TWO BIG QUESTIONS:
Man says, "God, I've prayed and prayed and prayed. Why don't you answer?"
And God says, "Man, I've answered and answered and answered. Why don't you listen?"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 24, 1992, p. 3]

PEOPLE PROBLEMS
The apostle Paul wrote, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit...(Rom. 12:18).
Someone has said, "The more I get to know the human race, the more I love my dog." Dogs are loyal, dependable, eager to please, and quick to forgive. Don't you wish more people were like that? Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to have good relations with some people, it doesn't work.

I recall an occasion when a brother seemed upset with me. Apparently I had done something that bothered him. He had not come to me, as the scriptures teach us to do (Matt. 18:15), so I initiated the process of a hopeful reconciliation (Matt. 5:23-24). When I asked if I had offended him, he responded with a curt "No!" I explained to him, "I don't want anything to be between us. If I've offended you, I apologize." However, the climate remained regrettably cool between us, with no obvious signs of a warming trend.

In Rom. 12:18, notice the phrase.... That seems to imply that some "people problems" may never, be resolved. You can only do so much. It takes two to quarrel; it takes two to reconcile. But if you earnestly do your part and the problem remains, there is still a plan to follow. Don't harbor resentment or retaliate with weapons of silence or indifference. Instead, work at overcoming evil with good (Rom. 12:21) and let God work out any of the injustices you suffer from the situation (Rom. 12:19).

We all need to apply the steps given in Rom. 12:9-21 until our people problems are resolved - and especially if they seem to be unresolvable.
[by Jack L. Openshaw from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 24, 1992, p. 3]

TRAVELING ON MY KNEES
Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn't go by boat or plane,
I traveled on my knees.

I saw so many people there,
In deepest depths of sin.
The Lord Jesus told me I should go,
That there were many souls to win.

But I said, "Lord Jesus, I can't go
And work with such as these."
He answered quickly, "Yes, you can,
By traveling on your knees."

Said He, "You pray, I'll meet the need;
You call, and I will hear.
Be anxious over all lost souls,
Of those both far and near."

And I tried it; knelt in prayer,
And gave up some hours of ease.
I felt the Lord right by my side
While traveling on my knees.

As I prayed on and saw souls saved,
And twisted bodies healed,
I saw God's workers' strength renewed
While laboring in the field.

Said I, "Yes Lord, I have a job
'Tis thee I'll ever please.
I'll gladly go and heed thy call
By traveling on my knees."
[by Raymond Jackson from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 24, 1992, p. 3]

THE FALL OF SODOM
(II Pet. 2:6).
The destruction of Sodom was so thorough that archeologists have not found a trace of it. The city personifies wickedness. It has the distinction of having one of the worst sins named after it.

We generally associate her iniquity with sexual license and immorality. But, it goes deeper than that.
The prophet Ezekiel identifies five reasons for her fall.
(Eze. 16:49-50).
1. Pride caused her fall. (Prov. 16:18). Pride is a sin against God. Sodom was rich and affluent. There is a strong temptation for us to be proud of our wealth, know-how, education, race, nation or social status.
Beware of pride - it brings misery, shame, failure and disobedience!
2. Fulness of Bread caused her fall. They lived on the fertile plains and the soil produced abundantly. Tables were loaded with food while they ignored the needy. We, too in a blessed land can become gluttons for more and more things while ignoring those who hurt about us.
3. Abundance of idleness destroyed her. Theirs was a "prosperous ease!" Idleness is the Devil's workshop. Too much leisure has always been a curse. It is to young and old alike.
4. She failed to help the helpless. In her selfish gluttony, she totally ignored the cries of the widows, the fatherless, and the poor.
5. Her abominable acts destroyed her. The sexual perversion of the city is proverbial. How close are we to Sodom? Homosexuality, lesbianism and every form of sexual uncleanness was openly practiced. When we read the papers, magazines or listen to talk shows, it appears we're getting dangerously close.
[by Clarence DeLoach, Jr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 31, 1992, p. 4]

TOMORROW
The last words found in Sir Walter Scott's diary were, "Tomorrow we shall...." There was no tomorrow for him, He died that night with good intentions to accomplish a goal that was neither stated in his diary, nor realized by him.

All of us have goals and dreams that we long for, plan for, and maybe even begin to reach for. Yet, many people fall short of their dreams because of time limitations or lack of determination. That's why it's so important for us to get busy and do the things necessary to see our goals accomplished. We should never delay that which needs to be done TODAY!

John Wesley's rule was, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, for as long as you can!" That's good!

Making sure that your life is "right with God" should be the most important goal in you life. Neither salvation, nor commitment, nor service to others, should be put on the back burner. These are goals that need immediate attention. I would encourage you to act now! (Mark 16:16). Your goal of "eternal life" will depend on how you answer the call of the gospel. If you fail to act on the simple commands, you will fall short of your goal. Don't try to explain away Jesus' words, just act upon them.
[by Eddie Lewis from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 31, 1992, p. 3]

WHY THE DOCTOR ARRIVED TOO LATE
It was almost 1:00 in the morning when the phone rang in the Winters' home. Dr. Leo Winters, the highly acclaimed Chicago surgeon, was awakened with a start.

Tonight it was a young boy, they said, tragically mangled in a late night accident. Could not someone else handle it? Not this time. This time his hands were possibly the only ones in the city, or maybe even in the whole region, which were skilled enough to save.

The quickest route happened to be through a rather rough area, but with time being a critical factor, it was worth the risk. He almost made it through the worst of the neighborhood. Almost. Then, at a stop light, his door was jerked open by a man in a grey hat and a dirty flannel shirt. "I've got to have your car!" the man screamed, pulling him from his seat. Winters tried explaining the gravity of his situation, but the man was not listening.

The doctor wandered for over 45 minutes looking for a phone. When the taxi finally got him to the hospital, over an hour had passed. He burst through the doors and into the nurses' station, but the nurse on duty only shook her head. Too late. The boy had just died about 30 minutes earlier. "His dad got here just before he died," the nurse told him. "He is in the chapel. Go see him. He is awfully confused. He could not understand why you never came."

Without explaining, Dr. Winters walked hurriedly down the hall and quietly entered the chapel. At the front knelt the huddled form of a weeping father, in a grey hat and dirty flannel shirt. Tragically, he had pushed from his life the only one who could save.

I have the strange feeling that I have known that same father. With his marriage coming apart, he just could not find the time for the Lord. With his daughter addicted, how could he even think of church. With his business on the rocks, he will have to put off his decision about Jesus. Tragically, he is pushing from his life the only One who can save.
[by Jay Utley from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 31, 1992, p. 3]

WRONG WEAPON
A teacher was telling her class about the Christian's armor. After speaking of the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith, she asked, "Now Paul also says that we should carry a weapon, which is the word of God. Do you remember what he called the word of God?" Receiving no answer, she added, "It's very sharp." Then one little fellow answered a very vigorous, "I know, its the axe of the Apostles".
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 31, 1992, p. 3]

MY TURN IN THE NURSERY
Last Sunday was my turn in the nursery to work.
My heart wasn't in it; my feelings were hurt.
A Child from its mother did not want to part
And it cried a lot with its broken heart.
I prayed that soon the hour would end,
That I could relax--no more children to tend.
Soon the hour was over; it felt good to be free.
I said "Once a month was too much for me!"
The very next Sunday as I sat in the pew
A very good sermon, but visitors were few.
But down came a woman and her soul was saved.
She was the mother of that crying babe!
Then it dawned on me that I had been a part
Of one being saved--giving God her heart.
From that day on I would never dread
Working in the nursery while souls are fed.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., June 21, 1992, p. 4]

WHAT WAS THE TEACHING OF THE EARLY CHURCH -
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
On Pentecost Peter preached Jesus as the Christ, the son of the Living God. He called upon the men of Israel to know assuredly, that God had made the Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Here he was calling for strong faith. We know that these people did believe that he was the Christ, for Acts 2:37 says.... Even though these people believed in Jesus they were not saved. At least they did not think so. Neither did Peter, for in answer to their question he said...(Acts 2:38). From this we learn that the apostles of the early church taught men to believe, repent and be baptized in order that they might be saved. This is exactly what churches of Christ teach today. Any church which teaches a plan of salvation that differs from this lacks just that much being the New Testament church.

Since the church of Christ today teaches the same things the apostles taught, since it worships in the same way, has the same organization, wears the same names, and has the same creed, we believe that we are the New Testament church and not just a denomination. Can this be said of the church of which you are a member?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., June 21, 1992, p. 3]

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CLASS OF '91?
(Prov. 6:16-17).
Twenty-five percent of the high school graduating class of 1991 is dead.

They died in 1973, the year abortion was made legal. As the remaining 75% prepare for their life after graduation and their future occupations, they might stop and reflect on the significance of being members of this class.

Vague complaints are heard from the Pentagon and corporate sources that the labor pool seems to be drying up. The number of 16-year olds is forecast to decrease over the next few years. This seems to come as a surprise to those mentioning the statistics, as if some reverse Baby Boom took place from 1973 on. No mention is made that the primary reason for the decrease in 16-year olds is that they were aborted 16 years ago.

The number of abortions in this country since 1973, 25 million, exceeds the total population of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming combined.

Why don't we as a society discuss the loss of 10% of our population in the last 16 years. If an airplane crashes with 10 people on board it is national news. But the loss of 1.5 million students from the class of 1991 goes unmentioned, as if to do so is somehow in bad taste.
[by James W. Huston from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., June 21, 1992, p. 3]

YOUR HOME IS BUGGED!
Yes, your home is bugged. In every home there are two microphones per child - one in each ear. These highly sensitive instruments pick up the table prayers, the hymns sung, ordinary conversation, incidental remarks, types of language, a variety of words, and intensities of sound. These all-absorbing microphones transmit all that they hear to highly impressionable minds. These sounds then become the vocabulary of the child and his basis for action and reaction.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., June 21, 1992, p. 3]

WHAT GOD WANTS!
(John 5:30).
If most of us were asked we would say that we wanted to do what God wants us to do. That is, we want what God wants. But perhaps, it would be good to ask in our innermost thoughts, if we really do want what God wants. How often do we think within ourselves, "Does God really desire this form of life?" In one way we may say that this is really a test of our Christianity. A Christian is one who desires to do what God wants him to do. If we aren't doing what God wants us to do, how may we say that we are truly Christians?

What does God want in the church? Christ wants a church that is truly dedicated to Him. One that is preaching the word, edifying the saved and providing for those who are in need. God wants a church that is overseen by godly men and is comprised of godly members. A church that stands for the truth under all circumstances is a church that pleases God.

What does the Lord want for my home? The Lord wants a home where His name is magnified and where those who live from day to day give Him first place in their hearts. Anything less than this is not what the Lord wants.

What does the Lord want from your life? He wants a truly converted person, who is cheerful in his Christianity. One who loves the lost and is willing to do something to help them to be saved. The Lord wants a steadfast person, not just one who is dedicated today and becomes friends with the world the next day.
What does God want? A very important question. The question that is answered in the Bible.
[by Kenneth Davis from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 26, 1992, p. 4]

ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE SAVED?
Many people go through life unconcerned about eternity, assuming that they and most everyone else will just automatically be saved at the end of time. But we can learn the truth of this from Jesus. Someone once put this question to him...(Luke 13:23). He answered in part...(Luke 13:24).

A sad scene of Judgment Day is presented to us by Jesus in Matt. 7:22-23.

It would be horrible to be lost and to know that you're lost, but it seems even a worse tragedy to go through life thinking you're saved when actually you're lost. That's the situation with these people Jesus mentions. They had the marks of being religious, and they expected to go to heaven. But they were woefully mistaken, and they discovered it too late.

For this reason the Bible urges us...(II Cor. 13:5). This can only be done by diligently studying God's word and comparing our lives with what the Bible tells us to be and do. All of us who expect to be with the Lord in eternity must take this admonition seriously. It might be that we have only thought we are saved when actually we are lost.
[by Gary Workman from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 26, 1992, p. 3]

IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL?
"That is, through the water of baptism we are saved from the sin which overwhelms the world as a flood." John Wesley, Methodist.
"From this and other references to baptism in Paul's writings, it is certain that he did not regard baptism as an 'optional extra' in the Christian life, and that he would not have contemplated the phenomenon of an 'unbaptized believer,'" F.F. Bruce, Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis, University of Manchester in Tyndale N.T. commentary on Romans, p. 136.

"Peter said unto them, 'You must repent...and, as an expression of it, let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ that you may have your sins forgiven.'" Charles Williams, well-known Baptist scholar, in his translation of Acts 2:38.

"In these cases (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3; I Cor. 10:2; I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38) eis retains its proper significance, as indicating...that for which, or with a view to which the thing is done,...to be baptized for the remission of sins means to be baptized with a view to receiving this." McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia (Presbyterian) Vol. 1, P. 640.

"The sense is, that baptism, including all that is meant by baptism as a religious rite -- that is, baptism administered in connection with true faith in the Lord Jesus ... It may be said to save us, not as the meritous cause, but as the indispensable condition of salvation." Barnes, Presbyterian, on I Pet. 3:21.

"As Noah there obtained life through death, when in the ark, he was enclosed not otherwise than as it were in the grace, and when the whole world perished, he was preserved together with his small family; so at this day, the death which it sets forth in baptism, is to us an entrance into life, nor can salvation be hoped for, except we be separated from the world." Calvin, Presbyterian, Commentary on I Pet. 3:21.

(On I Pet. 3:21) "This last can be only as we are 'baptized upon the name' of the Risen One, and so faith also is assumed. In this remarkable passage it (baptism) is positively asserted that, in some sense it must, of course, be related to the remission of our sins." Willmarth, Baptist scholar, Baptist Quarterly.
(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21; John 3:5).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 26, 1992, p. 3]

VACATION TIME|
I'm glad to see the summertime,
I need a 1itt1e rest;
I'll journey to the hills and streams
And see the East (or West).

Before I go, however, there
Are things I need to do;
I'll let the newsboy know that we'll
Be gone a week or two.

I'll have my neighbor check the mail
And look in on the plants;
I'll see that everything's secure
No need to take a chance.

And then, a most important thing
Requires this neat solution:
I'll leave the checks for each Lord's Day:
My promised contribution.

And I'll arrange to find the church
And worship with the brothers;
My soul will be inspired by
My fellowship with others.

And so, when I return ere long
I'll be refreshed with rest,
And know, at home or otherwise,
I've given God my best.
[by Norman Gipson from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 19, 1992, p. 4]

WE'RE A FRIENDLY BUNCH! OR ARE WE???
I read an article some months ago about a man who ran a survey on 18 different congregations that he visited. He wanted to find out how friendly the churches were.

He said that he sat near the front at each church service. After services he slowly walked to the rear, then returned to the front and back to the foyer, using another aisle. He smiled and was dressed neatly. He asked one person to direct him to a specific place - a class room, the preacher's office, etc. He used the below listed scale to rate the reception that he received at each of these churches.

He gave 10 points for a smile, 10 points for a hello from a person sitting near him, 100 points for a name, 200 points for a return invitation, 1,000 points when he was introduced by one member to another, and 2,000 when he was introduced by a member to the preacher. His findings were sad, but enlightening. Eleven of the 18 churches scored under 100 points and five did not even make it to 20.

Leslie McGalliard of the Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls commenting on this said, "the doctrine may be Biblical, the singing inspirational, and the sermon uplifting; but when a visitor finds no one who cares whether he's there or not, he's not likely to back!"
Let's learn from this. Let's all strive to speak to ten people before you leave the building. Make it a point to speak to people you do not know.
[by Jim Sheerer from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 19, 1992, p. 3]

WHERE IS THE SWITCH?
A little girl had been extremely naughty all day. Her mother had finally taken all she could stand and sent her daughter out in the back yard to get a switch off the peach tree.
Ten minutes later the little girl had not returned. The mother called out the door for the child to come into the house at once, and to "bring that switch with you."
The youngster, her lips puckered and quivering, meekly appeared with her hands behind her back. "Well?" the mother said, "Where is the switch?"
"I couldn't weach the peach tree," the child said, and then, holding out one hand, added, "but here's a rock you can throw at me."
Children really are something, aren't they? Have you held your child in your arms today and told him or her how much you love them? They really need to hear that from you and to be touched by you.
Children are a special blessing sent from God. Make the most of your time with them...today!
(Luke 19:15-17).
[by Danny C. Hall from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 19, 1992, p. 3]

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the other family members. One child suggested that he was adopted and a little girl said, "I know all about adoptions because I was adopted."
"What does it mean to be adopted?" asked another child.
"It means," said the girl, "that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy."

A four year old was at the pediatrician for a check up. As the doctor looked down her ears with an otoscope, he asked, "Do you think I'll find Big Bird in here?" The little girl stayed silent.
Next, the doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat. He asked, "Do you think I'll find the Cookie Monster down there?" Again, the little girl was silent.
Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he listened to her heartbeat, he asked, "Do you think I'll hear Barney in there?"
"Oh, no!" the little girl replied. "Jesus is in my heart. Barney's on my underpants."

As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home.
As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile.
"Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged."
"Discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet."

A lesson in "heart" is my little, 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.
She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day". That's where they have lots of races and other competitive events.
Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down. But before I could get a word out, she said, "Daddy, I won two of the races!"
I couldn't believe it! And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage." Ah. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start...some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn't get a head start... My advantage was I had to try harder.

An Eye Witness Account from New York City, on a cold day in December:
A little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks.
Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes.
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's Wife?"

This awesome prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful.
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
Let's continue praying for one another.
Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.
Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.
Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.
Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading.
Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.
Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.
Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life.
Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them.
Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.
I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.
Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.

A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best friend of many years. She regretted it immediately, and would have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were said, impulsively, in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of her words before hand. What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was herself hurt for the pain she caused.

In her effort to undo what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the village. Explaining her situation, and asked for advice. The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine just how sincere the younger woman was, how far she was willing to go to correct the situation.

She explained that sometimes, in order put things back in order, great efforts must be made. She then asked: "Just what would you be willing to do, to repair the harm done?" The answer was heartfelt. "Anything." Listening to her, the older woman, sensed the younger woman's distress, and knew she must help her. She also knew she could never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she could teach, if the younger woman would first listen, and then learn. She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the younger woman.

She said, "There are two things needed to do to make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult. Tonight, take your best feather pillows, and open a small hole in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town. When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first thing completely, I'll tell you the second."

The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even though the pillows were very dear to her, very expensive. All night long she labored alone in the cold. She went from doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused her eyes to water, but she ran on, through the darkened streets, thankful there was something she could do to put things back the way they once were. Finally, as the sky was getting light, she placed the last feather on the steps of the last house.

Just as the sun rose, she returned to the older woman. She was exhausted, but relieved that her efforts would be rewarded. "My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of each home."
Now, said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."
The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible! The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the doorsteps!! You didn't say I had to get them back!! If this is the second requirement, then things will never be the same."
"That's true," said the older woman.
"Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love."

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.
"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a boy in the line cried.
Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. "I love your freckles," she said.
"Not me," the little girl replied.
"Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," the grandmother said, tracing her finger across the child's cheek.
"Freckles are beautiful."
The girl looked up, "Really?"
"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."
The little girl peered into the old woman's smiling face.
"Wrinkles," she answered softly.

Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!

STRONG WOMAN VS WOMAN OF STRENGTH
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.
A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace.
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

THE EMPTY CHAIR

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.
"I guess you were expecting me," he said. "No, who are you?" said the father.
The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up." "Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the minister shut the door. "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head. I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, 'Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, "I'll be with you always." Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now.'"

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon. "Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."

THE BLANK STARE
Every male on the planet knows about "The Look." It begins in early childhood when the misbehaving young male transgresses a known or unknown law and receives, from his mother, "The Look." He will receive The Look from hundreds, perhaps thousands, of females over his lifetime and will always be terrified and shaken by the experience.

However, women are familiar with a maddening expression that males have developed to a fine art over the years. Women have "The Look." Men have "The Blank Stare." All women have seen this expression through the years, especially when males feel they are put on the spot. "Honey, does this dress make me look fat?" she says sweetly. She is met by The Blank Stare.

Two young lovers are sharing an intimate moment away from the crowds under the privacy of the stars. "I love you," he whispers. "How much do you love me?" she inquires. Says he, "I would cross oceans for you, scale the highest mountain, fight off ravening hoards of barbarians for you, my love." Innocently she asks, "Do you love me enough to marry me?" Blank Stare.

The Blank Stare begins early in life, even before the man's earliest memory. Two principles are learned early on. Principle Number One: "It is bad to lie." Principle Number Two: "Sometimes if you tell the truth, pain follows." For example, Johnny, only three years old, opens the door to the fridge and tries to pull out the gallon of milk. The milk is way too heavy, but he is thirsty, and besides Mom is upstairs in the bedroom.

He knows better than to do this because he has gotten into trouble before.

Yet, because males are afflicted with a terminal condition called "testosterone poisoning" they do dumb things. The milk drops to the floor with a crash, the plastic container ruptures, and an explosion of milk covers Johnny and the kitchen floor. Hearing the crash, Mom rushes to the kitchen where Johnny is standing, eyes innocent, dripping with milk.

"What happened in here?" she screams. Principle Number One begins to kick in: "Do not lie." However, Principle Number Two also comes into play: "If you tell the truth, you will get punished." Faced with this tension of truth versus pain, little Johnny looks at mommy in silence and blinks. The Blank Stare is born.

It doesn't work, of course, and never will because women inflict the pain anyway. But because males are males, they continue to react in the same old ways whether the techniques work or not. Johnny knows that mommy knows. Johnny knows that he will probably be punished. Yet, because he doesn't want to lie and because he hopes, against hope, that somehow he can get out of this mess, he stares. It should be said, however, that the blank stare is only offered to women. If a man challenges another man, "Hey, who left this mess in here?" the testosterone afflicted male issues his own challenge, "Yeah? Who wants to know?" Arguments begin, words are exchanged, and fists may fly. But the Blank Stare is never given to another male. Well, maybe to a male in ultimate authority like a police officer or a father, but most males just either tell the truth or lie under those circumstances. If a man says to another male (which he would never do), "Does this swim suit make me look fat?" the reply likely will be, "Why no, Porky, why do you ask?" Imagine saying that to a woman. Pain would follow for sure.

Sometimes the Blank Stare is modified. First of all, one has to realize that the purpose of the Blank Stare is to avoid unpleasantness. Another motivation of the Blank Stare is to buy time to try to think up an excuse that is not actually a lie. Hence a few modifications: "Honey," she says, after asking an answerable question, "did you hear me?" "Drat," he thinks, "the blank stare isn't working." "Um, I'm sorry dear, were you saying something?" Now she has to repeat the question she originally asked. The hapless man has just bought an extra thirty seconds. It won't work, of course, it never does. "I'm sorry dear, my mind was somewhere else, would you mind repeating that?" Whatever tactic employed, it only delays the pain.

Women are smart. Men need to own up to that little fact. If she asks the "do-I-look-fat-in-this" question and we don't reply, she knows the answer is, "Does Moby Dick sleep in the sea?" If we were smart, we would just tell the truth and take our punishment. Or if we were devious, we would just lie and then take our punishment because the female always knows when the male is lying. But because we are noble and caring (though suffering from testosterone poisoning) we try not to lie and we try to spare feelings. You see, the Blank Stare is actually the highest form of caring for the female. It is a sign of the latent goodness and honorableness of the man. The Blank Stare is really a compliment to the relationship that we share with the female and a way of offering respect and dignity. Women should understand what we are trying to do, appreciate the sincere efforts we are making, and just quietly back off and accept our stare as a positive affirmation of them.
And if you believe that, you must be a man.

THE DUCK
In his book, "Will Daylight Come?" Robert Heffler pens this moving illustration.
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. And he was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. And getting a little discouraged; he headed back to dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."
But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, remember the duck?
So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." But Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, remember the duck? So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day: whatever is in your past, whatever you have done and the enemy keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) whatever it is you need to know that Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.
He's just wondering how long you will let the enemy make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that He not only forgives you, but He forgets. Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.

GIGGLE, GROAN, OR GASP!
"Tee-hee-hee!" "Hilarious!" "That's super!" "How funny!" "Oh no!" "Not me!" "The most awful thing happened!" "You've just got to do something!"
In the past twelve years as I've taught teenage girls in California, Mississippi, and Texas, I have learned to love the sound of any and all of these enthusiastic, emotional reactions to daily situations "my girls" have encountered. Some days they burst into the classroom ready to recite, in minutest detail, the pre-school breakfast session at home, the latest neighborhood scandal, or the newest rumor whispered at lunch a few minutes before. The same girl will tell how lucky she is to have wonderful, understanding parents one day and will beg for our prayers to "tolerate her mean mother" or her dad "who doesn't care at all" the very next day.

I always keep in mind this thought sent to me by my children's kindergarten teacher at Lubbock Christian School, and I'm sure other teachers do the same, so don't panic considering what teachers think if you happen to be the mother of one of these "teenage vocalists".
One mother said: "I promise I won't believe what your child says about you at school if you promise not to believe what he says about me at home."
The point I want to stress is the beauty of a teen's feeling free to talk: to share emotions, feelings, and thoughts. One of the most precious treasures a girl can give to anyone is her trust which allows her to share herself openly and honestly.

Each year when school begins there are students who are so afraid to speak it is tragic! One girl I remember vividly stood up the first day to introduce herself briefly. She gasped her name quietly, turned chalky white with bright red splotches then collapsed as soon as she could manage to unlock her knuckles from the desk in front of her. This same girl, later, taught us to crochet in class and told us often about her latest experience with uninhibited joy as she totally accepted our love for her.

There is only one way another person can possibly know that we recognize their worth - through open, free communication. To provide an atmosphere that will promote such freedom is my goal as a teacher and mother.

Psychologists have said that one reason for the prevalence of teenage suicides is the intense loneliness felt even by "popular" young people who have no one to be totally honest with. My girls often say: "If only I could talk to my mother." and "My daddy used to be easy to talk to until I started to grow up and now he seems afraid of me. I miss him so much!"

Mothers, we are the ones who must be mature enough to build the bridge. There does not have to be a generation gap! That is why God gave us the admonition in Titus 2 to "Teach the younger women..." This training can be a lovely experience once we recognize our daughters as fellow Christian women.

I am the mother of two teenagers now. My son and daughter have taught me many truths! Together Lorie and I participated in communicating workshops to demonstrate how a girl and her mother can share thoughts and feelings without hurting each other or becoming angry. At these workshops, each mother-daughter pair practices communicating; and so far, every participant has expressed thanks to God for the resulting closeness they enjoy sharing.

I challenge you to try showing your love for another by communicating written or spoken thoughts. Read I Cor. 13 thinking of another you love, and share your resulting thoughts and feelings. Especially if you live with a teenage girl, remember; giggle, groan, or gasp each girl's a gift from God!
[By Beth Wade from Christian Woman in the 70's]

The man whispered:
"God, speak to me"
And a meadowlark sang
But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled
"God, speak to me!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky
But the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said
"God, let me see you"
And a star shone brightly.
But the man did not notice.
And the man shouted.
"God, show me a miracle"
And a life was born.
But the man did not know.
So, the man cried out in despair
"Touch me, God, and let me know that you are here!"
Where upon God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect.

Reaching a Jewish person for Jesus
Psa. 22
Isa. 53
Jer. 31
Dan. 9

A Parent's Wisdom
(As read on WSM-FM Friday, August 25, 2000.)
"I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about your friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking, but I can't say 'no' for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to be saved, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I CAN love you with unconditional love all my life...and I will!"

ONE GLASS OF MILK
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal, he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry and so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."
He said, "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strengthened also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, he went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day, he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final billing to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words: "PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK....
(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly."
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love is shed abroad through human hearts and hands."

LET'S BE THE CHURCH
A confused, chaotic, convulsing world, gasping for life and breath, will not be touched by a tame church, mouthing timeworn cliches and pious platitudes. To affect a dirty world, it will take a clean church; to infect a sad world, it will take a joyous church; to inspire an apathetic world, it will take a convicted church; to challenge a dying world, it will take a live church; to heal a sick world, it will take a healthy church.
[by Douglas F. Parsons from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 2, 1992, p. 3]

LIVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE (Part 2)
Everybody loves a winner, and we all want to succeed. As we noted in part 1, God intends for us to have "good success" (Josh. 1:8). In part 1, we noted the following points. If we are to succeed, as God views success, we must live a life of FAITH, in the Lord and in ourselves as His servants; we must have VISION to see our God-given purpose in life; we must be motivated, in all we do, by LOVE; and we must practice DISCIPLINE or self-control.

The "good success" which God defines is not centered in this world, but looks beyond to the spiritual. But, to achieve this "good success" there are four other ingredients we must possess and practice. Let us look at them.

Be Dedicated to Life's Purpose
The word "dedicate" means "to set aside for a special use, to devote, as to duty." In the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln declared, "We are dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure." One of the things that has made this a great nation is that sense of dedication - dedication to the rights of the individual. As the Declaration of Independence declared, "We are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights." In other words, this nation was established with the idea that God's rule would be our rule of law.

As individuals, we must be dedicated, and dedicated to something higher than ourselves. The apostle Paul spoke of his life as being so dedicated. He said...(Gal. 2:20; Phili. 1:21; Phili. 3:13-14). It was that kind of dedication that carried Paul through all manner of persecution and difficulties. He was beaten with rods, he was whipped, shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead, in constant peril and trials (II Cor. 11), but because his focus was on Jesus Christ, he never deviated from his path to his goal.

Late in his life, warned that he would be "bound" if he went to Jerusalem, Paul said...(Acts 21:13). Paul was not afraid of death, for he had already...(Gal. 2:20). Because it was not really his life, Paul was able to bear his great ordeals. This was done for the Lord. The successful life is a dedicated life, dedicated to the doing of the Lord's will.

Live Your Life with Enthusiasm
If life is worth living, it is worth giving it your best. As Solomon wrote long ago...(Eccl. 9:10). If we are motivated by love for God (see part 1), we will serve Him with enthusiasm. When asked the great, the first, commandment, Jesus replied...(Mark 12:30). That demands enthusiasm! Jesus addressed letters to seven churches of Asia through John's writing in Rev. 2-3. To the last of the seven, He said...(Rev. 3:15-16).

The athlete who plays with enthusiasm will win over the sluggard every time. The successful salesman knows that the most important product he has is his own enthusiasm. The businessman, the politician, the school-teacher, the coach, and every other person who is successful knows that enthusiasm is vital. How shall we live our lives? Let the apostle answer...(Col. 3:22-23). There is no job that is too little for any man, only men who are too little to do it. A little poem illustrates this truth:

If you can't be the pine on the top of the hill,
Be a bush in the valley, but be
The best little bush by the side of the rill;
Be a bush, if you can't be a tree.

"If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments"
Solomon, explaining what this life is all about in the book of Ecclesiastes, discussed the various pleasures of life that had been his. He talked of knowledge and wisdom, of riches, of power, of accomplishments, of various entertainments. Solomon had experienced all of that, but he then wrote of it...(Eccl. 6:9). But when he came to the last chapter, he wrote...(Eccl. 12:13). That is it: man's purpose. Do what God wants you to do. If you miss that, you miss the purpose for which God gave you life!

Those great heroes of faith whom God extols in Heb. 11 were such because they recognized that obeying God was necessary to their success. (Heb. 11:4-8, 17). All of these, and the others mentioned in this chapter, were successful because they did what God told them. It is written of Jesus...(Heb. 5:8-9). A successful life, as that of Jesus, is a life of obedience.

The Lord still asks...(Luke 6:46). Jesus shows that the pattern of building our lives parallels that of building a house on the rock or building on the sand. When we hear His will, and do it, we build on the rock - a house that will stand (Matt. 7:24-27). All of us, as we journey through this life, are building that house of which Jesus spoke. A successful life is that which is based on both hearing and doing the words of Jesus. It is not a life lived according to our wishes, our whims, our wills. A successful life is a life that looks to God for its direction, a life that is ordered by Him, a life that is lived in obedience to Him.

The Power of Righteousness
The apostle Paul wrote...(Rom. 1:16-17). Righteousness simply means the practice of doing right. As the prophet wrote...(Prov. 14:34). The psalmist said...(Psa. 33:12). This nation was founded on the principles of righteousness found in the Bible. It is no accident that we have inscribed on our coins, "In God We Trust." Senator Daniel Webster declared in the Senate 150 years ago, "If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper. But if we neglect its instruction and authority, no man can tell how suddenly the catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury our glory in profound obscurity." I still believe that!

In the same way a nation succeeds by righteousness, so does an individual. When Jesus told the story of "The Good Samaritan" in Luke 10, he simply revealed a responsibility we have to all mankind. Every example in scripture answers the question Cain asked...(Gen. 4:9). We have a responsibility to all of those about us, and it is encompassed in the word, "righteousness." There are things that we do, not for personal reward or because we are forced, but simply because it is right to do them.

When Paul gave directions to children to "obey your parents in the Lord," he stated the reason: "for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). He could have assigned many different reasons for obeying parents, all of them good ones. But he simplified. Do it, because it is RIGHT. We obey the speed limits, "for this is right." We pay our taxes, "for this is right." We help our neighbor, "for this is right." We tell the truth, "for this is right." Jesus gave us a simple rule, called by many, "the Golden Rule." (Matt. 7:12). Here is the pattern for true success. We don't treat others as they treat us, but as we WANT them to treat us! Will it work? Ask any successful businessman who lives by the motto, "The customer is always right." The truly successful life will be a righteous life.

(Josh. 1:8). God wants you to succeed. He sets your goal and purpose. He defines what success is, and He shows us how to achieve it. We must listen to God, and put our faith in him. We must develop a clear vision of our purpose. We must in all things be motivated by love. We must discipline ourselves to become what God wants. With dedication to our God-given purpose, we must live with enthusiasm a life in complete obedience to the Lord. The resulting life will be a life of righteousness. When we do that, then God says, "Thou shalt have good success."
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 27, July 5, 1996, p. 1-3]

I COULD CARE LESS
A favorite expression of many people goes something like this, "I could care less about the matter." Unfortunately, this indifferent attitude can be found among brethren concerning the work of the Lord. It makes them no difference if others do all the work in the kingdom, because they will not get involved. However, genuine Christianity demands that "faith works by love" (Gal. 5:6) if God is to be honored and obeyed. Someone wisely studied human nature and then stated, "The best way to get some people interested in a certain activity is to tell them it is none of their business!"

Sadly, we see many brethren who are careless in regard to the cause of the Lord who never deeply engage themselves in the Master's service. I read a motto years ago that captures the zenith concept of success among members of the body of Christ: "We can, if I will!"

Careless words have caused wars, divorces, chaos and ruin. James wrote...(James 3:2-8). The tongue allows us to "sow discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:16-19) and to disrupt the kingdom of God. An old proverb reminds us that "words in swift profusion hurled may upset the destiny of the world!" Carelessness in speech breaks hearts and divides the church. Conversely, gracious, joyous, timely and loving words heal and bless and edify. As Jesus clearly stated...(Matt. 12:34).

Careless actions often come from shallow plans and motivations. Without thinking things through, we impulsively act and react through jealousy, envy, greed and ego-centered emphasis. The "one talent man" (Matt. 25), the "elder brother" (Luke 15) and Judas Iscariot (Mark 14:21) represent those who foolishly responded to immediate situations in a careless way. In the spiritual realm, they were accidents just waiting to happen!

Careless people have many opportunities to be saved and to serve ardently "in the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13), but they pass by on the other side nonchalantly, as they pursue lesser things that perish with the fleeting scenes of secular endeavors. In the day of Judgment, they will have nothing precious to remember (Neh. 2:20), but an eternity to regret their folly.

Careless soul, why will you linger,
Wandering from the fold of God.
Hear you not the invitation,
O prepare to meet thy God?

Those enamored by fancy things and lofty treasure will not even be concerned with the clothes they are wearing in a casket some day. In the final accounting day, the only substantial consideration will be: "Where will I spend eternity?" and "Is my name in the Lamb's Book of Life?" Spiritual carelessness will send millions to perdition. May we ever be alert and zealous in the pursuit of the glory that awaits the people of God.

When the righteous are rewarded,
And the wicked know their end,
Will the world at last remember
That a Savior died for men?
Let us, like the apostle Paul, fight the good fight, finish our course and keep the faith (II Tim. 4:7). Such effort will not be in vain.
[by Johnny Ramsey from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 27, July 5, 1996, p. 3-4]

MEMBERS VOTE ON CHURCH ISSUES?
"Dear Sir: What scriptural authority do elders have to ask church members to vote on church issues and questions?"

(I Pet. 5:3). Peter told shepherds/elders not to "lord it over the flock". This requires the shepherds of a church to not be dictatorial in their leadership. An elder must have a grasp and sense of what the church is thinking, what the church is wanting, and what the church is spiritually ready to do. Some means must be devised to discover what the church wants. Voting as a means of tabulating opinions is not wrong.

(Acts 6:3). When the early church needed men to head up a program to feed the hungry, the apostles asked the church to choose seven men to do the work. How did the church put these men forward? Some process of recommending (nominating) and choosing (voting or measuring support) had to have been used. The apostles defined the work and the characteristics of the workers. The church then did the choosing.

Godly shepherds are going to know their sheep and the sheep will know them (John 10:1-18). The shepherds can learn the opinions and needs in a variety of ways, and voting is one way. This is not to say that the church is to be governed by those votes or voters. God chooses the doctrine and pattern of the New Testament church, not elders and not members. Yet, when a church is seeking to serve God in some way, it is right for the elders to seek input from the members. A vote is one way to do that.
[by David Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 27, July 5, 1996, p. 4]

IT IS NO SECRET WHAT GOD CAN DO
All too often, when we have called for implicit and unquestioning obedience to the commands of the Lord, there is the cry of criticism, "You seek to bind the hands of God. He can save man by any means He chooses!" Then, as if this proves the point of contention, they quote from a popular song, "It is no secret what God can do!" But the whole matter has been evaded. It is not a matter of what God CAN do, but what He has promised to do. It is not a question of what God has ability to do, but what He has purposed to do. Preaching obedience to God's plain and simple terms of salvation in no wise limits God's power nor ability. It merely recognizes the limitations which He has placed on man.

"It is no secret what God can do" will not be questioned - but there is plenty of ignorance of what God has said he is GOING to do! While we readily agree that God has ample power to save, we cannot evade nor ignore some pretty straight words from God's scriptures...(II Thes. 1:7-9). Sure, you can point to all the power that God has, and talk of what He CAN do, but in this passage He tells you what He WILL do.

The Salvation of Noah
It never has been a question as to what God can do, but rather, what He has said He will do. It is no secret that God could have saved Noah by tying him to a solid oak tree, and then blowing the reprobate generation off the face of the earth. He could have furnished Noah's family with asbestos clothing, and sent a scorching heat wave. He could have caused the earth to open up and swallow those degenerates, as was the case with Korah (Num. 16). But God told Noah what he WOULD do (Gen. 6).

The fact that Noah obeyed God did not manifest any lack of faith in God's ability. Rather, it was faith that God had the ability, and the integrity, to do just what He said. So, when Noah was told what to do, he did it. (Heb. 11:7). Noah had faith in God's ability to save, and faith in God's integrity to save in the way which He had defined!

The Case of the Brazen Serpent
"It is no secret" that when the fiery serpents wrought havoc among the hosts of Israel, God could have saved those bitten by any means He desired. He could have prescribed a panacea from boiled herbs, stewed frogs' legs, locusts' wings or the blood of a black cat killed in the dark of the moon. He could have. But that is not what God said He would do. He promised a cure through a brazen serpent...(Num. 21:8). It took faith to accept that cure, and we must have sufficient faith to look to God's promised cure for sin.

Jesus explained God's plan for us with the above illustration...(John 3:14-15). Any Israelite who did not have sufficient faith in God to accept His cure, and thus do what God said, died of the serpents' bite. In the same way, any one today who lacks sufficient faith in God to do what is commanded in the gospel will die from the venom of that old serpent, the devil! It is not a question of what God can do, but rather of what He has said He will do.

Naaman's Cure from Leprosy
"It is no secret" that when Naaman suffered from leprosy, God could have healed him with any variety of means and methods. He could have anointed him with spittle, as Jesus did a blind man, or He could have prescribed a concoction to be taken internally, or again He could have supplied a great mysticism. So Naaman could have said, "God can heal me without my going down into the muddy waters of the Jordan River. Why, I think God can heal me by having a prophet wave his hands over me, and say some mystical words." In fact, that is almost exactly what Naaman DID say (II Kings 5:11-12). But that still had not changed God's instructions!

The prophet Elisha sent word to Naaman...(II Kings 5:10). It was only when Naaman obeyed the word of God that God's promise was fulfilled. Now, don't scoff at this as a "fairy tale." Jesus referred to this event in Luke 4:27 and said it really happened. It is not a question of what God can do, but what He has said He will do.

God's Power Manifest in Laws
"It is no secret" what God can do in working through His established laws of nature. His power is no less manifest in the rainbow than in mighty miracles. God's power is shown in both. And this same power is manifest in His infinitely designed spiritual laws. In both the natural and spiritual, God is omnipotent. God has established laws governing mankind's reproduction, resulting in the birth of a child. But John the Baptist told the Jews, who took such pride in their lineage from Abraham...(Matt. 3:9). But John spoke of what God was ABLE to do, not what God has said He would do. It would have been silly indeed for Jewish newlyweds to start gathering up rocks to start a family! Though God has that power, he exercises His reproductive power through His natural laws.

The Universalist argues, "It is no secret that God can save everybody." But this matter revolves around the question, "What WILL God do?" The Son of God said...(Matt. 7:13-14). Thus, Jesus recognized that God would not save all people. Those who walk the wrong path, who disobey the Lord, will be lost. Not because God is not able to save them, but because they do not submit to His will.

God's Blessing for the Obedient
Some contend, "It is no secret that God can save man at the point of faith without him doing a thing to save himself." But where has God promised to do this? Can you give just one example of any man, anywhere, at any time, being blessed of God at the point of faith, or before faith was manifested in obedience? Every promised blessing of God is predicated upon our faith and obedience to His will to receive the blessing. Every one!

Jesus gave us our example...(Heb. 5:8-9). It is not a question of God's power, but just who He has said will be saved. The Lord Jesus said...(Matt. 7:21). In His very last statement in the Bible, Jesus said...(Rev. 22:14). Now, just who will be saved? Where has God ever promised to save any man who remains in disobedience to His will?

Salvation Only in Christ
"It is no secret" that God could have placed salvation any place He desired. In fact, that is just what He did! (Eph. 3:11). God has promised us many blessings, but Paul declared...(Eph. 1:3). Therefore, it is "in Christ" that we have all the promises of God (II Cor. 1:20). It is "in Christ" that we are "created ... unto good works" (Eph. 2:10), are "made alive" (I Cor. 15:22), are "reconciled to God by the blood of the cross" (Col. 1:18-20). It is "in Christ" that we are made "complete" (Col. 2:10), we "rejoice" (Phili. 4:4), for God has placed salvation "in him" (II Tim. 2:10). To get into Christ and stay in Christ will bring eternal happiness...(Rev. 14:13). God has unlimited power, but He has placed all spiritual blessings "in Christ."

"It is no secret" that God could have provided many ways of entrance into Christ. But He DID provide only one! (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:3). God could have provided many entrances into Christ, but he didn't do it. He plainly states that we are "baptized into Christ." It is in baptism that one enters into Christ, wherein is every spiritual blessing.

"It is no secret what God can do," but there should be no ignorance of what God WILL do! (Isa. 34:16).
[by Dillard Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 24, June 14, 1996, p. 1-3]

THE FOOD OF ANGELS
No, this will not be a recipe for baking a cake. This is an actual quote from the Bible, describing God's miraculous help for Israel on their trek from Egypt to the promised land. Jehovah had...(Psa. 78:23-25). God had been so good to them, as Moses delivered Abraham's seed from bondage in Egypt. By the mighty hand of the Creator they passed through the Red Sea to freedom.

In the desert of the Sinai, this great throng of the people of Israel needed food and water. God provided both. Food had come down from heaven to sustain them. Water flowed from the rocks in a barren wilderness. Quail, in abundance, came to give Israel meat. Blessings from the Almighty surrounded them every day. Still, in spite of such providential outpouring, notice the catalog of evil which God records against them in Psa. 78.

1. They didn't believe in God
2. They trusted not in his salvation
3. They lied to Him with their tongues
4. Their heart was not right with Him
5. They did not keep their covenant with God
6. They provoked and grieved God in the desert
7. They turned back and tempted Him
8. They limited the Holy One of Israel
9. They forgot what God had done for them.

Such ingratitude was common throughout the history of Israel in the Old Testament. When one reads Judg. 2:11-19 and Jer. 7:23-28, it is easily discernible that the spirit of rebellion was constantly a problem for Israel and Judah. Jeremiah wept over the indifference of Jehovah's unfaithful bride...(Jer. 2:32). The weeping prophet of Anatoth wrote later...(Jer. 7:28). In a contemporary passage, we learn exactly why Judah spent seventy years under the yoke of Babylon...(II Chron. 36:16).

Years later, in a powerful but sad context, Zechariah discloses the solemn fact that God's people still had "a heart like an adamant stone." Some basic sins are always with us! Yes, from the Tower of Babel forward (Gen. 11), the sins of ingratitude, pride, rebellion and idolatry run rampant in shallow hearts and minds. Men did "eat angels' food," but by their lives they continued to serve the devil!

In the first century, the apostle Paul reminded those who bowed down to idols that Jehovah was the only One worthy of homage, for He gave us...(Acts 14:17). To another gathering of similar folk in Athens, the great apostle boldly stated...(Acts 17:28). Spurned by the world, disobeyed by His very own, still in the fullness of time, in due time, God showed unfathomed love in sending His only begotten Son to ransom a world lost in sin (John 3:16-17; Rom. 5:8). What matchless grace!

We have much more than "angels' food." By the Lord's power, we can "become partakers of the divine" (II Pet. 1:4). As Jesus said of Himself...(John 6:58). May the spirit of rebellion and apostasy be far from us as we partake of His divine sustenance.
[by Johnny Ramsey from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 24, June 14, 1996, p. 3-4]

IS IT "FOR" OR "UNTO"?
"Dear brother Thurman: I notice you quote Acts 2:38 with the phrase, 'unto remission of sins' instead of 'for I remission of sins.' Please explain this. Doesn't 'for' mean your sins are forgiven and 'unto' mean in the direction of? And you quote Acts 2:47 as 'were being saved' instead of should be saved.' Why the change? -E.F., MO"

The answer is really very simple: I usually quote from the American Standard Version and not the King James Version. Although both are good versions, I began using the American Standard forty-nine years ago when I started preaching, because it is widely recognized as the most accurate English version ever produced. The above passages, I believe, illustrate this.

In Acts 2:38, Peter told convicted believers.... The word "unto" is always prospective and means, "In order to obtain." The word "for" can mean "in order to obtain," but it can also mean "because of." Thus, the word "for" is ambiguous in this passage, capable of two different meanings. Many debates have been conducted over this very point, which could easily have been settled by defining the Greek word properly as "unto." The "unto" in Acts 2:38 shows clearly that repentance and baptism precede remission of sins and are done for the purpose of obtaining remission. The word "for" has been used in numerous debates to argue that baptism is "because of" the remission we already have. Thus, the ASV makes the meaning clear while the KJV does not.

The passage Acts 2:47 is similar to the above with one major difference. The KJV reads, "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The ASV reads, "were saved" with the marginal reading based on the Greek reading, "such as were being saved." The King James here reflects the false Calvinistic "predestination" idea that only certain people have been selected by God for salvation. And the translation is not at all what the original language says. The ASV correctly translates the phrase as "were saved" or "were being saved," thus showing that the Lord added to the church ALL of those who obeyed Acts 2:38 in order to be saved (Acts 2:40).

The last question is interesting. "Why the change?" Please remember that the "standard" is not the King James Version, it is the original Greek. Don't compare the ASV, or any other version, with the King James to determine accuracy. The reading of any version must be judged on how closely it follows the original language, not some other version. The changes mentioned makes the original clearer than the King James does. And any version that does that should be a help to our understanding of God's message to us.
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 24, June 14, 1996, p. 4]

DRESS CODE
"Dear David: Your answer to the dress code question (issue of Aug. 4, 1995) troubles me as it fails to address the extreme situation some churches face. With some wearing T shirts and shorts, even when waiting on the Lord's table is frightening to me. You have given permission to dress as they please, just to prove they are not being like Pharisees. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices and we always should dress reverently. -D.G., SC."

I have GIVEN permission? Where did I get the authority to grant permission to anyone to do anything? I am not in charge of the church, Jesus is. Everything the church needs in order to function has been given by Jesus. (II Pet. 1:3). Jesus has provided the information we need to conduct our lives with godliness, including modest dress (I Tim. 2:9).

Still, I find no command from Jesus or His apostles concerning exactly what a man should wear when leading a service. I agree we should be reverent before God (whether leading or sitting), and our attire should reflect that. But I cannot speak for Jesus and tell anyone what they must wear in order to demonstrate that reverence. The scripture is silent on this.

The scripture is not silent on the dangers of substituting external performance for internal reverence. The Pharisees indeed looked religious with their long prayers, shadowed cheeks and showy contributions (Matt. 6). But they were internally dead (Matt. 23). The point is not that we should dress with disregard for God. The point is that our regard for God must come from within, not from some external code created by man. That is called a creed, and I reject all creeds that originate from man.
[by David Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 24, June 14, 1996, p. 4]

LOOKING FOR THE REAL JESUS
My latest "Time" magazine contains another article discussing the historical evidence of the reality of Jesus of Nazareth. Liberal scholars (those disputing the inspiration of the scriptures) dismiss the Jesus of the gospels as a fabrication or fiction of the unknown gospel writers.

Meanwhile, many of the fundamentalist believers of the Bible fight back, arguing for the truth of a real man named Jesus. This real figure was miraculously born and performed countless miracles. The greatest was His resurrection from the dead.

Lost in all the arguments are some very important truths. Was Jesus real? I believe it. Was Jesus God's divine Son? Again, I believe it. Did He rise from the dead, forever putting to flight the power of Satan? Emphatically yes! But still, in spite of my convictions, there is much more for me to know than these fundamental facts. The real Jesus is much more than a historical fact or a divine messenger. Who is the real Jesus?

A Man of the People
Jesus was born in humble circumstances to ordinary, poor people (Luke 2:7). He was not from a rich family or community. His earthly father was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55), a trade we assume He learned from Joseph. From His early life we learn much about Jesus, who was a man of the common people.

Jesus would have known humble circumstances. He would have been familiar with the diet and lifestyle of poor and unassuming people. He would have understood what it was like to live in simple housing with numerous brothers and sisters. He did not lead a privileged life, but was one of us.

(Heb. 2:14a). That Jesus was a person like us instills within us a confidence we would not have otherwise. He lived and died just like we do. This is not a Jesus who is beyond us or distant. This is a man who went through what we go through and understands what we experience.

(Heb. 4:15). Jesus was not only one of us in lifestyle, He also understands our weaknesses and failings because He too experienced the strain, the temptations of life. He was able to do this without sinning, but still He knows what we go through, both physically and spiritually. Arguing over the historical aspects of Jesus' life ignores the greater issue. God chose His Son to live among us, understand us and lead us back to God. That is the real Jesus.

A Radical Agent for God
(Matt. 10:34). Jesus brought a radical message to His times. His message, shared first with the ordinary people He came out of, was challenging and direct. He challenged people to follow Him (Matt. 16:24-25). He challenged others to sell everything to follow Him (Matt. 19:21). He charged people to go beyond the rules of the old law and accept the principles. So, lust was just as wrong as the resulting adultery, hatred as wrong as murder (Matt. 5:21-22, 27-30).

The arguments historians chase over the reality of Jesus clouds the radical nature of His message. Jesus asks His followers to walk a path that today is as challenging as ever. Reducing His life to historical discussions allows many to avoid facing His truths. (II Tim. 2:23-25a). Paul describes the problems with reducing Jesus to intellectual discussions. Arguments and quarrels result, which is the opposite of what Jesus' teaching was about. Jesus was of humble origins and He taught people to be kind, gentle and even patient with those who wronged Him.

This is the most challenging thing about Jesus's teaching. He asks us to be kind to everyone, even those who are unkind to us. He asks us to give to those who take, to forgive those who sin against us, to love those who hate. Arguing about the historical Jesus robs our world of the only power available to cure hatred and racism and violence. Instead of listening to the radical, life changing message of Jesus, we discuss the facts. The real Jesus calls on us to make real decisions to follow Him. That was radical in Jesus' life time, it is challenging today.

He Lived His Message
Everything Jesus taught, He first practiced. Unlike so many today who proclaim religious messages, Jesus lived His message, without any sin, for thirty years prior to His ministry. Then He lived it while under public scrutiny and with His enemies watching every move He made. Jesus always lived His message first, then called on others to follow.

Before asking us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Matt. 16:24) Jesus described His upcoming death on the cross (Matt. 16:21). Before sending His followers out to preach and heal (Luke 9:1-2) He taught and healed (Luke 8:40ff). When asking us to forgive our enemies, He reminds us that among His last words was a plea to God to forgive those who murdered Him (Luke 23:34). That makes it possible for us to see that this process works, that forgiving those who hurt us will work as it did for Jesus.

There is great power in the lifestyle of Jesus. If all men would merely look at His life and follow His example, then the world would once again be turned upside down. Discussions about the real Jesus merely clouds the power in His message and, even more importantly, the power in His lifestyle.

The Real Jesus Changed History
Yes, scholars argue over the messages in the gospels. Yes, they still debate the meanings of His life, the truths behind His teachings. And yet, in all the smoke and clutter of the supposed enlightened discussions, one truth stands out. Jesus changed history.

Everything about our calendar is based on the life and death of Jesus. We date things before Christ and then after. The world is divided between those who claim to be His followers and those who do not. Much of western civilization grew out of the Christian faith and the way man attempted to spread it and enforce it. Much of the history is not at all Christlike, but nevertheless history is centered in the man from Nazareth.

More importantly, Jesus stands at the center of divine history. (Gal. 4:4-5). Jesus came at the right time, born in humble circumstances to an ordinary woman, that we might be forgiven and come back to God. His life and death were not mere historical events, but history changing events for everyone who is born of water and the spirit (John 3:3). His life and death are not fodder for intellectual discussions, but the pathway back to God for millions of sinners.

When I came to believe in Jesus, repented and came back to God and was immersed, my history changed as well. I went from being lost to saved, from being in darkness to the light, from being disowned by God to adoption as God's son. At the moment of baptism I changed. (Rom. 6:3-4). I walk in newness of life because Jesus lived and died. By joining Him in His death, my personal history has been changed. Just as all of history is centered in the Christ, so my personal history is now centered in Him as well.

Accept the Real Jesus
Jesus knows what you feel, He has lived a life much like yours. You can trust Him to understand and accept you. Jesus challenges you to a radical way of life, but a way of life that will empower you to happiness and fulfillment, just as it did for Him. Jesus calls you to live for Him, but not without first showing you how to live that life by His own example. And, Jesus offers to change your personal history by forgiving you for your sins.

The real Jesus loves you enough to leave heaven to be like you. He loves you enough to ask you to change your views on life, on forgiveness and love itself. He loves you enough to model the powerful lifestyle that He calls you to share. He loves you enough to give His own life for you to allow you to walk in newness of life. Will you accept the real Jesus?
[by David Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 23, June 7, 1996, p. 1-3]

MAKING WORSHIP MORE SPIRITUAL?
"Dear brother Clem: So many in the church are wanting change these days that some don't know what to believe. What do you see in the Bible about lighting candles during the Lord's Supper to 'get us in the mood'? Or clapping while we sing, or constantly singing new songs which the young people have learned? -S.F., AL"

The conflict between younger members and older members has probably been with us for 1950 years! This conflict is not limited to the church, but is seen in various other sectors of life. Older people want to hold on to what they are accustomed to; they resist change, sometimes when it is desperately needed. Young people "push" for change, sometimes when it is neither necessary nor profitable. However, there are some things we just cannot change, no matter how much people want it. God's word is Truth (John 17:17), and it is still the authority for what we do in religion (II Tim. 3:16-17). We can't change that, nor can we change what it authorizes. Thus, worship is authorized by Jesus Christ, Who said...(Matt. 28:18). Admittedly, within the authority of Jesus, there is room for some change in the traditional way we do things. But, still, the worship which the Lord has authorized must remain unchanged.

As to lighting candles, this reminds us of the practice of the priests under the law of Moses (Heb. 9:2). Surely this isn't being done as an act of worship! If so, it is unauthorized and wrong. But if the candles are just to "set a mood," the question comes as to why it is necessary. I could not say that having candles is wrong, any more than using electric lights or asking everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes during communion.

But there is an important question here, asked a long time ago...(Gal. 3:3). The apostle in that passage was speaking of going back to the outward pomp of the Old Testament (Gal. 3:2). But the principle of his rhetorical question is important. We are to be a spiritual people, engaged in spiritual activity - worship. How does the physical trappings improve the spiritual? You just cannot improve inward spirituality by imposing outward arrangements. It was true when Paul said it, and it is still true today. Real spirituality comes from within.

The singing of new songs is neither good nor bad, in itself. It depends upon the songs and the ones singing them. For most older people, there is resentment when "youth songs" are constantly used and the old and beloved hymns are never used. That is understandable. On the other hand, many of these "youth songs" are excellent songs that will stand the test of time and will be used for the next hundred years. And the young people feel left out if only the "old songs" are used. Remember, all of the old standbys such as "On a Hill Far Away" and "Amazing Grace," were new songs once. How else will we learn new songs if we don't try to learn and use them. As long as the requirements of such passages as Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 are met, and worshipers are considerate of one another (Heb. 10:24), this should not be a problem.

As to clapping to accompany the singing, that is no more authorized as worship than is instrumental music. It is adding an activity to the worship that is not authorized by the Lord. He said...(Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). The activity authorized in those passages is singing. Neither clapping nor instruments fulfill what is plainly authorized by the passages.
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 23, June 7, 1996, p. 3-4]

DIFFERENCE IN PRECEPT AND COMMAND?
"Dear brother Ramsey: In the Psalms, especially, 'precept' and 'command' are often used together and seemingly mean the same thing. But there is a difference between the two words as used today by presidents and governments. Can we harmonize this, or is it a translation issue? -N.O., NM"

This writer also mentioned, in the same letter, that she regularly reads the GOSPEL MINUTES, and although she does not agree with everything, she benefits from the study and reflection. God commended the Bereans...(Acts 17:11). God bless you and others for realizing that the purpose of these answers is to cause further study and increase Bible knowledge. We do not claim be "the authority" in religion, nor we do we claim that we are always right and have a copyright on Truth. God is the authority, and His word is truth (John 17:17). If we cause folk to study harder and learn more, our task has been worthwhile. Your questions help us to study more diligently, also!

Psa. 119 has 176 verses in 22 stanzas of 8 verses each. Over and over, the scriptures are praised by the psalmist. Reading that eloquent tribute to God's word shows that the psalmist's use of "precept," "testimony," "commandment" and "word" are often used interchangeably. For instance...(Psa. 119:143-144, 147, 172-173). There may be a technical difference in English and as used in governmental jargon today, but Psa. 119:9-16 will reveal that these words are used as synonyms in the Bible.
[by Johnny Ramsey from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 23, June 7, 1996, p. 4]

CAN ELDERS FIRE THE PREACHER?
"Dear brother Clem: Can the elders fire the preacher without telling the congregation? If they tell why they fired him, is that gossip? -P.K., OK"

If elders can hire the preacher, they can also fire him. As overseers of the church, shepherds of God's flock, charged with "watching in behalf of souls" (Heb. 13:17), elders certainly have the oversight of the preacher. In forty-nine years of preaching and twenty years serving as an elder, I have known of many situations where the elders had to "fire" the preacher. Exactly how this should be done is the real problem, and every situation is unique. Certainly, the principles of Christ must be followed in all of our dealings with each other, and this is particularly important with a matter as sensitive as this with many souls involved.

Yes, the elders CAN fire the preacher without telling the congregation "why" it was done. And sometimes it is necessary. If elders feel it is important that the whole church know the reason, they should tell them. If it is a matter that requires privacy, then hopefully the congregation has enough confidence in the elders to follow their lead - even without knowing all the reasons for their actions. It is vitally important that elders be united in their decisions and actions and follow Christian principles in all their dealings. At best, some in the church will be upset. At worst, serious problems can result. Having served as an elder for twenty years, I know the burden elders carry. It ain't easy. But neither is it easy being a preacher and having to try to please everybody. Both need our help, encouragement and prayers.
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 23, June 7, 1996, p. 4]

HOW WE CAN HELP THE DEVIL
Jesus told the apostle Peter...(Luke 22:31). The devil also desires to have us...(I Pet. 5:8). Sadly, the devil often succeeds in devious and nefarious scheming to enlist us in hellish endeavors. Though we were made to glorify God (Isa. 43:7), we can surrender to the clever tricks of the tempter and even influence others to...(I Tim. 3:7). We must constantly be alert and vigilant lest we fall into the clutches of the great enemy of our souls.

Members of the body of Christ sometimes feel that they have nothing to fear from Satan. But that is exactly what he wants us to think. The apostle Paul warned the Christians at Corinth...(II Cor. 2:11). If we let our guard down, Satan captures us to his will. Let us notice some areas in which we actually aid Satan in his quest to enslave us in sin.

Allowing the Church to Be Divided
If Satan can control the body of Christ through suspicion, jealousy and lack of brotherly love, he will succeed in breaking the yoke that binds us together in the love of the Lord. Paul writes...(Eph. 4:3). When an army is splintered by faction and disarray, it cannot stand the strong onslaught of opposing soldiers. The devil knows this, and he works desperately to shatter the morale of the Lord's warriors. Nothing helps Satan's cause more than animosity between those who should be loyally serving the Lord Jesus "without distraction" (I Cor. 7:35).

Jesus, just before His crucifixion, prayed earnestly to the Father...(John 17:21). Satan works constantly against that prayer, seeking to divide believers into warring factions and even into different denominations. Among the things which God hates is...(Prov. 6:19). Those who divide brethren will give an account on judgment for the aid they rendered to the enemy! On the other hand, God says...(Psa. 133:1). Such unity will form a solid wall against the devil that will always be triumphant against the powerful odds Satan uses. (Rom. 8:31, 37).

Exalting Men Rather than Christ
We should never allow Satan any room in our lives to operate to our eternal loss...(Eph. 4:27). When we elevate men to the pedestal that belongs only to God, we most seriously err. When Peter came to preach the gospel of salvation to Cornelius, he would not allow Cornelius to worship him (Acts 10:26). Even angels would not allow men to worship them (Rev. 22:8-9). Satan would love for us to shift our devotion and homage from the Creator to the creature (Rom. 1:25) and thus corrupt our worship. Allegiance to men, and men's religious movements, rather than toward our Maker can be seen in the fact that some idolize musicians, movie stars and athletic heroes. The real super-stars are Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, Samuel, Jeremiah, Paul - and especially the only perfect one: Jesus! We should always follow Him.

Those who would magnify and exalt Luther, Wesley, Calvin, Smith or other men are unwise and unscriptural. Christ alone died for us. May we never forget that. When the apostle Paul found division among the believers at Corinth, he wrote...(I Cor. 1:10-13). Instead of exalting men - even good men - they should have been exalting only the Lord Jesus Christ. We also need to go beyond Campbell and Bethany all the way back to Jesus and Jerusalem. The seed of the kingdom is not the restoration movement, it is the word of God (Luke 8:11).

Putting Off, Instead of Obeying Now
When people clearly know what the scriptures require, but postpone their obedience to the truth, they truly follow the dictates of the devil. As long as the great enemy of our souls overwhelms our good intentions with procrastination, we are still serving him rather than the Lord Jesus. Delay is a powerful tool of hell. Israel provoked God by delaying their obedience to His commands, and He uses them as an example for us...(Heb. 3:15). God never says, "Obey later!" That is Satan's message. God says to do His will now.

The apostle wrote...(James 4:14, 17). Delay is disobedience, and we must recognize that, if we would please God. Paul wrote...(II Cor. 6:2). If Satan can get us to put off doing what we know is right, he has enslaved us, and he knows it. By putting off the doing of right, we not only are doing wrong, but we are like those of whom Paul wrote...(I Tim. 4:2). Let us learn never to delay in seeking to know the will of God, and doing it!

Failing to Seek and Save the Lost
Jesus stated His mission to mankind in simple terms...(Luke 19:10). That is also our mission...(Mark 16:15-16). Because the gospel of Christ is...(Rom. 1:16), we have been entrusted by the Lord with that which is able to save the world! One of the best ways we could help Satan would be to hide the glad tidings of salvation from those who are lost. When members of the Lord's church are selfish in giving and unwilling to spread the gospel with the billions on earth, the devil rejoices.

Christians must be...(Phili. 1:16) and be deeply concerned for those who have been overwhelmed by sin. God, through the prophet of old, stated the principle clearly...(Eze. 33:8). The New Testament embraces the same principle...(Acts 20:26). Every time we miss an opportunity to share the good news of Christ with those who are lost in sin, we help Satan in his quest for their (and our) souls. But every time we share the gospel with the lost, we weaken the hold the devil has on the world.

Letting Worldliness Permeate Our Lives
Satan will make things of this world just as popular and enjoyable as we let him. If he can lead us into a worldly and carnal lifestyle, he has won. John warns...(I John 2:15-16). The apostle Paul exhorts us with these words of God...(II Cor. 7:1).

Instead of following Christ, too many of us allow the sensual appetite of earth to dominate our sojourn in the midst of a perverse world. There is no way we can compel others to live for Jesus when we take a detour from the highway of holiness. We dare not find ourselves conforming to the standards of shallow minds...(Rom. 12:1). Our goal should ever be to emulate the Savior, as we take time to be holy...(I Pet. 1:14-15).

Tolerating Religious Error
Perhaps the most effective tool of the subtle serpent (II Cor. 11:3) is the error false teachers proclaim daily around the world. Millions are deceived and beguiled by...(I Tim. 4:1-2). When people listen to and believe that which is not true, their souls are in jeopardy and their eternal destiny is not very bright.

Error will never be as valuable as truth, and Satan knows that. Jesus said...(John 8:32). But He also said of the devil...(John 8:44). We are saved and sanctified by the truth (John 17:17). Nothing else will do.

Elders of the church are supposed to protect and feed the flock (Acts 20:28-32). If they are unable to...(Titus 1:9, 11), salvation will evade many people. Preachers who never expose error walk hand in hand with the enemy of the soul. Paul wrote of the work of preachers...(II Tim. 4:2-4). Preachers who are true to their trust will expose and oppose all error.

We must always be...(Phili. 1:16) as we...(Jude 3). It will be exceedingly sad for us in the Day of Judgment if we encouraged sin and untruth while on the earth. Conversely, what a joy it will be to learn that we held up the banner of the Savior in the midst of a wicked society. To assist the Lord in the pursuit of righteousness is a noble endeavor. May we never help the devil in any way.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus
Ye soldiers of the cross,
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
[by Johnny Ramsey from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 21, May 24, 1996, p. 1-3]

GIVE "GOODS" TO THE CHURCH?
"Dear brother Thurman: I have learned of some congregations bringing 'junk' or waste paper and giving it to the church. This was then sold, and the money used for benevolence or other kinds of work. Is this right? Aren't we told to 'lay by in store' to raise money? -D.M., TX"

When I was about eight or nine years old, the small country church where we attended decided to build a building in which to meet. This was during the depression years, and there just wasn't much money in the "dust bowl" of Western Oklahoma. Some of the families gave money, others gave cows or surplus farm machinery to be sold or traded for lumber or roofing. A hundred years ago, lots of preachers were paid for a "protracted meeting" in the currency of chickens, eggs, butter or even hogs. Customs change. We are accustomed to dealing with money today, so we become suspicious of giving anything else. But where does the Bible say that?

Araunah offered his threshing floor to Israel for David to make a sacrifice to God; no money was mentioned (II Sam. 24). In fact, in the Old Testament, most of the giving which was done was in the form of merchandise - cattle, sheep, crops, etc. The Christians in Antioch...(Acts 11:26; Acts 11:29-30). The brethren in Judea were in need, and other Christians gave to help them. What did they give? Maybe they gave money. Maybe they sent groceries, clothes. We just don't know. The point is that what they gave had the end result of alleviating the need.

If brethren decide to give money for a work of the church, I am sure no one would mind it. On the other hand, if one wants to give a horse, or an automobile or a farm to the church, I cannot imagine God being displeased! Such merchandise, if not directly needed, can be sold and the funds used for the purpose the church has decided.
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 21, May 24, 1996, p. 3-4]

HOW TO CONFRONT SINNERS
"Dear brethren: A man in our church notices who attends. If they are divorced, he will make a comment in class about divorce. If they make any comment that seems different from what he believed, he will confront them. He angers many and some will not come back to services because of his treatment of them. Is this the way to confront sin?"

I find Jesus meeting sinners in many settings. A woman caught in adultery was not condemned (John 8). Zaccheus was a tax collector known as a sinner and was not condemned (Luke 19). In fact, when people criticized Jesus for eating with Zaccheus the Lord responded with...(Luke 19:10). Jesus knew Zaccheus was lost or he wouldn't need saving. But His mission (and ours) is to seek those people and bring them back to God.

Jesus was never soft on sin. Sin caused Him to leave heaven and to go to the cross. Sin for Jesus was a heavy burden that cost Him dearly. But Jesus always handled sinners with gentleness and compassion. He never excused their sin, but always demonstrated His love and understanding for their situation.

Obviously, there is a time to rebuke those who sin. When Ananias and Sapphira sinned, Peter rebuked them openly (Acts 5). When Apollos misrepresented the gospel, Aquila and Priscilla took him aside to teach him more accurately (Acts 18). And Paul commanded the Corinthians to withdraw from those who live in sin (I Cor. 5).

As we confront sin, however, we should always keep in mind our mission. It is still to "seek and to save the lost". That requires we be gentle and compassionate, even when a man is overtaken in sin (Gal. 6:1). It requires we acknowledge our own susceptibility to sin and prevents us from any sort of arrogance. Finally, we must put the sinner and his/her salvation ahead of our own wants and needs and find the right words, the right setting, the right means to let that sinner know how much God loves that person and wants him/her to be saved.
[by David Thurman from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 21, May 24, 1996, p. 4]

BABY SHOWER FOR UNWED MOTHER?
"Dear brother Ramsey: Should the local church give a shower for a member about to give birth out of wedlock? And should we have fellowship with a preacher who had an affair with another member of a nearby congregation who now attends here? -O.C., MS"

First of all, the church is not in the shower business. Individuals take care of these matters as a function of the home. We would save a lot of grief if we dropped out of the church ball teams and other matters Christ's church should never be in to start with. Christians do not want to endorse anything that reflects upon purity, holiness and integrity. Nor should we give the appearance of endorsing and approving immorality. But there are some questions.

Has the young lady repented? If she repents of her sins, several women might desire, especially to help the innocent baby, to provide necessary items for her infant. Such action would confirm their love for the new mother and encourage her to remain loyal to the Lord (II Cor. 2:7-8). This is a judgment call that deals with wisdom and motive. However, we never want to send signals to other young members that loose morals are acceptable in the body of Christ.

As to the preacher and his adultery, and the effect upon the two congregations involved, there are also a number of unanswered questions. Did he repent? Has he made things right in both congregations? Is he back with his own wife and showing proper conduct? We need to remember that when one has sinned, regardless of what the sin is, and then repented, God will forgive him. So should we.
[by Johnny Ramsey from Gospel Minutes, vol. 45, no. 21, May 24, 1996, p. 4]

To select another section of literature

To the instructions

To Home Page