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Humility is knowing where it all came from.

The beauty that will never fade has its roots anchored in good character.

Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; avenging an injury makes you even with him; forgiving an injury sets you above him.

God does not ask about our ability or our inability, but about our availability.

A Christian may be a blot or a blessing. A blank he cannot be.

Most people insist that they are not grasping, yet they usually contend for the last word.

Everything that is worth while is up grade.

You can do something for God that no other person in the whole world can do in precisely the same way.
[by Dan Anders]

The more help a man has in his garden, the less it belongs to him.

The person who wants to do something finds a way; the other kind finds an excuse.

A sermon that pricks the conscience, must have good points!
[from Rotorua Weekly Reporter, 27 May 1990]

Better good than ambitious. Goodness is the crowning virtue.

The man who has never denied himself some cherished plan in order that he may bless another has as yet missed the sweetest joy of life.

It makes no difference whether God's plan seems to be adequate to accomplish the end in view; the question is: Is it His plan? If so, it must be followed.

People who shirk responsibility are really shunning success.

He who expects nothing shall never be disappointed.

Duty without enthusiasm becomes laborious; Duty with enthusiasm becomes glorious.

There is no lovelier way to thank God for your sight, than by giving a helping hand to someone in the Dark.
[by Helen Keller]

Lord, help me to admit when I am wrong, and make me easier to live with when I am right.

Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the deeper it goes.

Those who are afraid of the deep will not catch many fish.

Have you ever noticed that no one frowns at a smile?

Are you looking for new truths which will change your life or reaffirmation of old beliefs which will confirm your prejudices?

Don't expect God to put you in a bigger hole until you plug the one you're in.

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.
Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent, and shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver's hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

It is well to make a good beginning - and it is also well to remember that the end determines everything.

Ordinarily it is easier to begin a thing than it is to carry it through to a proper end.

The threads of habit are so small that one does not realize how strong they may become when woven into chains.

Prejudice is a great time-saver. It enables us to form opinions without the facts.

A man and his wife once found a gas bill on the sidewalk when they were out for a evening stroll. The man picked it up and looked it over carefully. "I'm going to pay this bill, Maggie," he said.

"What do you want to do that for?" his wife asked impatiently. "It isn't your bill."

"No, I know it isn't," he replied. "But there's a discount on it, and I might as well have it as anybody else."

A lot of Christians are like porcupines; they have a lot of good points...but they are hard to get close to.

There is no such thing as a necessary man.

A Christian should be like a watch - open face, busy hands, well regulated, pure gold, and full of good works.

Let's go bring them in to be taught God's Word.

He that will conquer must fight.

It is a big thing to do small things well.

Goodness in the soul, and not wealth in the purse, brings happiness.

The man who has the Lord on his side need not be afraid of the world.

Do not sacrifice the truth to court popularity.

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

History says, "look back."
Science says, "look around."
Philosophy says, "look within."
Christianity says, "look up."

Some family trees seem to produce a variety of nuts.

The man who is afraid of the opinions of others can never be a king.

Our faith grows stronger by ever keeping our spiritual vision fixed upon Jesus.

It is not necessary to have any fears of the result of life as long as you do the will of God.

ANYWAY

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you're successful, you'll win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favour underdogs, but follow only topdogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
Give the world the best you've got, and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway.

LOVING LIFE AND SEEING GOOD DAYS

Because He loves us, our Lord counsels us through the words of I Pet 3:8-12 on the topic of how to "love life and see good days." Sometimes we are guilty of trying to find fulfilling happy life through our own worldly and often self-centered ways. Our ideas usually fail, but God's way never fails to make our life lovable and our days good. What is his way for your life to be happy?

First, perhaps we need to just pause and realize that God wants us to have "good days". A common expression of Jesus is, "Be of good cheer." (John 16:33)

Secondly, instead of "seeking for self", let's remind ourselves to try God's way as it is described in the verses from I Pet. 3 where God mentions our "loving life and seeing good days." In this passage he mentions things like seeking harmony, being sympathetic, having compassion, and remaining humble. He mentions also that we must avoid retaliating when we are mistreated and instead "bless". He cautions us to be careful about our words and to seek peace.

All the advice in this passage about our "loving our life" points us to caring and doing for others lovingly. Someone has said: "The ten rules of getting rid of the blues are to go out and do something loving for someone else - and then repeat this nine more times." Our Lord said that we find life by losing it, meaning losing it in a caring cause bigger than self.

May God help us learn to listen to Him so we can begin "loving life and seeing good days."
[By Earl Jack Wilkerson from The Outreach. Dunedin Church of Christ's bulletin 14 Apr. 1990]

HANDS AND FEET FOR HIM

Christ has no hands, but our hands to do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way;
He has no lips but our lips to tell men how He died;
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.
We are the only Bible the careless world will read;
We are the sinner's gospel, we are the scoffer's creed;
We are our Lord's last message, written in deed and word;
What if the type be crooked? What if the print be blurred?
What if our feet be walking where sin's allurement is?
What if our hands be busy with other work than His?
If our lips be speaking of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him, or hasten our Lord's return?

The good man... He is an old and experienced man. In vice and wickedness he is never found. Opposing the work of iniquity he takes delight. In the downfall of his neighbour he never rejoices. In the prosperity of any of his fellow creatures he is ready to assist. In destroying the peace of society he takes no pleasure. In serving the Lord he is uncommonly diligent. In sowing discord among his friends and acquaintances he takes no pride. In labouring to promote the cause of Christianity he has not been negligent. In endeavouring to stigmatize all public teachers he makes no exertions. To subdue his passions he strives hard. To build up Satan's kingdom he lends no aid. To support the gospel among the heathen he contributes largely. To the evil adversary he pays no attention. To good advice he gives great heed. To the devil he will never go. To heaven he must go where he will receive the just recompense of his reward.

The evil man.... He is an old and experienced man in vice and wickedness. He is never found opposing the work of iniquity. He takes delight in the downfall of his neighbour. He never rejoices in the prosperity of any of his fellow creatures. He is ready to assist in destroying the peace of society. He takes no pleasure in serving the Lord. He is uncommonly diligent in sowing discord among his friends and acquaintances. He takes no pride in labouring to promote the cause of Christianity. He has not been negligent in endeavouring to stigmatize all public teachers. He makes no exertions to subdue his passions. He strives hard to build up Satan's kingdom. He lends no aid to support the gospel among the heathen. He contributes largely to the evil adversary. He pays no attention to good advice. He gives great heed to the devil. He will never go to heaven. He must go where he will receive the just recompense of his reward.

(The words are the same, only punctuation is different.)
[by F.W. Emmons (1873) reprinted in Hamilton Herald 26 Feb. 1990]

A man's life is what his thoughts make it.
[by Marcus Aurelius from Hamilton Herald, 17 Jan. 1990]

The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.
[By William James from Hamiton Herald, 17 Jan. 1990]

While seeking happiness for others we consistently find it for self.
[From The Messenger Nelson's bulletin, 25 Feb. 1990]

The man who studies only his own selfish interests is sure to be miserable; the man who looks beyond self to the good of others is sure to be happy in this life and in the life to come.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Be not discouraged in the midst of the conflicts and shadows of life. These will fit you for a nobler and purer life. God has something in store for you better than you have known.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Religion is like a bank in that neither one pays dividends unless we make deposits.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Unused talents give you no advantage over someone who has no talents at all.
[by Raymond Tucker from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

EIGHT MYSTERIES OF OUR CHURCH:

1. The mystery of the empty pew. Freedom to worship apparently is interpreted as freedom from worship.
2. The mystery of the disappearing church member. Some drop out of sight without a trace and no one knows why.
3. The mystery of the closed Bible. In many homes the Bible is a dust catcher and never used.
4. The mystery of the unaccompanied child. Many children are dropped off by parents who never attend Bible school or worship services.
5. The mystery of the buried talents.
6. The mystery of the uncommitted dollar. The pocketbook is usually the last thing to be converted.
7. The mystery of the misused day. Some Christians use a beautiful Sunday for everything except for the praise and worship of God.
8. The mystery of the worrying saint. With a loving and caring Savior, what does a Christian have to worry about.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Vacation: A thing you work day and night to earn and get ready for, you rush frantically to make the most of, and scrimp and save to pay for.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

I will be calm in a feverish world. I will be courageous in a world filled with fear. I will be hopeful in a pessimistic world. I will think of others when others think only of themselves. I will be consistent in all things even when others are consistent only in their inconsistencies. I will judge myself harshly before I judge others kindly.
[By Barney Walker from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Above all things, the Bible should be studied and obeyed and taught.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, who walk in the law of Jehovah.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Our Lord is not seeking compliments, but commitments.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

THE DEVIL'S BIBLE...

Indifference 3:6, "I'm just too tired, after working all week, to attend services."
Popular 1:10, "Go ahead, everyone else is doing it."
Cowardly 5:9, "Don't talk religion with your neighbors. They are old friends and you might antagonize them."
Hypocrisy 6:5, "The church means everything to me, but I only attend Sunday morning."
Idleness 9:5, "There just isn't anything for me to do."
Foolishness 3:16, "Writing notes and whispering during worship show proper reverence to God."
Covetous 8:8, "It's nobody's business how much I give."
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

As our right response to God's love for us is love for Him, so our right response to His jealousy over us is jeal for Him.
[by J.I. Packer from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Never again will I say, "I can't", for (Phili. 4:13.) Never again will I admit lack, for (Phili. 4:19.) Never again will I fear, for (II Tim. 1:7.) Never again will I harbor doubt and lack of faith, for (Psa. 27:1.) Never again will I allow supremacy of satan over my life, for (I John 4:4.) Never again will I admit defeat, for God (II Cor. 2:14.) Never again will I lack wisdom, for (James 1:5.) Never again will I be worried and frustrated, (I Pet. 5:7.) Never again will I be in bondage, for (II Cor. 3:17.)
[From the Centerville, Tenn. bulletin via the from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The ambition to do well is far better than the ambition to be well-to-do.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A FRIEND IS A GIFT OF GOD

Among the great and glorious gifts our heavenly Father sends
Is the gift of understanding that we find in loving friends,
For in this world of trouble that is filled with anxious care
Everybody needs a friend in whom they're free to share
The little secret heartaches that lay heavy on their mind,
Not just a mere acquaintance but someone who's "Just our kind"
For, somehow, in the generous heart of loving, faithful friends
The good God is His charity and wisdom always sends
A sense of understanding and the power of perception
And mixes these fine qualities with kindness and affection
So when we need some sympathy or a friendly hand to touch,
Or an ear that listens tenderly and speaks words that mean so much,
We seek our true and trusted friend in the knowledge that we'll find
A heart that's sympathetic and an understanding mind...
And often just without a word there seems to be a union
Of thoughts and kindred feelings for God gives "true friends" communion.
[By Helen Steiner Rice from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE

It costs nothing, but saves much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash, and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever... None is so rich that he can get along without it; none so poor that he is not enriched by it. It creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and it is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sick, and nature's best antidote for trouble. It cannot be bought, borrowed, or stolen, for it is of no earthly good until it is given away. If you meet someone too burdened with grief or worry to smile, just give him one of yours. For nobody needs a smile so much as he who has none left to give.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

JUST AN ORDINARY MEMBER

Just an ordinary member of the church I heard her say,
But you'd always find her present, even on a rainy day.
She had a warm handclasp for the stranger in the aisle,
And a friend who was in trouble found sunshine in her smile.
When the sermon helped her, she told the preacher so;
nd when she needed help, she let the elders know.
She always gave so freely and tried to do her share,
In all the ordinary tasks for which some have no care.
Her talents were not many, but her love for God was true
Her prayers were not in public, but she prayed for me and you.
An "ordinary member" did you say? I think I would say,
she was "extra ordinary", in a humble sort of way.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the dumb can understand.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Lying covers a multitude of sin...temporarily.
[by Dwight L. Moody from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

How many people do you expect to take to heaven with you?
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Faith is the gateway that leads to green pastures of true peace.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

No man ever yet served the Lord by trying to please the people.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

There is no such thing as wasted labor if we are serving Jesus Christ.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.
[by Beecher from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Confessing your sins is no substitute for forsaking them.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The more push one has, the less pull he needs.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The ships that come in while we sit and wait are mostly hardships.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself forcefully.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

What happens in us is more important that what happens to us.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Why? Back in the days of back breaker church benches and no air conditioning, sermons were two hours long. Now, with air conditioning and cushioned form-fitting pews, sermons are 25 minutes long, or short as the case may be. How come?
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

If the doors were locked when worship services began, where would you be? On the inside or striving to arrive on time!
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The Holy Bible won't work...unless you use it.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

What this church needs is a better ME!
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Most of our biggest troubles are so little other people can't see them.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A homemade friend lasts longer than one you buy in the market.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The school of experience wouldn't be so bad if the tuition fees weren't so high.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Life is a great gift, and the man who lives to no purpose despises that which his Creator has done for him.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

It is the duty of every man to be happy, for the happy man does far more good in the world than the sad one.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

When you have really done a good deed, then the right thing is to say nothing about it.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A Christian is one who makes it easier for other people to believe in God.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Lessons from a hammer: It keeps its head. It does not fly off the handle. It finds the point and drives it home. It looks at the other side. It succeeds by continuous pounding. It makes mistakes but when it does, it starts all over again.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Church work is like a wheelbarrow - it stands still till someone pushes it.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A topsy-turvy world need not prevent one from keeping his own life right side up.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Wrestling with adversity may not be the most pleasant exercise, but it makes strong souls.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The greatest reward for Christian work well done is more to do.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Oblivion is full of men who permitted the opinion of others to overrule their belief in themselves.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

It takes a certain amount of push to accomplish anything - even with a wheelbarrow.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

If you're out of touch with God, you'll be out of touch with man.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

A farmer whose crop had done poorly decided to "borrow" a few bushels from a neighbor. On a dark night the farmer and 8-year old son did this and the farmer took a look at the right and left as he reached the property line and then looked behind him. "Daddy," said the youngster, "you forgot to look up."
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Keep your ideals high enough to inspire you, but low enough to encourage you.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased with tales, so is the other.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
[by Lord Acton in 1887 via Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

An empty kettle rattles loud.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Parents can tell but never teach, until they practice what they preach.
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

I have lived in this world just long enough to look carefully the second time into things I am the most certain of the first time.
[by Josh Billings from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

The wife and daughters of the new minister sat in the same pew each Sunday with a dignified elderly couple. After several weeks of exchanging smiles and good mornings, the couple introduced themselves. "My dear," the elderly lady said gently, "I've enjoyed worshipping with you and your precious girls. And, I want you to know I've been praying a special prayer that the father of these two lovely children will agree to come to church with you some Sunday."
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

IT'S UNBELIEVABLE

If all the unsaved people in the world were to line up single file at your front door, the line would reach around the world 30 times. And what's worse, this line would grow at the rate of 20 miles per day.

If you should drive 50 miles per hour, 10 hours per day, it would take you 4 years to get to the end of the line, and by the time you reach it, it would have become 33,000 miles longer.

And all of this begins at your front door. Jesus said...(Matt. 28:19-20).

Anyone with a heart full of friendship has a hard time finding enemies.

The CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Just to be tender, just to be true,
Just to be glad the whole day through,
Just to be merciful, just to be mild,
Just to be trustful as a child.
Just to be gentle and kind and sweet,
Just to be helpful with willing feet,
Just to be cheery when things go wrong,
Just to drive sadness away with song.
Whether the hour is dark or bright,
Just to be loyal to God and right,
Just to believe that God knows best,
Just in his providence ever to rest,
Just to let love be our daily key,
That is God's will for you and me.

WHAT WE MUST HAVE TO HAVE A REAL REVIVAL
All the sleeping Christians must wake up! (Eph. 5:14.)
All the lukewarm folks must fire up! (Rev. 3:14-21.)
All the dishonest folks must confess up! (I John 1:7-10.)
All the disgruntled folks must sweeten up! (Gal. 5:14-15.)
All the discouraged folks must cheer up! (Gal. 6:9; Phili. 4:4-13.)
All the depressed folks must look up! (Heb. 12:1-2.)
All the estranged folks must make up! (Eph. 4:32.)
All the gossipers must shut up! (James 3:5-6.)
All the covetous must ante up! (Acts 20:35.)
All the soldiers must stand up! (Eph. 6:10-20.)
All the dead must rise up! (Eph. 5:14.)
All the teachers must speak up! (Acts 4:19-20.)
All the preachers must preach up! (Gal. 1:10.)
All the church must revive up! (Psa. 85:6.)

THE VALUE OF ONE.

God deals in "One". Eph. 4:4-6 speaks of the unity of faith when Paul says.

Let us think of the importance of "one".

One false alarm can cause a panic. One false step can ruin a life. One wayward child can break a mother's heart. One lie can destroy a person's character. A closer look reveals: one visitor brought by every member would double attendance. One additional dollar contribution by every member would increase our work program immensely. One person converted by each Christian each year would mean the world for Christ before long. One prayer and scripture reading every day would make for greater spiritual growth among the Lord's people. Each member of the Lord's body needs to realize he counts for ONE!
[by Vernon Williams]

It was only a glad "Good Morning."
As she passed along the way.
But it spread the morning's glory
Over the livelong day.

Young bride: "Now, dear, what will I get if I cook a dinner like that for you every day this year?"
Young husband: "My life insurance."

If you want to be sure to insult a person, just insinuate that he has never known trouble.

No one knows about your integrity, your sincerity, your talent or your goodness unless you give out samples in action.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Charity is not just giving a dog a bone. It is giving a dog a bone when you are as hungry as the dog.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

An educated man is one who knows how to be ignorant intelligently.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Some folks who think they are busy are just confused.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

A good education enables a person to worry about things ignorant people don't know exists.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Jealousy is to the soul what sickness is to the body.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

No one can be made tender hearted by being kept in hot water.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

To some people religious freedom means the choice of churches which they may stay away from.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

It requires more courage to suffer than to die.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Religion is not a way of looking at certain things. It is a certain way of looking at everything.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Real charity doesn't care if it's tax-deductible or not.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

If your religion means much to you, live so it will mean must to others.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Don't be intimidated by opposition. Remember, a kite rises against the wind, not with it.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

A young man's hardest problem is to find a girl attractive enough to please him, and dumb enough to like him.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

A man's attending church regularly doesn't mean he attends religiously.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Very often a person who boasts of having no religious prejudice has no religion either.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

No quality of Christian character can be essential that is not possible to every man.
[from Brixton Road Church of Christ Bulletin]

Isn't this a ridiculous situation...here I am up in heaven and God's on earth. I've always been taught to respect my elders. I've now reached the stage where I don't have to respect anybody. He began singing when the top 10 was the 10 commandments. I wouldn't want to pick a fight with God. Don't want it to rain 40 days and 40 nights on my roof. At the last summer, they asked for seconds. Adams got more ribs and he got more broads. Goliath's mother said, "Stop running around with David, you're always coming home stoned." Cain's mother said, "Wait 'til you're father comes home, you're going to get it." Lot said, "Salt we've got plenty, coffee we need."

JOY

There is no greater joy than giving joy away.
Because it comes back to you, in actual double pay;
You are the one who benefits from spreading joy and cheer
And yet it only takes a smile, to brush away a tear.
The joy we share within our hearts from day to day
Depicts the love of Jesus and His sweet loving way.
We cannot do for others and enjoy the great reward,
Unless we share with others the words of our dear Lord.
[By Grace Taylor]

It is better to ask God at the beginning of the day to guide our footsteps than to have to ask him at the close of the day to forgive us for stepping where we should not have stepped.
[From Ranger Reporter]

LESSONS LEARNED IN BIBLE STUDY
The challenge of Bible study is life's richest, constant blessing. The value of such soul-searching exercise cannot be over-esteemed. Vital truths are gleaned, and substantial blessings ensue as one travels the golden road of holy scripture. What an awesome debt we owe to the stimulating joys of walking hand in hand with God's precious Word (I Sam. 3:1). After 40 years of daily perusal of "the Good Book", here are some of the major lessons learned.

BITTERNESS IS A WASTE OF TIME. The Hebrew writer warns of allowing any root of bitterness to defile us (Heb. 12:14-17). Peter tells Christians to get rid of bitter thoughts because they hinder spiritual growth. Satan enjoys diverting our energies by cultivating anger and malice among soldiers of Christ. We waste weeks, months and even years as we strive to get even with our enemies - real or imagined - instead of loving those who despitefully use us (Matt. 5:44).

LOVE IS CONTAGIOUS. The greatest power on earth is genuine love for God, others and self (Matt. 22:37-40). Some folk major in minors and spend a lifetime looking for reasons not to practice brotherly love. The church today is filled with backbiting and animosity rather than kindness, encouragement and good will. If we worked as diligently to build up the body of Christ in love as some do to fracture and tear it down, what a beautiful world it would be.

BRETHREN SHOULD BE CHERISHED. In this wicked world of 5 billion people, so very few are beloved brethren of Christ. How special is the tie that binds us together. We should esteem this relationship as the grandest one on earth and do our best to enrich and embellish its value (I Pet. 2:17). Anything that mars such family ties should be diminished, and all that augments it must be cherished. Heb. 13 challenges us to let brotherly love continue.

SIN PRODUCES SORROW. Some folk are slow to learn, in spite of Bible teaching and common experience, that we do reap what we have sown (Hosea 8:7). Much of the sadness in the world is directly related to Satan's gaining an advantage over us (II Cor. 2:11). Broken homes, profligate lives, crowded prisons and national tragedies come straight from the devil's bag of tricks. The desert of sorrow and sin has no oasis but plenty of mirages.

STEADFASTNESS IS ELUSIVE. Not many people are noted for always finishing their tasks satisfactorily. Perseverance is a tremendous asset in the realm of success in business, sports, education and especially in the work of the Lord (Acts 2:42). We allow too many distractions and excuses to detour us from the dedication needed to be successful in the realm of endurance (Heb. 10:38-39). The leadership of Nehemiah in seeing the work of rebuilding the walls through to the end is a model for all of God's servants. Opposition and petty matters cannot be allowed if our goal for God is to be attained.

MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS. If the Bible teaches anything clearly, from cover to cover, it is the absolute vanity of riches. Solomon affirms that great wealth is vexation of spirit and striving after the wind. The rich fool of Luke 12 cries out for our attention in regard to covetousness. Trust in uncertain mammon is extremely unwise. To spend a lifetime searching for gold is to waste precious hours that should have been spent in the treasures of spirituality that no thief could ever steal (Matt. 6).

TRIALS CAN MAKE US BETTER PEOPLE. Paul was denied relief from his pain but was given grace greater than the problems (II Cor. 12). James informed his brethren that trials would result in a closer walk with God. Job was a better man due to the sorrows that drove him to a more faithful, trusting and spiritual sojourn with his Maker (Job 13:15).

HEAVEN WILL SURELY BE WORTH IT ALL. The foibles and heartaches that attend earthly woes fade into oblivion as we approach the city of God. What bliss awaits us as we press on toward our goal. Oliver Cooper wrote these words:

"Heaven will surely be worth it all,
Worth all the sorrows that here befall,
After this life with all its strife,
Heaven will surely be worth it all."

These are some of the things I have learned in studying the Bible. Join me as we search for more treasures.
[by Johnny Ramsey in the Mastin Lake Bulletin reprinted in the Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 29, 1991 and Feb. 2, 1992]

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
(Zech. 4:6)
A few years ago, when my son was four, he saw me regularly taking strong-tasting mouthwash. He desperately wanted some too. I assured him that he didn't need any. But, because of my example, he kept insisting. Finally, after one try, he had had enough of that! The moral is that my actions spoke to him louder than my words.

In Haggai and Zechariah God chastised His people for putting their projects on their own houses ahead of the rebuilding of the Lord's temple.

In our lives, even more than our words, our actions will indicate our allegiance. If we triumph over a preoccupation with selfish ambitions, then God's work in our lives will shine much brighter. Each of us would do well to reevaluate how much time and money we spend on "our own paneled houses," our yards, properties, our hobbies and recreation.

Haggai was a man of one idea: the temple must be completed. Zechariah tells us that the people did repent. And they recognized the fairness of God - even in the midst of crop failure brought on by the Lord's discipline. Because of these changes, God promised His people...(Hag. 2:19).
[by Al Meakes from Power of Today, July-Sept, 1988 reprinted in Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 22, 1991]

Years ago when the automobile was first invented, most people had little or no interest in owning a car. They had been accustomed to walking or riding a horse and really could not conceive of transportation on such a sophisticated level. Their experience did not include the conveniences that the automobile had to offer, and therefore, they showed little interest in the newly-founded wonder. This same way of thinking is still around today. People are growing up with access to the church and its teaching; they are hearing about Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for their sins; they are within reach of eternal life in Heaven. Yet they are content to live in sin and to limit their pleasures to those found in life on earth. They do not wish to think about a time when this life, as we know it, will be done away with and a totally new one will replace it. They are willing to settle for a short, meaningless existence when they could have a richer, fuller life now, and an endless, blessing-filled eternity with God in Heaven once this life is over. Just as the days of the horse and buggy are gone forever, so this life will some day be gone forever. Are you preparing for the future and getting your life in order? Do you look forward to life with your Savior and Lord, or will you be spending eternity with Satan and his followers? You should act now while the choice is still yours to make.
[by Tim Binkley from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 15, 1991]

SHOCKED INTO UNDERSTANDING
(Acts 2:36-37.)
"Hit by a car" - I believe that I knew what those words meant. Then it happened to my two-year-old son. He's fine now and running around showing off his bandaged scalp, but I am changed. When I saw his blood staining the pavement, I tasted death. "Hit by a car" is real to me now. I have been shocked into understanding.

Zechariah envisioned a similar shock in today's reading. For nearly 1,000 years, God had been telling His people how their sin was like a knife in His heart. Yet they did not listen and they did not change. Words had not been enough. Only a real, bleeding body would be able to shock God's people into mourning over what they had done to Him. But God could not ask someone else to make such a sacrifice. Only God himself can do what must be done.

So, just as Zechariah had predicted, Israel pierced their God in the flesh of Jesus Christ. It was the beginning of salvation. Then as now, only gazing at the pierced body of Christ can suffice to make God's love real in our hearts.
[from Power for Today 1988 reprinted in Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 8, 1991]

DOUBLE TALK
(I John 2:4-10)
When someone is accused of "double talk," it's not generally meant as a compliment. In fact the dictionary defines this term as meaning "ambiguous talk meant to deceive." Even if we don't consciously mean to be deceptive, we might be guilty of such talk, even in regard to our spiritual life. Spiritual "double talk" may not just be reflected in what we say, it can show through in our actions as well. A stranger arrived in a small town and inquired of the first person he encountered: "Where will I find Dr. Smith?" The response was: "Which one? We have two Dr. Smiths. Do you want the one who preaches or the one who practices?" Which "Dr. Smith" are we like? Do we just "preach" good things to others and about ourselves, or do we also "practice" what we profess to believe? You no doubt are familiar with the expression "Talk's cheap." Many fall short when it comes to living what they say they believe and putting into practice in their personal lives what they know is right before God. But, apparently, this is something not unique to our day. I John 2:4-10. From what the apostle says here, there must have been some less-than-admirable saints in the first century as well. They were guilty of spiritual double talk. Whoever says he knows God, but fails to obey Him, the truth (of the gospel) is not in him. He is a liar who speaks double talk. Whoever says he is living a life in Christ, and yet does not control and conduct himself in the ways Christ did is a liar and speaking double talk. Whoever says he is in the Light, yet hates his fellow men is really in darkness and deceiving himself, and attempting to deceive others with spiritual double talk.

It is a serious charge to be known as one who is "all talk." Such people are generally quickly identifiable. By contrast, would we not rather be described as one who doesn't talk so much, but people can tell we are a Christian by the things that we do? There is simply no better acknowledgement of the reality of the power of God than a believer whose daily life bears out his or her profession of faith, or the person whose life reflects the soul-changing power of God. Let's not be guilty of spiritual double talk in our lives but live so as to let others know we really do believe what we say we believe.
[from Sycamore Chapel newsletter, Dec. 1, 1991]

PAY TO THE ORDER OF GOD

This morning a thought came to me as I was issuing a check - What if I had to write God a check for all He has done for me? How much would it be? What price would I pay for each new day, for my family and friends? What would I give?

What would I pay for all my dreams, for all my ambitions, for all the love He has filled my heart with? What would the price be?

What would I pay for the knowledge that He is always with me and with those I love?

What would I pay for the realization that He will always take care of me and guide me, that He will always bring to me the fitness of body and the soundness of mind to do whatever I must do? What would be the price?

The only price I can pay is to live each day for Him, to love Him, and let Him know of my faith and help others to know that God loves them also. He will do the rest.
[from Sycamore chapel newsletter, Nov. 24, 1991]

One person with conviction is worth more than 99 with opinions.

CHRISTIANS NEED LEAVE NOTHING TO LUCK

Most of us have known the experience of feeling that nothing was going right in our lives. Perhaps we even repeated the old cliche that goes, "With my luck, if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong."

Isn't it wonderful to know that we who have responded to the measureless love of the God who died for us don't have to live depending on "luck" any more. To us, through the writer of Proverbs, God says...(Prov. 3:5-6)

In this promise from our infinitely loving God, nothing in our lives is left to luck. God is saying that "success" and having our paths "made straight" are dependent only on where we have invested our trust and whether Jesus is acknowledged in all we do.

In your life, are you weary of the disappointment that is inevitable from depending on luck? The promises of God offer a totally fresh "sure thing" approach to "loving life and seeing good days."

In repentance we withdraw our trust from luck and invest it in God. In baptism we express that new trust in God and begin living the "sure thing" life.

Satan's constant goal in our lives is to persuade us to abandon the promises God has made through Jesus and convince us to live by luck. Let's decide to "acknowledge God in all we do" so luck has no place in our lives.
[by Earl Jack Wilkerson from The Outreach, 10 Nov., 1991]

Life of Christ. Before His public ministry began, little is known of his life. He was baptised by John, as we may read in Matt. 3:13-17 - an example of obedience, "to fulfill all righteousness." In John 2:1-11 is to be found the account of His first miracle, the turning of the water into wine at the wedding at Cana. His presence and actions then showed his approval of the relationship of marriage and its purpose, strength through partnership and the rearing and moulding of Christian children. Then in John 3:1-8 there is the coming to Him by Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews to whom Jesus explains that in order to enter the kingdom of God a new, spiritual birth is necessary.

There is the lovely story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Jesus tells the women of the living water, introducing simply and naturally the truth of God, an example for us to follow when we have the opportunity to talk about Jesus.

Jesus chose disciples from all walks of life. He did not pick learned men, He was not concerned about background or social standing. In the early church were those who had been criminals and wicked people. But they were washing, sanctified by Jesus Christ. They accepted the gospel and changed their lives. With Jesus as our Lord we can do anything He wants us to do. Repentant sinners of all sorts are acceptable. He will mould them. We too must be ready to accept them. Peter, in I Pet. 1:23, says....

Jesus wants all to be in his kingdom.
[by David Woodrow from The Outreach, 17 Nov. 1991]

A beautiful story is told of Agassix. When he was a boy his family lived on the edge of a lake in Switzerland. One day the father was on the other side of the lake, and Louis and a younger brother set out on the ice to join him. The mother watched the boys from her window. They got along well till they came to a wide crack in the ice. The taller boy leaped over easily, but the other hesitated. "The little fellow will fall in," the mother said, "and drown." But as she watched a moment she saw Louis, the older boy, get down on the ice, lay himself across the crack, his hands on one side and his feet on the other, and make a bridge of his body. Then the little fellow climbed over him in safety to the other side, and both the boys ran on to find their father.

It is important to follow Jesus as our example - the importance of walking in the footprints of Jesus. "...Since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps." (I Pet. 2:21). If we are to follow Him, we must know how He lived. To fulfill all righteousness He was baptised by John. He had no sin but He was an example of obedience. All who would follow Him must also submit to baptism so that we too may walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

Jesus was tempted by the devil. He resisted by quoting the word of God. This is how we can overcome sin, by using the armour of God provided by scripture. If we don't make use of this armour and fail to walk in the footsteps of Jesus we could lose the battle.

Jesus taught and worshipped in the synagogues. Worship is essential to us. So too, is the fellowship of the saints and the encouragement of one another (Heb. 10:25). Acts 10:38. He served others. He was among men as one who served. (Luke 22:27) We must involve ourselves in Christian service.

After three years of ministry the footsteps of Jesus led Him to the garden of Gethsemane. He agonised, knowing that He must die. He had taken upon himself the sins of the world. Not only from obedience to the Father but because of His great love for us. When we get discouraged we must remember that He will be with us at all times if we but trust him. If we but let him do so He will bear us.

His footsteps carried Him upward to Calvary to gain for us eternal victory over sin and death. All who live and die with Christ will be resurrected to glory His footsteps took him to the hill of His ascension to Heaven. Only whose who follow his footsteps will find their way to that wonderful home.
[by David Woodrow from The Outreach, 8 Dec. 1991]

A SAD WASTE OF TIME! OR, "WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHRIST?" (Matt. 22:42)

When people hear Christ's message, there are various responses ranging from outright rejection through to dedicated acceptance. Consider those in between who profess to be his followers and yet, according to Christ, they are sadly wasting their time:

1. Those who profess to believe in Christ. Some people say they believe in Jesus but, because they do not confess him openly for one reason or another, their so-called faith is a waste of time. There were many of the Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus but...(John 12:42-43). Jesus promised that...(Matt. 10:32). One cannot be a "closet Christian".

2. Those who profess to repent and turn to God. Repentance (turning to God from sin) is a necessary part of becoming a follower of Jesus (Luke 13:3; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38). Many claim to have believed and repented, but fail to demonstrate the genuineness of their claim in their subsequent behavior, and so their so-called repentance is a waste of time. Those who claim to believe...(Acts 26:20). The first deed showing true repentance is baptism (Acts 2:38; Matt. 3:7-8; Luke 7:29-30). Refusal to be baptised refutes the claim to repentance.

3. Those who profess to be baptised in the name of Christ. Christ commanded that all who believe in him must be baptised (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). Many are immersed in water for other reasons than genuine belief in Christ and repentance from past sins (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30). If, following baptism, one does not "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4), but the old life continues as before, the so-called baptism has been a waste of time. The proof of "newness of life" is the...(Acts 2:42) in the meetings of the church. Heb. 10:25 refutes claims to be a true follower of Christ.
[from Truth in Love, no. 44, Nov. 10, 1991, p. 1]

PUT ON A HEART OF KINDNESS
(Col. 3:12-14)
The second personal quality noted in Col. 3:12 is "kindness". This is translated from the New Testament Greek word "chrestotos" which means goodness and graciousness in attitude.

It is this sort of attitude which God possesses and displayed in its perfect form in his Son...(Titus 3:4).

Let it not be said of us that we...(Rom. 2:4.)

Indeed, it is because God is rich in mercy and loves us so much that he has given us a special relationship through his Son...(Eph. 2:7).

Christians are to walk by the Holy Spirit's directions in his word, and show, among the several fruit of the Spirit, kindness (Gal. 5:22) toward all. Christians are to...(Eph. 4:32). Here we see that kindness is manifest by a tender-hearted disposition which makes Christians ready to forgive each other. Just as, note well, God has done for us in Christ. In fact, Jesus said this of his Father...(Luke 6:35-36).

Be good and gracious towards all, and let the kindness of Jesus show through in all our behaviour.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 43, Nov. 3, 1991, p. 7]

WHY IS THERE DISSENSION IN THE CHURCH?
(John 6:68-69)
DENOMINATIONAL DISSENSION

When anyone examines the teaching and practices of the various denominations, there is a feeling of utter dismay at the evidence of multiple divergences from Jesus' New Testament teachings.

However, for anyone who is not worried about this and wants a church which suits personal preference, there is a great range to choose from. And, if you don't like one, it is easy to select another. Another option, for those uneasy about the differences between denominations, is to be "interdenominational".

Having committed oneself to a chosen denomination, there is the advantage that wherever you go the local branches of that denomination subscribe to the same church manual of prescribed practice determined by its centralised administration. If there is a serious rift, "head office" sends out emissaries to put it right or simply excommunicates the offender.

BROTHERHOOD DISSENSION

For the earnest searcher for truth, there is an unutterable joy at discovering that the Lord's church described in his New Testament is one (Eph. 4:4) and that, by simply complying with his terms for salvation (Acts 2:36-38), the Lord himself adds the new convert to his church (Acts 2:47). Christ's church has no earthly headquarters and its only manual is the Bible. His church is represented on earth by local independent congregations of his followers (Rom. 16:16) observing the pattern of worship and service given in his New Testament (Acts 2:42).

Sadly, the observant Christian soon discovers that all is not well between some congregations of the worldwide brotherhood. There are many factions which name and blame each other for dividing the church of the Lord and for introducing false teachings. While members of a congregation may try to avoid aligning themselves with any faction, they will still be accountable for their stand in relation to God's word (Rev. 2:12-16; Rev. 3:3; Rev. 3:8). There is no church headquarters on earth to appeal to and there is no central committee of church officials to arbitrate on differences and disputes. Each local congregation must refer to the Lord's word alone to know the teaching and practice approved by God.

INTERNAL CONGREGATIONAL DISSENSION

The discerning member in any local congregation will be aware of differences in attitude and understanding among members regarding teaching and practice. Perhaps, for the most part, there may be an unspoken agreement to avoid contentious issues, and there may be an apparent harmony within the group. Sometimes these issues force division in some congregations which cannot be resolved and these may split by some members leaving and regrouping as another congregation elsewhere. Often, disenchanted members leave and meet with another congregation, or even reject the New Testament pattern and join a denomination.

"TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?"

There is no good in pretending these problems do not exist. It is not an acceptable solution to abandon the Lord's church for the denominations. When we read the inspired apostolic letters to the Lord's church in different places in the first century, we find the same problems existed then. For example, read: Rom. 16:17-18; I Cor. 1:10-12; I Cor. 3:1-4; I Cor. 5:1-13; I Cor. 6:1-8; I Cor. 11:17-22; II Cor. 11:1-15; II Cor. 12:20-21; Gal. 1:6-9; Gal. 2:16-23; Gal. 5:1-12; Eph. 4:17-32; Phili. 4:2-3; Col. 2:16-23; Col. 3:8-11; II Thes. 2:1-4; II Thes. 3:6-15; I Tim. 1:3-7; I Tim. 1:19-20; I Tim. 4:1-4; I Tim. 6:3-5; I Tim. 6:20-21; II Tim. 2:14-26; II Tim. 3:1-9; II Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 4:10; II Tim. 4:14-15; Titus 1:10-16; Titus 3:9-11; Heb. 6:4-8; Heb. 10:26-39; Heb. 13:9; James 1:6-8; James 2:1-13; James 4:1-12; II Pet. 2:1-22; II Pet. 3:14-18; I John 2:18-27; I John 4:1-6; II John 7-11; III John 9-10; Jude 3-19; Rev. 2:4-6; Rev. 2:14-16; Rev. 2:20-24; Rev. 3:1-3; Rev. 3:15-19.

Thus while there were no denominations in the beginning, the seeds of denominationalism were there. The fault is not in the Lord's pattern for his church, but in us that we fail so often to pray and work for unity among ourselves in humble obedience to our Lord's will. There is only one church which our Lord built (Matt. 16:18), but everyone added to it at conversion should learn what that church is and...(Eph. 4:3-4).

Let us all pray fervently that the Lord's will be done among brethren on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
[from the Truth in Love, no. 43, Nov. 3, 1991, p. 10-11]

Colossians
Col. 1
1. Paul said God hath translated us into what? the kingdom of his dear son
2. Where is redemption? in Christ
3. What did Christ create? all things
4. When did Christ come to life? he always was
5. What is Christ to the body? the head
6. To whom was the gospel preached in Paul's life? every creature
7. What is the body of Christ? the church

Col. 2
1. Where did Paul tell Christians to walk? in Christ Jesus
2. Name 4 things Paul said could spoil them? Philosophy, vain deceit, traditions of men, and the rudiments of the world
3. What kind of circumcision did the Colossians receive? circumcision made without hands - putting off the body of the sins of the flesh
4. Which of the 10 commandments is named in verse 16? Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy
5. What was the purpose of the special observances of the old law? they were a shadow of things to come

Col. 3
1. Those risen with Christ are to seek what? those things which are above
2. Where are our affections not to be? on the earth
3. Define the following words:
fornication - all sexual intercourse except between husband and wife
uncleanness - morally impure
inordinate affections - unregulated affections
evil concupiscence - strong evil desires
covetousness - to desire inordinately
idolatry - immoderate attachment or devotion approaching that due a divine person
4. How is a Christian to forgive one who has a quarrel against him? as Christ forgave you
5. Christians are called in what? one body|
6. How is the word of Christ to dwell in us? richly, wisdom, teaching, admonishing, singing
7. Wives are to submit themselves unto whom? husbands
8. Does God command husbands to love their wives? yes
9. How much of the time must children obey their parents? all the time
10. In what are servants to obey their masters according to the flesh? in all things

Col. 4
1. Is it sinful to pay a servant or employee less than his worth? yes
2. Let your speech be always with (what) seasoned with (what)? grace, salt
3. Was there a man who worked with Paul named Jesus? yes

I Thessalonians
I Thes. 1
1. What were the Thessalonians to the believers in Macedonia and Achia? an ensample
2. Who did the Thessalonians worship before their conversion? idols

I Thes. 2
1. Who did Paul not try to please with his preaching? men
2. What kind of words did Paul not use in preaching? flattery
3. How did Paul describe his gentle manner of teaching? a nurse cherisheth her own children
4. What did Paul call the churches in Judaea? followers imitators
5. The Jews forbade Paul to speak to whom? Gentiles

I Thes. 3

1. What kind of tiding of the Thessalonians did Timothy bring Paul? faith and love and remembering and wanting to see them
2. What did Paul want God to make them to abound in? love one toward another

I Thes. 4
1. God called us not for (what) but in (what)? uncleanness sanctification
2. Who is being rejected? God
3. For what did Paul tell the Thessalonians to study? to be quiet and do your own business
4. Who will meet the Lord first (1) those who have died, or (2) those who remain alive at his coming? 1
5. Where will the saints meet the Lord at his coming? in the air

I Thes. 5
1. How will the Lord come as related to time? as a thief in the night
2. When are men drunken? in the night
3. What did Paul say to do to the disorderly? admonish them
4. What did Paul say to do to the fainthearted? encourage them
5. What did Paul say to do to the weak? support them
6. What did Paul say to do toward all? good
7. Paul said to abstain from what? every form of evil

CARING FOR OTHERS : LOVE IS BEING HAPPY ABOUT GOOD THINGS

What does it mean to be happy about good and true things? It means that we care about and are concerned for things that are known to be good and true.

God is good and true and so those who love God care about pleasing him and are concerned for what pleases him, because they know that God is happy about good and true things. So those who love God will also be happy about good and true things.

(Phili. 4:8)

When we think about Jesus and read about his life, described in the gospels, we can know that he is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise. Those who believe in Jesus are expected to behave like he did - they are urged to...(Eph. 5:1-2). In living a life of love, we should try to be like Jesus in the qualities mentioned.

The Bible teaches us about the things which cause God to be happy because they are good and true, and also about the bad things that make God unhappy. We can read about the people in Bible times who chose to follow good ways and the truth and we can try to be like them.

God was pleased with Jesus because he was good and true - (Matt. 3:17). Those who believe in God are expected to know how to behave and so please God (I Thes. 4:1).

We can show our happiness when good and true things are said and done and we can make others happy by saying and doing things which are good and true - then we show the way of love.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 16, Apr. 28, 1991, p. 7]

A GOOD IMPRESSION
(Titus 2:7)
The New Testament Good word "tupos" means an impression [as by a seal, stamp or die], a pattern, a mould, or an example.

The word is used of the print of the nails in Jesus' hands (John 20:25). Moses constructed the tabernacle according to the pattern God revealed (Acts 7:44). The apostle Paul gave things that the Christians at Rome had (Rom. 6:17). The punishment of the disobedient Israelites in the wilderness was recorded (I Cor. 10:6, 11).

When the apostle Paul appealed to his brethren in the church at Philippi to...(Phili. 3:17), the Holy Spirit was giving this as a command to all Christians. We should so live, according to God's pattern, that we are good examples and encouragements to each other.

The Christians at Thessalonica were...(I Thes. 1:7). Timothy was urged to...(I Tim. 4:12). Church elders are commanded to avoid...(I Pet. 5:3).

O, that you and I would strive to be like that! Strive to be such faithful examples to our brethren, and strive to learn from those whose examples show they are living according to the pattern God has given us in his word. We should not lord it over each other but by our examples show the way of the Lord in our lives.

Aim, not only to lead by good example, but also to learn well from those who set us good examples (Phili. 3:16-17).
(Eph. 5:1-2)
[from The Truth in Love, no. 18, May 12, 1991, p. 1]

THE LORD'S TABLE IN HIS KINGDOM

At our Lord's last supper with his apostles on the night in which he was betrayed, he renewed his promise to appoint a kingdom in which, he foretold, they would...(Luke 22:29-30).

Further, he said...(Matt. 26:29). Since Jesus had previously assured people that some of them...(Mark 9:1), it shows his foreknowledge of the future.

Years later, the apostle Paul reminded the Christians at Colosse that, at conversion, God...(Col. 1:13). Hence Christians are now subjects in their Lord's kingdom.

The apostle Paul also reminded the Christians at Corinth that the Lord Jesus commanded his followers to observe a special supper "in remembrance" of him (I Cor. 11:23-26). Hence Christians eat and drink at the Lord's table in his kingdom in fulfilment of his promise and execution of his command.

Spiritually, Christians are in communion with the risen Christ at his table, for...(Matt. 18:20).
(I Cor. 10:16).
Hence, as our Lord joins with us at his table in his kingdom, let us be aware of his invisible presence while we observe the Lord's supper with due reverence.
(Heb. 13:12-13)
[from The Truth In Love, no. 18, May 12, 1991, p. 6]

THE "DO-ATTITUDES"

I guess I'm not as intelligent as Robert Fulghum...I didn't learn everything I need to know in kindergarten. However, after more than twenty years in ministry I have learned a few things. For example, I have learned that when all is said and done, a lot more is usually said than done! Talk is cheap and it seems to be getting cheaper all the time. It reminds me of the man who said he had learned to speak French except for the verbs. You can't speak any language without verbs, and you can't commit your life to Jesus without verbs of action!

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes. I would like to suggest three "Do-Attitudes" which are vital to our Christian walk.

First, whatever we do should be done with EXCELLENCE. Tom Peters has lifted the word to a new level of awareness in the business realm, but we could use a significant portion in the church as well. There is too much incompetence, lethargy, and pure sloppiness in the work of Christ! Maybe we are trying to do too much, or, perhaps we are attempting to do things for which we are not gifted or well fitted. I've discovered that when I contemplate what I could do, eliminate what I shouldn't do, and then concentrate on what I will do, my level of excellence improves dramatically. It boils down to prioritizing our tasks and pacing ourselves. After Jesus had healed a man in Mark 7 people said of him that "He has done everything well." I would love for that to be said about me and my church. One IBM executive said it best..."Doing the best you can rarely means doing more than you can do well."

Second, whatever we do should be done with ENTHUSIASM. A few weeks ago I went flying with a friend in a small plane. He caught my attention when he began to talk about the plane's "attitude indicator." A plane's attitude is the aircraft's position in relation to the horizon. When the nose is pointed up it is called a nose up attitude and when it is pointed down it is called a nose down attitude. The attitude of the plane directly affects the performance of the plane. It is the same in life! Nose-down attitudes...negative, critical, pessimistic, and nose-up attitudes...positive, encouraging, enthusiastic...dramatically affect our performance in life. Those who do their best and accomplish the most in life invariably possess the contagious characteristic of enthusiasm! Paul wrote...(Col. 3:23).

Finally, whatever you do, it should be done with INTEGRITY. The Thomas hearings; the latest scandal with Jimmy Swaggart; the Jim Bakker story, etc. illustrate the importance in integrity. Integrity means that we do what we say we will do for the reasons we said we would do it! There are two responses we can give for any task we are assigned or undertake...performance or excuses. There is a little line in Psa. 15 that captured my attention in my quiet time last week. The question is asked "Who may dwell in your sanctuary?" One response was, "whoever keeps his promise, even when it hurts" (Psa. 15:4). That's integrity! Don't promise more than you can deliver. And, when you do deliver, do it without excuses.
[by Gary Hundley from Forest Park Newsletter reprinted in Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Jan. 19, 1992, p. 2-3]

TO BE YOUR BEST

Someone has said, "Man is at his best when stimulated by the hope of reward, the fear of failure and the light of a star." Here are three vital human experiences that urge all of us on to goodness and even greatness. Consider each of them for a moment.

The hope of reward. It is true that this yearning can get twisted and turned into something cruel and ugly. There are plenty of self-centered, greedy people around, hungry only for life's goodies. On the other hand, there is nothing sinister about wanting to receive some of the wondrous benefits that life offers. The old days of the wild West produced the bounty hunter who cared nothing about law and order or a healthy society. All he was after was the reward. We must guard against that kind of thinking because it is a temptation even in our modern day. Remember, it is the "hope" of reward that leads us on. But if no reward ever develops, our efforts at responsible conduct have still been worthwhile.

The fear of failure. Mistakes are part of our human journey. All of us fail at times. But no healthy person wants to stay in failure. The fear of living in mediocrity, safeness, uselessness, challenges us to work harder and smarter. Being Christian doesn't guarantee us success but it does enable us to move beyond our failures. As always, it's up to us to use our abilities and life's opportunities in ways that keep us maturing mentally, spiritually, and socially.

The light of a star. Part of the adventure of faith is the awareness that God transcends all our human powers. Just as stars urge us to go distances beyond our reach, so our faith points to One who is better than all we and challenges us to be more. Jesus said, "I am the way." Not just the way to heaven but the way to a kind of living that is God-like. One that is guided by love and compassion and a deeper goodness.

Here, there are three worthy experiences open to all of us. And we are at our best when we thoughtfully and carefully enter into each one of them.
[by Douglas F. Parsons from Sycamore Chapel, Jan. 12, 1992, p. 2]

DON'T BE AFRAID
(II Tim. 1:7)
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

That's the prayer I prayed as a child. It's one that my mother taught me. Though my prayers have changed with the passing years, I trust that my commitment to God never will.

A poll taken in Britain revealed that twenty-four out of twenty-five persons are afraid of something, and that these are not normal, healthy fears but the kind that sound foolish to other people.

Apparently many of us are like the father whose four-year-old daughter asked, "Daddy, are you afraid of cows?"

"No!"

"Are you afraid of long woolly worms?"

"No, of course not!"

"Well, Daddy, you aren't afraid of anything but Mommy, are you?"

I should remember that life is lived under God's protection, sustained by His care, and is granted deliverance through His love and power. With this knowledge I am not afraid.
[by John Gipson from Power for Today, Apr., 1991]

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." Heaven's record will be revealing. We will learn that wars were won, souls saved and sinners salvaged because some unknown person prayed for it.

A preacher asked a hard-working servant girl what she was doing for the Lord. She explained that she had very little time off to be involved in "church work." "But," she said, "I always take the newspaper to my bedroom each night."

The preacher asked what possible good that could do. "Well," she explained, "I turn to the listing of births, marriages and deaths. I pray that each of the little babies will be led to the Savior at an early age and become a great blessing to the world. Next, I check the weddings and pray that the couples will be happy, always remain true to each other and build their homes on Christ. Then I go over the death notices and mention all the bereaved by name to God, asking that in their sorrow they will turn to the Lord."

What a beautiful and unique ministry! Paul's admonition...(I Tim. 2:1), is terribly neglected by many Christians. You may not be able to do much. But I suspect heaven's records will show as much lasting good accomplished by the prayers of the timid as by the sermons of the great.
[by Joe R. Barnett from Sycamore Chapel, Jan. 5, 1992]

When acupuncture first arrived in the west, we consulted ex-China Inland Missionary, Rev. Frank White, as to its nature and origin. He was emphatic - its roots were occultic. However, over the years, many western doctors have become involved and given it respectability. A Chinese doctor recently reports he has finally decided to give up acupuncture after a thorough investigation of its roots and his discovery it is based on the occult.
[from Creation news, vol. 6, no. 1, 1992]

The court case on whether the Australian Anglican Church could ordain women priests was well publicised. Out of the limelight was another court action by women preachers against two leading theologians of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. Dr. Nigel Lee and Professor Harman, were being sued by women who object to the church ruling that it would not continue to ordain women ministers. The court has ordered the case against Harman and Lee be dropped and the women have indicated they will now sue the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

The Apostle Paul who advised the Christians at Corinth nearly two thousand years ago that they were not to take each other to secular courts for judging their disputes, is the same who said that he would not allow women to teach in authority over the men. Not because they could not preach well. Not because they were non-intellectual. Not for any other reason apart from the fact that it was God who made the man, Adam, first, and the woman, Eve, was deceived by the serpent and the man wasn't (I Tim. 2:12-14). Women demanding to be priests or pastors, or those women who are ministers in churches already, do not accept what Paul said. Creation Research will continue to take a stand with the Apostle Paul on this matter.
[from Creation News, vol. 6, no. 1, 1992]

The following comments heard as we were in recently liberated ex-communist countries, give an indication of much which we in the west take for granted.

"The people in this village no longer believe in anything. They don't believe in communism and they don't believe in God. It is terrible."

"All my education in Romania teaches me to reject everything that you have said about Christianity."

"After forty years of communist repression it is good to hear about creation and be free to discuss these matters."

"This country needs two hundred years without war to recover."

"All my life I have lived in fear. When I woke up I was afraid, when I walked around I was afraid, when I went to bed I was afraid."
[from Creation News, vol. 6, no. 1, 1992]

FROM THE WORD
(Acts 17:26-27)
This year we celebrate Christopher Colombus' discovery of the Americas. Many are seeking to denigrate Columbus as the one who began the destruction of all that was pure and good amongst American Aboriginal people.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Acts 17, it is the Creator who determines the beginnings and the endings of nations. He alone decides their boundaries and who will be used to bless or chastise.

It is the in thing for many indigenous groups to blame later discoverers, conquerors, invaders or immigrants for all their troubles, and then demand a return to traditional ways with the claim that this will return happiness and peace to their land. It is common at present for aborigines in places such as the USA, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America to blame European invaders for bringing disease, murders, rapes, social dislocation, slavery, and disinheritance to their land. How sad they forget to be truthful about themselves. The Africans traded in slaves long before the Europeans commenced it and long after Europeans banned it. The Maori of New Zealand had developed war to a sport form long before the English arrived. The Aboriginals of Australia had long practiced gaining new land rights from other Aboriginal tribes and were already familiar with any evil the British would bring. One thing is often forgotten about past conquerors: along with their invading hordes, many of them sent (more usually tolerated) the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. At this moment, there are thousands of Australian Aboriginals, multitudes of New Zealand Maoris, large number of American Indians, and millions of Black Africans in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ because of this.

It is also true that many of those nations who one or two centuries ago were conquerors, are now being conquered. The Bible tells us that when people honour God, and in particular honour their father and mother, God will bless and give them long to dwell in the land. When they cease to honour the Lord and no longer honour parents, the Lord removes their ownership of land. Britain at the moment is full of non-Britons and is under threat of being drowned in Islam by the year 2000.

It was God who created the heavens, the earth and the seas. They are His property to give to whom He chooses. It was the Lord God who took dust and made man. We are His to use as He wishes. It is the Sovereign Judge of all the earth who, since Creation and later Babel, "has made every nation of men from one man that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live, that men would seek him." We ought to be continually thankful to Christ the Creator Redeemer that He has by some means allowed for the gospel to reach us. We, in turn, must take it to other nations that they too may be re-united with this Christ who is the only hope of peace among men!
[from Creation News, vol. 6, no. 1, 1992]

ALLEGATIONS, PERCEPTIONS AND SUPPOSITIONS

The news media and common gossip are the soil in which allegations, perceptions and suppositions take root, grow and multiply. Like everyone else, Christians are exposed to these processes by which many people form unjust opinions or pass unfair judgements. The dilemma for Christians is that God does not want them to be like other people (II Cor. 6:17).

Someone may make an allegation of wrong-doing against another person. A properly-constituted court of law rightly demands proof before passing judgement.

Someone may perceive another person becomes flustered when accused of wrong-doing, and judges it to be a manifestation of guilt without allowing for the embarrassment of innocence. A court of law rightly demands more substantial evidence before considering its verdict.

Someone supposes that if an aggrieved person's claim is true, then the suspect must be the offender. But what if it is not true? A court of law rightly demands such claims be properly tested before making a judgement.

Yet, all too often, we are prone to judge, sentence and execute others on allegations, perceptions and suppositions without waiting for confirmation. When the facts are not available to us, we should refrain from passing judgement (John 7:24).

Allegations, perceptions and suppositions crucified Jesus Christ.

It was alleged that Jesus said he would destroy the temple and rebuilt it (Matt. 26:61). Yes, he did say this, but they were not interested to know why he said this nor what he meant (John 2:19-21). It was perceived that Jesus ate with sinners (Luke 15:20). Yes, he did (without sin - Heb. 4:15), but they did not care to learn why (Luke 5:31-32). It was said of Jesus that if he were a prophet he would know a sinner touched him (Luke 7:39). Yes, he did let sinners touch him but, again, his antagonists did not want to know why (Luke 7:47-50).

How many people aided and abetted Jesus' death? How many fled and deserted him? How many cared what happened to him?

Don't judge others by allegations, perceptions and suppositions.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 6, Feb. 16, 1992, p. 1]

OPEN OUR EYES THAT WE MAY SEE
(II Kings 6:16-17)
The king of Aram (Syria) was constantly foiled in his attempts to ambush the king of Israel. His first thought was that there must be a traitor in his army who informed Israel of his plans. His officers told him that the prophet Elisha knew his every move and alerted the king of Israel. The king of Aram ordered that the town where Elisha resided be surrounded and Elisha taken captive. The sight of the army alarmed Elisha's servant. Hence Elisha's reassuring words to his servant.

Throughout history, the faithful people of God have been surrounded by the forces of evil bent on taking them captive. But all who know the Lord, know that "whose who are with us are more than those who are with them". Whenever we are fearful and faint because of the evil around us, let us pray that the Lord may open our eyes so that we may see.
(I Pet. 5:8-11)
As we meet around "the Lord's table" on the first day of the week, let us also remember that, by his death and resurrection, he has provided us with the spiritual means to combat every foe. Pray that our eyes may be open to perceive the protection he provides us, so that we may not faint in times of peril.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 6, Feb. 16, 1992, p. 6]

A FANCY FOR TITLES
(Matt. 20:25-27)
The people of the world have a fancy for grand titles to distinguish themselves from those around them. The religious world is not behind in this desire for titles, both to distinguish separate groups and to establish a hierarchy of clergy, separate from a laity in such groups.

Thus we have religious bodies designating themselves by distinctive titles from "Roman Catholic", "Anglican", "Baptist", "Jehovah's Witnesses" and so on to small sects giving themselves such titles as "Church of the King of Heaven", "The Apostolic Pentecostal Church of the Holy Spirit", and much, much more!

In these grandly-titled religious bodies, there may be graded leaders glorying in titles like "Pope", "Patriarch", "President" at the top, down through "Cardinal", "Archbishop", "Bishop", "Dean", "Father", "Pastor" and "Priest". Then each of these persons expect to be addressed in special ways, such as "Most Holy Father", "The Most Reverend" or, more humbly, simply "Reverend". Others are required to speak to "Your Grace", "Your Eminence", "My Lord", "Father", and so on. In a recent issue of "The Australian" newspaper, a self-styled "Reverend Doctor..." wrote a lengthy letter to the editor deploring the misuse of the title "Reverend".

The sad thing about all this is that so many people fail to see how silly and how wrong it is. It is a practice which the founder of the church, Jesus Christ, never authorised. Indeed, Jesus never gave his church a title (nor should we), and he never suggested that his followers should invent titles for themselves. The apostles and evangelists in the early church did not go around expecting to be addressed as "Most Reverend Apostle Paul" or "Your Eminence, the Most Holy Father Peter" or even just "Father Barnabas" or "Reverend John Mark" or "Pastor Timothy"!

Christs' true church has no title, and it has no clergy/laity system. Avoid grandiose titles, distinctions and addresses devised by men.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 4, Feb. 2, 1992, p. 1]

WE HAVE ONLY DONE OUR DUTY
(Luke 17:10)
School-children who do good work in their lesson books may receive the highest award from teacher who rubber-stamps an elephant for excellence on their work.

Christians sometimes apply the same school-room logic to their own good works in the hope God will reward them accordingly.

It is not generally realised that every human being who has ever lived was created by God to be good and to do good works (Gen. 1:31; Acts 17:28; Eccl. 7:29). God is good (Psa. 106:1) and human beings are created in his image (Gen. 1:27). It is because human beings...(Rom. 1:28). As a consequence...(Rom. 3:23).

Now, although...(Rom. 6:23). This gift is salvation...(Eph. 2:9-10).

So there are no works of merit by which we may be rewarded with salvation, but there are works of obedience which we are required to do to receive the gift of salvation. (John 6:29). And there are "good works" which are the duty of those who have (Eph. 4:24).

A good example of a faithful Christian who did good works is that of Dorcas who is described as a woman...(Acts. 9:36). While there are many examples of non-Christians who also abound with deeds of kindness and charity, salvation is granted by God only to those who believe and obey his terms for forgiveness and salvation (Acts. 2:36-41).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 4, Feb. 2, 1992, p. 7]

JUST AN ORDINARY MEMBER

"Just an ordinary member of the church" I heard him say;
But you'd always find him present, Even on a rainy day.
He had a hearty handclasp for the stranger in the aisle;
And a friend who was in trouble found sunshine in his smile.
When the sermon helped him He let the preacher know.
He always gave so freely and tried to do this share
in all the ordinary tasks for which some have no care.
His talents were not many but his love for God was true;
His prayers were not in public, but he prayed for me and you
An ordinary member! I think that I would say
he was EXTRAORDINARY in a humble sort of way.
[from the Sycamore Chapel bulletin via the North Avenue Messenger, Feb. 29, 1992]

CELEBRATING THE END OF LIFE

"I'm just sitting here waiting on the Lord." Kathryn said it with a smile on her face, even though her body battled the relentless onslaught of cancer. She spoke calmly and showed no fear. I was a young minister, stumbling through the awkward stages of my first full-time preaching assignment, and I felt my mind gyrate like a tilt-a-whirl as I groped for words. I needn't have worried. The patient with less than three weeks to live turned out to be a charming Southern lady with impeccable manners and grace. Thirty-three years later I still vividly remember Kathryn and those days when she switched roles and comforted a rookie preacher.

To the hospital staff she was a "terminal patient" but she had determined to make dying the final act of celebration in a joyous life. Visitors shook their heads when they looked at her shriveled body and watched cancer slowly squeeze life from her, but she decided to make it a party. Kathryn shared her philosophy of life, recalled the happy days of her marriage and created pleasant memories for all who dripped by.

In today's culture the proponents of active euthanasia prefer premature death to the courageous suffering Kathryn endured. They think it more noble to terminate the drama of life prior to the final curtain.

A vivid example of this attitude occurred last year when Dr. Jack Kevorkian, with the use of what the media called his "suicide machine," assisted Janet Adkins in taking her life. Why would anyone make such a choice? Because she feared the unknown ravages of Alzheimer's? Because her husband, Ron, had difficulty handling her illness? Because she felt there was no hope? Giving way to despair, she chose to snuff out her life in the back of an old Volkswagon van parked at a suburban campsite. Lying on a small cot with no loved ones present, she activated the death apparatus. Her husband elected to stay in a motel room until it was over. At the time of her death, she could still beat her son in tennis and perform daily life functions.

Janet Adkins' drastic "solution" to the problem of terminal illness raises more questions than it answers. It reawakened public awareness of the ongoing debate over the different forms of euthanasia. Had Janet tried everything before she lost hope? Just recently, a breakthrough in Alzheimer's research offered a glimmer of hope for finding a cure for the illness. Perhaps if she had waited even a year, things would have been different. But she made the decision and carried it out.

Some people say, "It was her life, and if she wanted to die, that was her business." What are the answers to the ethical, moral and spiritual questions raised by her decision? Janet Adkins wasn't the first person, nor will she be the last, to face this dilemma.

More than once Paul wrestled with the choice between life and death. His arrest in Jerusalem severely restricted his travel, and the threat of execution hung over him like a fog. But he clung to the belief that God ultimately would decide whether he lived or died. He courageously concluded...(Phili. 1:21). He apparently suspected that the wiser choice might be life, even though he preferred to be with Christ. If God wanted him to live, he planned to squeeze out every ounce of blessing available. He wrote...(Phili. 1:25).

Later when he reached the point of imminent death, he reported to Timothy, "The time of my departure is at hand." But he didn't waste time bemoaning his fate. There's not a hint that he considered dying by his own hand to avoid the shame of a criminal execution. Instead he chose to maximize every precious moment of life that remained. He sent for his friends, his cloak and his books. He determined to keep his mind active to the very end.

Nobody rained on Paul's parade, not even the fellow who sharpened his sword in anticipation of Nero's orders. Among Paul's last words were these...(II Tim. 4:18).

Janet Adkins and those like her refuse to encourage others by letting God use their lives for his glory. They prefer to give up and end it all rather than suffer "for a season". We can thank God for the Kathryns and Pauls who choose to celebrate life until the end. They fuel our courage and show us what can happen when we trust in the Lord for both our life and our death.
[by Norman Bales from 21st Century Christian via Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Feb. 23, 1992]

POST DATED PRAYER

Dear Father God: the time may come when I will be too busy to turn sane thoughts to thee,
and number all good things You've done for me;
or if I call Thy name,
it may be only inarticulate cries of pain
from stammering lips and dulling brain.
Senses wracked in fear have little room
for thoughts of blessings that have come:
The hears is so intent on beating
and mortal life holds on so stubbornly that it would forfeit
all treasures past and future hopes just to keep on going for a few more fleeting days.

Not so, Lord, would I be. And so, I ask Thee now to close Thine ears to any frantic calls that I make for help or extension of my time; but rather, Lord, please file this plea away, and in infinite mercy on that last day accept it as my final prayer to thee.

And so, before that hour arrives, while this my mind is clear, my body free from pain,
let me say, Thank You, Thank You Lord, again and yet again.

For all unspeakable attendant on my journey - road of bitter life; for all the blessings of my years
I give thee thanks and praise;
for bittersweet of love and tears,
long memories of childhood days,
for dreams of youth, and testing hours,
when 'twas Thy hand that guided me,
and I was kept within Thy power
from pitfalls that I did not see.
For happy years of wedded life,
for gentle, sweet and faithful wife,
for stalwart sons, strong in the faith, a daughter-dear brought by a breath from heaven - a jewel rare in answer to a long, long prayer.
Bless them, Lord, and help them be
through all their life-days true to thee;
give them wisdom, grace and power
sufficient for each trying hour.

Help them with pride to wear Thy name, not mine, but thine, born not of my blood,
but of that blood that makes them children of the Living God.

For a lovely world, Your guest-house, in which You've let me stay so long I thank Thee; for every night and day, for morning dawn and sunset glory that reach within the heart and stir feelings beyond the realm of speech, and all the festive board of nature-love
when day by day I've shared Thy manna from above.

For fellowship of friends whose faith in me
has helped my own faith stronger be.
For all these blessings and oh, so many more,
let me say, Thank You, Thank You, even now o'er and o'er.
Blot out the spots, O Lord, spots on the sun,
made dimmer by wrongs I've done.
Forgive them and in mercy move all shaded of night,
and in this evening hour, O Lord, let there be light,
that I, now looking back, may surely know
the love that cleanses white as snow.

So as You see me now in the post-date hour, my body torn by demon-life so loathe to let me go,
please, God, as once You healed the wretched lad so long ago,
even so bid now my striving cease,
and let my ransomed soul come home in peace.
[by Charles Brewer from Mastin Lake Journal via Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Feb. 16, 1992]

MY RULES FOR LIFE

1. I try never to say anything behind a man's back that would give me the least embarrassment to say to his face.
2. I try never to speak back to personal critics - friends do not need to hear the defense and enemies would not believe it.
3. Everyday I greet every person I see with a smile and make a special effort to do so if the person is poor or in unfortunate circumstance.
4. The first thing when I awake in the morning I plan what my duty for the day is and try to go beyond it.
5. Every day I read from the Bible and some other good books - feeding the mind and soul is more important than feeding the body.
6. I try to pay every debt I owe on time and always save something from every pay check, however small.
7. I like people and never harbor any malice or hatred toward any person in the world; I like places and have yet to go anywhere that I do not like - I go there with the intention of liking the place.
8. I am a confirmed optimist, believing that even in this life evil men will be punished by their own unhappiness and good men will be rewarded. "It's better further on."
9. I try to close each day as if it were the last day I'd be on earth, closing the books on all regrets, worries and annoyances.
10. The last thing I do at night is to count one by one the blessings of the day. This makes me so thankful and happy that I soon drift into pleasant sleep. In this spirit I hope to close life's journey and drift into eternity.
[by George W. Defoe from the 38th St. Messenger via The Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Feb. 9, 1992]

If a local congregation was just another denomination, there would be no justification for its separate existence. God does not approve one denomination more than another (Matt. 15:13).

The local church is one of many thousands of autonomous, independent churches of our Lord (Rom. 16:16) found throughout the world. That is, in accordance with our Lord's New Testament instructions given through his apostles (Matt. 28:18ff), his followers in every place "meet together as a church" (I Cor. 11:18) in each of those locations. Each local church has no organisational association with any other church (i.e., there is no denominational structure headed by any pope, primate or president).

The simple worship arrangement for each church is that of the first church of our Lord in Jerusalem whose members met regularly to devote themselves to...(Acts 2:42). There is no clergy/laity system, for all members form...(I Pet. 2:5).

The one constitution for each local church to obey is God's word, which...(II Tim. 3:16-17), and no other is needed.

When members leave one particular local church, they may meet with a like congregation in another location. Or they may begin a church where none exists. If a Christian is alone and isolated from a church, he or she may seek to convert another person and then be able to "come together as a church" in that place. On leaving a local congregation, Christians have not left the Lord's church, unless they have renounced it (Heb. 6:4-6) by joining a denomination (Matt. 7:21-23; II John 9-11) or by returning to the world (II Tim. 4:10; II Pet. 2:21). All faithful Christians remain part of the Lord's church wherever they may be, but they must seek to meet with their faithful brethren as Christ's church in that locality.

In every generation, when Christians "come together as a church" in any location (following their Lord's New Testament direction), Christ's assurance of the perpetuity of his church is realised (Matt. 16:18). We are in his church on his terms, not our own.
[from The Truth In Love, no. 7, Feb. 23, 1992, p. 1]

You can't get rid of a temper by losing it.
[from Savannah Church of Christ bulletin]

The person who worries about what people think of him or her wouldn't worry so much if only they knew how seldom they do.

CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY
(Rom. 5:6-8)
No ordinary person would die for his enemies - but that is exactly what Jesus did; he died for us while we were still sinning against God and rejecting him. The love demonstrated in the death of Jesus is far greater than any ordinary human love.

Even the Christian doesn't measure up to the love of God because, in II Pet. 1:7-8, we are told that the Christian ought to be "increasing" in love. The love of God never alters from one age to the next, but the Christian is always able to develop more love than he has at the moment. In fact, if the Christian stops "increasing" in love, something must be wrong.

So the love of God is greater than the kind of love that the Christian is continually developing, through the Holy Spirit.

In Eph. 3:18-19, we find that "the breadth and length and height and depth" of the love of Christ are so great that it "surpasses knowledge". There is nothing to equal God's love.

When we come together as a church to break bread in memory of the sacrifice which Jesus made for us, let us think on the love of God and on the obedience of his Son which made our reconciliation with God possible. To the degree that we understand and appreciate what God has done, to that degree of commitment and dedication will we observe this supper.
[From Truth in Love 1990]

SICKIES AND FOREIGNERS

Preliminary reading: Lev. 19:35-36; Deut. 25:13-16; Psa. 37:21; Prov. 4:25; Isa. 33:15-16; Mark 10:19; Luke 6:31; Acts 24:16; II Cor. 4:2; II Cor. 8:21; Col. 3:22; I Thes. 4:12; I Pet. 2:12
Situation: As an employee you are tempted to take time off work [and claim sick leave], or make articles for yourself from your firm's materials [and during working hours] without permission.
Your reaction:
1. Everybody does it?
2. My boss is a "skinflint" and doesn't pay me enough?
3. The bosses have it easy, so there should be an "equal opportunity" for the workers?
4. What's wrong with it? I'm entitled to it!
5. I give more to my job than I get recognition and credit for?
6. They haven't caught me so far?
7. It's really a game to see how much I can get away with?
8. I make it up in other ways?
9. However one may rationalise the practice, it is still stealing?
10. Other suggestions?
(Eph. 4:28)
[From Truth in Love 1990]

HOW DO WE RECEIVE HEALING FROM GOD

In the New Testament, the word "healing" is commonly translated from the Greek word "sozo". It is also translated "made well" and "saved". For example, the demon-possessed man (Luke 8:36) was "healed" (KJV) or "made well" (NASV) or "cured" (NIV).

Not only is the word "healing" applied to recovery from physical sickness, but it is also used of salvation from sins. For example, Jesus' name means "he who will save 'sozo' his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21)

God "desires all men to be saved (sozo) and to come to the knowledge of the truth" I Tim. 2:4 and "Christ Jesus came into the world to save (sozo) sinners" I Tim. 1:15.

The purpose for the miraculous physical healings described in the New Testament was to confirm the word preached (Mark 16:20). These confirmatory miracles were recorded and written so that we can read and believe in Jesus (I John 20:30-31) for our spiritual healing or salvation.

There is no promise that we may receive like healing from God for physical ailments. But God's promise of spiritual healing is far more important, since it is available to everyone who believes (John 3:16), is absolutely certain (I Tim. 1:15), and ensures eternal life for the believer (Rom. 6:23).
[From Truth in Love 1990]

DO NOT WITHHOLD GOOD
(Prov. 3:27)
Jesus' parable of "the rich man and Lazarus" (Luke 16:19-31) is not telling us "woe to be rich, well to be poor". In general terms, the parable's main point to the Jews of the time was "Listen to Moses and the prophets" (Luke 16:29-31) or, to paraphrase it for us today, "listen to Jesus Christ" (Luke 9:28-35; Heb. 1:1-2). In this parable the particular lesson to be learned is that the rich man failed to ease a poor man's need, and for this lack of concern he had no excuse since Lazarus lay at his gate. What he should have known from "Moses and the prophets" is that God said...(Deut. 15:7-11; Isa. 58:7).

If we listen today to Jesus Christ we will hear him say, (Matt. 26:11; Acts 20:35; I Tim. 6:17-19). What we do with our opportunities in this life determines our eternal destines (II Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:31-46).

The penalty for the rich man was not for being rich, nor for being bad, but for being unloving. The fact that Lazarus was "Carried to Abraham's side" when he died should not be regarded as the lot of every beggar. Although the parable does not refer to Lazarus' spiritual state, that he was a righteous man is necessarily implied. But Lazarus' spiritual state is not relevant to the question of who is worthy of our good deeds. By the same token, we must assume that the rich man would have been "carried to Abraham's side" also, if he had been a righteous man who had demonstrated his righteousness in good deeds during life.
(Titus 3:8.)
[From Truth in Love, no. 23, June 17, 1990]

THE CHRISTIAN AND DEATH

Preliminary reading: Psa. 90:1-10; John 5:25-29; John 14:1-7; Rom. 8:35-39; II Cor. 1:3-7; II Cor. 4:16-18; II Cor. 5:1-9; I Thes. 4:13-18; Rev. 21:1-7; Rev. 22:1-5.
Situation: A loved one dies unexpectedly.
Your reaction:
1. How can there be a God who allowed this to happen?
2. There are two absolute truths - births and deaths?
3. "The will of the Lord be done" (Acts 21:14)?
4. Why did this happen to us. Fate I suppose?
5. Our society has a false attitude towards death?
6. Why should we shun the topic?
7. Look at the ways death is exploited?
8. How can we comfort the bereaved?
9. Few people are prepared to cope with bereavement?
10. Is euthanasia an acceptable option for the Christian?
11. Other suggestions?
12. What would Jesus do?
(I Cor. 15:56-57)
[from Truth in Love 1990]

WHAT MAKES A HERO

In 1860, at a small army post in an insignificant, rural, coastal town named Los Angeles, a party was given to allow the officers who were resigning their commissions a chance to say farewell. The war between the states was eminent and men who were torn in their loyalties were forced to decide on which side they would fight. Many who chose to fight for the Confederacy were close friends and classmates of those who fought for the Union. Such was the case of Captain Lewis Armistead and Captain Winfield Scott Hancock. They had attended the academy together, been roommates, each other's best man and lifelong friends. At the end of the party, Armistead gripped the hand of his friend and then embraced him. As both men wept, he said, "Hancock, you will never know what this is costing me, but goodbye - goodbye." For three years the fortunes of war separated them, each man made General, but they never corresponded.

In July of 1863, they met again at another insignificant Pennsylvania town called Gettysburg. Hancock was in charge of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge around a now famous landmark called, "the little clump of trees." Pickett's heroic charge up Cemetery Ridge was in progress and at the point of that charge was General Lewis Armistead. He had his felt hat pinioned on the tip of his sword and he waved it so his men could always see where he was.

As Armistead's men reached the Union line, Hancock fell, mortally wounded. A moment later, Armistead reached a battery in the center of Hancock's line. He placed his hand on one of the cannons and raised his sword in jubilation at what his men had accomplished. As he waved, he was shot. He lived just long enough to whisper to the officers who rushed to his aid, "give my love to General Hancock." They died within fifty feet of each other, on Cemetery Ridge.

In the midst of all the insanity there is something remarkable, something redeeming about man. If I asked you what was Lewis Armistead's finest moment, how would you respond? Does the picture of his courageous charge up Cemetery Ridge, rallying his men with his hat pinned on his sword, capture your imagination?

It seems to me that what is redemptive in him is his loyalty to his friend, his passionate parting and his perception of that relationship. It is precisely in those areas that we see the divine touch. Any dog can fight. Why should a human be idolized for what is base - primitive in our nature. What we do by instinct is of little credit to us. We do not hand out awards for chewing and digesting.

Who are your heroes? What in their lives is worth imitation? Is the ability to put a leather ball through an iron ring so outstanding a quality that it should produce emulation of the person's value system? Do our hero's change with the seasons? Are they the faces that appear in the media? Is Jesus a hero or a loser? Is "lamb of God" a descriptive phrase you would like used in reference to yourself? Do you want to be like that?

This is meaningful to me. Jesus could have been famous - I mean in the same way people are today. He could have jumped off the temple - making Evil Kneivle look like a freshman gold fish swallower. He could have scored a thousand points in a basketball game, stolen the ball every time, jumped in the air, turned a double back flip, three somersaults, balanced on his big toe and then slammed it through the net so hard that it would have crystallized the ring into the glass and scorched the net. He could have scored a touchdown every time, won Wimbledon left handed, the U.S. Open right handed and the French Open without a racquet.

But he didn't! Because He chose not to! He said that kindness was more important than self-actualization and that man could not live by bread alone. He said that loving your neighbor was more important than loving yourself and that loving your life was the road to nowhere. He said that the cross was the greatest victory of His life and that doing God's will was more significant than doing His own.

We have a hard time believing it. Who are your heroes?
[by John Smith in the Forest Park Newsletter via Sycamore Chapel Newsletter, June 17, 1990]

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