a good and shining example to those around us (Matthew 5:16). Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example of faith to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12). One of the major problems with gambling is that a Christian cannot maintain a good example and be a gambler. Gambling is associated with such evil things as drinking, drugs, sex, smoking and reveling. If the Christian is to abstain from evil (1 Thes. 5:22), and gambling is directly associated with evil, how can a Christian gamble and still please God???? Gambling is a sin because it ruins the Christian example.
Gambling can cause dishonesty and deceit. Like the drug addict who has to rob the local store to get his next fix, so the gambler may be led to commit crimes to get to the next poker table. For example, A U.S. News & World Report analysis found crime rates in casino communities to be 84 percent higher than the national average. An astonishing example of this type of dishonesty is reported by Focus on the Family. They report that a church secretary in Minnesota stole $186,000 from the church to finance her casino and lottery obsession. While this may be the exception not the norm, the statistics show us that crime, & dishonesty go hand in hand with gambling. Christians should provide for things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17). Gambling is a sin because it breeds dishonesty & deceit.
Dear friend, the problem of gambling is growing out of control in our local communities. May we do something about this problem by standing up and speaking out against this malicious evil.
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Article - Peace that Passes All Understanding
Peace is one of the most treasured commodities for any society. For many, many years’ people have prayed, died and lived for peace. Jesus often spoke of the idea of peace. Yet, it was a little different than how we think of peace today. Today, we think of peace as military safety. Or, we think of it as financial security. Sometimes, we even feel like we have peace when the home security alarm is working well and the stock market is soaring. This was not the kind of peace Jesus spoke of. Jesus spoke of a peace that transcends the physical. He spoke of a kind of tranquility that regardless of whether or not we were at war, financially broke, or even our lives were at stake would allow us to overcome and be victorious. To His disciples Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). How does one have this kind of peace?
Christian peace comes through a right relationship with God. Paul said, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). When sinners have the faith to obey God’s commands, then we can truly have the peace that passes all understanding (Romans 1:5). You see, dear friend, you can only have spiritual tranquility when you can say to yourself, “The Bible says I’m right with God.” Nothing else can give you greater satisfaction and joy than this.
Christian peace comes through living a spiritual minded life. The Apostle Paul said, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). This idea find exact accord with what Paul said later to the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:6-8). The only way to maintain Christian peace is to know that you are living according to the commands and wishes of God found in the Bible.
To sum up the idea of Christian peace we could say, the only way to get it is to get right with God and the only way to keep it is to stay right with God. When I do both of these, then truly I can say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me” (Hebrews 13:6). Do you really possess this kind of peace in your life? Are you sure you have done what the Bible says and not what some other person told you to do? If so, are you living the Christian life every day? If so, then you know the joy of Christian peace. If not, it’s not too late to know the Christian peace. We would love to help you have a right relationship with God and learn how to live the Christian life. Please contact us and we would be glad to help you. May the peace of God rule in your hearts through Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:15).
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 1]
Can a Christian go down to the local casino or gaming center and gamble? Do God and the Bible sanction gambling? The Bible answers both of these questions with a resounding “No”! With the recent rise of gambling in our country and the growth of casinos, the Christian must honestly consider the biblical subject of gambling. Let us consider several reasons why gambling is a sin.
When a person gambles, he is not a good steward of the things God has given him. The Bible says that every good and every perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). The Christian’s responsibility to these gifts is to use them wisely (1 Peter 4:10; Luke 12:42). Gambling is a complete waste and squandering of God’s gifts. The Bible teaches that all we have ultimately belongs to God (Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10-12). It is sad to see so many families suffering for food and the necessities of life because father or mother had to go and gamble away their paycheck. Gambling is a sin because it violates the stewardship principle.
The gambler does not practice the golden rule. Jesus said, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also unto them” (Matthew 7:12). If I cheat, trick, or outsmart someone else out of their money, then I am not fulfilling the golden rule. I do not want anyone to beat me out of my hard earned money, do you? You cannot say you love your neighbor and then turn right around and beat him out of his money at gambling. The practice of gambling uses the iron rule “might makes right.” Gambling is a sin because it violates the golden rule.
The practice of gambling breeds laziness and keeps people from making an honest living. The person who gambles builds his whole life around the fact that one day he is going to hit it big and bring in a bunch of money. As a result of this thinking, gamblers can become lazy, dishonest, and a menace to society. The Bible says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). I know people today who are selling their welfare check and their children’s WIC stamps to go and gamble. How sad! Gambling is a sin because it promotes laziness.
Dear friend, gambling is becoming more and more the plague of the USA. We must realize that gambling is sinful and that God does not condone it. When the time comes to vote on gambling, may Christians band together and vote “NO”.
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Article - How to Overcome a Sinful Past
Sometimes in our Christian life we really blow it. We know what the Bible says. We know what we ought to do. Sadly, there are times when we do just the opposite and sin. When a person really messes up, how do they overcome that sinful past?
He must recognize and admit the sin in his life. Unless we are willing to says, “I have sinned”, we cannot be forgiven by God (1 Samuel 12:21ff). The beloved Apostle John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9-10). Someone has properly stated that to know yourself diseased is half the cure.
A person must also be ashamed of their sinful past. Too often people who have lived a life of sin go around bragging about the “sins” they used to commit. Sin should be something that should cause us great shame, not give us an avenue to boast (Romans 6:21). How sad it is when we reach a point that we can no longer blush over sin (Jeremiah 8:12).
To overcome a sinful past a person must deal with sin in a God-approved way. The only way to deal with sin properly is through obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus made it clear that to deal with sin one must believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:10), be baptized for the remission of one’s sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16), and be faithful to death (Revelation 2:10).
Finally, to overcome a sinful past one must put the past behind him and forget it. The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). To overcome the past, we must put the past behind us and look forward to the future. If God has forgotten our sins (Hebrews 8:12-13), can’t we? It has been aptly stated, “Those who live in the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes.”
Dear friend, all of us have made mistakes in life that we are not proud of. The difference between a person who has overcome sin and one who has not is Jesus Christ. Have you dealt with sin a God-approved way? If not, why not? Why not do that today?
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Article - Blessings of being a Christian
Being a Christian is the most blessed life one could ever live! Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). What a true privilege it was to have been called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Today, it is not less of a privilege and blessing to be a Christian. Notice a couple of blessings that come from being a Christian.
The Blessing of Forgiveness. In instituting the Lord’s Supper Jesus said, “This is my blood of the New Covenant which was shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). In the New Testament, forgiveness of sins can only be found in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 14:6). Our sins are washed away when we call on the Lord’s name through baptism and when we repent of our ungodly lives and are baptized into His Body (Acts 22:16, 2:38; Galatians 3:27). Ultimately, Jesus paid the great price for our sins by His own death on the cross. (Hebrews 10:12; John 1:29, 1 Peter 2:24). May each of us be extremely grateful for the blessing of the forgiveness of our sins.
The Blessing of Prayer. One of the greatest blessings the child of God has is a direct line of prayer to God the father. Jesus taught us to never get discouraged and beat down by the world, but rather to pray to God (Luke 18:1). The Christian can ask anything according to the Father’s will and the Bible says God will hear that prayer (1 John 5:14). Jesus also taught us that whatsoever things we ask with a believing heart we will receive (Matthew 21:22). May we never forget that the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man overcomes much (James 5:16). Truly, prayer is a wonderful blessing for the child of God.
Christians should be the most thankful people in the entire world for the blessings they receive (1 Thes. 5:17-18). Yet, those who are not Christians are living the saddest life in the entire world. Are you a Christian? Don’t you want to live the blessed life if you are not a child of God? If you want to become a New Testament Christian the Bible says you must do these five things: hear God’s word (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:16). May God bless each of us as we strive to do his will.
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Article - The Christian Influence
An old Korean Proverb illustrates the power of one’s influence when it says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.
Concerning our influence Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light. All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life. For example, think back to the most bland and boring meal that you have eaten. Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”. Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life. Oh how we need to add good “spice” to this life. Then, think about the effects of light. When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light. Why? Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness and life to all it touches. The same is true of our example. Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!
Parents especially have an influence on their children. Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “ What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.” How parents need to be that good example to set a principle for their children’s lives. Of the lasting effect of parents upon children the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!
As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?” But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?” May God help us to be influential for Him!
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Article - How To Go To Hell In A Hurry
Have you ever met people in life who seemed like they were in a real hurry to go to Hell? You know the kind of people I’m talking about. These are the people who give no forethought to their actions. These people live for the moment. These people will believe anything any religious person tells them. These types of people, whether they realize it or not, are headed down the road to Hell in a real hurry. If a person wanted to go to Hell in a hurry, here are two things that would get him there.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow We Die! One of the quickest ways to destroy one’s soul is to live a life based on momentary pleasure. Esau is a prime example of this. In Genesis 25 Esau sold his birthright, the most important things he had, for a bowl of soup. Why? At that moment in time he let his physical need for food outweigh anything else. Today many people fall into the same sensual trap as Esau. For example, the teenager who will do anything for his next high is only living for the moment. The man who will sell his soul to the Devil for his next drink is head down a treacherous road. Parents who have to have every luxury of this world while their children are neglected are destroying their own souls and helping to destroy their children’s souls. If you really want to go to Hell in a hurry, just eat, drink and be merry!
Believe everything you hear about God and Religion. The quickest way to make sure you go to Hell is to believe everything you are told about God and the Bible. I am appalled at the number of people who are told what to believe. Instead of being told what to believe, we should go to the Bible to see what we must believe (Acts 17:11). Many times I hear people say, “Well that’s what the pastor said.” In all kindness, it doesn’t matter what any person thinks we should believe about God and the Bible. The only person we must be concerned with pleasing is God. I can assure you, if you really want to go to Hell in a hurry just blindly believe everything you are told about religion. Before you know it you may be in South America sipping on a cyanide cocktail and offering your soul on the altar of religious deception.
Dear friend, I hope you will understand that I don’t want anyone to be lost and go to Hell. If you want to avoid the horrors of Hell you must live for eternity not for the moment. Jesus said nothing in the entire world is more important than your soul (Mark 8:36-37). If you want to be sure you are on the path to Heaven do what the Bible says, not what you heard someone else say (Colossians 3:17; John 12:48). May God help us to avoid a life that will lead to Hell in a hurry!
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Restore or Mark and Avoid
Restore or Mark and Avoid
By David Ray Fanning 1
The July 2015 issue of the Spiritual Sword had some very disturbing news about various churches of Christ, especially in the southern states of the United States, deciding to incorporate instrumental music in their worship to God (John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:8-9). Among the names mentioned were the University church of Christ (in Tuscaloosa, AL – home of the Crimson Tide where a lot of members of the church send their children) as well as the Harpeth Hills church of Christ and Otter Creek church of Christ (now calling themselves Otter Creek Church) in Brentwood, TN. Brentwood is just south of David Lipscomb University, where many members of the church send their children, are convinced that they are going to receive a sound, “Christian” education in addition to their secular studies.
Back in the early 1980s, I was one of those students who had hoped to receive a sound, Christian education as well. However, I was in for a rude awakening when I attended one of my first classes – a philosophy class with none other than Rubel Shelly. It was in that class that Rubel began to publicly unveil his position concerning “open fellowship”. Rubel stated that instead of condemning the Christian Church and Disciples of Christ (who divided from the churches of Christ officially in the early 1900s over the issue of instrumental music in worship to God and the Missionary Society), we ought to find grounds to fellowship with them. Since my youth I have always had a passion for souls, so I told Rubel I wanted to reach out to the Christian Church (Romans 10:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Jude 1:22-23; etc.). I set up an appointment with the Woodmont Christian Church preacher in Nashville. I was nervous and naive, yet, hopeful that we could persuade this preacher to drop the instrument for the sake of unity (my goal was Biblical repentance and restoration, Luke 17:3-4; Acts 8:14-24; 2 Corinthians 2:3-11; Galatians 6:1-2; etc.). The meeting started off very positive (Rubel was present). In the course of the discussion I finally asked the preacher, “For the sake of unity, would you be willing to drop the instrument?” to which the preacher replied, “That issue is not even on our radar – right now we are trying to determine whether or not to receive those who were sprinkled into our fellowship.” I was deeply disturbed by the preacher’s response; yet Rubel was not. I knew then that Rubel had a different view of fellowship, repentance and restoration from what is revealed in Scriptures (namely, Unity with Doctrinal Compromise, though Rubel would not call it “doctrinal” but “a matter of opinion”).
Paul states in Ephesians 4:14-15 “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ”. Yet the wind of vain worship is beginning to form into a tornado thanks to the likes of Rubel Shelly and Max Lucado. Rubel’s grand scheme of the 1980s is now on its way to becoming mainstream in the churches of Christ - ONLY IF the sleeping brotherhood does not rise and “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:15-17). No doubt, Rubel feels vindicated (Rubel left Lipscomb as Professor of Philosophy in the early 1980s with great opposition from the likes of Tom Holland and William Woodson and returned to Lipscomb in 2015 with great acceptance as “Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Religion”, lipscomb.edu, Rubel Shelly). Are you willing to stand up and stop this damning movement? It’s not going to be fun. This is a serious problem that is gaining momentum and has the support of an immoral society (with manmade philosophies such as “go along to get along”, “agree to disagree”; etc., Colossians 2:8). There are times when it will involve you naming names (as authorized by Jesus in Matthew 16:6; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:13-15; 2:17-18; etc.).
Two of the primary “doctrines” or “traditions” of men that are being tested in the worship of the churches of Christ are: (1) women intern/assistant preachers (case and point: 4th Ave church of Christ, Franklin, TN) and (2) alternative, instrumental music worship services (case and point: University church of Christ, Tuscaloosa, AL). This article is not only an open letter to these erring brethren and “churches” to repent (Galatians 1:6-12; Revelation 2:5; 16; 20-23; 3:3; 15-20), but also a call to all sound brethren and true churches of Christ to pray and work diligently to restore these brethren and “churches” and, at the same time, mark and avoid them, if they do not immediately cease and desist corrupting the pure bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-27). Remember: Our Lord commands us as His slaves to be the light of the world, the salt of the world and the pillar and ground of the truth (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Timothy 3:15; Romans 12:11; Colossians 1:10; 2:6; 3:16-18). If we truly love Jesus and want to remain His friend, we will do what He says – no matter how difficult (John 14:15; 15:14). We cannot have Jesus as Savior without also having Him as Lord/Master (Matthew 7:21; 10:34-39; Romans 10:9; Hebrews 5:8-9).
When God completed creating the heavens and earth, “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Man could do nothing to make God’s creation better – it needed no improvement. Even more so, when Jesus came to build His church (He purchased it with His own blood!), man could do nothing to make it better (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). In fact, Jesus made it very clear that those who wanted to be “true” worshipers of God (implying that there is such a thing as false worshipers) MUST worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Therefore, children of God who are diligently seeking to please their Master must humbly realize that they cannot improve Jesus’ pattern of worship and must NOT alter Jesus’ pattern of worship (John 9:31; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 11:6).
Having women evangelists in a worship assembly composed of men and women is a clear violation of our Master’s commands in 1 Corinthians 14:33-34; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:14-15. Adding mechanical instruments of music in church worship, whether it be occasionally or alternatively, is a doctrine/tradition of man. How do you and I know that? In the same way that you and I can determine whether a church is truly the church of Christ or a departure/division. You and I can show everyone Jesus’ doctrine on the one true church, the church of Christ, in the New Testament (Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4); but Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc. cannot show us their “church” in the New Testament. Therefore, any “church,” other than the church of Christ, is not of the doctrine of Christ, but is described by Jesus as a “departure”, “division”, “offense” (1 Timothy 4:1; Romans 16:17). Similarly, you and I can show everyone Jesus’ doctrine on congregational singing in New Testament worship (1 Corinthians 14:12, 15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:15-17); but Rubel Shelly, Max Lucado, members of the Harpeth Hills “church” of Christ (Brentwood, TN), the Stones River “church” of Christ (Murfreesboro, TN), the University “church” of Christ (Tuscaloosa, AL) cannot show us book, chapter and verse on mechanical instruments of music authorized or used in New Testament church worship. Therefore, adding instrumental music to church worship is an unauthorized “doctrine” or “tradition” of men.
Here is one loving, evangelistic way you can restore a brother, sister or “church” and/or mark and avoid them (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; Revelation 2:5; 3:3, 19). Get a list of brethren and “churches” you know who have added these false doctrines to their worship and show them the following passages and scriptural reasoning:
Matthew 15:9, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Having a female preacher or instrumental music in “church” worship is a doctrine of men; therefore, 4th Ave “church” of Christ, University “church” of Christ and members thereof are worshiping God in vain (not doing God’s will – but man’s, Matthew 7:21; John 9:31)
2 John 1:9-11, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
Otter Creek “Church” is not abiding in the doctrine of Christ; therefore, the Otter Creek Departure, and its members no longer have God (whether some of members are part of the instrumental service or not, they are supporting leadership that promotes it; therefore, they share in the evil deeds. Leave that division and find a faithful church of Christ where you may worship God in spirit and truth).
Romans 16:17, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
No one learned “female preachers” and “instrumental music as church worship” when studying the New Testament. Rubel, Max, Harpeth Hills, members thereof, etc. have brought (or enabled the bringing in of) these false doctrines/traditions of men into the worship; thus, causing division to the body of Christ. According to Romans 16:17, if we love Jesus and want to keep the leaven out of sound brethren and solid churches of Christ, we must note and avoid these erring brethren and these newly formed departures/divisions (even if it is one of your family members attending one of these divisions, Matthew 10:34-39; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).
May the Lord give us the care, strength and boldness to pull these erring brethren and divisions out of the fire before it is everlastingly too late – for us and them (Jude 1:23)!
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Article - God’s Grace is Sufficient
Like many of us today, Paul had a “thorn in the flesh”. This was a trial of some kind that gave him great grief. This “thorn in the flesh” bothered Paul so much that he prayed to the Lord three times to remove it. To Paul’s request God responded by saying, “ My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead of dealing with Paul’s infirmity, God reminds Paul of the all-sufficiency of His grace. This same principle should apply directly to us today. Instead of dwelling on our problems, we should be able to look beyond those problems to the grace and love of God. Here is how we can do just that.
Look beyond your problems. The Apostle Paul eloquently stated, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Instead of getting discouraged and down about our problems and difficulties, we need to realize that our problems aren’t even a drop in the bucket compared to the beauty of Heaven. Too many times we focus on the physical word of suffering and forget that we are headed to Heaven. Let’s move beyond our physical problems and see the joy of Heaven.
Look above your problems. The brother of the Lord reminded us of the benefit of suffering when he said, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of suffering, we must be able to look above our problems to the good it can bring us. Imagine how closely attached to this world we might be if there were no sufferings. James reminds us that we must be able to rejoice at the difficulties we have because they help us grow as Christians.
While trials are going to come to each of us, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient to help us deal with our trials. When we remember that Heaven will be worth it all and that suffering help us grow, we can overcome our suffering with God’s grace. May God give us the strength to remain faithful to His all-sufficient grace.
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.