A Look At Sin

A Look At Sin

    It has long been understood that “besetting sins” are those by which one is easily entangled.” Sin, by definition is: any offense, transgression, or violation against God’s Law. This is biblically defined in 1John 3:4, which would impact one regardless of which Law of God one lived under.   For instance, one who disobeyed God under the Patriarchal system (when there was no written Law of God) was in sin.   The same is true for those who lived during the Mosaic dispensation of time. If they transgressed the Old Testament written Law of Moses, they had sinned. This is equally true, even today, as all today live under the New Testament Law of Christ. All who fail to obey God are sinning.
    It is man that has quantified sin. It is man that has made some sins “BIG” or more heinous than others.   Murder or rape are considered horrific sins while a “little white lie” carries a much lesser penalty in the eyes of man. But to God, sin is sin. There are no big or little sins to God. Sin is transgression of any of God’s Law. There was no written “Law of God” during the time from the creation of man to the giving of the Law of Moses at Mount Sinai. Therefore, we only know what God Commanded specific individuals as recorded in His Holy Word.  Everyone during this time that disobeyed God sinned regardless of the magnitude of the sin. The example of Noah will suffice. 1Pet 3:20 shows that during the flood, only eight souls were saved by water.
   The “Command of God” given to Noah to deliver to all souls was simple. It was “get on the Ark”. We don’t know exactly how long it took Noah to build the ark. It has been speculated by “scholars” it took between 55 and 120 yrs.  But we do know, again from 1Pet 3:20, that God was “longsuffering” during this time. Any that obeyed the preaching of Noah and got on the Ark would have been saved. Only eight were saved. And it doesn’t take a Solomon to know that all other souls on earth at that time (those that did not get on the Ark) perished, regardless of the level of sin in their lives.   Not getting on the Ark was disobedience to God. When one is disobedient to God and His Word, one sins.
   In Ezek 18:20 we are informed “the soul that sinneth, it shall die”. Of course, this was written to Israel, but the concept applies equally to all men of all times. This is because sin separates one from God. In Isa 59:1, the prophet told Israel that God’s “hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Then, in Isaiah 59:2, they were told, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God”. It was the sin of Israel that separated between them and God. They were also told what that separation brought upon them. The latter part of the verse says, “and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” It was necessary that they know this that they might repent and turn back to following the Word of God.
   Now, let’s apply this to the present time, under the present (and final) Law of God to humanity. We know this applies in the New Testament, as we learn from Rom 6:12, the Spirit had the apostle Paul write, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” We also know where sin originates, and what results as we read Jas 1:14-15. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ¹⁵ Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” And in the verse just prior to these, we learn that God tempts no one to sin. Temptations come as man observes things around him and allows the desires of his heart to lead him. If the desires of one’s heart are not pure, sin is in the making. If one does not prevent this by putting the evil thought from their mind, sin occurs. This is not good, as all sin (or any) sin separates one from God.  
    However, temptations are not inherently a bad thing as not all temptations lead to sin. In 1Cor 10:13, the church there was told that God provides the way of escape for every temptation and will not allow one to be tempted to a level beyond their capacity to resist. This is why in Jas 1:2, the brethren to which James wrote, were told to “count it all Joy” when various temptations came upon them. Then, in Jas 1:12, these same Christians were reminded of the great reward that awaits all who “endureth” (can resist) temptations. A resisted temptation cannot become sin. The more one resists succumbing to temptations, the less likely they are to sin (transgress God’s Law).
   Also, that which tempts one person may not be a temptation to another as we are all different and may have many different desires. But what is sin to one person is sin to all, for sin is the transgression of God’s Law. And we are to “exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb 3:13).   If we yield ourselves to sin, we serve sin unto death (Rom 6:16). And we know Rom 6:23 teaches “the wages of sin is death”. Therefore, every sin is to be repented of.
   Why not seek God through His Word and follow it, and “lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb 12:1)? Think of the great blessings that await. In Heb 10:17 God tells us past sins and iniquities that have been forgiven will be remembered no more. The obedient and the faithful also have the inspired guarantee of 1John 1:7 if we continue to walk in the light – we have fellowship with one another and “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”   Don’t let sin destroy you. Faithfully obey, faithfully serve God, and live according to His Word – then receive the final reward of a home in heaven when time is no more.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You Abundantly Alive?

Are You Abundantly Alive?

    The brethren of the epistle of James, the scattered abroad, were very much alive. If not, there would have been no reason to write a letter to them. It is also readily apparent that they were ‘living’, as the only ones that can be tempted are those abiding in the flesh, (Jas 1:2).   This is one of the reasons our Lord came in the flesh. We read of the temptations of Christ by the devil in Matt 4:1-10. And Heb 4:15 informs that the “high priest” of the church, Jesus the Christ, was tempted in all points, like as we are, yet, He did not sin.   Then, if you’ll recall 1John 2:16, the ‘points’ in which Christ was, and we are tempted, are clearly delineated. They are, 1) the lust of the flesh, 2) the lust of the eyes, 3) the pride of life. Every one of these are physical.
     In Jas 4:13ff, these Christians were warned against boasting of tomorrow. This is a lesson all need to hear and heed.   This is because we don’t know if we have a tomorrow, as life (physical life) is fleeting. This has been observed for a very long time.   Job, the suffering servant was recorded as having said during his misery, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. ² He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” (Job 14:1-2). Then, as we return to James, the brethren were admonished, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (Jas 4:15). In Job’s case the cessation of life by cause of death, was contemplated.   In the case of the brethren in James, and for us as well, it is in anticipation of the Lord’s return, or the end of our lives in these bodies.   In either situation, physical life will have been concluded.  
     Job was alive.   The brethren to whom the Spirit had James write were also alive. Today, we also have been granted the pleasure to enjoy physical life on the earth with which God has so richly blessed all humanity. God created this world for the benefit of man. He intended that we live our lives and enjoy all wholesome things life has to offer. In Eccl 2:24, the Spirit had Salomon write, “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”
    Why then, did Jesus, in the latter part of John 10:10 say, ”I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”? Hearing what the Lord stated here should make us all ask “what is abundant life”? We may think we have, or are presently living “full lives”.   We’re all busy and involved in various areas of life. Sometimes it seems that there is not time to accomplish all we set out to do.   Some have commented that their lives were so full they couldn’t cram in another thing. One woman, when asked about Bible study, said, “I’m so busy with church work, I don’t really have time to study the Bible”. But I ask, is a ‘full life’ the same as an ‘abundant life’?   It could be, but is it always the case?   I suspect this depends on what one ‘fills’ a life with, such as the woman that made the foolish statement above.
     Some, even in Jesus’ day were more worried about physical things rather than something of greater importance.   Today, the same is true. Some worry too much about what physical inheritance they might receive, and some worry too much about what they might possibly leave behind to others. Sure, what’s left to another might in some way be beneficial, but can anything that one has left behind ensure that someone will have an abundant life? I think not. In Prov 20:21, we learn from olden times, “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.” Or we might consider Eccl 2:18-19, in which Solomon discovered it to be vanity to worry about what one ‘leaves to’ another, not knowing if the one that has rule over it afterward shall be a wise man or a fool. Jesus addressed this issue once and for all in Luke 12:15 when one man requested Him to intercede and have the man’s brother split the inheritance with him. Christ said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
   So, just what is “abundant life”? If it depends not on possessions, and the physical, it must be spiritual. From what Jesus said in John 6:63 in the context of the ‘hard saying’, and some of His disciples murmuring at it, we have inspired confirmation. He said, “. . . the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Sadly, from that time on, many of His disciples no longer followed, or walked with Him. When the Lord asked the twelve if they would also go away, Simon Peter’s response for all of the apostles was given. He said, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68). This is where abundant life comes from and none can be abundantly alive unless or until they follow the gospel.
     God ‘abundantly’ offers this abundant life to humanity in N.T. times as can be seen in Heb 6:17.  He promised it and confirmed it by an oath, and God, who cannot lie, presented the ‘hope’ of abundant life through the sending of His Son, to live a sinless life on earth, die a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and to be resurrected to die no more. After Christ came forth from the grave, He ascended to the right hand of God to rule and reign over the church which He purchased with His own blood.
    God, per 2Pet 1:3 has provided all things we need to live physically and also abundantly. If one desires to be abundantly alive, they will obey the gospel and follow the inspired instructions of 2Peter 1:5-8, always growing and striving to fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. Doing these things, one shall never fall, but will have “life more abundantly”. 2Pet 1:11 tells us, For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Seek abundant life today. Obey the gospel and remain diligently faithful until death.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

You've Got to Stand for Something

You’ve Got To Stand For Something

     There’s a long-standing quote with many variants that has been attributed to many different folks. One version of that quote is “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”. Undoubtedly, there have been earlier renditions of this saying, but the first recorded occurrence I found was from a denominational church announcement in Iowa paper in 1926. The following year, a very similar saying was printed in a “Sermonogram” in an Athens Ohio Newspaper. This quote (or something like it) has been credited to Alexander Hamilton, Peter Marshall, and several others, and even was used in a 1945 radio program entitled “Town Meeting of the Air” by actress Irene Dunne.
      But there’s likely not a quote that has any merit that is not also taught in the Word of God.   You might say “that’s a good quote” and might ask, “Where does it say that in the Bible?” And my answer will be, 1), Jas 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above”- (from God). Any “good” idea (or good thought or saying) originated from God and His Word. 2), turn to Eccl 1:9-10 where the Spirit had Solomon pen, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. ¹⁰ Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.  That which we think to be “new” has already been.   Perhaps man has failed to pass this down to the next generation, and it was forgotten for a time.
    This is likely why God’s Word, both Old and New Testaments (written to His people under each dispensation) contains constant reminders to ‘stand’ or ‘be strong’. In Jer. 6:16, part of Judah was told, Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. The latter part of the verse shows their refusal.   But they said, We will not walk therein. This part of the people of God, in rejecting the Word of God, set themselves up to fall. By not “STANDING FOR” God and His Word, they FELL into sin and many were eternally lost.
     The same is true in the New Testament times. One New Testament verse that teaches this is 1Cor 16:13, where the Spirit had Paul admonish the church there to, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” There are many other passages containing this concept, but this will suffice. Notice that the directive was to “stand fast in the faith”.   This is because it is important to “stand” for the right thing. “The faith” used in this way is the Word of God, which is where faith originates - (Rom 10:17). Also, know that God has provided the means whereby His children can stand fast in the faith.   In Eph 6:10-18, we find the instruction to “be strong” and the armor God issued to His Children who are soldiers of the cross.   All of these things are so the child of God can “stand against the wiles of the devil” (vs 11).
     Interestingly, this saying also has application in all areas of life. In 1989 or so, a singer song-writer named Aaron Tippin co-wrote a song entitled “You’ve Got to Stand for Something”. This song exemplified the life lessons taught to him by His father, and stressed standing up for his moral convictions. The words of the song are included below.  

[Verse 1]
Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light
But you could always find him standing up
For what he thought was right; he'd say...

[Verse 2]
Now we might have been better off or owned a bigger house
If Daddy had done more givin' in or a little more backing down
But we always had plenty just living his advice
Whatever you do today, you'll have to sleep with tonight; he'd say...

[Bridge]
Now I know that things are different than they were in Daddy's days

But I still believe what makes a man really hasn't changed

[Chorus]
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything

     Now, there’s nothing more moral or more right than following the Word of God.   In 1Cor 15:1-2, Paul was directed to write, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” We also have the reminder of 1Thess 3:8, which says “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.”
     Why not learn God’s soul saving gospel today? Then, obey it, follow it, and stand in it so you don’t fall. Only you can decide if you’ll stand or fall.   We are reminded of this in Psa 119:109 - My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.  Obey the gospel. Find eternal rest for your soul.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Don't Kill the Messenger

Don’t Kill the Messenger

     It is perhaps the thought of many that the phrase which makes up the title of this article is a somewhat modern saying.   True, William Shakespeare utilized a form of the phrase in “Henry IV, part 2” in 1598, and employed yet a different rendition of it in “Antony and Cleopatra” in 1607. In the latter, he directed that a messenger report that Antony is alive and well, but married to Octavia. This enrages Cleopatra, and she goes into a fury, beating the messenger, drawing a knife on him, and telling him, "If thou say so, villain, / Thou kill'st thy mistress". To this, the messenger defends himself, saying, "Gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match," pleading not to be punished for the bad news. In essence this is the same as saying, Don’t kill the messenger.
     But this phrase, or something similar has much earlier origin. Perhaps it was uttered before this, but the earliest record of this idea is found in the work of Sophocles, the ancient Greek playwright. In his 440 B.C. play named “Antigone”, "No one loves the messenger who brings bad news" is expressed.   Following this, Plutarch the Philosopher, in perhaps his greatest work which he named “Parallel Lives”, describes the Persian King Tigranes, who cut off the head of the first messenger to bring news of an enemy's approach, thus discouraging further intelligence. This work is dated around A.D. 100. This shows that the idea has been around a long time. The killing of the messenger does not change the message, nor does it change the facts.
   Now, no one wants to receive bad news.   At the same time, very few are willing to be the “bearer of bad news”. Perhaps there is fear that the receiver of the bad news might take out their wrath on the deliverer of the bad news. This is often the reason some preachers might not “lay out” the negative in God’s Word when given the opportunity. Everyone wants to receive the good news that makes them happy.   All want to hear things that indicate that their lives are good here, and therefore when the time comes for souls to be judged, all will be well and that their souls will “rest” for eternity.
     However, this is not how God operates. God, in His Holy Word, expresses both the good and the bad. He gives man the full picture.   When providing the example from men of old, the Spirit had God’s penmen write, not only of the righteous actions of these men, but some of the evil they did as well. This shows the frailty of man as well as the fairness of God.   In showing both sides, God also has clearly indicated that when man does as God directs, a great reward awaits.   But God has also duly warned of the punishment that awaits all who reject Him and His Word. This is what constitutes choice.
     How did God accomplish this?   He used messengers. We know this as the latter part of 2Pet 1:21, in the context of a “more sure word of prophecy”, we read, “but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” It was not the “words of the prophets” that was delivered, but that of God as these ‘holy men of God’ spoke or wrote as they were directed by the Spirit. This occurred in both the Old and New Testaments. Perhaps one of the most well-known O.T. messengers in the latter part of the O.T. is John the baptizer. We see the Lord Himself, in Matt 11:10, speaking of John saying, For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  Did all receive his message well? No! Many of the Jews rejected him and his message of the Christ. When John spoke the truth in Mark 6:18, and told Herod, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife”, Herodius, (the wife) set about to kill the messenger.
   Sadly, many of God’s own people don’t want the “whole truth”. They want a gentle, kind message of love, one that doesn’t call attention to sin and the need to address that sin as God directs in His Word.   In Isa 30:9-10 some of God’s children, through God’s messenger were told, “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:¹⁰ Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”. In the sermon of Stephen in Acts 7:52-53, the Spirit had Stephen proclaim, “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: ⁵³ Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”.   What did they do? You know it! They “killed the messenger”.
     We are warned by Jesus in Matt 10:28 to “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:”. Earlier in the O.T., in Ezek 3:17-21, this messenger was made a watchman. His blood would be required for all the souls he neglected to warn.   The same thing is true in the N.T.   We have the Spirit guided Words of Paul in 1Cor 9:16b - yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! The O.T. prophets, Paul, the other apostles, nor any preacher of the gospel should let the fear of one “killing the messenger” prevent them from proclaiming the “whole truth” of God.
     In 2Tim 4:2, the Spirit had Paul write and tell this young preacher, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” There is no doubt in my mind that Timothy faced persecution, even perhaps of the threat of one “killing the messenger”. This didn’t stop him and it shouldn’t stop us. Tell all who will hear that God has a reward for the obedient and faithful, but also has punishment for the disobedient and evil. You who hear, don’t kill (or ignore) the messenger, but follow God and His Word in faithful obedience.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Every Mother's Responsibility

Every Mother’s Responsibility

     Motherhood; what a wonderful institution! It is so wonderful that a woman named Anna Jarvis began a push in 1905 to honor all mothers.  That was the year of her mother’s death.  From Wikipeida we learn: The modern holiday was first celebrated in America in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held the first modern Mother's Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal church in Grafton, West Virginia.  She firmly believed "a mother is the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".  So it should be.
   In 1908, the U.S. Congress rejected a proposal to make Mother's Day an official holiday, joking that they would also have to proclaim a "Mother-in-law's Day".  However, owing to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, by 1911 all U.S. states observed the holiday, with some of them officially recognizing Mother's Day as a local holiday (the first being West Virginia, Jarvis's home state, in 1910). In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.  (Also from Wikipedia)
   Like all ‘holidays’, this one also became commercialized.  In just a few short years, this holiday became associated with the phrase "Hallmark holiday". By the early 1920s, Hallmark Cards and other companies had started selling Mother's Day cards. Jarvis believed that the companies had misinterpreted and exploited the idea of Mother's Day, and that the emphasis of the holiday was on sentiment, not profit.  Sadly, this holiday, like many others, has become a ‘ritual’ of gifts and cards and such.
   As stated above, this holiday had its official beginning with a religious group and was soon adopted by many others.  Sadly, in some places this has also affected the church for which Christ died.  This reminds me of a saying I often heard my father-in-law, O.D. Wilson, say.  Anytime he observed the “things of the world” being adopted by the church, he’d comment, “As goes the world, so goes the church”.  That has proven to be so true. 
   Along with all this celebration of motherhood, many have failed to realize the great responsibility a mother has.  One function of the married woman is to bear children.  We know this from Gen 3:16 as God spoke to Eve after she had sinned in the Garden.  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Some refuse and reject this last part, even though it is God’s directive.) The mother, being the one that carries and ‘brings the child forth’ into the world has an obligation to that new soul.  That baby cannot take care of itself and do for itself, but this is only part of the mother’s duty toward that soul.
   The child must be guided through the first part of its life.  The greatest duty a mother has for her child is to begin the guidance of that soul so the child learns of God and how to serve God after childhood becomes adolescence and adulthood.  Prov 23:24-25 deals with both parents, but as we are looking at mothers today, notice her reaction when things are carried out as God desires. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. ²⁵ Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. This result is achieved when the teaching provided in Prov 1:8 is properly followed.  My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 
     God ordained motherhood to be within the marriage union.  This is taught in the Genesis account above and in the N. T. is found in 1Tim 5:14.  I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  As the mothers “guide the house”, those that seek to be godly will direct their children in the Word of God and see to it that their soul is properly guarded.   We also know that even though Eph 6:4 speaks directly to fathers, it is the mother that has the greatest influence on her offspring, and “raises them” while remaining “in subjection” to her husband, the father, the head of the house.  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.   It is the mother that does the “bringing up” of the children for  herself and the father.  If she prepares that young soul for adulthood, she has fulfilled her greatest responsibility toward her family. 
    The godly mother that does this should be honored, as should all godly parents.  Eph 6:1-2 directs all children to do so.  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;).   However, no godly mother would want to be honored or praised more greatly than God.  Every godly Mother would consider it part of her responsibility to refuse a “special service” wherein she would be honored when folks are gathered to praise God and to follow His Word. 
    Several years ago, my wife’s dad, O.D. Wilson wrote a song to the tune of “Higher Ground” about Mother’s Day.  The 3rd verse and chorus are fitting:  No Christian mother would prefer, Our Lord be honored more than her. And if for Mom one day we keep, Don’t choose the first day of the week. (Chorus) Yes, Mother’s Day is every day.  Let’s honor her in many ways. Perhaps her choice of all we do, Is tell her: “Mother, we love you”.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Valuable At All times

Valuable At All Times

    There are times when we forget about that which got us to a specific point. Why is it that we sometimes fail to remember our beginnings? When we first started anything, we had to begin with the basics. The definition of basics is: the simplest, most fundamental, or essential facts, principles, or items of a subject, skill, or life. These rudiments represent the foundational elements required before advanced knowledge, such as learning the "basics of reading" or fundamentals of any activity.
   When young children are initially introduced to a sport, efforts are made to instill within them an understanding of the simple rules, and how the game is played while also enforcing good sportsmanship, while making it fun. After this, we begin teaching the fundamentals of that game or sport. When these essentials are grasped by those involved, then the more advanced principles can be taught and applied. This is how growth in any endeavor occurs.
   The same needs to be contemplated as we live the Christian life. We see that the Spirit had Paul remind some brethren of this in 1Cor 2:1-2. This is the most basic element of Christianity. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  This is reiterated in 1Cor 15:3-4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 
   Without the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ, the church would not have been and we would have no hope. From 1Cor 15:13 through verse 23 this is stressed to these brethren and preserved in God’s Holy Word for us. This “basic” information is essential to all for Salvation. We learn from Acts 8:35 that when Philip began to explain the Scriptures to the eunuch, he “preached unto him Jesus”. This is valuable at all times.
   We also know from verse 36 that baptism was also preached because the eunuch asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”. The eunuch had “heard the Word of God”. After he heard, he obviously believed Christ is God’s Son or he would not have asked to be baptized. Repentance from past sins also was not mentioned in this narrative, but we know from Acts 17:30 that repentance is “commanded” by God under New Testament Law. We also learned in Acts 8:37 that the eunuch was not a candidate for baptism into Christ until he confessed Jesus as the Son of God. Then he could be baptized into Christ and become part of the body of Christ. Now, having been ‘born again’, he MUST strive to remain faithful until death. To reiterate, the plan of Salvation is, 1) Hear the Word 2) Believe that Christ is God’s Son 3) Repent of past sins 4) Confess Christ before men 5) Be baptized into Christ 6) Remain faithful until death. All of these are basic to the Salvation of a soul. The basics for Salvation are valuable at all times for without them one cannot enter the kingdom, grow, or reach the desired goal of Heaven.   These are also valuable as they are what Christians MUST teach to bring the lost to Christ.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

     Below is a poem about valuable basics written by a faithful soldier of the cross who is now departed this life and awaits his final reward. During his time in service to our Lord, he also authored over sixty work books to help teach the basics as well as to assist the Christian in their growth in the Word of God.

Some Thoughts About Basics or Fundamentals 

What good is a carpenter without his tools,
Or an organization without any rules?
How about a building with no foundation,
Or untrained leaders to guide a nation? 

What good is a vessel without a bottom,
Or a godless city, like Old Sodom,
Whose moral corruption had grown and grown
Until it reaped the fruit from the seed once sown? 

What good is a teacher, himself untaught,
With students to listen, but all for naught?
Or a preacher whose sermon has no text,
With listeners wondering what’ll be next? 

Something is missing from all the above.
Like a good deed done, but not with love;
So watch out for basics, and not incidentals,
And fill your work with fundamentals. 

Willard Conchin – deceased

An Appointment You Will Not Miss

An Appointment You Will Not Miss

    Ever had to cancel an appointment? Sure you have. We all have. Sometimes it is because of scheduling conflicts. At other times, it may be that we simply don’t want to go at that point, or perhaps several other “reasons” we’d rather not attend a scheduled engagement. There are other times when we cannot accept an invitation due to circumstances beyond our control.
   However, according to Heb 9:27, all have a rendezvous with death. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  But this doesn’t mean we have a set time to die as many suppose. This misconception is one that many hold. God does not have a calendar on which the names of all souls are listed and when that “date” arrives, the person dies. There are many passages in the Old and New Testaments which prove that none know when their lives will end.  
   In Job 7:6-10, we have inspired record of the suffering servant describing the brevity of life using several phrases. He said his “days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle”. He stated “my life is wind”. He noted that those who once knew him “shall see me no more” after his soul departed. In verse 9 we see the cessation of life expressed: “As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.” Another well-known O. T. passage on this is Eccl 9:12. Here, the Spirit had the ‘wise man’ record, For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
     From the N. T. we learn this as well. In Jas 4:13-14 the scattered brethren were admonished, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” After this, we see in verse 15, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” Sadly, some think this says that God ‘chooses’ when one will die. We’ve shown that this is not the case.
    The latter part of this passage is saying the same thing Heb 9:27 is saying. After death is no more, then comes the judgment. Just as we don’t know the time of our death, we also cannot know when the Lord will return. If the Lord does not yet come, we shall “live, and do this, or that”. However, we do know that death will occur unless we are alive and remain when Christ comes for those that are His. The only ones that do not have an appointment with death are those that happen to be alive when the Lord returns. 1Cor 15:51-52 shows this to be the case. The Spirit directed Paul to write, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 
     In 1Thess 4:13-18, these brethren (and we) are to be comforted, knowing that we needn’t be ignorant regarding these things. (1) Those which “sleep in Jesus” will be brought with Him when He comes (vs 14). (2) No souls will enter heaven before others (vs 15). (3) Christ will come “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (vs 16). (4) The “dead in Christ shall rise first” (vs 16). (5) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. What comforting Words these are to those who have prepared for the end of time (vs 18).
     We know from Scripture and observation that we all have a limited amount of time on this earth. In 1Cor 15:22a it is declared, “For as in Adam all die”. We also have had loved ones that have departed this realm.   This began in Gen 4:8 when Cain “rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” No doubt Adam and Eve became fully aware that their second son was dead. We see ‘natural death’ continuing in Gen 5:5, when after nine hundred and thirty years, Adam died. In the listing of the generations of Adam, this is listed eight times in Genesis chap 5 following his death. So it is until the end. Children are begotten and people continue to meet an appointment with death.
   This will continue until all life on earth is over.  1Cor 15:24-26 teaches what will happen then. (1) Christ will deliver the kingdom, the church, up to God. (2) Christ will have put down all rule and authority. (3) All enemies will have been put “under his feet”. (4) “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death”. (5) After this, Jesus will become judge and the judgment will occur. All who have been obedient and faithful, as we pointed out above, will ever be with the Lord. All those who “know not God”, and “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” will know the vengeance of God with flaming fire. 2Thess 1:9 tells us they “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power”.
     Now that we’ve all been informed of that one appointment which we will not miss (death), as well as the two possible eternal destinations for the soul of man, why not learn what God has stated in His Word regarding Salvation? Will you not seek the truth? Jesus Christ, in John 8:32, said: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. We’ll all face that appointment with death. But we can’t know exactly when this might be. Why not begin today to prepare for judgment? After you die, it is much too late.  
     Read and study God’s New Testament Word. Follow His New Testament Commands. Hear (Rom 10:17), Believe Christ is God’s Son (John 8:24), Repent of past sins (Acts 17:30), Confess Christ before men (Rom 10:9-10), be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16), and remain faithful until death (Rev 2:10b). Then and only then can one go from that final appointment to be with God.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You Playing Church?

Are You Playing Church?

     Did you ever “play church” as a child? Usually those children who are regularly in attendance at church services and have observed their parents in consistent participation in worship and Bible study conducted at the building will “play church”. The purpose for this is not to ridicule the parent’s actions, but rather to emulate. They are imitating what they see in Dad and Mom. In fact, such activity is likely a compliment. Someone once said, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Copying someone can be a high form of praise.
    Children do this in many ways. We’ve all seen the little fellow with his toy lawn mower mirroring the efforts of Dad as he cuts the lawn, or the little girl that insists on wearing an apron “just like Mom”. This is part of childhood in which the young are molded as they continue to develop as they grow to become adolescents and ultimately assume the role of adult. When the very young boy, realizing that only the male is to preach, aligns his siblings on the stairs at home and announces something akin to “I’m gonna ‘pweach’ now”, it shows that he is being molded and influenced positively.  
   But childhood will pass and adulthood with all its cares is upon us before we know it. What then? Have we had a deep devotion for God instilled within us, and do we remain dedicated? Or do we simply attend out of duty, habit, or even to please someone else?   Do we need to be reminded of the Words of Jesus in Luke 17:10 as He spoke to His disciples?   He said: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” If we consider our service to God “our duty” we are unprofitable.
   Have we forgotten that upon obeying the gospel, we made a vow to God, an oath to live in faithfulness to His Word? Have we remained committed out of love and devotion to Him? Are we pleasing to Him? Are we properly preparing for eternity? Do we seek every opportunity to learn what God has taught in His Word so we can follow it, or do we try to set the standard, hoping that God is going to ‘accept’ whatever we offer in service to Him? Are we deluded into thinking God will accept “unprofitable servants”?
   Perhaps we should review the parable of the talents from Matt chapter 25. There, we have Jesus, preparing His disciples for the kingdom, the church for which He would soon die on the cross to purchase. He often taught them in parables. In this one, He began by stating, “For the kingdom of heaven” (the church) “is as a man travelling into a far country , who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” (Vs 14).  To summarize, Christ told how His own servants were entrusted with various amounts of “talents” (monies), “every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” (Vs 15). Each was expected to use these properly in the absence of his Lord.
     From verses 16-18, we have record of what each of the servants did with that with which they had been entrusted. Two of them were diligent, applied themselves, and continually bore fruit for their Lord. The other was “afraid”, did little, or nothing and failed to produce. Then, in verse 19, there came a time of reckoning. The results are recorded in verses 20-29 with the reward being given those ‘faithful’ servants, and retribution meted out to the wicked and slothful servant. Matt 25:30 lists the finality of his punishment and the same will be the eternal fate of all who are “unprofitable”. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 
   In that great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned His disciples to “Beware of false prophets” (Matt 7:15). He said they came in “sheep’s clothing”, but on the inside, they were “ravening wolves”. How were the true believers to recognize such? According to Matt 7:16a, He told them, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Then the Lord used the analogy of an “unprofitable” tree and the fate of that tree from verse 19 to show the demise of false prophets as well as children of God in the kingdom (Christians) who refuse to honor the commitment they made to God when they obeyed the gospel. He said, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” In verse 20, He then reiterated, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” All adults who “play church” are identified by their fruits and should fully expect to be cast into eternal fire when the Lord returns in that final day of reckoning.
     In John 15:16, Jesus continued His preparation of His apostles for their ambassadorial mission. Their mission officially began when the promised Comforter came to them after the Lord had been crucified, buried, arisen and ascended back to the Father in Heaven. He told them He had chosen them and ordained them “that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:” The receiving and the delivering the gospel as it was provided them by the Spirit was the fruit in this commission. It would remain. Additionally, the apostles were also required to adhere to the same Law they received through inspiration in continued fruitfulness. They did so to set the proper example and also to retain their hold on the promise of eternal life.
   How about today? How is a Christian to avoid “playing church”? Obeying the Scriptures is one place to start. 2Tim 3:16 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” Properly following Scripture produces godliness. According to 1Tim 4:8b “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Don’t “play church” here, or you’ll never make it to heaven to spend eternity with God.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Bible, God's Word

The Bible, God’s Word

      Below are thoughts my wife Linda and I have gleaned from the sermon “Who Wrote the Bible” from the book “The Gospel for Today” by brother Foy E. Wallace. Within this man’s work is a wealth of knowledge that sadly, is not being absorbed by many today. His efforts are not wasted if we use this resource along with God’s Word to help us navigate life in preparation for eternity.
   Background of belief – We are told in 2Tim 3:16-17 that the Bible is inspired of God. But the first ground of my faith was parental – My parents believed and imparted their faith to me. My mother read the Bible to me, and my father taught me the importance studying God’s Word and prayer. Momma prayed the sweetest prayers and so did my father, who was a preacher and a teacher of the Word of God.  Secondly, in school, my teachers weren’t all Christians, but did believe in God and had respect for His Word.   Then came the knowledge of “my faith”. I could read and understand the contents, the depth of it, the wisdom, the truth of it.
     From Moses in Genesis to John on Patmos, about forty writers go into the making of the Bible. They lived in different countries, spoke different languages, wrote on many subjects, and covered a period of about sixteen centuries. Yet, collected and bound into one book, it yields one consistent whole without clash or conflict. (It’s hard for man to be consistent with him-self, much less forty men, which proves the Bible did not come from man). See Rom 11:33.
     The Law of Moses was the standard of right government for God’s people. The Sermon on the Mount was the standard for personal conduct of the people of God under that Law. Our Constitution is permeated with the teaching from the Bible.  From God’s Word comes the superior civil and moral code, recognized in every civilized Land.   The advancing intellect of the centuries since the pen of inspiration was forever laid down has not and cannot improve upon the Word of God.
   Within God’s Word we have 1) Antiquity- “In the beginning”. 2) Modernity – Amos 4:13. 3) Unity - Heb 1:1-2 - (The longest thread of thought ever woven in the loom of time). 4) Versatility – Every branch of literature and science: Moses’ writings for Law; Kings and Chronicles for history; Genesis and Job for science; Ruth and Song of Solomon for romance. We have Psalms for poetry; Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for philosophy; and Paul the apostle for dialectics, making the Bible the greatest source book of the ages. 5) Judgments of the Bible are in Deut 4:5-8 and Psa 19:7-9 among others. 6) “Unimpeachable Integrity” - (Psa 119:160). The Bible established by its unerring references, the facts of history, the incidents of time and previously undiscovered science and reveals an inspired veracity (habitual observance of truth and truthfulness). For example, Daniel chapter five says Belshazzar ruled in Babylon. Historians firmly declare no king by that name ever occupied the Babylonian throne. However, archaeology unearthed records proving this to be a fact! (Nabonidus His father had been exiled for misconduct and his son Belshazzar did reign). More that forty king’s names in the books of Kings and Chronicles are nowhere named in the annals of history. Again, archaeology prevailed when buried tables with the information were found - (Psa 119:89).  7) Theophany – miraculous manifestations from the flaming sword to the virgin birth of Christ constitutes infallible proof of inspiration from God. See Gen 3:24; Exo 3:1-10; Matt 12:40; Isa 7:14; Matt 1:22-23. 8) The influence of the Bible is seen in passages such as Matt 7:16. 9) The endurance of the Bible is promised in Isa 40:8. 10) The plan of Salvation is found throughout the New Testament, and was foretold by Christ Himself when He was on the earth. See 1Cor 1:21; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; and Acts 22:16.
     The contents of the Bible bring it outside the range of human production and vindicate its claims to be the inerrant Word of God! The foreknowledge of God anticipated science before the mystic, magic word science was coined. Take for instance the five facts of science clearly pointed out within the sacred pages. They are (Time) – “In the beginning”; (Space) – God created the heavens; (Matter) – God created the earth; (Force) – The Spirit of God; and (Motion) – “moved” upon the face of the waters. Hidden in the first sentence of the Bible, to await the development of human knowledge, is the definite proof that man never wrote it unaided. Moses, (the first penman) had no ancient wisdom whereby he could write a sentence enfolding such knowledge. The Bible required the foreknowledge of God.
   Christianity is proof of the divinity of the Bible and its prevalence is baffling to all who would deny its superhuman origin. Consider five words with which an impregnable defense of Christianity is made. 1) Revelation, 2) Prophecy, 3) Progress, 4) Triumph, and 5) Monuments. Space won’t allow us to fully investigate these here, but some unnamed poet once wrote words that might help us. He wrote: “I do believe the Bible, the precious Word of God. It marks the path our people all have trod. The story of creation all through to Revelation, Gives proof of inspiration, and I believe.”
   If possible, avail yourselves of brother Wallace’s works and read them. They provide much insight to God’s Word. But don’t forget to read, study and meditate on God’s Word, and do as He directs in His New Testament. It is the Law under which we live, and by which we shall be judged (John 12:48).

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Accentuate The Positive

Accentuate The Positive

    Back in 1944, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote a song that has been performed by different artists over the years.   During the negative times of World War II, this catchy little tune perhaps lifted the hearts and minds of many who faced uncertainty as their loved ones were away, involved in various battles in foreign places. According to Wikipedia, the inspiration for the song was a sermon by a very controversial preacher of that time who called himself many different names over the years, but had finally settled on the moniker “Father Divine”.  

   This man, whose real name was unknown, was born around 1876, and had faced much difficulty in his early life. Not much is known of his early life, but it is likely that he was the son of freed slaves. We know he lived during the time of the first and second world wars. He also had faced the difficulty of the great depression and the scarcity of many of the necessities of life during these years. He, blasphemously calling himself “Father Divine”, aligned himself with many denominations over the years. He failed to preach the truth of God’s Word, evidenced by various the doctrines to which he held. Also, the message he delivered varied greatly from year to year.  

   However, this self-appointed religious leader was correct on at least one point. The message of positivity is much needed in the lives of humanity. The refrain of the song provides the title and contributed to the popularity of the song. The chorus goes: “You gotta ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, E-lim-i-nate the negative, and Latch on to the affirmative. Don’t mess with Mr. In-between. You got to spread joy up to the maximum, Bring gloom down to the minimum. Have faith, or pandemonium Liable to walk upon the scene.”  

   Even though the sentiment in the chorus of this catchy song is true, we must be careful to base our positivity in the right thing. Many strive to find the “silver lining” of the cloud in every situation. Sadly, they fail to realize that positivity alone cannot save a soul. One can be positive about the wrong thing or wrong religious beliefs, being deceived, and still be a lost soul.

   This is part of the problem with the man-made religions of the world today. While the message of these is largely positive in nature, they fail to proclaim the whole truth of the gospel. At the same time much of the negative, such as the reality of Hell, is ignored. In John 8:31-32, Jesus told Jews who believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  This passage has been preached in many a sermon, yet many fail to seek the whole truth and strive to follow it. Every religious person wants the “positive” which includes eternity in heaven, but according to Christ, only knowing and fully following the truth will make one free. Anything else will not make one free from sin.

   Perhaps a breakdown of the theme of the chorus of the aforementioned song will help us see the proper direction to take in life. These also are found in God’s Word. You gotta ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive – Focus on the good and have active positivity. According to 2Tim 1:12b, this is what the Holy Spirit directed Paul to write. . . . for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. We all should seek to spread joy rather than allowing gloom to take over. E-lim-i-nate the negative – Actively removing any destructive thoughts or actions. Perhaps Col 3:5 embraces this sentiment best - Mortify (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Then we have, Latch on to the affirmative – which is a directive to hold onto what is true, good and affirming.   Nothing is more true than God’s Word. In Phil 2:16, the Spirit had Paul tell the brethren to “latch on” to the Word, and why. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

   Following this, we see, Don’t mess with Mr. In-between – This phrase warns against complacency, mediocrity or being unproductive.   The brethren of Laodicea, in Rev 3:15-16 were told, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Being in between, neither cold nor hot, is very displeasing to God and Christ. After this, in the song we have, You got to spread joy up to the maximum, Bring gloom down to the minimum, which is essentially the same as accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative. However, this is not something one can do on their own. This brings us to the final phrase of the chorus.

   Have faith, or pandemonium Liable to walk upon the scene – Many have an improper understanding of faith. Faith is not simply what one believes. True faith, in accordance to Rom 10:17 only comes from God’s Word. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Then, we learn from Jas 1:22 that only hearing God’s Word won’t save. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 

   Will you not ‘hear and obey’ God’s N.T. Word today? Accentuate the positive, eliminating the negative, and strive to prepare for eternity with God by doing God’s Will. His Will is His Word. Remember what the Spirit had the apostle write in 1John 2:15a & 17b. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. ”  Not doing the will of God equals eternal pandemonium for you.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ