Third, the Bible clearly teaches that the church and the kingdom are one in the same, and that both were in existence in the first century. Jesus Himself taught the oneness of the church and the kingdom when He said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, SPM) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18, 19). Peter used the keys to the kingdom on the day of Pentecost when he taught the terms of entrance into the church of our Lord (Acts 2; see vs.38). The many references to the church in the New Testament leave no doubt that the church came into existence during the first century. This is a fact almost universally accepted. However, those who hold to the view of premillennialism deny that the kingdom was established in the first century, that it will be established at the coming of Christ. Again, the doctrines of men find their death at the hands of God’s word. Jesus stated that “there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). If the kingdom is not yet in existence, then there are disciples of the Lord some 2000 years old still living upon the earth. But this is not so, for they saw the kingdom when he wrote, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Note that Paul said we have been translated (moved from one place to another; in this case, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ), not that we will be translated. If as children of God we are not yet in the kingdom of Christ, then we have not yet been delivered from the power of darkness. Yet the blood of Christ is able to free us from the shackles of sin, and bring us out of the darkness into his marvelous light (2 Peter 2:9). The apostle John declared that he is “your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom (emphasis mine, SPM) and patience of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). How could John be in the kingdom if the kingdom does not yet exist? He was in the kingdom because he had obeyed the commands of the Lord and was a member of the church, the body of Christ. To be in the kingdom is to be in the church, to be in the church is to be in the kingdom. They are one in the same.

The church as a kingdom has a law, a lawgiver, citizens, requirements for becoming a citizen, and requirements for maintaining citizenship, just as any kingdom does. The lawgiver for the kingdom of Christ, the church of Christ, is the King of Kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:15). He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, we submit to Him as our King and lawgiver. The law of Christ is perfect (James 1:25). Unlike the laws of men, the law of Christ has no flaws, no loopholes. The kingdom of our Lord is composed of those who have rendered obedience to His law, by believing in Jesus as the Son of God (John 8:24), repenting of one’s sins (Luke 13:3), confessing Christ (Matthew 10: 32,33), and being baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). These are the terms of entrance into the kingdom of Christ, the church. Upon complying with His law, one is added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47), becoming a citizen of His kingdom. Faithful obedience to the law of the Lord maintains our citizenship in the glorious kingdom of His dear Son. What a great privilege it is to be a member of the Lord’s church, the kingdom of Him who gave His life for us!

-Patrick Morrison

The vast majority of “Christian” denominations teach that the church and the kingdom of God are two completely separate and distinct institutions. The damnable doctrine of premillennialism is at the heart of the attempt to draw lines of distinction between the church and the kingdom. In a nutshell, those who advocate premillennialism teach that Jesus the Messiah came to earth in order to establish an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. However, the Jews rejected him and his ideals, and put Him to death upon the cross, thwarting the attempt of the Godhead to establish this terrestrial Messianic kingdom. In place of this earthly kingdom, Christ then set up the church to act as a stand-in for the kingdom until such time as he can return and try the second time, albeit successfully on this attempt, to establish his earthly kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem. There are a number of problems with this devilish, yet extremely popular, teaching.

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The Bible teaches that godliness is profitable unto all things, both in this life and the life to come (I Timothy 4:8). While many things in this life have intrinsic value, and some have earned value, nothing except that which is of Divine origin can be said to be profitable unto all things. The way one regards God will determine the way in which he regards his own life, his own soul, and the lives and souls of those round about. We must all answer the question, “What think ye of Christ” [and the Father, and the Holy Spirit, PM] (Matthew 22:42)? The child of God seeks to live a godly life (a life shaped by one’s view of God, and his subsequent relationship with Him) upon this earth, thereby enjoying the blessings of this life, while ever looking toward the life to come. As Christians, we need to pray for our civil leaders so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives “in all godliness and honesty” (I Timothy 2:2). God’s word directs us as to how we may live godly lives, for His grace teaches us that “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). The precious will of God gives guidance to our lives (Psalm 119:105) so that in our day to day walk among men and before Him we may be found “blameless, harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke” (Philippians 2:15). God revealed the truth unto men, that we may grow ever closer to Him by seeking, knowing, and following His will [truth which is after, or toward, godliness] (Titus 1:1). It is by means of the word of God that man is provided with the knowledge necessary to live as God would have him to live (2 Peter 1:3)

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Godliness is one of the Christian graces about which Peter instructs Christians to grow and mature (2 Peter 1:5-11). It is one of the qualities of Christian living which should epitomize the child of God. These qualities or characteristics are built upon one another such that one cannot proceed to the next until he has in a sense mastered the preceding quality. This is not to say that one will perfect these qualities in his life, for diligence and vigilance are required on our part to ensure that we do not regress or become stagnant in these holy virtues. For instance, one will never have a perfect knowledge of the word of God, for the pursuit of such is a lifelong endeavor. However, one cannot truly grow in temperance without proper knowledge of the word of God. Self-control is built upon the foundation of Biblical knowledge.
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Someone once remarked, “As goes the home, so goes the nation.” It could just as easily be said that, “As goes the home, so goes the church.” The greatest influence upon society is not the church per se, but those homes which have at their very heart Christ. His word, and His church. After all, the church of Christ is the one and only religious institution on the face of the earth that exists and operates with God’s approval. The home is the pulse of the church. Homes into which Christ has been invited and is allowed to reign bolster the influence of the Lord’s church upon society. Many times godly homes have more influence for good than even the greatest of sermons. On the other hand, those homes which refuse the headship of Christ within their daily lives do irreparable damage to the influence the church has on society. Hypocritical homes do far more harm to the cause of Christ than the most fervent of false teachers ever will. In our nation we hear a great deal about the separation of church and state. Our greatest problem, however, is the separation of church and home.

Can the spiritual wounds of our great land be healed? Is it possible for America to get back on course before we lose Divine favor? It can be done. It is possible, but not without many great changes. One great change that must take place within the home is the realization and recognition of God’s law concerning marriage-one man and one woman for life (Matthew 19:5,6). God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), and those who seek Him first should also hate divorce. Our society tells men and women that they may divorce and remarry for any reason they desire. God says that man may divorce and remarry because of fornication (Matthew 19:9), and then only can the innocent remarry. Any other excuse concocted by man by which he leaves his union with one and enters into “marriage” with another is labeled by God as fornication, adultery, SIN! Is it any wonder that this nation is going to pot when one out of every two homes is broken asunder by divorce and infidelity? Broken homes lead to a broken nation, and our nation is in shambles as a result.

Man’s desire for material things is another termite eating away at the foundation of the home and society. In man’s attempts to “keep up with the Joneses,” every waking minute is spent trying to earn money. The wife goes to work in order for the family to enjoy the “finer things.” Both work sixteen -hour days, and the children are left at home to be raised by Hollywood and Sega. Children grow up without the parental supervision they need and want, and many come to resent their parents as a result. Even when mom and dad are not “working,” they are busy on the computer, the fax machine, cell phone, etc., trying to get all their work done that they have brought home with them. And in the midst of all this fanfare, there is no time for God. The schedules are entirely too busy to find time for religion. Despite all the happiness that is supposed to come with this lifestyle, no one is happy, and many homes are destroyed in this futile effort to find happiness in material possessions. God’s way is so simple. Put Him first and you will find happiness in (Matthew 6:33). Give to God, and He will bless you beyond measure (Malachi 3:10). Give to your fellow man, and it will be returned unto you (Luke 6:38).

The home is designed to be a foretaste of heaven. Sadly, for far too many in this nation, heaven would be the last word used to describe their homes. Too many homes have forsaken and forgotten Almighty God, and for this grave sin, our nation is drowning in the cesspool of sin. America’s flame has not yet gone out, but it is flickering. We can ignite the torch of godliness and goodness in this land for the whole world to see if we will all decide to enthrone Christ within our hearts and within our homes. May homes all across this great nation unite their voices and proclaim, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

What a glorious blessing it is to live in this wonderful nation! Not a Sunday goes by that I do not hear an expression of gratitude offered to the Almighty for allowing us to live in this great land. We are fortunate and blessed beyond measure to have been granted the privilege to live in the greatest nation in the world-the United States of America. How many times have we stopped to consider what makes this nation so great? Is it our economic policies, which have given us such a robust economy that makes America so great? Is it our military might, which makes nations around the world fearful of armed conflict with the United States that have made this nation so grand? Is it our educational system, which seeks to ensure that all children have equal opportunities to gain an education that has pushed the United States head and shoulders above every other country upon the face of the earth? The answer to the questions above is a resounding NO! Though many in this nation consider the policies and programs above as the reasons for the continued success of the U.S. as a nation, the masses could not be further from the truth. This nation has been the greatest nation in the world from its inception, and continues in that capacity to this day, because it was founded by god-fearing men upon godly principles, and her subjects were loyal to their foundation.

Unfortunately, this nation has forgotten from whence she came, and cares little or nothing for where she is going. The United States of America is in a downward spiral, not because of her economical policies, or military stance, or her educational platforms. America is falling from her pedestal of greatness to the pit of degradation and despair because we as a nation have embraced sin and forgotten God. The sage admonition of the wise king Solomon has far too long gone unheeded: “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Oh how this needs to be proclaimed from every hill and mountaintop in this country! America has for decade upon decade enjoyed the favor of the Supreme Ruler of the universe because the families which composed her living according to Divine precept. The favor of God will be completely lost if the homes within this land continue to embrace sin and forsake the Savior.

What does the home mean to the nation? The answer is simple; everything. The very essence of a nation is found in the home of its citizens. The problems which are now so evident in our society-drugs, alcohol, immorality, lack of respect for authority, unwillingness to accept responsibility-are merely reflections of what has been occurring, or what has been overlooked, more and more frequently in our homes. It cannot be denied that society, for the most part, has turned into a pleasureseeking, hedonistic, culture, far removed from her moorings in righteous living. Those within the Lord’s church have witnessed an alarming trend within the church toward the same pleasure-seeking, hedonistic lifestyle. Is society to blame for the change within the Lord’s church, or is the church to blame for her failure to bring society back to its original foundation? Where there is blame that could be leveled against both society and the church, the greatest blame rests upon the home.

A Life Less Ordinary, Learn How Moses Became Extraordinary!

CLASSES FOR ALL AGES: CRADLE ROLL THRU ADULTS

Monday: A Babe In A Basket
Tuesday: 10 Chances For A Change
Wednesday: Crossing A Sea
Thursday: Climbing A Mountain

Photos From VBS 2010

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Could it be that we too see strange things when we read about the miracles and study the message of Christ? It could be that these seem strange to us because we do not spend time studying the word of God as we should. A lack of knowledge of God’s revealed will is a serious plague in our land. So many are following their own way in matters religious instead of allowing God to direct their paths through His word (Jeremiah 10:23). Far too many are enslaved to sin because they have not been set free by the word of God (John 8:24). The gospel message, the good news about salvation, is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16). Therefore, men must hear and study this message if they will come to have a faith that will lead them to the Lord (Romans 10:13-17). By studying and obeying this message one’s soul will be made pure (1 Peter 1:22). The good news stored up in our hearts will keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). One who will be truly happy is the person who will meditate upon the word of God day and night (Psalm 1:2). In our land there is a famine of the word of God (Amos 8:11), not because God has taken His word from us, but because so many are unwilling to read and study it. This problem is not limited to those who are amoral, or those who are not religious. Spiritual ignorance, unfortunately, is a great problem even among God’s own people. A lack of knowledge of the word of God led to the downfall of Israel (Hosea 4:6), and it is doing the same to spiritual Israel (the church, Galatians 6:16) today. Too many Christians fit the description given by God through Jeremiah: “My people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge” (Jeremiah 4:22). Indeed, the teachings and actions of Christ are strange to so many because of ignorance of God’s word.

It could be that the teachings of Christ seem so strange because they do not fit our own preconceived ideas. It is detrimental to the well-being of our souls to approach the Bible with the idea that we are going to prove what we think is right, and reject anything that would conflict with our thinking. How many come to the Bible with the idea that faith only saves, picking and choosing passages that they feel supports this premise, while rejecting any that would contradict their idea (such as James 2:24)? How many are influenced to believe that denominationalism is divinely sanctioned, or at least tolerated by God, and will refuse to see that there is only one church that enjoys divine authorization (Ephesians 4:4), the one and only one church that Christ will save (Ephesians 5:23)? When one approaches the Scriptures in this way, he exhibits an attitude identical to that of the religious leaders of Christ’s day. His teachings did not fit their thinking, so they simply dismissed him with the wave of a hand. Jesus condemned the self-righteous religious leaders for this attitude (John 5:37- 40). In order to be pleasing to God, we must approach a study of the Bible with the attitude that whatever it says, that we will do. We must allow our lives to be shaped by the word of God rather than trying to make the word of God conform to our thinking. To many, the teachings of Christ are strange because they conflict with strongly held opinions which many are unwilling to give up.

Are the teachings and deeds of Christ strange to you? Is it because the word of God is unfamiliar to you due to a lack of study? Is it strange to you because it does not fit your preconceived notions? Resolve now to remedy this problem by studying the word of God fervently. Approach this study with the attitude that you will follow the will of God without reservation and without pretense. To do so will lead to the salvation of your soul, and eternal bliss in the life to come.

-Patrick Morrison

Add to this the foolishness of so desiring material benefit that one would resort to unethical, unprincipled, and ungodly measures for a few dollars more: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death” (Proverbs 11:4). “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch” (Proverbs 11:28). Paul warned about the foolish pursuit of material goods when he wrote, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out…But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:7, 9-10, 17). The ill- gotten gain of the dishonest will bring him no advantage in the Day of Judgment, but will only bring misery and regret for eternity.

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It is likely that we have all experienced the dilemmas that are associated with lying. Life oftentimes brings us face to face with uncomfortable situations and difficult decisions. Perhaps you must explain why you did or did not do a certain thing. Maybe a friend asks for your honest opinion about this or that, and you would rather spare his/her feelings rather than say how you really feel. Rest assured, the Devil will see to it that lying will be the easy way out of any situation. Dishonesty is a constant temptation. Businesses are pressured to cut corners in order to compete for customers. False advertising, less-than- accurate weights and measures, and many other unethical, ungodly practices are employed regularly in business transactions on a daily basis, all under the guise of “competitive advantages.” No matter what form it may take, lying has a way of creating quandaries from which dishonesty had promised (albeit falsely) to keep us in the first place. A lie told generally requires another lie to be told in order to cover the first falsehood, a third to cover the second, and on and on it must continue, to the point that the web of lies soon entangles the perpetrator. By experience the overwhelming majority of us have learned that honesty is the best policy. Though the initial fallout from telling the truth may be unpleasant or difficult to face, it is always the better course of action, in addition to being that which pleases God.

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WORRY SHOWS A LACK OF TRUST IN GOD’S PROMISES

Fretfulness in the life of a Christian is the product of a lack of conviction about the faithfulness and willingness of God to keep His promises. God knows our every need—”For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matt.6:32). He has promised to provide those things that we need if we are willing to put Him above all else. The promise of God still holds true: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt.6:33). First indicates priority. If God’s righteousness and His kingdom are not the most important things in our lives, then we have much about which to be worried! But if we are willing to enthrone God in our hearts, and place no other before Him, then we have every assurance that He will take care of our needs! God’s promises never fail, for He cannot and does not lie (Titus 1:2). Let us have the faith of Abraham, who believed the promise of God concerning Isaac, even when the fulfillment of such was outside of the realm of human possibility: “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Rom.4:21). May we, like Paul, say, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (1 Tim.1:12). The hymn writer understood the futility of worry and the needless burden it brings when he wrote, “Oh what peace we often forfeit; oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” We can have confidence in the promises of God. Such conviction will alleviate worry and anxiety which plagues the lives of so many.

WORRY BORROWS FROM AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Today brings with it enough troubles and trials with which we must deal. Worry often causes us to reach into the future and attempt to bring its problems to bear on today. Listen to the words of our Savior: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt.6:34). Who in his right mind would want to add more problems to his life by seeking a loan from the problems of tomorrow? Yet, this is precisely what so many of us do when we worry. The sad reality is that we worry most often about things that will never happen! If we can learn to deal with and act upon those things that are within our control, and turn over to God those things we can do nothing about, then we will find it unnecessary to continually borrow from the bank of tomorrow’s troubles. The Christian understands that he must prepare for what lies ahead. We must make adequate provision for ourselves and our families for the future (Prov.6:6-11). We must be ready to stand before the Lord in the Judgment (2 Cor.5:10). These are deposits against the future, not withdrawals. While we must prepare for what lies ahead, we must also realize that we live one day at a time. We know not what the future holds (Prov.27:1), but we know Him who holds the future! We must render our best in service to the Lord today, while it is called today (Heb.3:13; John 9:4). We must put our all into the work of the Lord, fully trusting in God to bless and provide us with those things that we need. You likely have heard or seen that illustration of today being a bank of blessings to use. Each day God deposits into our account 86,400 seconds that we can use in any way we see fit. At the end of the day, all unused time is lost, and the next day the process begins all over again. We must use the time that we have right now, for we have never been promised another day (James 4:13- 14). Don’t borrow from tomorrow, and allow worry to rob you of the joy that could be yours right now!

We are the crowning jewel of God’s creation. As God surveyed all that He had made, He saw that it was good (Gen.1:25). Only after creating man did God saw that it was very good (Gen.1:31). Knowing then that we are the apex of God’s created order, and knowing that God provides freely for His lesser creatures, we can have every confidence that God will care for us! For the faithful Christian, the promises of God are even more abundant. “Be not dismayed, what-e’re betide, God will take care of you.”

-Patrick Morrison

It is often the case that mankind is a worrisome creature. As part of God’s marvelous creation, we are the only beings who fret and express anxiety and worry. We worry about our health. We worry about our finances. We worry about the weather. We worry about what the neighbor next door is going to do with his property. We worry about everything imaginable. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deals with the subject of worry (Matt.6:25-24). As he is teaching his followers about the futility of undue anxiety, he turns our attention to the birds of the air and the grass of the field: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:26, 28-29). The futility of worry is clearly spelled out in these words of our Savior.

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UTTER DESPAIR

Hell will be a place of absolute hopelessness. There will be no calendar in hell so that man may mark off the time until his punishment is over. One can often endure almost unbearable pain with a glimmer of hope that it will cease. Even those sentenced to life in prison know that their sentence will ultimately come to an end. Not so with the sentence of eternal condemnation. Each passing day (I use this term accommodatively) will find those in hell with no less days to suffer. Take note also that hell is often described as a place of “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). Most of us have experienced darkness to some degree. It is a rather dismal feeling when one is unable to see. However, very few know what absolute darkness is like. It is a darkness so daunting that it is almost as if you can “feel” it. Hell will be void of any light whatsoever. This absence of light makes even the place of eternal fire a cold place, uninviting, utterly despairing. “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night” (Revelation 14:11). The hopelessness of hell should cause us to want to avoid it at all costs. The torment never ends; the darkness never gives way to light; the opportunities are no more. There is no hope!!! What absolute and utter despair!

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A study of the Psalms is a wonderful, fulfilling endeavor. So many verities are revealed in this collection of writings. Numerous are the emotions detailed by these children of God as they pour out their hearts upon the pages of Holy Writ. It seems a daunting task to explore these one hundred and fifty writings which comprise the book we call Psalms. It seems even more difficult because of the number of different ideas that are explored within this book. Perhaps we find it to be an arduous undertaking because we attempt to study the Psalms in the same manner as we do other books of the Bible. With other books, we attempt to find the pervasive theme of the entire contents, and then study each passage in light of that theme. Each of the psalms, however, must be studied individually, in light of the circumstance of their writings, their authors, etc., while at the same time they should be studied as a collective whole. The first psalm provides us with a number of themes that are prevalent throughout the entirety of the Psalms, thereby giving us a good foundation upon which to build our study of the other psalms. Let us explore these themes as they help us lay the groundwork for further study in the Psalms.

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Sin is deceptive. It guarantees pleasure, popularity, and myriads of other benefits and blessings, but it fails to deliver what it has promised. Man has always struggled, and will continue to struggle, with the false advertising of iniquity. It would likely be deterrent enough if man could see the immediate consequences of his giving in to temptation. Sin in many instances initially costs man his health, his wealth, his family, his friends, his reputation, his livelihood, and so many more devastating effects that have not been listed. If man would wake up and see what sin may cost him right now, he would be less likely to engage in it. But alas, many escape these initial consequences of sin, and think that no penalty remains for their transgressions. Having been spared the aftermath of sin, myriads believe that they will “not have to pay the piper.” As tragic as the immediate cost of sin can be, and often times is, the eternal consequences of sin are far, far worse. If only the world would realize that unforgiven sin carries with it everlasting penalties, men would be less apt to succumb to temptation. Oh, the bitter fate that awaits all who refuse to turn from their sins! The Bible paints a very bleak picture of the future of those who repudiate God’s will. Those who carry their sins to the judgment will learn the horrible, but all too real, cost of the refusal to repent and obey God. What are the eternal consequences for those whose sins are not covered by the blood of Christ?

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CONVICTION BUCKS COMPROMISE

How easy do you suppose it would have been for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to have given into Nebuchadnezzar and bowed down to worship his image? After all, they were young, they were far away from home, far away from the eyes of those who knew them and who would disapprove of their actions. Who would expect young men who had been torn away from their homes and thrust into the midst of such a wicked, idolatrous people to stand up and stand out for what was right? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not concerned with what others expected of them; they were only concerned with what God expected of them. They could be taken from the city of God, and they could have their names changed in order to remove the thought of God from them, but these three Hebrew youths would not allow their convictions to be taken from them, or compromised in any way! When our faith is put to the test, the Devil will make sure that opportunities to compromise our convictions will be placed conveniently before us. Will we attend all assemblies of the church faithfully when on vacation, even when those we know are nowhere around? Will we be tempted to compromise our modesty and dress like the world when among the worldly? Will we find it convenient to tell dirty jokes and curse when we are around those who do such at work? Remember, it is far easier to give in than to stand in! Compromise is a sign of cowardice, and cowardice in regard to standing for the truth will cost us our souls (Revelation 21:8)! When we are truly convicted concerning God’s word, we will be the same no matter where we are or who we are with.

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Likely one of your favorite stories from the Bible that you remember from the time of your youth is the account of the three Hebrew youths Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3). Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later given the Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) were taken captive to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (606 B.C.). With the threat of being burned alive in a fiery furnace looming over them, these three young men refused to give in to the king’s command to bow down and worship a ninety-foot tall image of his likeness. With the fierceness of his anger kindled, Nebuchadnezzar commanded the furnace to be heated to seven times its original temperature so that these rebels might suffer for their stubbornness. The response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the midst of such a trial provides us with a great lesson about taking courage in spite of the heat. Here were three young men who stood firm upon their convictions, and would not be persuaded otherwise! What can we learn from them about conviction, compromise, courage, and character?

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Donald Trump is well known for his entrepreneurial prowess. It seems that everything he touches becomes a money-maker. Among his endeavors was a very popular television reality show called “The Apprentice.” In his show, Mr. Trump would select a group of individuals, and pare them down through various tasks and challenges to the point that he had only one of the original group left. This one would then become Mr. Trump’s apprentice. In the course of booting people from his show, Donald Trump became known for a hearty “You’re Fired!”
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Worldliness has a way of creeping up on us, infiltrating our homes, communities and congregations before we are aware of its sway over us. The onslaught of worldliness demands that we remain vigilant and understanding of its covert operations, and that we persevere against its never-ending attacks. Our society has grown to embrace tolerance and acceptance as signs of progress, no matter what is being tolerated and accepted, and, sadly, many in the church have adopted similar views. Many ungodly activities and practices once staunchly opposed by members of the Lord’s church are now permitted and even encouraged. As the body of Christ, we are in the world that we might be a preserving influence for godliness and righteousness (Matthew 5:13-16), but we have allowed the world into the church, and for that we are paying a very dear price. Fewer seem to stand against social drinking, fornication, pornography, gambling, dancing, and such like. Sermons used to be preached, and articles written, concerning the dangers of these immoral and ungodly activities. In an effort to garner the favor of the world, many have left off opposing anything in which the world delights. Sadly, those who do so do not realize that they are forfeiting friendship with God (James 4:4). Are we being prudish when we refuse to give in to the demands of the world, and even some of our brethren, that we lighten up on issues of morality? Are we simply behind the times when we insist that brethren hold the line regarding these things? I submit to you that we are neither prudish or behind the times in regard to these matters; rather, we are standing upon God’s word as our guide in all matters, religious, ethical, and moral!
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One of the greatest privileges that we enjoy in a democratic nation is the opportunity to elect officials who will govern us. Not only is it a great privilege to vote, but it is also a grave responsibility which all of us should take very seriously. The power to change the course of this nation has been placed within the hands of every individual of legal voting age.

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Second, to overcome the temptation to spread gossip we need to realize that “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36). When we stand before God in the judgment day, the words we have spoken will either justify us, or condemn us (vs.37). Gossip is nothing more than idle chatter, mindless drivel. While gossip serves no good purpose in the kingdom of God’s dear Son, it is one of Satan’s most effective, and most preferred, tools. Often idle words are a result of idle workers in the Lord’s vineyard. Many who would attempt to sully the reputation of another do so because they have nothing better to do. As the old saying goes, “Idle hands [and minds] are the Devil’s workshop.” Hands that should be busy gathering sheaves for the Lord are too busy prying into the business of others. “And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13). If we are busy working for the Lord (as we should be), we will have no time for idle chatter.

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As children we all heard the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This saying was untrue then, and it continues to be untrue even as we have matured beyond childhood. Words do hurt, and often they hurt very, very deeply. Some of the most lasting wounds we experience have resulted from the stinging criticism of our enemies, the slanderous words of one we considered a friend, or words expressing disappointment from someone we love dearly. Sins involving the tongue are some of the most divisive and despicable transgressions to be found in Scripture. The catalogue of sins of the tongue is quite lengthy, including blasphemy, slander, backbiting, lying, bearing false witness, cursing, and gossip.
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THE CHURCH IS NOT STRENGTHENED

A residual benefit of Christians exercising their abilities to glorify God is that brethren are encouraged, and the church is strengthened as a result. Each Christian is vital to the functioning of the body: “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Corinthians 12:27). No one comes to the kingdom of God with the same combination of talents that you possess, nor does anyone possess those talents in the same measure as you do. This makes every person essential to the work of the church. None can claim that he or she is unimportant in the cause of our Lord (1 Corinthians 12:15-16). God has placed each obedient believer in the body for a purpose: “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Corinthians 1:18). When we fail to utilize our abilities for the glory of God, we also fail to fulfill our responsibilities in the body of Christ. Notice the emphasis on the proper working of every part of the body in Ephesians 4:16: “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (emphasis mine, PM). When every member puts to use his talents in service to God, then the church is built up and strengthened.
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Our God is a benevolent, merciful, and giving God. He has blessed us with an innumerable host of blessings and benefits. The Almighty allows the rain to fall and the sun to shine upon us (Matthew 5:44-45). He is the provider of our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). The psalmist reminds us that it is “the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). God is so good to us, in that He so often gives us more than the simple necessities of life. Though we should certainly be grateful for the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the roof over our head, the food we eat, etc., God gives and does more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Those who are blessed to live in this country enjoy a standard of living that the majority of the world can only dream about. It may be that we are often guilty of confining God’s blessings and goodness to material possessions only. Oh what joy and happiness we miss out on when we fail to see all of the many ways in which God showers His goodness and love upon us. Consider yourself blessed indeed if you possess a good measure of health that allows you to work and earn a living for your family. If you are surrounded by a loving family and a host of close friends, then you are blessed. How often do we remember to offer thanksgiving and praise to God for the various talents and abilities that He has granted unto each of us? We have differing levels of abilities in unique combinations and measures that make every person valuable in the Lord’s service. It is our responsibility to exercise faithful stewardship in regard to God’s manifold benefits that we are privileged to hold for a time (1 Corinthians 4:2). Being a steward necessarily implies that we will give answer to our Benefactor as to how we have used, or misused, His provisions. We must be careful that we not neglect the talents and abilities that God has entrusted to us. There are some serious consequences with which to deal if we fail to use what God has given us as He has directed us to do in His word. What results when we neglect our God-given abilities? Read More »

The idea of speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent is a rather outmoded concept to many who hold feelings and opinions in equal or higher regard than Scripture. It is a highly esteemed and noble ideal to those who value the precious authority of the word of God. Does the motto, “Speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent” have any clout, or is it merely the product of human derivation? It boils down to a matter of authority and our perspective toward such. Are the Scriptures the only source of authority for what we say and do religiously? Is the word of God just another authority among many (oral tradition, human experience, etc.)? Or is the Bible merely (as some among us claim) a collection of “love letters” which God never intended for us to use as a blueprint or a source from which to seek out Divine authority? Read More »