The Coming Election Demands Moral Decisions

I know that these words will be misunderstood by many, but I cannot be true to myself and my place in service to God and neglect to express myself on the implication of the coming presidential election. There are vital moral implications of the decisions which confront each of us in the next few weeks.

I have absolutely no desire to violate Paul’s words to Timothy. “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4). There is no place in doing the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5) for preachers to become involved in political matters beyond the moral teachings of the Bible.

I thank God that Americans have the right to vote and influence what happens in their lives, and I urge each one to do this. We are confronted by many issues, but we must realize that as important as money, jobs, welfare, and social injustice are, there are matters which override the physical aspects of life. There are moral issues.

We are confronted by leaders who have addressed these moral issues and openly are advocating the adoption of immorality in this land. Christians need to recognize that when I “bid Godspeed” to evil teaching, I become a partaker in that evil (2 John 9-11). I am speaking specifically about the matter of homosexuality and gay marriages. Two weeks ago, I listened to the conventions, and nine times in two hours, homosexuality was proclaimed and praised as being equal to marriage as given by God. When Lot lived in Sodom, his soul was vexed as he saw the immorality around him (2 Pet. 2:5). I understand this verse so much more, for the same immorality is being pushed upon us.

There is also the matter of abortion. It is either a sin or a choice. Yet, politically, it is being pushed upon us as a right and has nothing to do with righteousness. Jesus was Jesus when in the womb, and you were you in the womb. Killing a baby months after birth is murder, but killing the same baby in the womb is a woman’s right! America will answer for the heartless murders of babies!

I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am a Christian. I urge each of you to realize that the issue before us is not what gain may be given to me. The issue is one of morality. Tragically, most Americans do not agree with God’s view of marriage—they approve of gay marriage. I cannot imagine Lot doing one thing to further homosexuality in Sodom. He would not “vote” for gay marriage. God does not “vote” for gay marriage. The issue before us is a serious question of morality!

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Direction for the Young Christian

Problems of Youth

There is no time like the time of youth in the lifetime of the Christian; each Christian ought to extend themselves in an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom in God’s service. Some of the wise thoughts revealed via the Written Word encourage young people to get started in service to God early and grow with deliberation and patience, submitting to the wise instruction of the hoary headed ones, according to God’s instructions. Please note the following:

I.          SEEK GOD EARLY IN LIFE

Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” NKJV.

Proverbs 20:29,  “The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.” NKJV

The wise man, Solomon, surely knew of the benefits of early commitment to God. God can use the strength and enthusiasm of the young, youth is the most expedient time in life for the individual to commit to God’s service. Dedication to the principles of righteousness early in ones life does not guarantee accuracy in thought or action, but the young are adaptable, they are susceptible to change, they are willing to learn. The willingness of the young to learn will surely enable many of them to mature in soundness and fidelity to the faith.

II.        THE APOSTLE PAUL’S INSTRUCTION TO YOUNG TIMOTHY

2 Timothy 2:14-26: Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” NKJV.

Several items of instruction are directed to the young, also to others:

  • Not to strive about words to no profit – verse 14
  • Seek God’s approval in thought and action – verse 15.
  • Correctly, apply the teaching from God – verse 15
  • Shun profane and idle babblings – verse 16.
  • Be confident, the Lord knows you are faithful – Verse 19.
  • Know this, everyone who claims to be worthy are not necessarily so, some are of clay value not of gold or silver value – verse 20.
  • Some are valuable to God in His service – verse 21.
  • Do not allow your youthful passions to lead you astray, maintain faithfulness – verse 22.
  • Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes – verse 23.
  • Do not become involved in quarrels with others – verse 24.
  • Confront those that are in opposition to God’s teaching in a kind way, seeking their restoration – verse 25.

CONSIDER THIS:  These instructions are worthy admonitions to all Christians, yet in this context Paul is dealing with Timothy and his work as a teacher and faithful young Christian. Young people (both male and female) consider the instruction and gauge your lives according to sound instruction, instruction like these revealed to us in 2 Timothy.

III.       HEED THE WISE INSTRUCTION FROM RELIABLE AND FAITHFUL MEN:

1.         AGE AND EXPERIENCE ARE A VALUABLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN:

  • Leviticus 19:32, ‘You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD” NKJV.
  • Proverbs 16:31, The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness” NKJV.
  • 2 Timothy 2:2, And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. NKJV

2.         INSTRUCTION FOR GROWTH FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE GROWING CHRISTIAN:

  • Romans 16:17-19, Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” NKJV.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” NKJV.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:12, For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” NKJV.

IV.       THE WHOLE OF MAN (Including the young)

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14: And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright — words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is, man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether good or evil”

CONSIDER THIS:  The instructions given by God that we have discussed, have been presented to encourage the young (both young men and young women), to consider well God’s instructions. The editor, while writing this article has considered himself while young, middle aged, and growing older. The thoughts are best digested by the individual while they are young for a number of reasons, as we have noted:

  1. Young people have sharp minds and are able to adjust their affections and commitments   as they are shown the reasonableness of God’s requirements on their lives.
  2. The physical stamina contributes to the endurance of our young people (i.e., teachers, preachers, and young Christian ladies), as the young Christian exhibits their dedication and resolve to continue in the “narrow way” – cf., Matthew 7:13-14, “The Narrow Way” (Also – Luke 13:24): “> Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  >  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” NKJV.

CONSIDER THIS:  It is difficult to understand the different level of participation, continuation in difficult tasks, interaction with other faithful ones outside the assemblies, and generally laboring in the work of the Lord for the young preacher verses the older preacher. It may be difficult for the young person to visualize this matter but age makes a difference in strength and stamina for  service in God’s vineyard. We understand that this is so after we have attained to an advanced age but while we are still young we do not dwell very much on the realities of this subject, “age” verses the “strength of youth.”

For the young Christians, we encourage continued faithfulness and untiring dedication and untiring service in the Lord’s work. Always be steadfast in faithful service standing always for the ‘TRUTH.” There will come a time in your future, when “… the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” NKJV – (Ecclesiastes 12:1b).

“Remember now your creator…”

 We all benefit whenever our young men and women dedicate themselves to the service of God. There are always opportunities for our young men and women to be faithful servants in the Lord’s church; we encourage them with our whole heart. “Young man, young woman,” do faithfully abide in the Lord’s service all the days of your life. Realize your best time for service is when you are young, strong, and full of righteous zeal, but willing to consistently learn and mature – 2 Peter 3:18.

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Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18)

The in his first general epistle, the apostle John (by inspiration of the Holy Spirit) writes to those he refers to as “my little children.” (1 John 2:1). The recipients of the letter are also referred to as “children of God” (1 John 3:1) and as “beloved” (1 John 4:1, 7). The letter then was written to those who are “beloved little children of God.” Brethren, that is us! What a picture of the faithful Christian – a beloved little child of the Father! God loves each of us as a father loves his child – yea even more! God’s motive for loving us and sacrificing Himself for us is born of the fact that He is our Father and we are His children. This is the central message of 1 John 4:7-21. God loves His children and His children are to love and obey Him. Because God loves us so, we as His beloved little children must love one another. Love, agape, is the highest motive. It is what motivated God to act on our behalf. Love should be what motivates us to act on His behalf.

There is another motivation to serve God beside the motive of agape and that is the motive of fear. Many are the souls that have been brought to repentance by a healthy fear of damnation in hell-fire. Hell, fire and brimstone sermons have their place – each of us needs a healthy amount of fear of such things, often we need to be reminded of that fear. While godly fear can be a healthy motive for obedience, irrational and ungodly fear is a decidedly unhealthy one.

In his dissertation on love in 1 John chapter 4, the apostle John said, “There is no fear in love…” (v.18a). John is not referring to “godly” fear or the overwhelming sense of awe of God. Here he is speaking of that irrational fear where one has an overwhelming sense of doom; the sense that they can never be “good” enough to get to Heaven. This kind of fear has no part in the love of God.

He goes on to say, “…but perfect love casts out fear…” (v.18b) Perfect refers to that which is completed; that which has matured. Love perfected and fully matured casts out fear. “Casts out” literally means “to turn out of doors” such as when the dog is “shoo-ed” out the door of our house. Perfect love casts our fear because there is no room left for it when it has been replaced by agape.

Why must perfect love cast out fear? “Because fear involves torment…” John says in v.18c. When we are motivated strictly by a sense of fear and terror, we “torture” ourselves. If all we ever do, is focus on the “terror of the Lord…” (2 Corinthians 5:11), we will be unable to grow as Christians. If we irrationally allow fear to cause us to regress to the “fetal position” every time we make a misstep or every time we fail – we can never grow as Christians. Love, faith and patience are perfected as we are tried and as we learn from and overcome our shortcomings (James 1:1-4).

John concludes the thought, “But he who fears has not been made perfect in love…” (v.18d) The Christian who has allowed irrational fear to take over is not mature and cannot become mature as long as he holds that fear. How can one come to be made mature in love? Notice the first phrase of verse 17 from the King James Version, “…Herein is our love made perfect…” What is referenced by the word “herein”? We must go back yet another verse to find out. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him…” (1 John 4:16) John says that our love can be perfected when we recognize God’s unwavering love for us. When we come to realize the depth of God’s love. Remember the words of Paul, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

When we realize how much God has done for us (1 John 4:9-10) we come to understand truly how much He loves us. When we realize we are loved so much by God “that He gave His only begotten Son” we grow in our love for Him. As our love for God grows, there is less and less room for irrational fears. Love so perfected then casts out that fear.

When we were new in the faith, perhaps the fear of hell motivated us to stay on the right track. That is normal and healthy for those who are still babes in Christ. However, if one is to mature, they need to go beyond that fear-based motivation to serve God and progress toward the higher motivation for serving God – reciprocated love! “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

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The Man Makes the Uniform

In the third episode of the fourth season (1963) of the Andy Griffith Show, Ernest T. Bass wants to join the Army. After some trouble at the recruitment center Ernest T. is turned away and he vows to get even with everyone. Once finally apprehended by Sheriff Taylor for doing what Ernest T. does best (breaking windows) the truth behind his desire to enlist comes to light. He wants a uniform. That will make him a man in the eyes of the girls and allow him to find a bride. He says, “I could have been hitched by now if I’d only had one. I got everything else but. I got looks, brains, personality, I kiss good. The only thing standing twixt me and sweet romance is uniform.”

Andy gives Ernest T. one of Barney’s deputy uniforms to appease him. But the fact is known; the uniform didn’t change the man. Just because you put on a police uniform does not make you lawman. Just because you put on a pair of “Dress Blues” does not make you a Marine. Likewise, just because you put on the name of Christian doesn’t make you a child of God.

The uniform doesn’t make the man!

Many come to the cross and desire to be saved, they confess that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and are baptized. But Paul says by inspiration that we are to arise to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). In Colossians 3:1 we read, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” And in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The uniform doesn’t make the man!

This is the difference between being baptized and being converted! For so many who call themselves Christians this idea is far too radical. They do not really want to be freed from their sins, just from the penalty of their sin. They don’t want this “new life” to encroach too much on the old one. The sad truth is that their lives really aren’t all that much different.

The uniform doesn’t make the man!

Jesus asked, “[W]hy do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? More than a few of us need to read this passage and then take a hard look at our lives! When we stand before Him in Judgment he said we would say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” To which He will respond, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:22-23)! Unless we are “converted…ye will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

The uniform doesn’t make the man!

When Ernest T. left the courthouse Andy says, “There goes a happy man.” And indeed Ernest T. left feeling good about himself. Many people are left to go their way feeling good about themselves by preachers and elders who care more about pleasing people than pleasing God. Jesus said true happiness comes to those who follow His example and keep His commands (John 13:17).

The uniform doesn’t make the man; the man makes the uniform!

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Divorce

What are the ways one can be divorced?

When looking at divorce, I had not realized it before, but every state in America has their own reasons for divorce; and they are not always the same.  For example: In Alaska one can get divorced for: Adultery, mental illness that proceeds 18 months, drug abuse, failure to consummate (sexually fulfill) the marriage, conviction of a felony, willful desertion of at least 1 year, cruel and/or inhuman treatments, if one in the marriage is personally insulted by the other, and drunkenness. Now, in New York it is different. The only reasons are: If both parties are legally separated for more than 1 year. Adultery. Willful desertion of at least 1 year. Imprisonment for 3 or more consecutive years. Cruel and inhuman treatment. Now, that is just 2 states in America.

But, let’s notice other areas of the world: In China First of all, in order to get a divorce, they must first liquidate all properties into cash. All except their clothes. If one is a bigamists (marries another while still married). Family violence by any family member. Anyone caught in gambling or drug-abuse. Both parties have lived separate lives for at least 2 years. In Africa The man is required at the time of divorce to give the woman the funding to maintain her current lifestyle by his salary and anything of the property she deems hers: no exceptions. Then, all of the remaining man’s possessions are confiscated by the government and sold leaving him with nothing. In Germany divorce is granted only by: Irresponsible attitudes Incompatibility. In Pakistan Islam does not believe in unlimited opportunities for divorce on trivial reasons. They believe that God has condemned the Muslims who use their legal rights of divorce except on legitimate grounds and in unbearable condition only. All of these from America to China, Africa, Germany and Pakistan shows that there are many variations to how one can be divorced.

So out of all of this confusion, rules and regulations, which ones are we able to pick? Well, what does God say? Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matt. 19:9) Now, this is not sexual immorality as used in some translations. Fornication is the Greek word “porneia” which means sexual intercourse. This is the only meaning for fornication. That is it. This means that there is no other way that one can be divorced. Now some may say, “Well, my husband is abusive and has threatened me . . . Can I get a divorce? The Bible ask you, “Is this fornication?” If not, then no you cannot. Some may ask, “Well, what about annulments?” An annulment is a termination of an official and legal proceeding and if it is not for fornication, it is still a divorce. Fornication is just that, fornication. Well, some may say, “You know, my wife is just not as sexy as she use to be” or “We are not compatible anymore,” now can I get a divorce? The Bible still have the same answer for everyone: “except it be for fornication.” There are no exceptions to this rule! What part of “Except it be for fornication is unclear to the lawmakers and the people of the land?

You know Jesus reminds us, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6) Peter also reminds us, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Now, some may claim that this is not fair, but the simple truth is that God intended marriage to be between 1 man and 1 woman for life. It is not something that is to be dealt with lightly. Marriage is a union that God takes very seriously. Now, along these same lines, there is only one other reason for someone to remarry. The apostle Paul speaking with all authority said, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Death of a spouse is the only reason other than one committing fornication in marriage that one may become remarried. But, when the Christian remarries it is only to be in the Lord meaning that they are to be Christians less the worldly spouse tempt the Christian to live worldly again and pull him away from his first love, which is Christ.

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