7/20/08

Secular Man on His Knees

John Waddey

We live in a society that is increasingly secular. Schools have closed their doors to God, the Bible, and Christianity. Broadcast media have pretty well done the same. Liberal politicians are determined to keep Christians and the church at arm's length. The courts are worse. But when secular man receives heavy blows that knock him to his knees, he still reaches out to Christians and the church to help get him back on his feet.

  • When natural disasters strike and victims are many, secular people welcome with open arms groups such as churches of Christ, Disaster Relief, and church volunteers. The victims of hurricane Katrina were glad Christians came to their relief.
  • When a town has a sizeable population of homeless people, they welcome a church's "Rescue Mission" to provide food and lodging for them.
  • When a community has a multitude of children who will be on the streets in the summer months, they welcome the summer camps churches provide.
  • When young people have "growing up problems,' secular societies welcome the counseling and youth programs that churches offer.
  • When racial tensions erupt in violence, community officials often recruit ministers of churches to try to defuse the explosive situation.
  • When some tragedy occurs such as a mine collapse, or an auto accident that claims several lives, secular people look to preachers and churches for comfort and consolation for survivors.
  • When our nation is attacked by hostile enemies and when our sons and daughters must go to war, a secularist community wants ministers and their congregations to lift up prayers for their safety.

We can conclude that our secular neighbors, politicians, judges, and pundits really are saying, "We don't like you Christians, we don't want you around to remind us of our godless lives and misconduct, but when we have serious problems we want you to serve us and help us take care of them. Expect no thanks or gratitude from us, but remain ready to assist us when we need you."

Plutarch observed, "The worship most acceptable to God, comes from a thankful and cheerful heart." I guess that explains why it is so hard for secularists to be grateful for the benefits Christians and churches provide them.

CHRISTIANITY: Then and Now June 2008 c of C 12213 West Bell Road #211 Surprise, AZ 85374 

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God’s Prescription for Stress

1.  "Wait on the Lord” Ps. 27:14

2.  “He leadeth me besides still waters. He restoreth my soul.” Ps 23:2,3

3.  “Be still, and Know that I am God.” Ps 46:10

4.  “The race is not to the swift.” Eccl. 9:11

5.  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

6.  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Phil.4:7 Yreka church of Christ 7/22/08

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7/13/08

See Only Christ

            You are familiar, no doubt, with one of the most famous paintings ever done by any artist: The Lord's Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, that classic portrayal of Christ and the twelve apostles at the table.

 

            Many students of art history believe that the painting, when first created, was somewhat different from the version which we now see. There was initially, it is believed, an exquisite lace border on the tablecloth. When, immediately upon completion, da Vinci invited a group of art students to view his masterpiece, they were immensely impressed by the delicate design of that lacework. They studied it intensely and praised it highly.

            Upon seeing the reaction of these young men, the artist took up a brush, dipped it, and made a few long strokes across the canvas, obliterating the lace. Then, with uncontrollable feeling, he shouted, "Now, look at Christ!"

            How easily we take our view off of Christ and put it upon some nice distraction. The Hebrew writer urged "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

            Let us fix our eyes upon Him. Let us see His beauty, His love, His grace and His commitment to us. Then let us walk in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21-25).

..................Phil Sanders, In Search of the Lord, Edmond, OK via Bulletin Digest July '08

(Note:  the painting was actually painted on a wall, not a canvas.  Whereas the historical accuracy of this article can be questioned, the message of the author is worthwhile.)

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The Lord Is My Shepherd

            A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young class memorize on of the most quoted passages in the Bible, Psalm 23.  She gave the youngsters about a month to learn the verses. Little Rick was excited about the task—but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm.  After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.  On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous.  When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

Bulletin Digest July 2008  

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7/6/08

 

Higher Ground


.....One of the most decisive factors in any battle is relative position to the enemy. The position usually most coveted is the higher ground, as it provides a better position than having to fight uphill. Some of the more famous battles were decided by the ones owning control of the high ground, from Causeway Heights in the battle of the Crimean War Tennyson made famous to Marye's Heights and Little Round Top in the Civil War to San Juan Hill (see also Messines Ridge, Gergovia, Pork Chop Hill). Many times these hills are taken, defended, lost, and unsuccessfully attempted at great loss of life and resources. Much deliberation is often given to engaging the enemy on these sites, while at other times it seems no forethought is involved.
.....In so many areas of life, we will find ourselves facing some pretty intense conflict or potential conflict. How we handle that makes such a big difference! There is a saying that essentially goes, "Choose carefully the hill on which you choose to die." Akin to it is the question, "Is this the hill you wish to die on?" The origin of the saying is unclear, being attributed to Marines in Vietnam, the U.S. Army at Normandy Beach in World War II, and even the events at Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill) to start heavy fighting during the Revolutionary War. The saying means that great care should be given not to waste your assets-money, time, reputation, passion for unimportant causes.
.....We need this reminder frequently. How many marriages could be not only saved, but greatly enhanced by this principle? How much more unity would exist in the body of Christ if we took this principle to heart? How many friendships could be made and saved by realizing the sagacity of that saying?
.....The idiom reminds us that there are hills upon which we may have to make this choice. Defending our Savior, our faith, our family, and our standard of truth means that there are times when we must be willing to take a stand. This can be a frightening prospect, but these times will come in all of these areas of life. Yet how many times have we seen people "go to the wall" (or up the hill) for causes unworthy of such expense? Pride, sinful anger, presumption, oversensitivity, envy, and like motives can propel us up what wind up being molehills rather than mountains. Let us be careful and prayerful about the hills of battle we choose in life, making sure they are indeed that important. Otherwise, let us control whatever motivates us to want such a battle.


Neal Pollard, Denver, Colorado via Jacksonville church of Christ November 2007

 
I am set for the defence of the gospel. Philippians 1:17

 

Pause and Consider:

  • The trouble with doing nothing is that you can't stop and rest.
  • If you marry a child of the devil, you are bound to have trouble with your father-in-law.
  • It is not necessary to blow out the other person's light in order to let your own shine.
  • God often digs well of joy with spades of sorrow.
  • He who talks to you about others, will talk to others about you.

 

6/29/08

Long Walk Part of Gift 
.....An African boy listened carefully as his teacher explained why Christians were such giving people. The teacher said, "Jesus taught us that giving gifts is an expression of our love and friendship for Him and each other. Jesus said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35).
.....A couple of days later the boy brought the teacher a seashell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked. The youth told her that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found.
When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was speechless. She knew that it would have taken the young man hours to walk to the bay. Also, he would have faced many dangers from the jungle and rocky cliffs of the seacoast along the way. "Why, it's gorgeous and wonderful, but you shouldn't have gone all that way to get the gift for me," the teacher joyfully exclaimed.
.....His eyes brightening, the boy answered, "Long walk part of gift." (Story adopted from Preaching Vol. 23, No.3, p. 88, 2007).
.....This story brings to mind the long walk that was part of God's gift to mankind. 1st Peter 1:20-21 states that Jesus "was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."
Christ's long walk began in the mind of God before the foundation of the world, and was proclaimed by the prophets of the Old Testament. He then voyaged from heaven to earth to be born of a virgin, and He grew up to show people the way of heaven. He walked upon the earth and then went to a shameful cross to pay humanity's debt of sin, journeyed from the cross to the tomb, was resurrected on the third day, and finally completed the journey by returning to heaven.
.....Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that "we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
.....And we may ask, "Why all this trouble, God?" And God would say to us, "The long walk was part of the gift."

by Mark T. Tonkery from Jacksonville Church of Christ 11/15/07

 

6/22/08

 

In Your Anger, Do Not Sin

Anger causes us to be moody and mean. It destroys in a moment what it took years to build. We lose our cool and without thinking, blow all the good will that has been built up between us and a neighbor. Anger gets to be a habit. Angry people subject those around them to a constant flow of wrath, harsh words, threats, even violence. Others choose the passive-aggressive route. Through silence and sulking, they punish the one with whom they are angry by withholding themselves from them. Still others turn their anger inward and live lives of depression and anxiety.

But before we give anger a bad rap, recognize that it is a natural reaction. All of the natural reactions God created in us are good. Anger itself is not sin. So Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not.. " He didn't say not to get angry, but not to sin when we are angry. Anger usually is an emotional reaction that comes in the face of some perceived wrong doing. It is a signal telling us something is not right. It comes from our need for self-protection. Anger is not wrong in itself. It is the way we use, or express it, that is right or wrong.

Ever heard the phrase, "Good and angry?" The problem is, when most people are good and angry, they are very angry, but not very good. You are not bad because you feel anger. But anger, even when it is justified, does not excuse destructive behavior. Let anger do its proper job. Let it motivate you to stand up against wrong doing, unfairness, injustice. Just be sure you control your anger, rather than letting it control you. 

 

6/15/08


An Old Farmer’s Advice

Life ain't about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered not yelled.
Meanness don't jest happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
Don't judge folks by their relatives.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm, 'cause the colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave every mornin'.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL via Bulletin Digest February 2008



Malfunctioning Of Our Memory
One problem we face as human beings is the malfunctioning of our memory. We remember what we are supposed to forget, and we forget what we should remember.
God says, “Their sins and your iniquities I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17). Yet many Christians go through life shackled with the memory of sin God has forgotten. I meet many people who are still chained to failures of the past. Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind.” (Philippians 3:13).
But we need to ask God for a good memory concerning the help He has given in the past. For some reason, we forget the mercies and blessings of the past. Our God has cared for you thus far. Continue to trust Him. His care is sure and steadfast. Yesterday God helped me. Today He will do the same. How long will this continue? Forever—praise His name.


Bulletin Digest Oct, 2006 via Findlay church of Christ Sparta, TN


6/8/08

COLD FEET

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped (Psa.73:1-2).

The other day my six-year old son decided to run-away because I would not allow him to get something he wanted. As I was sitting on the couch watching the news, he came down the hallway, suitcase in hand. I asked him where he was going, and his response was, "I'm running away." I told him to be careful and that I loved him. He slowly made his way to the backdoor and ventured out into the cold, wearing only a pair of blue jeans and a tee shirt (no socks or shoes). I watched him carefully, even though I knew he wouldn't go far. He took a step off the porch and into the snow, but quickly got back on the porch. He stood there for several minutes, undoubtedly thinking of what he was going to do next. By this time he was shivering, but still too upset to come inside and admit his wrong. I wanted desperately to go out and get him, but I knew that the only way he was going to learn that he can't always get what he wants was by allowing him a few moments to come to his senses. He finally did! He made his way to his room, and after allowing him some time to think about what he did, I went in and covered him up in a warm blanket. I told him that I loved him and was glad that he decided to stay. When asked why he didn't go he responded, "I got cold feet!"
I must admit, my heart was broken and my stomach turned as I watched my son exit through the back door. I thought about the parable of the prodigal son and how his father must have felt (Luke 15:11). I'm thankful that my son got "cold feet" and came back before venturing out into the "far country." I pray that he'll always have "cold feet" when it comes to doing those things he'll later regret!
God loves His children and wants what's best for them, but He's not going to force them into unwilling servitude. I pray that all of us get "cold feet” before wandering off into a cold, sin-stained world!

Terry R. Townsend, church of Christ at Northridge, Dayton, OH via Bulletin Digest May 2008


A friend of an old preacher, noticing how happy the old man seemed to be, remarked: “You act as if you owned the world.” The old man smiled as he replied, “I don’t own the world, but my Father does.”


BulletDigest May 2008




6/1/08



Derrick Coble Pleasanton church of Christ Pleasanton, TX (Bulletin Digest April 2007



For What Shall I Pray?
…..Previously, we noted that: (1) God wants us to pray, Col. 4:2; (2) God has promised to hear and answer our prayers, 1 John 5:14,15; (3) That sin will hinder our prayer life, Ps. 66:18.
…..But what shall we pray for? Have you ever started to pray and very soon as it were, “run out of soap?” We offer these suggestions:
Pray for all men. “That supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men.” 1 Tim. 2:1.
“For kings and all that are in high place” 1 Tim. 2:2.
For all the saints. “Praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Eph.6:18.
For our preachers and teachers. “And on my behalf, that utterance many be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” Eph. 6:19. Pray for the sick. “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death...the he turned his face to the wall and prayed unto Jehovah.” 2 Kings 20:1,2.
Finally, pray what has been called the most neglected prayer in all the Bible. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.” Mt 9:38
….. “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1


Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ

 5/25/08

Telemarketers Call Churches Too!
….I answered the phone as I normally do, "Hartsville church of Christ." The female telemarketer at the other end said "Is the owner or manager of the business present?" I felt confident that she did not hear the word "church" in answering her call so I replied, "The owner has been gone now for about 2000 years, but we expect Him to come back at any minute although we do not exactly know when. When He does come back, I am certain that neither He nor you will be interested in selling or buying anything you have to offer." After a pregnant pause she replied, "I guess I have reached a church and that you are talking about Jesus." "Yes ma'am," I said. "Can we help you with anything?" "No," she replied, "Have a good day."
….It is true - telemarketers call churches too! I would imagine that this lady got more than she bargained for on this occasion. I was surprised that she did not try to sell whatever it was that she was peddling to me after our brief dialogue, but she chose not to.
….There is much truth in what I said to her about the "ownership" of the church. The Bible teaches that Christ is the head of the church. Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body." As the head, He makes all the decisions about the function and organization of His church. In His absence, he does this through God's word, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
….No man runs or owns the church. While it is true that the eldership has the oversight of the church, they are even in subjection to Jesus who is the chief Shepherd. The church does not have a creed book or ruling and governing board. The only source of authority for religious matters is God's word.
….The second portion of my comment was just as valid. We should be expecting Jesus to come back at any moment. I am convinced that many are not anticipating the return of our Savior. Some are not genuinely convicted that Jesus will be coming again at the end of time to judge the world. The church should be awaiting the return of Jesus.
….As the church, we should be awaiting the return of Jesus, who will be coming back as a "thief in the night." What a glorious time that will be in human history and in the history of the church.
BULLETIN DIGEST November 2006 via Hartsville church of Christ Hartsville, TN

Oh, The Things We Say!
…. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Oh Lord my strength, and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14.
….Would you change the way you live is you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were sacrifices brought to the altar. As you begin each day, determine that God’s love will guide what you say and how you think.
…. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”. Matt 12:36-37.
….Ask for God’s help in controlling what you say.
Bill Bonifay, Merced church of Christ


5/18/08

 

The Thief in The Church

Someone has recently said, "The greatest challenge to faith is not intellectual at all, but rather shallow indifference." As I personally see it, the greatest threat from within the church today is not false doctrine, vile sins, or even loss of faith, but rather simple indifference.

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Indifference is "the thief in the church." It robs the church of our time, our talents, and our support. Indifference kidnaps the members of our Bible class and worship, saps the enthusiasm of members, sabotages all kinds of good programs and takes the pleasure out of serving Jesus.

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Indifference is the most difficult of all problems in the church to deal with.
Many in the church are not against what we are trying to do, nor are they really for it. They are simply "just indifferent!"

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"Trust a person little who praises everyone; trust a person less who criticizes everyone; trust a person least who is indifferent!”

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People can change their minds. A man's right to hold to a certain view does not mean that view is right. One can be led to a fuller knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. Christians can be "equipped" for fuller service and guided in faithful ministries for the Lord. We can grow and mature as we correct our mistakes and become more like Jesus. But ... not if we are indifferent.

--Charles Cash, church of Christ, Crosbyton, TX shared by Carolyn York via Merced church of Christ.

Things you will never be sorry for
For telling the truth;
For living a pure life;
For acknowledging your sins;
For thinking before acting;
For hearing before judging;
For forgiving your enemies;
For helping a fallen brother;
For being loyal to the church;
For standing by your principles;
For being courteous and kind;
For money given to the Lord’s cause;
For being honest in business.
Central church of Christ, Paducah, KY via Bulletin Digest 05/08


Quotable Quotes
“Confess your own sins—not your neighbors.”
“Still religion, like still water, is the first to freeze.”
“A snob is an inferior person with a superiority complex.”
Bulletin Digest 05/07

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5/11/08

 

Encouraging Prayer
.....Our Father longs to hear us pray. Just as earthly parents long to hear from their children, so does God, our heavenly Father.
.....Paul urges us to pray in these words: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving.” (Col 4:2)
.....Again we are urged to know that God hears and answers our prayers: “O thou that hearest prayer” (Ps. 65:2). “And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him: (1 John 5:14,15).
.....Then we are warned that sin will defeat our prayer life: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Ps. 66:18).
.....Don’t forget to pray. Our Lord prayed often, even praying all night: :One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.) (Luke 6:12). ....................................................................Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ


“Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the windowsill to cool—her granddaughters set theirs on the windowsill to thaw.” 
 

 

5/4/08


Pitch Tents, Build Altars

Abraham knew he would find no permanent city in this world, so he never called a real estate agent, never built a home—he simply pitched a tent.

He refused to become attached to the things of this world. Abraham's focus was on God's will for his life. He wanted his children and grandchildren to know that the things of God that are permanent—not the things of the world. That's why, wherever he went, Abraham did not merely pitch his tent, but he also built his altar.

The problem is, far too many of us do the exact opposite of Abraham. We build our tents and pitch our altars. We attach permanence to our homes, our lands, our possessions, and our culture while treating the things of God as ethereal and unreal. We spend our time building, improving, and adding to our tents, and, at best, we "pitch our altars" if we do anything with them at all. Too many of us tend to follow the example of Lot more than Abraham.


-Ed Young (from KneEmail, Mike Benson, ed.)


Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. 1 John 2:15
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"Don't give up!"


There is a painting that shows the devil at a chess board with a young man. The devil has just made his move, and the young man's queen is checkmated. On his face is written defeat and despair. One day the great chess genius Paul Morphy stood looking at that painting. He studied carefully the position on the board. Suddenly his face lit up and he shouted to the young man in the painting, "you still have a move don't give up, you still have a move!"

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We come to those moments when it seems we are checkmated. We see no winning move we can make. Then the great Master of all life comes closer to us. He remembers one day when he prayed to be spared from the cross: "let this cup pass from me," He pleaded. The cross seemed the end of his world. But there was yet another move. Beyond the cross was an empty tomb and victory! That same Christ can see beyond your cross to some triumph. "Don't give up, you still have a move, " He says.

BULLETIN DIGEST March 2008 Morris Chalfant church of Christ Delta. CO



4/27/08



Jesus Wept - John 11:35

In some churches, Jesus is held up as a miracle worker, someone beyond our grasp. We may think, "how in the world can we, sinful men and women, ever identify with Jesus?" He was a miracle worker and never sinned. We may come away with the idea that He's too different from us.

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But God came to earth in the flesh to identify with us. There are times when we see the human attributes of Jesus. We see him thirsty and hungry. We see him angry and then there is that favorite memory verse of Vacation Bible School students, "Jesus wept." - John 11:35.

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 Scholars suggest many reasons why Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus. He was either sad at the passing of a fiend, upset at the lack of faith on the part of Mary and Martha or he was upset and sad that sin entered the world and brought heartache to people he loved. Whichever reason you believe, the fact remains, Jesus cried just like you and me. He actually felt the same feelings we do at times.

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When you go to God in prayer over any matter; remember that He knows how you feel. God is not aloof and far off. He has connected with mankind on a close personal level through Jesus and He wants to step into your life to personally connect with you.


BULLETIN DIGEST Brian Humek Airport Freeway church of Christ, Euless, TX


4/20/08

Have you Ever Felt Like David?

 

The 55th Psalm (author unknown, possible David) is a prayer for God’s help in view of a conspiracy under the leadership of a former friend.

 

Notice David’s troubles:

“My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught” (v2).

“My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me” (v4).

“Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me(v5).

In view of these problems David longs to escape:

“I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!I would fly away and be at rest—I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm’”(v 6-8).

David then seeks strength and solace in prayer:

“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me” (v1). Notice it is not wrong, but right, to implore God to answer our prayers.

In conclusion, David trusts God:

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall… But as for me, I trust in you” (v 22,23).

Clinton Storm (shared by Carolyn York)

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 4/13/08

 

The Cross from Seven Viewpoints

 

From the viewpoint of Judas, it was about silver.  Judas was a thief and a traitor (John 12:4-6; 13:28-29).  He made a deal with the Jewish leaders to sell Jesus for the "goodly price" of thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:15).

From the viewpoint of the Pharisees, it was about silence.  The Jewish leaders knew that the world was going after Jesus (John 12:19), and they were afraid that the whole world would believe on Him (John 11:48).  When they could not stump Him or snare Him with their questions (Matthew 22: 15-17, 35), they decided to silence Him by slaying Him (Matthew 26:3-4). As you know, even this didn't work.  He rose three days later, and His apostles  boldly preached His resurrection (Acts 2; 4:18-30, 33; 5:17-29, 40-42; 17:6).

From the viewpoint of Pilate, it was about self-preservation.  Although Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent (Luke 23:4; Matthew 27:24), he caved in to Jewish pressure to crucify Jesus (John 19:12-13; Mark 15:15).  He sacrificed Jesus in an effort to save himself (John 12:25).

From the viewpoint of the Roman soldiers, it was about sport.  The Roman soldiers brought Jesus into the common hall and mocked Him (Matthew  7:27-31; Luke 23:11; John 19:2-3).  At the foot of His cross, they cast lots for His wardrobe as they watched Him struggle in pain (Matthew 27:34-35).

From the viewpoint of the Father, it was about substitution.  In His grace, God sent Jesus to taste death for us by taking our place on the cross Hebrews 2:9; Romans 5:8-10; Isaiah 53:5, 11: 1 Peter 2:21; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).

From the viewpoint of the Son, it was about submission.  Although the cross  meant shame and suffering, Jesus submitted to the Father's will and went to the cross (Matthew 26:39,53; Hebrews 5:7-9; 12:2; Philippians 2:8-9).

From the viewpoint of the saints, it was about salvation.  The early Christians saw the cross, and the blood shed there, as the means of their salvation (Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9-10; 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 1:5; 7:14).

 -Wade Webster, Southaven, Mississippi; House to House Vol. 13, #2

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." -Galatians 6:14

 

Seeing The Lost As Lost

…..You and I must have a keen awareness of the spiritual condition of those who are lost.  It is often difficult for us to constantly view our friends, neighbors and relatives as poor, captive, blind, separated from God, strangers, lost without God.  We see their material wealth and their contentedness with life and before we know it, we no longer see them as lost and have no reason to share.

…..It is tragic for a person to be spiritually lost and not even realize it.  But perhaps it is even more tragic for us, as Christians, to neglect, dismiss and not see one’s lost condition and not to share the life-saving message of Jesus.  Maybe it’s time to renew our vision to view the lost as being lost.

…..Pray, invite and teach for the lost are indeed lost!

Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ

 

 

 

 

4/6/08

In Christ We Have ….     

  • A love that can never be fathomed.
  • A life that can never die.
  • A peace that can never be understood.
  • A rest that can never be disturbed.
  • A joy that can never be diminished.
  • A hope that can never be disappointed.
  • A glory that can never be clouded.
  • A happiness that can never be interrupted.
  • A light that can never be extinguished.
  • A strength that can never be overcome.
  • A beauty that can never be marred.
  • A purity that can never be defiled.
  • Resources that can never be exhausted.

 Bulletin Digest May 2007

 

Profitable Devotion

…..An old woman who was alone for the greater part of the day was asked, “What do you do during the day?”

…..“Well,” she said, “I get my hymnbook, and I sing a little hymn of praise to the Lord.  Then,” she added, “I get my Bible and let the Lord speak to me.  When I am tired of reading and I can’t sing anymore, I just sit still and let the Lord love me.”

Author unknown.  Via Bulletin Digest January, 2008

 

A group of children were asked in Sunday morning Bible class, “Why do you love the Lord?”  One child responded, “I don’t know, sir, I guess it just runs in our family.”

Bulletin Digest September, 2007

 

 

 

3/30/08

The World Before Sin by Eric Lyons, M.Min  

…..Imagine living in a world that is free from sin. It is a world where there are no murderers or thieves. It is a place free from racism and war, and from divorce and physical abuse. In this world, there is no strife, hatred, or jealousy. It is a place void of all pain and suffering. You would never be scared, because in this world there is nothing to fear. It is perfect. You live in complete harmony with every creature around you. You love every person you meet (and they love you!). And, most important, you have a perfect relationship with God.

…..Although you may think that such a world never existed, or that such perfection will be known only in heaven, the truth is, at one time Adam and Eve lived in such a paradise. According to the last verse in Genesis chapter one, after God finished His six-day creation (which included the making of Adam and Eve) He “saw everything He had made, and indeed it was very good.” Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve lived in complete harmony with nature, with themselves, and with God.

…..Instead of living in a world where animals are scared of humans, and where humans are afraid of various animals, Adam lived in harmony with all of God’s creatures. In fact, on the very day he was created, God brought the cattle, birds, and beasts of the field to Adam to be named. The animals were not frightened of Adam, and Adam was not scared of the animals. They lived in perfect harmony. [The Bible indicates it was not until after the Flood that the animals began to fear man (Genesis 9:2-3).]

…..Rather than having to work a “cursed” earth full of “thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:17-19), Adam and Eve simply picked and gathered the fruit that God freely game them in the Garden of Eden. And, as long as Adam and Eve ate of the tree of life that was in the middle of the garden, they would live forever (read Genesis 3:22). It seems that if Adam and Eve had remained in a sinless state, having access to this tree of life, they would have stayed in perfect health—being free from the diseases that claim the lives of so many people today.

…..Aside from all of these blessings, the most wonderful thing about the world before sin was that Adam and Eve lived in complete harmony with God. There was no sin separating them from their Creator. It was a perfect relationship. Blood sacrifices were not offered, and forgiveness of sins was not needed. Truly, before the fall of man, a kind of paradise existed on Earth.

…..Even though the sin of man brought a tragic end to the earthly paradise once known by Adam and Eve, God graciously has promised that He will give an eternal life (in a heavenly paradise) to everyone who responds, in faith through obedience, to the good news of Jesus Christ (Titus 3:7; 1 John 5:11-13; Acts 2:38).

Copyright © 2002 Apologetics Press, Inc. All  rights reserved   http://www.apologeticspress.org 

 

 

A Smile

…..A smile costs nothing, but gives much.  It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.  It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.  None is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

…..A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.  It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.

…..Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile.  Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

Bulletin Digest, January 2008

3/23/08

Why Did Christ Die? Henry M Morris, Ph.D. 

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)
…..This passage is often considered the defining passage of the gospel, stating the great truth that Christ died for our sins, then was buried (thus stressing that His resurrection was a physical resurrection, not just spiritual), and then rose again. As such, it is interesting that verse 1 which introduces it ("I declare unto you the gospel") contains the central mention of the more than 100 times the Greek word for "gospel" occurs in the New Testament.
…..However, it does not say why Christ died for our sins. It was not just to pay for our salvation and make us happy. There are, in fact, numerous references to His substitutionary death which do give us further insight into just why Christ died for us and our salvation.
…..For example, "he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again" (2 Corinthians 5:15). And consider Galatians 1:4 in which Paul tells us that Christ "gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world."
…..Peter's testimony and explanation was that the Lord Jesus "his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24). John said: "[God] loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John 4:10,11).
…..There are many other verses to the same affect. Christ did not die merely to save our souls, but to empower us to live in a way that would glorify God right here on earth.


Institute for Creation Research Days of Praise 3/21/2008 http://www.icr.org
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HOPE

“In hope of eternal life which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” Titus 1:2
…..From the Greek word ELPIS, hope is defined as favorable and confident expectation. Hope is desire with expectation. We may desire something and not expect it; we may expect something and not desire it. Hope is a combination of both!
…..The basis of our hope is Christ. “Christ in you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27. See also 1 Peter 1:3
…..And how sure is our hope? Just as certain and sure as our God “who cannot lie.”
…..In time of crisis, illness, trial or facing the event of death, our hope is “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” Hebrews 6:19.
…..Don’t let any sin or worldly lifestyle rob you of this precious gift.


Clinton Storm (shared by Carolyn York)

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3/16/08

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DISCIPLESHIP

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2
.....Why did Jesus pick Peter, James and John? Or better yet why did he pick any of the apostles? But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. And again, -then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men), 1 Kings 8:39
.....God picked the apostles because he knew what was in their heart. He even knew Judas had a heart problem. But just like the Pharaoh, Judas still served the kingdom, even though loyalty to society shaped ideas of what should be, made both men servants of Satan.
.....It was the heart of each individual that dictated his or her responses to what Jesus was teaching. Some rejected it. Others, like Judas, tried to manipulate it, but only those who could fully accept it, like the disciple Stephen, did the Holy Spirit empower. The same is true today. It is the heart of each individual that dictates the response to Jesus teachings. The only difference is that we now read them. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. Or perhaps we can even hear them spoken. But it’s still God who chooses according to what is in the heart.
.....One must always be cautious for there are many who would have you follow them rather than Jesus. The counterfeits are too numerous to count and often very subtle. - - - So- - - as the treasury agent studies only genuine currency, a disciple needs to study the Bible and practice the things learned. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

JC Walker

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3/9/08


Compassion

 

.....A Nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man. 
.....She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened. Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

.....The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night, the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.

.....Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital-the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then, she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

.....Along toward dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited. Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

....."Who was that man?" he asked.

.....The nurse was startled. "He was your father," she answered.

....."No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

....."Then why didn't you say something when I left you with him?"

....."I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed." - from Cybersalt Digest

“Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" ¬Matthew 18:33

From Glad Tidings of Good Things, Jacksonville church of Christ 6/7/07

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TRUST IN THE LORD
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

What does it mean to "trust in the Lord?"

1. It means we "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

2. It means we "seek the things that are above where Christ is" (Colossians 3:1).

3. It means we "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15).

4. It means we "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:12).

5. It means we "turn away from evil and do good" (1 Peter 3:11).

6. It means we imitate the godly life of the Old Testament King Hezekiah, who prayed "Remember 0 Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion, and have done what is good in your eyes" (Isaiah 38:2)

If you want God to "make your paths straight," then "trust in the Lord with all your heart." Clinton Storm (shared by Carolyn York)

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3/2/08

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Read the Instructions

.....I can vividly remember my first two-wheeler bicycle that my dad bought me when I was a boy. It was a red Huffy “Cheater Slick” with a banana seat. Now, when he bought the bike, he had a choice of buying a display model that was already assembled, or he could buy the “bike in a box” that he would have to assemble himself. We bought the bike in a box because it was five dollars cheaper.
.....So we took the bike home and spread all the parts out on the living room floor. To a little boy, it all looked so confusing. But one thing I knew . . . I knew where the hand grips went, so I popped them on the handlebar without reading the instructions. To my dismay, I later learned that I shouldn’t have been so hasty and should have read the instructions, for the handlebar had to be threaded through a joint prior to putting on the hand grips. Uh-oh. Too late. The grips were on, and wouldn’t come off, so one of the grips had to be cut off. Consequently, my red Huffy bike always had just one hand grip.
.....That lesson learned many years ago reminds me that life comes so much easier when we read the instructions. In fact, God left us an instruction book, the Bible. For instance, one of the things He tells us in the Bible is that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), and yet how many people do you know who are pursuing happiness apart from giving and selflessness? Friends, do yourself a favor and read the instructions before you make a mistake. God made you, and He knows best how you are to function. For best results, consult the owner’s manual. —Steve Higginbotham, Glasgow, Kentucky

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee . . .” —Psalm 32:8


House to House, Heart to Heart vol 13 #1

 

Holding Hands Helps

.....In the first study of how human touch affects the body’s response to stress and threatening situations, Dr. James Coan, a psychologist in the departments of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Virginia, recruited married volunteers, slid them into MRI machines and warned them to expect an electric shock on their ankles. When spouses reached into the machines to hold their respective partner’s hand—a simple yet loving gesture of support—the part of the brain that registers the anticipation of pain “turned off.” The volunteers also said that they felt less distress.

.....The hand-holding also reduced agitation in the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls the release of stress hormones, which turn off our immune function. Eventually, a weakened immune system can make us sick. .....“We can’t see what our spouses are doing to our brains and emotions until a stressful event arises, but it’s going on all the time,” says Dr. Coan. “When a wife holds or caresses her husband, she is really reaching into the deepest parts of his brain, calming down the neural-threat response.”

.....Can it be that easy access to a wifely hug after a fall-out with a neighbor or a pounding on the golf course is as potent as a tranquilizer or a beta-blocker? It starts with the simple act of holding hands and hugging—long and loving embraces, several times a day—according to the latest science.


House to House Heart to Heart Vol 11, #5

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Greg Cummings Church of Christ Liberal, KS via Bulletin Digest, November 2006

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
And so I choose...

I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today, I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical, the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at the new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone; kind to the rich, for they are afraid; and kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will see the good in others when it is hard to find. I will confess before I will accuse.
I Choose Faithfulness ... Today, I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will fail to come home.
I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.

LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL ... The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek God's face. And, then, when the day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.