The Father-less Heritage...

We think of orphans only as little girls and lads,
Who haven’t any mothers and who haven’t any dads.
They are grouped with other children and in groups they’re put to bed
With some stranger paid to listen while their little prayers are said.
All the grown-ups look with pity on such lonely children small
And declare to be an orphan is the saddest fate of all.
But sometime I look about me and with sorrow hang my head

As I gaze on something sadder than the orphans of the dead.
Far more pitiful and tragic as the long days come and go
Are the orphans of the parents they’re not allowed to know.
They’re orphans of the living, left alone to romp and play.
From their fathers and their mothers by ambition shut away.
They have fathers who are busy and so weighted down with cares
That they haven’t time to listen to a little child’s affairs.
They have mothers who imagine life could give them, if it would,
Something richer, something better than the joys of motherhood.
So their children learn from strangers, and by stranger’s hands are fed,
And the nurse, for so much money, nightly tucks them into bed.
Lord, I would not grow so busy that I cannot drop my task
To answer every question which that child of mine may ask.
Let me never serve ambition here so selfishly, I pray,
that I cannot stop to listen to the things my children have to say.
For whatever cares beset them, let them know I’m standing by,
I don’t want to make them orphans till the day I come to die.

Edgar A. Guest

- Psalm 127:3-5 -
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!

Confessing or "Muttering" about Jesus.

An interesting mixture of people (but a typical society) are found in John 7. To which group of people would YOU belong? (read vss 25-49)

"And there was much “muttering” about him among the people." 

 - Some said, “He is a good man,” – v. 12

 - Others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” – v. 12 

 - Some who didn’t believe in Him (v. 48); heard the “muttering” these things about him, and...sent officers to arrest him. (v. 32); condemning those who muttered for not knowing the Bible. (v. 49). 

 - Some said, “This really is THE Prophet” – v. 40

 - Others said, “This IS the Christ” – vss. 41-42

 - Some couldn’t agree on the definition of ‘born’, saying: “The Bible says that the (real) Christ would come from Bethlehem; not Galilee” 

Thus, per v. 43 – “there was a division among the people over him."

Some things never change...

What is ‘MUTTERING’?
It means to murmur, to grumble, to say anything against in a low tone. In the bible, when describing people, it refers to:
a) those who confer secretly together; and b) those who discontentedly complain.

The lesson? “Muttering” is not the way to confess Jesus as the Christ; it is not the way to witness for Him; nor does it reflect that you are His disciple; don’t ‘follow’ Jesus afar off, in fear; cling to the ‘ROCK’.

“Doctrine, Repentance, & Comfort…”

“Therefore we are comforted.” These words come from the apostle Paul.  He is describing a comfort unique to Christians.  It is based upon the fellowship that comes from the gospel.  The reason for this comfort is attributed to the news he received of Corinthian brethren.  The Bible teaches that this comfort is unknown outside of Christ.  This comfort is based upon a particular behavior that is ONLY produced by the ‘sincere’ milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2).  The aim of the gospel is repentance (cf. Matt. 9:13; Luke 3:8; 24:47; Acts 5:31; 11:18; 20:21).  Salvation is dependent upon repentance and repentance is dependent upon doctrine.  This article will offer the evidence from the Bible as to why this is so and how it relates to ‘comfort’.  

The 2^nd Corinthian epistle began with the subject of comfort.  We read in chapter 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ. But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which worketh in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: and our hope for you is stedfast; knowing that, as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also are ye of the comfort.”  

Paul attributes comfort to God.  He points out how this comfort abounds to himself and his companions, as well as to the other apostles.  They held a unique position in the kingdom. In chapter 2:17, we read, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”  They were entrusted with the gospel (Gal. 2:7; 1 Thess. 2:4).

Their message was a ‘ministry of reconciliation’.

Notice, chapter 5:11-20 – “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

It is from their message of reconciliation that ‘comfort’ came to them from God, thus, God is the ultimate source of comfort.  While God is the source of comfort, the context of 2 Cor. 7 is specific as to how God provides this comfort.  The means thru which comfort from God comes, is in accordance with His eternal purpose for man.  As such, this comfort comes thru Christ.  It pertains to man’s salvation and is declared in the message of reconciliation.  The comfort that Paul speaks of in chapter 7 spans a period of time and a sequence of events within the congregation at Corinth which were also prompted by news.  The initial news was, in part, why Paul wrote his first epistle, and provides the background for the comfort mentioned here in his second epistle.  In both instances, it was because of his concern for their souls that he addressed the ‘news reports’ of the circumstances within the congregation at Corinth.  In the second epistle, Paul describes his joy in chapter 7:4-13:  “I am filled with comfort.  In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within.  But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.   For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.  As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.  For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.  For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.  So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.  Therefore we are comforted.”

There are many lessons for the child of God in this context. 

v  Joy in the midst of affliction…

v  God’s comfort during their afflictions…

v  There is a right way to grieve over afflictions and there is a wrong way to grieve over them (~ godly grief/worldly grief)…

v  Grieving does not save, but ‘leads’ to salvation…(more later)

While all of these lessons are connected by the context; they point to a greater and more important lesson: repentance.  Repentance is an action that God has required of all men (Acts 17:30-31).  Genuine repentance will reflect a change in behavior in a specific way…a manner that evidences your change of attitude toward God’s word.  Since sin constitutes disobedience to God’s commands; forgiveness for that sin would necessarily involve obedience to those same commands of God.  It is impossible to repent without this specific change.  Repentance, (the correct change of behavior), is therefore inseparably tied to the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), and a part of the ‘form of doctrine’ they delivered to those in need of being made ‘free’ from sin ~ ‘sinners’ (Romans 6:17-18).

Repentance was consistently preached to “all the world” by the apostles, (see the conversions in the book of Acts).  Let it be noted here in regard to true repentance:

Godly grief is not repentance…it produces repentance; i.e., it is the motive for repentance; repentance is composed of, and is accomplished through, a particular behavior befitting the true gospel…

The remainder of 2 Cor. 7 explains the key component of true repentance and links forgiveness from God to man’s attitude and response to God’s word to man.

“And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.  For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.  And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.  I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.” (vss. 13-16)

What was it about the Corinthians that brought joy; comfort, refreshment to Paul and Titus?  What was it about the Corinthians that caused boasts, affection, and confidence from Paul and Titus?  Their repentance?  Certainly so, but the aim of this article is to understand how true repentance is tied to the true gospel message, i.e., the apostles’ doctrine.  The key component of repentance as found in these verses is tied to their faith, and their faith is tied to the gospel message delivered to them (Romans 10:17; 6:17-18). 

Preaching that is “according to the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:14), declares the command from God for man to repent, and the motivation for that repentance (Acts 17:30-31).  Preaching that is “according to the truth of the gospel” sets forth repentance as a part of the ‘form of doctrine’; which must be ‘obeyed’ with the understanding that freedom from sin follows.  The motivation to repent is with a view to be made “free from sin”.  If the motivation for a change in behavior is not preached correctly, it will produce death; not lead to salvation.  It is in obedience that a change in both attitude and behavior toward God’s will is reflected, and the motivation for the obedience must be “from the heart”; i.e., produced by a godly grief.  The truth of the gospel contains a ‘form of doctrine’ whereby the sinner hears commands that God gave Christ to preach.  Christ commanded the apostles to preach those same commands and they comprise the ‘form of doctrine’ for a sinner to comply with in responding to God’s grace.

This is why the ‘form of doctrine’ preached to a sinner, is crucial to his salvation.  If there is error in what is preached, it will not lead to salvation, but death.  Repentance is impossible unless the correct ‘form of doctrine’ is delivered.  Godly sorrow will not come unless the sinner understands that his sin is a disobedience to God’s commands, and the change in his life must be in regard to those commands he had disobeyed.

The ‘truth’ of the gospel includes repentance as part of a ‘form of doctrine’ that the one who has been a servant of sin must ‘obey’; and the motivation for the obedience must be “from the heart”; i.e., produced by a godly grief.  Repentance has a ‘key’ component that links God’s commandments to preaching content and, accordingly, faith to God’s word (Romans 10:14-17).  Do you see what this key component of repentance is?  It is the same thing that was mentioned in Romans 6:17-18 that frees one from sin. 

Let us ever remember this in our preaching/living the gospel.  Thanks be to God for His long-suffering on our behalf, for if we misunderstand IT, we will never come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9-18).

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

rdb

Copyright 2012

Ignorant of ignorance!

It is one thing to be ignorant, but when you are ignorant of your own ignorance, it is truly a sad situation!

Ignorance in any sphere of life can cause people to embarrass themselves by their behavior.  They may be sincere, but reveal their own ignorance in regard to their ignorance.

An example of this is given from the field of science.  In a book entitled, “Death by Black Hole and other cosmic Quandaries” by the popular TV science host and astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, page 220:

A now famous science fair experiment that tested anti-technology sentiments and associated chemical-phobias was conducted in 1997 by Nathan Zohner, a 14 year-old student at Eagle Rock Junior High school in Idaho.  He invited people to sign a petition that demanded either strict control of, or a total ban on, dihydrogen monoxide.  He listed some of the odious properties of this colorless and odorless substance:

• It is a major component of acid rain
• It eventually dissolves almost anything it comes in contact with
• It can kill if accidentally inhaled
• It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
• It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

Forty-three out of 50 people approached by Zohner signed the petition, six were undecided, and one was a great supporter of dihydrogen and refused to sign. 

Yes, 86 percent of the passersby voted to ban water from the environment.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A much greater danger is that of being ignorant of one's own ignorance of God's will.

The Israelites were ignorant of their own ignorance of whose way was right –   Ezek. 33:17-20

The Israelites were ignorant of their own ignorance of their rejection of God –   Hosea 4:1-6

The Ninevites were ignorant of their own ignorance of good and evil –   Jonah 4:11

The Israelites were ignorant of their own ignorance of God’s love –   Malachi 1:2

Blind leaders and blind followers were ignorant of their own ignorance of what defiles –   Matt. 15:14

The Jews were ignorant of their own ignorance of righteousness –   Romans 10:2-3

False teachers were ignorant of their own ignorance of the day of the Lord –   2 Peter 3:5

The Laodiceans were ignorant of their own ignorance of their lukewarmness – Rev. 3:17-18

CONSIDER:

When we defend our right to practice religion by a standard of self-authority, i.e., "doing what is right in our own eyes" (Judges 21:25); while denying this right to others because they, 'in their eyes' choose to practice religion by a standard of BIBLE ONLY authority, are we not IGNORANT OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE?

What of the condemnation of "judging" by "passing judgment" that "judging" is wrong? Are we not demonstrating an IGNORANCE OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE?

What of the PURPOSE of BAPTISM? In rejecting is as necessary to salvation, then turning around and doing it for another reason, yet still affirming that it has nothing to do with salvation...are we not IGNORANT OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE?

What of affirming that "one church is as good as another", then condemn those who are members of a Church of Christ for teaching that Christ built only one? Is this not demonstrating an IGNORANCE OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE?

If "one...is as good as another".......why do you speak evil of THAT one? If THAT one is really as good as.....why do you fear to attend when invited to THAT one?

Could it be that, in reality, you believe that YOUR church is the only one that is right???

Your attendance habits speaks volumes on this matter.........

Are you a 'Liberal'?

"Liberal"

Is it a good or bad concept? So often, from being used in opposition to ‘conservative’, the term can be stereotyped as solely negative and thus to be avoided as a Christian. However, the Biblical definition needs to be re-studied as opposed to the modern-day English definition. Thereby, we can have the proper understanding and appreciation of it as God has declared in His Word.

Two words for consideration/study will be suggested: ‘liberal’ and ‘liberality’

LIBERAL

Passages: Prov. 11:25; Isa. 32:5, 8; 2 Cor. 9:13

1) Prov. 11:25 – The LIBERAL soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. – KJV

The word here is: Bĕrakah – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) blessing

2) (source of) blessing

3) blessing, prosperity

4) blessing, praise of God

5) a gift, present

6) treaty of peace

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "Whoever ‘brings blessing’ will be enriched, and ‘one who waters’ will himself be watered." [ESV]

2) Isa. 32:5 – The vile person shall be no more called LIBERAL , nor the churl said [to be] bountiful. – KJV

The word here is: Nadiyb – (adjective)

Strong’s definitions:

1) inclined, willing, noble, generous

a) incited, inclined, willing

b) noble, princely (in rank)

c) noble (in mind and character)

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "The fool will no more be called ‘noble’, nor the scoundrel said to be ‘honorable’." [ESV]

Again, in:

Isa. 32:8 – But the LIBERAL deviseth LIBERAL things; and by LIBERAL things shall he stand. – KJV

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "But he who is ‘noble’ plans ‘noble’ things, and on ‘noble’; things he stands." [ESV]

3) 2 Cor. 9:13 – Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] LIBERAL distribution unto them, and unto all [men]; – KJV

The word here is: Haplotēs (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty

a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy

2) not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generousity

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the ‘generosity’ of your contribution for them and for all others..." [ESV]

W. E. Vine’s definitions of Liberal, Liberality, Liberally:

Denotes –

(a) "simplicity, sincerity, unaffectedness" (from haplous, "single, simple," in contrast to diplous, "double"), Rom. 12:8, "simplicity;" 2 Cor. 11:3 (in some mss. in 2 Cor. 1:12); Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22, singleness;"

(b) "simplicity as manifested in generous giving," "liberality," 2 Cor. 8:2;9:11 (AV, "bountifulness," RV marg., "singleness"); 9:13 (AV, "liberal").

{These terms reflect the focus on, and the dedication to the gospel, as well as the love for other brethren that a Christian has; which, in turn, is shown by generous giving}

LIBERALITY

1) 1 Cor. 16:3 – And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your LIBERALITY unto Jerusalem. – KJV

The word here is: Charis – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) grace

a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2) good will, loving-kindness, favour

a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

3) what is due to grace

a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

b) the token or proof of grace, benefit

1) a gift of grace

2) benefit, bounty

4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your ‘gift’ to Jerusalem." [ESV]

2) 2 Cor. 8:2 – How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. – KJV

The word here is: Haplotēs – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty

a) the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy

2) not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of ‘generosity’ on their part." [ESV]

CONCLUSION:

Do the words of the hymn: “Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all” really reflect the truth of your life?

~ Is the kingdom of God a hidden treasure that needs discovered by others?

~ How much are you willing to sacrifice so that others can discover it?

~ Does the preaching of the gospel REALLY mean that much to you?

Only if you are liberal...  


copyright 2012
rdb

"Guilty as charged!"

I believe that {EVERY} man's whole duty is to "...fear God and keep His commandments." 

If that makes me a "LEGALIST", I plead 'GUILTY AS CHARGED'!

However, consider the following evidence from the scriptures:

Num 14:41-44 - "And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.
Go not up, for the LORD [is] not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.
For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp." 

Nehemiah 9:16 - But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments.

Nehemiah 9:26 - "Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you and cast your law behind their back and killed your prophets, who had warned them in order to turn them back to you, and they committed great blasphemies."

Nehemiah 9:29 - "And you warned them in order to turn them back to your law. Yet they acted presumptuously and did not obey your commandments, but sinned against your rules, which if a person does them, he shall live by them, and they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck and would not OBEY..."

Ezekiel 20:13, 21 - "But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes but rejected my rules..."

Matthew 19:17 - Jesus said ... "If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”


Again, if believing, teaching, and practicing that ALL must submit to commandments from God, classifies me as a 'LEGALIST' in their eyes, I plead 'GUILTY AS CHARGED'.


Romans 10:17 - "Presumption cometh by hearing what God NEVER said."

Walk by faith; not by sight...

rdb

"...he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles..." WHY?

Luke 6:13 - "And when it was day, he called [unto him] his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles..." 

Notice: He chose twelve..." - WHY?

1 Corinthians 2:7:100 - "But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.  

None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 
But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

1 Peter 1:10-12 - 
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 

inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 

It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but YOU (the Christians to whom Peter was writing to- rdb), in the things that have now been announced to you through THOSE WHO PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS (the apostles- rdb) to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

THIS was why Jesus told them to "tarry in Jerusalem until ye be endued w/power from on high" (Luke 24:49); they would receive "power" when the Holy Ghost would come upon them" (Acts 1:8), 

THIS was why the Holy Ghost 'fell' upon them (i.e. the 12); NOT to save them from their past sins, but to enable them to preach (have remembrance) of what Jesus had taught them..." (John 14:25; 15:26; 16:13)

We know this to be so from what is stated in Acts 1:8 concerning what they would do AFTER the Holy Ghost came upon them... 

- "and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."


This happened on the day of Pentecost:

Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

They spoke to the multitude in Jerusalem (Acts 2:6 - every man heard them speak in his own language...and how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? - 2:8)

Was this 'speaking' understandable? In answer to this, note the wording in Acts 2:11 - "...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."  (How did they know that the wonderful works of God were being talked about, if these tongues were 'unknown'?)

When this 'speaking' was concluded, those who listened would respond in the following manner: they would "call on the name of the Lord"; which would result in their being saved from their transgressions."

Notice now that per Romans 2, in order for ALL THIS to occur, there had to be the following sequence of action:

Belief...but in order for belief to take place, there had to 'hear' (a message...which implies of necessity an understanding of the message); but in order for this to occur, they had to 'hear' that message; but in order for that to occur, there had to be somebody to preach that message. - Rom 10:14 - "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Romans 10:15 - "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"


THIS is why "...he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles..."

Yet, we find per Rom. 10:16 that not everyone has "obeyed the gospel." (i.e., 'believed their report').

HOW do you believe? HOW do you obey the gospel? What is to be believed and obeyed?

Go back to Peter's sermon in Acts 2; following the conclusion of his preaching, the question was asked "What shall we do?" (v. 36). (They learned of the need to "do" something from the message of Peter)

Peter replied, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (v. 38)

Those who "did" as commanded by Peter, continued stedfastly in "the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). 

If THE SAME doctrine was preached today, every sinner would be added to the same body, the church, by the Lord (Acts 2:47)

1 Cor. 12:12-13, 20 
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit...But now are they many members, yet but one body.

"...and there is nothing new under the sun."

Nothing with God, or with the majority of religious people has changed...

God abhorred this in Amos' day; and He abhors it still today...

“Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock

and calves from the midst of the stall,
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
who drink wine in bowls
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! - 6:4-6


As in Isaiah's day; so also today, "They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, BUT THEY DO NOT REGARD THE DEEDS OF THE LORD, OR SEE THE WORK OF HIS HANDS. - 5:12

God declared thru Amos: "Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen!" - 5:23



 - Eph. 5:19 - ...speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs...make melody in your heart...

 - Col. 3:16 - ...teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Matt. 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted..."

Legalizing Alcohol Sales

Legalizing Alcohol Sales

~Another Vote for Liquor Sales Expansion?~

Will London lose its innocence…again?

The entire series (21 articles in all), 

are posted on the website of the 

Mill Street church of Christ in London, KY

www.millstreetcoc.org

The articles also appeared in the weekly newspapers of the: 

Sentinel Echo Newspaper Article & Times-Tribune Newspaper Article spanning October 21, 2011 thru March 9, 2012

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are ignored and neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. While it is proper and fitting to “pay our respects” for any who have died, I simply am pointing out that the holiday was originally intended for those who died in service to our country.

I want to address how and why observance of memorials diminishes, and specifically, how it relates to the changes that have occurred in its observance.  If one did not know the history behind the establishment of the holiday, one would never know but what the present observance was how it had always been. There were many memorials established in the Bible and as we study the changes that occurred with them, we can see how and why the same thing has occurred in regard to Memorial Day.

As we begin, let it be noted that the idea of a ‘memorial’ is to remember something outstanding about a person or persons or event(s) that had a significant effect in society, whether locally, regionally, or globally. The particular activities associated with each memorial observance are such as would relate to what that person(s) or event(s) were noted for. In other words, the activities ought to be such as would keep the memory alive, but also be accurate to that person or event. When the cause for which any memorial observance becomes obscured or lost, then changes take place which may be based upon inaccurate information. We see such has happened with respect to Memorial Day in that it is thought by many today to be a day whereby we honor all the deceased.

As we turn to the scriptures we see that some memorials were only for certain people, while others were for all humanity.

Memorials in the Old Testament  

The “Passover” – it was not established for all nations, but for the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. It was in remembrance of their freedom from bondage in Egypt.

We read in Ex. 12:14, “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.” Then in verse 17, “And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.” Still later, in verse 24, “You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.”

Let us note some particulars of this memorial. This was to be observed by those who had been in slavery in Egypt and for their descendants. This had no significance or meaning to the Philistines or the Canaanites! They had no reason to ‘remember’ this event. We find further in Ex. 13:3-10, “Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which YOU came out from Egypt..the LORD brought you out from this place.  Today...you are going out. And when the LORD brings you into the land…which he swore to your fathers to give you...you shall keep this service in this month.  You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' And it shall be to you...a memorial.  You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.”

We note also, that the manner of observance was significant! They could not do just anything! The importance of observing this memorial correctly is seen in the condemnation that was pronounced upon them for failure in this area. Did it matter how and when they observed the Passover? Did it matter that they remembered to keep it at all? Could they substitute any particulars? Sadly, we find that several centuries later, they had been unfaithful in remembering their past bondage. In 2 Kings 23, we read of a series of interesting events in this nation. At this time they were ruled by a king, named Josiah. He gave this commandment to the nation, “…Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant. For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah.”

How did Josiah know of the Passover? Its observance had not been ‘remembered’ for several hundred years. Why not? The answer lies in their failure in another area. The failure to pass the story accurately from one generation to another! This nation was given laws, statutes, and ordinances from Mt. Sinai thru Moses (Ex. 20-40). They were given explicit instructions to adhere strictly to those laws (Deut. 4:1-10),

Please take note of the following exhortations and warnings given by Moses to this nation, which they FAILED TO HEED!  

[read: Deut. 6:6-7, 12-15; 7:1-11 ; 8:2-6, 11-17; 9:4-6; 10:12-13; 12:2-5, 8; 12:29-32]

From these passages we have a detailed explanation of how the Passover memorial was perverted and then abandoned.

Many years later, we find that even the copy of the Law, given to Moses had been lost! Then in 2 Kings 22:1-20, when the Law was discovered (AND READ FROM), then the truth about the observance of the Passover was learned and immediate changes were ordered so as to do as God had commanded of this nation. The punishment for disobedience was also discovered in the reading of the Law of Moses. Josiah knew what needed to be done to avoid further wrath from God; and he knew the importance of abandoning present practice! Their worship was corrupted, for they had incorporated the idolatrous practices of the heathen nations into their worship. Josiah restored true worship in accordance with the Book of the Law and he demanded a re-commitment to the keeping of that Law. In 2 Kings 23:25, his efforts were so pleasing to God that it is recorded of Josiah, “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.”

Failure to teach the will of God accurately is the ultimate cause of any departure. This happened repeatedly to this nation. After Moses died, Joshua led them into the land of promise, Canaan, and following Joshua’s death, we read in Judges 2:7, 10, “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel..and also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”

This is what happened in regard to the Passover memorial. It is the same pattern of failure in any departure.

Another memorial for this nation was when they reached this Promised Land. At the entrance into the Promised Land memorial stones were to be set up for a remembering. The story was to be passed down from generation to generation of the significance of those stones. We read of this memorial in Joshua 4:1-7.  Again, in this area, there was a failure to teach the children, and the result was forgetfulness!
  

Memorials in the New Testament 

There are memorials in the New Testament. It is interesting, for a perversion of this memorial has resulted in idolatrous worship before God. In Acts 10:1-4, we find “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” In Acts 10:31 it is further said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.”
What ‘memorial’ did God remember from the prayers of Cornelius? In Acts 10:35 we read: “In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

God remembered a promise He had made prior to the Creation…the promise of eternal life –

Titus 1:2 – “In hope of eternal life, which God…promised before the world began…”
This was purposed in Christ – Eph. 3:11: “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus.” (cf. Eph. 1:4-5, 7)

In connection w/this redemption, Christians have a memorial to observe. It is the observance of the death of Jesus in which our forgiveness was purchased.  “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” – 1 Cor. 10:16.

Jesus gave instructions to Paul concerning this memorial in 1 Cor. 11:23-30.  It is to be observed EVERY first day of the week, hence the purpose for our assembling (Heb. 10:25).

Has the death of the Son of God lost significance with you?

• look at your assembling habits
• look at your preparation for partaking
• look at your manner of partaking; do you examine yourself or others?

These are just a few reminders in hope that we might be prepared for the return of Christ in judgment (Rom. 14:12-13).  Let us resolve to be as Josiah upon learning the truth on any subject in God’s word and restore our religion to “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27).

rdb