MULTIPLE MEANINGS: PERFECT

Many people think of the word PERFECT as meaning blameless or faultless. Reference to a popular secular dictionary may reinforce that idea. So we find "complete; without defect or blemish; blameless; pure".

When we read our Bibles, and wherever we see this word, we may understand it in the way it is commonly used in everyday conversation. But as we have seen previously, the only way to know how God uses a word is to look at it in the context of where it occurs and compare its usage elsewhere in the scriptures. Sometimes we are surprised at the difference in meaning. In such circumstances we should accept God's meaning.

The English translations of both the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) Scriptures may have several synonyms for PERFECT in place of the same original words wherever these occur. Hence, we encounter words like "blameless", "complete", "entire", "full", "whole", "mature", "perfect", "finished", "fulfilled" and "accomplished". To complicate matters further, even the Hebrew and Greek texts have several synonyms for much the same concept.

Old Testament (Hebrew) Usage

Consider the Hebrew word tamam (Strong's anglicised word and number 8549/52) translated into the English word in upper case in the following New American Standard Bible (NASB) quotations:

1. "Let your heart be WHOLLY DEVOTED to the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes and to keep his commandments." (or PERFECT - KJV) I Kings 8:61. What did Solomon mean in his address to the Israelites?

2. "It came about when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not WHOLLY DEVOTED to God, as the heart of David his father had been." I Kings 11:4. What did Solomon do to be described this way? (I Kings 11:1-3, 6, 10)

3. "Thus all the work of Solomon was carried out from the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord, and until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was COMPLETED." (PERFECTED - KJV) II Chron. 8:16. How can we know from this verse what the word COMPLETED means? [Remember the common Hebrew literary device of "coupled lines"; i.e., repeating the same meaning in other words, e.g., Jacob saying to Laban, "What is my transgression? What is my sin?" (Gen. 31:36)]. Compare this passage with Heb. 12:2. What is the similarity?

4. "The high places (altars of pagan worship) were not removed from Israel: nevertheless (King) Asa's heart was BLAMELESS all his days. And he brought into the house of God the dedicated things of his father and his own dedicated things." (PERFECT - KJV) II Chron. 15:17-18. Compare the description of Asa's heart (BLAMELESS) with that urged on the people by Solomon in I Kings 8:61. Does this help us understand the meaning?

Another Hebrew word SHALAM (Strong's anglicised word and number 8003) is translated into the English word in UPPER CASE in the following NASB questions:

5. "Noah was a righteous man, BLAMELESS in his time: Noah walked with God." (PERFECT - KJV) Gen. 6:9. Why was Noah described as BLAMELESS?

6. "I am God almighty: walk before me, and be BLAMELESS." (PERFECT) - KJV) Gen. 17:1. This was God's direction to Abraham. (Cf. Matt. 5:48.)

7. "When a man offers a sacrifice...of the herd or of the flock, it must be PERFECT to be accepted: there shall be no defect in it." Lev. 22:21. In what sense is PERFECT used here?

8. "The law of the Lord is PERFECT, restoring the soul." Psa. 19:7. How is the one who keeps the law described in Psa. 19:13?

9. "Before the harvest, as soon as the bud BLOSSOMS and the flower becomes a ripening grape, then he will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives" (PERFECT - KJV) Isa. 18:5. At what stage of growth is the bud pictured?

10. "You (God) will keep the one of steadfast purpose in PERFECT peace, because that one trusts in you." Isa. 26:3; Phili. 4:7; John 14:27.

11. "You were BLAMELESS in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you." (PERFECT - KJV) Eze. 28:15. See Rom. 7:9 and comment on the state of development when one is PERFECT before unrighteousness appears.

New Testament (Greek) Usage

The most frequently appearing New Testament Greek word translated into the English word PERFECT is TELIOS (Strong's anglicised word and number 5046/48). Again, read and compare each passage given below to ascertain the meaning and usage of the words in their particular contexts. The English word for TELIOS is in UPPER CASE in the following quotations:

1. "You are to be PERFECT, as your heavenly Father is PERFECT." Matt. 5:48. (Gen. 17:1; Matt. 19:21.)

2. "Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to ACCOMPLISH his work." (FINISH - KJV) John 4:34; John 5:36; John 17:4; John 19:28.

3. "When the PERFECT THING comes, the partial will be done away." I Cor. 13:10. Of what is a part? What was "the partial" of which Paul wrote? I Cor. 13:9. What replaced "the partial"? John 14:26; John 16:13; Jude 3.

4. "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be MATURE." (MEN - KJV) I Cor. 14:20. Where are the thinking stages of children and adults on a developmental scale? Transfer this as an analogy to spiritual growth (I Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:12-14; I Pet. 2:1-2)

5. "Everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the MATURE, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (FULL AGE - KJV) Heb. 5:14. Discuss the analogy of milk and solid food in physical growth to that in spiritual growth.

6. "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to MATURITY..." (PERFECTION - KJV) Heb. 6:1. On a scale of learning where are "elementary" and "maturity" located?

7. "For by one offering he (Jesus) has PERFECTED for all time those who are sanctified." Heb. 10:14. Contrast Jesus' accompliment with what the law could not do in Heb. 7:10; Heb. 10:1.

8. "All these (the faithful of the Old Testament), having gained approval through faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us (the faithful of the New Testament), so that apart from us they should not be made PERFECT." Heb. 11:39-40. The sacrifice of Christ ensured salvation for the faithful who had died before, as it does for the faithful since, so that all will be raised to meet the Lord at his coming. I Thes. 4:14-18.

9. "One who looks intently at the PERFECT law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer, but an effectual doer, that one shall be blessed in the doing." James 1:25; Acts 13:39.

10. "There is no fear in love; but PERFECT love casts out fear." I John 4:18. The faithful Christian, "living a life of love" (Eph. 5:1-2), has no fear of the judgment to come (II Tim. 4:7-8).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 15, Apr. 25, 1993, p. 2-5]

EXALTED BE GOD MY SAVIOUR!
(Psa. 18:46-49)
David's exultant and joyous praise to God pours forth in this psalm in deep expression for God's care for those who trust in him. "Therefore, I will praise you among the nations, O Lord: I will sing praises to your name," declares David.

To praise the Lord "among the nations" was more than mere hyperbole. There was a deeper and prophetic meaning to these words which would affect the nations or the Gentiles. The apostle Paul (by inspiration of the same Spirit of Christ who inspired David - I Pet. 1:10-12) wrote that...(Rom. 15:8-9). Thus Paul quoted from this psalm of David to show that God's prophecy concerning Christ's blessing on both Jews and Gentiles ("the nations") had been fulfilled.

No wonder Daivd exclaimed: "Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Saviour!" And no wonder the apostle Paul declared...(Rom. 15:13).

Let us remember how much we owe God and his Son for "saving us from our enemies". Our greatest enemies are Satan and sin, and Jesus rose triumphant to curb Satan (John 12:31-32; Heb. 2:14) and deliver us from sin (Matt. 1:21; I John 3:5). "Exalted by God our Saviour!"
[from The Truth in Love, no. 7, Feb. 28, 1993, p. 8]

MULTIPLE MEANINGS: INTRODUCTION

Everyone who starts to read the Bible needs to learn how to get the best out of it, and how to avoid common pitfalls, in order to understand its teachings properly.

Like all proper translations, the best English Bibles use words which are as near in meaning as possible to the original Hebrew language of the Old Testament and to the original Greek language of the New Testament. The English language has so many more synonyms than most other languages that it is possible to use several words which have roughly the same essential meaning, but each revealing subtle differences. Hence, one Hebrew or Greek word may be translated into several different English words for the same meaning wherever it occurs. This may mislead the untutored reader to think that the same differences are in the original text.

For example, the one New Testament Greek work, TUPOS, is variously translated in the King James Bible (AD 1611) by the following English synonyms: print (John 20:25), figures (Acts 7:43), fashion (Acts 7:44), manner (Acts 23:25), form (Rom. 6:17), examples (I Cor. 10:6), pattern (Titus 2:7).

Some modern English translations have tried to use the one English word to correspond with the one original word wherever it occurs, but not with much success (e.g., Basic English Bible). The context usually suggests a variation in meaning, but this leaves the translator open to using opinion in the choice of synonyms to select. Opinion is often determined by one's own theological tradition of language style preference.

On the other hand, both Hebrew and Greek languages, like other languages, also have their share of synonyms. These may be translated into a number of corresponding English synonyms, but often without consistency. Thus nine different Hebrew words for the basic word KILL, have about the same number of English equivalents used seemingly indiscriminately! For example, one of these Hebrew words, HARAG, is variously translated DESTROY, KILL, MURDER, SLAUGHTER, SMITTEN. The same applies to the other words.

Another problem for the modern Bible reader is that the way we use English words today may not be the way they were used by our own English-speaking forebearers some centuries ago. A couple of examples from the King James Bible may be compared to a modern translation such as the New American Standard Bible (AD 1963):

Matt. 19:14. "SUFFER little children..." (KJV): "LET the little children..." (NASB) I Thes. 4:15.
"shall not PREVENT..." (KJV): "...shall not PRECEDE..." (NASB) II Thes. 2:7.
"he who now LETS..." (KJV: "he who now RESTRAINS..." (NASB).

The only way to be sure of the meanings of words is to consider each in the context of the passage in which it appears and in relation to its usage elsewhere in the scriptures.

What may we do to understand Bible words and teaching? Most of us have one or more Bibles. The selection of a translation to use constantly is very important, because there are some "paraphrases" available which are not true translations; that is, these give "the gist" of the meaning (according to the compiler's viewpoint) and do not attempt to give as near a literal word-for-word translation as possible.

The familiar KJV has been the benchmark for good translations for some time. However, its now archaic language is a hindrance to easy reading and several modern translations have attempted to make God's word more accessible to modern readers. Many scholars believe that the ARV (AD 1901) is the most literal and accurate English translation, but its language is stilted to modern ears. The NASB (AD 1963) is an excellent translation and recommended. No translation is without some faults.

Where does the new reader start? Just reading the Bible from beginning to end is not the best way to get acquainted with it. This is why it is important to have someone who really knows the Bible show the beginner. For example, it is essential to realise that the Bible refers to two main covenant periods; the first between God and Israel (the old covenant) and the second between God and Christians (the new covenant). The demarcation in our Bibles by "Old Testament" and "New Testament" does not truly reflect these two periods. The first covenant was given by God through Moses at Sinai and was abolished at the cross, where it was replaced by the second given through Jesus Christ. Thus it is important to know which commands of God apply to Christians and which do not. The value of the "Old Testament" is that it gives us principles and examples for our learning (I Cor. 10:11), but not commands to be obeyed.

The so-called "four gospels" describe the life of Jesus on earth and he lived under the terms of the old covenant to which he was perfectly obedient. He taught his Jewish hearers to remain faithful to that covenant in his lifetime, but he announced the impending coming of a new covenant to replace the old following his death (Heb. 10:9-10; Heb. 12:18-24).

So it is important to learn what commands of God apply to us today, God's commands for forgiveness of sins and for salvation were first given to Christ's apostles, as he directed them, in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2. This is the starting point for the one who seeks God.

The one who responds in faith and obedience to Christ's terms of salvation (Acts 2:36-38) is added by the Lord to his church (Acts 2:47), and is thereafter required to obey the Lord's new covenant teaching through his apostles, recorded in the letters of the "New Testament" (II John 9).

Take a graphic example of the problem facing the unsuspecting Bible reader with a Bible word like "pastor" which is found in the New Testament only in Eph. 4:11. Many readers have Bibles without marginal references, and so they will not know what the word means. Most likely they will rely on their knowledge of denominational custom and, perhaps, a dictionary. In this case they will assume that a "pastor" is "a clergyman or minister having spiritual charge of a church or congregation" (Webster's Dictionary).

Even a margin reference (KJV) may not be enlightening. From Eph. 4:11 the reference is made to Acts 20:28.

The next step for the keen Bible student is to refer to a comprehensive Bible concordance like "Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible". Look up the word "pastor" and it occurs in the New Testament only in one verse as previously mentioned. But this is not all the student can do. Notice that there is a numbering system in the margin of the concordance. Against "pastors" we find the number 4166 (new Testament). At the back of the concordance is a dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words. Turn to the word against the number 4166 in the Greek (New Testament) part of the dictionary, and we find 4166 POIMEN which is the Greek word for "shepherd". Some editions of this concordance helpfully list all the English words, and the numbers of occurrences, used to translate a particular Greek word. So we find that POIMEN is translated shepherd/s seventeen times and "pastor" only once!

How do we get the word "pastor"? When the Greek manuscripts were translated into Latin, the Latin word for "shepherd" was pastorem and so, in the early English versions of the Bible, some words were transliterated from the Latin, as in this example which curiously appears only in Eph. 4:11: elsewhere it was translated "shepherd/s". The inconsistency has been perpetuated.

If we substitute the word "shepherd" for "pastor", as we are entitled to do, we can now learn to whom the Bible passage (Eph. 4:11) is referring. Look up the word "shepherd/s" in the concordance and you will find all seventeen places in the New Testament where it occurs. By reading these other passages, you will learn what God means and not what human scholars think it means.

Be like the Berean Jews who...(Acts 17:11). Since they were commended for subjecting the apostle Paul to this test; we can do no better than scrutinise all Bible scholars with the same care.
(II Tim. 3:16).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 13, Apr. 11, 1993, p. 2-5]

A MORAL FOUNDATION

Recent battles in the Supreme Court and in local schools over prayer demonstrate the philosophical battle going on for the heart and soul of America. A very vocal minority in our society are endevouring to change our constitution to read "freedom from religion" instead of "freedom of religion." It is an effort to drive all religious influences from our schools, in fact, from any public arena. However, a nation cannot survive when it loses its moral foundation; and a moral foundation cannot be established without religious influences. It was within this continuing struggle that a loud shot was fired this past weekend. Tennessee State University had been forced by one professor and the threat of a law suit to remove prayer from its graduation ceremony. A moment of silence replaced prayer on the graduation program. It was during this moment of silence that Dr. Jamye Williams stood and began reciting the Lord's prayer. Applause and cheers rang out throughout the crowd and before long people throughout the audience were joining in.

I don't know what this simple act of faith will do for future graduations at TSU, but I do know that it represents what many Christians are feeling - a sense that it is about time to take America back. While there will be debate on how to proceed, Christians must fight to maintain what little moral foundation is left. If Christian influences are lost in our great nation, we will cease to be a great nation. God stated through the wise man of old...(Prov. 14:34).

Pray for our country. Pray for our president and elected leaders. As never before, our country needs the leadership of faithful Christians dedicated to making America a righteous nation.
[by Leslie Chapman from Northside Church of Christ bulletin, May 10, 1993]

GOD'S PEOPLE IN THE WRONG PLACE
(Matt. 26:58)
Environment plays an important part in the kind of person a man or a person is. A potted plant belongs in a green-house, not in an icehouse. There are environments that are as disastrous to Christians as is the frigid temperatures to the potted plant. Such places should be avoided at all costs. They do not offer enough of that which is beneficial to a Christian to offset the dangers.

It is doubtful if Peter would have denied the Lord had he not been in the wrong place. He warmed himself at the fire with the servants of the enemies of his Lord. When they questioned him about his discipleship, he did not have the courage to confess, but chose instead to deny his Lord. If Peter could have seen the result of being in the wrong place, he would most assuredly have stayed away from the fire and the wrong companionship, even though it might have meant actual suffering from the cold. What he must have suffered in remorse because of the denial is not to be compared to a little physical inconvenience which might have resulted from his staying out of the wrong place.

There is a rule for Christians that will work very well. If the place is questionable, it is the wrong place for God's people. Christians are instructed to avoid the very appearance of evil. A place that is of doubtful reputation will present temptations to the Christians at the very best. How much better to stay clear of all temptation to do that which is wrong in the sight of the Lord. Most Christians are careful of their physical health. Unless absolutely necessary, they will not go to a room where there is a contagious disease. Why not use the same reasoning in a spiritual way?

Peter overcame the denial of the Master: but you may be sure that the scar of that sin was carried in Peter's mind as long as he lived. You may overcome the sins that are brought about by being in the wrong place, but the shame of sin will remain to bring sorrow into the heart, long after God has forgiven.
[by Foster L. Ramsey from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 9, 1993, p. 2]

DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE?
(Eph. 5:15-16)
Someone wrote that people relate to time in many different ways. Referees call time; prisoners serve time; musicians mark time; historians record time; loafers kill time; statisticians keep time. But no matter how people relate to time, the fact remains that all of us are given the same amount of time. There are twenty-four hours a day, 168 hours in a week.

A few years ago, I concentrated on improving my use of time. One practical idea was to use small blocks of time in an effective way. I rarely find three or four hours extra but I often find three to fifteen minutes that I can use productively.

C.H. Spurgeon gave the following illustration in one of his sermons:

"Select a large box, and place in it as many cannon balls as it will hold, and it is after a fashion, full; but it will hold more if smaller matters can be found. Bring a quantity of marbles; very many of these may be packed in the spaces between the larger globes. The box is now full, but still only in a sense; it will contain more yet. There are spaces in abundance, into which you may shake a considerable quantity of shot, and now the quest is filled beyond all question; but yet there is room. You cannot put in another shot or marble, much less another ball, but you will find that several pounds of sand will slide down between the larger materials, and, even then between the granules of sand, if you empty yonder jug, there will be space for all the water, and for the same quantity several times repeated. Where there is no space for the great, there may be room for the little. Where the little cannot enter, the less can make its way. And where the less is shut out, the least of all may find ample room. So where time is, as we say, fully occupied, there must be stray moments, a vast amount of little usefulness in the course of months and years."

There are many things that can be done in small blocks of time: send a get-well card, read from the Psalms or Proverbs, pray for someone in need, refrain from destructive criticism, write a thank you note, read a short article from a book or magazine, speak an encouraging word to someone nearby or on the phone, mail a tract, memorize a verse from the Bible, meditate on your Bible class for Sunday or Wednesday night....
[by Jerrie Barber from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 2, 1993, p. 2]

There are 3 kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, "What happened?"
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Apr. 11, 1993, p. 3]

GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES?

Though often quoted, have you ever stopped to think about that phrase, "God helps those who help themselves?" This statement is sometimes used by well-meaning individuals as if it were inspired truth. I do not, however, find that "verse" in my Bible. What I do find is teaching to the contrary. Notice.
(Psa. 72:12-13; Psa. 145:14; Isa. 40:29; Rom. 7:24-25; Rom. 5:6.)

The picture painted of God by wise and competent men, the likes of Solomon, David, Isaiah and Paul, is that he helps those who cannot help themselves. I do not find the portrait of a God who, before helping, first requires a man to either earn or deserve divine assistance.

Psa. 107 is instructive. Four examples of hardship and trouble are cited, due partially, if not entirely, to a people's rebelliousness or sin. Some wandered in a waste land, some languished in the gloom and darkness of prison, some suffered sickness and others faced the terror of the tempest.

Did God wait until these people helped themselves before rescuing them? Only if you consider crying out to the Lord as example of helping oneself. No, these people were helpless. Their only recourse was to cry for help.

Notice what the Lord did: The wanderers he led by a straight way to a city where they could settle; the prisoners he brought out of darkness and broke their chains; the sick he healed, rescuing them from the grave; the suffering sea-merchants received a calm sea and guidance to their desired port.

Man's trust must never be in man, whether that man be self or some other. David counseled...(Psa. 118:8). Always.

And my response? Extreme gratitude that my deliverance, safety and sustenance comes not from my own effort (for what trouble I would be in if that were so) but from my God, who in all things is able.
(Psa. 107:43).
by Tom Chapin from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Apr. 11, 1993, p. 2]

CHRIST CRUCIFIED

To Paul the apostle, the cross of Jesus was the very center of Life. It was the basis of the message that he devoted his life to preaching. It was his personal hope of eternal life. Paul saw the cross of Jesus as a thing of beauty.

Relatively few of Paul's contemporaries were able to appreciate his view of the cross. More than once the Jews had asked Jesus for a sign of His Messiahship. When He gave them the sign of the cross, they rejected Him. Their concept of the Kingdom had no place for a crucified king. To the Greeks, the cross was utter foolishness. In their perspective of religion, gods did not sacrifice to men; men sacrificed to gods. If a god lacked wisdom or the power to avoid such a fate, they wanted no part of him!

Historically, the cross was a symbol of shame. To this day, the unbeliever can see it as little more than a senseless sacrifice; a tragedy reflecting man's inhumanity to man.

Only to the believer can the cross ever be a thing of beauty. It is beautiful only as we see, overshadowing the cruelty of it all, the reflection of God's love for His wayward children and the promise of victory over sin and death. Only to grateful recipients of the blood shed there can the cross become something in which to glory. To all others, our devotion to that ancient torture stake must remain a mystery.

"For the Jews demand signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified...Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Mar. 28, 1993, p. 2]

It's a rare person who doesn't get discouraged. Whether it happens to us or to an associate we're trying to cheer up, the answer centres around one word: perseverance.

The value of courage, persistence, and perseverance has rarely been illustrated more convincingly than in the life story of this man (his age included to the right):

Failed in business 22
Ran for legislature - defeated 23
Again failed in business 24
Elected to legislature 25
Sweetheart died 26
Had a nervous breakdown 27
Defeated for speaker 29
Defeated for elector 31
Defeated for congress 34
Elected to congress 37
Defeated for congress 39
Defeated for senate 46
Defeated for vice president 47
Defeated for senate 49
Elected president of the United States 51
That's the record of Abraham Lincoln.

YOU CAN GO TO HEAVEN WITHOUT THE CHURCH

It's true. You can go to heaven without the church if...

...you can go to heaven without being in the family of God. See, that's what the church is...the family of God (Eph. 3:15). We're his sons and daughters. God is our father. Jesus is our brother. We're family.

...you can go to heaven without the blood of Christ. Jesus died for the church (Eph. 5:25). He gave his blood for it (Acts 20:28). The church cost Jesus his life.

...you can go to heaven without being saved. Again, that's what the church is...saved folks. When one is saved, he automatically becomes a part of the church (Eph. 5:23; Acts 2:47).

...you can go to heaven without being reconciled to God. Those in the body or the church are the ones who are reconciled (bought back) to God (Eph. 2:16). Because of the cross, Jesus made reconciliation possible.

Now answer four questions:
1) Can you go to heaven without being in the family of God?
2) Can you go to heaven without the blood of Jesus?
3) Can you go to heaven without being saved?
4) Can you go to heaven without being reconciled to God?

If the answer to the above questions is "yes", then you can go to heaven without the church. But what's the answer?
[by Keith Parker from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 3]

People don't miss church services because they live too far from the building; it's because they live too far from God!
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 3]

THE PERFECT PREACHER HAS BEEN FOUND

After hundreds of years, a model preacher has finally been found to suit everyone. He preaches exactly 20 minutes and then sits down. He condemns sin, but never hurts anyone's feelings.

He works from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in every type of work, from preaching to chauffeur service, he makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books regularly, has a nice family, drives a good car, and gives $30.00 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good work that comes along.

He is 26 years old and has been preaching for 30 years. He is tall and short, thin and heavy set, and handsome. He has one brown eye and one blue; hair parted in the middle, left side, dark and straight, the right brown and wavy.

He has a burning desire to work with teenagers, and spends most of his time with older folk. He smiles with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work.

He makes "15" calls a day on church members, spends the rest of his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is never out of his office when the brethren call to complain or chat.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 2]

"PATTERN" TEACHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Are we to understand that the New Testament is or sets forth a pattern for the life and works of the church, for becoming a Christian, for what is taught and upheld by God's people? These questions focus upon a very hotly discussed concern among some brethren as one may read in various books and articles among us. Some brethren tell us that we are to cherish the New Testament as a love letter from God, telling of His desire for our salvation; but the New Testament is not to be regarded as a book of law, a pattern for our faith and practice, a norm or standard for fellowship and service. What are we to make of such a view? A brief answer would seem to be appropriate and is offered below.

First, if one refuses the New Testament as a pattern or standard from God, there are some unavoidable problems which must be faced. To be sure, the love of God is clearly declared in the Bible. (John 3:16) But, does the assurance of God's love eliminate our need to obey His revealed will in the New Testament?

Think about these problems for such a view: How would it be appropriate for Jesus to require His disciples to observe all things He commanded His apostles to teach? (Matt. 28:20) How could worship be in vain, because one teaches the doctrines of men? (Matt. 15:9) Why would Jesus insist that it is the truth (not error) which makes one free? (John 8:32) Why would John warn against adding to or taking away from the word he was writing lest the consequences described occur to the violator? (Rev. 22:18-19) Would sprinkling or pouring water suffice for immersion in baptism? Would it be right to use potatoes and gravy in the Lord's Supper? These and other questions and insights indicate that one's faith and practice must be conformed to the truth revealed in the Gospel. Call it pattern, norm, standard, whatever, there is the obligation to obey the revealed will of God. The view there is no pattern in the New Testament for faith and practice will not do. It involves unsolvable problems for its advocates.

Second, there are numerous passages which indicate the New Testament gives pattern instruction. Note these among many: Paul commended the Roman Christians for having become free from sin when they obeyed the "form" of doctrine which was delivered to them. (Rom. 6:17-18) Note that the word "form" in this verse is translated "standard" (RSV) and "pattern" (NEV). John told of the consequences for those who left the doctrine of Christ as well as the blessings for those who remained in it. (II John 9) These verses suffice, but others are present in the New Testament.

There is, indeed, a standard or pattern for the people of God today. It is the revelation of God's will in Christ, inspired and preserved in the New Testament. It is our privilege to believe and obey it.
[by William Woodson from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 13, 1992, p. 2]

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're alone, a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear to the end
And you've passed your most dangerous test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in glass.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 30, 1992, p. 3]

JUST BELONG?

Are you an active member, the kind that would be missed?
Or are you just contented that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock?
Or do you stay at home and criticize and knock?
Do you take an active part to help the work along?
Or are you satisfied to be the kind that "just belongs"?
Do you ever go to visit a member who is sick?
Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the "Clique"?
There's quite a program scheduled that I'm sure you've heard about,
And we'll appreciate it if you will come and help us out;
So come to meetings often, and help with hand and heart;
Don't be "just a member", but take an active part,
Think this over, member - you know right from wrong;
Are you an active member, or do you "just belong"?
[from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, Aug. 30, 1992, p. 2-3]

LET'S HEAR IT FOR RESPONSIBILITY

"I quit attending church services because I was just going out of a sense of responsibility." "I'm not going to stay in this marriage out of duty." "I quit giving because I felt obligated. It should be more than just a duty." "I'm not going to stay in this job if I don't like it."

For many people the word "responsibility" and "duty" have lost their value. One of the major reasons for this is that we have convinced ourselves that life is supposed to be pleasant and easy all the time. While we all believe the popular slogan, "If it feels good, do it," is wrong, we subconsciously feel that the opposite is true, "If it doesn't feel good - don't do it." It is believed that if you go contrary to your feelings, you are being cheated and acting hypocritical.

Life is not all fun and games. In fact, almost all of life is a commitment of fulfilling responsibilities, which are not dependent upon feeling, for everybody's enthusiasm wears out on occasion. Showing up on time whether you feel like it or not, doing your job even if it is not what you want to do, disciplining your children even when you would rather just let them go, and performing quality work even when you are tired are all the fulfilling of responsibilities.

I have a responsibility regardless of my feelings, and so does each member of the body of Christ: a responsibility to God, to ourselves, and to each other. This trust includes teaching, exhorting, provoking unto love, being compassionate and faithful, and a host of other things. It is not always easy, but as Christians we will discover that when we perform tasks out of duty that God has given us, our enthusiasm will return. The words of psychologist William James are worth remembering, "If you act the way you wish you felt, eventually you will feel the way you act."

Where did we get the idea that enthusiasm for a task returns when we quit? We hear so much about burn-out today that it has often become an excuse for laziness. People back off from their work and often end up feeling worse than ever. While it is true that people do occasionally overcommit themselves, it should be remembered that "Character is the ability to stay with a resolution long after the mood in which the resolution was made has left." Much of what we say about burn-out is a cop-out to cover irresponsibility.

Jesus did not go to the cross because He felt like going. In Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood and prayed that there might be another way to save mankind. The cross was painful and contrary to the desires of the flesh. But Jesus had a sense of responsibility because of His great love for man. The apostle Paul surely never felt like going to prison. He did not enjoy being shipwrecked. It could not have been fun to be stoned, ridiculed, or attacked, but he refused to quit because he had a sense of responsibility.

Let us hear it again for responsibility and applaud the people who keep going regardless of their feelings.
(I Cor. 15:58).
[by Felton Spraggins from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 30, 1992, p. 2]

A STUDENT'S PRAYER

I ask you for Your help, Lord,
So that I will always know
How to be a better student
And to make my knowledge grow.
Please give me understanding
So that I will clearly see
Which lessons are important
And reveal the truth to me.
May I have the time to study
And improve my memory,
So I won't forget the answers
No matter what the test may be.
Let me always keep on learning,
Even when the class is done,
May I use my knowledge wisely
So it works for everyone.
[by Jill Wolf from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 23, 1992, p. 3]

INFLUENCE

Drop a pebble in the water,
And its ripples reach out far;
And the sunbeams dancing on them
May reflect them to a star.
Give a smile to someone passing,
Thereby making his morning glad;
It may greet you in the evening
When your own heart may be sad.
Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 23, 1992, p. 2-3]

LET ME GIVE

I do not know how long I'll live
But while I live, Lord, let me give
Some comfort to someone in need
By smile or nod - kind word or deed
And let me do what e'er I can
To ease things for my fellow man.
I want naught but to do my part
To "lift" a tired or weary heart.
To change folks frowns to smiles again -
Then I will not have lived in vain
And I'll not care how long I'll live
If I can give - and give - and give.
[from The Outreach, 26 July 1992, p. 3 and from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 2, 1992, p. 2]

WANTED: A PAIR OF SHOES

Nothing fancy. Any kind will do. The main requirement is that they be motivated by a heart of love - love so strong that it causes feet to walk to a distant apartment or the house next door to tell the people who live there about the love of God.

Search your closet to see if you have a pair of shoes that might be willing to get involved in the ministry of telling others about Jesus Christ.
[from The Outreach, 29 Mar. 1992, p. 2]

If you want to be missed for your absence, you will have to be felt today for your presence. Get out of your isolation and self-absorption. Touch others with a loving presence. Do something unselfish and unexpected for someone. After all, it would be a sad commentary for no one to miss you after you're gone!
[by Rubel Shelly from Upreach, Jan. 1987]

WHY GOD MADE FRIENDS

God made the world
With a heartful of love,
Then He looked down
From heaven above,
And saw that we all need
A helping hand,
Someone to share with,
Who'll understand.
He made special people
To see us through
The glad times
And the sad times, too;
A person on whom
We can always depend,
Someone we
Can call a friend.
God made friends
So we'll carry a part
Of His perfect love
In all our hearts.
[by Jill Wolf from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 2, 1992, p. 2]

WE WILL JUST WAIT

A religious group meets to decide that which God has already decided. A religious group meets to decide about the acceptance of homosexuality.

After rejecting homosexuality, those involved in this unacceptable behavior or supporting it stated calmly, "We will just wait. They'll change in 10 or 20 years."

This phrase, "We'll just wait" scares me. Satan and his allies are behind this statement. They have used it for years.

The world impacted the Israelites in Egypt and in Canaan. Faithfulness to one God slowly eroded away. Faith to one God was replaced by what every one else was doing. (Israelites saw neighbors worshipping Baal, a god of fertility. Neighbors had good crops. Neighbors seemed happier.) Faith in one God was questioned. Migration from the one God began.

Satan and his allies said all along, "We'll just wait." AND many of God's people did depart from the one true God.

Let us resolve that Satan and his allies can wait until the Lord comes again, and they will not lead us away from the one true God.

Our victory is assured
1) when we study God's word regularly (and I mean daily),
2) when we study for Bible Classes,
3) when we stay for Bible Classes,
4) when we bring our Bibles to church for worship services and/or Bible classes, and
5) when our children/grandchildren see Bibles used in our homes.

We marvel at the power of nuclear weapons. We pat ourselves on the back with our successful space exploits. We rejoice in every medical advancement. We enjoy prosperity unknown in most countries.

We have in our possession something more potent - God's word. With God's word a part of our daily lives, Satan and his allies speak raspingly, hoarse as they keep saying "We will just wait."

They are still waiting...or are they?
[by Grover W. Hastings from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 2, 1992, p. 2]

THE TEEN CREED

Don't let your parents down; they brought you up. Be humble enough to obey; you may give orders someday. Choose companions with care; you become what they are. Guard your thoughts; what you think, you are. Choose only a date who will make a good mate. Be master of your habits; or they will master you. Don't be a show off when you drive; drive with safety and arrive. Don't let the crowd pressure you; stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 26, 1992, p. 3]

I ASKED GOD

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak to humbly obey. I asked for health, that I might to greater thing; I was given infirmity that I might to better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life; I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 26, 1992, p. 2]

LORD, HELP ME TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

Life does not always deal us a favorable hand. Sometimes, there is illness, or we find ourselves unemployed, or death lays a cold and unwelcome hand upon loved ones. Our faith does not fail, of course, but the going gets harder than it was. Unexpected reverses have a way of showing up at the most inopportune times; and occasionally we may be tempted to say within ourselves, "What's the use."

No doubt such emotions come to all of us now and then; but the Lord will help us to keep on keeping on. The Christian life was never intended to be a long string of unlimited victories. The admonition for Christians in the sacred text says, "Having put on the WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, and having done all, to STAND." We are not instructed to defeat all of our enemies, not even to solve all of our problems, but to "STAND." Ours is not a task of rounding up all of God's sheep and declaring war on the wolves. It all turns on the question of our ability "to stay in there" through thick and thin, through sorrows and wonderful joys, in sickness and in health, in poverty or affluence, in success or failure, in profit or loss.

He who called us into the Kingdom of His Son will complete the good work which He began in us. Nothing is required of any of us that we cannot perform. But we should always remember that the promise is certified when life's probation is over, or when the Lord shall come, ever remembering that the Voice from Heaven is pleading with us, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give unto thee the crown of life that fadeth not away." It is in this steadfast continuity that we shall win the prize.

Think of how it was with Jesus. Forsaken by His disciples, denied by the leader of the apostles, betrayed by one of them, rejected by the Chosen People, facing a cruel death on Calvary, our Holy Savior took every sorrow life could bring Him and hurled the eternal challenge in the face of all of it: "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Of course, this is precisely the ability every Christians so desperately needs. Where could there be a better source of such power for every one of us than in the Holy One who gave Himself up to death for us and loosed us from our sins in His blood?
[by Vance Hutton from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 26, 1992, p. 2]

A FRIEND

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breaths of kindness, blow the rest away.
[an Arabian Proverb from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 19, 1992, p. 3]

IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two.
If He came unexpectedly, I know what you'd do.
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest!
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best.
But...when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door.
With arms outstretched in welcome to our heavenly visitor?
Or would you maybe change your clothes before you let Him in.
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard,
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud hasty word?
Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder...If the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed.
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go.
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends.
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do,
If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 19, 1992, p. 2-3]

WALKING WITH GOD

As Christians, we are partners with God. Paul, to the church at Corinth in I Cor. 3:9 and II Cor. 6:1, referred to Christians as laborers together with God. He referred to himself in Phili. 4:13 in communion with Christ who was the source of His strength. The Old Testament used a phrase that means much to me. That phrase is "walking with God". Enoch walked with God according to Gen. 5:24. Noah too walked with God in Gen. 6:9. Micah, with God's Spirit speaking through him, gave the charge to God's people to walk humbly with their God in Micah 6:6-8. An old song we sing extols this great theme. The song is "Hand in hand with Jesus."

Are you walking with God as He would have us all? To visit cemeteries and read epitaphs engraved by men about those who have died, one would think that surely almost all must be walking with God. To examine the teaching of the Bible and the basics of the worldly minded, the conclusion is quite the opposite.

The New Testament has much to say about this walk as Christians. The book of Ephesians is filled with instruction about how to walk and how not to walk as God's dear children. Study this valuable epistle and see that our walk is to be quite different from the world and our own past (Eph. 2:2; Eph. 4:17), our walk is to be in good works (Eph. 2:10), our walk is to be in wisdom (Eph. 5:15), our walk is to be in love (Eph. 5:2), our walk is to be in harmony with our profession (Eph. 4:1), and our walk is to be in the light extended through Christ and His word (Eph. 5:8; John 8:12).

Let us all walk before the Lord, our brethren, and an unbelieving world in a way suitable and pleasing to our God. Notice the following three charges from God to us all. These will surely help me walk as I ought.

1) Walk by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7). Is our walk dominated by the present world? Do we live only for what we can see, feel, smell, hear, or taste? Let us walk in the light of God's word, growing in faith therein (I John 1:7). Walk with faith in God, Christ, the Bible, the Church, Righteousness, and Eternity.

2) Walk as Jesus walked (I John 2:6). Let us imitate the great life and traits of Jesus. May His mind, heart, and actions be formed in us (Gal. 4:19; Phili. 2:5; I Pet. 2:21).

3) Walk with self-control (Rom. 8:4). Our walk with God will be characterized by temperance. We will not serve sin but will seek to put to death the evil in our lives (Col. 3:5). We will not be dominated by the flesh but will yield our members as instruments of righteousness.

May it truly be said of us that we too "walked with God." One day you will be eternally glad you did.
[by Vance Hutton from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 19, 1992, p. 2]

THIS IS NOT A HAMBURGER STAND

I had a call early on Sunday morning and the person asked, "How long will your services last and do you serve the Lord's Supper first or last?" They were probably traveling and wanted their crackers and grape juice to go. Many are demanding today that we be quick and convenient. It seems that many religious leaders are taking the Burger King approach "Have it your way", but we're not a hamburger stand. We're the body of Christ. It is tempting today to apply the fast food approach but it will be deadly to the church. One church in California already has drive-in services. You simply put the speaker in your car, listen to a brief message, hang it up and get on your way. Will some offer a drive-in window where one can get the Lord's Supper and go fishing and hunting? Will we eventually have home delivery? Yes, the hamburger people say, "We can hold the lettuce. We can hold the pickle. We can hold the onion." It seems that some even hold the patty. The same cry has come to church: Hold the water. Hold the works. We want a grace only salvation. Hold the preaching. Hold the doctrine. Hold the singing. We are not at liberty to hold anything that God's Word specifies. Many in our great brotherhood today cry change, adapt, and conform or die. We must not panic because we're not growing like the hamburger stands. We must not let the liberals exploit our frustrations by saying, "You would grow if you were more liberal." The Catholic church has tried to accommodate their people for years and every year their numbers shrink.

We're not in the growth business. At least this is not our priority. We are to sow, plant, and water. God will give the increase. Paul saw this day and said, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine." Another version says, "When people won't tolerate sound doctrine but after their own lusts, appetites, and fancies they will have it their own way" (II Tim. 4:2-3). And what was Paul's recommendation? Preach the word not relevance, not mere peace and harmony, not the end justifies the means. Nor are we in the people pleasing business. Paul said, "If I were still pleasing men I should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10). His business and ours is to please Christ.

Maybe the church is like a hospital emergency room where men and women from all walks of life come in sick, hurt, bleeding, and dying. Yet they all ask for the same thing - please help me. They don't ask how soft are the mattresses? They don't ask the temperature of the room. They don't notice whether the carpet and curtains match. They don't walk out because there is someone in the next bed they don't like. They don't go back home because no one spoke to them. They do not leave because the doctor has on a green jacket instead of a white one.

Until we can convince the world of its sick, lost and dying condition and lift Jesus up as the great physician and the only hope in this world, men will continue to be picky. The prodigal son was picky until he was destitute. Then he said, "Make me a servant." The church is facing a spoiled, pampered, indulged generation and we must not give in.
[by Bob Plunket from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 12, 1992, p. 2]

Bible = Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth

BE NOT DECEIVED

Since the time of Eve man has allowed himself to be deceived by Satan and his subtle devices. The Israelites were always in danger of deception and often were warned against it (Deut. 11:16). The phrase, "Be not deceived", is used frequently in the word of God. The people of God constantly face the danger of it. Very often other people deceive us because "many deceivers have gone out into the world..." (II John 7). Paul admonished...(Eph. 5:6). But perhaps the deception most common among men, and yet the most difficult to detect is self-deception. In most cases it results from an over indulgence in self-esteem. It causes one to think highly of himself when he is nothing. (Gal. 6:3) It blinds one to the infuence of evil associates. (I Cor. 15:33) It causes one to think himself to be religious and faithful while failing to control his speech. (James 1:26) We all need to guard against both kinds of deception, from without and from within. Let us give some attention to various ways each does its harmful work.

By Worldly wisdom
Worldly wisdom often deceives (I Cor. 3:8) Many reject the gospel because it is an insult to their "intelligence". (I Cor. 1:18-25) Most of the problems at Corinth occurred because they were determined to do things their way instead of humbly submitting to God's will. We often make the same mistake. Personal ingenuity or human philosophies and opinions can never replace the wisdom of God. True wisdom only comes when we become foolish in the eyes of the worldly wise.

By Sin
Sin can deceive us. (Rom. 7:11) Sin had deceived Paul into breaking the law of Moses as a Jew, thereby killing him in bringing upon him the curse of violating it. Sin often causes man to justify breaking God's law. That is its power of deception. (I Cor. 6:9-10) Some guilt of such sins justify their actions and believe they will go to heaven. Oh, how sin deceives!

By Religious Error
One can be deceived by religious error. In foretelling the events leading up to Jerusalem's destruction Jesus warned his disciples that...(Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24). God's elect are still deceived at times, and often from among our own ranks. (Acts 20:29-30). Some...(Eph. 4:14), causing others to be "tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine." Note Paul's warnings in Titus 1:10-11; Rom. 16:17-18.

God's warning against becoming deceived by worldly wisdom, by sin, or by religious error is not to be taken lightly. Those who do so suffer the greatest deception of all.
[by Richard Harp from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 5, 1992, p. 2]

THE OTHERS

I feel I have to explain myself and that just should not be.
But I'm not dying you see,
I'm just a little different. I have to fight each day to be.
I look just like the others, as healthy as can be,
it is all hidden deep inside of me.
I know the others don't understand and get weary as days go by.
The others set a limit on sickness, you get well or die.
I'm stuck in the middle where I don't want to be.
But no one has told me, do you give us a week, a month, a year?
What is the longest limit? Because you see, I'm still here.
We can go it alone without the others around, but oh, it would be special to have you all with me.
I'm truly very sorry to make the others tired.
But if I see our Heavenly Father before they get the chance, I'll try to explain for them the best way I can.
I'm sure when I tell him how tired they were He will understand.
[by Patsy Orange from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 21, 1992, p. 3]

My dishes aren't washed, my beds aren't made
But they'll just have to wait.
It's Sunday morning and almost ten
And I won't want to be late.
My brethren in Christ are meeting now
To study God's Word, and pray.
And I know my God would miss me
If I purposefully stayed away.
It does take effort I must admit,
But the rewards are very great.
I usually find I'm not alone
In the problems that I face.
The strength I draw from others faith
Makes me stronger through the week.
And time that's spent in study and prayer
Puts more spring into my feet.
And years from now I'll never know
That the housework had to wait,
But my Lord will know and He'll reward
For keeping priorities straight.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 14, 1992, p. 3]

HOME SWEET HOME??

God made homes to be special places where everyone would be loved and where we would all have a "safe" place to grow up. Even in the very beginning, with Adam and Eve, people messed up His plan.

If you live in a Christian home with parent who love you, stop and thank God. You have more than most people. If you are one of the millions of teenagers who live in homes that are a far cry from perfect, this article is for you.

The biggest attacks on our "perfect" homes these days are coming from divorce and from drugs (including alcohol). A lot of you probably live with one parent or with one natural parent and a step-parent. Others of you live in homes that are really hurting because one of your parents abuses drugs or alcohol. I was one of those teenagers. My dad abused drugs for most of my life at home. I know what it is like to pray for years (literally) that dad would get help. I know what it is like wondering if he would be sober for Christmas, birthdays, or graduation. I know how it feels to wonder if he was going to be dead when I came home from school each day. I also know the fear of wondering if my mom would divorce him. Along with all that, I carried a feeling of shame and embarrassment. I was worried about what people at school or at church would think if they knew. I felt like mine was the only family going through horrible times.

In my struggle to survive and deal with the pain in my family, I found several things helpful. Maybe they will help where you are with your family struggles too.

First, realize that the pain you are going through is not God's fault. It's easy to start blaming Him and asking Him why He put you in a family with problems. The problems in your family happen when someone decides to follow their own plan instead of God's. Look at the problems in your family as an opportunity to lean more on God, not to blame Him.

Secondly, don't blame yourself. I don't know of any marriages that have broken up because there was a bad kid or were a badder student, you can't fix problems your parents have.

Next, work at forgiving your parent or parents. A lot of adults are still carrying around horrible pain from their past because they are not able to forgive and let it go. Tomorrow may not be any better, but let the hurt from yesterday go as much as you can. Pray and ask God to help you forgive and to take away yesterday's pain.

Fourthly, don't follow in your parent's footsteps. It is easy to turn to drugs, alcohol, or even sexual relationships to help you forget the pain your parents are causing you. Learn your lessons from watching your parents - not from making their mistakes over again. Find positive ways to fill your time and work at dealing with your pain head-on. Find someone to talk to about your family problems. Don't keep it inside. You'll find that there are lots of other people going through the same pain you are going through.

Finally, work at loving your parents in spite of their problems. That's really the only way you come out a winner. All of the other alternatives I tried left me angry, bitter, and lonely.

My dad finally did get some help after about 15 years, and we have worked at rebuilding our relationship. Keep taking your parents and their problems to God and don't give up on Him. It's never easy dealing with big problems at home, but with God's help and help of Christian friends, you can make it!
[from Teenage Christian, Sept., 1991]

We live in a changing, troubled world. Often wondering if we'll be able to make ends meet. Provide security for our families. We ponder the future and wonder what it holds for our children. Often we think about the violence and stress that's placed on them, and wonder. The church of Christ wants to reassure you that there is hope. They want to show you that there is and can be family stability.

It's the best-selling tale spanning generations of a single family. Be enthralled as they discover new lands and new cultures. Thrill to the adventure as mortal men battle against the odds. Be drawn into the treachery, intrigue, and revelations of The Bible! Experience the Bible for yourself at the church of Christ. The church can help you achieve hope and stability in all aspects of life.

In our world today, we hear a lot about stress. We live in such a fast-paced society, it is little wonder that people tend to get stresed out very easily. Stress can be seen in almost any area of life - job, family, Christianity, etc. We need to make sure that we handle stress and that stress doesn't handle us. A big part of this can be our attitude. Do you have a good attitude? How do you handle stressful situations that may come your way? A good attitude is a great asset that all of us should strive for. Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I once heard that - "an optimist looks at an oyster and expects to find a pearl. A pessimist looks at an oyster and expects ptomaine poisoning."

Are you like this? There are plenty of folks like this in this world and many of them are Christians. This shouldn't be so!! A Christian should have the most positive attitude of anyone. If we can look at different situations and remember that God is with us, we should be a lot more optimistic. Everything in this life is just temporary anyway, so let's all work to get to our "100% stress-free destination" - Heaven. In the mean-time remember to smile! (It kills time between disasters!!)
[by Jeff Sweet from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 11, 1993, p. 3]

WHY IS IT?

That those who want the church to do the most, usually give the least? That those who have the greatest desire to rule are usually the least qualified to rule? That so many brag on the preaching, but lag on the practicing? That folks will talk about another's faults in an effort to divert attention from their own? That those who know the word do not sow the word? That many who are lost never count the cost?
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 11, 1993, p. 3]

IN JUST ONE DAY!!

Each day in the United States of America: 2,795 teens get pregnant, 372 teens miscarry, 1,106 teens have abortions, 1,295 teens give birth, 689 babies are born at a low birth weight, 67 babies die before one month of life, 105 babies die before their first birthday, 27 children die from poverty, 10 are killed by guns, 30 are wounded by guns, 6 teens commit suicide, 135,000 children bring a gun to school, 7,742 teens become sexually active, 623 teens contact some form of V.D., 211 children are arrested for drug abuse, 437 children are arrested for drunken driving, 1,512 teens drop out of school, 1,849 children are abused or neglected, 3,288 children run away from home, 1,629 children are in adult jails, 2,556 children are born to single parents, 2,989 children see their parents divorce.

When one considers the possibility of their own children becoming one of these statistics it quickly develops into a sobering thought. Parenting is an awesome responsibility. It is imperative that parents first submit their own lives to Biblical principles so they can, in turn, instill in their children both moral values and a willingness to live according to the Father's directives. That is the only way these startling figures can be reduced and finally eliminated.
[by Leon O'Bryant from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 11, 1993, p. 2]

A MODERN PARABLE

A certain man moved into our community. He did not fall among robbers who beat him and left him for dead. He just moved in.

By chance, a certain Christian, who was his neighbor, was going down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side, saying to himself, "I am almost late now for my appointment, so I can't stop to visit. Anyway, very likely someone has already invited him to attend the services of the church."

In like manner, another Chrsitian, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side, saying, "Some people might go and invite this man to church, but I'll just wait until the subject comes up, then I'll say, 'Pardon me, I hope that you don't get the impression that I'm a fanatic on religion, but if you get a chance, you might like to visit our services Sunday. That is, if you feel like it.'"

But a certain member, as he journeyed, came to him and courteously welcomed him to the community. During the conversation he invited him to church services, told him how much he would enjoy the simple worship, and particularly emphasized how easy it would be for him to get acquainted if he came to Bible study. He left by saying, "I'll be by to pick you up next Sunday at 9:15."

And he did, bringing him to the building and introducing him to the elders, the preacher and other friends. Then he took the stranger to the proper class and told the teacher, "Take good care of him, and after I get out of my class I'll come and get him and sit by him during worship, and if I can render any further service, I'll be glad to do it."

Which of these three thinkest thou, proved neighbor to him that had newly moved into the community?
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 11, 1993, p. 2]

WHY DO YOU LIVE?

I live for those who love me;
For those who know me true;
For the God who reigns above me,
And the good that I can do.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 4, 1993, p. 3]

Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about some Bible basics and our need to return to them. One of the main basics I believe we can all work on is that of studying and reading our Bible. This is so important for all of us - young and old alike. We can never learn enough about the Word of God.

I ran across a story this week, the source of which is unknown. This story relays a clear, but somewhat humorous message showing us the need not only for Bible study, but also for follow-up and understanding. It goes something like this...

A freshman entered a Bible college was asked by one of his professors which part of the Bible that he liked best. Wanting to show his vast knowledge of the scriptures, he answered, "oh, by far I like the Book of Parables in the New Testament best." When asked to relate one of those parables, the overly confident freshman stated, "Once upon a time, a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. And the thorns grew up and choked that man. And he went on and met the Queen of Sheba and she gave that man a thousand talents of gold and silver and a hundred changes of raiment. And he got in his chariot and drove furiously, and as he was driving under a big tree, his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging there.

"And he hung there many days and many nights and the ravens brought him food to eat and water to drink. And one night while he was hanging there asleep, his wife, Delilah, came along and cut off his hair and he dropped down and fell on stony ground. And it began to rain, and it rained for forty days and nights. And he hid himself in a cave and he went out and met a man and asked him to dinner. But this second man could not come because he had taken him a wife. So, the first man went out into the highways and byways and compelled people to come in.

"And he went on and came to Jericho and he saw Queen Jezebel sitting high up in a window and when she saw him she laughed. And he said, 'Throw her down'. He said, 'Throw her down' again. And they threw her down seventy times seven. And of the fragments they picked up twelve baskets. And now, what I want to know is, whose wife will she be on the day of resurrection?"

Let's all try to find more time for reading and studying our Bible, lest we end up as confused as this poor young man.
[from Jeff Sweet from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 4, 1993, p. 2]

I love the ocean! I don't care to swim in it, but it absolutely fascinates me to watch it. Have you ever thought of how many millions or billions of times the oceans tides have washed back and forth? This constant motion of the tides reminds me of life. No matter what may occur, time does not stand still...life goes on. Life does not even stop for death...it continued to roll much like the ocean tides. What does this mean? Are we assured of life continuing to go on as it has before? No - one day that ocean will cease to roll and time will be no more. How many times have you thought that you have plenty of time to become a Christian or to get "serious" about your Christianity? No one is guaranteed tomorrow. But we are guaranteed an eternity with our Father if we obey His word.
[by Jeff Sweet from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 27, 1993, p. 2]

A study of the Bible, a revelation of the mind of God, is the only sure way of knowing whether we please God. A study of the Bible is the only sure way to accomplish our true goal in life.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 20, 1993, p. 3]

DOES TRUTH MATTER?

In a city far away from where you live, there once were two men. Both were religious men. Both were God-fearing. But neighbors would confide to a stranger that both of them were rather peculiar. And the popular religious leaders disliked them both.

They tried to trap the first one in his words (Luke 11:54). They misjudged his motives (John 8:48; John 10:20). That man was the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally they nailed him to a cross and left him to die.

The second fellow lived some years later. He got off to a bad start when he switched religious. And such a pity - he had studied for the ministry under the best professors of the day. His former churchmen, more concerned with party politics than truth, called him their enemy (Gal. 4:16). They tried more than once to kill him (Acts 23:12). They hounded him all over the Roman Empire. Some said he was beside himself (II Cor. 5:12). He was the apostle Paul.

Both Jesus and Paul would have had popular careers had they only conformed. But truth was more important to them than popularity. The person who is convinced of that today is sometimes lied about too. He is often slandered and misjudged. Truth is not always popular. It is always truth. What is more important to you?
[by Edward Fudge from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 20, 1993, p. 3]

THE LIVING WORD Heb. 4:12

God's word may be called the "living word" because it is able both to bring to life, and to sustain the life of, those who receive it.

This life-producing influence of the word may be exerted through several channels. The written word itself, housed in the book we call the Bible, has the power both to convict and to convert those who read and respond in obedience to its instruction. It contains information which can make us "wise unto salvation."

"Salvation," however, must not be thought of as merely a state of forgiveness. Salvation is a maturing relationship with God, something we're instructed to "work out." It's a transformation that is evidence of the word of God living in us. It is a living condition in which the word has been translated into the language of changed hearts and lives of those who have received it.

Indeed, some may merely read the Bible and discover the solutions to their problems. Others may be persuaded by the preaching of the word. But the lost world needs to see the power of the gospel displayed clearly in the love, joy, peace, and sureness of purpose that characterizes those who have been recipients of the Good News, and whose quality of life is a reflection of its transforming power!

Jesus didn't just come to SPEAK the word. He came AS the LIVING WORD of God! All the blessings of the term "gospel" are perfectly embodied in Him.

So it should be with those who claim to be His disciples. The changed lives of saved sinners is the translation of the Bible that the watching world is most likely to read, and believe.

May God help us to become His "living epistles!" That's what it means to "adorn the doctrine" and to "live a life worthy of your calling."
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 20, 1993, p. 2]

BEING INSTANT OUT OF SEASON

Brother Boyd Morgan, in the book, Arkansas Angels, tells how Brother Joe H. Blue baptized brother Oscar L. Hays. This baptism took place in June 1903.

Bro. Blue had hired Oscar as a farm hand, but Oscar had heard of bro. Blue's reputation as a preacher and agreed to work for bro. Blue only with the understanding that bro. Blue was not to preach to him. When they would come in from the field at noon, they would rest a few minutes after eating. Before returning to work bro. Blue would hang up a chart on the front porch and start preaching. Oscar Hays said nothing for two days, but then said, "Brother Blue, you promised me you wouldn't preach to me."

"I'm not preaching to you," bro. Blue answered, "I'm just practicing my sermon. You don't have to listen."

It was not many days until Hays said, "Brother Blue, would you take me down to the creek and baptize me?"

Yes, bro. Blue would, and did, immediately.

Bro. Hays became the most listened to radio preacher in Northeast Arkansas.
[by Max Patterson from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 13, 1993, p. 3]

I ran cross some startling statistics this past week concerning teenagers and alcohol/drug use. Did you know that the average age a child starts to use alcohol or drugs is 13? 13! When I was 13 (not that long ago) I barely even knew what alcohol or different drugs even were. Get this - over 50% of all seventh graders in our country and nearly 90% of high school seniors have tried alcohol and/or drugs. Times have definitely changed and continue to change sadly for the worse in this area. We, as parents, must be aware of this and that is why it is so important that we teach our kids the right things that will help them in facing challenges such as these. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting and keeping your children involved in church activities. Parents, this is YOUR responsibility! Sure, encourage your children to be active in school and extracurricular things. But shouldn't a young persons' involvement in church activities be just as important? Of course, it should be more! Hadn't you rather your child be at a church activity with other Christian youngsters than maybe somewhere he shouldn't be? Think about it and get your kids involved!
[by Jeff Sweet from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, June 6, 1993, p. 3]

LEARNING TO THINK OPTIMISTICALLY

"Don't worry - be happy" may have been the anthem for the mindless hedonism of the late 80's but the dawning of this new decade has brought with it a more sober attitude towards reality. But all means - BE HAPPY, be POSITIVE, but do so without avoiding the often cruel facts of life.

To be an optimist

Most people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be. Unfortunately not many of us are naturally bright siders. We tend to look on the gloomy side and expect the worst - defeated before we even begin. How many of us get up in the morning and look in the mirror and say "you're alive, you're healthy, you've got an awful lot to be grateful for"? Most of us simply stare at the dishevelled reflection and focus instantly on the wrinkles, the blotchy skin, the scraggly neck. Not a bright way to start the day and not the way you mean to go on. Is it impossible to change from a pessimist into an optimist? Can a cheerful person change a negative partner? Are people born melancholy? Does having an optimistic outlook make you a better lover?? Apparently it does!!

How many of these positive characteristics apply to yourself. Optimists:
are seldom surprised by trouble
Look for partial solutions
believe they have control over their future
allow for regular renewal
interrupt their negative trains of thought
use their imaginations to rehearse success
are cheerful even when they can't be happy
think they have an almost unlimited capacity for stretching
build a lot of love into their lives
like to swap good news
accept what can not be changed.

If you answer "yes, that's me" to six or more of the eleven, you're obviously one of those sorts of people who says "we don't have a problem here - what we have is a challenge." Optimists can improve their health, relationships, job performance and possibly even improve their chances of longevity. Even if they don't live longer at least they enjoy the time they have here on earth. Optimists may not be outstandingly intelligent, good looking or rich, yet they have that happy secret - that ability to motivate themselves and keep looking on the bright side of everything. They are experts at building a strong positive espirt de corps in their family, their school, their work community and sports teams.

Optimists excel in school, have better health, make more money, establish long and happy marriages and stay connected to their children. They sound so perfect you might feel like hitting them over the head with a brick! Those positively ga-ga hippie types who see love and peace everywhere can be real pains. But are these flower children true optimists or merely dreamers busy avoiding reality? The ideal mental attitude is a highly practical optimism, a thought pattern that gives one a workable way to face difficulties fairly and squarely, at the same time keeping an optimistic frame of mind.

Tough-minded optimists are aware that they live in an imperfect world in which love ends, innocent people are cheated, and sick people die.
[by Lesley Burrows, apparently a review of "The Power of Optimism" by Alan Loy McGinnis]

A minister parked him car in a no-parking zone in a large city and attached the following message to his windshield: "I have circled this block 10 times. I have an appointment to keep. Forgive us our trespasses."

When he returned to his car he found this reply attached to his own note along with a ticket: "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket, I lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.
[by Oswald Chambers from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 28, July 15, 1993, p. 1]

THE WAY WHICH SEEMS RIGHT Prov. 14:12

Just because something seems all right to us, that doesn't mean it actually is all right. Remember what Jesus said to his followers...(John 16:2). The apostle Paul, for example...(I Tim. 1:13) when he...(Acts 26:9). On the last day, many people will say to Jesus...(Matt. 7:22-23).

We can't trust our own judgment. (Prov. 12:15.) The only person whose judgement we can really trust is God. (Prov. 3:5; James 1:5)

We should never think that we are cleverer than God. (I Cor. 1:25)
(Prov. 21:2; Rom. 1:20-23)
Don't follow the way which seems to be right; be sure with God - listen to his word and obey him.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 18, May 10, 1992, p. 1]

THE LORD HAS CHOSEN YOU Deut. 14:2

Just as Moses had reminded the people of Israel in his day of God's special favor, so the apostle Paul declared that...(Acts 13:17-19).

Jesus said, concerning the kingdom of heaven, that...(Matt. 22:14). We see how Christians are chosen in Paul's letter to the church of the Thessalonians...(II Thes. 2:13-14). Thus, although many are called through the hearing of the gospel, only those who believe become the chosen people of God. By this means, as the apostle Peter wrote, Christians are...(I Pet. 2:9).

Christians are God's treasured possession...(Eph. 1:13-14).

Let us remember that it is through our believing in Him that God has chosen us to be "his treasured possession". Let us encourage one another to...(Acts 2:42) in order to...(I Cor. 11:26).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 17, May 3, 1992, p. 7]

WHAT CAN SUSTAIN ME IN TROUBLE? Prov. 18:14

We cannot expect to escape sorrows by being Christians...(II Tim. 3:12; Heb. 12:6). Everything depends on our attitude...(II Cor. 7:10).

If our spirit is right, we will be able to sustain sorrow; but if our spirit is broken, we won't be able to bear it.

None of us would be able to endure these persecutions without God...(John 15:5). Jesus was sent...(Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 4:17-21). It is through his "Holy Spirit" that God can...(Psa. 51:10-12).
(II Cor. 12:9-10)
The apostle Paul endured many sorrows (II Cor. 11:23-29), yet he...(Phili. 4:12-13).
(Phili. 4:6-7).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 17, May 3, 1992, p. 1]

WHEN I'M WORRIED ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT STORIES Luke 24:44

Sometimes people excuse their rejection of the Bible as the word of God by saying that they find many of the stories in the Old Testament difficult to believe. Usually they refer to stories such as the Creation, Noah's ark and the flood, and to Jonah and "the whale" as reasons why they cannot believe.

It is a mistake to try to persuade doubters by trying to give "scientific" or "historical" explanations for such Bible stories. They are beyond the scientific method and beyond historical validation. This does not mean they are not true, but that we have no secular means of checking them. It is a mistake to think the only truth is that available for scientific examination or that found in historical records. Yesterday's scientific testing is made obsolete by today's sophisticated analyses. What may be expected tomorrow?

What do you think of Christ?

Instead, challenge the doubter with the question: "What do you think of Christ?" (Matt. 22:42). Because, really, this is the most important question. If a person does not accept Christ, then that person will not believe anything else in the Bible. But if a person believe in Jesus, then all the Old Testament stories become acceptable (even if not fully understood) because Jesus accepted them. Jesus accepted the story of creation (Matt. 19:4); he accepted the story of Noah (Matt. 24:37-39); and he accepted the story of Jonah (Matt. 12:39-40).

When the apostle Paul spoke of the resurrection of Jesus to King Agrippa, he asked the quite reasonable question...(Acts 26:8). If we believe in God and in Jesus Christ, why should we think their power is so limited that the stories of the Old Testament (and of the New) are incredible? If we don't believe in God, but choose to believe that everything happened by chance, surely faith is even more incredible!
[from The Truth in Love, no. 10, Mar. 21, 1993, p. 1]

THE STATE OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS : BIBLE TEACHING
1. Ungodliness and unrighteousness. Rom. 1:18-32. Solution: Rom. 6:3-13.
2. All have sinned. Rom. 3:10-18, 23. Solution: Rom. 3:24-26.
3. Minds set on the flesh. Rom. 8:5-8. Solution: Rom. 8:9-11.
4. Practises lawlessness. I John 3:4. Solution: I John 3:5-6.

Bible examples
1. The people of Noah's day (Gen. 6:5, 12-13; Luke 17:26-27) What was their temptation and sin?
2. The Egyptians of Moses' day (Heb. 11:24-26) What was their temptation and sin?
3. Herod, King of Judea (Matt. 2:1-8, 12, 16) What was Herod's temptation and sin?
4. Pilate, Governor of Judea (Matt. 27:17-24) What was Pilate's temptation and sin?
5. The Men of Athens (Acts 17:16-32) What was their temptation and sin?
6. Demetrius of Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41) What was his temptation and sin?
(Rom. 1:25).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 10, Mar. 21, 1993, p. 3]

THE STATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS : BIBLE TEACHING

1. Take heed lest you fall (I Cor. 10:12-13). Solution (I Cor. 10:13-14).
2. Do not be decieved (James 1:14-16). Solution (James 1:21-25).
3. Do not practise the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21.) Solution (Gal. 5:16, 22-23).
4. Tame the tongue (James 3:8-10). Solution (James 3:17-18).
5. If we say that we have no sin (I John 1:8). Solution (I John 1:9).

Bible examples
1. Jealousy and strife (I Cor. 3:1-4) What temptation and sin did these brethren display?
2. Arrogance (I Cor. 5:1-2) What was the sin and how should it be avoided?
3. Causing brethren to stumble (I Cor. 8:1-13) Suggest a parallel situation today?
4. Deserting to a different "gospel" (Gal. 1:6-12) How can we avoid a like fate?
5. Hypocrisy (Gal. 2:11-14) How can we avoid hypocrisy?
6. False teachers (II Pet. 2:1ff) How may we detect false teachers?
(II Pet. 2:9).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 10, Mar. 21, 1993, p. 4-5]

YOU, O GOD, ARE MY FORTRESS, MY LOVING GOD Psa. 59:16-17

David wrote this psalm about a time "when Saul had sent men to David's house in order to kill him." (Superscription to the Psalm). So David prayed...(Psa. 59:1) But, while apprehensive and distressed at the attitude of King Saul and his men, David could still arise in the morning and sing of God's love! (Psa. 59:16). He knew that God was his fortress and that he was the object of God's love and protection.

How often do we retire at night troubled by the problems of the day? Perhaps, as a result, our sleep has been fitful, and we awaken in the morning disgruntled and anxious for the day ahead. How often are we in such a rush to get off to work or school that we spare scarcely a thought for God in the morning? We should be like David and remind ourselves of God's strength and of his love. We should make time in the morning to praise God and remind ourselves that he is our fortress and our loving God. To do this will make the day ahead so much better for us! Do it tomorrow and every morning and you will sleep better for it at night too.
(Col. 3:15).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 20, May 30, 1993, p. 6]

CHEER UP!
Jesus brought a positive word of hope for our motivation now and for our anticipation of the future (John 16:33)
To the uncertain. (John 14:6)
To the careless. (Matt. 7:14)
To the doubters. (John 20:27)
To the anxious. (Matt. 6:31-34)
To the remorseful. (John 5:14)
To the casual. (Luke 14:33)
To the indulgent. (Acts 20:35)

Cheer up! Jesus is the only way. Find him and have faith in him, fix your eyes on him, follow him, forget the past, fully commit yourself to him and freely give of yourself in his service to others.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 20, May 30, 1993, p. 8]

PROVE YOURSELVES James 1:22

Too many people fail to...(Acts 26:20). Some want to follow Jesus in their own way and decline to submit to his command for baptism (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38). They say they have believed and repented, but their refusal to be baptised, when shown the Lord's will, belies the genuineness of their profession. They show...(II Tim. 3:5), but they won't be baptised.

Too many people do submit to baptism, but do not...(Acts 2:42) and so they remain spiritual "infants" and fail to...(Heb. 5:11-14).

Some do not...(Acts 2:42) and so fail...(Heb. 10:24-25).

Others do not...(Acts 2:42), and so they can't be depended upon to "come together as a church" regularly "to proclaim the Lord's death" in the weekly observance of the Lord's supper (I Cor. 11:18-33; Acts 20:7).

Some do not...(Acts 2:42) in the meetings of the congregation, and so they cannot say...(I Cor. 14:16). Such people do not know what is being said in the prayers, because they are often absent!

People who "go through the motions" of declaring their faith in Jesus Christ, professing to repentance, even confessing allegiance and submitting to baptism, fail to "prove their repentance" when their deeds show a lack of devotion to worship of God and to Christian living.
(Rev. 3:2-3; Eph. 5:15-16)
[from The Truth in Love, no. 20, May 30, 1993, p. 1]

WATCH OVER YOUR HEART Prov. 4:23

In the Bible the word "heart" is commonly used, interchangeably with "soul" and "mind", as the center of human intelligence, emotions and volition. The fact that the heart is the great muscular pump which ensures a continuous flow of life-sustaining blood (Lev. 17:11) throughout the body has always been known. It is therefore not surprising that such an important organ for life should be identified with the processes of thinking which govern our behaviour.

Consider some of these figurative ways in which the word "heart" is used in the Bible. Let us see that it is applied to the kinds of attitudes which are manifested in good and bad conduct, according to God's estimation.

Are you watching over your heart with diligence?
1. How is your heart disposed? (Gen. 6:5; Matt. 15:18-19)
2. Are you earnestly looking for God? (Deut. 4:29)
3. Is this your kind of heart? (Deut. 5:29; Deut. 6:5)
4. Are you fulfilling God's requirements? (Deut. 10:12-13; Matt. 22:37)
5. How does your heart stand up to God's test? (Deut. 13:3)
6. Is your heart grieved to give? (Deut. 15:10)
7. Are you careful how you judge another? (I Sam. 16:7; John 7:24)
8. Do you whole-heartedly serve God? (I Chron. 28:9)
9. What do you learn from Solomon's sad example? (I Kings 9:4-5; I Kings 11:4)
10. Do you want to see God? (Matt. 5:8)
11. Where is your heart's interest? (Matt. 6:21)
12. Have you found rest for your soul? (Matt. 11:29)
13. Have you believed in your heart that God can save you? (Rom. 10:10)
14. Has your heart been stirred by the story of Jesus? (Acts 2:37)
15. If you haven't done so, will you respond as they did (Acts 2:38-41)
16. Or is your heart stubborn and unrepentant? (Rom. 2:5)
17. Are you aware that God's word uncovers your heart? (Heb. 4:12)
18. Is your sharing with others a heart-felt purpose? (II Cor. 9:7)
19. Do you sing with your heart to the Lord? (Eph. 5:19)
20. Are you practising love from a pure heart? (I Tim. 1:5)
21. Are you weary in faith and losing heart? (Heb. 12:2-3)
22. Do you love your brethren from the heart? (I Pet. 1:22)

Heart as attitude
Think of "heart" as attitude. In reading the given Bible passages, modern readers might ask themselves about their attitude towards God. What is your attitude towards the Bible? Do you accept it as God's word to human-kind? Your attitude determines your response to its teachings.

If you profess to believe the Bible is God's word, do you obey his commandments for you? Or are you selective by accepting only parts of the Bible as God's word? If you do this, what is your standard of reference in making such selections? Do you thereby dismiss the testimony of the New Testament writers who quoted Jesus' assessment of the scriptures? (Matt. 22:29; John 5:39; Luke 24:44-45). Do you dismiss the testimony of the writers themselves about the divine inspiration of the writings of the Old Testament prophets and of the New Testament apostles and prophets (Acts 24:14; II Tim. 3:15-17; I Pet. 1:10-12; I Thes. 2:13; II Pet. 1:20-21; II Pet. 3:15-16)?

If you have not responded before to the New Testament message of Jesus Christ, why not? You are urged to review your attitude in the light of reconsidering his appeal of love and salvation. You may not have another opportunity if you defer a decision now.

If you have believed, repented and been baptised in accordance with Jesus' direction, you are in his church (Acts 2:47). Make sure you do "worship God in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
[from the Truth in Love, no. 19, May 23, 1993, p. 2-5]

IN HIS WORD I PUT MY HOPE Psa. 130:3-5

The Lord is a just God and he is also merciful. God's justice demands that sin must be punished and it cannot be disregarded; but God wants much more to forgive us because he is merciful.

If we refuse to turn back to God (repent), we prevent him forgiving us. The complete enactment of forgiveness requires the earnest desire to forgive on the part of the one wronged, and also the earnest desire on the part of the defaulter to repent and ask forgiveness. Unless this latter action is taken, the one who wants to forgive is denied the fulfillment of that desire. You can't forgive a person who refuses forgiveness. You may forget it, or overlook it, but you can't "forgive" an obstinate sinner. This is why Jesus said...(Luke 17:3).

When King David acknowledged his sin as the prophet Nathan rebuked him, Nathan replied: "The Lord has taken away your sin". But while David was forgiven, the effects of his sin on others could not be erased (II Sam. 12:13-14). That should be a solumn lesson for us!

We must also know that God will forgive us, not only when we repent of our sins, but also only when we show a readiness to forgive those who sin against us (Matt. 6:14-15; Matt. 18:21-35). Since God does not keep a record of our sins forgiven, so we should demonstrate the same love and keep no record of wrongs against ourselves (I Cor. 13:5).

Christ died on the cross to make it possible for God to forgive us and to reconcile us to himself (II Cor. 5:19). Give grateful thanks for his forgiveness and acknowledge that it is in his word that we put our trust.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 19, May 23, 1993, p. 6]

ONE OF THE BEST SERMONS EVER PREACHED II Tim. 3:15

A speaker's best sermon is composed of quotations from God's word relating to a scriptural topic. All the speaker had to

do was to read God's word on the subject. By so doing, the hearers were committed to listening to the voice of God (I Thes. 2:13).

There can be no better way to confront people with their spiritual needs, and God's answer to those needs, than simply quoting what God says about such matters (I Pet. 1:23-25).

The best preacher who ever lived said of the religious teachers of his day...(Matt. 22:29). On another occasion, Jesus said of them...(Matt. 15:9). After his resurrection, he chided his followers for not heeding all that the scriptures taught about him...(Luke 24:27).

But did the best preacher who ever lived, and who delivered the best sermons ever heard, persuade everyone who heard him to believe the word he spoke? No. (John 10:19-21). Did all who started to follow him continue to accept his teaching? No (John 6:60-66). Yet he was "Immanuel", which means "God with us" (Matt. 1:23), and even he could not win over all his hearers with the very word which will judge us at the last day (John 12:48).

Preachers can do no better than to tell it as Jesus did, and their hearers can do no better than to heed God's word retold.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 19, May 23 1993, p. 1]

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