Consequences!

Then What? Consequences!

Shortly before America entered World War II, the Japanese government looked to Admiral Yamamoto to plan an attack against the United States.  Though he was evidently leery of entering a war with the U. S., he believed the best way to cripple them was a surprise attack on the U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor.  He predicted that such an assault would give the Japanese control of the Pacific for maybe a year; yet he strongly believed that if the war lasted longer Japan would not win.  The implication was: “Yes, we can attack, but then what?”  Tragically, the attack occurred, resulting in tremendous loss of life; and eventually the U.S. answered with death and devastation, forcing Japan to surrender.

consequences

“Then What”? There are Consequences.

You know, sin is a lot like that.  Oh yes, one could easily do it, but it has devastating results.  Just ask David (2 Sam. 11-12).  Does a man have the capability of secretly taking another man’s wife? Yes.  But, “then what?”  David did not think about that, did he?  If he had, he could have saved himself a great deal of pain, shame, and guilt.  Or what of Achan (Josh. 7) or Gehazi (2 Kings 5)?  Could a person be clever and sly enough to acquire possessions that they have no right to have?  Sure. But, “then what?”  As a result of their sins Gehazi was stricken with leprosy and Achan and his entire family were slain.  They did not consider the possible consequences of sin, did they?  What a tragedy.

Friends, the next time you are tempted to sin, please stop and ask, “then what?”  Just remember, everything we do has consequences; and some things broken cannot be fixed.

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Relating to Confession

Pertinent Matters Relating to Confession

God wants us to know that He provides a remedy for sin—Jesus proclaims the blessed invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Although God is the offended one when we sin, He is also the one who prepares the way for our return to Him. Through Jesus, both alien sinners (Eph. 2:12-13) and brethren who are “overtaken in a fault” (Gal. 6:1) may appropriate the remedy that our loving, longsuffering God provides. Many know that “aliens” from the covenant relationship with God who are outside of the church of Christ must hear, believe, repent, confess Jesus as Lord and obey God with immersion for the remission of sins.

Confession

How Should We Approach Confession?

However, some do not seem to know that Chris­tians who continue in error and sin have returned to the condition of spiritual death. These are among the offend­ers (James 5:19-20). Peter adds his inspired voice to that of James:

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again en­tangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (2 Pet. 2:20-21)

Thus, through the grace of God, though we have devoted a certain period of our lives to sin, even Christians may escape wrath through confession of sins. Therefore, the council of God has clearly drawn out the arrangement of forgiveness for a Christian who has sinned.

Let us observe that periodic public confessions are not necessary. It seems that many sincere and dedi­cated Christians feel that it is necessary periodically to “go forward.” To some, it seems to be a “just in case I missed something” attitude, in which they confess no specific sin. In the past, preachers and elders, in whom the congregation had the greatest of confidence, appear to think that they “teach by example” in making public confessions. In addition, some whole congregations have “gone forward” at one service, even the faithful and the best. Years and years ago, one preacher from the South went to the North and reportedly “planted” people in the audience to “go forward.” The Billy Graham Association had suggested that this arrangement would encourage people who really needed to come to respond! It seems as if young people become targets at camps, colleges, retreats and other youth outings when the intention is to stir them emotionally to restoration. Of course, we do not dare question the sincerity of these individuals, but they certainly need to engage in a closer study of the word of God concerning confession of sins. Some who really need to confess public sin are hesitant and discouraged because of many who have misused and multiplied the act of “walking the aisle.” Many preachers do not speak out on this subject because of a fear that the congregation will misunderstand them.

Let us observe another pertinent point relating to the confessing of our sins. We are blessed to have caring shepherds who meet individuals during the invitation.

Such times may entail some quite personal matters that should probably only be between the sheep and the shepherd. A current trend is for members to come im­mediately and sit beside them as a means of support. While in some circumstances, this might be helpful, in other circumstances, this might be detrimental, and we may not have the information to distinguish between the two. Moreover, if people come too early to support, it can confuse the elders as to who may be truly responding to the gospel invitation and who is simply coming for support. It seems as if the practice seems to have gotten out of hand. On one hand, young children are coming forward without really knowing what they are doing. On the other hand, some members may feel guilty about not responding as quickly as other members, because they feel the appropriate timing would be to wait until the end of the prayer or the end of the service. Are these members not as sincere and caring as others are, although they do not respond as quickly? Might I suggest that decorum in the situation would allow some time for the shepherd to speak to the sheep? When he is finished (and really when the time of invitation is over), then caring Christians should desire to come and support. This would alleviate many problems that have arisen recently.

I beg everyone that none should fail to confess public sins for fear of misunderstanding or misjudgment. It takes a great amount of courage for most of us to admit our wrongs. When heaven is in the balance, the confes­sion of sins is certainly an appropriate act.

 

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God and Injustice

God Deals With Sin in His Own Time

The cry of injustice can never be ignored in heaven. Cain may have thought that the killing of his brother was nothing, but the reality is that the blood of Abel was crying out to heaven for justice! What a lesson every person on earth must know. There is no such thing as injustice that God does not punish in His own time.

Injustice

God Will Deal with Injustice.

God and the injustice of the Amalekites. When the Jews left Egypt, even before they got to Mt. Sinai, they were attacked by the Amalekites (Ex. 17). This was the occasion when the Jews were delivered because of the uplifted hands of Moses appealing to God for His help. At that time, God told Moses to write this in a book so that men would know that God remembered what they had done and that God would utterly destroy them for what they had done. It is likely that most forgot this event, but God’s nature would never let injustice remain unanswered. It was more than 400 years before Saul fulfilled God’s words. God rewards in His own time.

God and the injustice of the Jewish nation. Jesus’ parable in Matthew 21 should be studied and fully understood by students of the Bible. It concerns the vineyard and those husbandmen who refused to give the fruit of the vineyard to the owner of the vineyard. He finally sent his son, thinking that they would not mock, beat or kill him, like they had done to those who first came. The Jews, at first, did not comprehend the parable and that the application concerned God, the prophets and His Son. They unknowingly pronounced their own destiny when they said that the owner of the vineyard would miserably destroy those wicked men. God had been patient with the Jews for 1,500 years as they killed the prophets and even waited forty years after they killed the Son. He then brought the worst tribulation there will ever be, but He did it in His own time.

God and the injustice of America. One cannot read history without seeing the truth that God will turn into hell every nation which forgets Him  (Psa. 9:17). We once proclaimed we wanted to be one nation under God, but our sins cry out against us announcing we want to be a nation out from under God!  We must remember that He is not mocked and whatever we sow we shall reap (Gal. 6:7). If the sins of Sodom had to be dealt with by God, how much greater our sins of immorality! If the blood of Abel cried out to God for justice, how much more the nearly 50,000,000 aborted American children!

God and the injustice of all mankind. Justice is His nature. Every transgression and disobedience will receive just recompense (Heb. 2:3). The fact that it does not happen immediately means nothing. God deals with it in His own time!

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Graciousness and Thankfulness

Graciousness and Thankfulness

Isn’t it just wonderful when two different people or items are paired to make a perfect combination? When I first met my wife, we discovered that we both loved to dip our french-fries into our Wendy’s Frosty (yes, that was back when Frostys were only chocolate). It was a wonderful coming together of flavors. Of course, there are other items that fit well together, beans and bacon, apple pie and vanilla ice cream, chips and salsa, and fried fish with malt vinegar! Ah… enough about food. How about Jeeps and mud? Goofy hats and babies? Doctors with small hands? A wide open road and the peddle all the way down? Pinafores and little girls? Little boys and frogs? Jeans and boots? There are so many great combinations we see all around us. They make us feel just a bit better about each day.

Thankfulness

Are Graciousness and Thankfulness a Thing of the Past?

Two items which go together quite well are graciousness and thankfulness. This combination has been diminishing over the years. Some would suggest, that perhaps we live in an age in which opportunity to demonstrate these traits has lessened. To the contrary, this age is full of bountiful moments to apply these characteristics to one’s life. It is high time that we affix them not only to the adults of society, but we ingrain them in our youth.

Graciousness involves a display of kindness or courtesy to others. It is a quality predominantly lacking in Hollywood, the Professional Sports community, and the Political community. The “stars” continually put on a show of in your face arrogance and an heir of entitlement with their behaviors. Self centered moments such as Kanye West’s 2009 VMA Rant, Lebron James’ “The Decision”, Michael Jordan’s HOF speech, and the rejection of the will of the American people by the 111th congress are key moments of how not to respond to the kindness of others. Graciousness takes those moments and considers blessing of other giving you opportunity to serve. Stars and politicians need to consider the ends of their actions and remember they are ultimately servants who can be put away. Graciousness examines those around you and says, “How can I put others interests ahead of my own”. It is kind of like when your aunt Mildred gives you her famous Christmas fruitcake. You and everyone who has every tried it has nearly gagged. However, you smile, tell her how great it is, and you move forward. You don’t tear her heart in two when she has put forth a great effort for you. Our youth have seen a lack of graciousness displayed in front of them for years. Now, when they receive gifts, they may throw them to the side or they loudly state, “I’ll exchange this”. They fail to show graciousness and fail to realize the hurt they can inflict upon others thoughtful efforts.

Thankfulness is our counterpart to graciousness. As mentioned previously, some folks have an heir of entitlement about them. They are not thankful for the kindnesses around them. They see the blessings as something they deserve. “Stars” fail to be thankful for the encouragement of others, the money spent on their shows or events, the word-of-mouth sharing about the “star” that ultimately brought about the great success. They forget it was the hard working citizen who raised the standard of living such that a person could make an unbelievable living in the Arts or in Sports instead of spending all day breaking their knuckles on a farm or working in a mill. The politician fails to be thankful to the citizen for the opportunity to represent their views. Instead, they work against the citizen, they ignore the citizen, they choose actions that will benefit themselves and their own power. We all tend to forget to be thankful at times. How often do we take for granted simple things such as refrigeration, electricity, automobiles, many sets of clothing, paved roads, power tools, and a selection of shoes to wear. It wasn’t too long ago that these things weren’t around. Again, our youth see our example of failing to be thankful. Our example of the child who receives gifts not only displayed their lack of graciousness, but their lack of thankfulness. We are owed nothing. We should be thankful for what we receive and express that in graciousness.

It is a great joy to experience a combination of two things which go perfectly together. Graciousness and thankfulness are certainly two items which do. There is a scripture from the Bible which says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning”. May we not only be gracious in expressing our appreciation for His kindness, but may we be thankful for the reception of it. What we do with our hands is not everlasting. What we say with our mouths is not everlasting. However, the impact of these will affect others. The impact may set a pattern which is repeated by generations. How much richer to send a pattern of graciousness and thankfulness forward than one which focuses only one’s own self and personal gain. We will certainly be blessed by the better combination and so will those who follow in our footsteps.

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Confession Too Late?

 Will You Confess Too Late?

Confession is the acknowledgement of some­thing we need to show in our lives. Christianity (the point of salvation) begins by confessing (freely acknowledging through personal faith) Jesus for whom He is (Matt. 10:32-33). Great men and women always confess. Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). The gospel of John records five confessions:

confession

Confession of Our Faith is Not Always Easy.

  • Nathanael confessed, “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (1:49).
  • The Samaritan woman confessed, “[I]s not this the Christ?” (4:29).
  • Peter again confessed, “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (6:69).
  • Martha confessed, “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (11:27).
  • Thomas confessed, “My Lord and my God,” only after his doubts were erased (20:28).

Consequently, confession is repeated in scripture as necessary for our salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1 John 2:23; 4:2-3, 15; 2 John 1:7). Yet, confessing our faith is not always easy. Even after Peter confessed Jesus twice, he later denied Jesus when the situation was different. John the Immerser confessed Jesus even in the face of the Pharisees (John 1:15-18, 29; cf. Matt. 3:7ff). Eventually, the Pharisees agreed to cast out any Jew caught confessing Jesus (John 9:22; 12:42-43).

However, confession is not only important to salvation, but it is also important to the daily life of a Christian, because we are to confess our sins. God promised the blessing of forgiveness of sins to His children who will confess them (1 John 1:9). James said, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Spiritual healing comes by confession. Like the confession of our faith, confession of sins is also difficult. People have a hard time admitting, “I have sinned.” Yet, God requires it to be pleasing to him (1 John 1:8). The confession of the prodigal son is a perfect example by Christ to show the heart of the confessor: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18-19). In direct contrast, notice the example of Achan. When Joshua lost the battle with Ai, God told him it was due to sin in the camp. So Joshua gathered the people and began to divide by tribe, family, house­hold and man. Achan had the opportunity to confess during this time, but did not confess his sin until it was too late (Josh. 7:19-21). Many like him will wait until it is too late. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that ever tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11).

Thus, according to the apostle John, for erring Christians to remove the guilt of sin and its conse­quences, we must “confess our sins,” which we do before and to the one against whom we commit the sin. Please note that we are not confessing that we are sin­ners or that we have sinned, but we should understand clearly why we are specifically to “confess our sins.” One word of caution is necessary—the Bible says to “confess” them, but does not say to “report” them. In other words, while we are to be honest and sincere with our offenses, God does not want us to blab all the gory details about such to everyone. May we understand the tact and wisdom necessary to distinguish the two!

Therefore, as we see in the Parable of the Prodi­gal Son, forgiveness was the resultant attitude of the Father who replaced the ring of son-ship, the robe of righteousness and the shoes of freedom (Luke 15:22)! When the child departs in sin but returns to the favor of the Father in confession, our Lord makes the reception of the child a very beautiful thing! Will you confess Him too late?

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