Is the Preacher Too Old?

Occasionally someone with a need to become important begins to spread a rumor that the preacher is too old to do his work and the congregation is suffering because of his age. This is just one of those tactics that the Devil uses to undermine the truth and the peace in a local congregation. Remember you will never see the Devil in person; the Devil appears in human form sometimes as a brother in Christ or even as an “angel of light” – cf. 2 Cor 11:14-15, “14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

There are no age limits for the ministers of the gospel; the New Testament and early  traditions indicate that there were good men preaching the gospel into their very old age. We may also see in the Old Testament that most of the great heroes of the 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews were old men who continued until they died.

PLEASE LOOK AT THE WORK OF MOSES:

Deut 34:1-8, And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shall not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knows of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.”

 PLEASE CONSIDER CALEB:

Joshua 14:6-13, Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.  Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.  And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.” (KJV)

Indeed, we would do well to set at the feet of the aged ministers to learn of the great experiences that the older men have had with regard to their work over long years of faithful service. Therefore if a man is faithful, mentally alert, and able to speak clearly — why should he stop teaching and preaching the gospel message to the lost and dying in this world and also in the pews of many church-buildings throughout the land?

I have known of preachers with one arm, in wheel chairs, in their 80s, grey headed, and sometimes bald headed who worked harder and longer each day than most Christians half their age. As long as they are mentally and spiritually capable to perform, encourage them to keep up the good work.

MORE INSTRUCTION REGARDING OLDER CHRISTIANS:

Lev. 19:32, Thou shall rise up before the hoary head , and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV)

Prov. 16:31, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

Prov 20:29, The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

Prov. 23:22, Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”

THE BEST WAY TO FORM REBELLION AMONG THE PEOPLE:

(Seek the advise of the young –  and – do not listen to the aged faithful)

1 Kings 12:6-19, And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shall thou speak unto this people that spoke unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shall thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; And spoke to them after the counsel of the young men , saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. (KJV)

A LETTER FROM AN AGED PREACHER:

I have Reached A Milestone. Now What? Ill health has forced retirement and so now what shall my life be – Shall I whine and complain a lot since my voice is taken from me? For some fifty years He allowed me to proclaim the salvation “in Christ:” And so I thought that’s what I’d do for the remainder of my natural life! But I have other talents as well – abilities not requiring a voice I can still read and I can write – So writing is another good choice! “The pen is mightier than the sword” Someone wrote long ago it’s so true God committed His word to written form – So why can’t I do the same thing too? Paul wrote “when you read you may understand.” Writing of the salvation of the Jew & Gentile too some say I have the ability to teach via poetry so then that’s at least something that I can still do. — Ephesians 3:1-6,1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV) — By Kenneth E. Thomas – 2008

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Islam

Islam vs. America

Have you ever stopped to think just why Islamic fundamentalists truly hate America? Is their “Jihad” (holy war) against America because of their hatred for the Christian  religion? No, that is not the reason they hate America. The fact that America is a nation with a large population of confessing Christians is not responsible for stoking the flame of “Islamic Jihad.” They do not hate America because of the Christian religion. Yes, they do stand in opposition to the religion of Christ, but that is not why they want to destroy America. They do not want to destroy America out of a hatred for Christian morality. The fact that there are moral Christians who live here does not make the Moslem fanatics hijack airplanes and fly them into buildings. Why then do they hate America so much that they will strap on bombs, committing suicide, just so they can kill a few Americans? The answer may surprise you.

The religion of Islam stresses a very strict set of morals and principles that the faithful Moslem must follow. Their “holy” book, the Quran (Koran) teaches that those who violate the Sharia (moral) laws of Islam must be put to death and that those who fight against these “infidels” and die in the process will go on to live in eternal paradise. Sharia law has many things in common with God’s Moral Law. (With the notable exception of the treatment of women and the unfaithful.) Both teach that the faithful must be of high moral character and that one must abstain from sins of the flesh. Sins such as, “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like…” (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV) are strictly forbidden by the Scriptures and by the teachings of Islam as well.

A close scrutiny of today’s society in America reveals to those who value God’s moral standards that America has truly become an unrighteous and ungodly nation. (Although the vast majority of Americans live lives of decency and morality, we have allowed the vocal minority of Hollywood liberals, atheists and secular humanists to represent us to the entire world.) Sin is not only tolerated by many in America today, it is promoted and praised! God through the prophet Isaiah pronounced, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet,  and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20 NKJV) These things not only upset and offend faithful Christians, but they enrage and infuriate Islamic fundamentalists to the point that they will perpetrate unspeakable acts of violence against  those who practice or tolerate such immorality. These people hate America and carry out “Jihad” against America, because they see the USA as the “Great Satan” – the great enemy of all that is decent and moral. From their point of view, with its overall decline of morality and the licentiousness behavior of many Americans, America is seen almost as being demonic in nature.

There are documented cases of young, Islamic men who have come to the United States of America to attend our colleges and universities, who later came to hate and despise America because of the gross immorality they observed while here. After spending a few years in America and upon returning home many of these men have become Islamic fanatics determined to destroy America, all because of the immorality they observed from every corner while here. When viewed from this light, it is plain to see why Islamic fundamentalism stands in such opposition to America; why they call for “Jihad” and the destruction  of America.

The real question is, “How can America defeat ‘Islamic Jihad’?” “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”(2  Cor. 10:3-5 NKJV). Currently our nation is involved in a physical war on terrorism – opposing violence with violence. Sometimes this is both necessary and right and I believe that the war on terrorism is something in which we must be engaged. However, can we, by relying strictly on the force of arms, end global Islamic terrorism? NO. The more of these “jihadists” we kill, the more we will be hated and the more we are hated, then the more there will be a call for “Jihad.” Force of arms will not defeat this enemy, for in reality, they are not the chief enemy of America. The greatest foe of America, our own worst enemy is the unbridled perversion of American Society, the widespread rejection of God and His Commandments! If our nation as a whole would simply turn to God, rejecting secular humanism, and embracing His Son, His Law, His commandments, then no force on earth could destroy us!

The Old Testament prophets warned the nations that all would be destroyed who refuse to recognize and embrace the God of Heaven, the Author, Ruler and Sustainer of all creation! Not just the nation of Israel and Judah received these warnings, but all the nations were given them. Assyria (Nineveh) was warned by Jonah and repented for a time, postponing judgment. Edom, Syria, Egypt, and Babylon (just to name a few) were warned and failing to heed the warning were subsequently destroyed! When the nations of old rejected God – God sent a nation to punish them. Will He not do the same today? Can America escape His righteous judgment forever? Or, are we even now being given a stern warning by the Righteous Judge?

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death… Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people…”

(Proverbs 14:12, 34 NKJV)

“Come now, and let us reason together, Says the LORD, Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword…”

(Isaiah  1:18-20 NKJV)

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Don’t Just Live with it

Don’t Just Live with it

If national or international crises are cause for alarm, it appears that we will always remain in an alarmed state. If its not one country its that country that is fighting. If it isn’t this catastrophe its that catastrophe. If it isn’t a terrorist it’s a shooting. And closer to home, taxes and inflation spiral out of control and the cost of living threatens economic disaster.

Now, the first thought is to just flee from it all. And certainly we would not be the first to think of doing that. In Psa. 55:5‐6, we are told “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” David yearns to escape his situation. He is full of anguish, fear and horror. He is emotionally paralyzed as he thinks about the present evil. And, he realizes that he is weak and helpless and that his heart is beating like the heart of a woman in labor. He wants to fly like a dove, away from the noise of hate, confusion, evil and anarchy. And, while that sounds good, we cannot live on vacation.

During the days of the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1‐9), when the Lord ascended the mountain and was glorified before his death, Peter wanted to build three tabernacles which may also indicate that he did not want to go back down the mountain, at least, not for a while. But, God stopped his speech (vs. 5) and soon after they did come back down the mountain and Jesus died, giving a new view of life to dying men everywhere.

When we consider our Master, Jesus did not learn to live with the world. He overcame it (Jn. 16:33)! And, this is part of our problem if we live with the world when God offers us the opportunity in Christ to overcome it (1 Jn. 4:1‐5). We must realize that Jesus knew God and he could use the world for God’s glory and at the same time not become a part of the world. Likewise, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) because we only live here for a moment (Jam. 4:14). Sure the world has its problems, but we as Christians, know of a place where there are no problems (Rev. 21:1‐7). And, while the world says this is crazy talk, remember, they told that to Jesus too.

Thinking about heaven can become a form of escaping this world. But, what really escapes this world is believing that God raised Jesus from the dead, confessing that He is the Christ and that repenting and being immersed in water is necessary to have the blood of Christ remove our sins and add us to His church. It is then we can live faithfully to him so when judgment comes, Christ gives us a home with Him. But until then, our faith in God’s future for us gives us strength for victorious living now so we don’t just live with the world. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world!

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The Remodeling Project

Its amazing how one simple step can lead to another and before you know it a simple project turns into a radical remodeling effort. Some time ago we received a generous donation of a large-screen projection television. We decided to put it in our basement. The only problem was there was a post at the bottom of the stairs that had to be removed. So for some time the post has been missing and the walls unfinished.

We finally decided to put the post back in; which led to finishing and painting the walls; which lead to a removal of everything from the basement and ripping up the old Berber carpet that had been glued to the cement floor. The installers are in the basement right now installing the new carper over new padding. There are a few more things that will need to be done and we think it will look great when it is. All this for a free TV!

Salvation too is like a remodeling project. It has to start somewhere and for each and every one of us it begins with am acceptance of the free gift of God in Jesus Christ who died for our sins. The problem is we can’t fit Him into our lives the way we are; there must be a remodeling project!

In Matthew 12 Jesus speaks of a man in who an unclean spirit had departed. When the spirit found no rest he returned home to find it empty, swept, and garnished. The Spirit then goes and finds seven other spirits even more wicked than himself and they all enter the man and live there so that the last state of the man was worse than the first (vv 43-45).

When we obey Jesus through faith, confession and baptism we “put off the old man” (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9). James says that we should draw “nigh to God” so that he would “draw nigh” to us and commands, “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8).

When we finish the remodeling process we see a similarity of the old form but everything looks different: new paint, carpet, woodwork, lighting. And sure it looks beautiful and clean but it isn’t enough to just remodel and leave it that way. The new house or room will simply not be functional without filling it with needed and useful furnishings.

So what do we need to work on filling our lives with?

  1. Christ-likeness: In Colossians 3 Paul says to the Christians there to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering; to bear with one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you. “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be thankful. And let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (vv 12-16). Of course Christ left us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
  2. The Christian Graces: Peter wrote that we should give all diligence, add to our “faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” And promises that if we add these things to the new man we will be neither barren nor unfruitful (2 Peter 1:5-8).
  3. The Fruit of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23 the apostle Paul tells us that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
  4. The Whole Armor of God: This is how we will be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand and against the wiles of the devil. We must have our waist girded with truth, have on the breastplate of righteousness, our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” (Ephesians 6:13-17).

When we begin this process of transforming our lives it may seem rather daunting. But it is a daily process. The final product will be amazing: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

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Intellect

Intellect: Why is that so?

Many people in America are skeptical when questioned about their belief in the God of the Bible. Many will say that there is no evidence that God is as religious people insist, but will deny any proof or evidence of God’s existence. Is this a rational position for anyone to take? Of course rationality is not considered when one brings up the subject of religion or of any peripheral object of Biblical religious thought.

The basis for true understanding of God, the Bible, and religious thought in general must emanate from within the person’s seat of intellect. Intellect is conditioned through or by whatever a person imbibes through the eyes [i.e. sight] and through the ears [i.e. hearing], no one is born with the capability to believe or reject God because everyone is born with the ability to choose between good or bad with regard to any given choice as they mature. Therefore, whenever one reaches a point in growth [i.e. age and mental input] he or she will be able to know, accept, or reject whatever evidence has been imbibed into the seat of intellect [i.e. the mind – the brain]. For this cause children accept the parent or guardian that raise them to a certain point [i.e. during development stage all infants are dependent on parents or guardians for their mental and physical growth. Since the previous statement is obvious, it stands to reason that whoever is in charge of the infant’s upbringing will be influential with regard to the development of their mental state as well as their spiritual state [i.e. understanding of God, etc. – cf. Ephesians 6:1-4, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord”] ASV.

Let us recognize that we are all responsible for how we react to God and to His Book [i.e. the Bible], whether we acknowledge God and the Bible as God’s Book or not will rest entirely on our mind’s acceptance or rejection of them. Therefore we ought to be very careful what we allow our mind to imbibe. Remember this, whatever goes into our mind will corrupt or enlighten and whatever we allow our infants to embed while they have yet to reach accountable age may Cause them to possess a corrupt understanding of God and the Bible. Parents, you must be careful what you expose your infant and young children to; it could be bad for their mental development and their eternal destiny. Children need their parent’s help as they grow from childhood into adult; this is a fact all parents need to understand.

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