Beware of Cotton Candy

Beware of “Cotton Candy”

I remember the very first time I ever saw cotton candy. When I was very young the highlight of every year was the county fair in Huntsville, Alabama. Today when there is Disney World, Universal Studios and “Six Flags Over Everywhere,” it is hard for anyone to imagine just how special those “scary” rides were at the fair and how much I loved cotton candy!

Sin can be like cotton candy...

Sin can be like cotton candy…

I do not remember how old I was, but I vividly remember that stand which sold this new, amazingly sweet treat. I did not know that cotton candy had been introduced to the world at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis and was called Fairy Floss. (No, I was not at that fair—not that old). At that fair, more than 68,000 boxes were sold for the equivalent of six dollars in today’s money. I do know how much I loved it.

My impressions of it? (1) It was so fascinating and attractive. (2) Everyone was talking about how good it was. (3) At first taste, it was so sweet, but then it disappeared in my mouth. (I did not know it was mostly air mixed with two tablespoons of sugar). (4) It promised so much and gave such instant gratification that I wanted more and more.

Now think of the many parallels between my impression of cotton candy and the nature of sin. Sometimes great lessons come from the simplest sources.

Sin and cotton candy are so fascinating and attractive. Think about the fruit in the first garden. Think of David’s view of Bathsheba from his rooftop. We so often sin when our hearts lust for what we see (Jas. 1:14). However, there is far more to sin when we look at the larger picture.

Sin and cotton candy are enjoyed by so many. That expensive cost of the floss in St. Louis did not keep individuals from buying it. So many thought that if others found it so “rewarding” they just had to try it, regardless of the cost. There are many on that broad way toward destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). There is that Divine instruction about following the multitude (Ex. 23:2).

Sin and cotton candy both promise so much and deliver so little. There is almost no nutritional value to cotton candy—it is nothing but air. Sin properly understood is in reality nothing but “fluff” that brings eternal destruction. When sin is finished it brings death and bondage (Jas. 1:15; 2 Pet. 2:20).

Sin and cotton candy both create a longing to have more and more. Every sin can become an addiction which brings us into bondage and is so addictive. Sin seems to satisfy but only for such a short time. The real choices are instant gratification or eternal reward.

Isn’t it strange how often great spiritual or eternal truths come from such simple sources!

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Do Numbers Matter… To God?

Do Numbers Matter… To God?

We live in a very analytical society that is concerned with the constant association of numbers and success. Businesses mull over sales quotas and production numbers like cows ruminate cud. When our elected officials talk about the budget, we want to know the numbers. Even in matters of opinion we want to know what the polls say. There is even a television show now called “NUMB3RS” in which a mathematician uses equations to solve crimes. Our general philosophy seems to be, “If the numbers are up, life is good. If the numbers are down, then something’s got to change!”

Our general philosophy seems to be, "If the numbers are up, life is good.

Our general philosophy seems to be, “If the numbers are up, life is good.

Numbers also play a role in the scriptures. The number 40, for example, occurs several times. There were 40 days and nights of rain in the flood (Genesis 7:4, 12). Moses was in Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights (Exodus 24:18). Jesus fasted for the same period of time (Matthew 4:2) and there are many other examples.

There were also certain specific times in which God was directly concerned with numbers. One such instance was when the children of Israel were coming out of the land of Egypt. The book of Numbers begins with this statement, “Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.” Exodus 30:12 tells us that at least one reason for this was so each man could pay a ransom for his redemption out of Egypt. God had his reasons.

There was another time, however, when God was displeased with man’s concern for numbers. During David’s reign, he commanded Joab to number the people (2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21). While God never states a specific reason as to why He is displeased, even Joab seems to know; he tells David that God would ensure that Israel was multiplied (2 Samuel 24:3, 1 Chronicles 21:3). From Joab’s counsel as well as from a comment in 1 Chronicles 27:23 it appears that David’s desire was to trust in the numbers instead of trusting in God. After the census was completed, David acknowledged his sin, but the children of Israel were punished with a plague; 70,000 died as a result of David’s lack of faith.

Where do we place our faith? In a recent article in the “Christian Chronicle,” it was stated that the churches of Christ have failed to keep pace with the population growth in the United States. I’m sure that there will be some who will be alarmed. But why should we be? God doesn’t play by the numbers. With Gideon he took a mere 300 men and destroyed an army of thousands. God populated the world by just two people and then repopulated it again with eight. What about Noah’s record? He failed to keep pace with the population gain of the entire world not just for a few short years, but for 100! Yet, when all was said and done, he and his family WERE the population!

The article also asked the question “Why?” Some speculated, but offered no real answers. No doubt part of the answer is that we’ve begun to trust in numbers instead of trusting in God. When we place our trust in the numbers are we not guilty of the same sin as David? If we are, then we need to repent and change our ways. Regardless of what the numbers say, our job is to put our faith in God because after all is said and done, it is God that gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7, Colossians 2:19). God doesn’t need our numbers to accomplish His will; God doesn’t need us to keep up with the population growth; God doesn’t need us to understand why we haven’t. What God demands is that we stay faithful to Him no matter what (Revelation 2:10).

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The Lamentations of Jeremiah

For What Do We Grieve?

In the five lamentations of Jeremiah one is struck with how personally the prophet takes the punishment of Judah and Jerusalem. They have been removed due to their sin, sin which Jeremiah pleaded with them to repent of and turn to God. But they refused.

Do we grieve as did Jeremiah over the condition of sin?

Do we grieve as did Jeremiah over the condition of sin?

Jeremiah’s heart is broken over the desolation of the once great city of David and the derision that is spewed forth toward its remains. But in the midst of his wailing he reminds himself and the people of God of the wonderful mercies of the Lord and His impending judgment upon His enemies.

When the church falls into sin do we mourn over her destruction? Do we weep over the ridicule hurled at her by her enemies? Do we seek the mercy of the Lord, His judgment upon His enemies, and a restoration of the old paths? Do we weep over the sins of our day? Do we care for the lost and dying?

If every Christian grieved like Jeremiah consider just how strong and glorious the kingdom on earth would be. How Christ would be exalted. How God would be glorified. It starts with me! Be faithful.

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Relationship Game: Dating

To Date or Not to Date

It happened once again. A young teenage couple in our congregation “broke up.” After spending months together, sending thousands of texts back-and-forth, and declaring their “love” for one another, they are now picking up the pieces. Their relationship is over, resulting in emotional (and maybe physical) broken ties that will take a long time to get over. One is left wondering how many times this young lady (and young man) will give herself away—emotionally and physically—before she finally walks down the aisle to marry an altogether different man?

Built on Christ, relationship pieces fit.

Built on Christ, relationship pieces fit.

I believe that even within the church our thinking has become poisoned in this arena. Dating has become such a major part of our culture that very few Christians even stop to consider what dating really entails. Dating holds such a “majority view” in our society that for many, this hot-button topic is not even up for discussion. Sadly, most parents have assumed a “we did it, so it must be ok” stance. As such, many homes focus on that magical age when a teen is finally able to go out on a date. Older Christians oftentimes don’t help the situation—as they are often questioning young people about who they like, further promoting this boyfriend/girlfriend mindset. After all, isn’t that what we do?

While it may be what the majority do, one should step back and ask if dating in modern times is a wise thing for Christian young people?

Here’s what I intend on teaching my children about dating.

Because my advice runs counter to our current culture, many Christians will take exception to my counsel to you. In fact, some may take personal offense. My effort here is not to offend but rather to encourage a paradigm shift on how we envision finding a future spouse. A large number of Christians have adopted a worldly perspective on finding a mate—never giving any consideration to God’s Word or God’s will in this matter. To the extent that the Bible addresses “premarital” relationships at all, it uses the language of men marrying and women being given in marriage (see Matt. 24:38; Luke 20:34-35). Some would argue that this was the cultural norm in the past, and that things have changed today. Since when have God’s people ever taken their cues from society? Have we forgotten that we are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-12)? While there are some success stories of dating, modern dating (even modern “Christian” dating) has, in many cases, become a means for sexual activity—outside of marriage.

Dating begins with a male or female initiating a more-than-friends relationship. “Dates” are normally conducted in private, or maybe with a small group of friends, and may or may not have marriage as its end goal. I believe honest evaluation recognizes that modern dating promotes lust and provides a doorway for fornication.  Consider what happens when someone creates a strong endorphin bond with a girlfriend, and then they break up years later. What is the response ten years later when that young man is married to someone else and happens to see his “old flame” in the mall? Could it not be truthfully said that in many cases dating develops an appetite for variety, promoting dissatisfaction within a future permanent bond of marriage? Additionally, modern dating develops a very self-centered “feeling” oriented version of love. Can Christian parents look at these attributes and feel comfortable that our current dating system is biblically preparing young men and women for marriage?

In an ironic twist of fate, in the modern dating model, the father, who is supposed to be helping ensuring the purity of his children, is the least involved. Rather than protecting their purity, in many cases he is the one sending them out, as hormones race through the teens’ bloodstream. Sadly, the first time many fathers really meet the “boyfriend” is when he asks for the daughter’s hand in marriage. My question would be what is he really asking for? He’s already got what he wants! He’s already stolen the daughter’s heart—and maybe her purity as well. That’s not honorable—that’s poaching.

My hope is that rather than having a worldly checklist that characterizes the ideal fantasy spouse, you will look for a godly spouse defined by Scripture. I pray you will find someone who will help you get to heaven and someone who will help you in your walk with God. I look forward to meeting someone who not only will help you in these areas, but someone with whom you can service and honor God better together than apart!

Your mother and I would prefer that you not experience “divorce practice.” We believe that dating conditions individuals to break off relationships rather than teaching commitment. It also causes many young people to isolate themselves away from their friends. We have watched on many occasions where dating leads to intimacy, but not commitment, thus devaluing the true meaning of sexual relations and marriage. Our aim is to keep you honorable before God and help you remain both physically pure as well as emotionally pure. We hope that when you really do give your heart to someone that it is the person you will marry—the one who will help you get to heaven.

Paul declared to the church at Thessalonica, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, emp. added). Because of this your mother and I are trying to identify a better system for you to find your future mate. As you begin the important process of finding a lifelong mate I hope you will keep these key Scriptures in mind:

*1 Corinthians 6:9-7:19 (a reminder to be pure, the consequences of sexual sin, and instructions for marriage)
*1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (teaches the importance of not defrauding another in your relationships by your words or conduct)
*Song of Solomon 2:7 (“do not awaken love before it pleases” — i.e. before the proper time)
*Proverbs 6:20-7:27 (warns us to avoid sexual sin and foolish relationships)

*James 1:13-15(reminds us of that temptation can lead to death)
*Romans 13:8-14 (reminds us of the importance to put others first and not seek to please ourselves)
*Romans 14:1-15:7 (also reminds us to value others and do what is good for their soul’s)
*1 Timothy 5:1-2 (Paul admonishes young men to treat single women as sisters in Christ)
*Titus 2:1-8 (encourages young men and women to focus on self-control/godliness)
*John 14:15(true love to Christ is demonstrated by obeying His commands)

My children finding your spouse is an exciting and important step—as such, we don’t want you to miss-step. While your mom and I have not worked out all of the “kinks,” we believe courtship is a much better model for Christians today. We will save the principles of courtship for another day. Keep studying, and keep praying for your future mate.

Love,

Dad

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Effective Everyday Evangelism

Effective Everyday Evangelism

Below is a shameless plug of a book written by a good friend, preacher, and fellow article writer: Doug Dingley.  The information is pulled from a flyer for his book.  Having read his previous book “More than Conquerors” and greatly appreciating its message, I have no doubt that this latest endeavor will leave you spiritually awakened and ready to serve.  Check it out! – Travis Main

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Having been a member of the Lord’s church for any length of time, you have more than likely heard one of “those” comments: “Oh yeah, you’re the ones who think you’re the only ones going to heaven,” “You’re the folks who don’t believe in music,” or, “You believe in water/works salvation instead of salvation by grace through faith.”

Effective Everyday Evangelism

Effective Everyday Evangelism

I have been very blessed by God to recently have published: Effective Everyday Evangelism; the Adventures of Joe Clevelander & Chuck Churchman. It deals with how to faithfully, lovingly, biblically and effectively address such comments and questions – as well as the subject of homosexuality and the anti-biblical “Sinner’s Prayer for Salvation” amongst others – but how to do so on a simple, non-antagonistic, easy-to-understand level, utilizing everyday illustrations and examples from the world around us to help the biblically uninformed to better understand God’s truth. Heavily scripturally-referenced throughout and divided into 13 chapters with discussion questions at the end of each, plus, including an appendix of 7 very scriptural bible studies covering such things as God’s biblical plan of salvation and Christ’s one, New Testament, pre-denominational church, this book is ideal for either personal or congregational bible study, as well as to hand out to those you are seeking to see saved. Here’s what some others have said:

I loved the book! Not a one-trick pony, this book speaks volumes on evangelism but it does not stop there. Each chapter is filled with memorable stories that challenge the most seasoned Christian to fight the good fight, to love thy neighbor as thyself, and to always lean upon the word of God. But there is more. Thoroughly footnoted, this book is great for classroom discussion, personal study, or as an outreach tool. The depth of bible knowledge the writer possesses is clear throughout and always on point. This book is for the experienced preacher, new convert, and God seeker alike.

~Bear Valley Bible Institute Graduate & Gospel Preacher, Frederick Klein (See: www.southsidegr.org)

I have only known Brother Dingley for a relatively short amount of time, yet in that short time, he has demonstrated over and over his keen ability to thoroughly and yet simplistically open up the Scriptures. This gift is demonstrated once again in this book. As a preacher myself, I have witnessed the struggle people have teaching biblical principles in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. Brother Dingley has masterfully shown each of us simple ways to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the Lord’s church. In fact, I found myself not just enjoying the delivery of the biblical answers but getting excited about getting this book into each of the members’ hands where I preach. I have no doubt that this book will be a great benefit to the kingdom of Christ and that God will be glorified even more by those that take to heart the valuable information presented in this fantastic writing.

~Brown Trail School of Preaching Graduate & Gospel Preacher, Landon Rowell

(See: www.gospel-preacher.com, & www.ramonacofc.com)

Check it out for yourself today at www.amazon.com/author/douglasdingley,

or order directly from www.jameskaypublishing.com!

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