September 2005

According to a news report from Fox News online, there are two new “faith based” cheerleading camps; one has opened up in Georgia, and the other in North Carolina. The purpose of these camps is to teach cheerleaders from “Christian schools” to “mix religious messages with cheerleading.” The report states, “They tell campers that cheering is a God-given talent that can spread Christian lessons.” John Blake, one of the event coordinators, says: “We think it can even be an act of worship.”

This report is representative of the confusion that still exists in our world with respect to the nature of worship, what constitutes worship, and how God reveals He is to be worshiped during this final age of human life on earth.

We are worshipful creatures. Human kind will worship someone or something. It is simply part and parcel of our nature, and none can make a conscious decision to say in effect, “I will not worship.” Historically, some have worshipped the sun or other celestial objects, a tree, rock, angel, man, a “Saint,” a cow, departed ancestors, God, himself/herself, money, etc.

However, God is to be the sole object of man’s worship (Exodus 20:3-5; John 4:23-24). You and I are to worship the Creator rather than any creature that God has made (Romans 1:24-25). The angel of the Lord recognized the impropriety of John's attempt to worship the angel (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9). The Apostle Peter recognized he must not be elevated by any man to such a level as to be worshiped (Acts 10:25-26). He flatly told Cornelius, “Stand up; I myself also am a man” (10:26).

When you and I come to know the glorious nature of the Creator of heaven and earth, we will understand that God is so worthy of our worship. We are able to discern the Creator's glorious nature by an observation of His magnificent creation, and by intently looking into the revelation He has given of Himself in Holy Scripture. Through the prophet Isaiah, we are reminded that God's thoughts and ways are superior to ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). As wonderfully fashioned as you and I are by the Master’s hand (Psalm 139:14), there is no feature we possess that can even begin to rise to the level of our God. God is all-knowing and all-powerful; He is not bound by time and space. With respect to His character, He is infinitely holy.

God is not to be worshiped to fill some supposed need on His part. Rather, He is the one who fills our needs “seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25; 14:17). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). God is still God, and He is not left deficient in any respect even if should all humanity turn their back and refuse to worship Him.

Jesus has taught us to be true worshippers of God (John 4:23-24). There is a spiritual need that is inherent within us. Although we reside in this tabernacle of clay, there is within each of us a spiritual component. God has made us in such a way that we can have association and a connection with Him, spiritually. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Anything men may choose to use to help us “get through” to make that spiritual connection that appeals to one's fleshly senses is a detriment rather than an aid in worship. That is why images and such were forbidden by God in the old law (Exodus 20:3-5).

Some today (unfortunately) think in terms that worship is only an “emotion” or attitude. Certainly one’s attitude or emotion is involved, but by itself does not constitute worship. Wayne Jackson writes:

“Basically, worship involves a deep sense of religious awe that expresses itself in ritualistic acts of devotion and service. Those acts of devotion that Christians are called upon to use in worship upon the first day of the week are revealed by our Creator as: (1) singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs as we make melody in our heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); (2) prayer (Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17); (3) the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7); (4) giving of our money (1 Corinthians 16:2); (5) preaching the Word of God (Acts 2:42; 20:7). These are the only acts of worship that God has authorized and commanded for Christians to employ through precept and example.”

The motive for our worship that we render to God is love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). When we genuinely love God (with every fiber of our being) and His chosen people, the church, we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:24-25). Like David, we will rejoice for the opportunity to be spiritually strengthened through true worship (Psalm 122:1). When we come together to worship our heavenly Father upon the first day of the week, we should love God to the extent we are motivated to give Him the very best we have to offer. May our hearts be “in tune” with God during the week so we may come before him acceptably on the Lord’s Day.

Sadly, there are those who are content to be distant with God presently, thinking that somehow God is going to put them “on the front row” in heaven. While we are in part, flesh, God is able to see through us as a window, and He knows the thoughts and intents of our heart. Draw near to God today; He knows and is able to fill all your needs (Philippians 4:19).

Tim Childs, the evangelist for the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Baldwyn, Mississippi, may be reached at Timchilds258@aol.com.

The Church Needs to Watch

David W. Hester

The word watch carries with it several meanings. One is, “to be or keep awake.” Another suggests, “to keep guard.” An additional definition says, “to be on the lookout.” When one applies such meanings to the Lord’s church, he sees the significance of the word itself.

God wants His church to be awake, always on guard against evils that might creep in to hinder its progress and destroy the peace and harmony for which Jesus prayed. In addition, the church must look ahead for danger signals in order to steer clear of the snares of Satan.

The New Testament is replete with passages suggesting that it is important for Christians to watch. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptations.” In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul told Timothy, “Watch thou in all things. . .” Then, in Revelation 16:15, it says, “Behold, I come as a thief, blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” What are we to watch? There are many things that bear watching if we are to be as God would have us be and make the church the kind of church that God wants.

First, we must watch ourselves. Occasionally, people will say, “You had better watch that fellow,” or, “He (or she) bears watching.” However, we need to bear a little watching, too! In Acts 20:28, Paul told the Ephesian elders, “Take heed 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.” Notice that Paul said first, “Take heed unto yourselves.” Some within the body of Christ apparently think that only elders and preachers are to be engaged in looking after the souls of others. It must be remembered, though, that each of us has a soul to look after. We will give an account on the day of judgment for the things we have done; we will either be saved or lost. Thus, we must take heed unto ourselves.

In watching ourselves, we must watch our everyday life. We must see to it that our lives are in harmony with that which we believe and teach. It needs to be such that would grace and adorn the gospel of Christ. Paul told Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers. . .” (1 Timothy 4:12). This applies to all Christians, not just those who are younger. Our postmodern world normally judges us by the lives we live, and not necessarily by what we believe and teach. A church member who curses, drinks, and gambles is not a good example of the believers! We must watch ourselves and shun the very appearance of evil in our everyday lives.

In Titus 2:14, Paul said that Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Since we are redeemed, we are to be unlike the world. Paul again encourages us in Romans 12:2. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

A second thing that bears watching is our talents. God has blessed each of us with an ability to do something in His service. The Lord has also given us all something to do along with that ability. If we fail to develop our talents, are we being faithful servants? The one-talent man in Matthew 25 was an honest man. He did not steal his lord’s money. As a matter of fact, he took good care of it and did not lie about it. He even brought it back and gave it to him. He could have reasoned, “Since my lord has entrusted me with only one talent, and did not give me as much as the others, I am insignificant. There’s nothing worthwhile that I can do. My lord is a hard man anyway. I will bury the talent.”

No doubt, we have people in the church just like that who say, “I don’t have the ability to sing like brother so-and-so,” or, “I don’t have the ability to teach like sister so-and-so.” Therefore, they reason, there is no need to even try. Brethren, God is a just and merciful God, and he only expects us to do that which he has given us the ability to do! While the parable is not particularly addressing the abilities that children of God possess, it is good for all of us to examine what we are doing in the Lord’s service. Of course, not every man can lead singing, or read Scripture, or teach a class. Not every lady can teach children or other ladies. However, each of us can do something. It may be that your talent is to encourage people to come to church, or to be more faithful. It may be your ability to make cards for those who are sick and shut-in. You may be able to prepare meals for those who need them. It matters not how insignificant; God has blessed us in some way, no matter how small it may seem. We also need to develop the abilities God has given us. Who knows? It may just be that your ability is just waiting to be used!

A third thing we must watch is our worship. We must always remember that God is to pleased above all. In John 4:24, Jesus said, “God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is the object of our worship, not idols. A few years ago, a Hindu temple that opened in Birmingham, Alabama; it received extensive media attention, especially in print. Pictures showed the caretaker “feeding” an idol! Is it not amazing, that in the 21st century, people would still worship statues? Paul, in Acts 17, makes it clear that God is to be worshipped.

We “must” worship God. That is, it is not an option! We cannot treat times of worship in a cavalier fashion. God deserves our time and devotion. Further, we must worship him “in spirit.” That is, with the right attitude of heart. Our worship must be completely dedicated to God, and our minds clear of any distractions. Our hearts must be filled with love and gratitude.

Then, we must worship God “in truth.” That means, of course, that we must worship as the Bible teaches and not deviate from the instructions given within. Otherwise, our worship is vain. In Matthew 15:9, Jesus said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” John warns us in 2 John 9-11 against going beyond the doctrine of Christ. It is clear that any additions, substitutions, and changes in God’s plan are wrong. That is why instrumental music, “special music,” and other innovations cannot be allowed in worship. Elders must especially be on the lookout for any deviations from the New Testament pattern. Preachers need to proclaim the whole counsel of God concerning these matters.

Finally, we should all watch our hearts and keep them clean. The wise man said in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). But, before one can keep his heart pure and clean, it must first be made clean. In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter writes that one’s heart is made pure through obedience. He says, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” When one obeys the gospel of Christ, his heart is purified. As we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse us (1 John 1:7-9).

The church must always be watching. Are you, as a Christian, helping to that end or, are you a hindrance? These are questions that beg to be answered. May all of us strive to do the Lord’s will, so the church can be the kind of church that God wants.

David W. Hester preaches for the Center Point Church of Christ, 6836 Ashberry Drive, Pinson, AL 35126.

The Mind of Christ on the Subject of Evangelism

Neil Richey

In Don Humphries’ book Hearts on Fire: A Strategy for Dynamic Evangelism, he quoted an older preacher who said, “If man has a soul, and he has, and if that soul can be won or lost for eternity, and it can, then the most important thing in the world is to bring a man to Jesus Christ.” Question: Are we doing that? I found something that I consider to be very sobering: “The average member of the church of Christ has heard 4,000 sermons, sung 20,000 songs, participated in 8,000 public prayers. . .and converted zero sinners.” How close are you to the average?

Where did we every get the notion that we should avoid trying to reach those in the denominational world? From whence did the idea come that no one in denominational error is interested in studying the truth found in the pages of Holy Writ? Have we forgotten that some of the greatest religious leaders of the first century became simple New Testament Christians (i.e. Paul, Nicodemus, Cornelius)?

Jesus wants all men to be saved. He wanted the wicked Jezebel to be saved (1 Kings 16-21; 2 Kings 9). He wanted the immoral, adulterous, Samaritan woman to be saved (John 4:16-18). He wanted Adolph Hitler, Darwin, and the 9-11 terrorists to be saved. He wants all to be saved. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Sadly, not all will be saved (Matthew 7:21-23).

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you wondered if anyone ever really cared for you? A man be the name of Daivd did. When pursued by his enemies, he hid in a cave, and said, "I looked on my right hand and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul" (Psalm 142:4). May it never be said of us, "He did not care for my soul." Let's, like Jesus, exploit every occasion, engage the opposition, and exclude no one as we try to bring all men everywhere to the Lord.

Neil Richey is the evangelist for the Augusta Road Church of Christ, 5315 Old Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Do You Need What Christ Offers?

We are told in Ephesians 1:3 that all spiritual blessings are "in Christ." It is so sad that there are teaming millions in this world who need what is readily available to them in Christ, but they never turn to him for these blessings. Let us notice in this article a small part of what is available.

There is hope for the hopeless in Christ. All hope resides in Christ. We are told in Ephesians 2:12 of those who are “without Christ,” “without God,” and have “no hope.” This is the worst of situations. There are so many today who have no real hope. Abject poverty, sickness, and yes, the ravages of sin, can render one hopeless. But in Christ there is always hope. We are told in Colossians 1:27 that God had made available to the Gentiles, “. . . Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Without hope one can expect no progress in life, no improvement in his circumstances, and no good outcome. With Christ we can expect all of these things.

There is help for the helpless in Christ. Often men get into situations where they cannot help themselves. Regarding spiritual matters, there is never a solution to our needs in self. Our help must come from a source much higher than we are. The Hebrew writer exhorts those who are in Christ saying, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Do you need help? Why not turn to Christ? Psalms 46:1-2 (read the entire Psalm) says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

There is a home for the homeless in Christ. Not only are there those who are homeless in the streets of our large cities, but also there are others who have no real place of rest and encouragement. Paul said of the Gentiles who came to Christ, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Those who are Christians have a place to call home in the body of Christ- the church. Not only this, but we have a heavenly home to look forward to when this life is over (Colossians 1:5).

David Courington is the evangelist for the Sylvan Springs Church of Christ. He may be reached at 927 Hathcock Drive, Mulga, AL 35118.

Build Your Home on the Word of God

The home built on the word of God,

With time will stand the storms.

And find through faith, the plan for life,

The ways true love adorns.

Where children gather close to hear,

The words they need to fill,

The mind with thoughts that make them strong,

To climb life’s steepest hill.

God will not leave us all alone,

But give us joy and peace.

He is the rock to build upon,

His love will never cease.

For strength that will endure through time,

And calm life’s restless sea,

Love and home with the word of God,

Makes home what home should be.

Eva Nell Brown Naramore

Sometimes we meet young people who are more spiritual and who have deeper moral convictions than their parents. Their stands for righteousness alienates devoted Christians from ungodly family members. I have actually known parents who encourage their children to dress immodestly, to dance, to drink socially, and to attend filthy movies so as to be popular, sophisticated and “mature.” We are deeply indebted to noble young adults who have more wisdom and dedication than parents who care very little for things divine.

Secondly, moral integrity has been known to cost sincere Christians their job. I personally knew a young lady several years ago who lost her position as a receptionist because she refused to lie for her boss. But she respected the Bible and knew that telling the truth is mandatory for children of God (Ephesians 4:15 and 4:25). That last verse tells us: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every in truth with his neighbor.”

Sometimes faithful members of the church who refuse to forsake the assembly because they put God’s kingdom first (cf. Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 6:33) are dismissed from their jobs due to the materialism of the working scene. Since being “unequally yoked with unbelievers” is forbidden in 2 Corinthians 6:14, certain circumstances in the labor arena cannot be tolerated by sincere followers of the Lord. Sadly, however, many have forsaken the path of gospel living due to allegiance to “the almighty dollar.” Of such the Bible states in 2 Timothy 3:4, “Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”

In the third place, the cost of moral purity can result in persecution for the consecrated servant of the Savior. Christ Jesus made it clear that walking in the steps of the Redeemer could certainly result in tribulation just as the prophets of old suffered at the hands of evil men. In fact, Matthew 5 clearly enunciates: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Paul told his beloved brethren that true believers will suffer for the cause of the Master (Philippians 1:29). When we stand up for Jesus, we will just naturally war against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:10-12), and the Devil will see to it that stern opposition will ensue. The path that leads to moral purity is challenging indeed.

“O for a faith that will not shrink,

Though pressed by every foe,

That will not tremble on the brink

Of any earthly woe.”

It takes courage, loyalty, and stamina to withstand the fiery darts of the wicked, but the struggle is worth it (1 Peter 5:8-9).

The fourth high cost of morality can well be loneliness, mockery, and ridicule from the world and sometimes by brethren who are shallow and secular in their emphasis. Just as Jesus was “laughed to scorn” (Mark 5:40), so can loyal devotees of heaven be scorned by their contemporaries. Peer pressure is more than some folk can endure—even for the sake of Christ. In many metropolitan areas, congregations that still stand for the bulwarks of righteousness walk a lonely road. Many brethren have become so loose in regard to marriage, divorce, and remarriage that plain Bible preaching on the subject is ignored so as to accommodate people who have run roughshod over God’s first divine institution (Matthew 19:1-9). Others have compromised to the core on modesty of dress and the spiritual attitude that would prohibit such folly (1 Timothy 2:9-12). Therefore, when we take a stand for purity we hear such contemptuous remarks as: Archaic, harsh, stupid, legalist, unloving, out of date, “old fogies,” etc.

Ridicule from the world and mockery by some brethren can be the high price of living for the Lord. When popularity with people is a high premium with us, we ought to read again the clarion call of Galatians 1:10. “If I were yet pleasing men I should not be the servant of Christ.”

When we think we are alone because we courageously live for Jesus, we need to remember the beauty of John 16 and 2 Timothy 4, “I am not alone because the Father is with me.” That makes up for any earthly problem. Serving the Lord has rich benefits now and in the world to come.

Johnny Ramsey may be reached at Windmill Church of Christ, 4839 Tin Top Road, Weatherford, TX 76087.

Is There Anything Wrong with Cremation?

As far as I can tell from a study of the Bible, the act of cremation violates no New Testament principle.

Life is the union of the body and the spirit. Death is the condition that results from the separation of the two. Once the spirit has left the body, the lifeless body begins its return to the original elements (cf. James 2:26). Solomon wrote, “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Whether the effect is the slow disintegration of the body through the processes of decay or is achieved in seconds by fire, the result is the same, i.e., the return of the body’s elements to their original state.

In the bodily resurrection discussed in 1 Corinthians 15, the “building blocks” will be reassembled and in either instance (natural decay or cremation) the effort will be the same. Bodies which have returned to dust long centuries ago do not exist in bodily form any more than those bodies that were immediately consumed by fire. In both cases, the elements are in the universe waiting the call of God on the last great day. The One Who by the power of His word, spoke into existence the first man, will have no difficulty in bringing back together again the separated elements when the spirits emerge from the Hadean realm to join those elements on Judgment Day. The body will be raised, but then it will be changed into one fit for the spiritual realm.

We are taught in the New Testament to exhibit proper respect for the dead and to deal with them in a dignified and respectful way. Cremation, as today practiced, in no way opposes New Testament teaching.

Andy Kizer may be reached at Ninth Avenue Church of Christ, P.O. Box 716, Haleyville, AL 35565.