True Independance...EVERYDAY!

Today all over this country and parts of the world, people will celebrate the Fourth of July, the day that the United States of America declared it's independence from the oppression of the British Empire and the tyranny of King George. We as a nation won our independence, and "the rest is history".

But the real Declaration of Independence was made FOR us, not BY us. Jesus tells us:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
(John 8:31-36 NIV)

Jesus set us free from sin. We are no longer under the bondage of sin. Just as we as a nation received our independence and freedom by the sacrifice of those brave men and women who have fought and died for us, we as a people have received Salvation from the tyranny of sin and the oppression of Satan by the Perfect Sacrifice, the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Celebrate our independence from sin everyday, by living for Jesus and letting the world know:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
(John 13:34-35 NIV)

God is Already There

My wife's grandfather, Cecil Pryor, was the only grandfather I ever knew. He was a gospel preacher for most of his life, and a Godly man. He went home to be with the Lord almost 8 years ago, and there is hardly a day I don't think of him. He died of a heart attack while preparing his sermon for the following Lord's day. He never knew that he was going to be a great grandfather again for the 12th and final time when our Tori came along.

Mr. Cecil, as I called him, favorite hymn was "Because He Lives". A dear friend and member of Cecil's last congregation Chico Offitt sang that song at Cecil's funeral. The line that means the most to me is "Because He lives.....I can face tomorrow...because He lives...all fear is gone".

Another song that reminds us of how we deal with the unknown of tomorrow is "Living By Faith". The first line is " I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain, the Lord I know ruleth over everything, and all of my worry is vain".

We as Christians are also human as well. We must "live in the world, but not of the world". And it is part of our humanity to worry about tomorrow. What will we do if ___ (fill in the blank) happens? We all know people that have lost their jobs, their homes, their health, and even loved ones. And we we see this going on around us we begin to worry as well for our families and ourselves. We are currently living in such unpredictable economic and political times. But we must always remember the words of Jesus:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matthew 6:25-34 TNIV)

In conclusion, while I was driving down the street today I saw a sign outside a building that simply said what I can't state any plainer than this...

"Don't worry about tomorrow....God is already there"

An answer to a prayer

As many of you know, I have been preaching in many different locations looking for my first "located" position. During all of this time, I have been preaching every Lord's Day for a precious group of souls here in Gallatin. Every Sunday I have had the honor of speaking to this assembly of Christians. And I was also praying for God to show me where He wanted me.

Well, He has shown me that He wants me exactly where I am. I have an important job to do right here. That is preach the Gospel and edify the saints here in Gallatin.

So beginning Sunday, June 7th, we will be having a "regular worship service" at 11:00 am every week. Please pray for the Church at Christian Towers. Pray for me that I always do His will, and that I be able to serve this congregation in spirit and truth. And pray for unity within the family of God, His church, and the world.

Second...where sometimes you are really first

God has blessed me so richly by making me understand that in my life second has been more important than first. He has given me the most precious gifts of second chances. I left God when I was young because I thought that there was something wrong with me because I couldn't "speak in unknown tongues". But then over 20 years later God in His due season gave me second chance, and sent me a messenger who was able to show me His truth. This was my first second chance.

When I had lost my wife and children to her infidelity and adultery, and I was so devastated. But then, in His due season again He gave me my lovely wife Laura and two more sons. This was my second second chance.

I was an OTR driver for most of my adult life. My oldest son and daughter only saw me for a couple of weeks each year during the summer. My two new sons only saw me every 12-16 weeks. I was just trying to make a living for my family the best way I knew how. I had four children who hardly knew me because we had spent so much time apart. We loved each other, but I always felt that I had missed so much of their lives growing up. I felt like such a failure as a father. But again, God saw that I needed another second chance. So He provided my wife and I with our precious daughter, who is now 6. He also provided me a means to stay home and be the father only He knew I could be. This was second chance number three.

I had the desire to preach from a young age. I was speaking and preaching in my teens. But due to my doctrinal error, I left God and the pulpit behind before I ever really started. But over two years ago, God gave me another second chance, and I began attending classes at the Nashville School of Preaching. Then I began to preach every Lord's Day, first here locally; then in many states as both a fill in preacher and as a preacher looking for his first located position. This is my fourth second chance.

It is my fervent prayer and desire not to even be second. I want to be the least of all, and servant to all. I now that somewhere out there is a congregation of the Lord's church that needs and wants a gospel preacher just like me. And just as every time before this, in His due season, God will give me that chance.

Thank you God for loving me so much that you give me these second chances, and thank You even more for the blessing that flow so abundantly from You. I pray that always I do Your will and always give You, my Lord and God the praise, honor, and glory for all that I say and do.

THE THREE R’S

According to the Dictionary the three R’s are “the fundamentals taught in elementary school ; especially : reading, writing, and arithmetic”. I guess we could call these the three R’s in education. And the following article could be called the three R’s in salvation.

Salvation is a free gift of divine grace (Rom. 6:23). It is a gift that must be accepted on the terms of the giver, not the receiver. When we go to school we go to learn the three R’s, not to invent or change them. There is a process set in place to teach us “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic”. It is a simple process through which we go from being uneducated to being educated. The same is true of the three R’s of salvation. There is a very simple process to the unsaved person becoming a saved person. This simple process has been corrupted and is being corrupted by many, but it is still as simple as the three R’s.

Receiving. “Then they who gladly received the word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:26-41). The gospel was preached by Peter and the gospel was believed by the 3,000. Only those who receive the truth about Jesus have the right to become children of God (John 1:11-12; Gal. 3:26-27). If the gospel is not preached, there is nothing to which sinners can respond. The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for our sins (I Cor. 15:1-4).

Responding. “Then they who gladly received the word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:26-41). Once a person accepts the truthfulness of the gospel, he is to express his faith in Jesus by being baptized into a relationship with Him. This involves being born of water and the Spirit (Jn. 3:5). All the prayers and plans in the world cannot dismiss the necessity of obedience to what the Lord has commanded. “When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:4-5, 12). All who truly believe will be baptized.

Rejoicing. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). They were added to the church (cf. verse 47) after they were baptized and they were “praising God” because of their faith in Jesus. What a cause of rejoicing it was to be added to the number of the saved! No wonder we read just a few verses later concerning these baptized believers: “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). It was also after the baptism of the Ethiopian and the Philippian jailor that they were found rejoicing (Acts 8:39; 16:34). It makes no sense not to believe and respond to what the Bible clearly and plainly says if we want God to save us. The three R’s of salvation are far more important to know than the three R’s of education. Hopefully, you know both.

Distractions

The long cold winter is finally over, and thought turn to fresh air and play. The flowers are blooming, the grass in growing, and the earth is renewed as it is every spring with new growth. Bikes and mowers are dusted off, short sleeves and short pants are seen again, and we seem to spend more and more time outside with each passing day. Is not spring wonderful? This time of year, the air is filled with the sound of children playing baseball, t-ball, and softball.

One strategy most baseball coaches use is distracting the batter while he/she is at the plate. The coach knows that a successful batter must be fully concentrating on hitting the ball to be a good batter. Therefore, the opposing team will try and use “chatter” in order to distract the batter and cause him/her to swing and miss. A good batter can shut out the noise and fully concentrate on hitting the ball, but a novice might not be able to do that.

The world is full of distractions for the Christian. Satan knows this and uses every distraction to his advantage. We have sport leagues that want to schedule children’s ball games and practices on worship night or even worse on the Lord’s Day. I know parents that think that baseball practice, school functions, organized activities, or social events are more important than “church” activities. Many parents have the opinion that “God will understand if we miss the assembly for a ball game, won’t He?”

Vacations, visiting family and friends, and get-togethers are also times folks are tempted to “play hooky” from the assembly. People that would never consider taking a day off from their jobs because they have company will often as well not hesitate to skip a Sunday because of a picnic or visiting friends or relatives.

Jesus tells us to stay focused on our goal, which is the Kingdom of Heaven. He stayed focused no matter what the world and Satan threw at Him. Paul tells that as well, along with the other inspired writers of the Bible. Let us always strive to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33 ESV).

Be like the good batter, stay focused. And someday you’ll hit that “out of this world and clean over into heaven” home run.

Don't take anything for granted

I was discussing salvation with a dear young man I know this week. He attends worship at a local denominational congregation. We were talking, and he was asking me about salvation, baptism, and as he referred to them "salvation moments". I had to ask him what a "salvation moment" was. His explanation was that a "salvation moment" was when you tried to obey the gospel but because of youth or lack of knowledge you were unable to fully "be saved". I was puzzled by this concept and inquired more.

He proceeded to explain to me that he had "been saved" at a young age and subsequently baptized (that is another lesson for another time). Then he found the need to be re baptized because he had as we say "fallen away", or backslid into his former worldly ways. First of all, the young man didn't even realize he was worshiping in a modified Calvinistic denomination. And in that group they believe that through the mere act of confession and repentance they are saved, and the act of being baptized is only a ritual, and not necessary.

I showed him in the Bible where Jesus speaking to Nicodemus says:

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit". (John 3:5-6 ESV)

And Peter after preaching that first Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost when asked :

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38 ESV)

Sometimes when we talk to folks, we take for granted that they already know and understand these passages of scripture, but they truly don't. Let us never take anything for granted, especially when discussing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are hungering and thirsting for God's Word. Always remember the words of Paul:

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV)

Selection or audition, how are preachers hired today?

When a congregation, especially one that does not have elders, sets about hiring a new preacher, do they select a qualified man of God, or do they audition a man that is aesthetically acceptable? How many preachers have experienced the following just as I have many times since I first decided to become a Gospel preacher? The prospective preacher will have completed the interview process with the elders/ search committee, had their qualifications and experience reviewed, mailed their sermon CD, visited the congregation in person with their family, had the “face to face” meetings with the congregation outside of worship, taught and preached on Sunday, the beloved “potluck fellowship” dinner (I do love those, you learn so much about folks when you break bread together), and the follow up meetings with the elders/committee. During this process, all of the preacher’s doctrinal views and core beliefs are discussed in depth with the elders or members of the committee, and questions are asked by both the elders/committee members and the preacher. At the conclusion, the preacher is told that dependant on the “congregational questionnaires”, the elders/committee would be contacting the preacher regarding this position. Usually after these discussions with the elders/committee and congregation members, the overall feeling is that the preacher is their choice for their new pulpit man. This happens more often in the congregations that don’t have elders than those that do.

Now let us fast forward. The preacher receives what I now refer to as “the call” or "the letter”. It is the dear brother who had to call or write the candidate and let him know that because only __% of the congregation returned “favorable” questionnaires that the preacher would not be hired. When he asks what the negative comments are, usually none regard doctrine, or his ability to convey the Scriptures or preach God’s Word. Some criticisms may be relating to his personality and the extremely brief conversations he may have had with some of the congregation. Often none of the reasons given is based on the lesson content or sermon, and is more likely to be based on emotions or feelings.

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy the desired qualifications of a preacher in:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Many have held the belief that this passage is in reference to apostasy and teaching of false doctrine. But if we examine the passage in the context, can it not also be describing aesthetics and not content? Should not a preacher be first evaluated on his ability to proclaim God’s Word? Many times, we want to focus on personality and emotions. And from personal experience, one man cannot be as warm and friendly as he might like to be in the time constraints of a single 2-3 minute conversation with a member of a congregation.

Now let us look at what Paul writes in:

Romans 10:14-15 ESV: How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

In the passage above, we see the word sent. When Paul sent young Timothy to Ephesus, we don’t read that Paul sent a letter with Timothy telling the Ephesian brothers if they did not like Timothy to send him back and Paul would send someone else. Paul also did not schedule Timothy and 3 or 4 others to preach, and then tell the church to pick out whichever one they wanted and send the rest back.

Let’s put this in a different perspective. Imagine you are applying for a position with a company. You meet with the owner of the company and he tells you that “you are just the man he’s looking for” to fill his position and sends you to his managers to be interviewed. The managers interview you, examine your qualifications, and agree with the owner that you are the “man for the job”. They then tell you based on your interview and qualifications you are hired…but first you must be approved by all the other employees and you only have a few hours to show all of them that you are qualified and will be able to “do the job”.


In the Lord’s church, God is the owner, and He is the one who gives the preacher the burning desire to preach His Word for His Glory. The managers are the elders or selection committee members. And the other employees are the members of the congregation. The congregation does not always have all the information the elders/ committee members have. The congregation may also have not spent as much time in conversation with the preacher as the elders/committee members have. I can relate from personal experience that by the time I preach for a congregation, I may have had many, many hours of conversations and exchanged many emails with the men responsible for hiring the preacher. In perspective, I will be lucky to have been able to have a 2-3 minute personal conversation with some of the membership. Sometimes it is just a personal introduction and a “We are glad to be here today”. Is it fair to the preacher to be hired on the basis of a single lesson, a single sermon, and a 2-3 minute conversation?

I know that people want to like their preacher. And I know that preachers want the congregation to like their family and them as well. But if the preacher’s job is first and foremost to preach the Word; and if he is competent in doing just that; then is not the rest secondary to that? Can you decide if you are going to like someone after a few moments together? Relationships are built over time. And that is why God in His Infinite Wisdom set up the system of appointing/sending preachers. I would suggest to any congregation that for whatever reason does not have elders, that a selection committee be appointed to find and evaluate a man to fill the vacant pulpit. And once they have found such a man, support their choice unless a Scriptural basis can be found for not hiring him. Let us fill pulpits by interview and examination, not auditions and popularity. May all we do be for the Honor and Glory of God!


1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV: And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Disapointed....but not defeated

Often times in life we have disappointments, that at the time, seem insurmountable. I can truly identify with this. Over the past 18 months, I have preached for many congregations in many states looking for my first located pulpit . And over these past months I have had my hopes built up just to be disappointed time after time. Many might say that I should give up. And I wouldn't be truthful if I said a few times I had considered doing just that, giving up. My family and friends all have seen just how devastating this has been to me, and it has been just as hard on my family. But just like Paul and Job, I can not give up. God has given me this burning desire to preach His word, and I can't turn away from that.

Please pray for me and my wife and children. Pray that we remain strong and faithful. Pray that someday we find that place, no matter where it may be, to preach His word and do His will. And pray for His will being done everywhere .

How can we find "happyness"?

A few years ago, Will Smith starred in a movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". It was a story based on the real life experiences of Chris Gardner, a true rags to riches story. Chris loses everything in his life due to some poor decisions he had made. He invested everything he had in a machine called a bone density scanner; a machine that was twice as expensive as an x-ray machine with practically the same resolution. Then his wife leaves him and his young son. Chris finds himself homeless on the streets of San Francisco with his young son, with no money or job. Hollywood would have us believe that Chris did this all on his own, but in Gardner credits his tenacity and success to his "spiritual genetics" handed down to him by his mother, Bettye Jean Triplett. Through his patience and faith, he becomes a success and inspiration for others.

Don't many of us, like Chris Gardner, find ourselves spiritually homeless due to our past poor decisions? When we need an inspiring story of how to recieve "spiritual happyness" we must as in all things look to the word of God, not stories of men, to find the path we need. Let us now look at what examples God gives us of patience and faith in Him and His promises to us.

When we think of happiness, we don't often associate happiness with patience. But in life, we find the need for patience in the pursuit of happiness. The aforementioned story is an example of patience. We have many examples in scripture of men who were patient. Most would point to Job as a man of patience, and of this I would agree. But I find a better example for us today in the Apostle Paul. We see in the following passage some of the things that Paul endured:

Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
(2 Corinthians 11:24-28 ESV)

After enduring all of this during his life, Paul still writes this to the church in Rome:

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
(Romans 8:25 ESV)

But even though he endured all of this, Paul was patient unto the end. He never gave up. Job was known as a man of patience and perseverance, but so was Paul. As he sees his life coming to an end, Paul writes to Timothy:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
(2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV)

Let us also strive to be patient like Paul, and in so doing we will achieve true happiness. In the word of the Apostle Peter:

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
(1 Peter 1:8 ESV)

And in conclusion. remember the words of the psalmist:

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
(Psalms 27:14 ESV)

Just like her Daddy

I am fortunate to have as my brother in Christ and friend Greg as my daughter Tori's assistant principal at her elementary school. During our Wednesday night Bible study class last night, I was made aware of something my little girl had done at school yesterday that made me just a little proud. And my brother didn't tell me off to the side, but told the entire Men's Class about what my little girl had done.

To begin with, my Tori is 6 years old...going on 30 some days. She has always been a very bright and articulate child. Her mother and I have always encouraged her to be expressive in a respectful way. As most 6 year olds are, she views the world in a way that most of us lost many years ago, which is a true shame for us.

Here in Tennessee, we have every spring the dreaded "TCAP" tests for the children in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in elementary school. These are state mandated tests that are designed to gauge how well the children are learning. They also can be used to evaluate how well the children are being taught. Therefore there is a lot of pressure for the children to do well, and the schools try to do as much as possible to prepare the children in the weeks prior to taking the TCAP tests.

Even though the K-2 graders don't take the tests, the schools are getting them involved in encouraging the 3-5 graders to do well. Every morning they have a school wide assembly in the gym where the teachers engage the kids in Spelling Bees, Math Facts, and other stimulating activities. One day this week they had a professional storyteller come in a tell the children a story and then ask them questions about the story they heard. Yesterday, it was decided that a student would be asked to tell a story to the assembly. A young lady volunteered and after beginning developed "stage fright" and could not continue. This is where my little girl became involved.

She stood up and volunteered to tell a story. My daughter, without any rehearsal, stood before over 600 people and proceeded to tell "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" accurately and in it's entirety. Greg said she didn't make a single mistake. All of the teachers were amazed that a 6 year old could speak like this with no rehearsal or preparation. Then Greg said to my Wednesday night class, " I wonder who she inherited that trait from?"

I was so proud of my Tori. I have often heard her also tell people about Jesus, her church family and activities, and her daddy the preacher. I am so thankful to God for giving her to me. It is at times like this I learn so much from her, and am reassured that I am bringing her up correctly.


Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Men are Like Peanut Butter and Women are Like Jelly

Many authors are writing books about how different men and women are. They have names like “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” and “Men are like Spaghetti and Women are like Waffles”. Most people would agree that men and women are different, but I contend that they are different in a good way.

To begin with, let us go back to the very beginning:

Genesis 2:18-24 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

God in His infinite wisdom saw that man needed companionship, and therefore woman was created. Please note that woman was the last thing God made and she was made specifically for man. I like to think that God chose the rib to show man that woman should be beside him, not in front of nor behind. He blessed the union between man and woman and saw that it was good.

Now let us look at what is written in the New Testament:

1Corinthians 11:8-9, 11-12 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.


1Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.


1Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

This is why I think men are like peanut butter and women are like grape jelly (my personal favorite). Both are good alone, but go together so much better.

Pray for World Christian Broadcasting/Madagascar

If you have seen the news lately, you know about the unrest in Madagascar. Below is a news excerpt.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – Madagascar's highest court on Wednesday endorsed the army's move to replace the toppled president with his rival, but the African Union was considering whether it constituted a coup. Supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina had approached the constitutional court to affirm the army's action. In a radio address Wednesday, the court declared that Rajoelina "is serving as president of the republic" — even though at 34, Rajoelina is six years too young to do so under the country's constitution. The court gave no reasons, saying only that Marc Ravalomanana had vacated his presidential post and left the military to make the decision on how it would be filled. For months, Rajoelina has been leading anti-government rallies and pressing Ravalomanana to step down so he could replace him. He accused Ravalomanana of misspending public funds and undermining democracy on this Indian Ocean island off Africa's southeast coast. Some of Rajoelina's protests led to deadly clashes. The deaths of at least 25 civilians last month cost Ravalomanana the support of a faction of the military, and a mutiny spread and gained popular support. After weeks of insisting he would never resign, Ravalomanana announced Tuesday afternoon he was ceding control to the military. Almost as he spoke, Rajoelina was parading triumphantly through the capital surrounded by armed soldiers and an adoring crowd after seizing control of one of the city's presidential palaces and taking the oath of office there as president of what he called a transitional authority. Rajoelina has promised new presidential elections within two years. In a ceremony broadcast from a military camp in the capital late Tuesday, Vice-Admiral Hyppolite Rarison Ramaroson said he and two other generals rejected Ravalomanana's attempt earlier that day to transfer power to the military.
Ramaroson said the military instead was installing the president's bitter rival Rajoelina as the country's leader. The African Union was examining whether what had taken place was a coup, which would lead to Madagascar's automatic suspension from the continentwide body, said Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba, temporary chairman of the AU's Peace and Security Council. He said a meeting on the issue was set for Thursday. France, Madagascar's former colonial power and current main donor, said Tuesday that two years was "too long" to wait for elections. "Our hope is that Madagascar returns quickly to normal constitutional order," Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier added at a daily media briefing. Regional power South Africa expressed concern on behalf of the Southern African Development Community at "unconstitutional attempts undertaken by the opposition that led to the resignation of the democratically elected president of a SADC member country." The streets of the capital were calm Wednesday, but residents were worried. Tahiana Rakotoniaina, a financial consultant, said he did not believe Rajoelina was capable of running the country and he did not believe Ravalomanana's supporters would accept defeat quietly. "I'm not sure it's really over," said Emeline Raharinandrasana, a retired office worker. "Is this new authority legal? If not, will the international community continue to help us? That worries me the most." But Dieudonne Randriantsoa, a teacher, said the international community would in the end have to "accept the will of the people ... as happened in 2002." Ravalomanana clashed with former President Didier Ratsiraka when both claimed the presidency after a disputed December 2001 election. After low-level fighting split the country between two governments, two capitals and two presidents, Ratsiraka fled to France in June 2002. Ravalomanana won re-election in 2006, though two opposition candidates tried to challenge the validity of that vote. "Will we never have democratic change?" asked Antananarivo resident Mirana Razanaparany. "Why does it always have to come from the streets?"

President Ravalomanana was a friend to World Christian Broadcasting, and fully supported the construction of the new transmitters so that the gospel will be able to be broadcast into the Arabic world. I'm not sure of all of the political situation in Madagascar, but I have had the pleasure of meeting President Ravalomanana and his lovely wife. He seemed to be a very good man who was in full support of the work of World Christian Broadcasting.

Pray for President Ravalomanana. Pray for World Christian Broadcasting. And pray that His will be done, in this as in all things.

God is Pro Choice

When I'm not preaching or going to school, I drive a school bus. This gives me almost four hours a day to observe other drivers, and in particular, the bumper stickers on cars. I saw one the other day that said "God is Pro-Life", and I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately for mankind, He is also "Pro-Choice"......PRO-CHOICE you may ask indignantly? DOUG, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND? HOW COULD GOD BE IN FAVOR OF ABORTION? And in response, I didn't say God was Pro-Abortion, but Pro-Choice; and He is.

God has given us the ability to make choices in our lives. We have the choice of doing good or evil. Of obeying the Gospel or living in sin. Of telling the truth or a lie. Our life is filled with choices. And who gave us the ability to make these choices? Our Creator, the great I AM, the Lord God Jehovah.

So we must pray everyday that we make the right choices. The choices that please God. And the choices that we know that are in accordance with the will of God by studying His Word, the Bible. We must pray without ceasing for our elected leaders, that they also do the Will of the Father. And we must pray for all the young women out there, that when given the choice of bringing a precious baby into the world or having someone murder it, they will make the choice that is the Will of God.


Jeremiah 1:5 ESV "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you."

Saying Goodbye.....and after

On Sunday we had to say goodbye to our nephew who passed from this life at the early age of 27. And in doing this, it made me reflect on my own children; and my sister and brother in law and their loss. When Tony died, all of the lives of the people who love him are affected also. All too often after the death of a loved one or friend we feel like a part of us has died too. Never having lost a child, I haven't felt the loss my sister and brother in law were feeling.

All I could do was to hug them, and tell them we are here for them. And in this, we are following the commandment of Christ, to love one another, for in your love for one another the world will know you are Mine. Jesus tells us blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. We know that Jesus wept when He was told that His friend Lazarus had died. And so we all wept this weekend too, and will continue to as the need arises.

For reasons unknown to us, it was Tony's appointed time to go home. We have the comfort in knowing that he had obeyed the gospel and was a child of God. "Amazing Grace" was played during the services, and like the song says and the speaker pointed out, the earthy chains that hold us bound "have fallen away" and we are "set free". Tony is free now, free from the cares and troubles of the world.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Lyrics
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

I have five children of my own, three who are "grown" and on their own; and two still at home. And all I wanted to do was to gather them all to me and hug them as close as possible. God gives us our children and by His example shows us how we are to love and care for them. And we do for the rest of our and their lives. But then they "grow up" and want to be on their own, and for the most part we encourage them to do so. But at times like these, we wish we could protect them forever.

So this week, hug your kiddos. Tell them you love them. Remind them that God loves them too. And remember that God loves you too.

2009 update

I was speaking with a dear man of God, Brother James Harris last night at mid week Bible study. He asked me if I was having any success finding a located preaching position. It was while I was speaking with him I realized that I already had a preaching position, and have been preaching there every week since September 2007. I think during the past 17 months I have not preached only once or twice, either at Christian Towers or trying out/filling in for other congregations. Brother James asked where all I have been preaching. Looking back, I have preached in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, and North Carolina. I have met some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, and visited some beautiful areas. In his words, Brother James said " Man you sound like an old fashioned circuit riding preacher", and sometimes I feel like one too. But if this is the work the Lord has for me, I am privileged to be able to do it.

I pray for all the congregations I have preached for, and the brothers that they have hired to fill their pulpits. Some of these men I know or know of, and I'm sure they are good men. I have a special congregation that I am praying that they realize that they are where God wants me to be. I ask that you pray for them also, and for my family and me as well.

As this year ends......Thanks

I want to take this time to thank all of you who read my blog, give me encouragement and spiritual support, and are my friends in both the real and cyber world. But most of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers. 2008 has been a wonderful year, and 2009 will only be better. I have preached at many congregations in the past year and I am confident that I will find my first pulpit soon. I appreciated every opportunity I have had this year to stand in the pulpit and proclaim God's Word.

I also want to send a special thank you to a few really special men in my life. First of all, I want to thank Phil Sanders for being my teacher, mentor, and friend. I am going to miss you. If I am like Timothy, then you are Paul.

Secondly I want to thank A.T. Pate, Tom Holland, Mike Greene, Ed Slayton, David Morris, and DeWayne Bryant for being my teachers at the Nashville School of Preaching and Biblical Studies. I have learned so much from them. No other group of men have done more individually or collectively for the cause of Christ. But I want to give my special thanks to Ancil Jenkins for the Restoration History he has introduced me to.

I also want to thank some other special brothers in Christ. They are Dale Jenkins, Jim Bill McInteer, Andy Baker, Doyle Farris, and Gilbert Cooper. All of these men have been especially encouraging to me this past year as I have begun my full time work for the Lord.

But as always, my greatest thanks of all belongs to God, for sending His Son Jesus to give me the hope of salvation, and allowing me to proclaim His Gospel to the world.

Survived Santa...AGAIN!!

Well, it's December 26th again; and we have survived the Jolly Old Elf for another year. Soon, our living room will once again be back to a normal room, and not looking like the centerfold of Better Homes and Garden's Holiday Edition. I will take down the tree, deflate both big and little Frosty the snowmen in our front yard, put away the lighted candy canes, and all the other holiday trim and trappings until next November. The endless supply of cookies, candy, and other goodies will mysteriously disappear, just in time too, or none of those new clothes will fit. The first round of batteries have already given their lives in the pursuit of electronic happiness. Many poorly constructed toys have found their way into the "trash bag". And will the turkey ever be finally gone?

Despite what some from the north may think, everyone in the south does not leave their Christmas decorations up all year and only turn them on in December. And if the other southern men's wives are like mine, I'm sure that the only men who get to leave their decorations up until next year are single.

But as we begin to de-Santa-tize our daily activities and lives, let us remember to keep the feelings of love, joy, kindness, and caring active in our lives that this time of year invokes. We hear a lot about love during the holiday season. And we know from His Inspired Word that God has told us: So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV) So keep love alive in your life. In doing so, you honor God.
And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:21 ESV) Because we know In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10 ESV)

The Important Things in Life

During this time of the year, people find themselves losing focus in their lives. They get so caught up in “The Season” as it is called. This can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many. It brings to mind a story I heard some time ago about a philosophy professor who stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2″ in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes." "Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your Church, your Ministry, your family, your spouse, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff." "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pray everyday to God, give thanks for what He has done, Love every one and Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Tell your husband or wife how much you love them. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house and give a dinner. Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

There is a very popular song that we hear during the holiday season called "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". I must admit that it is one of my favorites also. Johnny Mathis first made this song popular, but Amy Grant sings the version I like best. But you really want to know why this is one of my favorite holiday songs? Just read the lyrics below:

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle-belling
And everyone telling you
Be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time of the year
It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings
And great happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap-happiest season of all
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for roasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There be much mistletoe-ing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year,
there'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for roasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There be much mistletoe-ing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time of the year!

If you follow the example of the song, how can you not say this is the most wonderful time of the year?

But don't get caught up in the stress of materialism and shopping that some do. This season isn't about gifts. It's about love. Love for each other. Love for our family and friends. Some want to equate love with giving, and that is wonderful so long as the giving doesn't become the sole focus of the season.

Don't let the commercialism of this time of year ruin the joy of it. In every story I have ever read about the character, Santa Claus never charged the first dime for any toy. And for the record, Santa Claus is on my list of favorite mythical superheroes right up there with Superman, Captain America, and Luke Skywalker.

I enjoy the holiday season so much. But I do get concerned with some who want to stick our Lord and Savior Jesus right in the middle of it. I celebrate His birth, life, death, and especially His resurrection each and every day, not just two days a year as some seem to. Jesus is the reason for living, not the "reason for the season" as some want to assert. Don't get caught up in the controversy.

Just go and have some eggnog or boiled custard (my personal favorite); find some mistletoe and kiss the one you love; sing some songs; hug your kiddos, family and friends; and just enjoy the season. And thank God on that day, as every day, for sending His Son to save us from sin.

Do you know “Where God Ain’t?”

When we read John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”; we often focus on the elements and doctrine of our modern worship services. And this premise is used for the foundation of the authorized worship within the Lord’s church. However, after reading the anonymous poem below, another view of this Scripture is apparent.

Where God Ain’t
He was just a little lad,
And on the week’s first day,
Was wandering home from Sunday School,
And dawdling along the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He found a caterpillar;
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
And flew out all the filler.
A bird’s nest in a tree o’head
So wisely placed and high,
Was just another wonder
That caught his eager eye.
A neighbor watched his zigzag course,
And hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he’d been that day,
And what was going on.
“Oh, I’ve been to Sunday School.
(He carefully turned a sod
And found a snail beneath it);
I’ve learned a lot about God.”
“M’m’m, a very fine way,” the neighbor said,
“For a boy to spend his time;
If you’ll tell me where God is,
I’ll give you a brand new dime.”
Quick as a flash his answer came!
Nor were his accents faint-
“I’ll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you tell me where God ain’t.”

Now we see that from this young lad’s observation, he has deduced that “God is everywhere”. From the examination of the original, God is a Spirit (pneuma ho theos). More precisely, “God is Spirit” as “God is Light” (1John 1:5), “God is Love” (1John 4:8). In neither case can we read Spirit is God, Light is God, Love is God. The non-corporeality of God is clearly stated and the personality of God also. All this is put in three words for the first time. Since God is a Spirit, He is omnipresent and everywhere.

In John 14:6 we read, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” In this passage Jesus tells us that He is Truth. And we are told in John 14:20 by Jesus, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”

Where we have lost the context of the original passage is not the understanding of the elements of Spirit and Truth, but however the importance of the word in the original Must (dei). Here is the real necessity (dei), not the one used by the woman about the right place of worship (John 4:20).

So let us reexamine John 4:24, and insert what we have learned. God is Spirit ( He is everywhere. So everywhere we are in worship to God), and those who worship (that is us, His children) Him must (this is a command, not a suggestion) worship in spirit (everywhere, all the time) and in truth (which is His Son Jesus Christ who is within us). Therefore, everything we say and do must be in worship to God, and for the honor and glory of His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. So I ask just as the little boy did, “Can you tell me where God ain’t?”

Don't look at us, it's them you should worry about... the new tactic in these changing times....and not for the better

I recently had someone bring to my attention that an area congregation that has gone in the "contemporary" worship service way is planning on "planting" a new congregation here in my community. After confirming this information, I visited this congregation's web site. And guess what I found? The following "disclaimer" was posted on their web site:

FYI:News coverage of the US presidential campaign has brought a focus on one candidate's membership in the United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ has no historical or modern connection with the churches of Christ of the American Restoration Movement of which we are a part.

How can they claim to be a part of the Restoration Movement, when we know that this congregation has embraced the instrument of music and other liberal non-scriptural doctrines?

We know that Paul warned the young Timothy of just such things happening.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
(1 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
(1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

Pray for the good men that stand in the pulpits of America each and every week, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that they be able to stand firm against this new onslaught of the world.

And this assault is not from without, but instead from within. And they come from places called Madison, Richland Hills, Hillcrest, and Rochester Hills; not Bagdad, Tehran, or Kabul.

They smile and wear ties and carry Bibles, not terrorists with machine guns. But be warned, they are more dangerous than any terrorist. We are warned against those who not only kill the body, but also destroy the soul.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
(Matthew 10:28 ESV)

And especially pray for those precious souls being led astray by these congregations. And beware of their influence. They creep in as a thief in the night and spread like a rampant disease.

Another year gone

On this past Monday I celebrated my 49th birthday. I want to thank God for all His blessings. He has given me so much, and I do so little for Him. I'm so blessed with my wife Laura; my kids Sam, Amy, Philip, Travis, and Tori; and all my church family and friends. My being able to attend the Nashville School of Preaching is such a blessing. And being able to preach God's Word to the precious souls at Christian Towers and Brandy wood Manor each week is more fulfilling than I can put into words. But above all of this, I have one greater blessing. And this is a blessing that nothing or no one can displace.

My greatest blessing is to be a New Testament Christian and a Restoration movement Gospel preacher. The love God has shown for me in sending His Son to take my sins on Himself is a blessing that no one can surpass. And this is a gift that God gave me that I can never repay.

I want to thank God for another year of life, and learning. I have only one thing that I can give back to God. And that is to pledge my life to Him, to spread His Word, and work for Him. I want the whole world to be as happy as I am. And true happiness can only be found in the body of Christ, which we know as His church. I pray for each and one of you. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ become stronger in the Lord's Church each day. I pray that any among you that may feel overwhelmed by the stress and strain of the world be edified and strengthened in the Lord. And most of all, I pray that those who do not know the love of Jesus and His Gospel message, that you study the Word of God, and seek out someone to help you obey the Gospel.

My prayer every day is for that group of like minded Christians that will be my first located congregation. Know that I am praying for you, and that through the will of God we will find each other in His time.


But those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
(Psalms 37:9 KJV)

Change

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

I like to tell people, especially young people and children, my "modern everyday translation/version " of Romans 12:2. My version goes like this;

You change the world, don't let the world change you!

Paul tells us through the inspiration of the Scriptures that:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

Jesus changes us into His disciple when we take on Him in baptism and obedience to the Gospel. The Holy Spirit changes us when we receive Him during baptism. And our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ change us with their love and fellowship. John tells us that:

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NKJV)

So always remember that you are one of the Children of God, the adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. We are joint heirs to the Kingdom of God with Christ. God has changed us so that we might change the world. Not so the world can change us. Jesus was given this world by His Father, who is the Father of all. So when the world tries to change us, let us never forget the words of Jesus:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

So go out and change the world.......One soul at a time!

Can you always believe the signs?

Recently my daughter Tori received a coupon from Dunkin Donuts for being a good student in her first grade class. So of course a trip to Dunkin Donuts was immediately scheduled for the following Saturday morning.

Being a typical six year old, Tori ordered a chocolate iced donut with sprinkles and an OJ. I wanted a "dunkin donut" and a cup of coffee.

For the younger readers, Dunkin Donuts used to make a plain cake donut with a little handle baked right on the donut so you could "dunk" it without getting your fingers into the coffee you were dunking into. It was the Dunkin Donut "trademark", just like the "over glazed, fresh,hot, now" Krispy Creme donuts from my home state of North Carolina.

The young lady behind the counter informed me that Dunkin Donuts no longer made or sold Dunkin Donuts. I went "huh"? How can it be Dunkin Donuts if you have no Dunkin Donuts? Isn't that like McDonald's without Big Macs? Or Kentucky Fried Chicken without fried chicken? Or Pizza Hut with no pizza?

Have some of the churches of Christ went the way of Dunkin Donuts? Unfortunately, yes. How many times do we hear of folks going into what they think is a congregation of the Lord's church, and discovering that "they don't preach Christ there anymore". Or they find the instrument of music, choirs and contemporary worship services. Even women preaching and serving the Lord's supper.

Brother Tom Holland in a recent meeting states that " I wish they would just go ahead and take church of Christ off of their buildings and signs". We see congregations all over the United States and the world turning their backs on the Restoration movement and embracing emergent church and post modern doctrines.

Let us return to the Bible as our only source of authority for how we worship God, sing praises to His name, commemorate His Son Jesus' Last Supper, and forgive one another. May we never depart from the sound doctrine of Scripture to embrace man made creeds and false doctrines. And let us never, like Dunkin Donuts, stop being the church of Christ and still advertise that we are.

Personal Apologetics

I am finding myself having to engage in what I have chosen to term "personal apologetics" in my search for a congregation within the Lord's church to preach for. The definition of apologetics is as follows:

1. The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.
2. Formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.

Since I am having to defend my salvation, my forgiveness of sins, my baptism, my remarriage, and my children; this has become Personal Apologetics for me. God has told me through His Son Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His Inspired Word that my sins (all of them) have been forgiven and will never be remembered by Him again. Therefore the definition of personal apologetics is:

Formal argumentation in defense of an individual's personal salvation by use of the Scriptures, and only the Scriptures, to show how the individual has been forgiven by God but man made doctrines refuse forgiveness. No doctrine or position of man is to be used in this defense or proving of doctrine, only God's Holy Word, the Bible.

So let me begin by saying that God has forgiven me of all my sins (Acts 5:31; Acts 13:38; and 1 John 1:6-9). I am justified through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:26; 4:6-8:5:1-10; 10:3-9; Philippians 3:8-11, and Galatians 2:16). My divorce was authorized (Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9). My baptism was according to the plan of salvation, I was immersed for the remission of my sins.

I have a heavy heart when I hear about congregations that need someone to preach for them, knowing how much I'd delight in being able to proclaim God's Word to them. We know that the Jews rejected Jesus, who was the Chief Cornerstone ( Mat 31:42; Mar 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; and 1 Pet 2:6-7). I also know that feeling of rejection. God has given me the gift to proclaim His word (Rom 10:15). And He has instructed me not to ignore His will ( 1 Cor 9:16 and Col 1:28). I am bound under the command to preach (2 Tim 4:2).

I have often been rejected not because of any deficiency in knowledge or doctrine, but solely on the fact that I am divorced and remarried; even though my divorce was scripturally authorized. I continue to search and submit my resume to any congregation that will accept it. But I also have the hope that somewhere out there is that congregation of New Testament Christians that want someone to preach the Gospel of Jesus, and will find me acceptable just as He does. I am that man, just like the Apostle Paul, I know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Pray that God's will be done. Pray for that group of like minded believers that need and want a preacher like me. And pray that I continue to do the will of the Father and His Son Jesus.

I do have a Wonderful Life

It will soon be that time of year when we once again will be able to view Frank Capra's classic It's A Wonderful Life and be reminded of George Bailey and his life. It is a reminder to all of us that we make such an impact on the lives of others, even if we don't realize it at the time.

I do have a wonderful life! I am blessed to be a child of God, a gospel preacher, a husband, father, student, and friend. But most of all, I'm blessed to be a servant to all, but especially to "those of the household of faith" Galatians 6:10. I have recently started driving a school bus until I find a congregation that I can work with full time. Some tell me I'm crazy to do this, but it is such a joy to see those kids each morning. My faith in the future is renewed when I see their young faces.

Pray for me, my family, and the world. But especially pray for that congregation of folks out there that are looking for someone to preach the Gospel to them; and pray that through God's wisdom and grace we find each other.

The Unforgivable Sin- Jesus' Words or the words of Men-REVISITED

by: Doug Brackbill

In my original article which you will find below in BOLD type, I discussed the issue of divorce and remarriage. I have decided to update this issue, with the new additions in ITALICS.

Matthew 12:31-32 ESV Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Matthew 12:31 NASB "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

According to the test above, there is only one sin which is unforgivable, which is the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. And this sin was, according to Johnson in the Peoples New Testament: “It was ascribing Christ's works to demoniac influence. These works were wrought by the power of the Spirit." But I submit to you than there is a new "unforgivable" sin within the Lord's Church, and this level of "unforgivableness" has been bestowed by men, not God. That is the sin of Divorce and Remarriage.

Let's re-examine the definition of the unforgivable sin. What is the unforgivable sin? According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; In the original Greek blasphemia meant primarily "defamation" or "evil speaking" in general; "a word of evil omen," hence, "impious, and irreverent speech against God." The general idea is that to attribute to an evil source acts which are clearly those of the Holy Spirit, to call good evil, is blasphemy against the Spirit, and sin that will not be pardoned. "A distinction is made between Christ's other acts and those which manifestly reveal the Holy Spirit in Him, and between slander directed against Him personally as He appears in His ordinary acts, and that which is aimed at those acts in which the Spirit is manifest". The Apostle John further clarifies the idea of an "unforgivable sin" in 1 John 5:16 when he speaks of the "sin leading to death". Therefore we must ask; Is divorce and remarriage a "sin leading to death"?

Does God forgive adultery? The answer is yes! Consider David, someone God calls "a man after My own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14). We'd expect that a person with this qualification would surely "walk the straight and narrow." But even this righteous king fell short. Not only did he commit adultery with Bathsheba; to cover up his sin, he also sent her husband to the front lines so he'd die in battle (2 Sam. 11:15). Doesn't it seem amazing that the Lord would refer to him as a man "who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only that which was right in My sight" (1 Kings 14:8)? Yet because David repented (Ps. 51), God forgave him and regarded him as pure.

God forgave David of adultery and murder, and allowed David to remain married to Bathsheba. Some might say that once Uriah was murdered, that made Bathsheba a widow and free to marry David. I pray that we do not have anyone that would say David's act of murder was less a sin than a civil divorce today. This is the only difference in David and Bathsheba and a modern remarried couple; the modern couple did not commit a murder.

God even blessed this union with a child we know as Solomon, who grew to be the wisest man ever known. God did not demand that David leave Bathsheba, or remain unmarried as some within our Brotherhood demand of divorced members.

Make no mistake, I hold to the Scriptures that divorce is and always will be a sin, and God has put His seal of approval on the institution of marriage from the Creation. But is divorce, and especially remarriage, the unforgivable sin that some elderships and congregations have elevated it to?

Scripture assures us that we are forgiven when we confess sin (1 John 1:9). Jesus bought our pardon with His death, and once we accept His free gift, God sees us as righteous. Of course, we'll continue to wrestle with sin throughout life. Even the apostle Paul documented his struggle against doing wrong: "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want" (Rom. 7:19).

Let us look at what the Scriptures say about sin. In Isaiah 43:25 "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins." God speaking through Isaiah tell His people that He will not remember their sins.And also in Jeremiah 31:31-34 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."And bringing this Promise forward into the New Testament church, the Hebrew writer quotes from this very passage from Jeremiah in Hebrews 8:8-13 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."

So why then are divorced Christians treated as they are within the Lord's church? I wish I had an answer. I can find NO Scriptural reason for this. I am a divorced Gospel Preacher. My first wife (not a member of the Lord's church, nor was I at that time) divorced me even though I was the innocent party, but God gave me two wonderful children from that relationship.Because God gave me the wonderful gift of my wife today, we met, I fell in love with her and our two sons, married, and have a wonderful daughter together (yes, that makes five children, my true gift from God. Biology gave me two children, but He decided I needed three more.); some within the brotherhood believe that has PERMANENTLY disqualified me from ever teaching or preaching at any congregation. To these people all I can respond with is the same thing I respond to anyone with, and that is God's Holy Word's from the text:Matthew 6:14-15 ESV For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (this is a part of the Lord's prayer);Luke 17:3-4 ESV Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him.". Also in Colossians 3:12-13 ESV Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And in 1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We know that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 . Anyone who has been a party in an unscriptural divorce has sinned. But who can say their sins are not forgiven? No one on this earth can. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans writes: Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Romans 14:4,10-13.

I can only hope and pray that someday I will find a congregation of the Lord's Church that will be able to allow me to show them Christ's Love for them through me and my work for His Kingdom. And I ask your prayers for me and my family as we search for that group of people we can worship with as in John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.. Let everything we do in word and deed be pleasing in His sight, and only bind where the Scripture binds.

Brethren, all I ask is for the Blessed Scripture be heeded. We are told in Acts 2:21 AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.

God bless each and every one of you with His richest blessings, and blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Are You Happy Today?

Are you happy today? "I'm happy today". I love that song. It has been in my head and on my heart and lips all day. Just in case you don't know this song, the lyrics are " I'm happy today, O yes, I'm happy today, In Jesus Christ, I'm happy today, Because He's taken all my sins away, And that's why I'm happy today." Isn't that a wonderful feeling to have. I know that is truly why I'm happy today. The next three verses go on to say "I'm singing", "I'm praying", and then all three " I'm happy, singing, and praying" and why? "Because He's taken all my sins away".
It is such a blessing to know that I am forgiven. I know that the blood of goats and bulls could never do what the precious blood of Jesus has done. His blood has washed me as pure as snow. I am forgiven. Through His sacrifice I have salvation, and no other sacrifice is needed or required. Only my obedience to the Gospel. And my fervent desire to become more like my Lord and Savior every day. Just as in another blessed song " I need thee every hour, O precious Lord" I do need Jesus and His love and grace in my life; every second, minute, hour, day and year.

Now let me ask you again, Are you happy today? If not, happiness is only a moment away. I'm glad I'm happy today, and assured that I'll be even happier tomorrow, cause I'll be one more day closer to heaven than I was the day before.

Where has 2008 went?

Wow, is it almost September already? School has started, the days are getting shorter, and soon the leaves will be changing and fall will be here. Where has this year went, let alone summer. Time stands still for no one, as someone once said. No truer words have ever been spoken. God's Word tells us in 1 Chronicles 29:15 our days on the earth are as a shadow; Job 8:9 our days upon earth are a shadow; and Psalms 144:4 his days are as a shadow that passeth away. Just how much time do we have? We know that according to James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

There is a Garth Brooks song that says ""Work like you don't need money,Love like you've never been hurt,And dance like no one's watching." God's Word tells us in Luke 12:22-31 Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It won't be long till the holiday season will be upon us. I have already heard the dreaded "Christmas lists" being mentioned, and it won't be long until we will be inundated with ads telling us what the new "must have" items are for this year.

Always remember that:

Yesterday is already history.
Tomorrow is an unknown mystery.
But today is our gift from God,
That's why we call it the Present.


Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Let's burn the BOX!!!

Someone, somewhere coined the phrase "thinking outside the box" for anyone who was willing to express original thoughts in the workplace. I was thinking about this concept this past week. My life has become a big stack of boxes, has yours? I have my family box, my work box, my play box, my chore box, and on and on. I used to have my "God" box, but thankfully I got rid of that box along time ago...YOU DID WHAT?? You may be asking. HOW COULD YOU GET RID OF GOD?? No my friends, you misunderstand. I didn't get rid of God, just the box I was keeping him in. How many of you know someone, or are brave enough to admit it yourselves, YOU KEEP GOD IN A BOX? Many people do. They take Him out for a few hours on Sunday and Wednesday, but all the rest of the time, He's in the box. They think they are so busy with everything else in life, that they mustn't let God out of the box any more than that. Some folks do let God out of the box for short periods of time during the week to read His word or pray, but then they put Him right back into the box.

I too used to keep God in the box, but then one day I realized it wasn't God I was putting into the box, it was me. God is God, and I can't put Him anywhere. But my old acquaintance Satan had me convinced that I was putting God into a box. There is only one thing that can separate us from God, and that is SIN! We read in Isaiah 59:2 NKJV But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. But then I read in Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV "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." So what did I do you may ask? I took that box, the very box I thought I was putting God in, and I burnt it up in prayer. But that was just the beginning. That box burning through prayer ignited a fire within me. A fire that spread all through my life. It reminded me that Jesus told us in the inspired writer in Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV ... For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" And the longer it burns, the better it feels. I have Isaiah 40:34 on my wall, and that passage of Scripture is such an encouragement to me:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

Blessed be the name of the Lord and His Holy Word!!!!

So what are you waiting for....GO BURN THAT BOX!!!!!!

Are you "Out of Focus"?

Many times in our lives, we feel that we are "out of focus", a term we acquired back in the old shutter and film days of photography. I personally remember having an old Kodak Brownie camera that took black and white photos with 127 film on rolls. Then I received an Instamatic camera that took preloaded color film cartridges. When I was in high school I used my first 35 mm camera, and learned how important it was to focus. With the old style cameras, focus was a hit or miss deal. But with a 35 mm camera, focus became a skill. Now we have digital cameras that auto focus, and we can download our photos onto our computers to edit anyway our programs and skill allows.

Our Christian lives and maturity are a lot like the evolution of cameras. When we are a new Christian, we are like the old fixed focus cameras. We have to have someone to help us stay focused. This is the task of our church family, shepherds, preachers, and teachers. Then we become like the 35 mm cameras, we can focus ourselves, we can begin to manipulate the photos ourselves, but still need help developing the pictures. This is in our Christian adolescence, when we have learned much, and can just begin to share Jesus with the world. When we have finished our 35 mm phase, we become the digital camera Christian. We are the camera, and Jesus is our PC. We allow Him to manipulate us into the "picture of love" that He wants us to be. By allowing Him complete and unconditional control, then and only then can we become the Face of Jesus that the world today sees. Jesus tells us that:

"A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." (John 14:19-20 NKJV)


"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
(John 13:34-35 NKJV)

We must never forget that we are the only Jesus that many people will ever see. If we allow Him to keep us in focus, then the world can see a clear picture of Him working in and through our lives. We are a living testimony to Jesus and His love for us and the world. I have a simple equation for a successful, evangelistic way of life:

God Loves You + I Love God= I Love You.......any questions????
Ask God!!!

God is watching me................

author unknown

A long time ago, education and religion went hand in hand, therefore many of the teachers were holy men. There once was one teacher who was highly known and respected in his small village. He had four students, but seemed prouder about one in particular. His other three students sensed this, and therefore one day, questioned him about his apparent show of favoritism. Being old and wise, the teacher decided to give them a test which would help them find their own answers to their question. He called all four students together and he gave each one a chicken. He then told them that he wanted each one of them to take their chicken to a place where nobody could see them. Then kill the chicken, hide it, and return to the school. All four students grabbed their chickens and departed, each in a different direction. Well, it did not take long for the three students who had questioned the teacher, to return. As the day began to drift away, they started to laugh and make fun of the student who had not returned. They said he was "dumb for not being able to complete such a simple task and return." Finally, around midnight, the fourth student returned to the school, still carrying his chicken. This really made the other students laugh, and they asked the teacher, "How can this possibly be your favorite and most obedient student?" The teacher turned to the fourth student and said "explain why you are still carrying the chicken." He replied......"forgive me teacher, but I could not find a place to do as you asked, because everywhere I went, God was there watching me!" The teacher smiled, and said "you have passed the test"...........
The LORD is in His holy temple, The LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. Psalm 11:4.

The Preacher

By Hugh X. Lewis

He’s just a smalltime Country Preacher
And the Call was loud and clear:
“Preach the Gospel to every creature,”
But he knows the Lord wants him here.

For him there’ll be no TV glamour,
He’s not into the healing scene.
No makeup, no lights and cameras
No bodyguards and no limousines.

His little church is small, but growing,
It has needs that he must fill.
He takes comfort just in knowing
By staying here he does God’s will.

And when his soul is called to glory
And his body to the sod,
It won’t make the nightly news story,
But he’s no less a Man of God.

Have you talked to Jesus?

Sometimes, we need the wisdom of a child to remind us we are children of God. My beautiful little girl did just that one day. I had been discouraged about several things . But it took her wisdom reminding me of Jesus' love for me to really encourage me. She has the natural ability to feel when I'm feeling down about something. So of course she asked me that morning "What's wrong Daddy?"

I answered my little princess "Daddy's just feeling a little sad today". "Want to tell me why Daddy?" "No princess, it's a little too complicated for a little girl to understand." So she then says in her childlike innocence and wisdom "Well Daddy, have you talked to Jesus about it? I know He will understand. He understands everything, doesn't He Daddy?"

What could I say. I hadn't talked with Jesus about it, and of course He would understand. Then I looked up on my office wall and saw a plaque someone gave me. It says " Lord, Help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I can't handle together."
I also have another plaque that reads "Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things bright. Love makes all things easy."

Then I remembered the words of Jesus, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11 NKJV) And again Jesus tells us of God's love for us, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV)

It is intellectually challenging for us as reasonably intelligent adults to place our lives into His hands, but this is exactly what we must do. Jesus tells us that "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. "(Matthew 18:3-5 NKJV)

So whenever I feel down I remember that I am a child of God, and as His, He will take care of me. Why? Because He loves me. He sent His Son to die for me. He died so I might live forever with Him and His Father in heaven. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. And thank you Tori, for reminding me.

What is in a Name?

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16 NKJV) Jesus Himself spoke these words to His apostles and to us before He ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. Jesus put no other requirements on the Salvation that He purchased for us. We in the New Testament church have always prided ourselves on “speaking where the Bible speaks and silent where it is silent with love in all things”. But some are adding a new requirement to baptism. It now matters WHERE you are baptized and by WHOM, as much or more than WHY you are baptized. Let me explain what I mean.

I have recently encountered some brethren that are questioning my baptism because it was not performed in a church of Christ or by a “member” of the church of Christ.

Let me preface what I am about to write by saying that there is only one Church, and that is the Church that Christ purchased on the cross of Calvary. I am a New Testament Christian, nothing more, nothing less. I firmly stand on the statement that Paul makes in Ephesians 4:4-5 KJV There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. However, this one baptism Paul writes of in this passage, according to some brethren, must take place in a “church of Christ” performed by a “church of Christ member”.

This is in DIRECT contradiction to what Paul wrote above by Inspiration from God. One baptism means one baptism. I was baptized according to the Plan of Salvation. I believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I repented of my sins and asked God to forgive me. I confessed that I was a sinner and I believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and He died on Calvary for my sins, and I was baptized (fully immersed) for the remission of my sins and at that time I was added to the Body of Christ, His Church.

My baptism was not like the baptism of John as some have tried to allude to. And I was baptized TO BE SAVED and added to the Lord’s Church, not baptized because I was saved.

The reason I ask “What’s in a name?” is that some have said that because my baptism did not occur in a “church of Christ” it is invalid, and I should have been “re baptized” when I was restored and placed membership with my local congregation. This is found nowhere in Scripture, nor in any of the writings of the great preachers that have proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for many years.

Let us look at how many times the “church of Christ” appears in the New Testament- NONE. The “churches of Christ” appears once- in Romans 16:16. I was baptized in a “church of God”, which appears by name 8 times in the New Testament in Acts 20:28, 1 Co 1:2, 1 Co 10:32, 1 Co 11:22, 1 Co 15:9, 2 Co 1:1, Gal 1:13, and 1 Ti 3:15. In Acts 20:28 KJV Paul states: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Now is this the “church of God” named in Scripture, the same church of God that Paul mentioned by name the “church of God” where I was baptized? No it is not. But nowhere in Scripture did Christ command that anyone be baptized in the “church of Christ”. Just the opposite, He told us we must be baptized to be added to “the church” in Acts 2:47, not to the “church of Christ”.

In conclusion, I want to ask are we not skirting on a precarious position close to denominational ism here if we allow this. Are we not allowing “man made doctrine” to be imposed within the Lord’s church? Remember the words of Paul to the church in Rome “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. “(Romans 14:8-13 NKJV)

Is this not them same type of legalism that was addressed during the Jerusalem council in Acts 15? Peter in response to the Judaizing teachers said “And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith”. (Acts 15:7-9 NKJV)

There was a Restoration movement slogan from years past that said “we are Christians only, but we are not the ONLY Christians”. Have some forgotten this? I pray not.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1-5 NKJV)

Where were you yesterday.............?

This story is about a man named George who once had been faithful to attend church regularly, but he was unfaithful to his commitment and went away from God. The preacher knew that he hadn't seen George in a while, so he went for a visit. George greeted the preacher and welcomed him in, directing him to the chair beside the fireplace. He asked the preacher what was the reason for this visit, but the preacher didn't say a word...he simply grabbed the fireplace tongs, picked up a hot coal from the fire, and set it away from the fire, out on the hearth. Both men then watched the coal. While the fire roared on, the coal which had been red hot began to lose its heat. It gradually lost its red color, and then cooled. So that it became cool to touch. The preacher picked up the coal, and handed it to George for a moment... neither man said a word. Then the preacher reached out and took the coal back from George, and returned it to the roaring fire... and in just a few short moments, the coal once again glowed red hot, as the pile of flaming coals caused it to heat up again. Then the preacher got on to his feet, put his hat on, and shook George's hand. At that point, George looked at the preacher, with tears in his eyes, and told him "Thank you for coming, Brother, and I'll be back in church this coming Sunday!"

Now some of you reading this aren't able to attend church services on a regular basis due to poor health. But for those who CAN attend services, but don't for any reason, consider this: Do you need to re-examine your reasons for not going? If it is due to hypocrites, yes the church is filled with them - Do you also stay away from your workplace because of hypocrites there?

Do you tell yourself that you are worshipping God just by well camping, or golfing, or on the lake, as you can in church? If so, you aren't fooling anyone, but yourself - and definitely Not God!

If you feel that God's Word isn't being preached in truth, then find a church where it is preached- church isn't a solution for all of our problems, it is a place where you will be surrounded by those who will listen, and those who will pray for you and your family... and you will hear Bible teaching there and which you will not hear on the lake!

So again I ask you - what's your excuse? I pray that as you examine this area of your life, that God would move in your heart and give you an intense desire to return to the fellowship of the church - and that you can once again find the joy of worshipping God with other believers!

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Psalms. 84:4

To be or not to be, is that the real question?

In the words of William Shakespeare, "To be or not to be, that is the question" is the statement made in the play Hamlet. This line has been quoted more than any other line in any of Shakespeare's works. But is that the "real question"? Let us examine the situation facing people today and find if "that is the question".

We live in a world that teaches us that we can do ANYTHING we want to so long as we don't restrain anyone else from doing anything they want to. Does this sound familiar? If we go in Scripture to Genesis 18 & 19 we see this was the state of conduct in Sodom and Gomorrah. The attitude of "If it feels good, do it" is the prevailing attitude among many today. The "Me" generation has come of age, and is reaping what it has sown.

The real question should read "Where do you want to be, THAT is the question". We must ask ourselves daily, if our lives were to end at the next moment, or if the Lord were to return, where do we want to be? Jesus promises us in John 14:1-3 NKJV "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. (2) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also".

The whole purpose for Jesus' sacrifice on earth was to secure for us what we could never achieve by ourselves, that is SALVATION. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NKJV (9) For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And let us not forget the blessed assurance of Jesus that He gives us in John 3:15-21 NKJV that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (18) "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. (21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

The day will come when "EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD." Romans 14:11 NKJV. Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:5 NKJV He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

I want to be in Heaven with Jesus, don't you? In the words of the beloved song "How beautiful Heaven must be". Want to come and see for yourself? Are you a Christian? Have you obeyed the Gospel? Do you know about Jesus and His love for you? If you don't, please don't wait another day. He is waiting. Don't make Him wait any longer. Jesus Loves You and Me. I'm going to Heaven, will I see you there? I'm praying I do.

The Preacher Search...

author unknown...adapted by Doug Brackbill

The Preacher Search...............

One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good preacher. The chairman of the official board undergoing this painful process finally lost patience. He'd just witnessed the Search Committee reject applicant after applicant for various minor faults -- real or imagined. It was time, he thought, for a bit of soul-searching on the part of the committee. So, after the meeting adjourned, he wrote a letter to the Preacher Search Committee, which he stood-up and read at the next meeting. Supposedly, the letter was from another applicant.

Brothers:
Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications. I've been a preacher with much success and also had some success as a writer. Some say I'm a good organizer. I've been a leader most places I've been. I'm over 50 years of age and have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places, I have had to leave town after my preaching caused riots and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrong-doing. My health is not too good, but I still accomplish a great deal. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in large cities. I've not gotten along well with religious leaders in some of the towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me, and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptized. I also have no formal Biblical education nor a degree from any secular school of higher learning. All of my Biblical training has been from the study of the Holy Scriptures and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. However, if you can use me, I promise to do my very best for you.

The chairman than turned to the other committee members and said, "Well, what do you think? Shall we call him?"
The good church committee members were appalled! Consider a sickly, trouble-making, absent-minded, uneducated, ex-jailbird? Are you crazy, they asked? Who signed that application? Who had such colossal gall to think we would consider someone like that to be our preacher?
The chairman of the board eyed all the committee members keenly before he replied -- "It's signed:
'The Apostle Paul.'"

Now this is the Living Bible- author unknown

His name is Bill.
He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes.
This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.
He is brilliant.
Kind of profound and very, very bright.
He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church.
They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there.
He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair.
The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat.
By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, an elder is slowly making his way toward Bill.
Now the elder is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit.
A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly.
He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.
The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.
All eyes are focused on him.
You can't even hear anyone breathing.
The minister can't even preach the sermon until the elder does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.
With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says ......
"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget"

"Be careful how you live.
You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"

Yes....Jesus DOES Love me!!

Luke 18:16-17 NKJV But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (17) Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

The story is told of a brilliant professor at Princeton Seminary who always left his graduation class with these words: "Gentlemen, there is still much in this world and in the Bible that I do not understand, but of one thing I am certain--'Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so'--and gentlemen, that is sufficient!"

Without doubt the song that has been sung more by children than any other hymn is this simply stated one by Anna Warner. Written in 1860, it is still one of the first hymns taught to new converts in other lands.

Miss Warner wrote this text in collaboration with her sister Susan. It was part of their novel Say and Seal, one of the best selling books of that day. Today few individuals would know or remember the plot of that story, which once stirred the hearts of many readers. But the simple poem spoken by one of the characters, Mr. Linden, as he comforts Johnny Fax, a dying child, still remains the favorite hymn of countless children around the world.

Sometimes, as we all know, life can be challenging. As Christians, we have the knowledge that our strength comes from above. But when things become overwhelming, I have found so much comfort in the words of the beloved song:

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.

How assuring that simple statement is. Not only does it reassure us of Jesus' love for us, but validates the authority of the Bible.

Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.

We are Jesus'. He paid the price for us with His Own blood on the cross of Calvary. Through His strength we are made strong against the temptation and sin of this world.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,

It always leaves me in awe knowing that Jesus died for me before I was even born. How many of us could have made the sacrifice He did.

Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

As our children unconditionally love and trust us, so must we love and trust Jesus.

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."

Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

John 8:12 NKJV Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;

John 14:6 NKJV Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me".

He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Acts 22:16 NKJV Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;

Matthew 28:20 NKJV "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

John 10:27 NKJV My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill,
That I might from sin be free
Bled and died upon the tree.

John 15:13 NKJV Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

CHORUS:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

John 15:9 NKJV "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love".

What more assurance do we need than the words of this precious song? We often dismiss this as a "children's song" but if you examine the words, what a powerful statement it makes about our Lord and His sacrifice and promises to us. Thank you Lord for loving me, a sinner. Thank you for sending your Son to die for me. Thank you for raising Him on that 3rd day so that I might have eternal life.

And thank you Jesus for loving me, because the Bible tells me so.

Legalism is Alive and Well in the 20th Century

Recent events have led me to post the following...

Legalism is as alive today in some congregations as it was in the 1st Century!

You may ask, "why" or "how"? I first would like to call your attention to Acts 15:4-31 NKJV And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. (5) But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (6) Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. (7) And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. (8) So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, (9) and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (10) Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." (12) Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. (13) And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me: (14) Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. (15) And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: (16) 'AFTER THIS I WILL RETURN AND WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID, WHICH HAS FALLEN DOWN; I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL SET IT UP; (17) SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, EVEN ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SAYS THE LORD WHO DOES ALL THESE THINGS.' (18) "Known to God from eternity are all His works. (19) Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, (20) but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. (21) For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." (22) Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23) They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"—to whom we gave no such commandment— (25) it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: (29) that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. (30) So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. (31) When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

As we see from the above text, the Pharisees were attempting to try and make the Gentile converts submit to the circumcision of the law of Moses. I have also encountered a 21st Century version of this same legalism today.

I was told by an individual that had invited me to speak to his congregation that because I was not "re-baptized" in the church of Christ that I wasn't qualified to preach at his congregation. I was baptized in a denominational congregation, but my baptism was scriptural according to the Plan of Salvation. This person stated that I "should have been re-baptized" when I started attending a church of Christ. I can find no Biblical reason for anyone that has been baptized according to the Plan of Salvation to ever be "re-baptized", EVER!

Let me also add that my baptism was examined by the good elders of the congregation that I now attend, as well as several established veteran Gospel preachers, and found to be Scriptural and sound. I was baptized 34 years ago in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins, just as the Scriptures command. In my baptism I died, was buried in the watery grave, and was resurrected a new creature; just as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-7 NKJV Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' I have been reborn of water and spirit just as the Lord commanded. To invalidate my baptism just because it did not take place in a church of Christ is as legalistic as requiring Gentile converts to be circumcised. It bothers me that some in the Lord's church have forgotten an old creed...." Speak where the Scripture speaks, and be silent where the Scripture is silent".

So therefore, I will answer this issue with Scripture, as I do with all questions to do with the Lord's church. What other source can we cite but God's Holy Word when it comes to issues and doctrine regarding the church purchased with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Let us all strive to follow Paul's exhortation to the church in Rome found in Romans 14:4 NKJV Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. Let us love one another and remember what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1 NKJV Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. I also want to restate what Peter said to the Jerusalem council in Acts 15:10 NKJV Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

I pray for this individual, his congregation, and the church as a whole. Let us not place this "yoke" upon our brothers and sisters. And I pray that the more like Christ we become, the less we are like the Pharisees and Scribes of the 1st Century.

A Father's Day gift to remember

God blesses me in so many ways. I sometimes wonder at just how much my Heavenly Father does bless me. I grew up without the benefit of an earthly father; I suppose that is one of the reasons that I love my Heavenly Father as much as I do. But my grandmother did the best she could raising a small boy in her 60's and 70's. She was a firm believer in; Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

But never having an example of what a earthy father should be in person, I gained what knowledge I had of what a father should be from what I saw on TV and read. This time of year always made me very sad growing up. I never had anyone to give the "father's day" gifts to we made in school. I would usually just throw them away.

Then I got married and became a father myself. I remember my first Father's Day. My son was only a little over five months old. But I was a father at last. I had so many plans of the wonderful things I would get to do with my son in the years to come. He would never have to throw away the Father's Day gifts that he made for me. He would never have to not go to a father and son event because there wasn't anyone to go with him. Oh the plans I had as I looked down at his loving face. Little did I know that in less than a year my plans and life would be shattered. Through no actions of my own, my wife decided that she didn't love me or value our marriage and family as much as I did.

Fast forward two years. This would be my third father's day. I was alone. I had my son and daughter (she is and always has been my daughter, even though she isn't my biological child. She was my little girl from the first time I held her when she was 2 days old in the hospital. But that is another story for another time). No Father's Day cards or gifts. I sat in a truck stop somewhere and wished I had my family that had been taken from me. I felt so alone. During all of this, I never realized that my Father, the only Father I had ever known, was wishing that me, His son, would tell Him how much I loved Him and needed Him in my life. But I was too busy feeling sorry for myself.

Ten years later, I would meet the most wonderful woman in the world, and my two sons. God was giving me another chance. I knew that they had a biological father, just as my little girl had too. But God had given me these wonderful gifts. But I was still "Doug", not "Dad". I tried to be the best father I could be, but I wasn't their "real" father. By this time I had been apart so much from my older kids that we really weren't as close as I wished we could be.

In the spring of 1999 I asked my two youngest sons if I could marry their mom, and they said "yes". But I was still "Doug", and I so much wanted to be Dad. I was still an over the road truck driver and gone away from home for weeks and months at a time. When I was home I was more of a visitor or playmate than a parent, so I still wasn't "dad". It was during this time that I remembered my Father, and asked Him to forgive me for leaving Him. He did, and I once again became His obedient child, and for the first time in my life really understood His word and His plan for me and my life. I was so happy. I had a loving Christian wife, four great kids, and a loving and caring church family. And God was the most important thing in mine and my wife's lives. I really didn't think my life could get any better.

I sold my truck and got a job where I was home every weekend. I began to study my Bible again and attend worship every Lord's Day. I once again felt the love of God in my everyday life, and His influence in everything I said and did. It felt so good to be home with Him again.

God again showed me just how much He loved me. He was blessing Laura and me with another child. We felt a little like Abraham and Sarah. I was old, and Laura had been told that her childbearing years were coming to an end. But all of that wasn't God's plan.

It was Saturday evening, June 15, 2002; the day before Father's Day. Laura, the boys and I were sitting around the dinner table. And Laura made the announcement "Honey, I think we need to go to the hospital". She felt like it was time for our little girl to be born. I was so excited. We made the trip up to the hospital and went up to the maternity floor. The nurses examined Laura, and observed her for about 3 hours. It was the consensus that we weren't having a baby tonight, and the decision was made to send us home. When Laura sat up on the edge of the bed to get dressed, she lost about 2 units of blood. Later we found out the placenta had separated and caused the blood loss. I was taken immediately out of the room, and my wife was taken into surgery for an emergency c-section. I was in a state of shock. In a single moment I went from bliss to terror. Why was this happening now? I couldn't believe that it was part of God's plan for me to lose both of them. He has blessed me so much. I needed a father more now than I had ever needed one in my life. And I remembered where my Father was. And I got on my knees and talked to Him. I asked Him to protect my beautiful wife and little girl. I asked Him if a life were required, to please take mine and spare theirs. I told Him that no matter what happened that I loved Him and would understand. And that I knew that He was my God and I was His child, and that He knew best for me and my life.

God guided the doctor's hands, and at 12:03 AM on June 16, 2002; Father's Day; God gave me the most precious gift any man can receive. He gave me the gift of a child. My Victoria Renee was born. I got to hold her for about 30 seconds on the way to the nursery. As I stood there and looked at her, tears ran down my cheeks as I thanked God. And when I was finally able to see my beautiful Laura, I cried again as I thanked God. This Sunday will be my sixth Father's Day with Tori, and she will turn six on Monday. And there isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for my special Father's Day gift that He gave me on that terror filled night in 2002. It is the one time that I received a Father's Day gift from my Father.

Children are our gifts from God; how we love and raise them is our gift back to God. I have realized what a responsibility parenthood is since the birth of Tori. I asked God for another chance, and He gave it to me. When God forgives us and gives us another chance, we must not squander it. Just as my grandmother did, I will follow the example of Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV). I thank God everyday for her and her example.

Worry

Is there a magic cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions?

Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, ‘It’s their life,’ and feel nothing?
When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my daughter’s head.

I asked, ‘When do you stop worrying?’

The nurse said,’When they get out of the accident stage.’

My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making License plates.

As if to read my mind, a teacher said, ‘Don’t worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.’

My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open.

A friend said,’They’re trying to find themselves. Don’t worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They’ll be Adults.’

My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being Vulnerable.

I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle.

There was nothing I could do about it.

My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I continued to anguish over their sorrows and be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life.

I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my dad’s warm smile and his occasional, ‘You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?’
Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry?

Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown?

Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?
One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, ‘Where were you? I’ve been calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried.’I smiled a warm smile.

The torch has been passed.
It was worth it all!

Prayers Can't Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed......

author unknown

Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in
And unless there's a contest, nobody can't win
For games can't be won unless they are played
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed
So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health
Not just for honor and prestige and wealth
But pray for a purpose to make life worth giving
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving
For great is your gladness and rich your reward
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

LEARN TO LEAN...............

author unknown

It took me forever, Lord, to learn how to lean.
To leave my friends as you lovingly began to wean.
I know I was stubborn, and I dug in my heels,
And when you applied pressure did I ever squeal.
It was a concept, Lord, that I just hadn't learned,
And obviously . . . I was not too much concerned.
But as my old leaning-posts were taken away,
Routine confidence . . . began rapidly to fray.
Then your Holy Spirit, made it abundantly clear,
To you alone, Lord, must I unltimately adhere.
Only in your word and Spirit, may I ever grow strong,
As you continue to teach me, a blessed new song.
It is not in friends and others, that I will understand.
All my strength and wisdom, must come to me firsthand.
No longer can another, walk me through the task,
For only in Your guidance, may I safely bask.
Keep on teaching me Lord, and keep me close to you.
(For without you beside me I haven't got a clue.)
I belong to you Lord I am your creation . .
.I want only to praise you without cessation ,
I finally learnt how to lean on you Lord !

Another brother is Home

I attended the funeral services of a long time faithful Gospel preacher yesterday, Mark Hearn. I had the pleasure of hearing brother Hearn preach for the first time a few years ago. He had been the pulpit preacher at what was then the South Water congregation, which later became the Hartsville Pike congregation I now attend. My wife grew up at Hartsville Pike during the time Mark and Jewell were there.

One of the brothers that spoke during the service, Ray Frizzell, quoted the following scripture regarding brother Hearn:

Acts 11:23-24 ESV
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

What greater statement can be made about any of us? This statement is only made about two men in the KJV, Joseph of Arimathaea and Barnabus. Brother Hearn was a "preacher's preacher", as brother Charles Williams described him, and an example and mentor to many. But most of all, he was a Gospel preacher, unto the end of his life. He has spent most of his life in both preaching the Gospel and educating children at both secular and Christian schools. He loved the Lord and children. Many called him brother, preacher, and friend. He loved to laugh, and he had a presence about him that drew people to himself, and in that way to the Lord's church.

All of our lives that Mark touched are better for his presence, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his beloved wife Jewell. We know that Mark is now in Paradise just waiting for the rest of us to show up.

The Three Things Satan Can Do That God Can't

by Doug Brackbill
We all know that God is all powerful and the one and only God, but there are three things that God cannot do that Satan can. To fully understand this, we must first examine not who, but what God is and isn’t.
According to the Apostle John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”And again in 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
And also in 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.From these three passages we can see that God is Love, Spirit, and Truth.
Let us examine the first thing that Satan can do that God can’t. That is to temp us to sin and disobey God. This began in the Garden, with Eve. As the story is told in:
Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ “Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
The first time humans were tempted by Satan he was successful and the cost was the beautiful Garden of Eden. Satan even tried to temp the Son of God, Jesus Christ:
Matthew 4:1-10 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.’ “ Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU,’ and, IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU DASH YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’ “ Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘YOU SHALL NOT TEMPT THE LORD YOUR GOD.’ “ Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.’ “
It is unimaginable that even Satan would think that he could temp Jesus, but we must remember just who and what Satan is. This is the same Satan that was convinced that he could cause Job to lose his faith in God. God allowed Satan to try and turn His most righteous servant Job against God.
Job 1:6-12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Satan took everything Job had, his family and all his possessions.
Job 2:1-7 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Having nothing left to take from Job, Satan then took Job’s health and well being away, leaving Job with nothing but his faith in God. Even Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die”; and his friends told him to give up all hope.
But we know that Job was faithful to the Lord: Job 42:1-3, 10 & 12 Then Job answered the LORD and said: “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning;Paul prayer for the church at Corinth and wrote to them in: 1Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.But we must remember when speaking of Satan that he has no respect or fear of God. He has even openly battled with God and the angels in heaven and lost. This is retold in Revelation 12:7-9 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.Secondly, Satan is a liar. John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.And a sinner: 1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
And a predator: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Satan hates us. He doesn’t want us. We are told in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And the third thing that Satan can do that God can’t is lead us to destruction and eternal darkness. Jesus tells us to fear Satan in Matthew 10:28 … But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Even the Archangel Michael did not dare oppose Satan by his own authority Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
We know that : John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”Satan knows what his future is: Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
And Satan’s goal is to have you join him in that lake of fire: Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
What is your future tonight? I remember a prayer my grandmother taught me to pray each night when I was a young boy. It is a simple prayer that goes like this:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Let angels watch me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
But if I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Please make sure that when you go to sleep the next time, that you will wake with the Lord in Heaven.

What do we Know?

by Doug Brackbill
When my five year old daughter Tori comes home from school each day, one of my first questions to her is “what did you learn in school today sweetheart?’ I can remember as a young man how proud it made me to memorize Bible verses and remember Bible stories. Every student is pleased to make a good grade on a test in school, and what employee isn’t happy when they receive the praise of their supervisor for a job well done.
If you were going to build a house, you would ask the contractor about their knowledge of home construction, codes and standards, and other such things. The same if you were speaking with a doctor, lawyer, dentist, barber, or anyone else. So lets say someone were to come up to you and wanted to know what kind of Christian you are. How would you respond if asked “What do you know about God and His plan for me?”
First of all, we know that there is a God. In Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. This fact, despite some scientific arguments to the contrary, is an absolute fact. According to Webster’s Dictionary the meaning of Absolute is:
1. Literally, in a general sense, free, independent of any thing extraneous. Hence,
Existing independent of any other cause, as God is absolute.

These are the words of Webster, but I must wholeheartedly agree.
We also know that there is only ONE God and according to:
Mark 12:29-30 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’

I would like to share a story about an atheist professor and his theory on the existence of God:
A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, “Let me explain the problem science has with religion.”
The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand. “You’re a Christian, aren’t you, son?”
“Yes sir,” the student says.
“So you believe in God?”
“Absolutely.”
“Is God good?”
“Sure! God’s good.”
“Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?”
“Yes.”
“Are you good or evil?”
“The Bible says I’m evil.”
The professor grins knowingly. “Aha! The Bible!”
He considers for a moment. “Here’s one for you. Let’s say there’s a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?”
“Yes sir, I would.”
“So you’re good...!”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“But why not say that? You’d help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn’t.”
The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
“He doesn’t, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?”
The student remains silent.
“No, you can’t, can you?” the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
“Let’s start again, young fellow. Is God good?”
“Er...yes,” the student says.
“Is Satan good?”
The student doesn’t hesitate on this one. “No.”
“Then where does Satan come from?”
The student falters. “From God”
“That’s right. God made Satan, didn’t he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Evil’s everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So who created evil?” The professor continued,
“If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.”
Again, the student has no answer. “Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?”
The student squirms on his feet. “Yes.”
“So who created them?”
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.
“Who created them?”
There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
“Tell me,” he continues onto another student. “Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?”
The student’s voice betrays him and cracks.
“Yes, professor, I do.”
The old man stops pacing.
“Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?”
“No sir. I’ve never seen Him.”
“Then tell us if you’ve ever heard your Jesus?”
“No, sir, I have not.”
“Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?”
“No, sir, I’m afraid I haven’t.”
“Yet you still believe in him?”
“Yes.”
“According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?”
“Nothing,” the student replies. “I only have my faith.”
“Yes, faith,” the professor repeats “And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.”
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. “Professor, is there such thing as heat?”
“Yes,” the professor replies. “There’s heat.”
“And is there such a thing as cold?”
“Yes, son, there’s cold too.”
“No sir, there isn’t.”
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. “You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don’t have anything called ‘cold’. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.”
“Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.”
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
“What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?”
“Yes,” the professor replies without hesitation. “What is night if it isn’t darkness?”
“You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? That’s the meaning we use to define the word.”
“In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?”
“So what point are you making, young man?”
“Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.”
The professor’s face cannot hide his surprise this time. “Flawed? Can you explain how?”
“You are working on the premise of duality,” the student explains. “You argue that there is life and then there’s death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought.”
“It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.”
“Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?”
“If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.”
“Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?”
“No young man I haven’t”
“Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?”
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
“To continue the point you were making earlier,, let me give you an example of what I mean.”
The student looks around the room. “Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor’s brain?”
The class breaks out into laughter. “Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor’s brain, felt the professor’s brain, touched or smelt the professor’s brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.”
“So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?”
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. “I guess you’ll have to take them on faith.”
“Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,” the student continues. “Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?”
Now uncertain, the professor responds, “Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man’s inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.”
To this the student replied, “Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.”
The professor sat down.

Second of all, He is the one and only true God and we are His children. And as His children He loves us. We are told in:
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

The Apostle John reminds us in:
Acts 17:29 “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.
And the Apostle Paul writes in:
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

And in Romans 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.
Jesus Himself told us of the Father’s love for us in:

Matthew 7:9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

And in the book of:
1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

All of us here either have children or have been children. There is an unexplainable bond between a parent and child. We as children of God, have that same bond and so much more at the same time. We know that God loves us, and we must let the world know that He loves them too.

My third response would be:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

God sent His Son to die for us. What earthly father could do the same? Many of us would lay down our lives for our children, loved ones, and friends; but who among us could give our ONLY son to die for people who didn’t ever care. I don’t know if I could. But God did.

In the words of the song “Because He Lives”:
God sent His son…they called him Jesus…He came to love, heal and forgive…He lived and died…to buy my pardon.

Jesus came and gave Himself for us. Isaiah foretold it in:
Isaiah 53:3-12 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.

This was God’s plan from the beginning. We read in:
John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

And my fourth response is Jesus was crucified, died, arose on the third day; is making intercession for us with the Father; and is coming back someday.
Peter preaching the first Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost proclaimed:
Acts 2:22-24 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know-- this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

We also know from the Hebrew writer in:
Hebrews 7:24-28 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.Jesus tells us in:
John 14:1-3 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many mansions/ dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.


Now that we have examined these facts, we must ask ourselves:
1. How can we get to heaven? John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”
2. Is there any other way to heaven? Acts 4:10-12 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. “He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.” And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
3. Will everyone go to heaven? Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
4. What must we do to get to heaven? Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Basket

Author Unknown

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,

Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless"? The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out." That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day, and remind a friend by sharing this story.

Perspective matters

by Douglas J. Brackbill

I was recently in a Men's Bible class and one of our members described his visit to a local "community church" to see one of his grandchildren be baptized. This was a congregation that had split from a local congregation of the Lord's church over the instrument of music and other "modern" issues. This brother described "praise leaders", instruments of music including guitars and drums, women preachers and women serving the congregation during the Lord's Supper. These facts alone should have been very disturbing, but my friend is very much into music during worship. His major concern from what I heard him describe was the fact that he couldn't hear the people around him singing for the instruments and the amplified "praise leaders".

When I looked at the situation from a Gospel preacher's standpoint, the most alarming issue was the ignoring of the Scriptures in allowing of women to serve as ministers and at the Lord's Supper. This is an area that many congregations of the Lord's church are looking at every day. Pressure is being put on Elders, Deacons, and Preachers to change our "archaic" and "outdated" ways and join the MODERN world. When the children of Israel went into the promised land, many wanted to abandon their faith in God and worship the native pagan gods and idols. They said "Come on Joshua, don't be so old fashioned and closed minded. Much has changed in the forty years we spent in the wilderness. That is the very reason the Joshua made the statement " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".I'm sure the people of Sodom and Gomorrah said the same thing to Lot when they wanted to abuse the angels of the Lord. Come on Lot, give them to us, times have changed.

It is for this very reason that we are told in Romans 12:2 NASB And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Every element of our worship, from the songs, prayers, Scripture readings, and sermons are authorized in Scripture by either command or example. None of the "MODERN" practices have any basis in Scripture, only in men and women's desire to improve on what God has ordained. If God is the object of our worship, and He has laid out how He wants us to worship Him, then who are we to try and tell God that we know more about what He wants than He does? We must remember that in the book of John 4:23 NASB "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. and John 14:17 NASB that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. and finally John 14:21 NASB "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."

Let everything we do in word and deed be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight Heavenly Father.

NSP&BS Acts II Class- Nugget of Gold; Acts 26:27-29

by Douglas J. Brackbill

Nugget of Gold; Acts 26: 27-29

Acts 26:27-29 KJV King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Paul has just presented his case and story of his conversion on the road to Damascus to Governor Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice. He recounted how he Paul had been raised from a young man to ascend to the office of a Pharisee. Paul told how he persecuted the early church, throwing the members into prison and worse. And then he told his audience of his conversation with the risen Jesus Christ, and how Jesus had instructed Paul to go to the Gentiles and proclaim the Gospel to them and bring them unto deliverance.

“This is the reason that the Jews seek my life King Agrippa” is what Paul then told the King. Paul spoke with such conviction and zeal in his speech that Governor Festus reckoned that “You must be mad Paul”. But Paul also knew that King Agrippa was understanding everything that Paul was telling him of Jesus, and that as we are told in Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. King Agrippa was being reached by the message of God given through Paul. Paul was on the verge of converting King Agrippa

We know that it was Paul’s mission to go to the Christians in Rome. But as King Agrippa and Governor Festus agreed, had Paul not appealed to Caesar, he would have been set free. Let us all be like Paul, and put God and His plans ahead of our own.

NSP&BS Acts II class- Nugget of Gold Acts 18:24-26

by Douglas J. Brackbill

Acts 18:24-26 NKJV. Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

We see in these Scriptures that Apollos was attempting to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fully understanding it himself. This is our first example in Scripture of the misapplication of the Gospel by man. Apollos from all indication has been converted by John the baptizer, and only knew the baptism of John, which was for the repentance of sins, not for the remission of sins as the baptism of Christ was. Apollos was trying to be an evangelist without the proper preparation or training.
Aquila and Priscilla, hearing that Apollos was teaching the baptism of John in error, took Apollos aside and taught him the baptism of Jesus. After being presented with the truth, Apollos then begins to baptize converts into the baptism of Jesus.
This is the reason that the Apostle Paul writes: But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1: 11-12 NKJV. And Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 3: 6-7 NJKV. Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. And we know from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.Apollos, just as anyone who is open and receptive to the truth of the Scriptures, sees the error of his “personal” interpretation of the Word of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But when we correct doctrinal error, we must do it in the same spirit of Christian love and gentleness as Aquila and Priscilla did.

A Deck of Cards: From WWII updated for Enduring Freedom

Deck of Cards

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't been heard.

The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week.

As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.


Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?"


The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord"


The sergeant said, "Looks to me like you're going to play cards."


The soldier said, "No, sir. You see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country,


I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards."


The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?"


"You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God.


The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments


The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.


The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.


The Five is for the five virgins there were ten but only five of them were glorified.


The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.


The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.


The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives -- the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.


The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy.. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.



The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.



The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.



The Queen stands for Mary, the virgin chosen to be the mother of Christ.



The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.



When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.



There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week - 52 weeks in a year.



The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.



Each suit has thirteen cards -- there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter .



So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for."



The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?"



Please let this be a reminder and take time to pray for all of our soldiers who are being sent away, putting their lives on the line fighting

NOW THAT"S GOD- A story about having the heart and faith of a child

It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through.

Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off.

If we didn’t see some rain soon...we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort ... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walking carefully to the woods, running back to the house.

Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them ... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site.

Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn lying on the ground; obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree.

I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him.

His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, other drops...and more drops...and more suddenly joined them. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride.
Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. Those miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like the actions of one little boy saved another.
I don't know if anyone will read this...but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little, sunburned body.


*~THAT'S GOD ~*
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for?

THAT'S GOD! He speaks to you through the Holy Spirit

Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to
Talk to?

THAT'S GOD! He wants you to speak to Him.

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them?

THAT'S GOD! There's no such thing as coincidence.

Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford.

THAT'S GOD. . He knows the desires of your heart. .

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?

THAT'S GOD! He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.

NOW THAT'S GOD!!!!!!!!

Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is.
Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY

GOD LOVES YOU

A Thank you note to God

DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more
and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

A Daily Prayer Suggestion

Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.

Let me continue to see sin through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of You, Heavenly Father. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Your Son Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.

Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will not share it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.I believe that You change people and You change things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than You Heavenly Father. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly. This is my prayer.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"What to Ask a King For" Jeremiah 33:2-3

Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV "Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it--the LORD is his name: to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." A local minister told me about an incident that reportedly happened when a world-famous professional golfer was playing in Saudi Arabia. Apparently, the King was so impressed with this man's playing that he said to him, "I'd like to give you a gift of appreciation." Now this renowned golfer told the King that no gift was necessary; he just appreciated the opportunity to play in his country. But the King was insistent, not only that the golfer receive a gift, but that he could name any gift he wanted.

Well, after just a brief moment to think about it, he just said, "A golf club." He thought maybe the King would give him a golf club that had some gold or maybe even a jewel in it. Well, a few days later, a representative of the King came to the golfer's hotel to present the King's gift - an object that was only about a foot long, carried inside a leather pouch. Now, apparently this was going to be a fairly small golf club. Then the golfer opened the pouch only to discover inside a deed - a deed that made him the owner of a golf club, as in the hundreds of acres that made up the beautiful golf club he had been given!

Now this famous golfer had one observation to make after this overwhelming response to his request. He said, "In the presence of a great king, you do not ask for small gifts!" How right he is.

Listen to our word for today from the Word of God. It's about the King who made all the other kings! Jeremiah 33:2-3, "This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is His name." Those are our King's awesome credentials. Now, based on who He is, God says, "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

I'm reminded of a companion promise in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:20 identifies our Lord as "Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." Now I hate to say it, but in light of the kind of King we have and the kind of promises He's made to us, most of our prayers are pretty lame. We come into the Throne Room from which the universe is governed with our little "Dear God" ditties: "Dear God, thank You for this day, thank You for Your many blessings, forgive us of our many sins, help us with our many problems, and bless the missionaries, whoever they may be. Amen."

Our praying is often just so predictable, so routine, and that is an insult to the God who's invited us to come to Him for "no small gifts." When's the last time you really believed God for some things that are so big that only God could do them? Or have you been praying you-sized prayers, man-sized prayers, earth-sized prayers? We're guilty of really underpraying and undertrusting! When you pray, take a little time to focus on the God whose awesome presence you have just entered - the One who controls 100 billion galaxies! Do you pray like that? Let yourself be overwhelmed...not by your problems or your questions, but by the size of your Lord! Then pray in ways that are worthy of the great God you're with!

The hymn writer had it right, "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Remember, when you pray, you are in the presence of the King of all kings. Don't ask for small gifts!

"The Politics of Jesus"

Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama
Liberal or conservative: Well, WWJD?
Sunday, August 08, 2004
GERALD W. JOHNSON

No terms are thrown around more loosely or more pejoratively today than "liberal" and "conservative." Preachers, politicians and citizens engage in a kind of political and religious profiling almost totally devoid of substance.
Conservative is equated with what is right, godly, moral, religious and politically on the right - Republican. A caller to a radio talk show when asked if he was a liberal or a conservative, replied, "Oh, I am a conservative; God doesn't like liberals."
Liberal is equated with what is wrong, ungodly, immoral, irreligious and politically on the left - Democrat.
These labels would be totally foreign to my loving and wonderful lifelong Baptist, Roosevelt-Democrat parents. They believed the few Republicans in our community also tried to be good Christians, they just happened to have a few more worldly goods (actually, a lot more), and they knew what the Bible said about how difficult it was for them to be good Christians.
It seems to me, however, that a reading of the New Testament clearly shows that Jesus, the model for us Christians, as well as others, was a social, economic, political and religious liberal, maybe radical, but certainly not conservative.
Jesus was a social liberal. He liked a party, attended many. His first miracle was to turn water into wine for a wedding feast. He consorted, even dined, with sinners, the disfranchised, the poor, the homeless, the jobless, the lame and the afflicted. He talked to women on a level playing field, even to an oft-divorced and wanton woman, and dared anyone to cast aspersions, much less stones, at her. He even cared for a Samaritan - someone who dared to not keep the 1,001 laws on how to floss.
Jesus was an economic liberal. He told a story about a fig farmer who went down to Zach's Employment Center and Sandal Shop to hire some laborers. He hired a crew early in the morning, another later in the morning, one in the afternoon and one near quitting time. At the end of the day he paid them all the same wages. The early crew complained. They were summarily told that they were hired for a wage and received it. Why should they complain if the crew that worked only one hour was paid the same amount? It was no skin off their backs. Later, Jesus told His fishing companions to sell all of their possessions and share with each other. The First Church of Jerusalem did this. Jesus was not just an economic liberal; He was a socialist, economic liberal. Dare we be like the First Church?
He told another economic story about talents, talents being money and not the ability to sing or dance. The president of the Nazareth Regional Savings and Loan had lots of talents. He was going off for a spell and left three of his trusted employees some talents to handle for him in his absence. To the first he gave five talents, the second two talents and the third one. The first invested his talents in a new camel-for-rent enterprise that was a huge success and he doubled his talents. The president was greatly pleased. The second invested his two talents in fig futures that also paid off handsomely. Again, the president was much pleased. The third, who had the least to lose, hid the one talent in the bottom of his toga trunk and at the appropriate time returned it safely to the president. The president was so upset with such conservative economic behavior he took the talent away from him and gave it to the employee who had five talents and fired the fellow on the spot.
Jesus was a political liberal. From the time Jesus walked into Jerusalem - actually He rode on the back of a donkey wearing a pair of Zach's handmade sandals - He attacked the conservative establishment of the day: the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the High Priest, all good church and state people. He threw the money-changers out of the temple, too much co-mingling of church and state. He told all of the establishment leaders they didn't have a Samaritan's chance of entering the kingdom. So, the conservative religious establishment had Him crucified by the state, even though He was careful to separate church and state; you know He talked about the give to Caesar and give to God thing.
Jesus was a religious liberal. He taught that life consisted of "thou shalts" rather than "thou shalt not." He labored on the Sabbath. He told us to pray in the closet. He gave a new and higher priority commandment - love God and love your neighbor. He was inclusive. Male and female. Jew and Gentile. Lepers. His message was one of, "You can be and do better, but don't expect to win the lottery or the football game, if you are and do." His standards were higher than a list of rules. They were measures of motives - of the heart.
So, what would Jesus do? The WWJD bracelet that some wear today asks the right question. The right answer is, I believe, He would enjoy people, tell them what they can be and care about their needs. He would be for Social Security for the elderly. For health care and education for all. And an environmentalist. He would be for justice in our courts and fairness in our taxes. He would know the difference between church and state and would promote the universal church while affirming the state. He would be for a good return on investments and even more so for good use of the returns.
I suspect that by any measure Jesus would be liberal. Probably a Democrat. But, He would love and care for the Samaritans anyway.
Dr. Gerald Johnson is Auburn University emeritus professor of political science and director of the Capital Survey Research Center. He is a resident of Auburn and a member of Auburn First Baptist Church.

Are You Blessed?

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment ,the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder,you are blessed because you canoffer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.
You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.

THE U IN JESUS

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U.

What Does Love Mean?

Touching words from the mouth of babes. What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, “What does love mean?” The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

”When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” Rebecca- age 8

”When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Billy - age 4

”Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” Karl - age 5

”Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” Chrissy - age 6

”Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” Terri - age 4

”Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” Danny - age 7

”Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss” Emily - age 8

”Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

”If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet)

”Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” Noelle - age 7

”Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” Tommy - age 6

”During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” Cindy - age 8

”My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” Clare - age 6

”Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” Elaine-age 5

”Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.” Chris - age 7

”Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.”
Mary Ann - age 4

”I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” Lauren - age 4

”When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” (what an image) Karen - age 7

”Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.”
Mark - age 6

”You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” Jessica - age 8

And the final one—Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
”Nothing, I just helped him cry”

The Price of False Doctorine

By Douglas J. Brackbill

Many people have been taken in by false doctrine over the years, so this doesn’t make my story unique, unfortunately. However, I hope that in sharing my story it will help someone else from having to experience this firsthand, and show the pain and agony that false teaching can and does produce. All that I describe here was done in the name of religion and most times in the name of Jesus.

I was a young man who had an enormous thirst for the truth and knowledge very early in my life. My grandmother raised me for the majority of my young life (that is another story for another time). Every night she would read aloud a chapter of the Bible to me. I loved to hear her read, and the first real book I owned was a very large book of Bible stories. I learned to read from that Bible story book and the Bible. But my grandmother did not take me to church on Sunday, because the church was too far out of town and we did not have any way to go. My grandmother never owned a car or learned how to drive. In retrospect, I see that she used that as an excuse not to go. But on Sunday mornings we would get up and watch the “Gospel Singing Jubilee” and other TV religious shows like the “Lamp unto My Feet”. This is where my religious roots lie.

When I was around 12, the preacher of the church that we “belonged” to come around to talk to my grandmother, and asked why we didn’t go. My grandmother gave a myriad of reasons why she didn’t go, but I spoke up and said I’d love to go if I had a way. He said he would make sure I had a way to church. I began to attend “church” then. It was a holiness/Pentecostal denominational church that we “belonged to”. I loved to learn more about God and Jesus, and was quite intrigued to watch everyone “whoop, holler, jump up and down, and speak in tongues”. I wanted to learn more, so that I could do all that too. I studied the word, learned more and more, and at 13 obeyed the Gospel and was baptized. But I did not “get the Holy Ghost”. I began to wonder why I couldn’t speak in tongues though. I was told it would come in time.

It was around this time that the kindly old preacher moved on and we received a new preacher, a young man in his early twenties with his very nice young wife. This man saw the hunger in my eyes and took me under his wing. I was so happy to have a male role model in my spiritual life finally, and we began to study the Bible every time we could get together. He had a fire and zeal about him that was electrifying. When I would find a passage of scriptures that disagreed with some doctrine we had, I was told that “scripture was open to interpretation as the Holy Ghost gave men wisdom”. Being young and naive, I of course never questioned this. I carried my Bible to school every day, witnessed to everyone I met. I gave testimony during revivals and worship services, and began to preach to the youth of my church and others as opportunity arose. I sang in the choir and took part in every Christmas and Easter play we put on. I still hadn’t “gotten the Holy Ghost” yet, and kept asking why. My mentor told me to be patient and it would come in time. I would listen to everyone else in church “speak in tongues” and wonder why I couldn’t.

I then started mimicking those who were, and no one noticed. I would gibber and jabber the same way that everyone else did, and never did loose control of my speech or my body movements. But then, I kept wondering why I couldn’t really? I still thought that they were really able to speak in tongues, and there was something wrong with me. I wondered if it was because I had done something terrible in my life, or if it was I was the product of an affair between a married man and a separated woman. Or was I just too terrible to be saved. I was even told that a full scholarship would be made available to me to attend the college of this denomination after I graduated from high school to become a minister. I couldn’t tell anyone that I couldn’t speak in tongues, because they all had seen and heard me fake it. I was lying to everyone I truly cared about including God.

So at the age of 16, after preaching, teaching, and believing with all my heart that I wanted to spread God’s word, I thought that God had told me that I was too sinful to do that by His withholding of the Holy Ghost from me. I left the church, God, and everything else that went with it, feeling a failure and alone. There was a gaping hole in my life that nothing could fill.

I began my 20 years of “wandering in the wilderness”. During those years I smoked cigarettes, socially drank, cursed fashionably, and lived what the world would consider a fairly normal life. But I still had this gaping hole in my life.
Then the most wonderful thing happened to me. I met my beautiful wife. She is a member of the Lord’s church and her grandfather was a Gospel preacher. I began to attend worship with her, and began to listen to the Sunday school teacher’s lessons about Jesus, and grace, and Christian love. I had never heard about God’s love for me, only that I should obey what church leaders told me or I would burn in Hell. I began to read my Bible again, and really study His word. The Sunday school teacher was one of the elders of the congregation, and he gave me the “Hurt” Bible study series to take home and complete. I devoured this course, and wanted more. I spoke with this elder, and after we determined that my baptism was scriptural, I was restored and placed membership at the congregation I now attend.

I know now that in 2 Pet 1:20-21 we are told “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”. Also, the “speaking in tongues” that the Pentecostals refer to is not the “speaking in unknown tongues” as they claim, but the “speaking in other tongues” referred to in Acts 2:4. They also ignore the verses 6-11 where all the languages are identified. Also, 1 Cor 14: 27-28 are also conveniently overlooked as well. “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” The whole theology of the Pentecostal/holiness denomination is what I call a cookie cutter religion. They take the parts of the scripture that fit their beliefs and piecemeal them together into what they call sound doctrine.

All you need to know to “speak in tongues” is how to repeat the names of 4 or 5 oriental car names rapidly over and over, and you can “speak in tongues” as well as any Pentecostal preacher ever could. I was once told by an older preacher that I would be a real good revivalist because I could “cry, sweat, and shout” as well as anyone he had ever seen. I was 15 at the time. Are these really the qualifications of a good man of God?

Am I a bitter man? No I am not, but I do wish to help correct the error being taught by these charlatans in the name of truth. That is why 2 Tim 3: 16-17 are so important for sound doctrine. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” And remember that also in 2 Tim 4: 2-4 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”.

Now here I am, a faithful member of the brotherhood, and restored Christian, and a man who God has blessed with more than I could ever deserve. I have a beautiful Christian wife and five children. I have a wonderful set of in laws, a loving Christian family, am a student at the Nashville School of Preaching and Biblical Studies, and have once again began preaching God’s Word, but this time I have the truth.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed Revised

By Phil Sanders

I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.

I am strengthened in the Lord and the power of His might.

The pattern has been fixed.

I have made the decision to call Jesus Lord.

I am a disciple and a soldier of Jesus Christ.

I am His, body and soul, mind and spirit.

I won’t look up, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

There is a world lost in sin, and only the one true gospel can make a difference.

I’m not all I ought to be, what I want to be, or what I am going to be; but, thank God that by His grace, I am not what I used to be.

I have no desire to return.

I am finished with low living, sight walking, blind eyes, smooth knees, lazy preaching, deaf ears, compromised beliefs, politically correct talking, and dwarfed goals.

I am finished with giving in to human religion rather than embracing New Testament Christianity.

I am weary of scoffers who believe they have something better than God’s way or God’s will.

I am finished with the notion that the Lord’s church has to change its doctrine or it can’t grow.

I have seen with my eyes that the Gospel still works, the blood still cleanses, God still answers prayers, and the promises of God hold true.

I am finished with foolish ways.

I will do more than listen to the Lord; I will carefully obey Him.

I will do more than speak for what is right; I will speak against what is wrong. I will do more than hold private beliefs; I will preach the truth without fear to anyone and everyone.

I am finished with doubting.

I will believe every word of every sentence of every verse of every chapter of every book, and without apology.

I am finished being wise in my own eyes, I know I do not have a better way.

I will not lean on my understanding but will trust God, who knows what I do not know and can see what I cannot see.

I will stand against the compromising of doctrine, the tolerating of human traditions, the offering of false hope, and flirting with popular religion.

I know there is no way to heaven but the narrow way. I am unwilling to endorse any church but the Lord’s church, any way the Lord’s way, any gospel but the Lord’s gospel, any baptism but the Lord’s baptism, or any teaching but the Lord’s teaching.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I have the love of Christ, the grace of God, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, and my mission clear.

I must not be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

There are too many souls at stake, and my Lord deserves better.

I will not flinch in the face of heresy, hesitate in the presence of error, negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander to the popular, or meander in the maze of the muddy.

I won’t give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I have preached up, prayed up, stored up, and stayed up the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, serve until I drop, preach until everyone knows, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, I pray He’ll say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

What does it mean to "Be a Child of God" ?

Galatians 3: 24-4:7 KJV Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

We as Christians enjoy great privileges under the gospel; and are no longer accounted servants, but sons; not now kept at such a distance, and under such restraints as the Jews were. Having accepted Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and relying on Him alone for justification and salvation, we have become the sons of God. But no outward forms or profession can secure these blessings; for if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. In baptism we put on Christ; therein we profess to be his disciples. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so we should die unto sin, and walk in newness and holiness of life. The putting on of Christ according to the gospel consists not in outward imitation, but in a new birth, an entire change. He, who makes believers to be heirs, will provide for them. Therefore our care must be to do the duties that belong to us, and all other cares we must cast upon God. And our special care must be for heaven; the things of this life are but trifles. The city of God in heaven is the portion or child's part. Seek to be sure of that above all things.
Paul deals plainly with those in Galatia who urged the Law of Moses together with the gospel of Christ, and endeavored to bring believers under its bondage. They could not fully understand the meaning of the law as given by Moses. And as that was a dispensation of darkness, so of bondage; they were tied to many burdensome rites and observances, by which they were taught and kept subject like a child under tutors and governors. We learn the happier state of Christians under the gospel dispensation. From these verses see the wonders of Divine love and mercy; particularly of God the Father, in sending his Son into the world to redeem and save us; of the Son of God, in submitting so low, and suffering so much for us; and of the Holy Spirit, in condescending to dwell in the hearts of believers, for such gracious purposes. Also, the advantages Christians enjoy under the gospel. Although by nature children of wrath and disobedience, we become by grace children of love, and partake of the nature of the children of God; for He will have all his children resemble Him. During this time among men the eldest son was heir; but all God's children shall have an equal inheritance. Let us always let the world know that we are the adopted sons and daughters of God, and let the presence of the Holy Spirit living and working within us be a testimony to our love and devotion to God and our thankfulness for the sacrifice of His son and our Intercessor Jesus Christ.

Good News for the Brotherhood of Christ

The Sky isn’t Falling by Steve Higgenbotham
Jan. 25, 2008
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University . The Christian Higher Education Foundation, representing colleges and universities affiliated with Churches of Christ, commissioned Dr. Flavil Yeakley to study the post-high school years of our young people related to their spiritual growth. (Dr. Yeakley’s presentation, along with his PowerPoint slides will be made available for download on Freed-Hardeman’s website in the near future).
Dr. Yeakley presented several interesting facts that I wish to share with you. Not only did he share information about our young people, but about churches of Christ in general. Here are some of the statistics that he shared:

Churches of Christ constitute the 12th largest religious group in America .
Churches of Christ are the 6th fastest growing church in America .
Churches of Christ rank 4th in the nation in total number of congregations.
Churches of Christ rank 5th in the nation in number of counties in which there is a congregation.
Churches of Christ rank 1st in the nation in distribution of congregations.
Churches of Christ rank 1st in the nation in weekly attendance among its membership.

That’s a far cry from the gloom and doom propaganda that some have been preaching. So much for the talk that we must embrace certain innovations if we want to grow and be remain relevant.
Another interesting tid-bit from Dr. Yeakley’s research was that the greatest retention rate of young people following graduation from high school comes from congregations who are described as “middle of the road,” whereas the worst retention rate of young people comes from congregations who are described as “much more liberal.”
Friends, while we certainly have room for improvement, these statistics prove that we’re doing some things right. While we need to be warned and sometimes criticized, we also need to be encouraged, strengthened, and patted on the back. Take a child from the time he is old enough to understand words, and give him constant criticism. Tell him how he is no good, and how other children are better than him. Tell him that he is worthless, and that he has not and cannot achieve anything worthwhile. What impact do you think this would have on the self-image and productivity of that child?
Likewise, take a church, and for an extended period of time, do nothing but criticize it. Tell it how it is no good. Tell it how other “churches” are better than it. Tell it that it is irrelevant, legalistic, and graceless. Tell it that it cannot achieve anything worthwhile. Now what kind of impact do you think this would have on the self-image and productivity of that church? I would suggest the same.
These statistics aren’t given so that you will have something about which to brag, but rather are given to encourage you to “keep your hand to the plow” and help you to realize that you are making a positive impact in the world.

Does God exist? A debate with an Atheist

A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, “Let me explain the problem science has with religion.” The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
“You’re a Christian, aren’t you, son?”
“Yes sir,” the student says.
“So you believe in God?”
“Absolutely.”
“Is God good?”
“Sure! God’s good.”
“Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?”
“Yes.”
“Are you good or evil?”
“The Bible says I’m evil.”
The professor grins knowingly. “Aha! The Bible!” He considers for a moment. “Here’s one for you. Let’s say there’s a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?”
“Yes sir, I would.”
“So you’re good...!”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“But why not say that? You’d help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn’t.”
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. “He doesn’t, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?”
The student remains silent.
“No, you can’t, can you?” the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
“Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?”
“Er...yes,” the student says.
“Is Satan good?”
The student doesn’t hesitate on this one. “No.”
“Then where does Satan come from?”
The student falters. “From God”
“That’s right. God made Satan, didn’t he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Evil’s everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So who created evil?” The professor continued, “If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.”
Again, the student has no answer. “Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?”
The student squirms on his feet. “Yes.”
“So who created them?”
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. “Who created them?” There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. “Tell me,” he continues onto another student. “Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?”
The student’s voice betrays him and cracks. “Yes, professor, I do.”
The old man stops pacing. “Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?”
“No sir. I’ve never seen Him.”
“Then tell us if you’ve ever heard your Jesus?”
“No, sir, I have not.”
“Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?”
“No, sir, I’m afraid I haven’t.”
“Yet you still believe in him?”
“Yes.”
“According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?”
“Nothing,” the student replies. “I only have my faith.”
“Yes, faith,” the professor repeats “And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.”
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. “Professor, is there such thing as heat?”
“Yes,” the professor replies. “There’s heat.”
“And is there such a thing as cold?”
“Yes, son, there’s cold too.”
“No sir, there isn’t.”
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. “You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don’t have anything called ‘cold’. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.”
“Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.”
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
“What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?”
“Yes,” the professor replies without hesitation. “What is night if it isn’t darkness?”
“You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it’s called darkness, isn’t it? That’s the meaning we use to define the word.”
“In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?”
“So what point are you making, young man?”
“Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.”
The professor’s face cannot hide his surprise this time. “Flawed? Can you explain how?”
“You are working on the premise of duality,” the student explains. “You argue that there is life and then there’s death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought.”
“It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.”
“Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?”
“If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.”
“Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?”
The professor begins to shake his head, as he realizes where the argument is going.
“Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?”
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
“To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.”
The student looks around the room. “Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor’s brain?” The class breaks out into laughter.
“Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor’s brain, felt the professor’s brain, touched or smelt the professor’s brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.”
“So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?”
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. “I guess you’ll have to take them on faith.”
“Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,” the student continues. “Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?”
Now uncertain, the professor responds, “Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man’s inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.”
To this the student replied, “Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.”
The professor sat down.

Why are we students of the Nashville School of Preaching?

WHY AM I HERE?

TO PREACH.

• Paul in the following letters states:
  Romans 10:13-17. for "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!" However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
  Romans 15:19-20. in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation;
  1 Corinthians 1:17. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void.

What are we to preach?

• We are to preach JESUS!
  Acts 3:20, 5:42, 8:5, 8:35, 9:20, 10:36, 11:20, 17:3, 17:18, 18:5, Romans 16:25, 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1:23, & 2:12 we are told to specifically to PREACH JESUS!
• ONLY the word of God. Revelation 22: 18-19. I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

What are we NOT to preach?

• Our own opinions.
• Man made doctrine. 2 Timothy 3: 16. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 6: 2 …Teach and preach these principles. If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 2 Timothy 4: 2. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;
• Sports, political issues, or current events.

How are we to preach?

• From the Word of God. Let our sermons be centered on Scripture, not on our own opinions or agendas. Do not develop sermons around an idea and then find scripture to support it, but let the lesson support the scriptures.
• Remembering that we are the messenger and the Message belongs to God. We are to relay that message faithful to what the Word of God is, and not to add to or take away from.
• To explain and clarify the Scriptures, not to change or twist to support a false doctrine.

Why do we preach?

• The Great Commission: Jesus, speaking to the 11 remaining Apostles said in Mark 16: 15-16. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation". He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. And in Matthew 28: 16. But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
  

Are You Blessed?

author unknown

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle,the loneliness of imprisonment,the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation,you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment,arrest, torture, or death,you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep,you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive,you are very rare,especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful,you are blessed because the majority can,but most do not.

If you can hold some one's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder,you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.

The Fern and the Bamboo

author unknown

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality..... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes", I replied."When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others.”
He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come," God said to me. “You will rise high!" "How high should I rise?" I asked."How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return."As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you........
Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.Bad days give you Experiences. Both are essential to life.Keep going... Happiness keeps you Sweet,Trials keep you Strong,Sorrows keep you Human,Failures keep you Humble,Success keeps You Glowing,But Only God keeps You Going!

The Old Paths

Author Unknown

I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work.

Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married before having children!

Crime did not pay;Hard work did;

And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;Dads would work;Children would behave..
Husbands were loving;Wives were supportive; And children were polite .

Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants.

Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent.

People loved the truth, And hated a lie;

They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful;

Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked; Drinking was evil; And divorce was unthinkable.

The flag was honored; America was beautiful; And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house

To be called an American was worth dying for; To be called a Christian was worth living for; To be called a traitor was a shame!

Sex was a personal word. Homosexual was an unheard of word, And abortion was an illegal word.

Preachers preached because they had a message; And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!

Preachers preached from the Bible; Singers sang from the heart; And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life; Salvation meant a changed life;

Following Christ led to eternal life.

Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God; Being a deacon meant you wouldserve the Lord; Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus; And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you.

Laws were based on the Bible; Homes read the Bible; And churches taught the Bible.

Preachers were more interested in new converts, Than new clothes and new cars.

God was worshiped; Christ was exalted; And the Holy Spirit was respected.

Church was where you found Christians On the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,

On the creek bank, on the golf course, Or being entertained somewhere else.

I still like the old paths the best!

Need Washing?

author unknown
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"Lets run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom,let's run through the rain,"

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet? "

Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions,they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

by Doug Brackbill

Introduction:
Isn’t God’s word wonderful? This statement made by Joshua around 1200 BC. is just as powerful now as it was then. The Bible is truly a book for all ages and all circumstances. This statement was made during what is referred to as the Covenant at Shechem. Joshua was very old (around 110 years) and had lived a long life in service to the Lord. Joshua had gone up to the camp at the base of the mountain when Moses received the Ten Commandments from the Lord. He knew that "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:3-6.
Joshua had conquered six nations and 31 kings in the name of the Lord and His people. Joshua was preparing to die and leave the children of Israel to fend for themselves. He had overseen the division of the promised land. He received his commission directly from the Lord as He spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses. God told Joshua “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."”. Joshua 1:9 . Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve spies that gave a true report and had faith in God.

Scripture reading:
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Lesson:
How many of us must ask ourselves this same question. “ Who do we serve?” Often time, we find ourselves tempted to “serve other gods”, these are the gods of the modern world. Other “gods” come in many forms; for some it can be a promotion at work, a new fancy car, a big house, a “trophy spouse”, or many other things. Some worship the gods of worldly pleasures and lusts; only caring for their own physical pleasures and hedonistic desires. For some it can be that big sporting event to watch on TV or in person. For others it can be the playing of sports, both individual and team, that they choose over the assembly. Many people worship the “god of rest” because they claim that the Lord’s Day is the only day that they can sleep late. Some worship their gods on Saturday night, and part of their worship is to become totally incapacitated or intoxicated. And some people worship the “god of apathy”. This god tells them why should they care about any god, because God doesn’t care for them. These people are the most mistaken of all.

Let’s look at some examples in scripture of individuals that we can ask the question; “As for you and your house, who will you choose to serve?”

In Luke 9:59-60 To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

This request may sound reasonable to a modern reader, but a traditional Jewish burial could last as long as a year. His father may not have even been dead yet. The father could have just been old, and the son was using his as an excuse for not going far from home. Was the disciple using his father as another “god” of procrastination? Only Jesus knew for sure, but we see that unlike Joshua, this disciple couldn’t make the declaration “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

And in Luke 9:61-62 "Yet another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

How many people, like the disciple, want to stay home with relatives rather than
serve the Lord? Or will forsake the assembly for visiting relatives from out of town,
instead of bringing them to the worship? They, just like this disciple will be unable to
say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

Once again Jesus is asked in Mat 19:16-22 And behold, a man came up to him,
saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The rich young ruler has his other god, his wealth. We know that this young man
could not say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.

And in Mat 20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who
went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? 'So the last will be first, and the first last."

How many will be like the laborers who complained about their wages? Do any of us
know any people that have that Holier than thou attitude? Are they not just like the
laborers who were unhappy with their wages? Was their god the god of self
righteousness? Could the laborers say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord”.


We have the blessed assurance in John 10:25-30 Jesus answered them, "I told you,
and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

We are also taught in Mat 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light."


But we, like Joshua, can say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Like
Joshua, we serve the one and only Living God, who “so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16 But, unlike Joshua, we know that on the cruel cross of Calvary, Christ paid the ultimate price for all man’s sins; past, present, and future. Unlike Joshua, we don’t have to depend on the blood of ox and goats to atone for our sins. Unlike Joshua, we don’t have to depend on a Levite priest to make our sacrifice for us, because the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ has made our sacrifice for us. We have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus that covers our sins and makes us acceptable in the sight of God.

We are told in Luke 21:15 by Jesus that “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

And in Hebrews 13:6-8, Paul writes “So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.


We have been given the Great commission in Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them,
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned”.

Let us always remember “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Amen!

Keep your Fork - Author unknown

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things “in order,” she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. ”There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly. “What’s that?” was the pastor’s reply. “This is very important,” the young woman continued. “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the young woman asked. “Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,” said the pastor.

The young woman explained. “My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. ‘In all my years of attending church
socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!’

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder “What’s with the fork?” Then I want you to tell them: “Keep your fork ... the best is yet to come.” The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much
experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman’s casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question “What’s with the fork?” And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to “Keep your fork.”

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

Who do you say I am?

Often times, people are inclined to believe what most people tell them. If I were to tell you that I was a rocket scientist, however, you might be inclined not to believe me if you really knew me. I wouldn't be able to produce any photos of me beside a rocket, any Air Force or NASA credentials, nor would I be able to speak with any true knowledge of rockets. For these reasons, I do not believe if I asked you the question " who do people say I am?" that anyone would say a rocket scientist.
Christ asked His apostles the same question in Matthew 16:13. Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14. And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15. He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17. And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18. "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."
Peter, who is my favorite apostle, gives the answer. Peter knew that Jesus was the one and only Son of the one true living God. No one on earth had to tell Peter who Christ was. Peter had seen the miracles, listened to the lessons, and knew from his personal observations of who Jesus was. He knew that Jesus wasn't John, or Elijah or Jeremiah. Peter had seen the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dead raised. How could the other disciples not have known that? The same way that some people have had the true gospel explained to them but still not believe. The same way that some of our denominational brothers teach error in their doctrine.
But we know that Christ, upon the "rock" of Peter's confession, built His church. This is why in Acts chapter 2 Peter came down and preached the first sermon establishing Christ's church. This is why when asked "Brethren, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38.
The first step in obeying the gospel is to make the same confession that Peter did. You must believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of the Living God, and He died for your sins. If I can assist you in any way to obey the gospel, please email me, and if needed, I will find a preacher in your area that can assist you. And then you can become a member of God's family, the church.

A View from the Pew- Week of 9/8/2007

What you miss when you miss

Many times in life, we miss out on things by just not being "in the right place at the right time" or making the wrong choice about things. I did just that last Saturday. I grew up in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina named Boone. In Boone, there is a University named Appalachian State. I grew up watching them play football. I was fortunate enough to play on a midget league football team that went undefeated and got to play the all star team in what was then Conrad Stadium on real AstroTurf. My high school, Watauga High, didn't have it's own stadium then, and we played all of our home games at Conrad Stadium also. I understand the stadium is now called Kidd Brewer. When I was a EMT/Paramedic, I used to sit in the west end zone in the Watauga Rescue Squad ambulance and watch the games. I was fortunate enough to attend a couple of classes at ASU. But last Saturday I missed the biggest upset in NCAA football history. ASU went to Ann Arbor, MI and defeated Michigan State 34-32, a true David and Goliath of collegiate football. AND I MISSED IT!!

What do we miss when we miss what we miss? Andy Baker was the one who taught me this saying, and it makes so much sense. And that moment can never be recaptured.

I have missed a lot in my life. As an OTR trucker, I missed my oldest two children's childhoods. I wandered around for 20+ years without God and his love in my life. I once again became a child of God about 10 years ago. I have had jobs that required much of my time that have also robbed me of times with my family and church. But in June of 2006, I made a decision that I have never regretted. I had a position that at times was preventing me from worshiping the Lord, being there for my family, and studying God's word. I decided that it was time for a change. I handed in my two weeks notice to my employer, quoting Mark 8:36-37. "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" in my resignation. So here I was, a man with a family to feed, sole support of the family, and I just quit my job with no real prospects. But I put my faith in God.And before my two week notice was up, I had a new, better position secured, because I put my faith in God.

Many of you may be asking, what does that have to do with a football game, church, or "missing what you miss when you miss"? Had I not been brave enough to stand up, make the change I needed to in order to serve God, and begin putting Him first in all of my life, I would not have the burning desire to serve him, to write this blog, to attend the Nashville School of Preaching. To try and be the example for my wife and children of what a good christian husband and father should be. To want to be a good manager of my office as God would have me be. And to be the lowly servant to God that I strive to be. How did I know to do all of this?

BY NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLY! How do we defend ourselves from the temptations of ungodly living? By edifying each other, praying together, laughing and crying together, and praising God together. I may miss a football game or two, and maybe that movie I wanted to see on TV, but I try to never miss the assembling of the saints. And that's my view from the Pew!

A View from the Pew- Week of 8/11/2007

What can we do when we get behind?
By Doug Brackbill

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you try, there is never enough time in the day do get everything done that you need to? I often feel that way, but especially when it comes to spending time with the Lord and in His word. I, as many Christians, often put talking to the Lord in prayer and reading His Word off until everything else is done. The only problem with that is that sometimes everything else is NEVER done. Between work, family, school, sports, and other obligations, were do we put God? Of course, He should be first, but do we always put Him there? We want to be good Christians, but sometimes we let the world become as inportant or more than our walk with God. We are to be "in the world, but not of the world". The pull of the world is strong, especially when it comes to life in general, and worship in particular.
I would ask have you ever skipped an assembly to watch a sporting event? Or to let yourself or one of your children participate in a sporting event? Pleae don't think I'm anti-sports. But I do remember a time when it would be unthinkable for a sports team to schedule a game or practice on Sunday or Wednesday evening out of respect for the assembly. But I also remember a time when stores were closed until after worship also. But all these changes have been made in the name of progress. I just hope we don't progress so far that we become so "progressed" that we no longer need God. How many times has the whole family stayed home because one wasn’t feeling well? I think that most all of us have been guilty of one or all of these at one time or another.
The easiest way to fix “getting behind” is never to get there in the first place. According to statistics, the average American works 40-50 hours a week, sleeps 50-60 hours, watches 10-20 hours of TV, and spends 4 hours a week in worship. But unfortunately, some are too busy to spend those 4 hours, not even taking prayer and study time into consideration. Folks, God loves you. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for us. He wants us to join Him in heaven someday. I beseech you, study His Word, worship His holy name as often as you can, be truly thankful for His blessings in your life, and tell Him often that you love Him. How many of us can ignore our children when they tell us how wonderful we are and how much they love us. Do you know how that feels? God won’t ignore you when you tell Him either. He loves us more than we can imagine. And I’ve got a new equation for life:
God loves you + I Love God =
I LOVE YOU any questions, ask God
And that’s my view from the pew.

A View from the Pew- Week of 8/04/07

Why Can’t We Worship Any Way We Want To?
By Doug Brackbill

How many times have we heard that? Unfortunately, too many of our friends and family are being taken in by that very line. “As long as we are worshiping God in our own way; who are you to tell us we aren’t right?” is the cry of these deluded but well meaning people. Our God ordered His people, the Israelites, to forsake all other religions and to worship Him. In Exodus 20:3, 5 He tells us that “You shall have no other gods before me…You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” Then God goes on to give Moses very detailed instructions on how they were to worship Him in Exodus 25-31. If the form of worship wasn’t important to God, then why would He have given Moses these very meticulious plans? Because God knows how He wants us to worship him.
That was when the sin of mankind separated us from God. God couldn’t look upon man because of His sin. Thus was the reason for the Tabernacle and the Temple of God. But then the most wonderful thing occurred. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. Only after the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the covering of our sins with His precious blood, could God once again look on mankind. There is no need for the veil in the temple for “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” Matthew 27:51. We were no longer separated from God as the children of Israel were.
The most important thing is to remember to stay focused on Jesus in our worship, for He is our Intercessor with the Father. Jesus says in John 14:16 “no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.” So if Jesus isn’t the focus of our worship to God, then what is? Many think it should be the entertainment of the instrument of music, sitting back and listening to a choir sing praises to God. Excuse me, but what part of “Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth” Psalms 66:1 says anything about anyone sitting around listening to others sing the praises of God? And if any of you have sit close to me during worship know I’ve got the joyful NOISE part down pat 100%. Worship is not a spectator sport. There is no audience in worship except God, He is the audience and we are the participants. The preacher isn’t the only one who should be worshiping God; he is the leader of the rest of us. The first century Christians gave is a clear example of how they worshiped. They sang hymns and spiritual songs; they partook of the Lord’s Supper, and they prayed and read scripture. We know from the many examples of Peter, Paul, Silas, Timothy, Apollos, and many others that preachers were giving sermons during this time.
So in conclusion, we cannot go to God in worship any way we choose. God still commands us to worship where He chooses and still requires an atoning sacrifice for our sin. Thankfully we have been atoned through the precious blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (Hebrews 9:12) So let us thank God for the freedom to worship Him in spirit and truth, in the scripturally founded doctrine only based on the New Testament of His Holy word. And that’s my view from the pew.

A View from the Pew- week of 7/29/07

A View from the Pew
By Doug Brackbill
Often times in our Christian lives, we forget who the shepherds are and who the sheep are. Jesus gave us the example of the good shepherd in John 10:1-21. The members of His church are often referred to as sheep by Jesus, and He is the Great Shepherd. We in the Brotherhood often refer to our Elders as shepherds, as they are called in 1 Peter 5:1-2 “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you … shepherd the flock of God among you.” But let me assert that sometimes the preacher can also be a shepherd too. When Christ tells Peter in John 21:15-17 to “tend My lambs”, “Shepherd My sheep” and “tend My sheep”, this was all prior to any Elders being appointed to any congregation. Peter and the other Apostles were preachers in the 1st century church, and mainly evangelists. They were constantly preaching and helping establish new congregations.
I want to thank God for the heart and spirit of Jerry Burchett and Ferrell Haile. They are obeying the will of God by establishing a new congregation in the Station Camp area. When I first heard this news, I as many thought “oh no, we don’t need another congregation now”. But after careful prayer and contemplation, I see that if there were not a need, these men of God would not have been lead to attempt this endeavor. And if we look at the example in Matthew 18:12-14 we are told that the good shepherd will leave the 99 to find the one. This is where we see who are the sheep and who is the shepherd. Does the shepherd ask the 99 sheep if He can go to look for the lost sheep? No, of course not. And does the shepherd ask the sheep to come and help Him, no. And remember in Matthew 18:20 we are told "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." So Christ will be there with Jerry, Ferrell, Patty, Kay, and whoever else is there. Pray for this work, support it in every way. In Romans 8:31 we are told “If God is for us, who is against us?” I always want to be of the side of God, don’t you? And that is my view from the pew.

Sermon-Who will you serve?

TEXT Joshua 24:14-15

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Introduction:
Isn’t God’s word wonderful? This statement made by Joshua around 1200 BC. is just as powerful now as it was then. The Bible is truly a book for all ages and all circumstances. This statement was made during what is referred to as the Covenant at Shechem. Joshua was very old (around 110 years) and had lived a long life in service to the Lord. Joshua had gone up to the camp at the base of the mountain when Moses received the Ten Commandments from the Lord. He knew that "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:3-6.
Joshua had conquered six nations and 31 kings in the name of the Lord and His people. Joshua was preparing to die and leave the children of Israel to fend for themselves. He had overseen the division of the promised land. He received his commission directly from the Lord as He spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses. God told Joshua “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."”. Joshua 1:9 . Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve spies that gave a true report and had faith in God.

Scripture reading:
As our brother just read from God’s Holy word: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Lesson:
How many of us must ask ourselves this same question. “ Who do we serve?” Often time, we find ourselves tempted to “serve other gods”, these are the gods of the modern world. Other “gods” come in many forms; for some it can be a promotion at work, a new fancy car, a big house, a “trophy spouse”, or many other things. Some worship the gods of worldly pleasures and lusts; only caring for their own physical pleasures and hedonistic desires. For some it can be that big sporting event to watch on TV or in person. For others it can be the playing of sports, both individual and team, that they choose over the assembly. Many people worship the “god of rest” because they claim that the Lord’s Day is the only day that they can sleep late. Some worship their gods on Saturday night, and part of their worship is to become totally incapacitated or intoxicated. And some people worship the “god of apathy”. This god tells them why should they care about any god, because God doesn’t care for them. These people are the most mistaken of all.

Let’s look at some examples in scripture of individuals that we can ask the question; “As for you and your house, who will you choose to serve?”

In Luke 9:59-60 To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

This request may sound reasonable to a modern reader, but a traditional Jewish burial could last as long as a year. His father may not have even been dead yet. The father could have just been old, and the son was using his as an excuse for not going far from home. Was the disciple using his father as another “god” of procrastination? Only Jesus knew for sure, but we see that unlike Joshua, this disciple couldn’t make the declaration “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

And in Luke 9:61-62 "Yet another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

How many people, like the disciple, want to stay home with relatives rather than
serve the Lord? Or will forsake the assembly for visiting relatives from out of town,
instead of bringing them to the worship? They, just like this disciple will be unable to
say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

Once again Jesus is asked in Mat 19:16-22 And behold, a man came up to him,
saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The rich young ruler has his other god, his wealth. We know that this young man
could not say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.

And in Mat 20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who
went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? 'So the last will be first, and the first last."

How many will be like the laborers who complained about their wages? Do any of us
know any people that have that Holier than thou attitude? Are they not just like the
laborers who were unhappy with their wages? Was their god the god of self
righteousness? Could the laborers say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord”.


We have the blessed assurance in John 10:25-30 Jesus answered them, "I told you,
and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

We are also taught in Mat 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light."


But we, like Joshua, can say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Like
Joshua, we serve the one and only Living God, who “so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16 But, unlike Joshua, we know that on the cruel cross of Calvary, Christ paid the ultimate price for all man’s sins; past, present, and future. Unlike Joshua, we don’t have to depend on the blood of ox and goats to atone for our sins. Unlike Joshua, we don’t have to depend on a Levite priest to make our sacrifice for us, because the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ has made our sacrifice for us. We have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus that covers our sins and makes us acceptable in the sight of God.

We are told in Luke 21:15 by Jesus that “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

And in Hebrews 13:6-8, Paul writes “So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.


We have been given the Great commission in Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them,
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned”.

Let us always remember “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Amen!

Sermon-The Baptism of John, was it from God or men?

Back when I went to school; which was with Moses and the major Prophets if you ask my teenage children; I recall that the teacher told us that every good story asked and answered the “five w’s”; who, what, when, where, and why. Just like our good English teachers taught us in class, so Our Lord; the Master Teacher; also taught us in Scripture the same way. So let’s examine the following scripture and ask the “five w’s” of this example in Mark 11:30 ASV.
“The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men?”
To fully understand this question, we must first explore 1: who asked this question? 2: what did they ask? 3: when was the question asked? 4: where were they when they asked the question? And 5: why did they ask it? The first part of this picture is that this question was asked by Jesus Christ himself. As we learn in the text, Jesus had come again to Jerusalem after spending the night outside the city. As He walked in the temple (the where) He was approached by the chief priests and the scribes. Walking in the temple was not for exercise or recreation, but for teaching as the Peripatetic philosophers had given custom to. The cloisters or piazzas were fitted for just this activity. Many teachers taught while walking, and their disciples or students would follow them, listening and asking questions. Why then would Jesus ask the chief priests and scribes this question? They weren’t His students. They didn’t want to be His disciples. They wanted to discredit Jesus. This was His response to their attempts to challenge His authority. The previous day, Jesus had exercised His authority over His Father’s house and drove the money changers from the temple, as we are told in Mk 11:15-18.
“And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple. And he taught, and said unto them, is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers. And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him.”
The priests held the belief that if they could prove to the people that Jesus had no legal mission and was not duly ordained, that they could tell the people that they ought not to hear Him. They thought to trap and discredit Jesus in the text of Jer 23:32
“Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah”
So when Jesus returned to the temple the following day (Tuesday, the when), the chief priests and scribes asked Him
“By what authority doest thou these things? Or who gave thee this authority to do these things?” Mk 11:28
After they had asked Him this, Jesus as he often did, answered their question with a question of His own, as He knew what they had in their hearts and He knew they were only trying to trap Him in the law.
“And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mk 11:29.
We know that the learned men of the temple had not come to ask of Jesus’ wisdom, nor had they come to listen to Him with an open mind or attentive ears. No, they had come to trap Him, to point Him out as a blasphemous fraud, and not as the one and only Son of God and Messiah. So in His divine wisdom, Jesus asks them a question that He knows they will not or can not answer. Jesus knows that they cannot refuse to answer His question, because they are the self proclaimed experts on all things to do with Heaven and God. He asks them,
“The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.” Mk
11:30.
Regarding the baptism of John, we know that from Mat 3:1-11
And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight. Now John himself had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about the Jordan; and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
From this text we know as did Jesus, that John’s baptism came from heaven and not of man. Jesus Himself had needed to be baptized by John so that His example should be our standard of what is required of the repentant sinner. But as the chief priests and scribes realized, although too late, that they had been outwitted once again and backed into a corner.
“And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, from heaven; He will say, why then did ye not believe him?” Mk 11:31.
How could they now admit to believing in John and his ministry when all they had done was to try and discredit him at every turn? So they must not validate John’s works for fear of the Sanhedrin, but at the same time they also knew that if they could not proclaim that the baptism of John was not from heaven but from men for fear of rioting by John’s followers and others.
“But should we say, from men - they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.” Mk 11:32.
Once again Jesus gave the priests and scribes the opportunity to recognize His authority and His Deity, but as He knew, they could never recognize Him as the true one and only Son of the Living God. But instead what do the chief priests and scribes answer?
“And they answered Jesus and say, we know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” Mk 11:33
Christ came away from this exchange with honor, and was justified in not giving them an answer to demands of proof of His authority. They did not deserve to be told, because they sought not the truth, but to destroy. And Jesus did not need to tell them, for the works that He did, the miracles that He had preformed, and the lessons He had taught could only come from someone that was of God, and God was walking with Him and working through Him. In a matter of a few days, in His death, burial, and resurrection they shall know “by Who gave Him His authority”. For he will be declared to be the Son of God with power, and with His death, the sins of the whole world will be forgiven for then and all time forward. Jesus told us and His disciples in the Great Commission in Mat 28:18-20
And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
We have answered the “five w’s” of a good story. The “who” was Jesus. The "what" was a direct challenge on the authority of Jesus. The “when” was Tuesday, the day after He had cleansed His Father’s temple of the moneychangers; three days before His trial, torture, and crucifixion. The “where” was in Jerusalem itself. And the “why” was to show again the wisdom of Our Lord in dealing with the unbelievers. We are to return challenge and scorn with wisdom and knowledge.
As Our Lord told Thomas in John 20:29 “Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”.
We know from the scriptures that There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all Eph 4:4-6
Today we can say without any shadow of doubt that the baptism of John was of heaven, but the baptism given to us by Jesus Christ by His example is the one and only baptism today.
Mat 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him. And Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
We know that we must believe, confess, repent and be baptized (fully immersed as was Christ by John) and then and only then will we be added to the church as we are told in Acts 2:38, 47
“And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”…... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
May you be blessed richly from the study of His Holy Word. Amen.

My Prayer for My Ministry

1 Corinthians 9:1-18


Dear Father, who sees my heart,

Help me to follow the excellent example of the Apostle Paul.
Though he had a right to earn his livelihood from his preaching, he
didn't do so. He chose not to make full use of his rights in the
gospel and instead preached the message free of charge.

Grant that my service to you will not be motivated by monetary
gain or personal ambition. Whatever I do, let it be done out of
love for you, your Son, your Word and your holy people.

Help me never to put any obstacle in the way of the proclamation
of the Good News about Jesus Christ to all who need to hear.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Article-WWW and the Modern Christian

WWW and the Modern Christian by Doug Brackbill

Most all of us now know what the World Wide Web is, commonly known as the WWW. But most congregations whether or not they even have a computer in the building have WWW in their membership. It is the WWW of Christianity, the Watchers, Whiners, and Workers.
Let us examine these three groups. First we have the Watchers. They watch what others do, never participating or contributing. When asked, they rarely have an opinion. They never participate in Bible classes, fellowships, or other activities. They don’t complain, they don’t disagree, and they really don’t do much of anything. Watchers are like the church in Laodicea, which was told in Revelation 3: 15-16 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.”
Then we have the Whiners. We all know the Whiners, they always make sure of that. They are the first to criticize anything and everything. Usually they are also the fountain of misinformation and dissention in any group. It should be noted that a Watcher cannot be a Whiner, but a Whiner most usually is a Watcher. Whiners rarely are active in the work of the congregation, but are always ready to give an opinion or render criticism to their fellow members. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul,'' or "I am of Apollos,'' or "I am of Cephas,'' or "I am of Christ.'' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? We must have unity within our church families to further the Gospel and to grow our congregation. This is not the intent of the whiners.
And that brings us to the Workers. They smile at the Watchers and pray for the Whiners. But they go on working for the Kingdom. They are never too tired, too busy, or too overloaded to help. Do the Workers sometimes see the Watchers and Whiners and get discouraged? Sure they do, but then they think of who they are working for, the Great Master, and remember what He has told us " "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all."Mark 9:35. We are to have the heart of a servant to be like Christ. Remember next time you see someone in need, or an opprotunity to help someone that "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me...For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." Mark 9:37,41.

How to Grow a Spiritual Garden

Plant 7 rows of Peas (P's):
1. Prayer
2. Promptness
3. Patience
4. Preparation
5. Perseverance
6. Politeness
7. Purity

Plant 7 rows of Squash:
1. Squash Gossip
2. Squash Indifference
3. Squash Criticism
4. Squash Negative Thinking
5. Squash Envy
6. Squash Jealousy
7. Squash Hatred

Plant 7 rows of lettuce (Let us):
1. Let us be unselfish and loyal.
2. Let us be faithful to duty.
3. Let us search the Scriptures.
4. Let us not be weary in well doing.
5. Let us be obedient in all things.
6. Let us be truthful.
7. Let us love one another.

No garden is complete without turnips (Turn-ups):
1. Turn up with a Friendly Smile.
2. Turn up for Worship.
3. Turn up for Bible Study.
4. Turn up for Gospel Meeting.
5. Turn up with Determination to Do Your Best in His Service.
6. Turn up to Praise God and not man.
7. Turn up to receive the Holy Spirit and not to quench the Spirit.

AFTER PLANTING, may you:"Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18)Cultivate well -Keep Saturated with Love -Reap a Harvest of Peace, Joy, & Happiness

Adapted by Doug Brackbill from an Unknown Author

God Said No-author unknown

God Said No
I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. You must grow on your own! , but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Article-Are we a "Home Team" supporter?

Are we a “Home team” supporter?
By Doug Brackbill

Recently while out driving around town one day, I saw a young lady driving a later model pickup. That in itself is not that unusual in today’ society, but I do remember a time that would have been unique, but that is another story in itself. This young lady had placed the “fish” symbol on the back of her truck, had a “Won’t Heaven be Wonderful?” placard hanging from her rear view mirror, a “Jesus is Lord” license plate frame, and other various and assorted items on and in her truck. My first reaction was why? Why would anyone want to put all these items on their vehicle? Isn’t this bordering on tacky? But then another vehicle passed me (could it be I drive too slow to be passed so often?). This one has NASCAR related items on it for this person’s favorite drivers. How often have we seen high school, college, and professional sports team’s logos, bumper stickers, etc. on vehicles and never given it a second thought. Some in our own church family have these sports related items on their vehicles. But should we place “religious” items on our cars to identify ourselves as Christians? How many of us would view this as a “tacky” display not worthy of our Savior and Lord?
At one time I would have agreed. However, after thinking about this for some time, maybe our attitudes are incorrect. Shouldn’t we be as enthusiastic about our faith in God as we are in our support of our favorite sports team? It is not hard in a crowd of people to tell who they support. There are caps, t-shirts, jackets, car flags, bumper stickers and almost anything you can imagine with a logo on it. I even have heard cell phones with “Rocky Top” for a ring tone. Everywhere we look we see this.
Maybe it’s time we be as enthusiastic about being a Christian as we are being sports fans. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone saw a “fish” on the back of our car and asked what it meant? Or if our “Lads to Leaders” or “Summer Camp” t-shirt catches the eye of some curious young person, giving them reason to ask questions. Wouldn’t this be a method of “spreading the Gospel”? We all want everyone to know where we went to school or what school we support. Everyone thinks their school is the best. We know we serve the one and only true living God, the Creator of everything, and God over all. I know that our God is the best. And maybe…just maybe it’s time we let everyone know we are a “KING”S KID” and want everyone to know about Him and His love too.

Is a Rose Just A rose- My first published article for a few years back

Is a Rose Just a Rose?
By Doug Brackbill

I never cared very much for flowers, especially when they were growing in the ground. They were all right when they were cut and in a bouquet. It’s just that I never took an interest in growing them. I have always referred to them as “pretty weeds”.
But that has changed somewhat since my wife has become a part of my life. We have several rose bushes, a rose hedge, irises, impatiens, tea olives, and butterfly bushes. My wife has always become excited every spring when it comes time to begin working in her flower garden. I have to admit, I even spent several Saturdays mulching her rose hedge this year, even getting quite sunburned in the process. All through the last summers into the fall I enjoyed her beautiful roses blooming outside our front door. It does tend to lift my spirits and has given me a different perspective on flowers.
But one event almost ended my “gardening” this summer before it had even begun. While I was repairing some damage our dogs had done at the back of our home there was a rose bush that needed to be transplanted. So I found it a new home but unfortunately it died. There was no life in it. I took this as a sure sign that I would never be successful as a flower gardener. I had planned to pull up the dead plant but for some reason unknown at the time I didn’t. But there was little doubt in my mind that it was truly dead.
What a surprise I had in a couple of months! After I had returned from our N.C. mission trip Laura and I were picking the cherry tomatoes we had planted along the back of our house, we discovered something amazing. The “dead” rose bush was very much alive. It even survived our hot dry July. There was a beautiful rose growing from the “dead” plant.
While I was looking at this beautiful rose, I began to think of some spiritual principles that we can learn from this little rose. Consider the following:
1. Even those who are “dead in sins” and seem to have no spark of spiritual life can come alive and bloom. How many people have you seen who seem to have no interest in spiritual things suddenly come alive with a desire to serve God? We may pray for years for a family member or friend, encourage them to obey the Gospel, think that it is hopeless, and suddenly they respond to the truth.

2. Unfaithful Christians can be restored, even when it seems like there is little or no hope. Haven’t we all gone to an unfaithful brother or sister and begged, pleaded, and encouraged them to come back to the Lord? They use every excuse under the sun. Perhaps they have become discouraged; perhaps they have been caught up in some personal sin. They are dead spiritually. But then, for some unknown reason, they come to services one day, respond to the invitation, and rededicate their lives to the Lord.

3. Unfruitful Christians can start bearing fruit, even after long years of inactivity. We all have been become frustrated exhorting lukewarm Christians to get serious about their Christian living without any apparent results. Suddenly, one Sunday, brother/sister Lukewarm comes forward and starts being active in the Lord’s work. Let’s remember one very important truth. We are commanded to take the Gospel to the lost.
Mark 16: 15-16. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

We are commanded to teach/preach the truth to every person on earth. We are not commanded to baptize all! That responsibility is on the shoulders of the lost. While we can only encourage people to obey the Gospel, we are commanded to restore the erring Christian

James 5: 19-20. Brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

We do that by encouraging, pleading, warning, etc. But where does the responsibility of repentance lie? It lies with the erring child of God. Paul gives this principle in:
I Corinthians 3: 6. “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

God’s Word will either lead us to repentance or cause the sinner to rebel and go further into sin. It depends on the individual. Isaiah tells us, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). The Word will always have an effect on hearts. Sometimes sinners may seem callous on the outside but be struggling on the inside. It often takes years for a person to come to repentance, confession, and baptism. God’s Word still works

Let us never grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9) Let us plant the seed of the Word in the hearts of man. There will always be those who obey. Teach the truth, that a stubborn sinner may become a “beautiful rose”.

A View From the Pew week of 7/15/07

A View from the Pew
By Doug Brackbill

Is Christianity at the Hartsville Pike church of Christ a spectator sport? Many that view us in the community at one time may have thought so, until that fateful day a little over a year ago, that the forces of nature changed this community and the way that the Hartsville Pike congregation of the Lord’s Church is viewed by the people of Gallatin. This congregation “stepped up to the plate” as it had never done before. Just as Christ had compassion on the multitude (Matt 9:36, Mark 8:2), this body of Christ had compassion on the people of this community. Never have so many worked together for such a common good. Great works were done in His name and He receives all the glory as it should be. But now is where the challenge lies.
Too often after such a natural disaster as the tornado, or a great hurricane, flood or earthquake; once the initial shock has worn off and the news crews have went away, the victims are often forgotten. We had the opportunity to minister to many in this community in their hour of physical need, and we have seen many that were helped come and visit us. But we must now put our Christianity to work. It is time to stop studying the Bible and start applying it in our community. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matt 9:37) “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, `One sows, and another reaps. I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." (John 4:35-38) Doyle has asked us to prepare for revival. Let us all make our evangelistic work a top priority in this revival. Remember, as Paul did in the letter to Corinth “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” (1 Cor 3:6).

A View from the Pew week of 7/22/07

A View from the Pew
By Doug Brackbill
A not too old saying regarding education was to remember the “3 R’s”, Reading, (w) Riting, and (a) Rithmetic. We as children used to add Recess as our 4th “R”, much to the chagrin of our teachers and parents. But do you know there are 3 “E’s” of worship? They are Exalt, Exhort and Educate, and Encourage. Yes I know that is 4 “E’s”, I slept through arithmetic.
The first “E” is to Exalt. We are told to “Sing to the LORD, for He is exalted” in Exodus 15:21. And in Psalms 57:5 “Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let Your glory be above all the earth.”
The second “E’s” are to Exhort and Educate. Paul instructs Timothy to “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation and teaching” 1 Tim 4:13. And also in 2 Tim 4:2, “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction”.
And our third “E” is Encourage. Paul writing to the church in Thessalonica told them “Therefore encourage one another; build up one another, just as you are doing. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thes 5:11, 14. “ But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today’, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” Heb 3:13.
Unfortunately, some individuals want to add another “E” to the three. Just as children, we added Recess to the “3 R’s”; they want to add Entertainment into the 3 “E’s “of worship. Paul warned Timothy of this in 2 Tim 4; 3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” Be warned, that those times are here. We hear of and see various forms of this creeping closer and closer to the Lord’s Church each and every day. Praise teams, instrumental music, elimination of the preaching, door prizes, and the like are occurring all around us. People want to be entertained and not to WOSHIP the Lord. Let us stand firm on our sound doctrine, and worship the Lord in spirit and truth. And that’s my view from the pew.