Thoughts and Commentary

But, Is it Ethical?

2009-01-07T01:40:00.003-05:00

Many people may not know what ethics is. It is sad that little in the way of ethics is being taught today in the public school system due to the great influence of situation ethics or relativism. The sadness is that young people are growing up in many cases with no sense of right or wrong other than to say that if a thing feels right to them then it is right, regardless of any objective moral code or standard. Let us consider the definition of “ethics.”

Webster defines “ethic” as follows:

1plural but sing or plural in constr : the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation2 a: a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values ethic ethic> —often used in plural but singular or plural in construction ethics>ethics> bplural but sing or plural in constr : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group ethics> c: a guiding philosophy d: a consciousness of moral importance ethic>3plural : a set of moral issues or aspects (as rightness)….

With that group of definitions in mind, I want to ask if the following action is ethical.

A man is laid off from his job in a certain state. Due to the fact that he is laid off he has the right to go the unemployment office in his city or state and ask for unemployment compensation. So far, we see no problem with this situation. But, now comes the big problem or question.

The person who has been laid off from his job in the state of Kentucky or Alabama (the name of a state is simply for example; it could be almost any state) learns that there is a loophole in the unemployment compensation program in the State of Massachusetts. This loophole (which is supposed to be legally closed in January 2009) unintentionally allows anyone from any state outside of Massachusetts who claims unemployment to travel to Massachusetts and claim unemployment compensation from Massachusetts because of the legal loophole. Added to this is the fact that unemployment compensation in Massachusetts is higher than many other states in the USA. So, a person may, if he chooses to do so, claim unemployment compensation from his own state where he was laid off, then pay a few hundred dollars to fly to Massachusetts and apply for unemployment compensation in that state as well.

If a brother in Christ (or anyone) were to do this, would it be ethical? Would it be morally right to do it? What would be wrong with it? Does the fact that it is legal make the matter right?

Some make the claim that it is not against the law of Massachusetts, therefore it is okay to take money from that state even though one has never worked there. Some reason that if the laws of Massachusetts were written so poorly that the state loses money, then it is Massachusetts’ fault, and there is no wrong done to take advantage of the matter and make some extra money.

In such logic and thinking one may not consider that he may be greedy; or, that he may be stealing, or lying, or violating the spirit of the unemployment laws of Massachusetts for his own personal selfish gain.

Does this conduct and the attitude behind it provide for things honest in the sight of all men? “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” Romans 12:17. What does it teach the young people who know about those who do this?

Just because a thing may be technically legal (even if only for a short while longer), does being legal make a thing morally right?

In some states gambling, prostitution, alcoholic beverages and other matters that are known to be sinful are legal. But, is it permissible for one to participate in these things just because they are legal? Certainly not! Just because something is legal does not make it morally or ethically right to participate in it. Does such an activity follow the instruction of Paul in Philippians 4:8? “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

It is a violation of the spirit of the laws of the state of Massachusetts to take advantage of a legal loophole for one’s own monetary gain when one has never worked in that state. It causes the taxes of the citizens of that state to be raised. It affects the goods and services of Massachusetts towards its own citizens. It fails to apply the “golden rule,” Mat. 7:12. It is possible that seeking to take advantage of this loophole puts one in a position of lying to the state of Massachusetts.

Is it Christ-like conduct to seek to take advantage of another even if “the other” is a government entity? Taking advantage of another is not a Christian attribute. Does such conduct indicate spiritual maturity or a carnal mind? 1 Cor. 3:1-3.

What a shame that some brethren in Christ have participated in this deception and greed!

Looking for a preacher?

2008-11-06T18:51:00.001-05:00

I am an experienced preacher looking for a congregation where I may work full-time in a local setting. I wish to preach the gospel and I wish to help the local church to grow numerically. I also wish to help such a church grow spiritually. This is done by “sound” teaching from God’s word. There is an interesting and challenging facet of working locally as the preacher. One gets to know the brethren–the members and families of the local church. This is exciting. It also brings challenges when families or individuals have problems. For a number of years I have looked upon the work of preaching as a matter of solving problems, educating brethren, and winning souls to Christ. Sin is man’s biggest problem (Rom. 3:23), and sin brings a load of additional problems as the consequence of violating God’s word (Rom. 6:23).

Finding a congregation where one may labor for the Lord is not always easy. I am just as certain that it is not easy for a church that is seeking the services of preacher to find the one they feel is “right” for them.

In this blog and others that may follow, I wish to set forth some pitfalls or problems that are faced by the preacher in his quest to find a congregation where he may work. I also wish to help enlighten some who may not understand many of the difficulties faced in seeking such employment.

First, when a preacher is looking for a place to preach local churches that are looking for a preacher need to realize that they are on “trial” as a prospective congregation just as much as the preacher is “on trial”. Sometimes I think that some brethren in local churches assume that all the advantage is on the side of the local church and that every preacher who is “looking” wants to preach for them. However, that is not the case. The preacher is also inspecting the prospective church. The matter is not all one-sided. This is a two-way street. Some churches are not as much to be desired as other congregations. The same is true with preachers who are looking for employment. So, let it not be assumed that the congregation has all the advantage and that preachers are at their mercy. When a prospective preacher goes to visit a church that is looking for a preacher he is gathering information about that congregation. Just because he is there, as a guest, does not mean that he definitely wants to preach for that particular congregation. He and his family are getting a “feel” for that church as they meet the members, evaluate the attitudes of the leadership of the church, its doctrinal soundness, and inspect the membership and its works, plans, goals, vision, potential, conduct toward one another, friendliness, etc. So, all of this is not just a matter of whether the church wants the preacher who is “trying out,” it is also matter of whether the “trial” preacher is finding what he is seeking! I have been to a number of churches where I have thought (after spending some time with them), “Well, I do not want to work with those folks.”

A second matter is something that many brethren never think of, but if it is applied to secular business, it is often thought of and discussed. I realize that not all legal matters in business can be applied equally to the church, its business, and work. But, there are some things that brethren need to seriously think about. These are matters of discrimination. “Discrimination?!” one replies. Yes, discrimination! What about “age” discrimination, “race” discrimination, “physical” discrimination (looks, weight, etc)? I suppose that many of my brethren never thought about it before, but there is more of this kind of discrimination that is practiced in the church than some are willing to admit. In secular work, it can be a violation of some law or code to discriminate–and it can bring heavy penalties. But, brethren who speak long and loud about following the “law of the land” are often too easily willing to discriminate against preachers on the basis of age or looks in matters involving preacher selection.

In these matters, I wonder what happened to the Golden Rule, Mat. 7:12? To treat others as you would wish to be treated.

My experience has been that when some (some!) brethren cannot find a doctrinal problem with a preacher, but they really do not want him, the next thing they will do is to scour his life, personality, or family for some excuse not to hire him. They will then seek to exploit his flaws and emphasize them in an effort to turn others against him and prevent him from being hired.

Many churches today say that they are looking for “young preachers with children still at home.” They think this will attract the younger families in their community to come to their worship services. They believe this will be an incentive for families with small children to become prospects for baptism. In some cases, that might be true. But, it is definitely not true in all cases! There are many churches that have found some young families in their community who like to have an older, experienced preacher who can give their family a sense of security and who can speak wisely to their problems and needs. There is something positive about experience and wisdom in the pulpit. A young preacher may not be able to do this. I am not opposed to young preachers (I was once a young preacher with a young family), but I am opposed to the thinking that only a young married preacher with children at home is the solution to a church’s need for numerical growth. This thinking is often ill-advised and short-sighted. It may also overemphasize the numerical growth angle while overlooking matters of equal or greater importance.

Another matter about this kind of thinking is that it overlooks the reality of the demographics of the population of the United States. First, fewer men are becoming gospel preachers. Most of the preachers within churches of Christ are older men. Many parents do not want their sons to become gospel preachers because (looking at it from a purely worldly viewpoint) there is no financial future in it. Because fewer young men are becoming preachers there are fewer young preachers that are married with children at home! That is simply a fact of life. Therefore, there are fewer young preachers with families available to churches looking for preachers!

Along with this demographic reality is another–the average age of Americans is older rather than younger! Also, the average age of gospel preachers is older. Thus, we should be cautious about looking only for a young man to be our preacher. And, let us be careful about age discrimination when looking for a preacher. From personal experience, I know that many churches with older preachers have many young families with children in those congregations. If your congregation is looking for younger families, maybe your emphasis is not what it should be. The weight or burden of drawing young families should not be on the basis that “we have a young preacher with a family.” That sounds so shallow! Our experience has been that Christians are looking for sound doctrinal teaching, and the rest follows. What about drawing from the middle-aged or the older people in your community? Are their souls not as precious and valuable as the young?

Another matter when looking for a preacher in the discrimination area is that of how people “look” physically. All of us are not prime physical specimens with bodies that would grace the cover of a health magazine. We may wish we had such a body, but most of us are not perfect. Some of us are overweight, and many of us are working on that problem. However, we should not (as was implied by one young man awhile back) equate a person who is overweight with being a glutton or a winebibber! There are many reasons for a person being overweight, and there is no excuse for gluttony, but being overweight can be caused by many factors, and it is not always gluttony! To assume that all overweight people are gluttons is to pass an unrighteous judgment upon them (to judge without facts, John 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” I do not know what Jesus looked like, but He was accused of winebibbing and gluttony! The Scriptures tell us that Jesus was not handsome to look at. Isaiah 53:2 says, “… he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Does that mean He was short, gawky, ugly, overweight; did He walk with a limp? I do not know, but I do know there were accusations leveled against Him that were not true! (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34).

When a king was being selected to reign over Israel, it was thought that a strong, handsome physical specimen of a man was to be chosen, but God made it clear that such was not His criteria for the King of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Let this be a lesson to us to be more humble and to try to see more as God sees others. It is believed that Paul, the apostle, had bad eyesight (Gal. 6:11; 2 Cor. 12:17). We do know that he had at least one physical ailment because he referred to it. Would we turn him away as our preacher because of some mere physical problem? Far too much emphasis today is made on physical matters than should be. What does it say about brethren today when they emphasize the “looks” of a man rather than his heart, his knowledge, and his ability? Perhaps many are too materialistic or worldly in their thinking! Do we allow such small-minded men to hold sway in local churches in matters of such great importance as hiring a preacher? If so, we allow spiritually weak men to control the church, and a church will grow no stronger than its weakest link!

Calling The Prodigal

2008-07-08T08:46:00.002-04:00

Calling The Prodigal

Charles H. Gabriel

God is calling the prodigal, come without delay,
Hear, O hear Him calling, calling now for thee.
Tho’ you’ve wandered so far from His presence, come today,
Hear His loving voice calling still.

Refrain

Calling now for thee, O weary prodigal, come;
Calling now for thee, O weary prodigal, come.

Patient, loving and tenderly still the Father pleads,
Hear, O hear Him calling, calling now for thee;
Oh! return while the Spirit in mercy intercedes,
Hear His loving voice calling still.

Refrain

Come, there’s bread in the house of the Father, and to spare,
Hear, O hear Him calling, calling now for thee;
Lo! the table is spread and the feast is waiting there,
Hear His loving voice calling still.

Refrain

Lead Me To Calvary

2008-07-08T08:42:00.003-04:00

Lead Me To Calvary

Jennie E. Hussey

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

Refrain

Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.

Refrain

Speed Away

2008-07-08T08:39:00.002-04:00

Speed Away

Fanny J. Crosby

Speed away, speed away, on your mission of light,
To the lands that are lying in darkness and night;
’Tis the Master’s command; go ye forth in His Name,
The wonderful Gospel of Jesus proclaim;
Take your lives in your hand, to the work while ’tis day,
Speed away, speed away, speed away.

Speed away, speed away with the life giving Word;
To the nations that know not the voice of the Lord;
Take the wings of the morning and fly o’er the wave,
In the strength of your Master the lost ones to save;
He is calling once more, not at moment’s delay,
Speed away, speed away, speed away.

Speed away, speed away with the message of rest,
To the souls by the tempter in bondage oppressed;
For the Savior has purchased their ransom from sin,
And the banquet is ready, O gather them in;
To the rescue make haste, there’s no time for delay,
Speed away, speed away, speed away.

Rescue The Perishing

2008-07-08T08:37:00.001-04:00

Rescue the Perishing

Fanny J. Crosby

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Refrain

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.

Refrain

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

Refrain

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.

Refrain

Send The Light

2008-07-08T08:34:00.002-04:00

Send The Light

Charles H. Gabriel

There’s a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain

Send the light, the blessèd Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessèd Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!

We have heard the Macedonian call today,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a golden offering at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain

Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
And a Christlike spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain

Church of Christ, O Sleep No More

2008-07-08T08:31:00.001-04:00

Church of Christ, O Sleep No More

Fanny J. Crosby

Church of Christ, thy Lord is calling;
Ope thine eyes, behold and see,
Precious souls, in chains of bondage,
Pleading now for aid from thee.
Up and work for those that perish,
Haste, the time will soon be o’er;
Fold thy arms of love around them,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

Lo, again thy Lord is calling;
Preach the Word, its truth proclaim;
Lift thy voice and, like a trumpet,
Sound aloud Jehovah’s Name.
Boding clouds are in the distance,
Billows foam, and surges roar,
Dark and wild the night is coming,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

Still again thy Lord is calling;
Take the lamp that once He gave;
Let its beams of peerless glory
Shine afar the lost to save.
Do His will and do it quickly,
For the time will soon be o’er;
He may come when least expected,
Church of Christ, O sleep no more.

What to do when your faith begins to waver--from First Peter

2008-05-08T16:15:00.002-04:00

1. Remember the precious inheritance promised to us (1:4)

2. Remember that your faith is more precious than gold (1:7)

3. Rejoice in the Lord (1:8).

4. Remember the faithfulness of the Old Testament characters (1:10-12)

5. Gird up the loins of your mind—be sober (get your mind—thinking— together) (1:13)

6. Obey God and avoid worldly lusts (1:15)

7. Be holy (1:15-16)

8. Remember that your redemption was purchased at great sacrifice—the death of Jesus as the spotless sacrificial Lamb (1:18-19)

9. Put your faith and hope in God (1:21)

10. Love your brethren with a pure heart fervently (intensely and genuinely) (1:22)

11. Remember that God’s word abides forever, and it was through His word (the gospel) that you were saved (1:23-25)

12. Desire the sincere word of God in order to grow and be strong spiritually (2:2)

13. Don’t forget to render acceptable spiritual sacrifices to God (Worship Him) (2:5)

14. Remember that your spiritual foundation is Christ, who has chosen you as royalty (2:9)

15. Be honest and do good works (2:12)

16. Give honor when and where it is due (2:17)

17. Serve God faithfully—don’t give up (2:16)

18. Follow Christ’s example—walk in His steps (2:21)

19. Live righteously—There is no excuse for sin (3:10-12)

20. Be ready to give an answer (This requires study of the word) (3:15)

21. Faithfully speak God’s word to others (4:11)

22. Don’t stray from the flock or be a cause of grief or heartache to elders (5:1-3)

23. Be humble (5:6)

24. Cast all your cares upon the Lord—He really cares for you (5:7)

25. Watch out for Satan and his devices—He will do you no good—resist him (5:8).

Materialism--a sin rarely confessed

2008-04-08T14:23:00.005-04:00

The Bible warns frequently about the dangers and sin of materialism–the love of “things,” greed, avarice, the obsession of wanting more and more. Jesus taught the following, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” Luke 12:15. Jesus had much to say about people and their possessions. He had much to say about how we deal with our possessions, how we look upon them and value them. In Luke 12:15-34, Jesus taught very clearly about the priorities in one’s life. He taught concerning placing so much value on “what we have” in contrast with the really important matters in life–primarily, the priceless value of one’s own eternal soul. All of one’s life is not composed of his material possessions, according to Jesus. Yet, so many people fail to realize that fact. Their lives revolve around how much land they own or can own; how many vehicles they have or can have, and how much more they can put into their bank accounts and other accounts. Some will even steal or gamble to obtain more money or goods. Some will lie on their tax return to avoid having to part with any of what they have.

As stated above, materialism is a sin rarely confessed, and it is such because the materialist, the greedy person obsessed with what he has or can obtain materially, cannot see himself or herself for the greedy, obsessed vulture that he is. Others can see it in him, but he rarely sees himself as greedy. In fact, if one were to confront him with his sin of evil desire and obsession, he would probably become so angry that he might even try to physically strike one who confronted him about the matter! He is blinded spiritually and is not objective about his own desires. It is a blessing to be able to have material things, but it could also be a curse. Much of it depends on how one obtains what he has, and what one does with what he has. That was what Jesus was saying in the text in Luke 12. The man in the story was so wrapped up in himself and his possessions, and in obtaining more and more that he never once mentioned God. He never considered his eternal soul and its destiny. He never considered his fellowman who might have need of his assistance.

Are we saying that having things or that going through the legitimate process of obtaining things is wrong? No. In First Timothy 6:17-19, the apostle Paul wrote,
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

These verses imply that a Christian may, indeed, have material wealth. But, they also tell us what must be done with such wealth!

The apostle John warns us in First John 2:15-17,
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Do you see the warning about “the things that are in the world”?

In all of my years of teaching and preaching (over 40 years), I can only recall one person publicly confessing the sin of greed or materialism, and that occurred immediately after preaching on this very subject. Generally, people who are guilty of this just never can see themselves as being guilty of it, perhaps because they rationalize away what is really in their heart. Maybe they reason within themselves that they are emphasizing material things so they can have much to provide for their adult children after they are dead. Whatever the reason, love of money and obsession with material things is still a sin.

In dealing with this sin and related sins, Paul wrote in First Timothy 6:5-12, the following words:
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 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.
10 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.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Do we see the contrast in the sinful, money-obsessed, things-obsessed person and what God really expects of His people?

Paul also mentions this sin again his writings to the church at Colosse in Colossians 3:5-6,
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (NKJV)
6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, (NKJV)

Covetousness is idolatry, according to the inspired apostle. Paul said that this evil desire in our hearts (worship of material things) is something that must be put to death so that we may be true disciples of our Lord Jesus. Many religious people pride themselves on their righteousness and they count their righteousness based upon how often they attend the worship services, Bible study classes, and how much they contribute monetarily on Sunday. True righteousness comes from right actions and right attitudes of heart that are molded and shaped by the proper application of God’s word in our lives.

Jesus again warned in Matthew 16:24-27,
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

What is your attitude toward money, possessions, lands, etc., and toward how you obtain them? How much time do you spend thinking about such things? How much time do you spend involved in such things?

In contrast to that, how much do you really contribute to the cause of Christ on the first day of the week? How much do you give, personally, to worthy mission efforts? How much do you provide for the widows and orphans on an individual basis? How hospitable are you in opening your home to the needy? How much time, energy, and personal finances do you spend in seeking to help save those who are lost? What do you do more than others to help your fellowman and glorify your Father who is in heaven? Jesus taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

SPW

Douglas Hoff's bulletin articles

2008-01-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

Although I have never met him, I find that the writings of Douglas Hoff are according to the Scriptures and very well-written. As a result of that I have designed a web page just to feature his articles for the edification of all. Please check it out: http://spwrsw.indonesia-missions.com/spw04c.html

SPW

Tell the truth about the candidate and others

2008-01-14T14:28:00.001-05:00

I recently received several “forwarded” email attachments from well-meaning people concerning a certain candidate for President of the United States. I do not agree with the particular candidate's political or moral stand, and I do not plan to vote for him/her should that person become the nominee of his/her party. But, I am very concerned about people telling the truth. I may not agree with a person’s politics, but I believe that it is immoral to purposely lie, or tell an untruth, or half-truth in order to turn people against someone. Usually, there is enough clear truth, facts, and evidence to properly use to persuade people not to vote for someone, or to vote in favor of someone.

Some of the email attachments I have received claim that the website “snopes.com” has verified the truthfulness of the outrageous claims made against the candidate in question. The fact is that when I went to "snopes.com" to see if the attachment I received was true, I found that it was NOT true! “Snopes.com” has NOT verified such information, and in fact, “snopes.com” has shown such claims to be false. The statement that "snopes.com" had verified the claims of the attachment was a lie, and the attachment itself was a lie. When people begin to simply “forward” email attachments without checking out the veracity of such claims, it may be said that such “forwarders” have perpetuated a lie, a slander, or a libel. It usually only takes a few minutes to check out a story or a claim to find whether it is true or false.

Politics is bad enough as it is without people thinking they have to lie, smear, and denigrate one candidate in order to have their own choice for candidate win an election.

Many people receive email attachments daily. Some foolishly believe that just because someone sent them an email the contents of the email must be true. After all (they reason), it was on the internet! And, they somehow feel an obligation to carbon copy it and forward it to a few dozen other unsuspecting people. Maybe this comes as news to some people, but the internet is used for all kinds of evil, including lies. Often, the contents of emails are simply the figment of someone’s imagination. A person should always check out the truthfulness of an email before sending it to others. But, remember this, some emails are just not worth sending on to others anyway, even if they are true.

Why not be a truth-seeker and truth-teller rather than a slanderer, or libelous, or a talebearer? Don't you be guilty of forwarding an attachment to a host of email recipients without checking the truthfulness of what you are sending. Check it out before sending it to others! Also ask yourself, is it really necessary to send this on? In the overall scheme of things, what good will it do?

Characteristics of Jesus, Revelation 1:5-6

2007-08-19T07:13:00.000-04:00

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The following points concerning Jesus are found in the above text and need to be "fleshed out" for a full discussion sermon:

Jesus:

The faithful witness
The first begotten of the dead
The Prince of the kings of the earth
He loved us
He washed us from our sins in His own blood
He has made us (Christians) kings and priests unto God, His Father.
He is worthy of glory and dominion forever.

The book of Revelation gives us many other figures and characteristics of Jesus. But, this is a good beginning.

SPW

Maintaining true discipleship to Jesus, John 17

2007-08-19T06:56:00.000-04:00

Introduction:

This text is the prayer of Jesus to God, the Father, shortly before His trial and crucifixion.
Specifically, Jesus is referring to His relationship to the God the Father and His relationship to His apostles. However, there are important lessons to be learned by all disciples of Jesus.
What are my responsibilities to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Savior?

I. Keep (Obey) the Word of God (John 17:6)

II. Glorify Him (John 17:10)

III. Be Filled With Joy (John 17:13)

IV. Not to be Of The World (John 17:14-16)

V. Go Into All the World With the Truth (John 17:17-20)

VI. Be Unified -- Maintain Oneness in Him (John 17:20-23)

VII. Keep the Love of God in Our Hearts (John 17:26)

Conclusion: By following and practicing the above admonitions or requests of Jesus' prayer, we may:

Be kept from evil, v. 15
Be sanctified through the truth, v. 17
Not be lost, v. 12

SPW

Have you "transisted" lately?

2007-08-13T06:13:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I was traveling from Los Angeles to Singapore. While I was in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during a period of about 5 hours, I heard numerous Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) over the Public Address (PA) system. One of the PSA’s was the recorded voice of a female who repeated the same message every few minutes. She said, “If you are transisting from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal…” or, “If you are transisting through LAX….” The emphasis on the word “transisting” in the quotation is mine. But, that was the word she used in that context. The word “transisting” does not exist!

Words are important. They convey ideas and messages. Choosing the correct words are important for communicating ideas in the right way. An old saying I used to hear was, “A slip of the lip can sink a ship.” We have heard much about the “dumbing down” of America. And, we hear much about people who supposedly have a diploma, but cannot read or write. I do not know if the script given to the announcer was written correctly or incorrectly. I do not know if she was following the script as written, or if she just made up a word. Maybe she was half-blind and thought "transisting" was actually in the script. But, whatever the reason, when she said the word “transisting,” she was in error. One does not “transist” through an airport. Possibly, she was trying to say the word “transiting.” I really think the word she was supposed to be saying was “transiting.” This would have been the appropriate word. But, to hear such a gross mistake in wording was irritating and embarrassing to me. I wonder if anyone from Los Angeles has heard the mistake? I wonder if anyone in L.A. has tried to correct the error? I wonder if anyone in L.A. cares. If I am “transisting” I may be sending out a controlled signal—maybe I am just an electrical conduit.

The above matters have little, if anything, to do with spiritual matters per se. But, in matters that are spiritual, one must choose his words wisely as he tries to communicate the word of God to others, or in normal conversation. We are not to take God’s name in vain, swear, use profanity, tell dirty stories, lie, or slander.

The Scriptures teach, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." –Matthew 12:35-37.

SPW

Net-etiquette

2007-08-12T12:21:00.000-04:00

I receive many emails--some of them from friends, and a lot of spam. I don't like spam. Spam is very frustrating.

However, one problem I have from time-to-time involves some friends who either do not know, or maybe, do not care very much to learn some basics rules of etiquette (net-etiquette) about emails, attachments, forwards, and other matters involving email.

May I make a few suggestions which can help to stop frustrating me and your friends when you send emails? It takes just a few moments to learn these basic matters, and it can help to avoid having your emails trashed as soon as they arrive in the recipients’ email “Inbox.”

1. Learn how to use the Blind Carbon Copy (Bcc) feature of your email program when addressing emails to more than one person, or to many people. If you do not know what “Bcc” is, ask someone who can explain it to you. There are very clear instructions on how to set up and use “Bcc” in your email program. Please show your intelligence by reading the “Help” section of your email program. Use the “Bcc” category to put in all the email addresses of the recipients of your email. Most folks who receive emails from you do not want, nor do they need, to see the 25 to 50 or more email addresses of other people to whom you send a particular email.

Added to that, some folks do not want other people seeing and knowing their email address when you include it with many other people’s email addresses. It is a matter of personal privacy. “Bcc” helps to avoid other recipients seeing all the other email addresses of the recipients of a particular email. It gives privacy. Also, some underhanded people gather email addresses when the “Bcc” is not used and they abuse the lists that are visible. They spam others, and sometimes they use it to commit crimes against those whose email addresses they have “harvested.” So, if you put 20 to 30 email addresses in the “To” or the “Cc” section of an email, everyone who receives that email sees all the other addresses. It also takes up a lot of extra space in the recipients’ email. I do not particularly like everyone in the world seeing my email address. It is only the business of those whom I wish to have it. So, if you are too lazy (or just don’t care) to learn how to set up and use Blind Carbon Copy (Bcc), then I humbly ask that you not send any emails to me that have numerous email recipients that are visible to all.

2. A second problem with some emails is receiving emails with attachments or messages that have been forwarded several times. By the time I receive it, I have the numerous lists of email addresses of people I do not know. This is the result of previous senders forwarding emails without the use of the Blind Carbon Copy feature! If each person who receives an email and wishes to forward the email would take the time to delete all previous email lists from all the previous “forwarders” prior to sending it to me, then the email would arrive fairly clean.

3. But, that is only one problem with receiving “forwarded” emails with attachments or messages. The other problem in receiving the attachments is that by the time I receive many of them they have been forwarded four or five times. Now, I have to wade through trying open a fifth- generation attachment. This takes a few minutes. If you think an attachment is worth sending to someone else, why not take a few minutes to show me that it is worth having me receive it and open it? Why not take that attachment and stop the “forwarding” of an email that has been “forwarded” to you. Make a new attachment with it directly from your own email program as though it is a new email. Then, when I receive it, I can open it on the first or second click of my mouse. Honestly, when I receive a fourth or fifth generation forwarded attachment, I usually just trash it without opening it! I do not have the time nor desire to mess with it! And, that applies to almost everyone. I just trash it. I feel that if an attachment or message is worth sending it is worth cleaning up and making it look like a first generation message. You can still give credit to the originator of it.

4. Some attachments contain viruses or Trojan horses. This is another reason that I rarely open an attachment that is several generations old. I will trash it without opening it. The only time I might open a new email with a first generation attachment is that I know the sender personally, and know that the attachment is clean.

5. Another problem with forwarded emails is that after so many times of forwarding it, it will have all those “forwarding” symbols on it, such as vertical lines on the left of the email message, or the “>” symbol vertically on the left side of the message. If I wish to use that article or message, then I have to copy it to my document program in Microsoft Word, then go through the process of deleting the symbols and reformatting the entire article to make it suitable for further use. What a waste of time!

6. Another email problem is that of sending attachments that are too big. Many of us live in certain areas of the world (and some even in the USA) who still use a “dial-up” modem to connect to the internet. Dial-up connections are usually quite slow. Not everyone has a high-speed connection that downloads emails with large attachments quickly. When you open the email program in a “dial-up” situation (such as I have), and the new emails begin to enter the “Inbox,” sometimes there may be 10 emails trying to come in. After a few minutes one begins to notice that the new emails appear to have stalled, or are very slow coming in. A check reveals that a second or third email in the list of new incoming emails is still in the process of entering your email program in your computer. This can only mean one thing—“someone” has sent an email with a huge attachment! I have sat and waited for 15 minutes or longer for an email to arrive just because someone decided I needed to have a series of photos or some unique message that was 5 Megabytes (MB) (over 5,000 kilobytes-kb) or larger! This clogs up a person’s emails, and it is very impolite and time consuming. We are talking about “Net-Etiquette” here, right?

An email attachment often does not need to be larger than 300 kilobytes (kb). In fact, that size can be large on “dial-up.” If you start to attach something to an email and your email client/program shows that it is 500kb to 1oookb or more, you need to warn the recipient that it is coming, or find a new way to communicate what is in that attachment. What can one do? One answer is to have one’s own website, free blog site, or free photo site (such as FLICKR) where such photos or other types of attachments can be uploaded by you and viewed by others without using an email to transfer it. Then, all you have to do is just send an email to your friends and say that you have just uploaded some new photos to your site, and you would appreciate it if they would view them when they have time. Give them the URL of your site, and let them go to it and see what you are trying to show them. If they wish to download the photos, etc., they can do so at their own leisure.

7. Another concern is that of sending an email message using all upper case (capital) letters in the email. Such emails are very hard to read. But, as some have said, when using all upper case letters, it is the equivalent of shouting to the recipient. So, let’s not shout, okay?

8. One matter that causes trouble is sending a message that is very private or personal, and expecting that the recipient(s) will not send it to anyone else. It has happened that one has sent emails that contained very private, and personal information, or volatile information to others who they thought were trustworthy, only to learn that such recipients have made public that very private information! Don’t be foolish nor naïve! If a matter is personal, then speak confidentially by phone or in person to those with whom you wish to communicate. The internet is no place to be sending highly classified, confidential information. If it CAN be made public, it just might come back to “bite” you! You might be surprised how fast something can be forwarded around the world! The result can be very embarrassing to you, the sender. It could sow discord among brethren, destroy the good name of another, or be slanderous.

9. Another potential problem with emails is assuming that the sender is trying to say something to you in a harsh or reprimanding tone. We, then, take offense at the email or the sender, when the sender was simply providing information in an objective, sensible, and kind manner. Sometimes we tend to read something into an email, and what we read into it may be based on our own personal feelings, attitudes, or disposition, at the time. And, we may be mistaken! Then, we fire back a quick, harsh retort. Then, a war starts where none was ever intended. Be cool!

We need to be more considerate of one another in the matter of sending emails. Let’s be more thoughtful. Try following the “Golden Rule” in this matter just as you would in other matters.

SPW

Speaking clearly

2007-07-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was in Singapore on my way back to Jakarta. I enjoy being in Singapore. It is a beautiful city-state. It is clean and orderly. And, it is the only place in Asia where one can drink the water out of the tap and not become ill. I also have a number of friends in Singapore. I wanted to find a certified watch repair shop to repair a special watch I had bought in Singapore several years ago. I finally obtained the phone number from Singapore's Directory Assistance service. I called the repair shop and was told that they were located at a certain address on "Abbott" Road.

Before I go further, one must understand that Singaporeans speak a language that is often referred to as "Singglish." It is a combination of British English and a few other languages put together (Chinese and Malay primarily). Emphasis is often placed on syllables that are not necessarily correct, and there is often an interesting "lilt" when they speak. And, it is often spoken very quickly which sometimes makes it hard to be understood. One should also know that Singapore was at one time under British rule, and the English most often spoken has a definite British and Australian influence in it. Singapore also has many streets and lanes named after many people and places that are British in origin.

I went to the concierge in my hotel and showed him the address. He tried to tell me where he thought the building was located. I then entered a taxi and showed the taxi driver the address and we started off. I was very curious as to where this repair shop was located because I thought I might never have been on that road before. We drove around, and finally, I saw a sign. Suddenly, it dawned on me that the young lady who gave me the address had not spoken as clearly as she could have, and I did not understand her Singaporean English (Singglish) as much as I thought I did. I have often had to interpret for myself what I think a Singaporean is saying. In this case, I was way off. The street was actually not "Abbott" Road, but "Albert" Road. And, the building was a location I knew very well! If one thinks about it, one can see how easy it would be to make such a mistake.

Sometimes we may not be speaking as clearly to others as we think we are speaking. Or, we may not be listening as closely or carefully as we should when others are speaking. In some cases, this may have eternal implications.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" --James 1:19.

Jesus said, "Take heed, therefore, how ye hear:" -- Luke 8:18.

SPW

What children say...

2007-07-19T01:50:00.000-04:00

Recently, my wife and I were eating lunch in an east Indian restaurant (we enjoy Indian food very much!). A family of four entered the restaurant and were seated two tables away from us. There was the father, the mother, and two small children. The youngest child was about two or three years old. But, the child that attracted our attention was a cute 5-year old boy.

While we were eating the 5-year old boy suddenly spoke in very clear, serious language, "I'm getting calmer now." That sounded a little unusual coming from a child his age. A few minutes later, the little boy spoke up again and, in a very grown-up, but spirited voice, said, "I'm getting happier and happier!"

We were amused and quite taken by the young tyke's ability to speak so clearly and express himself as he did. But, the thought also entered our minds, "What conversation went on in that family prior to them entering the restaurant?" We could only assume that the boy's parents had warned him about his conduct in public. We could only assume that he had a history of misconduct in public, and that his parents had warned him rather strongly that he should be calm and be happy, rather than to act out, put on a show, or throw a tantrum. And, we thought that his words were a means of letting his parents know that he was really trying his best to behave in public and not get into trouble.

Since that occasion, we have told a few people about that little boy and his sayings. And, we have found ourselves saying at various moments, "I'm getting happier and happier!" or, "I'm getting calmer now." It has been an interesting source of learning and humor for us.

One thing that I have not found amusing over the past few years is the blatant and irreverent use of God's name. I am "sick" of hearing the exasperated, or surprised expression, "Oh, ...My... God!" (with a pause between each word for emphasis). It can be heard on television, radio, and in the movies. It is often heard in public. Such an expression or ejaculation of words is very irreverent and sinful. It is the taking of God's name in vain. Sometimes children say it because they heard an adult say it. I even heard my Indonesian landlord use the expression once in English. Apparently, he had heard it on an American program which was being aired on Indonesian television.

In 1968, a country singer by the name of Henson Cargill sang a song entitled, "Skip A Rope." The introductory lyrics are:

"Oh, listen to the children while they play,

Now ain't it kinda funny what the children say,

Skip a rope."

The song is a sad song and a potent, but true commentary about what children say to each other as they play with one another. They hear what their parents say at home and repeat it at play and in school--sometimes even in Sunday school. The song deals with spousal hatred, lying, cheating on taxes, parents who fight, not following the Golden Rule, getting ahead regardless of the means, and hating others because of the color of their skin. It is a powerful statement of what goes on in some homes and just where children often first learn to be disrespectful, irreverent, and immoral.

Cargill ends the song with the following refrain:

"Just listen to your children while they play,
It's really not very funny, what the children say,
Skip a rope, skip a rope."

I heard a fellow one time say that a certain young person got in with the wrong crowd--he got in with his parents! What a tragic home that must have been.

Deuteronomy 5:11 states, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."

Jesus taught, "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:... Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black" Matthew 5:34, 36.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" Matthew 12:36.

James 5:12 states, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."

Parents have a serious responsibility to train their children in the way of the Lord, and that includes the matter of speech. "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," Ephesians 6:4.

The little boy in the Indian restaurant was well-behaved, but he has really given us much food for thought. What are your children seeing and hearing in your home?

SPW

In the hospital

2007-07-04T01:48:00.000-04:00

Recently I found it necessary to enter an American hospital due to dehydration. The dehydration was caused by severe gastrointestinal problems following (I suppose) the eating of some tainted food.

It is no fun being in a hospital. The doctor gave me a choice of two hospitals to enter. I chose the one where both of my paternal grandparents died. This was done at the suggestion of a family member. Perhaps it was thought that I might undergo the same end? (just kidding). I don't really think so. The advice was given in good faith.

I learned a few things, though, about American medicine and health care (at least in the hospital I entered as a patient).

I became ill and was sick for about 10 hours throughout the night with diarrhea and severe projectile vomiting. The next morning I went to a clinic to see a doctor. I have health insurance, but it does not cover office visits. Although my tongue was clinging to the roof of my mouth and I could barely walk or speak due to weakness and dehydration, I was told that we would have to pay $120 before the doctor would look at me. What a blow that was! My wife wrote the check. The final bill just for that visit was an additional $165.

The doctor found out that I am a missionary to Indonesia. He immediately seemed to want to conclude that I had developed a blood clot as a result of long-term flying, or that I had brought to the USA some exotic Asian "bug." Actually, it was neither. I pretty much knew what the problem was--bad food--from somewhere! I had already been back in the USA a couple of months, and blood clots or exotic Asian "bugs" would have already made themselves apparent long before the time I became ill.

I was given an IV in the doctor's office to help replenish my fluids. The problem was that the nurses in the clinic could not seem to insert an I-V needle into the back of my hand. They stuck me several times. My veins were quite obvious to the naked eye, and it should have been no trouble at all. My wife was trained in nurse's school, and her philosophy is that a nurse gets one try to put in the IV needle, and if she cannot find a vein or botches the job she has to stop. It is possible to give her second chance. But, more than two tries indicates some level of incompetence. Three nurses tried to perform this simple procedure that has been done on me several times in other clinics and hospitals both in the USA and in Asia (with success on the first try). Well, they caused a lot of unnecessary pain. While all this was going on, I looked at my wife; she looked at me, and we both knew what the other was thinking--"One try only... They do not know what they are doing!"

After the IV bag was connected and the contents finally dripped into me, I was taken to the aforementioned hospital. From the start it was clear that not too many so-called professionals knew how to do their job, or they just did not care. If it had not been for my dear wife who stayed by my side and really did the job others were being paid to do, I might have died. My blood pressure dropped dangerously low--and I usually have high blood pressure.

I had been ill for about 18-20 hours before anyone decided to run tests on the contents of my stomach to see just what kind of "bug" was making me so ill. That was also a surprise because it should have been one of the very first tests to do.

I was in the hospital three days and was discharged while I was still sick with some of the same awful symptoms that put me there. That was another puzzle. There were a lot of strange things that happened while I was a patient there that we could not understand, and some of which seemed to go against proper medical practice (we could make a list of about 15-20 matters).

Another puzzle was that I waited about 7 hours or more to be dismissed from the hospital after the doctor told me (at about 6:00 AM) I would be released very soon that day. I was eventually released at about 7:30 PM that evening.

Only one RN acted like she was competent, and she did her best to help me. As I was awaiting the papers for dismissal from the hospital, a nurse's aide came into my room to remove that pesky IV needle (I thought that was primarily the job of an RN, not an aide). The nurse's aide was wearing perfume and bright red nail polish. It should be known that such things as strong perfume and colored nail polish are discouraged for health care workers in hospitals. Anyway, she did not clean the area of the back of my hand where the needle had been inserted. Nor did she wear sterile gloves. She ripped off the tape and instead of pulling the needle out gently backwards from the way it had been inserted into my vein, she lifted it up vertically and pulled UP on it and yanked it out! OH! What pain! Then, she took a piece of balled up cotton she had brought with her into the room--unwrapped and balled up in her bare hand. She slapped the cotton on my hand and put a band-aid on top of it and walked out! When the RN came in I told her about it. She took off the bandage and cotton, cleaned the wound, disinfected it, and properly applied a bandage--thank-you! My hand and arm were swollen and red streaks ran up my arm for several days afterward. I had to do special hot damp cloth therapy on it to reduce the swelling. And, we wonder how so many patients in American hospitals get staph infections!

What was the best part of staying in that hospital--other than leaving it? Getting to eat banana-flavored popsicles when I could not hold anything else down. I am certain that I will soon receive a bill from the hospital, and the expectation will be that I am supposed to pay for less-than-good professional health care.

In Singapore, my experience has been that test results are often received the same or the next day in clinics and hospitals. Doctors take real time with their patients. Money is not the bottom line. And, some doctors actually apologize to their patients without fear of being sued for malpractice. They are really human and humane! They act like they REALLY care, and I think they do.

If I ever move back to the USA one thing I will miss is the very good, even great, health care I have received in Singapore, as contrasted with some of the health care I have received by some practitioners in America. This is not an indictment against all American health care workers or hospitals. It was one stay in one hospital. On the other hand, health care in Indonesia is another story.

SPW

Moving to a foreign country

2007-05-22T01:22:00.000-04:00

When my wife and I moved to Indonesia to live as residents we first entered through the immigration desk at the airport in Jakarta.

After entering Indonesia we were required to visit the offices of the State Police of Indonesia. We had to fill out many forms involving personal questions concerning our background, questions about our parents (dates and places of birth) and our siblings (dates and places of birth).

We were fingerprinted.

We had to be approved by the Indonesia Department of Religion, Department of Immigration, Department of Labor and the State Police in order to live and work legally in Indonesia. We were required to present letters of endorsement and support from the USA to prove that we could support ourselves or receive support from the U.S. while living in Indonesia.

We are required to carry with us our State approved credentials and must present them upon demand. We had to renew our visas and other documents each year.

In order to work and be able to carry on daily activities we had to learn to speak the Indonesian language, Bahasa Indonesia. We never expected the Indonesians to learn English just to accommodate us.

We recognized that we were, and are, guests in a foreign land. We realize that at any time we may be asked by the authorities to leave their nation. If that should happen then we will leave as requested. We will not try to slip back in undetected.

We have never assumed that we had any rights, and we have always known that the government of Indonesia will not be lenient to us nor provide benefits to us simply because we are foreigners in their land. In fact, we have had to prove to the government of Indonesia that our presence there brings some very positive social and moral benefits to the citizens of that nation in order to be able to remain there.

There are rules to follow when entering a foreign nation. Those who try to circumvent or avoid obeying the law of the land which they wish to enter are considered criminals, and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. One would not wish to serve time in an Indonesian prison!

The rules for entering and living LEGALLY in Indonesia are not very different from the rules in any other nation on earth. Enforcing those rules (laws) helps to preserve order and avoid all kinds of internal chaos. Why would an honest person, who only wishes to do good, NOT wish to follow proper legal procedures to enter and live in another country?

Perhaps Americans need to think more seriously and logically about such matters as they may relate to the problems we are now facing in the USA!

LemmonsAid -- a new blog

2007-04-29T22:21:00.000-04:00

My good friend, David Lemmons, has a new blogsite. You will benefit from accessing and learning from it. You may find it by following this URL...

http://lemmonsaid.wordpress.com/

spw

Information concerning Indonesia

2007-04-29T21:59:00.000-04:00

One of the best, most accurate, informative summaries of information concerning Indonesia may be found on the following U.S. Department of State web page. As I read it I found it completely reliable. You may find it very interesting.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_2052.html

spw

Reaping the Whirlwind

2007-01-16T05:42:00.000-05:00

An interesting statement is made in the Old Testament by the prophet Hosea. "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind..." (Hosea 8:7). Although these words were said of the people in the days in which it was written many centuries ago, there is an application that may be made today.

The "wind" of secular humanism (which is atheism) has been in the public school systems and universities of America for well over 65 years. This "wind" of "no absolute truth," "moral relativism," "situation ethics," "values clarification," "organic evolution" "do your own thing," "no one can tell you what is right or what is wrong," "what is right is what is right for you and what others think is right or wrong is not so significant," "there is no one set standard of right and wrong," "there is no one set standard of truth," "if it feels good or right for you, then do it, etc., etc.," has been sown into the minds of American youth for generations. For the past few years we have witnessed and even experienced the "whirlwind" of degrading, damaging, destructive results of such a godless philosophy.

We witness the shootings and murders in high schools, the senseless beatings of teenagers against teenagers, the rise of illegitimate births, abortion, promiscuity, the seduction of students by teachers, the exaltation and glorification of popular people (entertainers, movie stars, etc.) whose lives are a downward spiral of immorality from day to day, perversity of all sorts which is beyond belief. We hear little girls screaming the names of their favorite singing stars who (the stars), although they may of marriageable age, are often too immature to be married and have children. Rather than practice discipline that works, we are told to let the child have his way, let him vent his anger and his frustrations, after all we do not want him to have a "complex." Everyone is not always right, and should not be made or allowed to believe that being wrong is right or okay. Those who fail in school or in some contest do not deserve to be rewarded in their failures just to make them feel good and avoid hurt feelings. The result of humanism is a bunch of undisciplined, rude, arrogant, angry, selfish, rebellious, disrespectful young people who act out their frustrations by killing each other, or their family members, or those toward whom they have a grievance. Respecting the rights and property of others has never been heard of by some of these upstarts. American young people have been "dumbed down" to the extent that many of those in high school cannot even write a decent sentence or legible paragraph. Americans who follow and practice this philosophy are setting a bad example for the rest of the world. When people of other nations hear about and watch the unholy, immoral antics of well-known American entertainers and celebrities on television and in movies, then see them living out those things in their lives, and when they witness the squandering of millions of dollars on selfish interests by such people, they develop an impression of America and Americans that is not good.

There is no question that America is now reaping the "whirlwind" of this godless philosophy. And, it appears that those who seek to bring sanity back to America by setting forth the Bible as the objective standard of God for man, the result is for the Bible-believer to be belittled and ridiculed as "out of touch" or "not facing reality" or "old-fashioned." It is high time to start in the public school systems to eradicate this godless philosophy and those who advocate secular humanism and situation ethics. It is time that those who believe in an objective standard of right and wrong, and who are patriotic, be given a place of leadership and influence among our young people. There is right and there is wrong! The result of the humanist philosophy is bringing America down so very fast--faster than most people realize. Those who espouse and uphold secular humanism need to be relieved of their duties if they are in places of influence over young people. I am not advocating any kind of violence, for that is wrong. I am simply saying that it is time to fire those who can be fired and to not hire those who only have themselves as their own standard. Even in modern religion, secular humanism has taken quite a stand. Many "churches" are filled with moral and religious relativists who want to have religion their own way, not necessarily God's way. It is time to learn how to say such things as, "No," "There is a way that is right and you can know that it is right," "There is a way that is right and is not wrong," etc.

Secular humanism is a selfish, self-glorifying, self-gratifying, self-exalting philosophy that results in immorality, murder, bias, and the devaluation of human life and the traditional American way of life.

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" John 17:17.
Jesus said, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

Requiting Our Parents

2006-09-15T05:52:00.000-04:00

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 5:4

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NKJV)1 Timothy 5:8

The context of these verses discusses the care of widows by the church, and it gives some requirements or specifications about what constitutes a "widow indeed." But, at the same time, Paul (an inspired apostle of Jesus) lets us know that the church should not have to care for all widows because those widows who have children, grandchildren, or other family are to be cared for first by their own family members.

Many times childen and grandchilden grow up in some ways, but some seem never to grow up enough to understand that those maternal hands that loved them, changed their diapers, fed them, kissed their boo-boos, watched over them when they were sick, and worried over them when they went out of the house, are now to be cared for by those who mother or grandmother cared for many years before.

When mothers and grandmothers reach a point in life where they need help and loving care, we should not expect them to continue to "fork over" money to us for this or that, or to continue sacrificing for us, or to pay us back monetarily every time we spend a dime on them. Now, the "tables are turned." It is time for us to help mother! It is time for us to pay Mom's way in this world. It is time for us to do things for Mother and Grandma that we can do when she can no longer do things for herself. And, we are to do it without expecting her to repay us for our efforts! These are some ways we "requite" or repay the love of mother.

When mother's hands become feeble, when her steps falter, when her sight is blurred, when her hearing is not as acute as once it was, when she is forgetful, and when her health fails or she cannot provide for herself, we must step in and help. We must repay the love that she so freely and graciously gave to us when we were small and unable to care for ourselves, when our feet faltered, and when we could not feed and provide for ourselves.

Paul, the apostle, informs us that if we fail to provide for "our own" or "those of our own household" we have denied the faith (denied Christianity, the system of the one faith) and we are worse than infidels or unbelievers. It should never be said of of a Bible-believer (or of one who claims to be a disciple of Christ), that he or she was so hard-hearted or self-centered that he would not take care of his widowed mother or grandmother in her latter years on earth.

Are you repaying your mother's or grandmother's love? How often do you visit her? Call her? Communicate with her? Take her out (if she is able to go out)? Take her to the doctor? Run errands for her? Clean her house? Prepare her meals? Allow her to talk about the days of her youth that she remembers and cherishes, and listen to what she is saying? How often do you say, "I love you, Mom!"?

Think about it!

SPW

The beautiful southern states in summer

2006-07-01T20:05:00.000-04:00

In the last few weeks I have traveled by car in Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The beauty of these states is indescribable! The tall corn in the fields, the hay freshly cut and baled, the livestock, and the numerous varieties of blooming flowers, crepe myrtles, and tall southern pine trees, all give one a greater appreciation of the beauties of nature.

One may feel the heat from the blazing southern summer sun and see thunder clouds forming on the horizon. One may feel a cool breeze blow as the storm clouds gather and smell the ozone as the rain draws near and large drops of rain begin falling. Steam rises from the hot pavement when the rain falls. The beautiful lakes and rivers provide boating fun and recreation.

To be able to eat "new" potatoes, fresh buttered corn, red ripe tomatoes, yellow squash, onions, okra, green beans, and cucumbers (accompanied by cornbread) is a great culinary experience. There is nothing quite as tasty as fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden. The ponds teeming with grain-fed catfish give promise of a delicious dinner of fried catfish, hushpuppies and coleslaw (usually served with either green onions or a big slice of sweet onions). Barbeque pork (pulled or chopped), pork ribs, and barbeque slaw dogs, or barbeque chicken with white sauce, slaw, baked beans, homemade pickles, and potato salad accompanied by a tall glass of sweet southern iced tea are part of southern culture. Homemade pecan pie and ice cream are a great way to finish off such a meal.

Lightning bugs, the baying of hounds, the lowing of cattle, and the croaking of frogs and crickets are great sights and sounds to southerners. There is something unique about being out in the country on the farm in the late evening, sitting in a swing as the sun sets and the calm and quiet shades of night begin to creep in. The sweet scent of honeysuckle vines fill the air. There is nothing quite so peaceful or relaxing.

I know why those who live in the south love the south.

Insults against southern folks

2006-05-06T06:23:00.000-04:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, I enjoy the south and the way people express themselves in southern English. There are many native southerners who are very highly educated and many who have contributed so much to the greatness and success of America. Most southerners I know are highly intelligent, industrious, entrepreneurial, and patriotic. They are good, down-to-earth people. They are mostly very deeply religious people with strong convictions.

It is for all the above reasons that I deeply resent the often expressed arrogant attitude of some from outside the south who refer to all southerners in condescending ways. Some joke about "red-necks." And, as they say the phrase, they do it with an attitude and tone of disgust and disdain. They do it as though they are so far above a southerner in all aspects of life that the southerner is less than a piece of garbage. Many of us who live or have lived in the south can take a joke, even a "red-neck" joke. Some of them are very funny! We can laugh at ourselves and our "ways." But, do not try to belittle us and act as though we are stupid!

I am here to testify that most southerners can hold their own with almost anyone! I find it very interesting that many from outside the south who hold southerners in such disdain are the very ones who would claim to be educated, compassionate, accepting, open-minded, and liberal in thought toward all other groups of people. The trouble is that some folks really believe that all southerners are stupid, ignorant, illiterate, backwoodsy slobs who drive pick-up trucks with gun racks, chew tobacco and spit, and cuss. Actually (with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy whose humor I enjoy), there are some "rednecks" in the south. I must admit that there are a few folks like that whom I have known. But, there is another meaning to the term "red-neck" of which many are not aware. Many do not understand that the "red" neck is actually "red" from hard working in the sun from "sun-up" to "sun-down." Further, many "red" necks are the result of native American Indian heritage. The dark skin turns deep red and dark brown when one is in the sun for long periods of time. Many southerners derive their ancestry (in part) from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek Indian tribes.

A few years ago a young woman of my acquaintance from the midwest traveled in the south for the very first time. She traveled through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama all the way to the Gulf coast. When she returned to the midwest she said, "It was so beautiful in Alabama! I did not know it was so pretty." Of course it is. Many have known the beauty of the southern states for years. And, many have known the beauty and genteelness of southern hospitality and the wonderful smells and delicious flavors of down-home southern cooking!

Another midwesterner who traveled in the south for the very first time a few years ago, spoke with disgust about the wood-frame houses with washing machines on the front porches in the rural areas. He bemoaned the poverty in the south, and how backward it was. I guess he did not stop to think about the slums and ghettos in the north and midwest where people live on top of one another in poverty-stricken, drug-infested, high-crime, high-rises!

Some of those who speak so disparagingly of their fine fellow American brethren from the south should remember that were it not for farming in the south and midwest, one might not be able to go to a grocery store in his neighborhood and pick up a can of peas, beans, corn, tomatoes, or other fruits or vegetables (peaches, pecans, or peanuts from Alabama, Mississippi, or Georgia), or a bag of rice (from South Carolina or Arkansas). One might not be able to go to the department store and buy that nice cotton shirt or blouse! After all, the cotton in that shirt was probably grown and picked somewhere in the south (from Texas to the southern Atlantic coastal states). And, that beautiful, fine furniture in the furniture store may have been manufactured in North Carolina.

Many Americans outside the south are unaware of just how modern and highly industrialized much of the south is. And, many of the nation's highest rated colleges and universities (both public and private) are in the southern states. Some of the most highly educated and highly paid people in the USA live in Huntsville, Alabama where technology reigns.

All Americans need to appreciate the contributions of one another to our total society. Grouping together people of one race, ethnicity, region, gender, or religion, and condemning or low-rating them is just about as narrow-minded and prejudiced as one can be. It is also very stupid!

In Matthew 7:1-4, Jesus said,
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Ruined by bitterness

2006-04-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

He was a man nobody liked--hard, sullen, taciturn, and sour. If you met him on the street and wished him good-day, he would keep his eyes straight in front of him, grunt sulkily and pass on. He lived in a tumbled-down old hut away back in the bush. He spoke to nobody, and he made it perfectly plain that he wished nobody to speak to him. Even the children shunned him. Some said he was a hermit; some that he was a miser; some that he was a woman-hater; some that he was a fugitive from justice, a man with a guilty secret. But they were all wrong. The simple truth was that in his youth a companion had done him a grievous injury. "I'll remember it to my dying day,'' he hissed, in a gust of passionate resentment.

And he did. But when his dying day actually came, he realized that the rankling memory of that youthful wrong had soured and darkened his whole life. "I've gone over it by myself every morning,'' he moaned, as he lay gasping in his comfortless shanty, "and I've thought of it every night. I've cursed him a hundred times each day. I see now,'' he added brokenly, a suspicion of moisture glistening in his eye, "that my curses have eaten out my soul; they've been like gall on my tongue and gravel in my teeth. My hate has hurt nobody but myself. But it's turned my life into gloom and misery!'' It was true.

The man at whom he had spat out his venomous maledictions, having done all a man could do to atone for the suffering that he had thoughtless caused, had dismissed the matter from his mind a generation back. Upon him the gnarled old man's bitterness had produced little or no effect. It was the man who cherished the sinister memory who suffered most. It shadowed his life; it lent a new terror to death; it expelled every trace of brightness and excluded every ray of hope; and at last, a grim and ghostly companion, it lay down with him in his cold and cheerless grave.

--author unknown.

Sound admonition to Christians

2006-04-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

But if ye bite and devour one another,
take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

--Divinely inspired words by Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
to brethren in Christ, Galatians 5:14-15.

A "simple" question for evolutionists

2006-04-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

The "theory of evolution" is still just that--a mere theory. Even though many seem to want to overlook or forget that part of evolution, the fact is that the "theory" of evolution is still only a theory--and a false one. Thus, it is still an unproved hypothesis; it is not a fact.

Here is a "simple" question which evolutionists cannot answer:

Which was first on Earth--A Woman or a Human Baby?

Mull on that for awhile, please.

This question, though seemingly simple, is devastating to the evolutionist's view. The creationist has no problem with the question. The problem of the origin of man is not a scientific question, but is rather a philosophical and/or revelational problem.

--credit to the late Dr. Thomas B. Warren, Ph.D.

On learning other languages

2006-03-21T02:57:00.000-05:00

I love the English language. It is my native tongue. I especially like the colorful adjectives and phrases we use to describe so many things in American English. We have many words that are so different, but often have a same or similar meaning—fantastic, wonderful, superb, stupendous, fabulous, terrific, et. al. Some languages are not as expressive. Some languages may have only one word to describe or refer to something. In fact, some languages do not even have words to describe or refer to things with which we who use the English language are so familiar. Some may have words to describe or refer to something, but many of those who speak the language do not know the words. For example, one day I pointed to a doorknob and asked a couple of Indonesian girls what is the name of the “this thing” (the doorknob). They had no idea. We asked an Indonesian man and he did not know the Indonesian word for “doorknob” either. I walked into a shoe store in Jakarta and pointed to my lace-up shoes, specifically pointing to the laces. In Bahasa Indonesia, I asked a young lady who worked there what is the name of these things. She said, "Saya tidak tahu, Mister" (“I don’t know, Mister”). I was rather taken aback as one might suppose. She worked in a shoe store, but did not even know the Indonesian word for “shoe laces”! There are Indonesian words for shoe laces and door knobs, but they just did not know them. I was perplexed. So, I was reduced to pointing to my shoe laces and asking if they sold “these things.” They did not.

I did a lot of my growing up in the Deep South, Midwest, and among "hillbillies" who moved north after World War II to work in factories. I love the colorful expressions, words and phrases that come from the south and Midwest. Sometimes there is no better way to say something than the way southerners say it! Some folks look upon the expressions of the South and Midwest as hokey, back-woodsy, redneck, ignorant, and uneducated. But, I can assure you that when a southerner speaks you know just what he means! You get the real “flavor” of the meaning.

I was almost 50 years old when I began to try to learn to speak and write the Indonesian language. That is rather late in life to try something as challenging as learning a language that was completely foreign! I already knew a few Spanish words due to the American connection with Mexico and through hearing Spanish words in movies and television, (gracias, hasta mañana, señor, hasta la vista, frijoles, perro, hombre, etc). And, I knew a few Greek words. But, to learn a language that was totally foreign was, at times, a frustrating and seemingly insurmountable task. I am still learning it--it is an unending process.

The best way to learn a foreign language is to go to the nation of the language you wish to learn and study it everyday, and be with the indigenous people everyday so that you are forced to use the language. Many American students study a year or two of French, German, or Spanish in high school or junior high. That can be helpful, but it sometimes does not come close to knowing how to speak the language in the nation where that is the native tongue.

Many people of my homeland think that they should not and will not learn any other language. But, that is foolish thinking! Only after one learns another language can he see how limited he was in his ability to communicate. So, may I suggest learning a foreign language? Learning a foreign language teaches discipline and it gives one an insight into the problems that are involved in translating from one language into another. This is especially important to preachers who are concerned with Bible translations, and with translating from Greek into English. It is also important as one goes into a foreign nation to preach or teach the gospel where the use of a translator is required! It becomes a new part of one’s education.

The world seems to be growing smaller day-by-day, and we will need communication skills with people of other nations. Many years ago in the days of the pioneers on the western frontier, there were many who learned Latin, Greek, and other languages in addition to English. We have few today who are so talented. A few days ago I heard a fellow in Belgium say that he knew at least three languages, and that it was necessary to know those languages in order to survive. Interestingly, even though some Indonesians may not know the word for “shoe laces” or “door knobs,” and many Indonesians do not have much formal education, many of them can speak at least two to three languages or dialects!

So, let me challenge the reader to plunge into learning a new language. It will be an enlightening experience! (Cobahlah!) Try it!

Fish Head Curry

2006-03-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

One of the great delights of living in Asia is the delicious food that is not often found in the west. When Asian food is found in the west it often is not prepared exactly as it is in Asia. By the way, the same is true in Asia concerning western food. Much so-called western food that is prepared in Asia is not very good. Try to find good old southern cornbread or hush puppies in Asia--no cornmeal--thus, no cornbread!

I enjoy eating Indian food. I like Indian and Chinese food much more than Indonesian food. (I also like Italian, Mexican and German food). Although I have lived in Indonesia for more than seven years, I do not find Indonesian food to be all that good. There are very few Indonesian dishes I enjoy eating. Indonesian food seems to be filled with five to ten times more garlic, onion, and red or green chili peppers than are necessary. Then, when the food is served, Indonesians still want to add a hot chili pepper sauce called "sambal" to the already spicy concoction! So, the flavor of the food is covered up and one cannot taste it. I suspect it maybe because the grade and quality of the food is usually poor, and has little good flavor.

One of the misunderstandings about east Indian food that it is not so much "hot" as it is "spicy." When one travels to Asia he will learn that when fish is served, it is usually served whole--with the head and eyes still intact. There are a couple of great Indian restaurants in Jakarta. And, there are quite a few great Indian restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia. Recently, when I was in Singapore I enjoyed an Indian dish that is unique and wonderfully delicious. I have not found this dish in Jakarta. The dish is fish head curry.

The following ingredients are in this spicy, tasty dish: start with one or two heads of red snapper fish (very large heads the size of a man's hand); onion, sliced thinly; garlic, sliced thinly; stalks of lemon grass, crushed curry leaves, fish curry powder, chilli paste, coconut milk, tamarind juice, okra, eggplant, tomato, salt, and cooking oil. Some of these items are crushed and mixed into a paste before cooking. After the gravy has been made the fish heads are added and cooked. When it is done cooking one ladles out some of the gravy over a bed of rice. Then, one may dig out the delicious fish meat from the head and add it to the rice and gravy. The meat from the fish head is the best. The taste is out of this world! (I suggest doing a search on the WWW for "fish head curry" to get a complete recipe and see a photo of it).

In one of the best Indian restaurants in Singapore, a server puts a big banana leaf on the table for each patron. The banana leaf is your plate! One of the servers will come and put a ladle-full of Indian cabbage, a ladle-full of spicy cooked zucchini, and a huge serving of saffron rice on the banana leaf. On top of that will go a ladle full of curry sauce. Add to that the fish head curry that comes served in a big bowl, and you will have a feast that will "knock your socks off"! Many Indians and others prefer to eat Indian food with the right hand rather than to use a fork or spoon. It is believed that it enhances the natural flavor of the food.

Absolute Truth

2006-03-05T00:28:00.000-05:00

The NEW TESTAMENT:

The Absolute Standard of Truth!

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments." 1 John 2:3.

"I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"

2006-02-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of thine abode;
The church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood,
I love thy church, O God!
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And graven on Thy hand.

For her my tears shall fall,
For her my prayers ascend;
To her my cares and toils be giv'n,
Till toils and cares shall end;
Beyond Thy highest joy
I prize her heav'nly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

Jesus, thou Friend divine,
Our Savior and our King!
Thy hand from ev'ry snare and foe
Shall great deliv'rance bring;
Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be giv'n
The brightest glories earth can yield,
And brighter bliss of heav'n.

--by Timothy Dwight and A.D. Everett

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. Acts 20:28

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:23-27.

Sunset on the Java Sea

2006-02-24T05:42:00.000-05:00

Numerous times I have travelled from Jakarta to Makassar (Ujung Pandang), the capital of South Sulawesi (formerly known in history and geography as Celebes). The flight across the Java Sea ("Laut Jawa" in Bahasa Indonesia) travelling from Jakarta east to Makassar takes about two hours. As one looks down upon the Java Sea on a clear day he may see the beautiful variation of colors below--emerald, turquoise, blue, and all shades in-between. The Java Sea is usually very calm. From time-to-time as one looks down upon it from the air, one will see coral reefs in all shapes and sizes. Many people travel to Indonesia for the purpose of diving and exploring many of the reefs and atolls. The seas of Indonesia are filled with all forms of life.

In Makassar, which is known for the production of gold, one may stay in a hotel across the street from the shore of the Java Sea. In the evening, one may sit in his hotel room and look west out the hotel window at the sea as the sun begins to set. As the sun drops lower and lower in the sky each moment changes the complexion of the sea and the land. As the night begins to darken in the east behind you, the sun appears to drop lower in the west, and the Java Sea seems to swallow the slowly sinking sun. As the sun begins to sink below the horizon it seems to grow much larger and turns a deep fiery orange color. Huge brilliant sunrays shine high in the sky from below the horizon. What an astounding view! Then, everything becomes dark, and one begins to pick out the lights of small houses on nearby islands and ships on the sea as they seek the harbor and safe haven. One may begin to see the small lanterns of little fishing boats as the night fishermen throw out their nets. They may stay out all night fishing for their living. Such is life on the Java Sea near South Sulawesi.

Ps 92:4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Ps 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

'Brokeback Mountain': Rape of the Marlboro Man

2006-02-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

David Kupelian, editor of WorldNetDaily, in an exclusive commentary sets forth a critical review of the movie "Brokeback Mountain." This critical review is worthy of reading.

[read the full article]

Fossil Hat

2006-02-18T05:06:00.000-05:00

From "The Christian Courier," edited by Wayne Jackson, one may read an introduction to a very interesting article titled, "Fossil Hat." It is about a 50-year-old miner's hat that was found fossilized. It is another evidence that supports the possibility of a young earth, due to the fact of the relatively short time it takes for something to become fossilized. "Billions and billions" of years are not needed for fossilization as some claim; the fossilizing process may indeed be relatively short! You may click the link to read the full story on the website, "Answers In Genesis."
[read the full article]

You are invited...

2006-02-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

God purposed it -- Ephesians 3:11

Christ died for it -- Ephesians 5:25

His blood purchased it -- Acts 20:28

The saved are added to it -- Acts 2:47

Surely YOU Should Investigate It!

We Invite You To Worship With

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Freedom

2006-02-14T10:54:00.000-05:00

"Freedom is not a gift conferred upon a grateful people by a wise paternal government.
On the contrary, it is a value each individual must nourish in his everyday life and compel his government to safeguard."

"The driver is safer when the roads are dry;
the roads are safer when the driver is dry."

-authors unknown

Papua's "lost world" of wildlife

2006-02-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

How wonderfully amazing it was to hear and read about the "lost world" of wildlife on the island of Papua. Papua is the western side of an island in far eastern Indonesia. The eastern half of the island is known as New Guinea. Reuters News Service reports that the highest summit of the Foja Mountains is 2,200 meters high. In the area under discussion the interior is 3,000 square kilometers of entirely untouched old growth tropical forest, supposedly never visited by humans! The exterior area of 7,500 sq.km. has been lightly visited but remains under original old growth forest cover.

This area is approximately the size of Luxembourg or the state of Rhode Island. The indigenous people do not enter the pristine interior. So much is yet unknown about this area, but so much is starting to come to light. Scientists and researchers are saying that they have just scratched the surface of what this area of the world holds. Some are saying it is, to them, like the Garden of Eden.

Just what has been discovered thus far? Forty (40) or more species of mammals have been discovered, including 6 types of kangaroos. Two-hundred-twenty-five (225) or more species of birds have been discovered, including 13 species of birds of paradise! Sixty (60) or more species of frogs have been discovered, including 20 species new to science. Five-hundred-fifty (550) or more species of plants have been discovered, 20 species of which are new to science. One-hundred-fifty (150) or more species of butterflies have been discovered, including 4 new species and several subspecies.

Additionally, a "six-wired bird of paradise" which appeared in the 19th century was found, but its' home had been previously unknown. A "Great White" Rhododendron, a species yet to be described, possibly the largest of any rhododendron species, was found. The "long-beaked echidna" a very rare and primitive egg-laying mammal that is little-known, was found. A "new frog" species was found. It is as yet undescribed.

It was reported that large mammals that have been hunted to near extinction elsewhere were in this area in abundance! (All of this from The Jakarta Post, p.1, 08 Feb. 2006).

When God finished His work of creation, the Bible says, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Genesis 1:31). Everything was "good." The earth does not exist so that man may worship it. The earth is not to be man's object of worship. It is part of the creation, not the Creator. The One whom we are to worship is the Creator (God). And, we are taught to worship Him "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24; Exodus 20:3-6). God made the earth for man to use, to plow, to cultivate; and rivers, lakes, and seas from which to find his food for physical sustenance. As good stewards of what God has given for man to use, man should use with wisdom and care.

The earth has many wonders of nature that man may enjoy and properly use. Reports of new findings are truly exciting! "Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it" (Deuteronomy 10:14). "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26, 28).

Have a great day! spw

Customizing a blog site

2006-02-07T17:16:00.001-05:00

There are numerous color themes and backgrounds from which to choose when customizing one's blog pages. Many themes are very interesting and attractive. I have tested a number of colors and I like several of them. If you return to this blog from time to time you may find that I am testing a different background. For the time being, I think I will stay with the current background.

You will notice if you look through the information I have provided on this blog site concerning my "Lists" or interests, that I have given somewhat generic information rather than specific book titles, song titles, movie titles, etc. It really does not matter exactly what specific books, songs, or movies I like. But, by mentioning the types or genre of books, music, and favorite actors, you may be able to have some insight into my interests, which are quite varied. You should know that the "lists" of information that I have provided are not necessarily given in the order or priorty in which I value them.

You may notice that I did not mention any interest in golf. Golf is very popular with many people--and that's fine. I am not against golf, I just have never had a burning desire to learn to play golf. In fact, I rarely watch it on television. The only kind of golf in which I have ever had an interest is miniature golf--something that most regular golfers seem to disdain. A few years ago, an acquaintance asked me to play golf with him. Knowing him as I did, I knew he would be on the golf course all day (maybe 8 hours or longer) and he would expect me to stand out in the hot boiling sun with him the whole time. He would want me to follow him to each hole, and I knew he would not be happy if I wimped out and went back to the clubhouse to sit in a relaxed atmosphere to drink a cold Coke while he continued to play. So, I declined, making it clear that I had no interest in golf, and had no desire to waste my time doing something which I have absolutely no desire to learn. Additionally, I have been under doctor's orders for many years to stay out of the sun as much as possible for health reasons. I explained all of that to the acquaintance. At the end of that day he was worn out from his golf game, and he was sunburned, and still upset with me because I did not go to the country club with him. His opinion was that one should have the same, or similar, interests in recreation and hobbies that he had. I disagree with that idea. One person should not become the clone of another. He once asked me, "Don't you have any hobbies?" Of course, I do. Just because one person likes something does not mean that everyone he knows must have the same interests. I did not become upset with my acquaintance because he did not have the same hobbies and interests as I (such as reading novels or learning HTML--website building, or maps, or whatever). Lest one might think that I have no interest in sports, I will say that I enjoy a brisk walk. I used to enjoy spelunking (cave exploration) -- a rather rigorous and dangerous sport or hobby (but compatible with having to avoid too much sun!). And, I enjoy Major League Baseball and basketball--not playing, but watching. To me, a sport or hobby should be enjoyable and uplifting, not something to be dreaded.

The world is an interesting place because every person is different from every other person in so many ways. I'm glad it is that way.

Have a good day!
spw

Introductory blog

2006-02-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Hi,

I am new to blogging. All of my thoughts and feelings, of course, will not be published on a blog. Some thoughts are private, thus, no one else's business. The Lord knows all of them, just as He knows the hearts and minds of all human beings. I do hope, however, to say something that will be helpful or enlightening in some way to those who wish to view and read this blog from time to time.

I have read some blogs where folks "spill their guts," so to speak. This is not that kind of blog. I will not use vulgar or profane language. The language of my blogs will be no worse or more coarse than the expression in the first sentence of this paragraph. But, I will speak from the heart. I will be happy to hear from you if you find anything here interesting, enlightening, or helpful to you. I do not think I have all the answers. I do, however, have "some" answers. I believe that God's word, the Bible, has the final answer to all religious questions that pertain to life and godliness, and the salvation of one's soul from sin, and salvation eternally in heaven, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4.

A good and useful expression I heard many years ago is one that I have found beneficial over the years of my experience as a preacher of the gospel of Christ--"Keep your Bibles open and your hearts receptive to the truth." I suggest that is a good motto for this blog.

I will usually sign off with my moniker...spw

spw