Will You Test?

A Parable of Two “Waters”

Will you test the truth?

Will you test the truth?

A man was dying in the desert when he came upon a tent. Inside the tent were two people. One of those people appeared friendly, warm, and inviting. The other person appeared ugly, cold and repulsive. In front of both people were large baskets and inside one of those baskets was life-giving water, but inside the other basket was deadly poison. The one who appeared friendly said, “Come and drink the water that is in my basket.” Then the ugly person said, “No, he is a liar. Do not drink of that bowl for it contains poison.” The friendly person replies, “I can’t believe that you are so unloving and impatient. Can’t you see this man is thirsty? Can’t you see that he needs a drink? Where is your love and compassion for this man?” So the dying man asked, “Do you know if there is water in your basket?” The “friendly” man replied, “I don’t claim to know everything, I’m just on a journey like everyone else.” The dying man asked the other, “Do you know if there is water in your basket?” He replied, “Yes, I know there is water in my basket.” Then the “friendly” person says, “I can’t believe that you would be so arrogant as to claim that you have the only water in your basket.” The friendly man turned to the dying man and said, “Surely you are an educated man who understands that we are all in this journey together and that there is not really anything that we can truly know.” The unattractive person replied, “If you drink of the bowl that he offers, you will die.” The attractive person responded, “I can’t believe that you would be so self righteous as to think that someone would die from drinking out of my bowl. Do you think that I am some kind of idiot or fool? Where is your love, your compassion, your concern for this poor soul?” He replied, “I love this man enough to tell him the truth. I want him to live. If he will but drink of the bowl that is in my basket he will.” Then he turned to the dying man and said, “Why don’t you test both substances with this litmus paper and see which is which.” The attractive person said, “I can’t believe you would ask him to do that. I’m offended that you would even suggest such.” Then he turned to the dying man and said, “If you do that, then I will be offended.” So being persuaded by the words of the attractive person who obviously loves him (after all he knew because of his pleasant and loving appearance, didn’t he?), he drank together with him of his bowl, but before the liquid reached the back of their throats, they realized that it was poison; it was too late. As they died, the attractive person said, “I’m so sorry, but I told you I didn’t know.” The man who had the water lamented, “If only he had used the test to know the truth.” The question of this parable is: who was truly the most loving out of the two?

In regard to eternal life, we each have something in our possession. Some have truth and some are deceived by lies. But there is a way to test who has truth and who doesn’t, by comparing the words that are spoken with God’s word, the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16,17). The outcome of our decision is no less critical than the situation above; it is, in fact, even more critical. Why? Because we are not merely speaking about our physical life, but our eternal life. When it comes to questions that affect our salvation, why would we seek to gamble with our soul? We do that when we trust someone who says, “I don’t know” yet appears warm, caring, and sensitive.

On the other hand, there are others who say, “This is truth and you ought to believe it. And here is the way that you can test whether what I am telling you is truth or not.” They give it to you straight, because they understand that if you do not accept it, then your soul will be in jeopardy (2 Corinthians 5:10,11). They warn you of the terrible consequences that await those who fail to believe the truth, and they point out the fact that others are out there, deceived and speaking lies about God’s plan for man’s salvation (Matthew 7:15-20). Yet some criticize them and say that they are unloving, unkind, and lack communication skills. Truly, who is the most loving? Is it the one who allows another person to drink poison all the while acknowledging that he does not know if it is or isn’t? Or is the one who warns about the danger and frankly tells the truth to others? Who, truly, has shown the greater love?

So it is in our power to test which one is speaking the truth and which one is not (1 John 4:1). Will we, fearful of offending someone, follow our emotions and make our decision based upon the mere appearance of love, sensitivity, and concern? Or will we, regardless of who may be offended, test the things that are said against the standard of truth that God has given to ensure that our beliefs are in harmony with God’s truth? I hope that we will choose to test the things that have been told us by others by comparing them to God’s word. Then, the only thing left for us to do is believe that which is true.

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The Same Doctrine

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different churches in the world?  The reason for this is because not everyone believes the same things when it comes to the doctrine of Christ.  Yet, in spite of all these doctrinal differences, many plead for unity (appealing to Jesus’ prayer in John 17) and say something like, “Can’t we all just get along?”  What does the Bible say?

Can we follow His doctrine?

Can we follow His doctrine?

According to the Bible Jesus only established (built) ONE church: HIS (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Unless we are in that one church we cannot be saved (Acts 2:47).  Also, the Bible reveals that there is only ONE doctrine: HIS (Gal. 1:6-12).  Unless we abide in that one doctrine we cannot be saved (2 Jn. 9-11).  Paul tells us that we must be of the same mind in Christ (Phil. 3:16); speaking the same doctrine, believing the same doctrine, and applying the same doctrine (1 Cor. 1:10).  This is how we have unity in Christ, friends (Jn. 17:20-23). “Is Christ divided” (1 Cor. 1:13)?  Certainly not! Then why should we be?

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She Loved Much

All of a sudden and from out of nowhere

She loved much.

She loved much.

All of the sudden and from seemingly out of nowhere, “she” showed up and walked in on the dinner party. Perhaps dirty, perhaps disheveled – we don’t know – but certainly disrespected, and surely unwanted in the midst of Simon’s elite little group of gathered, polished, and definitely familiar religious faces. Did the crowd part like the waters of the Red Sea before Moses’ staff as this “sinful” woman walked unwanted into their midst? Did the whispers which stirred in the shadows and electrified the onlookers cause her humble heart to break as she broke through into the unfamiliar territory of this upscale neighborhood and even on into Simon the Pharisees’ well-furnished home? After all, she was quite likely far more uncomfortable and out of place in this neighborhood and situation than any of those who saw her there. But she wasn’t there for them. She was there to see Jesus… and see Him she did… and see her did He!

As this account as recorded in Luke 7:36-50 unfolds, Jesus immediately sees something far more sinister, satanic, and unnerving in the room than this woman’s sinful reputation… and that is the hideous hypocrisy of the pride-hardened religious hearts all around Him who seemed completely incapable of loving, accepting, and reaching out to the hurting and lonely lost all around them; to those who so desperately desired and needed their love, acceptance, ministration and inclusion the most. And so, Jesus addresses Simon the Pharisee first…

And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:40-50).

She loved much; they did not. Her sins were forgiven; theirs were not. She was saved by her faith; they were not. By their exclusionary religious elitism they were condemned. Blind, ugly, pride-driven and detestable, hypocritical and socially excluding religious elitism. This is what it does. It possesses, drives, and destroys those who choose to embrace, and then are inevitably, eventually, enslaved by it (2 Ptr. 2:18-22).

Other examples of this diabolical degeneracy in God’s people – of all people (?!?) – both permeate and pollute the sacred pages of the New Testament. We see it’s ugliness evidenced in the account of the Pharisee and the publican who went up to the temple to pray as recorded in Luke 18:9-14, where once again it was the pious and self-righteous religious leader that was so exclusionary who was summarily condemned, while the “sinner” in the story went away justified according to Jesus. We see similar in the story of Blind Bartimaeus when those following and celebrating Jesus sought to silence this poor, blind, probably grimy and dirty “bum’s” request for relief (See: Mark 10:46-52). Jesus, surrounded by supporters and encircled by disciples; headed for His ages-old prophesied date with the devil; on His way to Jerusalem to shed His blood for the sins of the entire world, thereby fulfilling the plan put in place before the beginning of the world to free you and I from the eternal flames our sin-wracked souls deserve in the face of a holy God’s wrath… stops, stands still, and serves the need of this one, dirt poor, desperately lost and hideously hurting sinner.

The bible is very clear. Religious people can often be – and have often been – the most compassion-less people on the planet if they’re not continually careful. I am reminded here that religious elitism and egoism is often the downfall of those who should know best not to be that way. It was not with the common people of His day to whom He often ministered when no one else would that Jesus had the biggest problem… It was by far, more often with the scribes, Pharisees, lawyers and Sadducees – the very leaders of God’s own people at the time – that Jesus struggled; and by whom, Jesus was eventually, summarily rejected, and carelessly, callously, and compassionate-lessly crucified.

Let us, who claim to be God’s people today – and especially those who lead (1 Timothy 3:6-7; 3 John 9-11) – be very clear, very careful, and ever aware and extremely cautious, that we not ever become like them, by succumbing to the hideous and abominable sins of pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Sins which will absolutely consume our souls, and consummate in the loss thereof at the end if they are allowed entrance into our lives.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:3-9; all emphasis mine – DED).

 

 

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Don’t Have an Abortion

Heart of the Matter – Please, Please Don’t

Having looked into the tearful eyes of parents whose children have abandoned the faith, I have learned that there are a million miles between our children “going through the motions” in reference to their spiritual life versus our children possessing a heart that dictates their actions. In this column I hope to share with you what I hope to instill in the hearts of my own children and those whom I love.

That life is precious. Do not have an abortion.

That life is precious. Do not have an abortion.

Most of us know someone—even if we really do not know about “it” firsthand. It may be a high school classmate who “got into trouble” at the tender age of sixteen. Or it may be a coworker who was climbing the corporate ladder. Or it may even be the person sitting in the same pew with you on Sunday morning. Rare is the congregation in which at least one member has not had an abortion. Sometimes the secret is shared with close friends, ;  other times, it is literally taken to the grave. Having talked to several women (and even a couple of men) who made this “choice” I realize that it is often a decision made under great stress—and a decision that can leave scars for life.

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

With the exception of Claire, I had the pleasure of watching each one of you enter this world and take your first breaths—and I only missed Claire by two hours. (And yes, I am strongly considering making her wait on me two hours before walking her down the aisle, since she just couldn’t wait!) Each time we discovered we were expecting, your mother and I would quietly wonder, “Can we do this?” As our family grew, we wondered “Can we love another one as much?” The answer to both questions was a resounding “Yes!” Our love just continued to grow as our family grew. Now we cannot envision a world without each one of you. It is my prayer that you too will one day know the joy of being a father or mother. Our family is one of the deepest sources of happiness we know, topped only by the knowledge of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

While your mom and I have big plans for your future—including your impact and influence on His church—we are not so naïve as to think that those plans will unfold without a few hiccups and hurdles along the way. If the plans get brushed aside, please don’t throw away the entire blueprint! Paul, in writing about the “plan” for younger widows, observed: “I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house,…” I hope you will always keep that divinely laid down order in mind. We are to marry first, and then have children. However, if that plan is lost due to a moment of passion please come to us. Please, please don’t have an abortion or consent to one.

Never try to correct a mistake by making another one, and please do not counsel anyone else to do likewise. Far too many people find themselves in a situation  situations in which they are unexpectedly pregnant and they feel the only answer is to abort the child. Without question, abortion stops a beating heart—just 18 days after conception, the baby’s heart begins to beat. You do not want to spend the rest of your life with emotional scars, always thinking “What if…”  I promise you that, with Christ, we can get through it, together (Philippians 4:13).  Never ever forget that we love you and you can always come to us!

Would your mom and I be humbled? Absolutely. Would it hurt? Definitely. But would we forgive you and help you turn a wrong into a right? Without question! Remember you can repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness, and God will forgive you (1 John 1:7-10). In fact, if this were to happen, I would hope that you would then one day have the courage to use your own experience to teach others.

Since your birth,  we have tried to remind you that humans are different from the animals. We were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Every living human has been instilled with a soul (see James 2:26; Ecclesiastes 12:7). Please do not ever consider ending a life prematurely—rather allow us to help you train up that child so that one day it can grow up to become a child of God. Think about that tiny soul lodged in that little unborn child. Abortion is an abomination to God, and I hope you never forget that.

Love Dad

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Walk the Line

Christians, Do We Walk the Line?

Do We Walk the Line?

Do We Walk the Line?

One of my favorite secular songs is Johnny Cash’s Walk The Line.  I like that song because the lyrics speak of the great sacrifice a man would make for a woman, thus expressing his obvious love for her.  While listening to that song the other day, I started to wonder how many of us could honestly say the words of this song about our relationship with God.  As Christians, it’s easy to “talk the talk”…but do we “walk the walk”?  Do we “walk the line”?

Think about it.  The song opens by saying, “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine/I keep my eyes wide open all the time/I keep the ends out for the tie that binds…”   That’s what God wants us to do for him (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; 1 Pet. 5:8).  If we’re willing to do it for people we love, surely we can do it if we love God more than them (Matt. 22:37).  We do whatever we can to keep strong ties with those whom we love, but do we do the same for him?  If our family or friends need us, we don’t hesitate to go to them…yet do we easily find excuses to not attend church, read our Bibles, and pray?

“I find it very, very easy to be true/I find myself alone when each day’s through/Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you…”  Keeping true to God’s commandments is not burdensome unless our prideful selfishness makes it so (1 John 5:3).  Yes, obeying him might make it seem like we’re alone in the world because the majority won’t obey him (Matt. 7:13-14) and will think us to be foolish (1 Cor. 1:18-31).  Are we willing to confess Christ anyway (Matt. 5:10-16; 10:32-33)?

“As sure as night is dark and day is light/I keep you on my mind both day and night/And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right…”  So many have a dead faith in God, a faith not backed up by obedient works (James 2:14-26).  God wants our faith to be sure, with all our heart (Acts 8:37), and the only way we get that faith is through daily and nightly meditation upon his Word (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 1:1-3).  It will be that faith that brings true happiness (Prov. 10:28).

“You’ve got a way to keep me on your side/You give me cause for love that I can’t hide/For you I know I’d even try to turn the tide…”  While God does not take away our free will (Josh. 24:15-18), he gives us plenty of motivational reasons to love him.  We owe our very existence to him.  He sent his Son to take away our sins through a horrible death.  He offers us salvation from an eternal hell.  What are we willing to do for Him (Rev. 2:10)?

“Because you’re mine/I walk the line.”  He is our God…but are we truly his followers?  If we love him, we will obey him (John 14:15).  We will walk his line.

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