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Saturday, December 15, 2018

Please Consider ...


In certain cases when people resort to violence it means they have nothing of value to offer. When we see so much violence in our nation in matters that are political and social (and even, religious), that is exactly the case!
One should expect people on either (or any) side of an issue to take a strong stand and uphold his or her viewpoint. One should be able to elucidate clearly his position and give logical reasons for it. But, when one starts name-calling, cursing, and striking out in violence, one has lost the battle and has nothing of value to offer as a solution or answer. When one reaches that point, he needs to take a step back and look at his position to see if it has worth, or if it is valid. One just might be wrong.
Our nation is being ripped apart by extremism (radicalism) in most all areas of life. The Secular Humanists (atheists) have taught that each person is his (or her) own god, and each one is right because there is no objective truth or right; do as you wish; no one can tell you what is right or wrong. When people have no answer, they turn to violence as their answer. That foments chaos and does no good to, or for, anyone. Society is then ripe for anarchy and revolution. It seems we may have reached that point our nation’s history. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).
There must be laws and those laws must be enforced. Those who violate the laws must be punished. Law must be respected and obeyed by all, both citizen and non-citizen (Romans 13:1-7). Everyone is not always right. Some people are wrong. Some people seem to lack the ability to think logically and draw conclusions based on evidence. Many live on emotion alone. Many are filled with hatred so deep that they seek to do away with those who oppose, or disagree, with them. America has, indeed, been “dumbed down.”
There is a perfect, objective standard that is right and cannot be wrong. It is God’s standard of truth—His divine word, the Bible—specifically, the New Testament (John 17:17; John 8:32; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4). Using this standard of truth as the basis for all conduct and thinking, mankind may elevate himself to a level where he respects and, yes, even loves, his fellowman (Luke 10:27). This nation, and the world, needs to recognize and respect the love of God and the law of God. We need to demonstrate God’s sacrificial love to one another. We need God’s standard of morality and His high code of conduct and respect for one another that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). To follow that high moral code would go a long way toward healing wounds, saving lives, bringing order out of chaos, lowering crime, and saving souls.
Many years ago, someone wrote, “A Better World Begins With Me!” The only way things will improve is if each person begins to realize this truth, then set about to help it happen.
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. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).          

Monday, September 23, 2013

What I Need as a Christian, But May Not Know It

  • Frequent association with my brethren.
  • Regular study of God’s word for strength.
  • Regular participation in worship to God.
  • To express my love to God through giving.
  • To pray for my brethren and the church.
  • To give more time in serving the Lord.
  • To go out and do something good for others.
  • To rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep.
  • To find someone to bring to Christ.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Dangers of Sectarianism in the Lord’s Church

In a post on a so-called “Church of Christ” FB page on which a supposed member wrote: “The Church of Christ teaches…,” and then she went on to make her allegations about what the church teaches. The use of the phrase, “The Church of Christ teaches…” is a denominational concept. The church of the New Testament is not a denomination, but we have many in the church who look upon it as just another one.

The church of Christ does not teach anything. The Bible reveals the mind of God and Christians teach it. The church has no earthly headquarters that issues a doctrinal platform on anything. That is the beauty and uniqueness of having autonomous congregations. These same folks on that FB page claim that we are “patternists” or follow what they call “pattern theology” as though there is something wrong with following God’s divine Pattern, Hebrews 8:5.
Many in the church need simple fundamental education in the basics of the Scriptures. They need to know what the New Testament says about the church and about how the Bible authorizes. Let us keep the church pure in doctrine and in practice. “Speak thou the things that befit sound doctrine.” 1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3, Titus 1:9; 2:1.

Speaking the same thing and being of one accord and one mind, of one heart and one soul (as we are commanded to do), implies a pattern of thinking and behaving alike, 1 Cor. 1:10-13; Acts 2; Phil. 1:27; 2:2. Otherwise, we have confusion, and God is not the author of confusion, 1 Cor. 14:33, nor diverse doctrines on the same subject.

Biblical baptism follows the pattern of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, Rom. 6. Those who object to “patternism” say they have been baptized as set forth in the New Testament. Paul spoke of baptism as following that “form” or “pattern” of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, Romans 6:17-18. Whether they realize it or not, they are “patternists” in the very matter of baptism. I wonder if they have ever thought about that? And, if so, I wonder if that galls them?

The apostle Peter admonishes Christians, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” – 1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV).  The word “example” here means, “a writing-copy for one to imitate” (Robertson’s Word Pictures). Thus, a “pattern” to follow!

So, I guess I am a “patternist.” What does that make those who do not follow God’s pattern? “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy1:13 (NKJV).

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

But, Is it Ethical?

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 obligation, 2 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!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Looking for a preacher?

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!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Calling The Prodigal

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