What is Personal Work?

Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” (ASV)

James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (ASV)

There are many people in the church today who do not know what personal work is. Many times Christians would do personal work if they understood what to do. In this article we want to list some of the things that personal work includes;

PERSONAL WORK INCLUDES – (but is not limited to the following):

1.  It is giving someone you know a gospel tract on some subject that they may be interested in.

2.  It is discussing the Bible truth with a friend, neighbor, or relative either at you home or their home.

3.  It is telling or showing your neighbor, friend, or relative the happiness and joy that you have found in your relationship to God.

4.  It is inviting interested person to join with you in a study of God’s Word.

5.  It is picking up the telephone and calling an absent church member to find out if they are sick, or if you can assist them in some way.

6.  It is setting up a Bible study to be conducted on a regular basis in you home or somewhere else.

7.  It is going from house to house distributing literature about the church of Christ.

8.  It is gathering your children together on a regular scheduled day and time to study THE Bible – also invite the other children that your children play with.

9.  It is working for the GOSPEL MEETINGS as they come about each year.

10.  It is using your own car to bring someone to church service.

Indeed, personal work is many things, but to sum it up, it is concern for the lost and glorifying Christ.

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Confronting God Face to Face

Americans do not like confrontations and will do all they can to avoid them. We have a spirit of compromise and seek to find common ground by using “politically” correct speech in dealing with matters. This is so different from the way God deals with us.

Our God is a confrontational God. In the very beginning, He confronted those in error. His questions, “Who told you that you were naked” and “Have you eaten of the tree,” forced Adam and Eve to face Him (Gen. 3:11). Later, when Moses descended from Mt. Sinai, our Creator forced another decision. Moses said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me” (Ex. 32:26)! God’s confrontation does not allow for one to “straddle the road” and not make a decision.

This Divine nature was manifested again when Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. The prophet assembled Israel and said to them, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21,ESV). Even though the people refused to answer, this confrontation provided the answer. Their silence showed where they actually were.

When Immanuel was born in Bethlehem, His teaching was confrontational. His question to the Jewish leaders forced them to make a decision when He asked about the baptism of John—“From where did it come? From heaven or from man” (Matt. 21:25)? Confrontation of this type leaves no room for a middle ground.

What about you? Has your study of the Bible caused you to come “face to face” with God where He forces you to make a decision? You may not have seen it this way, but His revealed words demand that you make a decision. You sit in a Bible class or listen to a sermon where you hear something that is different from what you believe. How do you respond? What is being taught may be wrong, but it cannot be wrong if this is what His word teaches. When your belief about a matter is opposite from what He teaches, it is not enough to say, “I just don’t believe that.” God has confronted you, and you have made a decision to reject Him, even though you may not realize it. When you refuse to make a decision, you still have made a choice, even though you may not see it that way.

The seriousness of this matter is shown when we realize that in such dilemmas both positions cannot be right. There is no option. One belief is from God, the other is simply a lie. So when God confronts you, take it seriously. Your eternal destiny is being decided by the choice you make!

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Homosexual Marriage

The topic of so-called homosexual “marriage” and “rights” frequently makes headlines. President Obama, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have recently announced that they will push for such “rights” internationally as part of the policy of Obama’s administration. Since the passage of the Defense of Marriage act in 1996, the homosexual lobby has pushed more and more for the acceptance of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle and for individual states and the federal government to recognize and legalize homosexual marriage in the United States. They seem to be gaining ground because in a 2011 Gallup Poll, the organization claimed that for the first time in their polling this issue, fifty-two percent of those surveyed said that they favored homosexual marriage.

On November 10th, 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the “Respect for Marriage Act” by a vote of 10 to 8 primarily along party lines (Democrats were in favor; Republicans were against). This Act would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act which establishes that the federal government will only recognize marriages between one man and one woman. This is the first step in getting homosexual marriage recognized in the entirety of the United States. If this passes the main body of the Senate, the House, and ends up on the desk of President Obama, he will sign it. Subsequently, it will not be too long before each state will be required by the federal government to recognize homosexual marriages.

The Bible is clear on this topic. Homosexuality is a sin against God, and those who practice it will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. The apostle Paul says as much in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (ASV). The ESV translates these verses as follows: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

There are two Greek words in this passage that have to do with homosexuality. The first is the word malakos. The literal meaning of this word is “soft, or soft to the touch.” As Koine Greek developed, the word came to refer to a catamite, that is, a young man that is employed for sexual purposes, a male prostitute. The second Greek word is arsenokoites. It is a compound word literally meaning he who beds a male, or man of the bed. This word simply means “homosexual.”

Lesbianism does not escape the condemnation of scripture. Such behavior is condemned in Romans 1:26- 27 “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (ESV). Note that the text says that God has given them up to commit dishonorable, unnatural, and shameless acts.

Marriage would normalize such relationships in our society. It would give license to those who practice homosexuality to commit homosexual acts under sponsorship of the government. To a certain degree, the government would then be liable for those marriages and the consequences of them, whatever they might be. The financial, moral, and political implications of normalizing homosexuality would take a costly toll on our society. We have already seen the amount of money that has been spent on AIDS—billions upon billions of dollars. This is a disease that is mostly spread through homosexual behavior. We also witness the appalling behavior of homosexuals in public such as the scandal surrounding Jerry Sandusky and the Penn State athletics program. Such behavior would only increase as a result of normalizing homosexuality through marriage.

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Masonic Lodge

CAN A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH BE A MEMBER OF THE MASONIC LODGE.?  IF THEY ARE, IS IT SCRIPTURAL TO WORK IN THE CHURCH SERVICES?

My respect for friends and relatives who are Masons does not diminish my abhorrence for their Lodge.  It is evil because it duplicates the sin of Absalom when he “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6).  Masonry will turn a Christian’s heart away from God.  The Masonic Temple is the Temple of Baal, and at its altar many unsuspecting men vow their lives to a pagan god!

Now, to the world, Masonry claims it is not a religion, but to the Master Mason, Masonry claims it is a religion.  The Masonic Home Journal says that publications such as: the Kentucky Monitor, Morals and Dogma, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and King Solomon’s Temple all fairly represent Masonic teachings.  In addition, the Grand Secretary of most lodges feels these books to be the standard and recommended books for Masons.  In the Kentucky Monitor pg. 28, “…as Masons we are taught that no man should ever enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity. This is because Masonry is a religious institution…”  Again they write, “Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.” (Morals and Dogma, p. 213)

But, Masonry claims much more than this.  They claim that: It contains all truth because they, “unfold the beauties of God’s Eternal Truth.” (Kentucky Monitor p. 11).  They claim to give light and truth.  “There you stood without our portals, on the threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helpless, and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, you came inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the veil which concealed the divine truth from you uninitiated sight.” (Kentucky Monitor p.26).  They claim that Masonry is from divine origin.  “…King Solomon, inspired by Deity, conceived that grand idea, which culminated in speculative Masonry, a system which, entering into abstruse investigations of the soul, reminds us of a higher and better life, and eternity beyond the grave; a profound Science that takes from the operative Art its technical terms, its implements and it rules, clothes them in symbolism and teaches the speculative Mason their spiritual use.” (Kentucky Monitor, pp. 94-95). They claim a Savior other than Jesus, that is, Hiram Abiff (1 Ki. 7:13-14).  All believed in a future life, to be attained by purification and trials; in a state of successive states of reward and punishment; and in a Mediator or Redeemer by whom the Evil Principle was to be overcome and Supreme Deity reconciled to His creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kiountse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram.” (Kentucky Monitor, pp. xiv, xv).

Now, in addition to these things, they have their own baptism, their own fraternal supper and their own prayers (King Solomon’s Temple, Indiana Edition).  Furthermore, Masonry teaches fellowship with all religions.  “Everything in Masonry has reference to God, implies God, speaks of God, points and leads to God. Not a degree, not a symbol, not an obligation, not a lecture, not a change but finds it meaning and derives its beauty from God, the Great Architect, in whose Temple all Masons are working men. Every Lodge is erected to God and labors in His name, seeking to make His will the design upon its Trestle-Board.” (Religion of Masonry pg. 59).

Thus, I find it hard for a Mason to be a Christian, especially since the following statements are true concerning Masonry: It does not pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).  It causes one to not have God (2 John 9).  It is not authorized by Christ (Col. 3:17).   It cannot be done by faith (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17).  It is going beyond what’s written (1 Cor. 4:6).  It is not as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11).  It is not according to the pattern (Heb. 8:5).  It does not pertain to the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11).  It is not of righteousness (Rom.1:16-17;10:1-3).  It is of “no such commandment” (Acts15:24).  It is of men (Matt.15:9;Col.2:8).  It is another gospel (Gal.1:6-9).  It is adding to the Word of God (Rev.22:18;Deut.4:2).

Now, I am aware of the fact that some in the world will reply that they don’t believe that Masonry is divine.  But, my answer is the same as before.  Even though they don’t believe it is divine, they are associating with a group that claims it to be divine.  Thus, a denial of a certain error does not free one from all responsibility in the matter.

I mean, Masons go so far as to tolerate all religious opinions and are not allowed to blame or condemn a false religion of others.  So, how can a Christian show one the error of his ways?  And, with their temples that they offer to God and their new birth, I think they have not read where it tells us that we are complete in Jesus (Col. 2:10) and that there is no Savior, but Jesus.  Masons further teach that when he is given a lambskin apron and told that no greater honor can ever be given to him, I submit that being a Christian is the greatest honor.  Thus, I find it hard for one to serve as a Mason and serve God just as I find it equally hard for one to claim to serve God as a Catholic and as a Christian.

But, should they serve in the church?  Unfortunately, many Christians have joined their number and while Christian Mason will affirm that Masonry is still not a religion and anyone who says otherwise, doesn’t know what they are talking about.  But, quoting from their own reputable leaders and authorities (Albert Mackey 33 degree, Albert Pike 33 degree and the supreme council of the 33 degree for the southern jurisdiction, they all point and say that Mason Lodge is a religion.? Therefore, as Amos pointed out, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3).?  Jesus pointed out, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters ?abroad.” (Matthew 12:30).  Therefore, according to the Scriptures, I do not see how one who is a Mason serve God faithfully in the church?

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Confidence in God

Today in our world many people have lost confidence in the God of the Bible. This situation has arisen over a long period of time and is a result of bad press given to God by many authors and by the media because the conduct of some that profess to represent Him has been evil and hypocritical.

THEY DO NOT REPRESENT GOD!  In my memory I have seen the evil actions of some men and women create an evil influence over other men’s view of God.  Examples to follow:

1.     Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951), gained International fame for his novels attacking the weaknesses he saw in American society.  Lewis Penned the Book, Elmer Gantry in 1927 that satirizes religious hypocrisy and bigotry in the Midwest. The Book was later made into a movie that influenced thousands perhaps millions to believe that preachers and Christians in general were mostly hypocrites. This book and the movie of the same name, in my opinion were the beginning of a decline in morality and ethics that today is shameful throughout American Society in general. It is not true that most Christians are hypocritical, it has been my experience that most true Christians are devout, honorable, pure, and good, as the following Biblical references attest:

Acts 13:5, “But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”

Acts 17:4, “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of devout Greeks and not a few prominent women.”

Phil 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.”

1 Tim 5:22, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”

James 3:17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  Most of the true Christians that I interact with in the world today are imitators of the Divine Nature; therefore they are not hypocrites!”

2.     There is a long  list of individuals that proved themselves to be enemies of the “TRUTH” (i.e., God’s Written Word), that have indeed done a great disservice to the cause of Christ because of their wickedness. Even though some of these individuals have made an effort to correct their crimes, the damage to the cause of Christ cannot be underestimated.  The individual that goes about to deceive, defraud, steal, commit adultery, engage in drunkenness, and other crimes against God and man cannot seriously be consider a representative of the true God, can he? I find it to be a most slanderous act to cast upon God and all true Christians such aspersions or to suggest that these evil traits are characteristics of the true God or of truly faithful Christians.

Gal 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (KJV)

We find in God’s Written Word that these types of sins are not new today. In five of the seven Churches of Asia many of these sins were to be found. The writer required of them that were guilty to repent or be lost (i.e., lost in Gehenna – The lake of fire) and suggested that the faithful ones should continue to be faithful. Please read Revelation 2:1-3:22 to establish these facts. God is pure and completely perfect in every way, consequently one should not be influenced by those that are evil to doubt Him. cf., Exod 23:2, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;”

KINGDOM CITIZENS: One of the important facets to being a Christian is duty or doing the works of God. There are times whenever it appears that most Christians have no interest in doing the works of God. As we know various religious denominations teach that salvation from sin is entirely by faith only, this view of salvation from sin is without Scriptural support but many of us in the Lord’s Church act as though we have accepted the doctrine, at least in part. I conclude that many have accepted it because so many will become a Christian then does nothing in God’s service thereafter. Work is an important part of the Christians direction to maturity. No Christian can mature in the faith that will not involve themselves in the works of God, some of the works are:

1.     Assemble:

Heb 10:25, “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.”

2.     Keep our body and mind pure:

Rom 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service.”

Acts 2:40, “And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (ASV)

3.     Recognize our role as we serve God:

Rom 12:3-8, “For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, (let us prophesy) according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, (let us give ourselves) to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, (let him do it) with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness”

4.     Love others without hypocrisy:

Rom 12:9-10, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;”

Gal 6:10,“So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” (ASV)

5.     Let us pattern our life after Paul or after Christ’s example:

1 Cor 11:1, “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (ASV)

6.         Add the seven Christian virtues:

2 Pet 1:4-8, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your 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. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

7.         Determine to live a faithful life until you die:

Rev 2:10, “Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.” (ASV)

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