MULTIPLE MEANINGS: FEAR (Rev. 1:10-17)

Defining "fear"

The English translations of the Bible have the word "fear" in its various grammatical forms appearing many times in both the Old and New Testaments.

When we consult the general dictionary, (e.g. The Macquarie Dictionary) we find such definitions as "a painful feeling of impending danger, evil, trouble; or reverential awe, esp. towards God. The word is said to be derived from an Old English word meaning "sudden attack, sudden danger."

As has been said before in this series, we need to be careful to avoid accepting uncritically the general dictionary definitions of Bible words, because these may reflect common secular useage or changed religious traditional useage rather than how God uses such words in the Bible.

It is also unwise to rely solely on the definitions of the so-called "early church fathers" or more recent theologians. These may also be mistaken and their definitions are likely to describe their respective personal or denominational viewpoints.

It may happen that, for some Bible words and concepts, all these human sources may agree and, indeed, they may sometimes agree with God's definitions!

To be sure about a Bible word or concept, always be like the Bereans who...(Acts 17:11).

The Bible Definition of "Fear"

The only way to know God's definition of a Bible word is to consider that word in its immediate context and in its useage elsewhere in the Bible. "The Bible is its own best commentary".

Consider some representative examples of the many passages where the word "fear" is found:

The Old Testament Useage

Consider the Hebrew word yare (Strong's concordance anglicised word and number 3372A) translated into the English word in all caps in the following New American Standard Bible (NASB) quotations:

The first appearance of this word is after Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden -

1.	The Lord God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was AFRAID because I was naked, so I hid myself." (Gen. 3:9-10). Why was Adam afraid? Did he ever have cause to be afraid of God previously? Read the context and consider the relevance of I John 4:18 and I John 5:3 before answering.
2.	"When God destroyed (Sodom and Gomorrah), he remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow...of the cities in which Lot lived. And Lot went up from Zoar (town to which he escaped), and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him, for he was AFRAID to stay in Zoar." (Gen. 19:29-30). Of what was Lot afraid? Should he have been afraid?
3.	"Laban said to Jacob. 'What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters...It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, "Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob,"...' Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, 'Because I was AFRAID...lest you would take your daughters from me by force'." (Gen. 31:26-31). Why was Jacob afraid?
4.	"Everyone of you shall FEAR (KJV) his mother and his father." (Lev. 19:3) The NASB translators rendered this Hebrew word: "REVERENCE". Is that reasonable in the light of relevant scriptures? See Exo. 20:12 and note the word used there (from the Hebrew word "KABED" 3513) and quoted in Matt. 15:4 and in Eph. 6:2 (from the Greek word "TIMAO" 5091). Why is it very helpful to have an Old Testament passage quoted in the New Testament? (I Pet. 1:10-12; II Pet. 1:20-21) So, does Lev. 19:3 imply "terror" or "evil"?
5.	"I know it will be well for those who FEAR God, who FEAR him openly. But it will not be well for the evil man...because he does not FEAR God." (Eccl. 8:12-13). What does the good person's fear of God involve, when considering Eccl. 12:13-14? In contrast, what does the evil person's fear involve? See quotation 6.
6.	"The sons of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God...and they had FEARED other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord had driven out..." "One of the priests whom they (the Assyrians) had carried away into exile from Samaria came and lived at Bethel, and taught them (the Israelites) how they should FEAR the Lord. (II Kings 17:7-8, 28). Read the whole of II Kings 17 to get the meaning of FEAR of the Lord in the context. What conclusion are to be drawn? The New Testament Useage Consider the Greek word PHOBOS (Strong's anglicised word and number 5401) translated into the English word in all caps in the following NASB quotations:
7.	"Do not FEAR those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather FEAR him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." (Matt. 10:28). Of whom was Jesus speaking, and what kind of FEAR is associated with the threats of killing and destroying? (Heb. 10:31, 39). Already we see that, in the Bible use of the word, FEAR is a useful mechanism (like anxiety) to make us avoid or escape danger.
8.	"When the disciples saw him (Jesus) walking on the sea, they were troubled saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for FEAR. But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be AFRAID." ...Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became AFRAID, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" (Matt. 14:26-30). Discuss the sources of this kind of FEAR and Jesus' counters to it.
9.	"There was a certain priest named Zacharias...righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord...And an angel of the Lord appeared to him...And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and FEAR gripped him. But the angel said to him, "do not be AFRAID, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard..." (Luke 1:5-13). Why was Zacharias, a righteous man, afraid? (Acts 10:1-4).
10.	"Wives, be submissive to your own husbands...as they observe your chaste and FEARFUL (literal trans.) behaviour...Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham...without being FRIGHTENED..." (I Pet. 3:1-6). How is this seeming contradiction resolved scripturally?
11.	a.	"FEAR God, honour the king." (I Pet. 2:17)
	b.	"Rulers are not a cause of FEAR for good behaviour, but for evil. Do you want to have no FEAR of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same." (Rom. 13:3)
	c.	"To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever, Amen" (I Tim. 1:17)
	d.	"I will warn you whom to FEAR; FEAR the one who after he has killed has authority to cast into Gehenna." (Luke 12:5). The word "honour" is from the same Greek word in Eph. 6:2. Discuss the relationship of FEAR and honour in these passages.
12.	"We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ...Therefore knowing the FEAR of the Lord, we persuade everyone..." (II Cor. 5:10-11)

[from The Truth in Love, no. 21, June 6, 1993, p. 2-5]

STOP! (Isa. 1:16-19)

1. Stop doubting (John 20:27). Jesus calls us to make a clear decision. We must believe in and commit ourselves to him, otherwise he cannot save us. (Acts 4:12)

2. Stop sinning (John 5:14). Jesus demands that we change our ways when we decide to follow him. There must be a clear distinction between our past and our new life in him. (Rom. 6:4-14)

3. Stop misjudging (John 7:24). The new life in Christ is not meant to be one of weak compromises and shifty vacillations. We must learn God's will (Eph. 5:17), in order to make right judgements (Heb. 5:14).

Christians who continue to doubt, sin and misjudge others, are in real trouble. They have not grown spiritually as God requires them to do (II Pet. 3:18).

Let us encourage each other to...(I Pet. 2:1-2).

Don't be satisfied with less, and don't be indifferent to the Lord's will. Our eternal destiny is too precious to throw away. The only time we have to decide aright is right now!
[from The Truth in Love, no. 21, June 6, 1993, p. 1]

I LOVE THE LORD, FOR HE HEARD MY VOICE Psa. 116:1-2

The apostle Paul arrived in the great pagan city of Athens and...(Acts 17:16). So Paul reasoned with everyone who would listen, by "preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection". He wanted people to know about "the God who made the world and everything in it". He wanted them to know that God is "not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:18, 24, 27-28).

Paul wrote to the Roman Christians that...(Rom. 5:8). Paul felt his debt to God very deeply because he wrote to Timothy...(I Tim. 1:15-16).

Christians have good reason, therefore, to join with the psalmist and say...(Psa. 116:5-7).

All times are suitable times to praise and thank our Lord for hearing our cries for mercy and saving us. In such obedience to his will we demonstrate our love for him (John 14:21), and so we learn to call on him as long as we live, knowing he hears us.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 22, June 13, 1993, p. 6]

THE APOSTLES' TESTIMONY

The Bible claims to be God's word to us (II Tim. 3:16). It tells us that "God is spirit" (John 4:24) and that "no one has seen God at any time..." (John 1:18a). Only God can give us a satisfying and true revelation of himself, as the Bible teaches he has done in his Son, Jesus Christ, the...(John 1:18b).

When one of his apostles asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied...(John 14:9). Clearly, Jesus was not referring to his physical appearance, and we do not have any records of what he looked like in the flesh. But we can share with Philip, and those who accompanied Jesus in bodily form, the knowledge of Jesus' teachings and actions gleaned from the gospel writings which God has given and preserved for all time.

When doubting Thomas insisted on visible evidence for Jesus' resurrection, this was reasonable. He was unreasonable to prefer his own senses to the collective weight of testimony from his fellow-apostles. Jesus said to him...(John 20:29). Many saw Jesus in the flesh, but did not believe: it is those who look beyond the outward form to the spiritual who come to "see" God in Christ (Matt. 5:8).

Sufficient of what Jesus said and did...(John 20:31).

When we consider Jesus Christ, we are seeing God. The "foot-print" and its owner match. We are reassured. The universe has meaning in reference to a living and almighty Creator in whose image we have been created (Gen. 1:27) and, for this reason, he has a continuing and constant interest in you and me. Don't wait, like Thomas, for a personal "experience"; trust the testimony of Christ's apostles, and believe in him of whom they testify (I Cor. 15:1-11).
(John 12:45).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 22, June 13, 1993, p. 7]

SALVATION IS ALSO FOR THOSE BORN DEAF Mark 7:33-35

Those born deaf cannot learn the spoken language of the hearing people around them without a lot of special effort and training, and even then they may not match their hearing counterparts in facility with such language. They may prefer sign language.

Nevertheless, deaf people are just as much candidates for eternal salvation as anyone else. Indeed Gal. 3:28 might be legitimately paraphrased to read: "In Christ there is no difference between Jew and Greek...and no difference between hearing and deaf...You are all the same in Christ Jesus."

The same good news of salvation must be told to deaf people as to other people. And it must be told just as it was when first preached by Jesus' apostles in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 2).

The apostles told it first in Jerusalem on a Sunday morning seven weeks after Jesus' death. They told people that Jesus rose from the dead and had spoken to them, telling them to tell this good news to everyone. So the apostles began to tell everyone they needed to believe in Jesus, change their ways and want to follow Jesus, and to be baptised in Jesus' name so that God would forgive them and save them for heaven. This is what Jesus told his apostles to teach everywhere. (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; John 20:29-31). This is why the apostle Peter said to the people in Jerusalem...(Acts 2:38).

A lot of those people believed and were baptised (Acts 2:41). In the following days...(Acts 2:47). The gospel is the same.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 22, June 13, 1993, p. 8]

NO COMPROMISE AND NO NONSENSE

As much as God wants everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:4), and no one desires this more than God, he will not permit his truth to be compromised nor tolerate any nonsense for the sake of getting large numbers to profess allegiance on their own terms (II Tim. 4:3-4).

Jesus' gospel was intensely unpalatable to many of his followers when they came to realise that it was not really what they wanted (John 6). Despite being his disciples, there were those who...(John 6:64, 66). Jesus never tried to retain these deserting followers by changing his message to make it more acceptable to them. Instead, Jesus insisted that he had...(John 6:38). Much later, Jesus prayed to his Father regarding his chosen apostles and said...(John 17:8). Jesus also prayed "for those who will believe in me" through his apostles' message (John 17:20; John 20:30-31). That message is the New Testament and we must unreservedly accept it as God's word given through his Son to the apostles (John 15:26-27; John 16:13-15), and refuse to compromise it or to add any nonsense to it (II John 9-11).

There are many self-proclaimed followers of Jesus today who do not really believe his message is enough and who betray him by changing it to a more palatable and attractive form of themselves and their hearts (Matt. 7:21-23).

If you are faithfully telling God's word, don't become discouraged because many will not hear it, nor when many turn away from it for something else. Jesus foretold such responses (Matt. 13:18-23). Don't try to compromise the word, and don't teach nonsense in the vain hope of drawing crowds to Jesus; don't preach yourself instead of Jesus! (I Cor. 2:1-2).

There are many competing religions, all telling their hearers that they are the best or the true way to God. But, as hearers, we each have a personal responsibility for what we choose to hear and believe. If we do this without checking what we hear with God's word, we are in serious danger of being rejected by God.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 22, June 13, 1993, p. 9]

DO NOT BE AFRAID! Matt. 14:26-27

A computer New International Bible search for the phrase "Do not be afraid" came up with more than sixty occurrences in the Old and New Testaments. A check with the King James rendering of the equivalent phrase "Fear not" produced the same result.

By far the most quotes referred to encouragement to the people of God in relation to enemies or future uncertainties. For example, God spoke to Jacob in a vision and said to him...(Gen. 46:2-3). Of the awesome display at Mount Sinai, Moses assured the people of Israel...(Exo. 20:20). After their failure to capture the town of Ai because of Achan's sin, God reassured Joshua...(Josh. 8:1). Before his arrest and death, Jesus told his apostles that he was going to leave them; but he reassured them...(John 14:27). And there are many other like passages.

Of special interest are the few recorded occasions when a divine being appeared before devout and faithful people who felt afraid of the unknown or unexpected visitor. As such times the heavenly being allayed their fears by saying, "Do not be afraid!"

The appearance of the ghostly figure of Jesus walking on the water terrified his apostles and needed his calming words: "Do not be afraid". An angel appearing to Zachariah (Luke 1:13), to Mary (Luke 1:30) and to the shepherd (Luke 2:10), caused deep anxiety, and the same comforting words were spoken. When the apostle John saw (in vision) his glorified Lord, he fell as though dead, and the Lord said, "Do not be afraid." (Rev. 1:17).

The great and wonderful lesson for righteous people today, as at any time past, is that in no circumstances have we any need to fear, especially the presence of God and his heavenly holy ones.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 22, June 13, 1993, p. 1]

MULTIPLE MEANINGS: JEALOUS

The word "jealous" as it is used in the Bible perplexes many Christians because it is usually thought to mean always a bad kind of attitude. For example, Christians know that God wants them to love, and...(I Cor. 13:4). The attitude of jealousy is listed among "the deeds of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-20), and "those who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:21). The deeds of the flesh are opposed (Gal. 5:17) to the "fruits of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22-23) - the good qualities Christians are commanded to cultivate in their lives.

Yet, at the same time, Christians know that, in giving the ten commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, God told them...(Exo. 20:5). And, of course, Christians cannot think of God himself displaying the bad attitude which he condemns in his creatures.

Likewise it perplexes some to read that the apostle Paul wrote to the church members at Corinth and told them...(II Cor. 11:2). Surely he was not envious of them?

So what does the word JEALOUS mean?

Again, as mentioned before in this series, it is no help to turn to the secular dictionary for the definition of its Bible useage. One such dictionary defines the word JEALOUS as "feeling resentment against a successful rival" and "(in biblical use) intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry". These definitions are not adequate to help us understand its Bible meaning. Interestingly, the word JEALOUS (in the New Testament) comes form the old Latin word "zelus" which, in turn, came from the Greek word "zelos", from which we also ge the word ZEALOUS. As we shall see, this fact throws some light on one of the meanings of the word JEALOUS.

Let us consider the use of the word in the context of both the Old (Hebrew) and New Testament (Greek) parts of the Bible.

The Old Testament Useage

Consider the Hebrew word qanah (Strong's Concordance anglicised word and number 7065-8) translated into the English word in all caps in the following New American Standard Bible (NASB) quotations:

1. "The man (Isaac) became...very wealthy; for he had possessions of flocks and herds and a great household, so that the Philistines ENVIED him" (Gen. 26:12-14).

What made Isaac's neighbours jealous of him, and in what sense?

2. "When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became JEALOUS of her sister (Leah); and she said of Jacob...(Gen. 30:1).

From the context, what meaning is attached to jealous in Rachel's reaction to her sister's conceptions?

In similar circumstances, how did Sarah respond to Hagar's conception? (Gen. 16:1-6).

How did Hannah respond to Peninnah's taunts? (I Sam. 1:1-7).

3. "And his (Joseph's) brothers were JEALOUS of him" (Gen. 37:11).

Why were Joseph's brothers jealous of him? Read the earlier part of the chapter and decide the meaning of jealous here.

4. "They became ENVIOUS of Moses in the camp" (Psa. 106:16).

Read Num. 16:1-3 to learn who became jealous of Moses and why and what this attitude moved them to do.

5. "They (Israel) tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, and did not keep his testimonies, but turned back and acted treacherously...They provoked him with their high places (of pagan worship), and aroused his JEALOUSY with their graven images (Psa. 78:56-58)

Read the whole of Psa. 78 ("a parable" - v. 2) and discuss the meaning of God's jealousy in this context.

6. "The sons of Israel made a covenant with them (the Gibeonites), but (King) Saul had sought to kill them in his ZEAL for the sons of Israel and Judah" (II Sam. 21:2)

Many years before, Joshua had made a permanent peace pact with the Gibeonites of Canaan (Josh. 9:1-27). King Saul broke this treaty in his misguided zeal. Later, King David arranged atonement for Saul's wrong and restored peace again with them. Here is another example where the translators have "interpreted" the Hebrew word "qanah" with another word than the usual jealous. If the translators had been consistent throughout and inserted jealousy here in place of zeal, how might we have "interpreted" the word in its context?

7. "I (Elijah) have been very ZEALOUS for the Lord...for the sons of Israel have forsaken your covenant..." (I Kings 19:10)

Again, the NASB translators have "interpreted" the same Hebrew word which, elsewhere, they have mainly translated as jealous (as did the KJV translators in this verse). Is this a fair "interpretation" according to the context?

8. "Thus says the Lord of hosts, "I am exceedingly JEALOUS for Jerusalem and Zion...Therefore I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; my house will be built in it..." (Zech. 1:14-16)

In what sense was God jealous for Jerusalem in this passage?

New Testament Useage

Consider the Greek word zelos (Strong's anglicised word and number 2205b-6) translated into the English word in all caps in the following NASB quotations:

9. "The patriarchs became JEALOUS of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. And yet God was with him" (Acts 7:9)

Note Quotation 3 on above! Here is a good example of the value of having a New Testament quote of an Old Testament passage or incident. Why is it helpful in understanding the meaning of a word in both Old Testament and New Testament?

10. "The high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with JEALOUSY; and they laid hands on the apostles" (Acts 5:17-18).

If we read the preceding verses in Acts 5 we can see the reason for the meaning of their feelings about the apostles.

11. "If you have bitter JEALOUSY and selfish ambition in your heart...This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where JEALOUSY and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, peaceable..." (James 3:13-18).

This passage is reminiscent of Gal. 5:13-25, contrasing deeds of the flesh with those of the Spirit. Discuss.

12. "He (Titus) reported to us (Paul et.al.) your longing, your mourning, your ZEAL for me; so that I rejoiced" (II Cor. 7:7).

ZEAL is translated from the Greek word zelos elsewhere usually translated jealous. Evidently the translators took it on themselves to "interpret" it differently in this passage. Comment? Would Paul have "rejoiced" if the word had its usual meaning?

13. "His (Jesus') disciples remembered that it was written, 'ZEAL for your house will consume me'" (John 2:17).

Jesus had just expelled the merchants and the money-changers from the temple. His zeal is translated from the Greek word zelos and, as it happens, the quote is from Psa. 69:9 where the Hebrew word qanah has been translated zeal (jealous in many other places).

14. "I bear them (the Jews) witness that they have a ZEAL for God, but not in accordance with knowledge" (Rom. 10:2).

15. "He (Epaphras) has a deep CONCERN for you" (Col. 4:13).

16. "They (false teachers) EAGERLY SEEK you, not commendably...in order that you may SEEK them" (Gal. 4:17).

Comment on the renderings of zelos in quotes 14-16.

From the Bible examples in this leaflet, does the word JEALOUS convey the idea of possessiveness and intense concern for the object under consideration, in either a good or bad sense?
[from The Truth in Love, no. 23, June 20, 1993, p. 2-5]

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION Psa. 27:1

The clear implications of the opening words of this psalm of David are that we are in a dark world in sin, in which we need a light to direct us and from which we need someone to save us. There is much to fear in a world where evil is everywhere and so we find refuge in the Lord and true freedom from fear.

The New Testament directs our attention to Jesus as our light.

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah foretold "the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." And the gospel of Matthew applied that prophecy to Jesus (Matt. 4:16, quoting Isa. 9:2)

Jesus promised...(John 8:12).

Christians are...(I Pet. 2:9). And so...(I John 1:7)

Christians can then look forward to their heavenly home which...(Rev. 21:23).

We praise and thank God that he is our "light and salvation", made possible for us to have through Jesus' sacrifice.
(Titus 2:13-14).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 16, May 2, 1993, p. 6]

REAL FREEDOM

Jesus promises real freedom to those who accept the truth of his message and act upon it. This freedom is not licence, nor is it "doing one's own thing". It is neither anarchy nor, on the other hand, is it regimentation.

The current climate (the 70's and early 80's) of opinion and attitude of many in today's society is "anti-law". Hence the term "permissive society" is frequently applied. The general idea is that any behaviour should be permitted ("If it feels good, do it!"). But this is not real freedom, as people are beginning to realise.

True freedom is only possible if the bounds of behaviour are delineated by laws which prescribe the limits of safety within which we can enjoy freedom. If we attempt to ignore or break these laws we get hurt. This is obvious in the physical world (e.g., laws of gravity) and in our society (e.g., traffic laws).

Thus there are spiritual laws which we infringe to our hurt. Only by recognising these laws as outlined by Jesus, and living within their boundaries, will we enjoy the freedom of God meant us to have.
(John 8:31-32)
We can look at our times and see the problems for those who flout the laws of God. The AIDS epidemic spread rapidly as people disobeyed God's laws on sexuality, and the inevitable financial market crash overtook those who disobeyed God's laws relating to greed (Rom. 1:18-32; Luke 12:15-21). Real freedom is found in living by God's laws recorded for our spiritual welfare in his word.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 16, May 2, 1993, p. 1]

A POOR WISE MAN Eccl. 9:14-18

Many Christians do not accomplish for their Lord what they might, because they think themselves inadequate for the task. Yet if they are steeped in the wisdom which is God's word (Psa. 19:7; II Tim. 3:15-17), they will be able to help others find deliverance from Satan's attacks (I Pet. 5:8-9; I John 5:18).

Jesus commissioned his apostles to take his good news of deliverance from sin to the world and through them he commissions all his followers to do the same (Matt. 28:18-20). It was such "poor wise men" who took the gospel to Antioch...(Acts 11:19-21). These men did not wait for an apostle to evangelise Antioch, though they used the apostles' teaching to do it. Today, we have the same opportunity to use the apostles' teaching for the same purpose, though we may be "poor men" using the Lord's "wise" words to save the lost.

Don't hesitate because we know ourselves to be unworthy, as Isaiah did. The Lord took away his iniquity and his sin was forgiven. Then, when the Lord called for someone to go, Isaiah replied...(Isa. 6:5-8). The Lord has forgiven us our sins, and he has called for us to go. Are we responding like Isaiah?

Jeremiah hesitated when God called him, because he considered himself too young. God overrode his excuse by telling him...(Jer. 1:4-9). God has called us; what excuses do we make? He has given us his word; are we taking it to the lost? It is the "poor wise man" whom God sends today (I Cor. 1:21-31). Go and tell wise words!
[from The Truth in Love, no. 17, May 9, 1993, p. 1]

GOOD NEWS AND GOOD WORKS Acts 6:2

Jesus Christ's commission to his apostles was that they must "preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15-16). As the infant church grew in Jerusalem, the apostles found that their primary task of preaching the gospel of salvation was in danger of being neglected through the increasing demands of benevolent work among needy brethren. The danger was averted by appointing others to this necessary duty.

The lesson is clear for every congregation. Each church must ensure that...(Acts 6:4) are pre-eminent in its activities while, at the same time, meeting other needs as these occur. The other needs must not dominate the work of the church and its members to tell the gospel to save the lost. When people are saved they, in turn, have the privilege to tell others, and each is expected to do good works to help those in need (Eph. 2:8-10).

The classic Bible example of believers telling the good news to others and witnessing conversions to Christ is the account of brethren from the Jerusalem church going to Antioch and talking about Jesus. People believed their message and obeyed the gospel. The new converts formed the new church in Antioch. Then, when they heard of famine affecting their brethren in Judea, they sent a contribution to help them (Acts 11:19-30).

Satan would prefer nothing better than to divert a church from active evangelism into concentrating its main energies on other things (II Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15). Remember, there are plenty of other legitimate avenues available to meet most material and physical needs. Even non-Christians are not excused for ignoring what is right (Rom. 1:20), including the responsibility for recognising and caring for others' needs (Luke 10:33). But only Christ's followers have been given the major task of meeting the world's desperate spiritual need (Rom. 10:14-15). Let us not confuse the two tasks (evangelism and benevolence) or diminsh our duty to tell the good news of salvation (II Tim. 4:2-4).
(Rom. 10:14).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 18, May 16, 1993, p. 8]

VOTING IS COMPULSORY, BUT... Matt. 22:21

Australians have recently been involved in voting for the election of candidates to political office. Some Christians have been concerned about the compulsion to vote, especially when some candidates for office publicly espouse legalisation of sinful practices.

[quoting Australian law requiring everyone eligible to vote to do so]

Christians should obey this and other laws of government (I Pet. 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7), except whenever the higher law of God is contravened by the laws of governing authorities (Acts 5:29).

When Australian Christians face the dilemma of voting for candidates whose publicised policies include support for sinful practices, such as legalisation of homosexual activities and prostitution, abortion and euthanasia, and so on, the Electoral Acts does provide for abstention from voting (quoting law again).

Christians are not accountable for what governments choose to do (Matt. 22:21), but they are accountable for voting for a candidate's intention to sin (Rom. 1:32). Rom. 14:22.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 18, May 16, 1993, p. 7]

GOING HOME

"Fasten your safety belts and please observe the 'no smoking' sign."

Easing from the terminal, American 257 taxied leisurely towards the runway jockeying for position. A halting stop and we waited our turn with other members of the winged species - Braniff, Delta, Eastern, and United, I was finally...going home!

Sprinting down the runway, the lumbering piece of riveted sheet metal was soon transformed as it nosed the air and mounted with wings as an eagle. Whining anxillary motors tucked landing gear into the belly of the craft with a metallic "Thud!" Airborne and...going home!

You see, home is very real. For some the old place may have given way long ago and members of the family buried, but memories keep it alive. For others, home is being removed from the family but a few days with the mind constantly...going home!

Edging his way through corn rows and scrambling over stone fences, what must the Prodigal have thought nearing his father's house...going home!

Pain in every nerve ending and uttering in finality, "It is finished!" perhaps Jesus' last reflection was...going home!

When the world becomes a bit much for us, remember that as Christians, we are...going home!
(II Cor. 5:1).
[by Dan McCaghren from Power for Today. Sept.-Oct., 1976, p. 1-2]

HOW TO READ YOUR BIBLE
When in sorrow - John 14
When men fail you - Psa. 27
Before church service - Psa. 51
When you worry - Matt. 6:19-34
When you have sinned - Psa. 84
When you are discouraged - Isa. 40
When you are in danger - Psa. 91
When people seem unkind - John 15
When you have the blues - Psa. 34
When God seems far away - Psa. 139
For Jesus' idea of a Christian - Matt. 5
When doubt comes to try you - John 7:17
When you are out of sorts - Heb. 12
When you are lonely or fearful - Psa. 23
When down and out - Rom. 8:31-39
When bitter or critical - I Cor. 13
}For Paul's secret of happiness - Col. 3:12-17.
[from Power for Today, Sept.-Oct., 1976, p. 2]

FOR GOD SO LOVED...

The earliest known college (later university) in America was Harvard, established in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636. At that time America was not known as the United States but as the New World. Most of the people in the coonies were from England and were very religious. Universities were built to preserve, not only the knowledge of the day, but especially the religious opportunities found in the Bible.

John Harvard, one of the college founders, said, "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main ends of life and studies; to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all knowledge and learning and see that the Lord only giveth wisdom. Let everyone seriously set himself by prayer in secret to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master."

Educators over the next 350 years forgot these words and others like them that stressed the need for each person to know and understand a relationship with God. Today's society looks upon a relationship with Jesus as a weakness and a crutch. Prayers and Bible studies in school have become nearly non-existent.

John Harvard's words are as true today as they ever were. True education makes us realise that we are not an end, in and if ourselves. I am not all there is to my life. There is an end much more important than me. Without Him, our lives have no purpose. Without a relationship with Jesus, my education, career, family, wealth and life are a waste of time.

That is why it is so important to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is calling all sinners (all of us) to turn away from sinful ways (Luke 5:32). He wants all those who turn away to confess His name (Matt. 10:32) and allow God to take their sins away in baptism (Col. 2:12-14). These simple actions in response to Jesus' call will set you on a path that will give your education and your life the meaning it should have. A life of dedication to God will help you understand your purpose in this life.
[by Scott Harp from Youthquake, vol. 2, no. 2, June 1992, p. 6]

LEADERS' FORUM: FEARLESS LEADER: BURN OUT

A few years ago the church in the western United States was rocked by the news that a well-known youth director had committed suicide. Imagine the shock of the young people he worked with! What sort of things would have been going through their minds? "Are we somehow to blame for his death? Where did we go wrong?"

Youth work can be a very demanding job. Young people will often come to you with their problems when they won't go to their parents because they know that in you they have a non-judgmental, empathetic ear. Also, as youth director you are considered "Mr. Entertainment" and are always expected to be on your toes with exciting, fun things to do.

The "burn-out" syndrome is extremely common among youth workers. Oh, you may not end up committing suicide like the poor chap I mentioned earlier, but you can find your batteries running extremely low from time to time. That is why it is important that you occasionally take time out just for you.

Take advantage of youth leader seminars, if they are available. Read positive, uplifting books to keep your mind fresh and clear. Pray, or as the hymn says, "Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone." Take a holiday (preferably without members of your youth group tagging along).

If you don't feel you have the time to do these things, TAKE time. People are relying on you to be at your best, and the only way you can do that is to take some time out once in a while. Don't turn you or your family into another statistic!
[by Matthew Merrick from Youthquake, vol. 2, no. 2, June 1992, p. 6]

To do the right thing for the wrong reason is the greatest treason.

We can go on fasts or do other good works to feed the hungry. But worse than this is to be without spiritual sustenance. Many choose to be lawless. Today people deny sin and therefore the need for God's plan of redemption. We, of the church who have been forgiven so much should be a gathering of grateful people and able to speak the truth of the love of God and be aware of our responsibility to share what we have and spread the word.
[from Outreach, Dunedin bulletin, April 1983]

Martin Luther King wrote, "No man has learned to live until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualist concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Length without breadth is like a self-contained tributary having no outward flow to the ocean. Stagnant, still, and stale it lacks both life and freshness. In order to live creatively and meaningfully our self-concern must be wedded to others' concerns.

MULTIPLE MEANINGS: HATE

The English word "hate" almost invariably conjures up in our minds someone or something we detest or abhor. This is in accord with the usual secular dictionary definition: "to regard with a strong or passionate dislike; to detest" (The Macquarrie Dictionary).

But, of course, those who have been following this series will be wary of a secular dictionary definition and of customary useage in everyday language for an adequate understanding of the use of the word in the Bible. Perhaps on most occasions there is consistency with Bible use, but we do need to check with the Bible context of the word being considered, for a true understanding of what it means in the scriptural sense.

In the case of the word "hate", almost without exception, one Old Testament Hebrew word, sane (Strong's anglicised word and number 8130), and one New Testament Greek word, miseo (Strong's anglicised word and number 3404) are translated into the same English word. This is a different situation from some of the words already studied in this series.

Some Christians are bemused by the seeming contradiction of being taught that, before our conversion...(Titus 3:3), all wrong attitudes, and yet we read that God said...(Rom. 9:13). How can God, who is love (I John 4:8), be said to hate anyone, especially since the attitude of hate is wrong? Immediately we sense that there must be another meaning for the word "hate", than the usual one. A reading of the context, and of other passages on the same subject, will reveal the truth.

Let us consider the use of this word in the context of both the Old (Hebrew) and New Testament (Greek) parts of the Bible.

Old Testament Useage

Consider the Hebrew word SANE translated into the English word in all caps in the following New American Standard Bible quotations:

Things which God hates:
1. "Neither shall you (Israelites) set up for yourself a sacred pillar which the Lord your God HATES" (Deut. 16:22).
2. "You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness...You HATE all who do iniquity (Psa. 5:4-5).
3. "The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence his soul HATES" (Psa. 11:5).
4. "There are six things which the Lord HATES" (Prov. 6:16-19).
5. "I (God) sent you (Israel) all my servants the prophets, again and again, saying, 'Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate.'" (Jer. 44:4-5).
6. "Let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury: for all these are what I HATE," declares the Lord (Zech. 8:17).
7. "I have loved you (Israel) says the Lord, But you say "How have you loved us?" Was not Esau Jacob's brother? declares the Lord. Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have HATED Esau" (Mal. 1:2-3; Rom. 9:13).

Other references of interest:
8. "Isaac said to them (King Abimelech of the Philistines and company), Why have you come to me, since you HATE me, and have sent me away from you?" (Gen. 26:27).

Previously, King Abimelech had told Isaac to move his family and possessions away from their midst (Gen. 26:16), because "the Philistines envied him" (Gen. 26:14). Later, Abimelech came to Isaac to make a covenant of peace. What is the meaning of the word HATE in this passage?
9. "He (Jacob) love Rachel more than Leah...Now the Lord saw that Leah was UNLOVED (Gen. 29:30-31).

Remember that the word in all caps is translated from the Hebrew word SANE, elsewhere translated HATE. From the immediate context, do we conclude that Jacob HATED Leah in the commonly understood meaning of the word? If not, what is the true meaning?

New Testament useage

Consider the Greek word MISEO translated into the English word in all caps in the following NASB quotations:

10. "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and HATE your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:43-44).

Is what was said quoted from the Old Testament? See Lev. 19:18. What is missing? How may we explain this?

11. "No one can serve two masters: for either he will HATE the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24).

Discuss the shade of difference in meaning of the word HATE in this quote and the previous one (#10).

12. "Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who HATE us" (Luke 1:71).

This is John the Baptist's father, Zacharias, when "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Luke 1:67) praising God for the salvation which was imminent. He quoted from Psa. 106:10 where the Hebrew word for HATE is SANE. This shows that the Greek word MISEO is equivalent to the Hebrew word translated in the Old Testament.

What is the meaning of HATE in this verse?

13. Jesus said: "If anyone comes to me, and does not HATE his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26).

Jesus' statement comes as a shock if we understand the word HATE to have its usual meaning. How can we reconcile this with God's directions to us to "Honour your father and mother" (Eph. 6:2) and to husbands to "Love their own wives as their own bodies...for no one ever HATED his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it" (Eph. 5:28-29)?

N.B. Compare Luke 14:26 with the parallel passage in Matt. 10:37.

14. "He who loves his life loses it: and he who HATES his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal" (John 12:25).

Again this quotation seems to contradict Eph. 5:28-29. Since we know that with God "there is no variation" (James 1:17) what then is the true meaning of "hates" in this passage?

15. Is was said to her (Rebekah) The older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob) Just as it is written Jacob I loved, but Esau I HATED (Rom. 9:12-13).

The apostle Paul used the birth of the twins to Rebekah, Isaac's wife to illustrate that God choose the younger of the twins to be the one through whose descendants the Christ would come (v. 4-5) The older twin, Esau, fathered the nation of the Edomites. The younger twin, Jacob, was given another name (Israel) and, hence his descendants were known as Israelites.

From the passage quoted, what is the true meaning of the word HATED in its context?

16. "If someone says "I love God" and HATES his brother, he is a liar: for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen" (I John 4:20).

In what sense are we to understand the word HATE in this verse? Remember the qualities of love listed in I Cor. 13:4-8. If HATE is the opposite of love, what might be some contrasting qualities of hate?
[from The Truth in Love, no. 27, July 18, 1993, p. 2-5]

THE LORD SWORE AN OATH TO DAVID
(Psa. 132:11-12)
There are two parts to God's promise to David. The first was the unconditional prophecy that a descendant of David would occupy his throne some day, and the second was the conditional assurance that, so long as David's descendants remained true to God, they would ascend to David's throne in succession. We know from the Old Testament record that some of David's descendants were wicked and unfaithful men and, as a consequence, the throne of David ceased to be physically occupied after kings Jehoiachin and Zedekiah were taken into captivity to Babylon (II Kings 24-25).

The New Testament record states that Jesus was a descendant of David (Matt. 1:1; Matt. 21:9). It was known that the promised Messiah would be a descendant of David (Luke 20:41; John 7:42; Psa. 89:4; Micah 5:2). The angel Gabriel told Mary that, to her son Jesus...(Luke 1:32-33). This was fulfilled when Jesus was raised to life and ascended to heaven (Acts 2:29-33; Heb. 1:3). Thus, addressing Jesus, the Father said...(Heb. 1:8).

Christians are the spiritual Israel (Gal. 3:29; Gal. 6:16) whose King occupies the spiritual throne of David in heaven. We are frequently reminded of how our heavenly Father rescued us (Col. 1:13). Praise God that he kept his oath to David.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 27, July 18, 1993, p. 6]

LEARNING AND DOING GOD'S WILL
(I John 5:14)
Christians must understand God's will (Eph. 5:17).
Christ's teaching reveal God's will for us (Matt. 7:21-24).
Christ accepts those who do God's will (Matt. 12:50).
Jesus did God's will (John 4:34).
Know, pray for, and do God's will (Col. 1:9-10).
Stand firm in the will of God (Col. 4:12).
Do God's will (Heb. 13:20-21).

Jesus' teachings reveals God's will for us to learn and do. Just as Jesus did his Father's will, we must follow his example and do God's will. Jesus can accept only those who follow him and put into practice his teaching - the will of God.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 27, July 18, 1993, p. 7]

WHERE DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Consider 3 common ways questions on Bible subjects are asked:

1. The earnest seeker. The questioner want to know where to locate a subject in the Bible. It is often quicker to ask a more experienced Bible student than to hunt for it oneself. Of course, don't just accept the answer without checking on it yourself in the Bible.

When the apostle Paul brought the message of Jesus to the Jews living in Berea, they were described as...(Acts 17:11-12). They were earnest seekers who were eager to hear what Paul had to say, but they wanted to be sure that their scriptures (what we know as the Old Testament) confirmed his words about Jesus. In effect, they asked the question: "Where does the Bible say things about the Messiah consistent with what Paul is telling us?"

2. The artful dodger. The questioner is engaged in or is considering engaging in some doubtful practice and, when challenged, seek to justify it by responding with this question, hoping to stump the challenger.

The Sadducees taught that there is to be no resurrection of the dead. They thought they had Jesus trapped with an unanswerable question...(Matt. 22:23-28). In effect the Sadduceed were asking Jesus the question: "Where does the Bible say anything about a resurrection of the dead?" They did not think he could give a Bible answer.

Jesus silenced the Sadducees by replying...(Matt. 22:29-34).

Jesus' reply exemplifies the mistake some people make by demanding an express word or example on the subject being considered. Very often, as in this case, the Bible gives general principles from which we may make specific applications.

3. The Bush-whacker. The questioner ambushes others by trying to expose their actions which are claimed to conflict with traditional doctrine, or to have no specific Bible supporting reference.

On a certain occasion, the Pharisees (another Jewish sect) thought they had caught out Jesus' disciples when they picked and ate grain on a Sabbath. They said to Jesus...(Matt. 12:1-2). In fact, there was no scripture for the Pharisees' judgement.

In response, Jesus rebuked them for their ignorance and for their failure to apply an important Bible principle which should have governed the Pharisees' attitude...(Matt. 12:3-7).

In effect, the Pharisees were asking: "Where does the Bible say you can pick and eat grain on the Sabbath?" They condemned the disciples on their own tradition, wrongly equated to God's law.

On another occasion John told Jesus of trying to hinder someone, who was not of their band, working in Jesus' name. Jesus replied...(Mark 9:38-40). In effect, John was asking: "Where does the Bible say others may also work acceptably in the Lord's name?" By such an exclusionary attitude, John failed to realise that God has others than our immediate group (Rom. 11:4).

The apostle Paul was ostracised by some of his brethren, who thereby showed they did not accept his apostolic commission (II Cor. 10:10; Gal. 2:4; Phili. 1:15-17; II Tim. 1:15; II Tim. 4:16). By "judging according to appearance" and not "with righteous judgement" (John 7:24), they "condemned the innocent" (Matt. 12:7). In effect, Paul's so-called brethren were asking: "Where does the Bible say we should accept Paul's claim to be an apostle of Christ?" They should have recognised in Paul the "signs of a true apostle" (II Cor. 12:12; II Pet. 3:15-16).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 27, July 18, 1993, p. 8-9]

NEEDED - MORE MIDDLE-ORDER BATSMEN

Anyone mildly acquainted with the game of cricket knows that each team is composed of members who must work together to get the best results. There is no such thing as a one-man cricket team. Likewise the team in which only two or three members do their best is bound to fail. The team which does not practise keenly and regularly together is not going to be successful.

Each cricket team is made up of specialists. There are cricketers whose specialty is batting, others who are best at bowling the ball, and others who are good all-rounders, fielders and wicketkeepers. Batsmen and bowlers in a team are not selected on the basis of uniformity of skill or talent. Some batsmen are needed who can face the fiery fast balls of the opening bowlers of the opposing team. Others are selected because they bring stability and maturity in the middle-order, between the skilled opening batsmen and the weak tail-enders. The tail-enders or last batters in a team are often the team's bowlers whose main skills are getting opposing batsmen out. The best balance distribution of skilled players, performing well together, ensures a winning team.

The local church is something like a cricket team. All the works of the church need the full attention of all members working together. Not by everyone attempting to do the same things, but by each doing something (Rom. 12:4-13) to make it easier for other members to do their best with their special skills. Not everyone can be an opening batsman or a classy bowler or a sharp wicket-keeper. But everyone can work towards becoming good middle-order batsmen and alert fielders. A congregation may have a sprinkling of older members and a large proportion of younger members. But it is to the mature, established, and tested middle-aged men and women that we look for future elders and deacons and their wives in the church (I Tim. 3; Titus 1). Older members can nurture young members towards ensuring strong local churches (Titus 2:1-8; Acts 20:17-35).

Young Christians - work steadily, strongly and devotedly towards becoming the kind of middle-order reliable members of the church that Jesus wants you to be. (Heb. 5:11-14; Heb. 10:19-25).
[from the Truth in Love, no. 25, July 4, 1993, p. 1]

SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG
(Psa. 98:1-3)
A thousand years later, "the righteous and devout" man Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to greet the baby Jesus in the temple by praising God...(Luke 2:25-32). Simeon would have known the scripture passages, such as Psa. 98 and others, which acknowledges God's salvation to the nations and aptly describe Jesus' mission.

After his resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared to the Pharisee Saul and commissioned him as one of his apostles, with a specific task among the Gentiles...(Acts 26:17-18).

Years later, the same Pharisee, converted and known as Paul the apostle to the Gentiles, wrote to the Christians in the church at Colosse, that God...(Col. 1:13-14).

Let us remember to "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things" by his sacrifice we have been saved.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 25, July 4, 1993, p. 6]

WHICH WAY?
Three ways in which people respond to Christ
1. Accept him
2. Reject him
3. Defer a decision (Acts 17:32-34)

Two categories of people Christ observes
1. Those for him
2. Those against him (including the undecided) (John 3:36; Matt. 12:30)

One group of people Christ saves
1. Those who believe and obey him (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 5:9)

Three ways to present Christ
1. Tell of him.
2. Deny him.
3. Distort his message (Acts 8:5; Matt. 26:69-70; Gal. 1:7)

Two requirements for salvation
1. God draws people to him
2. People must diligently seek God (John 6:44; John 12:32; Heb. 11:6; Matt. 7:7-8)

One way of salvation

1. Through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) There is no salvation for those who have not heard the message of Christ (Rom. 10:14) and no salvation for those who do not come to God in Christ (John 5:40; Acts 2:36-42)
[from The Truth in Love, no. 25, July 4, 1993, p. 7]

THE LORD IS...RICH IN LOVE
(Psa. 145:8-9)
Through King David's long life and long reign, he had much to praise God for and so he wrote, at the beginning of Psa. 145 "I will exalt you, my God and King: I will praise your name for ever and ever". At the end of the psalm, David concluded: "My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." Thus, as we read this psalm, let us consider the goodness and compassion of God towards us, and let us praise God from morning to evening daily for the fact that "the Lord is graciious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love".

Christians have the example of God's compassion and love demonstrated in the gospel descriptions of Jesus' teachings and doings. Through Jesus, God was...(Acts 10:36-38). Christians are expected by God to imitate him and...(Eph. 5:1-2).

There is nothing mysterious in the understanding or in the practice of a life of love. Simply consider Jesus, then pray at the dawn of each day that you will be "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love" towards everyone. Do this consciously for each day and pray at night that you have done the Lord's will for that day. Tomorrow is another day (Matt. 6:34).

We are reminded that God is "rich in love" so let us praise God for his "grace and compassion" in Christ towards us. (I Cor. 10:16).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 26, July 11, 1993, p. 6]

THE EVIDENCE FOR JESUS' MIRACLES
(John 20:31)
The writers of the gospel records state that a former carpenter from a despised part of the country, a wandering poor teacher of religion, taught a high ethical code and performed miracles of goodness. (Acts 10:36-38).

The records state that people who heard Jesus were either impressed and amazed (Matt. 7:28) or disturbed and enraged (Luke 4:28). They saw his miracles and ascribed these to God's power (John 3:2) or to demon-possession or insanity (John 10:20). They wanted to seize him either to crown him (John 6:15) or to kill him (Luke 22:2). Some believed the miracles confirmed that Jesus was the promised Messiah (John 9:38), while others charged him with blasphemy, a capital offence (John 10:33).

The Pharisees expected, on the one hand, that the Christ should be able to do miraculous things as proof of his divine authority (Matt. 12:38) yet, on the other, they rejected the testimony when it was provided. Despite the plain evidence of their eyes, those Pharisees who rejected Jesus could only make the lame objection that he (who always did good deeds) cast out demons by the power of the prince of demons (Matt. 12:22-29). This was an absurd contradiction which Jesus easily exposed.

Jesus drew attention to his miracles as witness "that the Father has sent me" (John 5:36). He reminded his hearers that the scriptures "bear witness of me" (John 5:39). When the imprisoned John the Baptist enquired whether Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, Jesus sent John's emissaries back to tell John about the miracles being performed (Matt. 11:4-5). Jesus knew that John would be satisfied on this account.

Presented with the evidence (just as we are by reading the gospels today), reasonable people of Jesus' time asked the obvious question...(John 7:31).

Those who refused to accept Jesus, later tried to discredit his apostles' claim that Jesus rose from the dead following his crucifixion. They could not disprove nor silence their bold testimony.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 26, July 11, 1993, p. 7]

SING PRAISES TO GOD, SING PRAISES
(Psa. 47:5-6)
People from all nations, those who are spiritually discerning, rejoice in the God who is their Saviour. (Psa. 47:1).

At the birth of Jesus the heavenly host appeared praising God...(Luke 2:13-14). Righteous Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms and praised God...(Luke 2:28-32).

When Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross...(Phili. 2:8-11).

No wonder that, years later, the apostle Jesus saw in vision...(Rev. 7:9-10).

Christians around the world come together as a church in thousands of locations to sing praises to God. For if it had not been for God's love for sinful mankind, there would have been no humbling of his Son on the cross to offer us a way of forgiveness by and reconciliation to God (II Cor. 5:14-21). Jesus submitted himself to the cross because he loved us and wanted us to be saved for eternity.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 30, Aug. 8, 1993, p. 6]

DON'T RELY ON NEWSPAPERS FOR GOD'S TRUTH

"Letters to the Editor" columns of daily newspapers often quote letters from people seeking to put someone else right on Bible teaching. Sadly, it is as often true that the writers don't have a good knowledge of what is in the Bible and they don't know how to...(II Tim. 2:15).

One letter recently ("The Weekend Australian" 24-25/July/1993), stated that: "Not every purported statement of fact in the Old and New Testaments is true and accurate. There were humans well before 6000 BC, even though Luke 3:32-38 names only thirtyfour paternal forebears of King David...back to a first male human, Adam."

The Bible does not give a date, 6000 BC or any other, for the creation of man. The efforts of people to fix a date always fail. Archbishop Ussher (1581-1656) worked through the Old Testament genealogies of named persons, and compiled a chronology from which he deduced that creation occurred in 4004 BC. This date appears at the top of reference columns adjacent to the text of Genesis chapter one in many old Bibles. Many people still think wrongly that the Bible teaches this. A famous theologian of the time, Joseph Lightfoot (1602-1675), went so far as to add that creation occurred during October 18-24, 4004 BC, and that Adam was made on Friday, October 23, at 9:00 a.m.!

The fallacy in this is that the Bible does not mention every individual in a genealogical tree, but only those significant to the purpose of the list. Thus there are many gaps for which we do not have information to give accurate or even approximate time spans, much less try to set a date for creation.

By the same erroneous calculation, the newspaper letter-writer assumes that there were only "thirtyfour paternal forebears of King David" since Adam. But, as with many Old Testament genealogical lists, Luke 3:32-38 does not include every person. Compare it (eleven sets of seven names between God and Jesus) to the genealogy in Matt. 1:1-16 which gives three sets of fourteen persons between Abraham and Jesus, and also omits many names from the list. Another important fact is that the expression "...son of..." may refer to any forebear other than a man's immediate father; for example, Matt. 1:1 states that Jesus was "the son of David, the son of Abraham".
[from The Truth in Love, no. 30, Aug. 8, 1993, p. 7]

TEA-LEAF OR TAROT CARD BIBLE READING Lev. 19:26

God forbad the Israelites from practising "divination or soothsaying". These were pagan and false arts which pretended to foretell the future. Some persons claimed special abilities to do this and sometimes certain objects were said to give signs which allegedly foretold future events. For example, King Saul sought to know the outcome of an impending battle with a Philistine army, and he consulted one who claimed to communicate with the dead (I Sam. 28:1ff). An example of objects used in divination is described in Eze. 21:21.

God warned Israel that...(Deut. 13:1-3). A true prophet would not tell the people to desert God.

Jesus warned his followers to shun false prophets who...(Matt. 24:24). The apostle Paul confronted Elymas the magician in Cyprus, and charged him with being a man "full of all deceit and fraud", who tried to "make crooked the straight ways of the Lord" (Acts 13:8-10). Later, Paul exorcised a slave-girl in Philippi who had...(Acts 16:16-18).

The Holy Spirit's special gift of true prophecy, given to certain Christians in New Testament times (I Cor. 12:10), ceased when the New Testament prophecies were completed (I Cor. 13:8-10), just as Zechariah had prophesied (Zech. 13:2). The writings of the apostles and the New Testament prophets compose...(Jude 3). God has not promised any further revelations.

Today, tea-leaf and tarot card readers try to do what ancient diviners and soothsayers claimed to do. Some people attempt to use the Bible in this way too, and point to Bible texts to falsely support their efforts to foretell Christ's return, despite Jesus' clear statement that no one will be told (Matt. 24:36).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 29, Aug. 1, 1993, p. 1]


BELIEVE GOD'S WORD
(Acts 17:11)
At the moment one of the denominations in Australia in conducting a "heresy trial" of one of its theologians who has stated his belief that parts of the Bible are not inspired by God.

Two kinds of people profess to believe that the Bible is God's word. One accepts it as the only divine guide for faith and the other accepts it subject to personal judgement. For one the Bible is the final arbiter, for the other personal experience and feelings are the main deciders. There can be no compromise or resolution of these differences. One knows that feelings may deceive, the other knows that the word may be restrictive. A pleasant experience may be in conflict with the word - should we follow our instincts or the word of God?
(Isa. 8:20; Matt. 13:57)
Experienced faithful preachers of the gospel share the chagrin voiced by their Lord when, sometimes, even fellow-members of the church take offence at some teaching. It is particularly galling when sound doctrine has to be justified against some popular false teaching or church tradition, simply because the pedlars of error are more esteemed than the preacher of truth.

People who question the scriptures in this way don't always realise the implications of their actions but, in effect, they are suggesting that a scholarly theologian's textbook, or a prominent churchman's pronouncements, or the clamour of the multitude following a new fad, carry more weight than the plain teaching of Bible truth by a humble member of the home town church.
(II Tim. 3:16-17).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 28, July 25, 1993, p. 1]

My body must carry a dead [insert your name] and a live Jesus.

To grow as a more loving person:
1. Become aware of how much I have been forgiven
2. Be obedient
3. Realise God loved me first

THE UNIQUENESS OF JESUS

Recently I have been reading THE CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN, the latest work by the British scholar John R.W. Stott. One chapter in particular caught my attention as Stott examines the uniqueness of Jesus. He calls attention to the fact that history has not assigned to Jesus such a title as is greeted Alexander the Great. Rather Jesus is called "the Christ" or "the Lord". The most complete title perhaps is the one used by Peter when he urges, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 3:18). Stott calls attention to three affirmations of the uniqueness of Jesus expressed there.

Jesus is Lord. The etymology of the word "Lord" designates one having authority over others. The title came to be used to denote Jesus especially after His resurrection with the implication that the followers of Jesus were slaves committed to worship and obey Him as Lord. Until we acknowledge His Lordship in our lives, we will continue to set our own agenda and make our own choices. He must occupy the throne of our lives and reign there.

Jesus is Savior. As Stott observes, "Christianity is in essence a rescue religion; it announces good news of salvation." The purpose for His coming was clearly explained by Jesus when He said...(Luke 19:10). The image of the shepherd leaving the sheep already secure in the fold in order to search for the one that was lost offers us a most compelling portrait of Jesus. We have no ability to save ourselves. Our sins separate us from God: they devalue us as God's creation. But Jesus paid the ransom; he redeemed the lost. He is Savior.

Jesus is Ours. As wonderful as it is, we are grateful that Jesus' full title is not "the Lord and Savior." Rather Peter calls him "our Lord and Savior." What great consolation is found in the personal concern expressed for each of us by God's giving His Son. The Psalmist sensed much of that unique relationship between man and God long ago in such expresions as "my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psa. 19:14); "my shepherd" (Psa. 23:2); "my light and my salvation" (Psa. 27:1); and "my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress" (Psa. 62:2). In the same way, we are privileged to speak to Jesus as my Lord and my Savior. Recently, I noted in a sermon the reverent confession by Thomas, "My Lord and my God," in addressing Jesus. What a glorious recognition that Jesus is our personal savior. That is no reason for boasting or excessive pride. It is rather a cause for great humility, for it is the result not of my worth but of God's love.

No wonder Paul referred to Jesus as "God's indescribable gift!" (II Cor. 9:15). He is unique!
[by Dennis Lloyd from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 22, 1993, p. 2]

JESUS LEFT:

His purse - To Judas; His clothes - To the soldiers; His body - To Joseph of Arimathea; His mother - To John; His peace - To His disciples; His supper - To His followers; His gospel - To the world; His presence - With God's children.
[by Max Johnson from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 22, 1993, p. 3]

HOME-BREW RELIGION

We are not bashful. At the drop of a pin, we are ready to say, "This is what I think..."

In religion everyone seems to have their own ideas about what is appropriate: "I think Christians should be more tolerant. I don't think everybody has to believe in Christ to be o.k. with God." "I think it's ridiculous that some churches make such a big deal of baptism. What's that got to do with what kind of a person I am?" "I think I know what God wants me to do without having to look it up in the Bible." "I think all truth is relative. What's true for you doesn't necessarily mean it's true for me. You have your truth, I have mine." "I think churches of Christ should catch up with the times and use instrumental music in worship." Feel free to make up your own list. Everybody is doing it.

There is a hitch, however. It's found in Prov. 3:5-6.

There's a world of difference between "insight" religion, and the revealed will of God. With no confidence in God, but with complete faith in ourselves, we examine our subjective thoughts and feelings, and proclaim them to the world as The Truth. I can almost hear the apostle Paul saying...(Rom. 1:24).

This generation desperately needs to hear, "do not rely on your own insight...do not rely on your own insight...do not rely on your own insight." It should be a mandatory warning label printed on every bottle of home-brew religion. The white lightning we are concocting is going to kill us.
[by John Gipson from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 2]

PRAYER
I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know: God answers prayer.
I know not if the blessing sought
Will come in just the guise I thought.
I leave my prayer to Him alone
Whose will is wiser than my own.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 3]

GOD SO LOVED THAT HE GAVE

Apart from the motivation of love, giving can be a very unpleasant experience. It may be forced as when the robber says, "Give me all your valuables!" Or, it may be done grudgingly, if responsibility demands that which our hearts resist.

God's gift of His Son has greatly enriched the meaning of giving. He has inspired a totally new perspective. This is due, not only to the motivation of love, but also to the fact that giving in Christ's spirit always involves sharing. It creates a fellowship in which that giver loses nothing; in fact, he gains...and not merely as a matter of exchanging.

The gift that is shared continues to belong to the giver, as well as to the receiver; it belongs to both in a way that transcends the intrinsic value of the gift itself. When we share the spirit of Jesus, the value of the gift is increased by the personal warmth, kindness, and compassion that attends it. It establishes a bond of fellowship which remains after the given item has been used up.

All of us appreciate the traditional expressions of caring through giving of material things that are so much a part of this season. Yet we know that there are gifts far more precious than "gold, frankincense, and myrrh." We must remember that it is only God's gift in us that inspires and enables us to offer those greater gifts of love and consideration for the real needs of others.

It's his gift of love to us, received by us and working through us, that promotes intimate sharing and creates the environment we all desire...the condition of "peace on earth, good will among men" that Jesus was sent to make possible.
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 2-3]

I LOVE YOU, LORD, BUT DON'T COUNT ON ME!!

"I love thy church, O God,
Her wall before thee stand."
But please excuse my absence,
This bed is simply grand.
"A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify."
But, Lord, expect no cash from me,
Thy glory comes too high.
"Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?"
Yes, though I seldom pray, I still insist I am.
"Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free?"
No! Other, Lord, should do their part, but don't count on me.
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below."
Loud my hymns of praise I bring,
because if doesn't cost to sing.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 3]

IT FRIGHTENED ME!!

It is frightening to see how much power Satan has when he is allowed to reign in people's lives. When allowed, he can do much harm in the Lord's church. While on vacation we worshipped with a congregation who 12 years ago was a growing church. A building was built which will seat over a thousand. But, the Devil has been allowed to come in and the attendance is less than two hundred. They have built a small auditorium within that large auditorium. It literally frightened me when I saw what the Devil had done in that church. God is stronger than Satan, but when God is left out, Satan is stronger than man.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Aug. 8, 1993, p. 3]

WHERE COULD I GO BUT TO THE LORD?

J.B. Coats wrote the above words a number of years ago that describes how man is in the world striving to overcome many hardships. He describes, in this song, that to make it in this life one needs a little help. We have people around us who show concern. We have neighbors that try to do things for us. We have loved ones who care for us. All of these, however, can not compare to the help we get from God.

Jesus once said...(Matt. 11:28-30). Encouragement in time of need is a role which Jesus wants to play in the lives of his people.

There are two ways for the Christian to experience the kind of encouragement Mr. Coats alludes to in his song. Notice how he describes them, "...but when my soul needs manna from above, Where could I go but to the Lord...," and "...comfort I get from God's own word." Prayer and Bible study are our links to God. They help us through times of discouragement, sadness and grief. Consider the benefits of both.

Prayer is our way to reveal to God our needs, wants and desires. We can express to God our feelings of praise and thankfulness. (Phili. 4:6). God knows man's every need, but He wants man to appeal to Him for those needs. (Matt. 6:8). Jesus said...(Matt. 7:7-8). When we wonder, sometimes, why things are not going as we like, it could be that we have not approached God for our needs as we should. If I have needs in this life, where could I go but to the Lord?

The Bible is paramount source to help in time of need. (Acts 20:32; I Pet. 2:2). God, through Hosea the prophet, said...(Heb. 4:6). How can we know what the Lord would have us do, or be what He would have us be if we do not study His will? If I hurt and am in need of encouragement, I can get comfort from God's own word. "Where can I go, O where can I go, Seeking a refuge for my soul? Needing a friend to save me in the end, Where could I go but to the Lord?"
[by Scott Harp from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 25, 1993, p. 2]

REFLECTIONS

"The church shouldn't spend money on itself." I've heard this refrain often enough over the years, invariably aimed at some building program, addition to staff, or local project. On the surface it's intended as a caution, a safeguard against institutional selfishness, an incentive to service. Occasionally the warning is justified, but usually - in my judgment - in perspective is short-sighted, wrong-headed. Why? Glad you asked.

Once Wrigley, the chewing gum magnate, was speeding across country by train, surrounded by financial consultants urging Draconian cuts in his advertising budget. Wrigley peered out the window at the landscape whistling by and commented: "Boys, we sure are going fast. Why don't we remove the engine?"

In the long run who subsidizes our dreams for ministry, underwriting expenses for missions, outreach, education and training, works or charity? Who picks up the tab for our collective plans? You already know the answer. The church does, the very organization we are so eager to shortchange.

The church, beleaguered and criticized, deserves better from its constituents. Rather than strangle it through pious neglect, we should be eager to augment its numbers, its spiritual depth, its financial resources. Even when it requires spending money on ourselves. Especially then.
[by Lanny Henninger from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 18, 1993, p. 2-3]

A SURVIVOR!

We've all heard the story of the 1989 tragic crash of United's Flight Number 232. Originating from Denver, on its way to Chicago, something went wrong. Some said it was a breakdown in the plane's hydraulic system. At any rate, the pilot tried gallantly to land the plane safely in Iowa. He almost succeeded! But the giant DC-10 bounced, cart-wheeled, and broke apart. There was terrible injury and loss of life. Bodies were scattered in the corn fields. Injured. Dying. Dead. It is incredible that more than one hundred survived that crash.

I sat at lunch a few days ago with one of the survivors. He and his wife, another couple, and I had just been in a family Bible camp in Ohio. I was on my way to the airport and home!

I asked the obvious question, "Tom, how did you get out of the plane?" He explained that he was seated in row number 21. The plane broke in two at row number 23. After all that bouncing and breaking, they were able to climb over some debris and step out onto the ground. He said he first ran through the fields praising God that he was alive. Then he began to minister to those laying all around. He showed me the cut on his ear. The hair on the right side of his head, shaved so they could work on the ear, had begun to grow back. He almost wished it wouldn't. He needed the lessons that crash stamped indelibly on his mind.

Oh, and one more thing. Tom had originally been seated in row number 25, but when he got to that seat it was already occupied. Computer error. With mild irritation, he thought, "If I had only been a little quicker, I could have had my seat!" The flight attendant found him a seat in row number 21. Only later did he learn that everyone in row number 25 died in the crash!

He talked about how he viewed things differently as a result of the crash.

Life is a mist! James 4:14 said it. It can be snuffed out at any time! Hey, and it isn't only airplanes, either! People die in cars. They die in their beds. They die at all ages! Our lives are just fragile! This isn't meant to make you feel morbid, but it is meant to make you live wisely. Live each day as if it were the last day you'd spend on earth. It could very well be!

Life should be focused on the things that are really important! As the plane fell, no one on board was thinking "Oh no, I may never get to drive my BMW again!" "Now I won't get to complete that business deal in Chicago!" Thoughts were on family - and God! And there was lots of praying! Out loud, in fact!

Tom is not as preoccupied with his wife's faults anymore. If his car breaks down ten miles from home, it's really not such a big deal. Long queues at the grocery check-out stand are not as big a hassle as before. And if someone else is booked in his seat on an airplane, he has a completely different view on being irritated about that.

God, the Bible, church, and worship mean more now! These are the things that really count.

In all of life, only one thing is important!

The survivors of flight number 232 got one more chance to get the "important" things done. For the casualties, that's the only thing that matters now!

So how's your life? How's your priorities? If you had survived the crash of flight number 232 would you think differently about life? If you had died on flight number 232 where would you be?
[by Marvin Philips from Image, January 1991]

Ned: What do you get if you cross a skunk and a bear?
Ted: You tell me.
Ned: Winnie-the-Phew
[from The Outreach, 11 July 1993, p. 2]

Little Susan was mother's helper. She helped set the table when company was due for tea. Presently everything was on, the guests came in and everyone sat down. Then her mother noticed something was missing. "Susan," she said, "you didn't put a knife and fork at Mr Larson's place."

"I thought he wouldn't need them," explained Susan. "Daddy says he always eats like a horse."
[from The Outreach, 11 July 1993, p. 2]

Little boy to mother, getting changed after Sunday School: "Mum, is it true that we came from dust?"
Mother: "Yes dear."
Little boy: "Mum, is it true that we also go back to dust?"
Mother: "Yes dear. Why do you ask?"
Little boy: "Well, there's someone either coming or going under my bed."
[from The Outreach, 6 June 1993, p. 3]

OUR THINKING VS GOD'S THINKING

It's impossible/All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
I'm too tired/I will give you rest (Matt. 11:20-30)
Nobody really loves me/I love you (John 3:16)
Nobody really cares for me/I care for you (I Pet. 5:7)
I can't go on/My grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9)
I can't figure things out/I will direct your steps (Prov. 20:2; Prov. 3:6)
I can't do it/You can do all things (Phili. 4:13)
I'm not worth it/I am able (II Cor. 9:8)
It's not worth it/It will be worth it (Rom. 8:28)
I can't forgive myself/I forgive you (Psa. 103:12; I John 1:9)
I can't afford to/I will supply all your needs (Phili. 4:19)
[from The Outreach, 1 August, 1993, p. 2-3]

Circle me Lord. Keep protection near and danger afar.
Circle me Lord. Keep hope within, keep doubt without.
Circle me Lord. Keep light near and darkness afar.
Circle me Lord. Keep peace within, Keep evil out.
[from The Outreach, 29 August 1993, p. 2]

BE SURE

The man who once most wisely said: "Be sure you're right, then go ahead," might well have added this, to wit: "Be sure you're wrong before you quit."
[from The Outreach, 29 August 1993, p. 2]

DISCERNMENT

A man had three sons. He wanted to test their ability to discern. So he gave each of them a piece of apple with a rotten spot in it. The first ate the whole thing. The second threw the whole thing away. The third separated the bad and ate the good. The father noted that the third was the wisest, and he explained. "When we receive instruction, some of us believe everything we hear; others reject everything because some is bad, but the wise separate the bad from the good and benefit from the good."
[from The Outreach, 29 August 1993, p. 3]

The task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done, but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can respond to it and participate and take delight in it.
[by Rodney Clapp from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 33, p. 2]

PEACE OF MIND

Theocrites once said, "Its peace of mind, lad, we must find." What could be more valuable than peace of mind? With it, no other valuables are necessary. Without it, all the valuables in the world aren't enough. Truly no human condition is more desireable. Well, all languages have words for the profound sense of serenity that is peace of mind. Librarians talk about peace of mind in words that literally mean "my heart sits down". In parts of Africa peace of mind is called a body song or where the co-order runs. In any tongue, the sentiment is the same. Peace of mind is not something we can go out and get. It is the result of something we do and keep on doing. Peace is the reward for turning our lives and wills over to the care of God and so we do what is necessary. When our response to shame in not a food binge, the afterglow is peace of mind. When we want to run from a relationship but don't, we have earned the sensation of peace. When we want to hide but instead we extend a heart and a hand, we have peace. And when we have a loving relationship with the living God through his Son Jesus Christ, we have one peace.

ARE WE FOCUSED?

Sometimes it is very easy to lose your focus on your priorities. The same thing also can happen to a church. There is a modern day parable concerning this loss of focus that might cause us to stop and think.

Years ago, on the shores of the Carolinas, there was a section of shore which was extremely dangerous. Ships would crash into the rocks off the shore and many lives were lost. So, a lighthouse was built and people stood watch throughout the night. As time passed, many lives were saved. Victims were brought into a frame building and given a change of clothing and a blanket. Soon those who had been rescued began to reward the lighthouse and its workers. Donations began to come in. The old frame house was replaced by a newer, nicer facility. Carpets were put down and nice furniture replaced what had been there. A new shower stall was built outside, so that people who were being saved could shower before going into the new lighthouse station.

As their fame grew, they soon hired people to go on the rescue missions for them. But they didn't forget their original mission altogether. In the center of this plush air conditioned lighthouse was their first rescue boat. It now was used to remind them of what they did in the beginning.

Soon, some of the workers became disenchanted. They wanted to go back to their original purpose - saving lives. So they broke off and built their own life saving station. In the passing of time, the same thing happened to them. Today, the shore line is cluttered with life saving museums.

The lesson is as follows: The church started out as a soul-saving group of people whose emphasis was on the lost. Somewhere in the passing of time, the church has lost her focus. May we always remember our calling and our purpose.
[from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, 26 Sept 1993, p. 3]

HERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO - NOW

It is not unusual for people to take notice of the moral decay that characterizes our nations. Anybody that even looks at reality knows this is a sad and despicable fact of life. It ought not be that way, but we know it is.

What frustrates many people is that, even though they abhor the direction things are going, they want to do something about it, and really do not know what to do. I feel sure many would do something if only they knew what to do. Everybody ought to do what they CAN do. Let me suggest just one or two things for you to do the next few days.

Write those in the power of our government and express your concern and disgust with the growth of violence and immorality in the halls of government. Tell them you oppose abortion and the propagation of homosexuality. Let the school people know you disapprove of profanity and lewdness in activities, textbooks, etc. Write the sponsors of television programs that are vulgar and anti-Christian expressing your feelings about it, and your displeasure with them for sponsoring it.

Get on the telephone and call the TV and radio stations telling them who you are and how you feel. Call the companies that have no conscience about promoting the vile and venomous trash being spread before the nation. Let your law enforcement officials know you demand the laws be enforced.

Some shy away from doing that because they say they do not know what to say. Pshaw! You know what to say. Who cares what the literary critics think of your composition? Who cares whether you are approved by the perpetrators of evil? Express yourself! Write the paper and tell the world! There is something you CAN do. The question is, why not do it? Who do you think should any more than yourself? Remember, evil prevails when good men do nothing! DO SOMETHING! SAY SOMETHING! You forfeit your right to complain about evil if you sit idle and quiet!
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 12, 1993, p. 2]

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT

I have no personal quarrel with those who like religious bumper stickers, smile-buttons, etc. In most cases such displays are probably sincere attempts to advertise devotion to God, and endorsement of a better way of life.

There is some evidence, however, that they may constitute false advertisement! "Clergy Talk" gives this example: "A Catholic priest was following a car with "Honk If you Love Jesus" on the bumper. When the car stopped at a traffic light, he pulled up behind, honked, and waved. The lady in the car ahead stuck her head out of the window and yelled, "Can't you see the light is red, stupid?"

So it is that we may embrace religion impulsively. We may be impressed by some new "one-liner"...a seemingly profound slogan, a witty verse. It makes us feel quite good to have adopted such an approach to life.

But the glaring defect of impulsive religion is that, while appealing momentarily to mind and emotion, it may have little influence on personality and character. Out on the streets, under the aggravations and pressures of real living, we tend to forget the cute slogans and respond on the basis of what we really are.

"Loving Jesus" may demand something more than can be demonstrated by mere honking and waving. It requires receiving His Spirit into our lives, involving an obedience and a yielding that transforms us from within. "Loving Jesus" involves the development of motivational and functional tools for managing human relationships; namely, the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Unless that transformation does occur, be careful about false advertisement. Without real inner change, you can be sure that life's irritations will find your disposition contradicting your smile-button!
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, 5 Sept., 1993, p. 2-3]

WHEN PEOPLE WILL INVESTIGATE

As Christians, we are not to be secret disciples. A charge is given us all to influence and win others to the cause of Christ. (Mark 16:15) We are to live and act in such fashion that others may know and believe. Things are not to be done to simply be seen of men but efforts must be made to win others. Paul wanted to be released from prison and visit the Philippian church, but if not, he expected to hear of their affairs (Phili. 1:27). The Thessalonian brethren had obeyed the gospel and then so lived and acted as to influence others in Macedonia and Achaia (I Thes. 1:6-8). As a congregation we must be doing certain things and living certain ways to influence and bring others to the Lord. Others are motivated to come and know and believe in God from different avenues. Some is accomplished by the way Christians live and some is accomplished by direct efforts to reach the lost. Both ways are commanded by the Lord. Notice a few ways people are motivated to investigate the wonderful treasures of God.

When Christians love each other as they ought...(John 13:34-35). Herein is advertisement every local congregation could use. Love is appealing. Lack of love is repulsive. People have a need to be loved. If we love as we ought, some people will be motivated to examine the case of Christianity.

When Christians are united as they ought: Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers might be one. The reason is quite particular. It was that the world might believe and that the world might know. People are repelled because of strife and discord. The early church was of one accord, heart and soul. Because it was such, it grew. Let us be united on the standard of Jesus and His word. This will help in bringing others to Jesus.

When Christians are consistent and faithful: Paul in Rom. 2 indicted the Jews for their inconsistent behavior as God's people. This caused the name of God to be blasphemed. In Matt. 23, Jesus gave the sad picture of hypocrisy. This turns people from Christianity when we are not consistent as God's children. Let us live blameless and walk in all the Lord's commands and as such challenge others to do better and not condemn us.

When Christians are filled with good works: Good works from us causes God to be glorified (Matt. 5:16). Peter gave such commands in I Pet. 2:12. This shows we care and that God cares. It is true that many do not care how much we know until they know how much we care. Let us, as Jesus, go about doing good (Acts 10:38). Good will result.

When Christians are evangelistic: We must be about the business of seeking and saving the lost and restoring the erring.

Souls are precious. Let us be about our Father's business.
[by Vance Hutton from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, 29 Aug. 1993, p. 2]

WASH AWAY ALL MY INIQUITY AND CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN
(Psa. 51:1-4)
This is one of the most deeply stirring of psalms and, indeed, one of the parts of scripture with which every sensitive sinner identifies so closely.

King David had sinned despicably, and there were no excuses or extenuating circumstances. There was no way he could make restitution to those he had wronged. The only course open to him was to appeal to the boundless mercy of God to forgive him. David truly experienced remorse and, more importantly, he expressed genuine repentance. The depth of these qualities is evident in his psalm. The readiness to admit the blackness of his deeds brought God's truth and justice into sharp relief - "you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge."

The apostle Paul (like David, he had committed horrendous crimes in his past) quoted this verse to show that...(Rom. 3:4-5). The beautiful message to us, Paul continued, is that...(Rom. 3:21-22).

Is there anyone who is not touched by God's love through his Son that...(Rom. 5:8)? Let us praise Him and thank Him, just as King David and the apostle Paul did, for his great mercy "and unfailing love" shown to us.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 31, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 6]

I HAVE PEACE THOUGH I WALK IN THE STUBBORNNESS OF MY HEART
(Deut. 29:19)
In the earlier part of Deuteronomy chapter 29, we are told that God made a special covenant with the children of Israel (Deut. 29:1). Moses called the people together and reminded them of the great things God had done for them in liberating them from slavery in Egypt (Deut. 29:2). They were told, too, of their protected passage through the land leaving Egypt and of their defeat of enemies along the way (Deut. 29:7-8).

Then they were urged to (Deut. 29:9). They had seen the abonminations of Egyptian paganism and those of the nations they had passed by since (Deut. 29:16-17). They were warned to take care not to turn their hearts away from God to serve foreign gods (Deut. 29:18).

Despite such encouragements, reminders and warnings, it was recognised that some would not listen to God's laws, nor abide by his covenant. Instead, they would even boast about their disobedience and rejection of God and glory in their supposed self-sufficiency. They will say (Deut. 29:19).

The apostle Paul wrote of such people in his own day, who...(Rom. 1:25). These people...(Rom. 1:32).

We, too, need to be careful not to "sin wilfully" (Heb. 10:26), though sinners will falsely say, "peace and safety?" (I Thes. 5:3).
[from the Truth in Love, no. 31, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 7]

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

God fully and unreservedly forgives the sins of all who repent (turn to him), whether of the unsaved sinner who willingly submits to baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38), or of the erring Christian who confesses sin (I John 1:9).

But God is prevented from forgiving the one who obstinately refuses to repent, and thereby rejects God's willingness to forgive. The persistent refusal to turn to God for forgiveness, is the unpardonable sin - "the sin leading to death" (I John 5:16). We cannot pray and work to persuade him or her to repent in order that God may forgive (I John 5:16-17).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 31, Aug. 15, 1993, p. 13]

DEPRESSION AND DEJECTION

Please welcome this lump of dejection that is me, Father. I can't lift up my head. I can't start to look at you, but please take me as I am and help me through the dark. I can't offer you energy or enthusiasm. I can't offer you love or worship. I can only offer me, drawn in and hurting. Please hold me gently Lord.

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.

ROSES AND THORNS

Roses and thorns go together. And even Christians learn that life is bitter-sweet. It's a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow, light and darkness.

We shouldn't be surprised. Consider our father Abraham. As his blessings increased, his trials also increased. The cup of life was bitter-sweet all the way through.

To answer the call of God meant leaving country, kindred and friends.

He went where God directed him, and found famine in the land.

He came into Egypt fearing that he would be killed so another might have his beautiful wife.

A quarrel over land led him to offer to Lot whatever portion of the land he desired. Later, he would have to fight a war on Lot's behalf.

God gave Abraham a wonderful promise, but year after year it remained unfulfilled. If he had joy in the birth of Ishmael, and began to comfort himself with the assurance that in him he would find the promised heir, his joy was quenched in the domestic troubles that ensued, and resulted in banishing the mother and child from his home and his protection.

If at last, he knew supreme joy in the birth of Isaac, and his old age was crowned with gladness in watching the growth and development of this child of promise - this crowning reward of his faith - what a thick cloud of darkness must have gathered over his soul when he was required to surrender this beloved son to death! Such a trial did not come until he had been trained to a lofty faith - a faith that, to him, had all the certainty of knowledge.

So it is in our spiritual experiences. We do not escape trials through our growth in faith and holiness, but often are visited with heavier burdens, proportioned to the strength we have accumulated.

Eventually, Abraham had another great bereavement when his beloved Sarah was taken from him. It was roses and thorns all the way.
[by John Gipson from bulletin of Sycamore Chapel church of Christ, Oct. 31, 1993, p. 2]

GREATEST LEGACY

One word that stirs the emotions, yet often taken for granted, is family. Our memories are awakened by the mention of home, mom, dad with pleasant thoughts for many of us. Some have unpleasant thoughts when family is mentioned because, for one reason or another, their family was not as God intended it be. One of the most comforting things that a parent can do for a child is to live the Christian life. The reason that is so comforting is the fact when that beloved parent leaves this life the child can take comfort in knowing that their loved one is being comforted by God, and that some day there will be a reuniting. Of course there is the pain felt when there is that separation from our loved ones. We know and can take comfort that mom and dad are prepared to meet God. There is no greater legacy that a parent can leave for his children than to be prepared for that separation.
[by Jim Lenoir from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Oct. 3, 1993, p. 3]

RIGHT AND WRONG

Sin isn't something many people spend much time worrying about in the past 25 years. But we will say this for sin: it at least offered a frame of reference for behavior. When the frame was dismantled during the sexual revolution, we lost the guidewire of personal responsibilities, the rules for proper conduct of sexual relations. Everyone was left on his or her own. It now appears many people could have used a road map. They needed to be told the direction their sex life was taking was simply wrong.

But moral judgements aren't made much anymore, especially not in print or on TV. Among intellectuals and commentators, judgment was long ago replaced by therapy. Ministers and priests gave way to clinics and counselors.

The United States has problems with drugs, high school sex, AIDS and rape. None of these will go away until people in positions of responsibility come forward and explain, in frankly moral terms, that some of the things people do nowadays are wrong.
[from the Wall Street Journal via Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 19, 1993, p. 3]

STANDING FOR RIGHT

Standing for the right is very demanding of us. It is not easy. It may be very inconvenient. It may even lead to loneliness. On the mountain peak of spiritual experience it is lonely, we may even find ourselves alone.

The embattled Apostle Paul, speaking possibly of his defense before the Roman court wrote...(II Tim. 4:16). He had no defensive legal counsel, there was no crowd of the faithful packing the court room to encourage him or plead his case. As a man, he stood alone. "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me," he wrote. There he stood in hostile court with no comforting presence of sympathizers. But the Lord was there.

It takes courage to stand for the right alone; Noah built the ark alone. Neighbors likely smirked at the simpleton, Noah, and they perished in the flood.

Abraham wandered and worshipped as a lonely leader of his family. Sodomite neighbors gave no credence to his righteous example. They followed the fashionable popular crowd into folly and flames. Lust and peer pressure led them to fiery destruction.

Daniel prayed alone, Elijah sacrificed alone, Jeremiah wept alone. Jesus died on the cross alone, except for the company of two thieves.

The higher one climbs up the mountains of spiritual achievement, the more rarefied the atmosphere and the crowd, and the more lonely one becomes. But the Lord stands by His own, with an invisible but powerful presence.

Wanted in 1993-1994: Men and women, young and old, who have the courage and conviction to stand for the right (alone if necessary), at the cost of fame, fortune, and friends. Wanted now: congregations under the leadership of elders who will lead the congregation into the right, even if it means isolation from other congregations departing from the faith.

Powerful pressure of popular pride challenges us. Sins of all sorts are glamorized, glitterized, and glorified to appeal to fleshly folly. False doctrine, fancy fables, and changing alternative worship styles are made appealing to the worldly minded. But the Lord stands by His own. With His help, we shall stand, and the wreath of victory will be ours.
[by Paul M. Tucker from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 12, 1993, p. 2]

He who cannot reason upon religion is a fool; he that dares not is a coward; and he who will not is a bigot. (I Thes. 5:21) Are you one who is willing and able to reason upon religious matters - seeking the truth? God urges men to "come now and let us reason together." (Isa. 1:18)
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 12, 1993, p. 2]

CHEERFULNESS

A cheerful temper joined with innocence, will make beauty attractive, knowledge delightful, and wit good-natured. It will lighten sickness, poverty and affliction, convert ignorance to an amiable simplicity - and render deformity itself agreeable.
[by Addison from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 5, 1993, p. 3]

Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Nov. 28, 1993, p. 3]

THE POWER OF EXAMPLE

It's amazing what little ears hear. Often I have been reminded that someone is always watching. Just let my wife and I be talking about something and a few hours later our four year old will ask something about it. And what's so amazing is that the whole time we were talking, he was playing. Yes, his ears were listening.

Paul urged Christians to...(Col. 4:5). Two very important principles are found within this text. First, Christians are to live before the world in wisdom. While that sounds simple, it is much more difficult to carry out. Secondly, we are to make the most of every opportunity. Yes, Paul said "every opportunity." Unfortunately, most of us allow opportunities to pass us by every single day and very few of us use them for the Lord's benefit.

May I ask a simple question? What do others see in your example?

Do they see a dedicated Christian who is always faithful in worship, prayer and Bible study? Or do they see another excuse to live in hypocrisy?

Do they see an honest, hard-working individual who works as UNTO the Lord? Or do they see someone who is trying to get the most out of life while giving the least?

Do they see a father and mother who are dedicated to being the best parents they can possibly be? Or do they see parents who have given the upbringing of their children over to someone else?

In other words, how are you using the power of your example?
[from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, Nov. 28, 1993, p. 2]

SHEEP DON'T WALLOW

The story is told of a lamb and its mother. It seems that the lamb passed a pig pen each morning on the way to pasture with its mother. Watching the pigs wallow in the mud seemed like fun, and on an especially hot day the lamb asked his mother if he could jump the fence and wallow in the cool mud.

She replied, "No!" Then the lamb asked the usual question, "Why?" The mother just said, "Sheep don't wallow."

This did not satisfy the lamb. He felt that she had "put him down," exercised force which she shouldn't have, etc. As soon as the mother was out of sight, the lamb ran to the pig pen and jumped the fence. He was soon feeling the cool mud on his feet, his legs and soon his stomach. After a few moments he decided he had better go back to his mother, but he couldn't! He was stuck! Mud and wool do not mix. His pleasure had become his prison. He was hopelessly bound by his own folly. He cried out and was rescued by the kindly farmer.

Sin is like that. It looks so nice, so easy to escape whenever we wish, but it is not so! Pleasures become our prison.

Christians don't wallow (II Pet. 2:14-22).
[from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, Nov. 28, 1993, p. 3]

WALKING IN THE LIGHT
(Eph. 5:8-10)
Your immediate goal in respect to the day before you is not to please people; it is to please God. There is no guarantee that goal will please people about you, but it is the only way you can truly serve God and effectively communicate to the people around you the grace and power of the living God. One of the ways by which God influences people to quit walking in darkness, is by having His spiritual sons and daughters live before them as "children of light."

The light that broke in to the darkness of this world through Jesus Christ is now to be transmitted through God's redeemed children. This necessitates that they walk in the light, living as Jesus did, in honesty and openness, and in loving, self-denying concern for others.

This will not always be the popular thing or the easy thing to do. It means there are certain things you cannot do even though everyone else is doing it and that you may have to make some controversial decisions and support some unpopular causes. It may, on the other hand, compel or encourage others around you to leave the dark paths of fruitless lives to discover Jesus as the Light of the World.
[by Harry Gipson from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, Nov. 14, 1993, p. 2]

We are very shy nowadays of even mentioning heaven. We are afraid of the jeer about pie in the sky, of being told that we are trying to escape from the duty of making a happy world here and now into dreams of happy worlds elsewhere. But either there is pie in the sky or there isn't. If there is not then Christianity is false for this doctrine is woven through it's whole fabric. If there is then this truth like any other must be faced whether it is useful for political meetings or not.
[by C.S. Lewis]

When my middle son was about 4, he came out of his Sunday school class looking very perplexed.
"Why do we have buzzards at church?" he asked.
"Well, I didn't know we had any," I replied. "Which ones do you mean?"
"I don't know for sure," he said. "The teacher just always says we have to wait for the second buzzard [buzzer] before we can leave."
[by Patsy Zant from The Outreach, 19 Dec. 1993, p. 3]

My son was about 2 1/2, and I was asking him about animals and their parents. I said, "What do puppies grow up to be?"
He said, "Dogs."
"What do calves grow up to be?"
"Cows," he replied.
I finished with, "What do little boys become?"
Without hesitation, he said, "Christians."
(And I pray that he does.)
[by Lynne Moore from The Outreach, 19 Dec. 1993, p. 3]

What we must decide is how we are valuable rather than how valuable we are.
[by Edgar Z. Friedenberg from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 45, Nov. 10, 1993, p. 2]

The beginning of the gospel is at your point of greatest weakness and disillusionment, when you have passed the end of your sufficiency. At that point, you are on the verge of discovering what God wants you to know.
[by Rubel Shelly from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 46, Nov. 17, 1993, p. 3]

To select another section of literature

To the instructions

To Home Page