THE CHURCH
The church is never a place, but always a people. It is never a fold, but always a flock. Never a sacred building, but always a faithful assembly. The church is not a refrigerator for the preserving of perishable piety; it's a dynamo for charging the human will with the power of the Gospel. The object of the church is not to tell men how to dodge difficulties, but to furnish strength and courage to meet them. The business of the church is not to furnish hammocks for the lazy. It is rather to offer fitting yokes for drawing life's loads. There is in this world no sanctuary for God but the human soul. The man who does not support the church practically casts a vote for its abolition.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 2, 1992, p. 3]

Things like this make the newspapers because of the appalling nature of the circumstances, but it occurs to me that others are guilty of a far greater and more fatal kind of child abuse. To deprive our children of the kind of training which will prepare them for eternity is horrifying. I can drive to church on a Sunday morning and see adults jogging, playing golf, and children in their play clothes being driven to who-knows-where. The thought has crossed my mind many times that these little ones will quickly grow up without spiritual values, with no sensitivity to the laws of their Creator, and the chances of there ever being a change in their lives are almost nonexistent.

I think of those precious little ones whose parents are members of the church, but who will likely never be faithful Christians, because their parents don't take Christianity seriously. What a tragedy, this matter of child abuse! Better that the little ones had never been born.
[by Gene Carrell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 11, 1992, p. 4]

[by Ronnie Norman from CH&BS Lectureship, Mar. 23, 1992]

Giving is a matter of priority, not problems. Temporary affluence for eternal influence. God knows what your church budget ought to be because He has blessed your accordingly. A matter of willingness, not of wealth. An opportunity, not an obligation. Giving is a seed you sow, not a debt you owe. Does desire for money exceed honesty and integrity. Does persons natural wealth affect how you treat that person. Are you thankful and content with the way God has blessed you. Are you faithfully investing in giving.

SHOW ME THE WAY

I.	The kind of religion God hates (Matt. 23:1-12).
	A.	A religion that lacks personal integrity. (Matt. 23:1-3).
	B.	A religion that lacks practical sympathy. (Matt. 12:4).
	C.	A religion that lack spiritual sincerity. (Matt. 23:5-10).
	D.	A religion that lacks authentic humility. (Matt. 23:11-12).
II.	Three observations
	A.	Don't let empty religion block your view of the Lord. (II Cor. 11:3).
	B.	Don't let empty religion block your view of the Lord's church. (John 13:34-35).
	C.	Don't let empty religion become an excuse for ignoring the call of Christ in your life. (e.g. Luke 10:25-37).

[by Ronnie Norman from CH&BS Lectureship, Mar. 22, 1992]

HUMPTY DUMPTY
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the kings' horses and all the king's men,
Couldn't put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

AND NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY
Finally, someone said, "Why, of all things,
Why don't we call on the King of Kings?
He made Humpty at the very start,
And he can fix what's torn apart."
They scooped him up and took him to the King,
Who fixed that little old Humpty thing.
He made him just as good as new,
And said, "Humpty, I have something to say to you.
Stay off the wall - Get in the right place,
Be a good egg - I said, make haste!
When you are where you ought to be,
It's hard to crack up, don't you see.
I'm going to stay and make you well,
Then I want you, all your friends to tell.
When you're shattered, with no song to sing,
Just call on me - the King of Kings."
[by J. Wayne Kilpatrick]

Questions. Why should a couple work at building a great marriage when they've heard repeatedly that it doesn't work for at least half of the population? Why do we insist on painting the situation worse than it is?

Whence the problem? The Census Bureau noted that during one year 2.4 million marriages were reported. During the same 12 month period there are 1.2 million divorces. So, presto, one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Hardly. They forgot to include the great pool of existing marriages, 54 million of them. That produces quite a different conclusion.

Pollster Louis Harris concluded, "The idea that half of American marriages are doomed is one of the most specious pieces of statistical nonsense ever perpetuated in modern times. Only one out of eight marriages will end in divorce and in any single year only about two percent of existing marriages will break up."
Though under attack, marriage is alive and well. God's great idea!
[by J. Allan Petersen from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 2, 1992, p. 4]

SAD, BUT ALL TOO TRUE...
A speaker before an audience of one says: "Welcome to this year's seminar for volunteer church leaders. Our discussion this hour will center on 'Apathy in the Church and how to deal with it'."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 2, 1992, p. 3]

You know, it occurs to me that many human beings are like that. Some folks simply won't work for the Lord in the humble capacity. They must have a prominent office with a high-sounding title and "not much load to pull" before they will do their best. How contrary this is to the spirit of Christianity! Paul wrote once...(Col. 3:23). Any opportunity to glorify God should never be considered too small or insignificant to command our best effort.

May we never drag our feet or balk when we're faced with difficult and, perhaps, unrewarding work. By doing all things...(Col. 3:23), we'll keep from getting the "old Kate complex."
Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord,
Though it be ever so small.
The smile of the Savior approves of the deed,
As though it were greatest of all.
[by Olden Cook from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 13, 1992, p. 3]

If a woman spends eight hours away from her home working in a factory or if she works in her garden, she is called an energetic wife. If, however, she is willing to do the same thing for the Lord they will say, "Religion has gone to her head."

If one ties himself down to making payments of $30 each week for sometime on an item for personal enjoyment, he pays willingly. But, if that same person placed that much in the offering plate, many people would say, "He is crazy."
This is a crazy world indeed, where first things come last and last things come first!!
Think about it, brethren.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 16, 1992, p. 3]

Note: There were no witnesses to the resurrection itself.

II.	The Visits to the tomb
	1.	By Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus (Matt. 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8).
		1)	The tomb was found empty.
		2)	They had brought spices for final preparation of burial.
		3)	They are met by an angel (two men in dazzling apparel).
		4)	His resurrection was announced.
	2.	By Peter and John (John 20:4-10).
		1)	Mary Magdalene reports her findings to Peter and John.
		2)	They both run to the tomb and John outruns Peter, but Peter enters the tomb first.
		3)	They did not at this time understand the resurrection.
	3.	A second visit by Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-17).
		1)	She did not recognize Jesus at first.
		2)	Her testimony was not believed by the disciples (Mark 16:9-11).
III.	The Appearances of Jesus after his resurrection.
	1.	To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11).
	2.	To the group of women (Matt. 28:9-10)
	3.	To the two on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13).
	4.	To Simon (Luke 24:34).
	5.	To the disciples (Thomas is absent) (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25).
	6.	To the disciples (Thomas is present) (John 20:26-31).
	7.	To the disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25).
	8.	His final words to the disciples (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:44-49).
	9.	His ascension (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-14).

Notes:

1.	The disciples scattered as the arrent party left the Garden of Gethsemane
	1)	Some, it is thought, returned to Mark's house and remained in hiding.
	2)	Others stayed at a house owned by John where Peter and Jesus' mother were also staying.
	3)	Thomas and some of the others were in seclusion elsewhere.
2.	Some Bible scholars list as many as seven visits to the empty tomb by the disciples and certain women.
	1)	This results because of an effort to harmonize the gospel records.
	2)	It appears that only three or four visits actually took place.
3.	Two locations are recognized as possible sites for the tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
	1)	The traditional site is marked by the church of the Holy Sepulchre - owned by the Catholic Church
	2)	The other site is known as the Garden Tomb - owned by a church group in England.
4.	It took Jesus a week or more to convince the disciples that He was raised from the dead and that they should meet Him in Galilee (Mark 16:7-11).

Following His arrest, He was bound and roughly pushed and shoved through the streets to where He was to be questioned and then we know of His being struck across the face by the officer as He was questioned by the High Priest. And following this, we are told the palace guards spat in His face, beat Him with their fists and slapped Him after the High Priest had accused Him of blasphemy. Remember that this series of beatings and inquisitions went on most of that night.

The next morning, Jesus, who by now was battered, bruised, thirsty and exhausted from this sleepless night is taken for His infamous encounter with Pilate. Following this we are told that He was scourged (Matt. 17:6; John 19:1). Once more we have come across a word that is not familiar to us in this day and time but it was most certainly one understood by the people of that day because the Romans called it the "little death" as contrasted when crucifixion being the "big death". They would have stripped His clothing from Him and tied Him to a stake with His hands stretched upward and then would have beat Him cruelly and unmercifully.

"The Roman legionnaire steps forward with the flagrum (or flagellum) in his hand. This is a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with small pieces of metal, glass, bone or rock attached near the ends of each."

"The heavy whip is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back and legs. At first the heavy thongs cut through the skin only. Then as the blows continue, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally frank arterial bleeding from vessels deep in the underlying muscles. Finally the skin of the back is hanging in long ribbons and the entire area is an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. When it is determined by the Centurion-in-charge that the prisoner is near death, the beating is finally stopped."

"The half fainting Jesus is then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement now wet with His own blood. The Roman soldiers see a great joke in this Galilean Jew who claims to be the 'King of the Jews.' They throw a purple robe across His shoulders and place a stick in His hand as a scepter. They still need a crown to make this travesty complete. A small bundle of flexible branches covered with long thorns is plaited into the shape of a crown and this is pressed into His scalp. Again there is copious bleeding. After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers take the stick from His hand and strike Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp."

"Finally, even they tire of their sadistic sport and the robe is then torn from His back. If the robe had been there long enough for it to become adherent to the clots of blood that were forming in the wounds, then its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical dressing, would cause excruciating pain. Almost as though He were again being beaten - the wounds would again bleed profusely."

Following this scourging and the further words between Pilate and the Jews, Jesus would have begun the approximate 650 yard journey to a hill called Golgotha. With Him were two thieves, the Roman execution squad, a scattered few of His followers and loved ones and the loud, vile spitting, cursing, profane Jewish mob.

Most probably it was the Tau or T-shaped cross which was but one form of the "crux compacta" or two-part cross. It consisted of the crosspiece or "patibulum", complete with a large notch cut in its center to allow it to be set upon the top of the upright part, the "stipes." The "stipes" was usually left in the ground and the prisoner was only made to carry the crosspiece or "patibulum" to the site of the crucifixion. This would have weighed in the neighborhood of 125-175 pounds and would have been carried on first one then the other shoulder.

Picture Him - as this heavy, wooden cross is slammed down on His raw, torn, bleeding back and imagine the pain as He tries to walk along carrying this massive object of humiliation and shame up and down the narrow streets of the city of Jerusalem. As we know, He fell under the physical weight of the cross and the Roman soldier reached into the crowd and conscripted a man called Simon, a Cyrenean, to carry the cross the rest of the way to Golgotha for Christ. At the crucifixion site, Jesus' robe was once again stripped from His back and now He stands unclothed before the mob. Everything up to now has been but a prelude because now crucifixion is about to begin!

The cross had been thrown to the rocky ground and in a few moments Jesus was taken by the arms and forcibly shoved back and down into the dirt and up against the cross. And as He was held there, the executioner, or in Latin the "exactor mortis" (or the one who is to exact or cause death), with his hammer and nails would have dropped down - forcing one of his knees down hard against Christ's elbow to keep it flexed and would then crudely probe into the base of the hand for the precise spot in which to put the nail. Then with a few skilled, practiced strokes of the hammer, the hand was nailed to the cross. Then he quickly stepped over Christ's body and nailed the other hand to the cross in a similar manner. All the while the legionnaire is very careful not to get the arms too tight but to leave them slightly flexed - this delayed the death and thus prolonged the suffering. Also, this placement of the nail in the base of the hand, just above the wrist, would have severed the large median nerve to the hand and caused almost unbearable pain and spasms of the hands. Then the crosspiece would have been quickly and roughly picked up with Him suspended from it by His nailed hands. The force of the sudden move would have been almost enough to rip the arms off at the shoulders as for the first time His body fell full weight upon the nailed hands and the pain would have been intense. The crosspiece would then have been set in place on the top of the "stipes" so that the crucified man faced the sun and in a few more moments each foot was pinned to the cross - again being very careful to leave some flexion in the knees so that the legs could be straightened out by pushing down hard upon the nailed feet.

Then as one last crowning injustice to this sordid spectacle - the "titulus" or title board was nailed up behind Jesus' head. This board was to tell the man's name and the crime for which he had been sentenced to die - and we know that on that day it read, in three languages, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." And for this crime of declaring He was the King of the Jews, He must die.

As He hangs there, constant waves of pain would shoot up from the arms, back and legs to explode in the brain. Before long, great muscle spasms begin to engulf the muscles of the arms, shoulders and the chest wall causing an ever increasing build up of intense pain. Then a more terrible form of torture would slowly begin. Due to the muscle spasms in the upper shoulders and chest wall, breathing becomes nearly impossible and almost the only way to get a breath of air in and out of the lungs would be to push down hard against the nailed feet - straightening out the legs and raising Him, all the while scrapping his macerated back against the rough wooden post of the cross. This would momentarily relieve the spasms in the arms and chest wall until once again the pain in the feet and back would make it impossible to continue to hold this position and He would again slump down - full weight on His arms and shoulders and this horrible life sustaining cycle would start again. Usually within the first hour or so of being on the cross the individual finds that if he assumes an arched back position with the upper shoulders hard against the cross and the legs bowed outward from the nailed feet, that he may breathe somewhat easier. This, however, requires that He hold this position constantly, which becomes an impossibility to do.

As He hung there, still another form of torture was occurring all around Him. We know that as Jesus hung there that the mob shouted insults and obscenities at Him. (John 10:17-18).
It was most probably in the times of struggling upward for air that Jesus spoke the seven short sayings that we know He said from the cross that day.

Some of these few words were spoken as He looked down from the cross and saw the soldiers, His crucifiers, there gambling for His bloody, seamless robe and as He saw the shouting, jeering mob stretched out before Him. Can you imagine this scene? The Only Son of the Living God is there dying for the sins of the world - God Himself has been crucified by human hands and there in the shadow of His cross are the soldiers gambling for His simple blood-stained robe. And Jesus...looking down in compassion, spoke...what were possible His first world from the cross...and He prayed for them, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!"

Then the second saying could have been in all probability to the penitent thief beside Him on the cross, "Today, you shall be with Me, in Paradise!"
He said to Mary, "Woman, behold your son", referring to John; and turning His eyes to John, "Behold, your mother".

Hours of limitless pain and suffering drag on as He begins to reach the end of what the frail human body can be made to endure and then suddenly He was heard to cry out in anguish as He shouted the familiar first line of the Psa. 22.... With the sound of His voice breaking the still silence, someone was heard to shout, "Listen, He's calling for Elijah...let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him!"

Jesus' next words were, "I thirst", and, to answer this request, He was given the soldier's sour vinegar-like wine to drink.

The end is near now - the marked dehydration and massive blood loss - the pain in every being and fiber of His body plus the immense spiritual suffering have all taken a great toll from this once proud and healthy body. He is dying now and His sixth words - possible in no more than a whisper - "It is finished!"

Now this tortured pain-wracked human body can be allowed to die - and in one last surge of strength He rose up and cried out loudly "Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit!" And with that shout Jesus Christ died for our sins.

But suddenly the ground was moving! Great cracks were appearing in the rocks; graves were opening; and the veil of the Temple of Jerusalem was split. And the Centurion-in-charge stepped quickly around to the front of the cross and as he stared up into the face of the now dead Jesus, He was heard to say, "Truly, this man was the Son of God!" Yes indeed, this man was the Son of God!

Because the Sabbath hour was fast approaching, the soldiers came to break the legs of the three crucified men. This would cause them to die quickly because, in addition to the massive shock, blood loss and pain of the simultaneous fracture of both upper legs, they could not longer raise themselves up to assist breathing. When they came to Jesus, He was already dead, so they did not break His legs. But they had to prove He was dead, so they pierced His side with a spear and the scriptures tell us "and straightway there came forth blood and water."

This is itself becomes presumptive medical evidence the Christ did not die the usual death of a man crucified - (many experts feel that this is a death of suffocation because of the inability to breath while hanging on the cross) - but instead, He most probably died of heart failure associated with profound shock - secondary to the massive blood loss and prolonged extremes of pain and, of course, the spiritual abuses He had so nobly endured in these preceding hours.

Few men at the time appreciated the wealth of these new possessions. For the most part, the new lands were thought to be empty stretches of desert, mountains, and rocky coast. E.D. Mansfield, a historian, labeled California a mere "waste of unbroken mountains and dreary wilds." William Tecumseh Sherman, after living there, declared that he would not trade two good Eastern counties for the whole state. Even Zachary Taylor, elected President in 1848, affirmed in his inaugural address that California and New Mexico were too distant to ever form part of the Union.

The rest of the story underlines just how wrong men can be. In 1848 James Marshall's sharp eyes spotted the glint of yellow metal at the bottom of a stream. "Californy Gold" soon lured 100,000 men westward and transformed America's western frontier into a full-fledged state. Western territories proved themselves to be fertile and well stocked with natural resources. Today, we could not even imagine our nation without that vast territory that stretches to the Pacific.

Things are not always what they appear to be. Rare indeed is the man that can look at something - or someone - and see it not for what it is, but what it can be? We often fail to share the outlook of Jesus. He urged His disciples to "lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." The Lord's church desperately needs men and women of vision; men and women bold enough to dream, bold enough to work and make their dream come true.

Bible school teacher, what do you see when you look at your class? That little girl, so precious in her Sunday best, will one day exert a great influence over some young man, her family, her community. That little boy with the quick mind may one day be an elder, a deacon, a teacher, a preacher. They all can be workers in the Lord's vineyard!

Preacher, what do you see when you look out over your audience? On almost every occasion, there will be at least one soul present who needs to obey the gospel; one soul present who needs to hear words of comfort, reassurance, and hope; one soul present who longs to be challenged and edified by a message from the word of God. Every sermon proclaimed and every invitation offered may be just the nudge it takes to convince a precious soul to turn to Jesus.

What do you see when you look at the congregation here? Would you rather look back and marvel over past achievements, or look ahead to see how much more can be done? Can you catch a glimpse of the way things can be ten years from now? Five years? Can you begin to imagine what can be done next year?

Dare to dream. Tell others about your vision for the church and the work of the Lord. Then, join hands with others of like mind and like precious faith and get the job done!
[by Grady Miller from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 28, 1993, p. 3]

FIVE REASONS WHY YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD ATTEND BIBLE SCHOOL
1. It will help them educationally. Children who attend our Bible school will have a better chance to learn how to read and to communicate their feelings. Not only will their reading and verbal skills be improved, but they will also be better equipped for more advanced learning experiences.
2. It will help them socially. Children must learn how to get along with others in an acceptable way. Our teachers are well-trained and experienced in helping to teach your children how to get along with people. In Bible school, your children are exposed to children from many different walks of life. That in itself is a valuable experience.
3. It will help them psychologically. It is not at all uncommon today to read about suicides, nervous breakdowns, anxiety attacks, etc. People are not born with the ability to cope with life's problems. They must be taught how to cope. Bible school is a great help in this area.
4. It will help them be better citizens. It is not hard to see that there is a breakdown in respect in this country. Old-time values like honesty and purity are rapidly becoming relics of the past. If this nation is to survive, if your children are to become decent, law-abiding citizens, they must be taught these virtues. Bible schools are designed to do everything possible to help your children learn these virtues.
5. It will help your children spiritually. This is the most important asset of all. What does a person gain if he has all of the aforementioned values but loses his soul in hell? Bible schools teach your children the Bible and the Bible only. We have no book but the Bible, no creed but Christ, when it comes to teaching your children.
[by Terry Bell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 21, 1993, p. 4]

As soon as the preacher got up to deliver the sermon, a cricket walked out onto the stage. It probably came from one of the cracks that were found almost anywhere in the old building. Everyone saw the cricket, at least the first three rows did. He looked like he was dazed, and stumbled near the edge of the pulpit area and our eyes followed his every step. We could see that he had come to the other edge so again we shouted to ourselves, "Jump! Jump!" But alas, the cricket did not jump. Time after time it walked back and forth. I didn't know if the sermon was any good, but the cricket was sure fun to watch.

When the invitation song began, we all stood up and watched the cricket run. He almost got stepped on when the song leader walked toward the microphone, and again we all laughed. But then my laughing turned into amazement. Someone had gone forward. It was my dad! He wasn't a Christian and my mom and I had been trying for years to get him to come to church with us, but he never would. And now the preacher was taking him back and baptizing him.

"Dad?" I asked later at home. "What made you want to be baptized today?"

"Didn't you hear the wonderful things the preacher was saying today?" Dad asked. "Didn't you hear how Jesus gave His life for us so that we could be saved?" I hung my head in shame. The beautiful message of the Bible did not reach me that day because I was watching a cricket.

To this day I believe that the cricket was preaching to me. He was saying, "Watch me! Jesus isn't important. I'm more fun." Since then there have been many more crickets walk across the stage, babies crying, sneezes, coughs. A lot of things will tend to distract a person from worshipping God. But I learned my lesson. God is more important than anything. When I worship God all other thoughts are put out of my mind, so that I might concentrate on Him and His wonderful blessings. I love the Christian life that I lead and I am thankful for the day the cricket preached.
[by Bob Whiddon, Jr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Nov. 29, 1992, p. 4]

What takes place on the inside? The one who is baptized is born of water and spirit. The "water" part is seen in the physical act. The "spirit" part takes place on the inside. The spiritual man is born again. His old identity is put to death and, as Christ was raised from the dead, he is resurrected into a new life. Gone is the guilt of past sins, the fear of death and the emptiness of being without God and hope in the world. He becomes a new man. Old things have passed away and all things are new!

What takes place in the Eyes of God? God changes the relationships between Himself and the one who is baptized. God gives him the Holy Spirit. God, because of Jesus' death on the cross, forgives his sin. God regards him as His son and establishes a new personal relationship with him. This causes the one who is baptised to have joy in life and hope in eternity.
[by Jimmy Jividen from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Nov. 22, 1992, p. 3]

God is described as having actions that are familiar to humans: He speaks (Gen. 2:6), He hears (Exo. 2:24), He remembers (Gen. 8:21), He walks (Lev. 26:12), He smells (Gen. 8:21), He tastes (Psa. 11:4-5).

The works of God are ascribed to Him in human terms: He is a builder (Heb. 11:10), a shepherd (Psa. 23:1), bridegroom (Isa. 61:10), and a husbandman (John 15:1).

God is also said to have emotions that are often characteristic of human beings: grief (Psa. 78:40), anger (Jer. 7:18-19), joy (Isa. 62:5), vengeance (Deut. 32:35), wrath (Psa. 2:5), love (John 3:16), and rejoicing (Isa. 65:19).

These terms are used so that we may know those things about God that it is necessary for us to know. God is a person who does certain things from within His own power, and for the good of our world.

Let us be thankful that we have such a great God, and that He has revealed Himself to man, and that that revelation is complete in Jesus Christ. It is because we, as human beings, can understand, that we can know what to do, and therefore have salvation.
[by Max Patterson from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Nov. 22, 1992, p. 4]

We have lived in a throw-away society so long that we tend to forget that this is not a new idea. The church has always been in the recycling business? God takes lives that have been used, that have become spotted and dirty with sin, and then he cleans them up and makes them useful again.

Remember David's prayer...(Psa. 51:2). When sin enters, all of humanity has the need to be cleaned up and made useful again.
Isaiah explained God's plan for the recycling of humanity. Once sin has stained and dirtied our souls: (Isa. 1:16-18).

The environmentalists say that recycling will save the planet. They seem to be making converts by leaps and bounds. My prayer is that we might realize how much greater the need is to recycle the human race and see the great need to save the world!
[by Keith Ellis from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 15, 1992, p. 3]

As Abraham sojourned in the land of Canaan, the Lord promised him that someday his descendants would inherit that territory. The fulfillment of the pledge must wait for, "the iniquity of the Amorite (the then current inhabitants of the land) is not yet full" (Gen. 15:16). Progressive degeneration would spell disaster. In Dan. 8, the prophet discusses the impending fate of various nations (e.g., the Medo/Persian empire and the Greek regime which followed). He speaks of the ultimate four-fold division of the Greek empire, and notes that from one of those segments there will arise, "a kind of fierce countenance." The reference is to that brutal tyrant, Antiochus Epiphanes. However, this ruler was allowed to come to power in a time "when transgressions are come to the full" (Dan. 8:23). Clearly, the political fortunes of certain people were tied to their moral lifestyles.

Do you want to do something to contribute to the welfare of this nation? Live consistent with the Will of God, and teach others to do likewise. Such will accomplish more than all of the political agendas combined.
[by Wayne Jackson from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 15, 1992, p. 4]

However, many negative influences have also been broadcast. Many people watch and hear things they would never allow in real life. Under the guise of humor, Satan is allowed to preach his message night after night.

One of the main concerns regarding television is the "talk show" approach to life. The attitude of "to each his own" tears away at basic moral truths. Perhaps, the most fundamental truth destroyed is the fact that there is a standard! Right exists! Wrong exists! Unloving attitudes by some in preaching right and wrong do not remove the standard!

Even the televising of various commercials borders on pornography. I suspect that those in the know realize the power of television advertizing and feel a need to "capture the mood" instead of giving facts about a product.
Brethren, be careful! Your enemy may be seeking to devour you in your own living room!
[by Eddy Pitchford from Mount Dora church of Christ [bulletin], Mar. 29, 1992, p. 3]

But You say I must pluck the thorns as well, Lord,
Though they'll pierce my heart and sting my soul;
You say that pain's a part of peace,
You tell me, that breaking is a part of being whole.

You say that if I truly want to know You,
I must count everything but Christ a loss;
You ask me to exchange my will for Yours, Lord,
To trade contentment's kingdom for a cross.

And so I come before You, weak but willing;
I seek to walk Your path, and not my own
I choose to share the crown of thorns You wore, Lord,
Until I kneel before Your royal throne.
[by B.J.Hoff]

One parent came up with an original idea that is hard to refute. The father listened to all the reasons his children gave for wanting to see a particular PG-13 movie. It had their favorite actors.

Everyone else was seeing it. Even church members said it was great.

It was only rated PG-13 because of the suggestion of sex--they never really showed it. The language was pretty good--the Lord's name was only used in vain three times in the whole movie.

The teens did admit there was a scene where a building and a bunch of people were blown up, but the violence was just the normal stuff.

It wasn't too bad. And, even if there were a few minor things, the special effects were fabulous and the plot was action packed.

However, even with all the justifications the teens made for the PG-13 rating, the father still wouldn't give in. He didn't even give his children a satisfactory explanation for saying, "No." He just said, "No!"

A little later on that evening the father asked his teens if they would like some brownies he had baked. He explained that he'd taken the family's favorite recipe and added a little something new. The children asked what it was.

The father calmly replied that he had added dog poop. However, he quickly assured them, it was only a little bit. All other ingredients were gourmet quality and he had taken great care to bake the brownies at the precise temperature for the exact time. He was sure the brownies would be superb.

Even with their father's promise that the brownies were of almost perfect quality, the teens would not take any. The father acted surprised. After all, it was only one small part that was causing them to be so stubborn. He was certain they would hardly notice it.

Still the teens held firm and would not try the brownies.

The father then told his children how the movie they wanted to see was just like the brownies. Our minds talk us into believing that just a little bit of evil won't matter. But, the truth is even a little bit of poop makes the difference between a great treat and something disgusting and totally unacceptable.

The father went on to explain that even though the movie industry would have us believe that most of today's movies are acceptable fare for adults and youth, they are not.

Now, when this father's children want to see something that is of questionable material, the father merely asks them if they would like some of his special dog poop brownies. That closes the subject.

We learn from very early in childhood that God created our universe.

Soon after, we learn from John 1 that Jesus was also active in that creative effort. But what about after that? What do God and Jesus DO? Thomas Jefferson believed that the world was "wound up" by God, but that we were just "left to run" on our own. I disagree!

We know from many different scriptures that God does intercede in our world. We know that he hears our prayers and that he seeks a relationship with us. But Col. 1:16-17 throws a different light on the involvement that Jesus has in our world.

Let me repeat that last part, "In him all things hold together!"

Because of Jesus, our world and our universe are held together. If it weren't for him, we know we wouldn't have been created. But also, if it weren't for his constant activity in our world everything would cease to exist!

So, next time you hear a scientist describing the attractive forces that hold planets in their orbits and that keep electrons close to protons, remember that those forces work because of Jesus. "In him all things hold together!"
[by Chris Hanson]

Just then a mouse came out from a crevice and began to chew on the branch. The man looked down to what was a drop of a thousand feet and sure death and looked to the heavens and yelled out, "Dear God, if you are there, please help. I will do anything you ask but please help."

Suddenly a voice came booming down from heaven, "You will do anything I ask?" it questioned.

The man shocked to hear a reply to his plea yelled back, "I will gladly do anything you ask, but please save me."

The voice from heaven then replied, "There is one way to save you but it will take courage and faith."

The branch began to weaken from the mouse and the tiger was still growling a few feet above the man, "Please, Lord, tell me what I must do and I will do it. Your will is my will."

The voice from heaven then said, "All right then, let go of the branch."

The man looked down to a fall of a thousand feet and certain death. He looked up at the hungry tiger a few feet away and he looked at the mouse still chewing on the branch. Then he looked up at the heavens and yelled, "Is there anyone else up there?"

Aren't we like that sometimes? We draw lines around our own Christianity and define that God can work on us three times a week on our terms. And even in those three times a week, we want him to avoid changing our comfortable paths and routines!

Sometimes we're just as bad off as the guy in the story. When it comes to evangelism, we are afraid and fail to let go of the branch. When it comes to turning down an invitation to a keg party we justify ourselves by saying that we'll be a witness to those drunk people. When it comes to letting God really into our hearts on an emotional level we shy back and assign him worship formulas rather than our hearts.

When we call for God's direction and help, we must be ready to follow where he leads!
[by Chris Hanson]

Several months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that had supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage.

"But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my co-workers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top. The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom-made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way.

"It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game." The following true story illustrates the power of human concern - even in the face of intense competition.

In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to learning-disabled children. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school careers, while others can be mainstreamed into conventional Jewish schools. There are a few children who attend Chush for most of the week and go to a regular school on Sundays.

At a Chush fund-raising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out, "Where is the perfection in my son Shaya? Everything that God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is God's perfection?"

The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father's anguish, and stilled by his piercing query. "I believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in the way people react to this child."

He then told the following story about his son Shaya:

Shaya attends Chush throughout the week and a boy's yeshiva (Torah institute) on Sundays. One Sunday afternoon, Shaya and his father came to the yeshiva as his classmates were playing baseball. The game was in progress and as Shaya and his father made their way towards the ballfield, Shaya said, "Do you think you could get me into the game?" Shaya's father knew his son was not at all athletic, and that most boys would not want him on their team. But Shaya's father understood that if his son was chosen in, it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging. Shaya's father approached one of the boys in the field and asked, "Do you think my Shaya could get into the game?"

The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs and the game is already in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning."

Shaya's father was ecstatic as Shaya smiled broadly. Shaya was told to put on a glove and go out to play short center field. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shaya's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shaya's team scored again - and now with two outs and the bases loaded and the potential winning runs on base, Shaya was scheduled to be up. Would the team actually let Shaya bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shaya was told to take a bat and try to get a hit. Everyone knew that it was all but impossible, for Shaya didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, let alone hit with it. However as Shaya stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shaya should at least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came in and Shaya swung clumsily and missed. One of Shaya's teammates came up to Shaya and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher waiting for the next pitch. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shaya.

As the next pitch came in, Shaya and his teammate swung the bat and together they hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shaya would have been out and that would have ended the game.

Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far and wide beyond the first baseman's reach. Everyone started yelling, "Shaya, run to first! Shaya, run to first!" Never in his life had Shaya run to first.

He scampered down the baseline wide eyed and startled. By the time he reached first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman who would tag out Shaya, who was still running. But the rightfielder understood what the pitcher's intentions were, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head, as everyone yelled, "Shaya, run to second! Shaya, run to second." Shaya ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shaya reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran towards him, turned him towards the direction of third base and shouted, "Shaya, run to third!"

As Shaya rounded third, the boys from both teams ran behind him screaming, "Shaya, run home! Shaya, run home!"

Shaya ran home, stepped on home plate and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and made him the hero, as he had just hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

"That day," said the father who now had tears rolling down his face, "those 18 boys reached their level of perfection. They showed that it is not only those who are talented that should be recognized, but also those who have less talent. They too are human beings, they too have feelings and emotions, they too are people, they too want to feel important. Have a very special Sunday, as special as each of you are.
[by Rabbi Paysach Krohn]

Very few people steal back under the law of Moses for animal sacrifices and blood offerings. Neither do they seek the ceremonial cleansing. But their purpose is to bind the sabbath on those in Christ, and fetch the instruments of music over into the worship services. To briefly answer your question, and then enlarge the study: the Law of Moses was the Old Testament, given by Jehovah at Sinai. In it, and serving as the basis, is found the Ten Commandments. No, there is no part of the Old Testament that is bound on Christians today, but the Old Testament is believed and accepted by the followers of Christ as authentic, for...(Gal. 3:27). Now, since the sabbath question is primarily the issue in the study, I want to list some things the scriptures reveal:
1. The sabbath was given unto man after Israel left Egypt. (Exo. 16:23-26; Deut. 5:2-3). Man hadn't observed it before.
2. It was given only to those delivered from Egyptian bondage. (Exo. 31:12-17; Hosea 2:11; Deut. 5:15). (Not for us!)
3. They were not to build a fire that day. (Exo. 35:3).
4. They were not to leave the house. (Exo. 16:29).
5. They could neither bake nor boil on that day. (Exo. 16:23).
7. Sabbath kept from sunset to sunset. (Lev. 23:32).
8. Any sabbath violater to be stoned! (Exo. 31:12-17; Num. 15:22-38). Sabbath observance demands this punishment.
9. Sabbath part of Law of Moses (Exo. 20:8-11; Exo. 24:12).
10. Law nailed to the cross by Christ (Col. 2:12-16; Eph. 2:12-15).
11. To be justified by Law is to fall from grace. (Gal. 5:4).
12. Sabbath given at Mt. Sinai, or Horeb. (Deut. 5:2).
13. But we are not come to Mt. Sinai. (Heb. 12:18).
14. There were two covenants: lst & 2nd. (Heb. 8:7; Heb. 9:1, 15).
15. Sabbath observance under 1st. (Deut. 5:1-4; I Kings 8:21).
16. The first made way for second. (Heb. 8:7-10; Heb. 10:9-10).
17. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17).
18. "For Christ is the end of the law." (Rom. 10:4; Col. 2:12-16).
The law of Moses had served its purpose and was

taken away when Jesus nailed it to the cross. He had said...(Matt. 5:17). When He had fulfilled the Law (filled it full, completed its purpose), He took it away for something better (Heb. 7:18-19). The Law, and all it contained, was taken away. However, many laws found under the Old Testament are incorporated in the New Testament! But they are binding on Christians, not as Old Testament laws, but as laws in the "perfect law of liberty."

Paul writes...(Eph. 2:14-15). It was there that...(Gal. 3:13). He redeemed us by...(Col. 2:14). There was nothing reserved: He took "IT" out of the way!
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 30, no. 9, Feb. 27, 1981, p. 1-2]

If the teachings of Jesus Christ during His personal ministry were not binding on the church after it was established on Pentecost, then upon whom were those teachings binding? While it is true that the New Testament (covenant) was not effective until after His death (Heb. 9:15-17), yet the teaching was done in view of their force in the church age! We have only to look at a few passages to make this clear.

The "Great Commission" was given to the apostles just before Jesus ascended to God. You find it recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke. The apostles knew they were to preach to all the world - but they did not do this before the church was established! It had its full application after the kingdom came! You can't find it in any of the epistles, yet the early saints knew it was binding on them, and took the gospel to the world! (See Rom. 10:18; Col. 1:23). A few years ago a brother with a church for which I had preached, took the position the Commission was not for us, only for the apostles. But notice Christ's words...(Matt. 28:20). The Commission is self-perpetuating, in that each generation is to convert the world, and then teach the converts to observe the same Commission that directed them! Dare any say this does not apply to the New Testament? Why, the apostles were not allowed to begin this activity until Pentecost!

A most common contention concerns that which Jesus taught in Matt. 19:9, regarding marriage and divorce. They say it was before the New Testament age, and since it is not stated in any epistle, there are no grounds for re-marriage. But Matt. 19:3-9 has nothing to do with the law of Moses, and they contend it does not apply to the Christian age. But since there is no marriage in heaven, it can't be binding there! So, where is this teaching to be binding? Yes, there is teaching in the epistles about marriage and divorce but the saying, "except for fornication" does not occur there! Now, where would you say this is binding if not for today?

But look to Matt. 5:32. Just try to find this teaching in any writing after Pentecost! This is not an attachment on the Law, so if it is not for the church, just where was it ever applicable? It is not set forth in any of the epistles.

But hear Jesus again...(Matt. 18:15-16). Where would these words apply? The Law of Moses had no such instructions, and they do not belong to the Law. The church had not been established, so they would not apply before Pentecost. And since there will be no such trespasses and offences in heaven, they would not apply there! If this was not for the church, then where would they apply? Don't you see that this regulatory teaching was for the church, from Pentecost to the Judgment! I think this sufficient to show you how you can answer these arguments.
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 30, no. 9, Feb. 27, 1981, p. 2]

Examples are binding on us if they are apostolic examples illustrating Christian behaviour. Then we must discern what is expediency, and what is authoritative. In the first cited scripture...(Acts 20:7). This example does not bind the Lord's Supper on us, for Christ had already done this. He had said, "As oft as ye do this..." but didn't say how often. This passage gives us an apostolic example as to when they did it: "the first day of the week." We can be safe in that, but will be in jeopardy with any other practice!

Because they met that day for the Lord's Supper, Paul wrote...(I Cor. 16:2). This is our example for giving for any need. Tie this example to the last one...(Acts 11:29-30). Notice it was the individual determining what he should give, according to his ability, then doing it, and sending it by those in the church! This is an example of benevolence, without a lodge or Salvation Army involved. This is an example for Christian giving even today.

The example from Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:34-35, shows the need for unselfish liberality where brethren are in need. This was practical for that time, since the saints had come to Jerusalem, heard the gospel, and remained with the apostles to be fully taught the Way. They had sold all, and "moved in" at Jerusalem. Then a dire need necessitated such liberality. If the same circumstances arose today, God's saints should show the same unselfish liberality. However, under ordinary circumstances, God does not want his servants divesting themselves of needed tools to serve him! As stewards, we make a decision as to what is to be given to the church, and what we retain; but all the while realizing it all belongs to God, and we just take care of it! Examples from the New Testament teach us principles by which we daily live for Him.
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 30, no. 9, Feb. 27, 1981, p. 2-3]

Peter stated their purpose...(Acts 2:22). The confirmation of every claim of Christ and the gospel was by miracles, signs and wonders performed by the Spirit. Early saints had this means of confirmation, for they did not have inspiration in New Testament scriptures! Inspiration was in the man - not in the book: for the book had not been written! But the end was approaching, and soon it was written that the word...(Heb. 2:3). Once that word was confirmed, it was never to be confirmed again; for it was confirmed for all time to come! Peter wrote...(II Pet. 1:19). The gospel has been "signed, sealed and delivered" to us, and in it God...(II Pet. 1:3). The purpose of spiritual gifts had been served when the word of the gospel had been established (confirmed), and there was no further need of confirmation.
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 30, no. 9, Feb. 27, 1981, p. 3]

The Greek lexicon of Sophocles, himself a native Greek and for thirty-five years Professor of the Greek Language in Harvard University, covers all of the Roman period and the Byzantine period down to the end of the eleventh century, in all more than twelve hundred years' history of the language from B.C. 146 to A.D. 1100. As the basis of his monumental work, this profound and tireless scholar examined, as we have found by actual count, 146 secular and 77 ecclesiastical authors of the Roman period, and 109 secular and 262 ecclesiastical, modern Greek, and scholastic authors of the Byzantine period, a grand total of 594 authors and covering a period of more than twelve hundred years, and he declares that there is not a single example of psallo throughout this long period involving or implying the use of an instrument, but says that it meant always and everywhere "to chant, sing religious hymns." -p. 47, ibid.

The Greek lexicon of Thayer which, by the unanimous testimony of modern scholarship, now occupies the very highest place in the field of New Testament lexicography, although specially devoted to New Testament Greek, often gives the classical meaning of words. But when this prince of New Testament lexicographers come to the New Testament period, he limits it to touching the chords of the human heart, saying it means "in the New Testament to sing a hymn, celebrate the praises of God in song" -p. 48, ibid.

The word psallo in the Greek does not specify some mechanical instrument; and, in fact, excludes all such mechanical instruments by specifying the heart of the worshipper and the place of melody! Just two worthwhile observations: The Greek Orthodox church must know the meaning of their word, psallo; yet they have never used mechanical instruments of praise in their worship. They must know the meaning of the Greek word baptizo, and they have never practiced anything other than immersion! Instrumental music was wholly unknown in New Testament worship for hundreds of years after Pentecost! And that on the word of ALL sectarian scholars! I do not exclude mechanical instruments from New Testament worship! The Lord did that long before I was born!
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 30, no. 9, Feb. 27, 1981, p. 3]

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