Being Lackadaisical Is Not Diligence

Being Lackadaisical Is Not Diligence

     None who have read or studied the Bible can likely forget the congregation at Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22. Most will correctly identify the congregation that met there as “lukewarm” as is pointed out in verse 15. We also read of a “claim” made by them in verse 17.   This claim was as they (the church that met there) saw themselves. Their claim to be “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” indicated complacency.   This is a sin that affects many who have “put on Christ”, and at one time had committed themselves to God. As we read the latter part of verse 17, how did the Lord see them? He said: “and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
   Because of their sad state, the Lord counselled them to return to the Word and examine themselves (anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see).   They needed to know their true disorders so they would know they needed the Lord’s assistance to rectify their condition. Hopefully, they would heed the Lord’s instructions.   In verse 19, the Lord stated: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” The rebuke and the admonishment from His Word is to do what is right. The chastening of the Lord is not some physical malady, some tragic event, or something of that nature that God uses to instruct or correct. God deals with man through His Word.   Hebrews 12:5-15 deals with the chastisement God provides for those who are His children – those that have obeyed the gospel, having been baptized into Christ.   True, just as the physical chastisement we received of our earthly parents was not “joyous” (I know of no one who looked forward to a paddling or punishment), but it was for our good.   The same is true of the chastisement God’s children receive through the Word.  
   Hebrews 12:13 directs the child of God to “make straight paths for your feet”. Verse 14 instructs to “follow peace with all men and holiness”, and verse 15 commands the Christian to be “looking diligently”. The lackadaisical Christian is doing none of these and will lose his/her soul.
    But this does not have to be. God’s Word provides the encouragement and spiritual support a Christian needs.   He encourages His children to be strong. Christians are adjured to “stand fast” no less than six times in five different epistles. Two different congregations and one man were told to “be strong” (1Cor 16:13, Eph 6:10, & 2Tim 2:1). In one of these, the congregation was told to “quit you like men”. This is not an expression we use today, but in that context and used that way, according to the King James Bible Dictionary, means to clear oneself of incumbent duties by full performance. This doesn’t sound lackadaisical does it? No, It’s not! It requires diligence and God does not want those who are lazy or slothful to serve Him.
   God wants those who are committed and dedicated to Him to serve Him. We are not to be as the congregation of Ephesus, who, at the time of the penning of the Revelation, had “left their first love”. According to Rev 2:2-3, they had labor, and patience, and could not bear evil. They had also “tried” those who claimed to be apostles and found them to be liars. But these brethren were not totally committed to God, because in verse 4, the Lord said, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, . . . “ Yes, leaving one’s “first love” (which is to be love for God and Christ above all other things) is not diligence. Neither is it dedication or commitment.  
   Lackadaisical by definition is: a lazy, careless, or half-hearted approach, showing a lack of enthusiasm, determination, and energy toward tasks or life.    Is not seeking God, the kingdom, and the righteousness of God (Matt 6:33) to be the greatest task of life? Will a half-hearted approach suffice? Contrast the above definition of Lackadaisical with that of diligence. Diligence defined is: careful and persistent work or effort. The two are diametrically opposed. Therefore, one cannot be diligent and lackadaisical at the same time. Is it any wonder the Spirit had the apostle Paul, in Phil 2:12b, to pen in the epistle to the congregation in Philippi to “. . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”?
   Of course, this doesn’t mean we can choose how we want to serve God and to what degree. Jer 10:23 states “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” This is why God has, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, according to 2Pet 1:3-4, given His New Testament children “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”, as well as “exceeding great and precious promises”. Oh how wonderful it would be that more would be like Cornelius of Acts 10:33b who diligently gathered friends and family and said, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”
   This is the attitude God wants of all who seek to serve Him, especially those who have obeyed the gospel and have become Christians. In Eph 6:13, the Spirit had Paul tell those of that congregation (& us by extension), to “take unto you the whole armour of God”, and “having done all, to stand” that we might “withstand in the evil day”. “Doing all” takes commitment, diligence, persistence, and perseverance. Verses 14-18 give an inspired description of all the tools God has provided in His Word so that His children won’t become lackadaisical.   Will you not seek to become a child of God through obedience to the gospel today?   If you are a child of God, seek to be diligent in faithful service to Him.   Learn “all” of what God desires of you in His Word.   Don’t be lackadaisical, be diligent according to His Word. Be pleasing to God and prepare for eternity with Him.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Love Is In The Air

Love Is In The Air

      In 1977, the disco craze was in full bloom and a young Australian singer-songwriter wrote a song with the same title as our article. Much attention is directed toward love as the “love holiday”, Valentine’s Day is observed. You may remember the song. The lyrics are as follows.

Love is in the air. Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air. Every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
Don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes

[Verse 2] Love is in the air, In the whisper of the trees
Love is in the air, In the thunder of the sea
And I don't know if I'm just dreaming
Don't know if I feel sane
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when you call out my name

[Chorus]
Love is in the air.    Love is in the air
Oh-oh-oh. Mm-ooh, ooh-ooh

But this type of love is earthly, sensual, and only exists in this life. There is a much more important love to which we are to direct our attention. We can only respond to that love while in this life, and it has eternal consequences.   There is a song about that love as well. It was written by V.B. (Vep) Ellis in 1960 which precedes the disco song above.   The love of which it speaks also precedes all other love. It is entitled “Love Is Why”. The lyrics of this song are as follows.

Love Is Why

1) He never said I'd have silver or gold,
Yet He has promised me riches untold;
He never suffered a life without care,
Yet He relieves every burden I bear.

2) I was astray full of sin with its shame;
There was no peace within I was to blame.
Tho' undeserving my life so defiled,
Now to my God I have been reconciled.

3) Tho' I have none of this world's precious goods,
Yet I'm an heir to all Heaven affords;
Tho' I may never achieve earthly fame,
Yet all of Heaven can call me by name.

Chorus
Sin stained the Cross with the blood of my Lord;
Yet He permitted it without a word,
Why, tell me why He redeemed you and me?
Love is why you and I are free.

Later, my wife’s dad wrote a recitation that goes very well with the song and also captures the essence of love from 1Corinthians chapter 13. It goes like this:

Love Will Find A Way

Yes friends, love is the greatest of all Christian virtues,
There are no limits to its bounds.
No walls can confine it, No fears can suppress it,
And no powers can destroy it.

Loves arms span shoreless chasms,
It’s hands build bridges between war and peace,
It’s heart thinks no evil, and it’s lips speak no guile,
And it’s feet are messengers of mercy.

All that is good and kind, love encourages.
But all that is vicious and oppressive love reprobates.
Love gives itself without reservation or recompense,
Denies itself of fame and fortune,
Subdues passions, Curbs lusts, Honors chastity,
Restores confidence, Provides hope,
Challenges perseverance, Yes, and submits itself completely to the Will of Almighty God
When doors are closed, When roads are detoured,
When mountains are high and when valleys are deep,
And when darkness invades the innermost chamber of
the human heart and all hope is gone,

That’s when love will find a way.

(O.D. Wilson – deceased)

   Let’s not focus on this life only. Read of God’s Love in His Word and obey it now, while in this life, remain faithful until death, and spend eternity with Him.    

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Follow The Directions

Follow The Directions

      One of the definitions of direction is: instructions on how to reach a destination or about how to do something.  We are all familiar with directions as we have likely been offered instruction for as long as we can remember.  A child is provided with proper guidance from parents and sometimes older siblings as they continue to grow.  Often this is instruction as to what to do or what not to do. This direction shapes individuals.  Of course, not all advice, direction is good.   Some is bad and will lead to disastrous consequences if followed.  Some folks heed sound instruction, considering the direction is provided for their good.  Others fail to follow sound advice and direction given them, deeming it not beneficial.  This is often due to a “stubborn will”.   
    Take for instance, the loving advice of the wife to the hard-headed husband as he struggles to assemble something, having discarded the “directions”.  I personally have dealt with the shame of having “extra parts” and something not working properly because I disregarded the instructions or directions that came from the maker of that which I attempted to assemble.  More than once I’ve heard the sage advice, “If you would have followed the directions . . .”
     Sadly, I failed to learn this the first, second, and even the third time this occurred.  I’ll not admit how many times it took for me to “get it” because I lost count.   Finally, I’ve learned to read the directions first, (even if I thought I knew how it went together), and check to see if I had all that was needed to accomplish the project at hand.   Consider the time and effort wasted and the frustration I brought upon myself by not following directions.  
    Also, directions are needed when going to a place to which we haven’t been before.  Sadly, I’m guilty in that department as well.  Maps were often in the glovebox, neatly folded and rarely opened.  Today, considering the present fuel prices, I’d love to have all the gas I’ve wasted driving around, having not consulted the maps.  Luckily, advances in technology have forced “directions” on us whether we realize it or not.   GPS is a live-action map and provides directions from one place to another.  Rather than following our own way, if we are willing to follow the proven directions we are given, we will arrive at the proper destination.   
     I’m also glad that projects on this earth can sometimes be re-done, and destinations can be safely reached even if we first started out not following directions.  Many times I have made the claim, “I’m never lost if I’ve got plenty of gas in the tank”.  I no longer think that to be a wise statement.  I am equally grateful that a failed project can sometimes be carefully disassembled, and then successfully put back together by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer or maker. When the directions are followed, a harmonious outcome results.
    Let’s consider this in the realm of religion.  Earlier it was stated that not all instruction or direction is good or sound.  The 1^st thing one must determine is if the direction comes directly from God.   Following man’s advice results in disastrous results for eternity.   This is why all MUST read, study, and follow what God has stated in His Word.  Following the Word of God requires that one “rightly divide”, or handle aright, the instruction God has provided in His Word.   This means keeping passages in context.  In 2Pet 3:16, the Spirit had the apostle point out that the “unlearned and unstable” wrested (to twist, pervert, distort, or misapply) Scripture, “unto their own destruction”. 
     Secondly, rightly divided direction from God (His Word), MUST properly be followed.  God’s Word has correctly been called the “road map from earth to heaven”.  If one cannot or will not follow the directions God gives in His Word, can they expect to arrive at the destination?   Sadly, some think there is more than one way.  In John 10:1, Jesus said that any that tried to enter “some other way” were “the same is a thief and a robber”.  In John 14:6, Christ said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  In John 14:15, Jesus, in speaking to His apostle’s elect, told them, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”   In 1John 5:3, we also read, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 
    Would any contend that God’s Commandments aren’t sound directions?  Since none can successfully argue against this, why don’t more people do as God directs in His Word and follow His instruction?  Is it because they don’t like His directions?  Some who claim to love God and love Jesus still want to follow man’s way, man’s doctrine, in the name of religion.  If Jesus is “the way”, why not follow His direction?  The  direction of Christ is the same as the Commandments of the Father. What are God’s instructions for man?  It is that man do as God directs to save his soul. 
   God’s direction for the Salvation of a soul begins with becoming a child of God.   This requires hearing the Word (Rom 10:17), Believing that Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24), Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), Confess before men that Christ is God’s Son (Acts 8:36-37), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of past sins (Acts 22:16).  But God’s direction doesn’t stop there. All Christians are directed, as was the church in Smyrna in Rev 2:10c, “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
    Will you not hear God’s Commandments and follow His direction, become His child and faithfully serve throughout the remainder of your life?  Heed the direction which the Spirit had Paul pen for the young preacher Timothy.  We read this guidance in 1Tim 6:11-12a - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called. . . “ Make preparation today for your journey to eternal life.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Once Upon A Time & Happily Ever After

Once Upon A Time . . . & Happily Ever After

     Many fairy tales begin with something like “Once upon a time”, often ending with “happily ever after”. This is because a fairy tale, by definition is a magical folklore story, often for children, that feature fantastical creatures (fairies, dragons, talking animals, etc.), enchantments (spells, magic), and a simple narrative of good versus evil, typically ending happily. These originate from oral traditions and have been frequently repeated (and often altered) over the years. They explore themes like transformation and justice, inspiring one’s imagination with extraordinary events in faraway lands. Many fairy tales weren't originally for children but served as moral lessons. 
     But not all narratives that begin with “once upon a time” and end with “happily ever after” are fairy tales. Take for example, the seemingly perfect marriage. Some, in our current society, where marriages are too often easily ended, call such marriages “fairy tale” unions.   Recollection of these goes something like, “once upon a time” this man met this woman. They fell in love, married, and after a while they bore and raised their children, grew old together and then lived “happily ever after”.   Oh, that marriage should be so simple, and that more marriages ended with living “happily ever after”. Fairy tales and marriages are things of this earth. But there’s another thing that started “Once upon a time” and can end with “Happily ever after” that is not a fairy tale.
     Once upon a time (before time was), God formulated a plan – (Heb 4:3). In that plan, all those who were obedient to God would receive blessings from God, as He Promised Abraham in (Gen 22:18). If we peek ahead to see how this could be possible, we might see (Gal 3:26-29) where the Promise of God to Abraham becomes a reality. This is where the “once upon a time” leads up to present time. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There were things before that Promise, and things after the Promise that need to be examined so we get the full picture of God’s plan, how this all leads up to a conclusion, and what we might learn from it, and how it applies to us.  
     The place in which all this was to occur had to be created.   We know from Genesis, chapters 1 and 2, how the earth was created and how man came to be (contrary to man’s wild speculations). We then see how sin entered the picture in chapter 3. As time continued, so did life, but mankind became so wicked, God put an end to all humanity, except for one man, Noah, and his family. We read this in Genesis 6 through 9. Once again, the earth became populated, and sin rears its ugly head, so the battle of good versus evil raged on. Then, in Gen 12:1-5, we read of the call of Abram, the initial obedience of Abram (Abraham) as he heeded God’s call, and the Promise of God to Abram as it was originally stated.
   This separated out a people, (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who was called Israel), so that God’s plan would be carried out. When it was proper to do so, God gave these people (Israel) a Law to follow, that they could know how to live, and that the bloodline would remain pure as God’s plan for the “happy ever after” could be realized. If we again “peek forward” several years, we read in Gal 4:4-7, that in accordance with God’s time-frame, His Son, Jesus, which was first Promised in the Garden of Eden, would come to earth, being born of a virgin, live under God’s Law to Israel, and die on Calvary’s cruel cross to bring God’s plan to fruition.  
   But wait, the “happily ever after” is not yet. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, dying on the cross wasn’t the end of the story. It was as necessary a part of God’s plan as was the O.T. Law. However, Christ dying on the cross did not save a soul. Happy ever after still was not in place. First, that “Old Law” had to be taken away. Col 2:14 tells us in Christ’s death, He “took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” This aligns perfectly with Heb 10:9 as the first covenant had been fulfilled, and had to be taken away, “that he may establish the second.”. This is why we are told in Rom 10:4 “Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”.  
   However, the taking away of the Old Law, and establishing the New Law, did not give everyone their “happily ever after”. This is because not all have obeyed God under this New Testament Law. Many are still refusing to “yield” to God and His Word. Rom 6:16-18 clearly shows that the one we obey is the one to whom we yield. 1Tim 6:19 also makes it perfectly clear that one can make preparation for “happily ever after” while they are “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
   So, when does “happily ever after” happen? Read 1Thess 4:13-18 and see that this applies only to those who are “in Christ” whether they have died and await Christ’s return, or if they are faithful and “alive and remain” when He comes again. Verses 14 & 15 of this passage emphatically state that Jesus will bring those “which sleep in Jesus” with Him and that those who are “alive and remain” will not go into heaven before the dead in Christ. Verses 16 & 17 lay out the sequence of events for the beginning of “happily ever after. All those who have obeyed God in FULL ACCORDANCE with His Word will receive the fulfillment of that Promise of eternal life.
    Once upon a time God put a plan in place. Obey that final plan today, become His child, remain faithful until death, and be “happily ever after” with Him in Heaven. The other option is eternal misery in Hell. Think about it.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

A Call To Repentance

A Call to Repentance

     In Jeremiah 3 God, through the prophet, pleads with Judah to repent. About ninety years earlier Israel, because of their persistent sinfulness, had been defeated and brought into captivity by the Assyrians.   Now God’s attention was directed toward Judah. Surely Judah would learn from what had happened to Israel!   The Biblical examples of the results of disobedience should encourage others to obey God and repent of sin. “Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition” (1 Cor. 10:11—ASV). But God’s people, even today, have difficulty in accepting such lessons.
   In this case, Judah would not heed the warning: “Repent or be destroyed like Israel before.” God’s spokesman was rejected, abused, and persecuted because he preached the truth.   Those who preach the truth need to be willing to endure such treatment (2 Tim. 2:3, 9-10) for there will be those who “will not endure sound doctrine” (4:3). Jeremiah was given a message from God that needed to be heard and, therefore, had to be preached. He was genuinely concerned for the people and for the truth. Jeremiah described the message as “fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9) and that message was “from above” (Lam. 1:13). Such a message must be preached.
     Sin was the problem in Judah—not military weakness or political alliances. A covenant existed between the descendants of Israel and God. God said, “I am married unto you” (Jer. 3:14). This was a sacred, permanent covenant.     In the New Testament this husband-wife relationship exists between Christ and the church. Paul wrote about this relationship and the faithfulness it re quires in 2 Corinthians 11:2: For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
     Because of this marriage, unfaithfulness is considered spiritual adultery. To some this concept may be harsh and severe, but sin is not to be treated lightly. One sin separates the sinner from God and leads to other sins. In this third chapter of Jeremiah notice God’s repeated reference to Judah’s sinfulness. thou hast played the harlot with many lovers…thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness…yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.… Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord (11:1-2, 8, 20).
     Departure usually begins with idolatry. Idolatry is not restricted to statues and images (Col. 3:5). In fact, anything that becomes more important than God becomes an idol.   When this priority is changed, any act, however wrong, can be justified. Sin, unrepented of, brings destruction (Rom. 6:23).
     It is often as difficult to get a sinner to repent as it is to force a goat’s nose to the ground. Why? Because they are stiff-necked, stubborn, and determined to resist. Stephen described those who were about to kill him because of his preaching, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7:51). In order for sin to be forgiven it must initially be acknowledged. When Nathan told David that he was a sinner, David reacted by penitently acknowledging his sin. He wrote: For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight (Psa. 51:3-4).
     Jeremiah implored Judah, “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God” (Jer. 3:13). Sinners must be made to realize their guilt because of sin before repentance and forgiveness are possible. As on Pentecost, sinners must always first be “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37), convicted of their sinfulness, before they will be willing to follow God’s prescription for forgiveness.
     Be assured that God desires to forgive the sinner and, therefore, calls them to repentance. Now this call to repentance comes through the preaching of the Gospel (2 The. 2:14). In Jeremiah 3, God, through the prophet, repeatedly calls and declares: Turn thou unto me…Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly…Return, thou backsliding Israel…Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings” (2:7, 10, 12, 22).
   It is still true today. God does not want any to be lost but desires to forgive (2 Pet. 3:9). The choice is clear: “Repent or be destroyed.” Sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:1-2), but God is willing and able to save.
   Today sin is still described as spiritual adultery. James wrote: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (Jam. 4:4).
     We cannot flirt with and love the world without suffering the consequences (2 The. 1:7-9). Worldliness, being like the world, will destroy the children of God. We dare not follow “a multitude to do evil” (Exo. 23:2). We cannot afford to ignore the warning. God calls upon us, His children, “Repent…and pray God” (Acts 8:22) or be destroyed. Will we listen?

Lester Kamp – Aurora Colorado

Are You Being Poisoned?

Are You Being Poisoned?

       A man walks into a bar.  The bartender greets him and asks, “What’s your poison?”  This is not uncommon.  The barkeep is simply asking what libation the patron desires.  It is the job and function of one in such an establishment to determine the specific wants of the customer and fill these in order for the business to make a profit.   The question asked by the mixologist is no more than a clever way to ask what drink can he/she mix or pour for the customer.
   However, the question, “What’s your poison?” is prophetic, in that the drink that is requested and received is harmful. It has been since man accumulated the knowledge of fermentation and distillation.  Many years before the Christ came, God’s people were warned against the harm that is done when one’s mind is “dulled” by intoxicating beverages.  In Proverbs 20:1, we have one of the many admonitions on this subject. Solomon was directed to write, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.  We won’t reference the many other passages from the Holy Spirit on this, as this single verse is quite sufficient. 
   Of course, as man has always done, attempts are made to circumvent God’s Law and directives so man can follow his own will rather than that of God.  I recall conversations in which brethren and non-brethren alike, seeking to find justification for their actions, (drinking) quote 2Timothy 5:23.  Many fail to see the huge difference in “medicinal alcohol” and “beverage alcohol”.  Strangely, many that memorize “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”, seem to be “sick” quite often.  Even more strange is that the “sickness” that results from copious imbibing, often fails to limit one’s participation.
    In 2Kings 4:40, as pottage with gourds was seethed and served, those who were to eat of it, alarmingly cried out “there is death in the pot” supposing poison mushrooms or such was used in the formulation of the soup.   They refused to eat until the man of God cast meal into the pot, performed a miracle, and bid them eat. “And there was no harm in the pot.” (2Kings 4:41)
    Alarmingly, man willingly ingests “poison” on many levels.  Many, because doctors are “trained”, act like baby birds, eagerly ‘opening wide’ for every morsel offered, assuming because it comes from a “trusted source”, is for their well-being.  It should be so, but can every source be trusted?  Simply because one is in a position that should be trusted is not reason to trust.  Does one trust a mechanic simply because he works on engines?  Do we trust a doctor simply if he claims to know medicine?  Is that trust based on our ‘feelings’, or do we check out reputation or certification?  Ever wondered why certain medicines become outdated or recalled, or those who created or prescribe them are sometimes litigated?  Ever wonder why certain medical practices are no longer regularly performed?   Hmmmm- Something to think about huh?  Don’t get me wrong. I understand that doctors, medicines, and knowledge of the body, things God Providentially has given, have their place and often are helpful in this life.  But beware, most all God has provided, can, and will be perverted by humanity. 
    Take for instance, the pure Word of God.  We don’t usually think of “eating” the Word of God, but in Ezekiel 2:8 through 3:7, this is what Jehovah had the prophet do. The prophet was to figuratively eat (consume) God’s Word as God provided it, and was to speak it to God’s people. God’s Word was sweetness in his mouth - (3:3).  It was to be spoken to Israel without alteration (3:4).  It was not to be perverted in any way.  It was delivered to call Israel to repentance once again.  Any Word that was not God’s pure Word was poison to them.
    As we look into the New Testament, we find it no different.   The Word has changed some, as we are no longer under the same covenant God had with Israel, but God’s New Testament Word is also pure, and provides life for those that will partake, learn it, rightly divide it, and live in full accordance with it. In 2Timothy 2:2, the Spirit had Paul write his young protégé, direct him to “Preach the Word”. This explicitly prohibits the preaching of man-made doctrine, traditions, or fables.  He was to preach it when convenient and when it was not convenient.  He was to preach it to admonish, to censure, and to encourage the hearers. This was for the good of members of the body, the church, as well as to teach alien sinners.  In the verses that follow, we are told he was to do this because the time would come when the hearers would desire “poison” rather than the Word of God.  
     As we consider Romans 3:10-18, surely we realize the Spirit is having Paul describe all who refuse His rightly divided Word.  Those who are “gone out of the way”, who have “become unprofitable”, have “poison of asps” under their lips, and “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”, are those who have no fear of God.  James 3:8 describes the tongue as something no man can tame, being “full of deadly poison”.  This is because without God’s Word, man cannot declare God’s Will.   All that man can offer is, in contrast, poison.
    In John 6:63, in the context of the “hard sayings” of Jesus, our Lord stated “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”  These modern so-called Bibles with modern translations that promote man-made doctrine are poison.  They have added to the Word of God and are poisoning the souls of those who partake and follow.  Would you like the poison man offers, or what God offers that you might have eternal life?  Why not follow the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, and rid your soul of the poison of the world, religious and secular, in full and continual obedience to it?    Your soul’s destiny depends on it. 

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What Does Your Future Hold?

What Does Your Future Hold?

    As we enter a new year, we often review our past as we contemplate the future. We may consider changes that need to be made or desire to alter our actions of the past so that we don’t suffer the same consequences that our prior choices brought. We may question our previous decisions looking for opportunities to correct situations if possible. At the start of a new year, we likely make plans to do all we can to make this year better, more productive, more healthy, or more profitable than the previous one (Resolutions).
   Of course, none of us can know exactly what our future may hold, or if we even have much of a future here on this earth. Some relationships may be severed due to death. Situations may change due to any number of factors. All we can do is make plans based on that which exists in the present moment. However to do this, we must know what exists and what is most important.
   Many believe that family is of utmost importance.   Family is important, but family (as we know it here) exists only in this life. Earthly, physical family is a product of marriage. In the Matthew chapter 22 account as Jesus was being tempted by the Sadducees, He exposed the fallacy of this sect of the Jews. They didn’t believe in the resurrection, angels, nor spirit. In Matthew 22:29, they were told of their error in not knowing the scriptures. In verse 30 we read, For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 
   Also, the material things of this life, while important, are not to be our highest priority. While these may have a definite impact on us and how we live our lives, they don’t determine our future.  In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 6:25, Jesus said, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Therefore, the future with which we should be most concerned, is that which is beyond this life.
   The great question of one’s future beyond this life has been asked in many different ways and by many different people. Sadly, many have tried to answer the question without taking the time to consult God’s Word. Many have sought answer to the question by consulting various so-called scholars and philosophers of the world. The information these will impart is nothing more than man’s wisdom. The direction to which their advice will send one is that of eternal destruction. This is also true of man-made religious advice regarding present and future. In Matthew 15:9, Jesus taught that in this life, following man and man’s doctrine is what produces vain worship. Man-made doctrines cannot be pleasing to God because they condemn the souls that follow them. For these, future is eternal condemnation in Hell.
   This is not a future any soul wants. A vivid picture of a tormented soul as they depart this life is painted in Luke 16 as the fates of the rich man and Lazarus are revealed. Verses 19-22 introduce these men and tell some of the events of their lives while on the earth. Like all of mankind, the lives of these men came to an end and they died. These verses also indicate that while each individual may not have had total control over their status in this life, they had full choice as to their eternal future. Verses 23-24 of the same book and chapter tell us the former rich man was now “tormented in this flame.” Of course, he didn’t choose to go to torment. He simply failed to adhere to the Law of God. According to verse 28, he also did not want any of his five brethren to go there either.
   We are not told a great deal about the beggar Lazarus, but we do know that he was taken by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Paradise) after his time on earth was completed. This indicates that he was faithful to God under the Law of Moses. Otherwise, he too would have gone to torment as did the rich man. This proves that each can make a choice about their future. Of course, each is required to be obedient under the Law of God that is applicable while they live on earth if they expect eternal rest. The Law of Moses was applicable to all the Jews that lived from the time the Law was given until that Law was “nailed to the cross”. (Colossians 2:14)
   Now, after the death of Christ on Calvary’s cross where He made that great Sacrifice, and purchased the church, and since the establishment of the church on Pentecost, A.D. 33, all nations are under God’s New Testament Law. The soul that fails to yield themselves to God according to Romans 6:16 will suffer the same fate as the rich man. There, the Spirit had Paul write these words, Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?Does this not adequately prove that each has choice in regard to their own eternal future?
   What does your future hold? I cannot answer that for you, and you cannot answer that for me. This is because under every Law of God, everyone has to determine their own eternity. Perhaps, if we consider the Words of Joshua, one of God’s faithful O.T. servants, we’ll make the right choice. It is recorded in Joshua 24:15, he told Israel, . . . choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Make your choice now. Choose your future before your refusal to serve God assigns an eternal future for you. Then, it will be everlastingly too late.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

You've Been Warned

You’ve Been Warned

   We’re all acquainted with warnings. Surely, as a child, we remember one of our parents “giving us the eye”.   For me, this was usually a promise that if my present activity didn’t cease Immediately, a spanking was forthcoming. I only pressed the issue with my dad a time or two and believe it or not, I finally came to an understanding when the ole ‘board of education was applied to the seat of learning’.
   Some unheeded warnings won’t immediately result in harm, or cause pain, especially if the promised penalty is not administered. This is why our civil laws must be fairly and promptly enforced. If not enforced, the threat of punishment becomes void and chaos ensues. It is also sad when folks refuse to heed warnings, reject opportunities to change their lives for the better and even shun the Word of God. This is error that will follow them into eternity.
   God’s Warnings have been being issued since shortly after the dawn of time. This started in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis chapter 3 the serpent brought the Command of God to the attention of the woman and lied to her about the consequences of breaking God’s Commandment about the trees in the midst of the Garden and what NOT to eat or touch. Of course, Satan, in the form of a serpent, defied God, tempted the woman, who ate it and then gave the fruit to her husband which also ate it. They had been warned. The penalty for failing to obey God’s Word had been given, and yes, God punished them, expelling them from the Garden. In this way, they were separated from God. This is spiritual death, as it is with all who remain in sin.
   Of course, in time they would die physically, as is the way of mankind.  However, one’s time in this life is so that we can be warned, decide if we will heed those warnings, and deal with earthly consequences of our decisions. But all need to be warned that the consequences of a life of sin, or not fully following ALL of the N.T. Commandments of God, will be fully realized after this life is over.
   This is why God’s warnings to man have continued down through the ages. He loves all souls and according to 2Peter 3:9, doesn’t desire that any soul be lost (perish), but rather that they should come to repentance.   Every warning requires action on the part of the one warned. For instance, we learn from 1Peter 3:20 that the consequences of NOT GETTING ON THE ARK was a certain death in the waters of the flood. If this passage is scrutinized carefully, we know these souls were also lost, because it tells us only “eight souls were saved by water”. This is also confirmed in Hebrews 11:7 where Noah and his house were saved by water and the world was condemned. What made the difference in the outcome was whether or not one heeded the warnings of God and followed His Commandments – (Get on the Ark).
   As Paul met the Ephesian elders in Melita, in Acts 20:31, he reminded them of his warnings which were given for three years. He had told them of their responsibility to “feed the church” as overseers. He told them of dangers from within and without. Finally, the Spirit had Paul commend them to God and to His Word where all His Promises and His warnings are reserved for all to read and decide for themselves whether to heed or not.  
   We also learn from Colossians 1:27-29 that Paul made God and the mystery of the church known to souls who would listen through the preaching of the gospel. In preaching and teaching, he warned “every man” so they could have the opportunity to heed and obey God’s plan that they might perfect themselves in constant obedience and participate in the riches of His glory, or reject the warnings and suffer the consequences.   This is still the reason faithful gospel preachers plead with their listeners today.  
   In 2Thessalonians 1:8-10 we have the Promise of God regarding those who refuse to initially obey as well as those who once obeyed, then become and remain unfaithful. We are warned here that those who are such, “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord”, and that this will occur when the Lord returns to receive those that are His. These brethren (and we) are told this in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. Christ will again leave the glories of Heaven, this time to receive the “dead in Christ” from Paradise, then those that are “alive and remain” who will undergo an instant change (1Corinthians 15:52) to meet Him in the air. All of these (and only these) shall ever be with the Lord.
   The warning is clear. Fail to obey God – Fail to keep His Commandments – Fail to live faithfully in Christ, always striving to become more godly in full accordance with His rightly divided Word, – and one will surely, (according to the Promise of God), be punished everlastingly, ever separated from God and His glory. Sadly, many continue through life, refusing to accept God and His Word as the authority in life. In accepting man’s authority in religion, they ignorantly or willingly reject God’s clear warnings, seemingly unconcerned regarding the outcome or the impact it will have on their soul.
   John 15:9-10 gives us Jesus’ teaching to His apostles, which also applies to all who are the children of God through obedience. Abide in God’s Love and show it by keeping all His Commandments, heeding His warnings, and do all you can to help others know of God’s plan to save their soul. All have been warned, but not all will heed the warning.   Will you?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

A Very Lovely Song

A Very Lovely Song

   The preaching of the Gospel should be attractive to God’s people. Although there are certainly those who will plug their cars and run the other way, there are yet many people who appreciate good, sound Gospel preaching. Unfortunately, even among those who appreciate the faithful proclamation of the Gospel, there are many who do not heed the things that are said. “I sure enjoyed that sermon on seeking first the kingdom of God,” one will say, and then miss evening worship because the late football game went into overtime. “Boy, it sure is shameful the way some Christians act,” another will say following a sermon on the Christian’s example, and the following day he will regale his fellow employees with dirty jokes and foul-mouthed tirades against the boss and customers. “That was a great sermon on prayer,” another will exclaim, and fail to utter one private prayer the following week.
     Such was the problem in Ezekiel’s day. Ezekiel did not have to face the same persecution other prophets did. He prophesied to Israelites who were in captivity, who could readily observe that God’s warnings were being fulfilled against them. The people, including the elders of the people, would often come to Ezekiel to receive counsel. They often enjoyed hearing him, even though he offered stern rebuke against their practices.
     Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee [“of thee”—ASV] by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument for they hear thy words, but they do them not (Eze. 33:30-32).
     To the people, Ezekiel was a good entertainer. He was probably a very eloquent speaker with a lustrous voice, able to hold the people in rapt attention as he prophesied to them the Word of God. Nevertheless, as they heard his words, they had no intent of doing them
       It is a sad thing that many today hear the preaching of the Gospel and hear it as nothing more than “a very lovely song.” Indeed, the preaching of the Gospel is a very lovely song even to God it is “a sweet savour of Christ” (2 Cor. 2:15). However, as we are “called by the Gospel,” we are urged and commanded to act upon its teachings: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 The. 2:14-15). It is only when we heed and obey the proclamation of the Gospel that we can truly appreciate it for the very lovely song it is.

Lee Moses – Rives TN

     The above article, written more than 10 years ago by a faithful gospel preacher, shows that good sound gospel preaching should be music to the ears of God’s people.   We can see from the supplied text that God’s people under the Old Testament Law often heard His Word, yet failed to heed it and yield to it. A careful examination of the fates of these people should cause God’s people today, Christians – (those baptized into Christ), to desire to hear God’s Word and heed the warnings. Interestingly, just as in years gone by, man is often excited about the promises of God, and look forward to receiving them, yet are not willing to serve God as He directs in His Word.   Sadly, most folks want the “smooth things”, as in (Isa. 30:10), spoken in a way to declare all is well, when it is not.  
    Why not heed the “very lovely song” of God’s Holy Word, and obey it continually before it is everlastingly too late?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

I Know You

I Know You

     We all know someone. It’s good to know someone, perhaps several folks with whom we interact as we traverse this life. In fact, some seek to know, or be known by as many as possible as if this makes them more popular. I’m not sure how it works, but some even make their living by being known on social media and for the influence they exert on others. In adolescence, there seems to be a great desire for knowing others as young folks seek acceptance of their peers. This type of association can often produce undesirable results.
    Sometimes, when we should know someone, we don’t. For instance, my wife and I visited a larger congregation with a family member who attended there. While there, someone, a member of that congregation cordially spoke to us. Afterward we asked, “Who was that?” Our family member responded, “I have no idea. I don’t know everyone here.”   My thoughts – Aren’t you part of the same family, the same body that meets here?   How can one NOT KNOW their brothers and sisters when they meet together weekly? Of course, the larger the group, the harder it is to know everyone. This shows that folks may be acquaintances, yet not know one another.
     However, it is of extreme importance, yes, of eternal importance that we know and are known properly while we spend our time on earth. Few seem to believe there is guilt by association. Did not the Holy Spirit, through the pen of Paul, warn the early church about this in 2Corinthians 6:14-18? These brethren, and by extension, all Christians, are warned about being unequally bound with unbelievers. Verses 17-18 are clear as to what is required. One must “come out from among them, and be ye separate”, and “touch not the unclean thing”. When these conditions are met, God promises to be a Father unto them, and they will be (faithful) sons and daughters. He would know them and they would know Him. How do we know this? The commandments of God will be kept in love. 1John 2:3-4 affirms that if we know Him, we will keep His Commandments. Those who say they do, yet don’t are liars.  
   It should not have to be pointed out, but because so many fail to see it, let’s remind folks that those “of the world” do not know God. Yet, because God loves the world, some are naive enough to think they know God, and are known of Him.   Yes, God knows all, but those that don’t have a relationship with Him according to His New Testament Word, do not know Him. This was also true of Jesus’ time on earth, and God’s people under the Old Testament Law (Jews). The Pharisees and many other of the Jews claimed to know God, yet, had changed God’s Law with their traditions (Mark 7:9). In the record of John 10:14, in another conversation with these Pharisees, Jesus said, I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 
   But we also see that there are those not known (recognized) by the Lord. In Matthew 25:12b, as Jesus taught about the kingdom, He taught about some who failed to remain prepared, but slept while the bridegroom tarried. To these He said - Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Did the Lord not say the good shepherd knows His sheep and they know Him? What changed? Is there something we’re not seeing here? In Luke 13:27, we are told what has changed. - But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.  The key is “whence ye are”. Those who fail to keep the Lord’s Commandments do not continue to love Him, so they no longer knew Him, and He does not know them. “Whence ye are” means in their present state of disobedience. This aligns perfectly with 1John 2:3 which tells how we can know Him. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
     It seems apparent by their actions that they also did not love God. Nearly everyone claims to love God, and claim that since they love God, they know Him and He knows them. Where’s the evidence of that love? (Matthew 7:20).      1John 5:3 tells what evidence is seen in those who love God. This verse also shows that keeping God’s Commandments are not burdensome. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Those who foolishly think serving God is ‘too hard’ are selfish. They are not willing to yield themselves to God, or give up their will for the Will of God.    Therefore, “whence they are” is separated from God as they continue to live in disobedience to His Word and His Will.
     God has offered His love to all in the sending of His Son to die on Calvary’s cross, shedding His precious blood, purchasing the church, and making it possible for souls to be saved. 1Jno 3:1 tells of the great blessing this is to mankind. But those who (the world) reject them (God’s Commands) cannot be called “sons of God”. Neither can they “know God” as long as refuse to obey the gospel or if they do not remain faithful. This is also what separates the world from the church. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 
     Do you not want to “know God”?   Do you not want Him to “know you”? All one has to do is love God and keep His Commandments, including obeying the gospel and remaining faithful until death. 1Corinthians 8:3 tells us - But if any man love God, the same is known of him.  If we love Him, we’ll keep His Commandments. And when time is no more, and that great judgment day has arrived, we’ll hear the Words of Matthew 25:23 whereby we’ll know Him for eternity – Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ