Hey Christians!

From One Christian to Another

christians keep diligent

Christians Keep Diligent!

Do not neglect your family. Great men and women of God do not neglect their responsibilities at home. Noah did not neglect his family (1 Pet. 3:20). Abraham did not neglect his family (Gen. 18:19). Joshua did not neglect his family (Josh. 24:15). Even with the arduous task that preachers have of evangelizing the world and edifying the brethren, these are not to annul our personal responsibilities at home to be husbands and fathers. Sometimes preachers (and other Christians) may rationalize that they are putting the kingdom of God first—this we all should do, but again, we cannot do so to the neglect of our own personal family. Brethren, Satan has had enough to do with creating havoc in our families! Are we not tired of watching families (even within the church of our Lord) crumble all around us? I know that I am! Do not neglect your family!

Do not quit studying. No one will ever get to the place where he or she knows the entire Bible, even preachers and elders. I believe that some Christians get to the point where they feel that they have a good general knowledge of the Bible, and then they become lazy and quit studying as much as they did when they first became Christians. I think of the late and lamented Franklin Camp, who noticed the study habits of Gus Nichols and decided to study even more (I believe it was six hours daily), which he did all the way up until his death. Christians, we do not know it all, yet! Do not quit studying!

Do not quit spreading the good news of the gospel. Teaching comes with times of great discouragement. We will not convert everybody; even God in the flesh did not convert everybody. When we get discouraged, do not quit teaching! How will the world come to know of the grace of their Savior without teaching? How will the world come to realize the consequences of their sins without teaching? The world needs teachers! Jesus said,

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall be all taught of God.’ Every man, therefore, that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me. (John 6:44-45)

When we get discouraged, think of all of the mighty men of God who were discouraged and did not quit (Elijah, Jeremiah and such like). Do not quit evangelizing!

Do not ever forget about the ones who sacrificed for you to become the person you are today. Preacher students at schools of preaching (i.e., SWSBS, MSOP and SEIBS) should not ever forget the individuals and congregations who graciously gave to them so that they could sacrifice a few years to learn how to become an effective preacher. Christians should always remember with gratitude those who paved the way for them. I personally remember with fondness a little congregation in Verbena, AL (Midway Church of Christ). This small little congregation supported me meagerly for the final three years that I was a college student, but I would not trade those years of encouragement and opportunity for anything! They helped me then to become the person that I am today. I think of my parents and of other mentors along the way. As Christians, we ought to think of great preachers and elders from our past who sacrificed to allow the church to flourish as it does today. From cover to cover, the Bible teaches that godliness and gratitude go together; it also teaches that wickedness and ingratitude go together. As Christians, we ought always to demonstrate gratitude!

Do not think of yourselves more than you ought. The Bible repetitively teaches this principle (Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:1-4; et. al). Pride is one of the most dangerous of all sins, and Christians are certainly susceptible to it. For example, whenever preachers get a taste of “success” (large congregations, multiple meetings, exposure from articles/books and such like), Satan will use that situation to tempt them with pride. I have been to many lectureships where some preachers of some esteem rarely talk to “the common preacher,” while others will relate personably. While I do not wish to embarrass anyone or leave anyone out, I can only think of some who have spoken to me as a young preacher with no reputation as if I was important to him. I do not know about you, but I will remember that for as long as I live. The fact of the matter is that Christians can often form cliques, and will only associate with those in their clique. As Christians, we should try to treat everyone the same, and think of ourselves as equals with everyone.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it will serve to point out a few nuggets of wisdom that all Christians (and preachers especially) should follow.

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Opinion & Disputable Matters

What Are “Disputable Matters?”

Romans 14:1 in the NIV says, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” The ESV reads, “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” The ASV says, “But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.” The KJV renders the verse as follows: “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” What are “disputable matters,” “opinions,” “scruples,” or “doubtful disputations”?

what weight does opinion have

What weight does opinion have?

Romans 14 is addressed to Gentiles who didn’t understand Jewish customs regarding food, drink, and Jewish feast days (see verses 2, 3, and 6). While these things were commanded under the Old Testament law, they were abrogated in Christ and not obligatory for Gentiles ( Acts 15:9-11, Ephesians 2:15). These Jewish customs became a problem for churches with Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles had no compunction not to practice Jewish customs and thought Christian Jews should feel the same. However, many Jews couldn’t abandon these Jewish practices because it would offend their conscience. So, Paul gave instruction to the church at Rome not to divide over these matters.

Paul wrote, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him” ( Romans 14:3). The Jew needed to respect the right of the Gentile not to observe these things by not binding the Jewish customs upon the Gentile. The Gentile also needed to respect the Jew who desired to observe these things by not putting offensive things in front of him (such as pork). For them to do otherwise was to judge unrighteously. So Paul says, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?” (verse 4). It is the Lord who judges such matters. “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living” ( Romans 14:9) and it is to Him that we will all give account (verse 12). So Paul’s conclusion in this regard is this, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” ( Romans 14:13).

To sum up, Paul’s discussion in Romans 14 concerned the observance or non-observance of Jewish customs. Under Christ, these were matters of personal observance since the law had been nailed to the cross ( Colossians 2:14). So, disputable matters are not matters of obligation, but matters of personal conscience. The principles in this passage ought not to be applied to matters of right and wrong.

From this study, we learn there is room for disagreement regarding matters of opinion in the Lord’s church and we learn not to divide over such things. Today there are some among us who hold one opinion or another as a matter of personal conscience. Let us respect them and honor them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Do You Have Worry?

Worry

do you have worry in your life

Do You Have Worry In Your Life?

The Biblical word I want to focus on this week is “Worry.” This English word will not be found if you were to look it up in a King James Bible or in the American Standard Version, but it is found in the New King James Version. Even though the previous two translations do not use the English, the concept of worry is clearly addressed in several passages of Scripture. The KJV uses the phrase “take no thought” to express the concept of worry in Matthew 6:24-34. The ASV uses “be not anxious” in this same context. To today’s reader, the KJV may be a little bit misleading with the way it uses “take no thought.” In the context of Matthew 6 and other places it is found it does not mean that we are not to consider or give any thought at alltoward the needs and cares of this world, i.e. food, clothing, shelter, etc. It just means that one should not become overly concerned with these things to the point that one is distracted from his primary objective, found in verse 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you..” We still need to be concerned about these things because the Bible says, “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel…” (1 Tim 5:8), but we must not allow them to consume us as illustrated by the thorny soil in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:22, “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

Why should we not worry or become anxious about the cares and needs of this world? The message Jesus delivered in Matthew 6:24-34 makes it clear that we should not worry about these things because God cares for us. And because if we seek Him first and foremost in this life, these things Christ here mentions really do not matter at all. If I am faithful to God and lack the necessities of this life it does not matter; though I may be poor in material goods or in physical health, I am rich toward God through Christ Jesus my Lord. (C.f. 2 Cor. 8:9 and James 2:5) Therefore friends, let us not worry and be anxious over the necessities of this life and “let us lay aside every weightand the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

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What is God’s Plan Happiness?

Happiness in Your Life

Happiness can be very difficult to describe for many. Though we desire to have happiness for ourselves, some search the world over, but are still unable to find happiness in life. Why is it that the multitudes do not find peace, tranquility and happiness? Could it be that they are seeking in all the wrong places, such as riches, fame and popularity? Each time these are obtained, they are found to be empty in regards to lasting happiness and real joy in life. We need to notice that these are the things of an outward nature, while we need to realize that God’s formula for happiness comes from within our hearts. God does have a place by which all can find happiness, but He promises it from His perspective and not from our own.

how can a life be full of happiness

How Can a Life Be Full of Happiness?

The keys for true happiness can be found in the thoroughly furnishing Scriptures given by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). We receive happiness and peace in life by being sure our actions are in harmony with God’s Word. With this said, let us notice six types of individuals who seek to find a happy life.

1. Some want to be in the family of God without being born again, which is an impossible way to happiness (John 3:3-5). Instead of being saved by faith only, Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). The inspired apostle Peter said, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:22-23).

2. Some want to be happy without seeking the grace and peace from Jesus, which is only found in Him and His church (Philippians 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:1). We must focus our lives on forgiveness and hope if we are to find lasting happiness (2 Timothy 1:1-2).

3. Some want happiness without being thankful, for the gracious blessings of salvation, the talents given to us to use and the church built and purchased by Jesus (Ephesians 1:3; Romans 1:21-22; Philippians 1:3-5).

4. Among others things, people are privileged souls, who many times will not and do not submit to the Master of life, Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-29).

5. These, who attempt to find happiness, refuse to live a humble and faithful life, following the attitude and mind of Jesus (Philippians 2:5). They think too highly of themselves and their importance, to bow their knee in confession to the King of kings and the Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). Such an attitude makes folks miserable as they wallow in their self-pity.

6. Many think they will find happiness in always complaining and murmuring at the providence of God (Philippians 2:12-14). These hold grudges against their fellow-man and are upset by every small thing that happens to them. This attitude is guaranteed to bring misery, not happiness (Philippian 4:6-7).

God has assured us that if we seek in the right way, happiness will be found. This happiness will not be in the form of money, cars and homes. The happiness that God provides is found when we bring ourselves in harmony with His word. Let us all follow His word as it guides us through life and leads us to a home in Heaven with our Creator.

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Spurs

Spurs

Spurs are a tool most people associate with the cowboy. The spur fits or is strapped to the heel of a boot and extends back varying lengths. Some spurs are simple straight shanks (necks) ending in a point. Others have a rowel (wheel with points) at the end. Usage of spurs dates back to the Celts, Romans, and Arabs. Above all other uses, the predominant historical usage of the spur is as a prod to guide a rider’s horse. Specifically designed for battle, the spur enabled the rider to busy his hands with weaponry while maneuvering his horse with his spurs and legs. Spurs have additionally been worn for looks or style, being a variety of metals, jeweled, or designed to jingle. Another usage is to indicate rank or class; in fact, the phrase “earned his spurs” looks back to a time when spurs were awarded those who were knighted. Spurs were even awarded by the Pope to those belonging to the militia group “The Order of the Golden Spur”.

do you need spurs put to you

Do you need Spurs put to you?

Considering the predominant usage of the spur as a guide or prod, there are some helpful Biblical applications which can be made. The words exhort, beseech, provoke, and encourage are similar to the word spur and the Bible uses these terms quite often. The apostle Peter exhorted the people on the day of Pentecost toward salvation:

 Acts 2:40 – And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

The apostle Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to live in a way that would please God:

 I Thessalonians 4:1 –  Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk, – that ye abound more and more.

The writer of Hebrews exhorted Christians to “exhort one another daily” so they would not be overcome in sin:

Hebrews 3:12-13 – Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:

Christians could be called the spur of God. They are to prod one another to love and good works and not let up:

Hebrews 10:24-25 – and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

Spurs guide man to take the proper steps down the right path. It has been said that God must like cowboys because he made so many wide open spaces. Perhaps now, it can also be seen that God also appreciates good quality spurs.

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