I Give Unto You Power

I Give Unto You Power

      Above are the Words the of Lord to the seventy after they returned to Him, having sent them to the cities and towns where He would later go. They were to preach the coming of the kingdom and heal the sick. As they returned to the Lord, they were excited because “even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Christ informed them Satan’s “power” had been diminished, but not yet conquered. Jesus then gave them “power”. But what did this mean? Had they not just returned from healing and preaching among the people? Luke 10:17 affirms they had.
   Notice that the word “power” is used twice in Luke 10:19. Christ said: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Each time, the word means something different. The first ‘power’ in this verse comes from the Greek Word {ex-oo-see’-ah}, meaning privilege, capacity, and authority. The second ‘power’ utilizes a different Greek word, {doo’-nam-is}, meaning force, ability, or strength.
   Because there are multiple words translated ‘power’ in the N. T., it is of great importance to examine the context each time the word is used to determine the intent of each passage. In many cases, having the ability or the force necessary to accomplish something is sometimes far different from being authorized to do it.   An example from my own life is, at fifteen years of age, I had the power (ability) to drive a car. However, the state of North Carolina refused to give me power (authorization) to do so legally until I turned sixteen and also met all other state requirements.
   When Christ sent the seventy out in Luke 10:1-9 , He obviously gave them the ability to heal, as well as to preach the message of the coming kingdom. It would also be the message He would deliver as He entered into these same cities. It is obvious from reading Luke 10:19, that Christ also had given them the “authority” when He sent them out.
     We know Christ told the eleven He was given “All power {authority) in heaven and earth ” after He came forth from the grave in Matt: 28:18. But we also know from Matt. 9:6, that Christ had authority and power, even before He died on the cross, was buried and resurrected. After He had healed a paralytic, and pronounced his sins forgiven, the scribes “thought” this to be blasphemy. Jesus said to them: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power {authority} on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 
     Additionally, in Acts10:38, as the Spirit had Peter speak to the kinsmen and near friends of Cornelius - (Gentiles), he told them: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: {ability} who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.The Spirit had Peter tell them of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. At the conclusion of Peter’s sermon, the Holy Ghost came upon the Gentiles, after which they spoke in tongues as a sign from God to Peter and the Jews that the Gentiles were also to be granted entrance to the kingdom through obedience. At the end of the chapter, they were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
    In the first chapter of John, we are introduced to the Christ as the Word, the creator, the source of life and light. The world did not recognize Him, and His own did not receive Him. But, as John 1:12 reveals, “as many as received him, to them gave he power {ability} to become the sons of God,”. Many look to the end of the verse, and read “even to them that believe on his name:” and suppose that “believing” is “receiving”. It is convenient for one to think this when the ‘man-made’ doctrine they are taught is that all one has to do to be saved is believe.
     However, these folks seem to fail to realize that there is a colon at the end of verse 12, indicating there is more to receiving than believing. In verse 13, we are told what that is. It reads: “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Being born of blood, the will of the flesh, and the will of man, is indicative of our earthly birth into our physical body. “But of God” is a phrase meaning the “spiritual birth” of which Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-7. Jesus told him he could not be part of the kingdom (the church), unless he was born again. Of course, Nicodemus was incredulous.  The only birth of which he knew was the physical birth which ushered one into this world. Jesus then told him of the spiritual birth “of water and of the Spirit”. This birth of which Christ spoke was “baptism into Christ”.
    Christ’s final Words on earth to His apostles are found in Acts 1:7-8. He had told them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Then He told them they would “receive power” {ability} to inerrantly proclaim the gospel message to instruct folks to this new birth. They began to do this at Pentecost (Acts 2), which caused those hearers to ask “what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The answer (Acts 2:38) - Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.The gift of the Holy Ghost is the promise of eternal life. (1John 2:25).
     Will you not avail yourself of God’s “power” unto Salvation, the gospel, (Rom. 1:16) and be obedient to it? Eternal life is too important to miss.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

If "Thine Eye Be Single"

If “Thine Eye Be Single”

   Those who are familiar with the Bible may realize that the phrase within quotation marks above are the Words of Christ. The Word single is found only twice in the Bible. Both times Christ is speaking. In Matt. 6:22, Christ is in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount and is preaching to disciples. He said: The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  He wanted all Israel to know of the coming kingdom. Therefore, His message in this great sermon should be recognized as “Pentecost pointers”. The Lord knew that there would be a great effort on the part of the unbelievers to sway folks from belief in Him.
   Christ was not telling them that they should be a “cyclops” or that it was necessary to take out one of their eyes. He was teaching them that they would need to focus if they were to become part of the kingdom for which He would die. Previously, He told them to be careful where they “laid up treasure”. In Matt. 6:21 He told them: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What they held most dear, was that upon which they would most direct their focus.
     The second recorded occurrence of “single” used by Jesus is located in Luke 11:34. In this context, the eye is said to reflect what it allows in to the mind. If “light” is allowed in and focused upon, then light will be that which others will see in us. On the other hand, if we allow “darkness” to invade and permeate our minds, this is what we shall reflect. In John 8:12, in one of His many discussions with the Pharisees, Jesus said: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  Of course, they were not following Him. They were focused and fixated on what they wanted. They were “in the dark” seeking their idea of the kingdom, and harbored evil thoughts. It was just as Jesus said in Matt. 6:23 - But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. He concluded with: “how great is that darkness! ”
   Perhaps this is part of the problem in many congregations of the Lord’s church today. Many will say the problems are attendance, lack of giving, not enough study, not enough prayer, apathy, or many other things.   Most of these are only symptoms of a “disease” that is afflicting many of God’s people today. It will do no good to treat symptoms and allow the disease to go unchecked. It is comparable to continuing to adjust one’s eyeglass prescription, and ignoring the brain tumor that is causing the loss of sight. If the cause is not addressed, the symptoms continue.
   The disease that produces all the symptoms above and more, is a lack of focus. Surprisingly, some Christians remain distracted or inattentive and are seemingly O.K. with it. Sadly, they don’t realize where lack of focus leads. God has continually warned His people against lack of focus in His Word. In the Old Testament, He often sent prophets to call Israel back to faithfulness. In Amos 6:1 we read, “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! ” Those of Israel who were “at ease in Zion” were those who were simply “religious”, but not godly. The focus of these folks was mainly on what they wanted. They were fine with being the “chosen” of God, so long as they could live their lives as they wished.
   As Christ was teaching about New Testament times, and the church which He would purchase in His death, He stressed focus. This applies to all. The Jew would be required to leave Judaism and not look back. Those who would be converted, would be required to leave that old life of sin and heathenism behind. Focus on the “new life” in Christ was required. This is why, in Luke 9:62, Jesus said: No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.  One looking back on, and clinging to the “old life”, have not put to death the “old man” and the sin which separated between them and God.  In Rom. 8:3, the Spirit had Paul state it thusly - For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 
   Throughout the New Testament, the Spirit, through inspiration, also warned those of the church to not lose focus. In Gal. 5:1, He had Paul warn the Christians of that area to “stand fast”, to retain their focus on the “new” Law, and take care not to return to the bondage of sin. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. If they lost their focus on the truth, and then embraced the doctrines of the Judaizing teachers, they would be taking on an additional ”yoke of bondage”, the old Law, which none but Christ could keep perfectly.
   Focus, or singleness of eye is continually stressed in the New Testament. To maintain focus, Christian growth must occur. Diligence of attention is a necessity. In 2Pet. 1:4-9, those who had obtained “like precious faith” through obedience to the gospel, were given the tools for growth. In verse 10, we find an inspired guarantee. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 
   Why not examine yourself today and see where your focus lies? Is your focus on a life lived for self, or on obedience to, and in service to God? If our eye is not single, or our focus not on the “things above”, we will miss the prize of heaven.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Glass Half Empty? Or Half Full?

Glass Half Empty? Or Glass Half Full?

     One’s outlook on life depends on whether or not one is an optimist or a pessimist. One who is a pessimist is: one who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. These are those who are negative and see a glass as half empty. Such a person is likely to be depressed, gloomy, distrustful, and overcome with hopelessness. Does not the Christian have hope in Christ? Can one claiming to be a faithful Christian be a pessimist?   Methinks not!
     While it is true that ‘bad things’ happen to good people, this is not to determine how one looks at life.   Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, made it clear that God’s Providence is richly distributed to all that have lived, or that will live on this earth. In Matt. 5:45b, Jesus said: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  Even before this, in Eccl. 9:11, the Spirit had Solomon tell that “life happens”.   He wrote: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.  Therefore, we must all understand that it’s not what “happens to us”, but “how we handle it” that determines our outlook in life.
    When you think about it, those who refuse to follow God and His Word have every reason to be pessimistic. For what are they living? When this life is over for them, all they have to look forward to is an eternity of pain and suffering. Many doubt or deny this. But how can one doubt the Words of Christ in Matt. 9:43b-44 where He describes the ‘horrors’ of Hell? He warned those of His day of going “into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Christ wants all to live this life in such a way (in accordance to His Word) so they can be optimistic toward eternity.
     All of this was made possible by the death, burial, and resurrection of the Christ from the dead. Think about it; would there be any reason to be optimistic had Christ not died to purchase the church? In 1Cor. 15:19, the Spirit had Paul write: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”. The Spirit also had Paul pen the optimistic Words of Eph. 1:3 which should warm the heart of every faithful Christian. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  Only those who are “in Christ”, having obeyed the gospel and remain faithful, have these “spiritual blessings” and have reason to be optimistic.
     To be optimistic is to be: hopeful and confident about the future. When one is “in Christ”, they have every reason to be optimistic. This is taught in Eph. 2:12, where previous to the death of Christ and their obedience to the gospel, these folks were described as “having no hope, and without God in the world:”.  But, in verse 13, they’re reminded that following their conversion, they had every reason to see the glass as “half full”. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  I say “half full”, because until we are “faithful until death” we have not “made it”, and there still exists the possibility of falling because of sin.
     So that we might continue to see the way, God has provided His Holy Word. Below are the words of an unknown author regarding the Bible. This is something every Christian should read regularly so we continue to be optimistic as we traverse this life and look forward to the one beyond.

THIS BOOK CONTAINS - - The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners, and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven is opened up, and the gates of Hell disclosed.   Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.   It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its Holy contents.  
      The outlook of the Christian should always be optimistic.   Sure, we’re going to have difficult times, hardships and maybe even be persecuted. But this can only last a brief time because whether they end in our death or when the Lord returns, the faithful Christian has hope for the future. Titus 2:11-13 tells us that the “grace of God” has appeared to all, as Christ came, God’s Word was sent, and the “teaching” is available that we might prepare ourselves for eternity as we look for the second coming of Christ.  
     Why not look into God’s Word, obey it, and “lay hold on the hope set before us” as Heb. 6:18 directs? Then you can be optimistic about eternity.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What Will You Do With the Truth?

What Will You Do With the Truth?

   Down through the years, there has been a lot of discussion regarding truth. Some have questioned what truth is, as Pilate did in John 18:38. In Mark 12:32, the scribe stated the truth, yet we have no record that this man ever obeyed the gospel. He believed as did the devils in Jas. 2:19, yet, there is no indication that he even trembled. Some, per 2Tim. 4:4, will “turn their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Some are even as the folks described in Rom. 1:21-25, who, because of their refusal to glorify God, were unthankful, embraced vain imaginations, and allowed their heart to become darkened. As a result, they even changed the truth of God into a lie. All sorts of vile activities followed as a result.
    Rom. 2:8-9 reveals that tribulation and anguish awaits all who are evil, contentious and disobedient. From 2Thess. 2:10, it is apparent that all who receive not the love of the truth will “perish” and if this is not concise enough, verse 12 tells us: “that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”. 2Thess. 1:7-9 tells us when this will happen, how, and for how long this will be. Those who hate the truth and refuse to obey it will know the vengeance of God as they are sentenced to eternity in Hell.
     This is why it is so important to “preach the Word” as the Spirit had Paul tell Timothy in 2Tim. 4:2.   It is why 1Pet. 4:11 dictates the preacher speak “as the oracles of God”. It is also why Timothy was charged to take what Paul had preached and “the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” in 2Tim 2:2.   This way, the truth will continue to be proclaimed and hopefully, future generations will also hear the truth and can be made free. Jesus, in John 8:31-32 said: 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. 
     Additionally, in John 17:17 as Jesus prayed for His apostles, He asked the Father to “set them apart” by truth, and then identified for all what is the only truth. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Christ also, in John 6:33b said: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. This “life” of which the Savior spoke is eternal life. It is only available if one is in full accordance to God’s Word. This is why God’s faithful today will “preach the Word”, which is the truth. Souls are at stake. Only the gospel, per Rom. 1:16, is the “power of God unto salvation”.  It MUST be taught, believed, obeyed and continually followed to be effective in our lives.  
      Below is a song my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson wrote in the early 80’s. I am unsure of the tune, but the words certainly apply.

Preach The Word

I Have some things to ask, I’m sure that you don’t mind,
About so many churches, religions of all kinds,
It really makes me sad to see them so deceived,
And, risk it ‘till the Judgment, and do not yet believe.

They do not want to say, One church alone is right,
As narrow minded people, have not yet seen the light.
They concentrate on love, from human creeds implore.
But will you let them enter, Up Yonder ever more?

Their preachers tell how far, one day they were in sin,
A substituted message, but will it bring one in?
The gospel is the power, for nothing else will do.
It saves all who obey it, the bad and ‘good ones’ too.

And Lord what do you do, when sinners come to pray?
In every testimonial, they say you saved that way.
But that’s not in Your Book, I read it just today,
In it You plainly say Lord, a sinner needn’t pray.

Now Lord I know You laugh, but then I know You cry,
How do you sit and listen, to those who make You lie?
They seem to think You’re gone, no way You can defend.
But Lord, You’ll have the “last Word”, Gehenna enter in.

Preach the Word, Holy Word,
There is peace and saving power in the Word.
In it God has had His say, it shall be our judge that day!
To be save we must obey it, preach the Word!

O.D. Wilson – deceased

     Why will you not look into God’s Holy Word, the truth, and see what God says to do to be saved, and to be pleasing to Him? Why would any who say they love God, not do His Will and seek to serve Him as He directs in His Word? We are told in 2Pet. 1:3 we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness”. The directions are plain, the warnings clear, the Promises grand.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Benefit Of The Bible

The Benefit of the Bible

     We’ve all at least heard of the Bible. Some families possess a large one, often called the “Family Bible”. This used to be very common and was used to record marriages, births, and deaths. In many cases, it was the record of the family tree. Many generations following, benefited by learning of the ones “gone on” whom they’d never met. Many saw those for whom they were named. Some sought names of ancestors to give to their children.
     Others use a large Bible as a press. Sometimes, following the death of a loved one, a single flower from the funeral, given in memory of the dearly departed, is put between sheets of waxed paper. Then it is carefully placed near the center of the Bible. The book is closed, and occasionally a weight, such as another book is placed on top until the memento is fully preserved and rendered suitable to last for an extended period of time.
    Some have a Bible that is of sentimental value in that it belonged to one of their parents. These are sources of memory, especially if the pages are dog-eared and worn from constant reading and study, and the sight of the book helps one embrace the ‘vision’ of a loved one learning, and devoting time in the “book of books”. Occasionally, the family Bible is an ornament. It serves to show others that the “Word of God” is in the house. Sadly, the only “dusting” it receives is when occasional housecleaning occurs.
   Hopefully, families have multiple copies of the Bible. This is easy today as the Bible is relatively inexpensive, yet of great value. Man has advanced in technology to the point that, should we desire, we have the capability of having a copy of God’s Word on our ‘smartphones’. However, the hard copy or the electronic copy of the Bible is no different than any other book in that, if it is not opened, read, or studied, the contents will do us little to no good. In addition to this, without the Bible, we would know nothing of God, His Son, His Spirit, or His plan to save the soul of fallen man.
   Below is yet another poem from the pen of my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson. In it, he conveys what we would lack in absence of the Bible. Oh, the sad state of the man that “hath not God”! God wrote His Word and has offered it to all so they need not be “without God”. The Spirit had Paul write of the condition of the Ephesian brethren before there was a “written Word” that applied to them in Eph. 2:12. They were described as: “having no hope, and without God in the world”.

Without God –

God knows and He loves like no other.
Understands when we’re misunderstood.
His all-seeing eye, knows every reason why,
That we’re bad when we should do good. 

God is no respecter of persons,
There is room in His loving heart for all.
He’s what no one else can be, and is number one with me.
If I follow Him, I know I’ll never fall. 

Without God, we’re as leaves in a strong wind,
Or, raindrops the clouds release to fall,
Or, the mourner who has lost his last friend,
And the stranger, who has no friend at all.

And it’s not in man that walketh,
To direct his own steps for his good.
But to bridle his tongue, when he talketh,
And to do the good things as he should.

Without God, we must face death alone,
Find our way through the “Valley”, so dark.
When my time comes to leave for my long Home,
May my Lord meet me, as I embark. 

O.D. Wilson, deceased

     I’m certain he had this in mind as he penned this poem many years ago. He dedicated his life to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. God’s desire is that “none should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2Pet. 3:9). He sent His Son (Christ) to die on the cross to provide salvation. He sent His Word (the Bible) to instruct one how to be saved. This is the benefit of the Word of God. Without the Bible, one, having sinned, would be eternally lost, without God, without hope.  
    Find your copy of the Bible, buy one, or borrow one, then read it, study it, meditate upon its Words and rightly divide it. Then do as the N.T. directs. This is the timeframe in which we live and the Law under which all men live now. Get the full benefit of the Word of God. Your soul’s eternity depends upon it. The only time you have when you can do this is in this life. If you leave this world without God, you’ll be separated from Him forever and will suffer forever in Hell, just as He promised in His Word.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

When This Is All Over

When This Is All Over

     The end, finale, completed, accomplished, achieved, concluded, over and done, are all different ways to say “finished”.   Perhaps the most important record of this are the Words of Christ in John19:30. We know this occurred as Christ hung upon the cross, and His last statement before He died there. He stated “It is finished”. What was finished? Was He speaking of His life?
   I think not, as His “life” was far from concluded. Even following His death, burial and resurrection, Christ walked the face of the earth. In Acts 13:31, the physician Luke was directed by the Spirit to record that Christ “was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.”  Additionally, irrefutable evidence is recorded in 1Cor. 15:5-8 that the Lord was seen of Cephas (Peter), the twelve, above five hundred brethren at once, James, and finally, the apostle Paul. No, Christ’s life was not “finished” when He died on the cross.
   Following His resurrection, in Luke 24:36-43, Christ appeared unto His apostles, showed them the wounds in His hands and feet, spoke directly to them, pointed out that “a spirit hath not flesh”, and even ate a broiled fish and a piece of honeycomb before them. Could one whose life was finished do such things? In Acts chapter one He ascended to His Father in the same body He had while on earth. He arose and ascended to die no more and now “liveth forever”, so when He stated “It is finished”, He obviously meant something else.
    In the words of Foy E. Wallace, in a 1937 sermon titled “How and When the church Began” from the book “The Gospel for Today” it is stated thusly. “There the grandest drama ever enacted was completed. It began in Eden with the fallen pair and ended in the horrors of Golgotha and the tragedies of Calvary. There the remedial system was finished, the scheme of human redemption effected, and the law, having been fulfilled, ended.” The words of Col. 2:14 prove this because the Old Law was nailed to the cross.
   This was also prophesied by Christ Himself near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:17. He said He did not come to destroy or tear down the Law or the prophets. He came to fulfill them. Within the Law and the prophets were the Promises of God, which, when fulfilled, would bring about the means for the Salvation of souls. When Christ died on the cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, & arising victorious over death to die no more, the Promise of God, the prophecies of the Old Testament, and the purpose of the Law had been accomplished. Therefore, Christ said: “It is finished”.
    Christ’s sole purpose in coming to earth was to do the Will of Father in calling the Jews to repentance, and to bring Salvation to humanity. To the Jews who accused the Christ of breaking the Sabbath and making Himself equal with God in John 5:30 He stated: “. . . I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” And we know from John 3:16 that God sent Christ because He truly loves man. From 2Pet. 3:9, we also know from that God is: “. . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” This could not happen unless or until Christ gave Himself as the perfect Sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. After His death, Christ arose from the grave to die no more, ascended to His Father, having shed His precious blood. This accomplished what the Lord stated in John 10:10b – abundant life was available. When Christ’s time on earth was ended, His purpose was fulfilled and that goal was reached.
    But what about us? Where are we to be “When This Is All Over”? Is one “saved” simply because Christ died and shed His blood, or because “one believes”? Are the “devils” of Jas. 2:19 part of the saved? Do the “saved” enter directly into eternal Heaven upon their death? Sadly, many believe this to be the case. Even before Christ died, in Luke 16:22-23, He spoke of the two destinations of departed souls. Notice that both Lazarus (the beggar), and the rich man were “children of God”. Both were Jews and while the Law was in place (which it was while Christ was alive), the Jews were the people of God. Both died, yet, neither went directly to Heaven. Lazarus, the righteous, was carried to “Abraham’s bosom” which is Paradise (Luke 23:43). and the “disobedient” rich man was buried, and “lift up his eyes, being in torments”. They were both in the Hadean realm.  
   The remainder of this narrative in Luke 16 also shows that there is a “great gulf fixed” between Paradise and the place of torments so one in one place is prevented from “relocating” to the other. Neither is this to be the “eternal” abode of souls. The Hadean realm is a temporary receptacle of disembodied souls. This can be biblically proven with a brief read of the Words of the Spirit through the pen of Paul in 1Thess. 4:15-17. This tells us where the dead in Christ will spend eternity. Lest we forget those who are disobedient, unfaithful, or presently in “torment”, we can examine 1Thess. 1:8-9. Read both of these carefully and ask yourself: In which group do I want to be in when the Lord returns? Or, in which group will I be if the Lord returns before I die?
   Our present life is the time we get to decide what will be “When This Is All Over”. What is our goal for eternity? Should we not seek the truth in God’s Word, obey what He Commands, and live in full accordance with that Word NOW before it is everlastingly too late? There is no other way to arrive at the desired destination.  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Tired, But With Much Work To Do

Tired, But With Much Work To Do

   All of us get tired at times. This is simply a part of life. Physical energy wanes and our bodies to recharge, rest and regroup. This is because there is always more work that needs to be finished, and if one task is completed, there is always more to be done. Part of the way our body is designed is to burn energy and when we ‘run out’ of energy, we need to be rejuvenated by rest and nourishment. One needs to be reinvigorated physically on a regular basis to be able to carry out the Lord’s Work, as the spirit of a man “dwells” in his physical body.
   This has a spiritual application as well. Discouragement has a way of sapping one’s resolve. When we cannot convince the lost and the erring to make changes in their lives to follow God’s Word and Will, folks tend to become ‘spiritually tired”. Some even quit trying. This applies to all Christians, but faithful gospel preachers are more likely to get tired in this way, yet, they always have more work to do. As long as lost souls exist, many will look to the preacher to “do the work” to reach that soul.
    Christ recognized this, and in Mark 6:30-32, we see that this existed in the lives of His apostles, even while Christ was with them. And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 
     The prophecy from Isa. 40:31 gives the remedy for “spiritual” tiredness. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Souls are so important, we cannot afford to become tired, weak or weary. To “wait upon the Lord” is to do His Word.

     The following was in a May 1966 Unicoi church of Christ Bulletin, and was written by my wife’s dad while he preached there.

Gospel Preachers Must

1) Take heed to themselves – The personal life and conduct of gospel preachers must be above reproach. They must be examples          to the believers and the unbelievers. “Ye are our epistles known and read of all men.” A lot of folk read the lives of Christians more     than their Bibles.

2) Take heed unto the doctrine – (Note the doctrine is in the singular). Gospel preachers must speak the same  things; teach the one  and only doctrine of Christ. The language of Ashdod is condemned even in the Old Testament. “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” Why not use only Bible language? The apostles and early Christians did.

3) Preach the Word – The gospel is the “power of God unto Salvation”, but it must be preached and believed. “How then can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? . . . How can they hear without a preacher?”   Too many preachers (?) are not interested in “preaching” for the souls of men.   Preacher’s duties are not on a par with those of lawyers, doctors, politicians, etc. Preachers are to help prepare men for Heaven.

4) Put the brethren in remembrance – The apostle said it is necessary to “stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” Some of the brethren can’t remember to attend the services of the church; give at least a tenth of their financial income PLUS offerings; love each other; cooperate in the furtherance of the Gospel that the lost be converted to Christ; can’t remember that there is ONE church and but ONE; that a new birth of water and the Spirit brings one into the family of God.

5) Exhort with all longsuffering – How often we forget to encourage, lift up with kind words of praise, the brother who is at the     point of despair and retreat. A pat on the back, a tender smile at the right time has won many battles. We need to remember that     patience is a Christian virtue and it is right to covet it. Anybody can tear down, but it takes a master-builder to build up. There is all     the difference in a wrecking crew and a construction company.  

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ. . . “ (1Tim. 4:6). Gospel preachers often for-get what it means to be a “good minister of Jesus Christ: because they cater to the ways of the world and worldly-minded church members.

O.D. Wilson – deceased

   Upon re-reading this brief article written by my Father-in-Law, I realize that with the exception of point # 3 (speaking from the pulpit), every one of these applies to all Christians. Sure, we may become tired. We may want to “cease from our labors”. But, if we are diligent here, and follow God’s Word to reach lost and struggling souls, God has promised there is plenty of rest beyond this life.   But if we become too weary or lazy to work here, what awaits us?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Passing On

Passing On

     We’ve all had relatives, friends, and loved ones who have completed their time on earth and have “passed on” to that which lies beyond. This is called death and is often explained as being “a part of life”. This is hard to grasp as we view death as the end of life. In fact, death is the conclusion of one’s time on the earth. Afterward, all that remains behind is the shell of the body, memories and the various memorials for that person and perhaps whatever influence that person had. Even this influence wanes with time, as do certain memories. The passing on of a loved one is a hard time, as we tend to focus on our own loss. Each processes the death of a loved one in a different way.
    The Words “and he died” are found ten times in the book of Genesis alone and twenty two times in the entirety of the Scriptures. Even if we had not “witnessed” the death of a loved one, or knew of someone who’s time on earth had come to an end, these verses are sufficient evidence that our sojourn here is limited at best. Should we not all contemplate the fact that we are also to eventually be passing on? But as we do so, we must be realistic, understanding that this life is not all there is.
   The idea of reincarnation is contrary to passing on because it describes a transmigration, or the continuation of the essence of life into newborn baby or an animal to continue its immortality. The term transmigration is a way to describe the soul passing from one body to another after death. If this is so, then, death is not the cessation of physical life, but simply a “phase of life”. We know from Psa. 78:39 that this is a false doctrine. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.  When we “pass on” we are not going to return to this earth. Additionally, we are told in Eccl. 9:6b that those that had passed on - neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 
    Because we know that our time on earth is limited and that ultimately all have an “appointment” with death, we all have work to do while we are living. Again, as we turn to the Words of God given to the “wise man”, we see in Eccl. 9:10 that we have only our earthly life in which we might do something before we “pass on”. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  So, what are we to do? For what are we to prepare? We MUST prepare for the afterlife.
   This is never so evident as is indicated in Heb. 11:13-14. These verses speak of those who once walked the earth, having full assurance of the Promises of God, and looked for that “better place” in which to spend eternity. They knew they were “strangers and sojourners (pilgrims)”, only abiding on earth for a brief period in which to prepare themselves so they could spend eternity in the presence of God. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 
    Perhaps we need to be better educated about those who have passed on. One place we learn of this is 1Thess. 4:13-17. We need not be ignorant, as we have information regarding the “passing on” of all the obedient and faithful of the N.T. age. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 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.  In the final verse of this chapter, the brethren there were told to “comfort one another with these words.” Comforting words indeed.
     There definitely needs to be more education about the preparation that is needed during the “here and now” so more can be ready for passing on. This is what God’s Word provides. Before Christ died to purchase the church, in Matt. 6:33, He told His followers: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”. In Acts 8:12, after the establishment of the church, notice what happened in Samaria. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 
     These folks, and all others who obey the gospel, per 2Cor. 5:17, are “in Christ” and have the chance to prepare for “passing on”. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Why not start making preparation now for the inevitable? We all will be “passing on” at some point. The beauty of this is that we get to choose where we pass to. Obey the gospel while you can and remain faithful according to God’s Word until you pass on. That will make passing on a real joy!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

You Watch Your Mouth!

You Watch Your Mouth!

    I’m sure someone has said this to us at one point or another during our lives. This may have been when we said something that another deemed inflammatory or derogatory. Perhaps our parents said this to us when, as a child, we repeated an “unsavory” word or phrase that we had previously heard, and most likely didn’t even understand what we said. Cursing, lewd remarks, and dirty jokes fall into this category. Unfortunately, many fail to realize that unseemly and unwelcome words can be expressed without speaking vulgar and vile words.  
     For instance, have you heard of the “language of Ashdod”? Sadly, there are many who have not. In the days of Nehemiah, he observed that some of the Jews had married non-Jews. These folks they married were people of the city of Ashdod, and of the nations of Ammon and Moab. Part of the problem with this is found in Neh. 13:24. The consequences of the unions between these Jews is seen in their children. And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.  Some may ask: “What’s the big deal?” The “big deal” is two-fold.
    First, God Commanded Israel to NOT marry the people of the Promised Land when Israel came in to possess it. God named them – He called out the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. In Deut. 7:3-4 God warned Israel against this and why. Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  God’s people were to remain separated from these people so they would not become defiled in the serving of “other gods” as did their ‘new relatives’.  
   Secondly, God gave His Commandments to Israel, His O.T. people in their own language. God spoke to Israel through Moses, and later through Joshuah and through the prophets. The Words God used were simple, direct and easy for them to understand. After all, if one cannot understand, there’s no way they can be, or remain obedient. The danger was that when their language became defiled, their worship also became improper as they “embraced” many of the practices of those “foreign” to Israel and it’s Laws, given of God to Israel alone. God expected them to follow it, and receiving His Promises to them were dependent upon them being obedient. When they refused, they went into bondage on several occasions.
     The “old paths” and the “good way” from Jer. 6:16 were continually offered to the children of Israel. This would involve them living as directed by God in His Holy Word, as well as “watching their mouth” and speaking as God’s Word speaks. The Spirit had the prophet warn of this. Notice how they responded when the warning was given. 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. But they said, We will not walk therein. Their attitude led them to intermingle with the nations of Canaan and their language, and their worship became defiled.
   Now, how does this apply today? The “tongue” has long been needed to be controlled, and the “mouth watched”. In Jas. 1:27 we read how the early “scattered” church was directed in this. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.  The Spirit in Jas. 3:5-10, had James pen Words to instruct regarding the proper use of the tongue and the difficulty that is realized in the effort to control it. He gave a “real life” example that could be grasped by everyone in Jas. 3:11-12 - Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 
   Christ’s teaching in Matt. 15:18 in the context of eating with unwashed hands show this as well. What He was teaching was: “what is in the mind is that which will come forth from the mouth”. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  The Bible “heart” is the mind, and the mind knows only what we teach it or what we have learned. But we must be careful to learn properly so that we will speak properly and obey properly. Jer. 10:23 shows that man can- not “guide” himself. Therefore, he cannot “direct” his own speech and be pleasing to God. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  In Matt. 4:4, Christ alluded to this when He said: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
   In Rom. 3:14, in the context of “evil people” we see: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:, and in verse 18 we see the reason. There is no fear of God before their eyes. So, what to do? The advice the Spirit had Paul give the brethren in 2Cor. 6:17 really fits. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,. Obey the gospel today!   Fill your mind with the Word of God, and live according to it.   In so doing, you’ll “watch your mouth”, and you’ll also be pleasing to God.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Go For It

Go For It

     I’m sure we’ve all heard the title of this article at some point. This phrase was ubiquitous for a while. In the 1980’s, it seems that every time someone announced they were planning something or had decided to embark on a project, they heard “Go for it”! Seemingly, it didn’t matter what was being considered. This phrase was utilized by nearly everyone for every reason. In fact, we likely heard it so often, many of us were glad when this phrase fell out of vogue and some other idiom took its place.
     This short motivational phrase supposedly helps one move past any hesitation, and put forth the maximum effort required to finally achieve what you truly want in this life. Therein lies the problem. What do we want in this life, or more importantly what “should we want” in this life? Should we not want that which will yield “good results” for that which is beyond this life? If the things we “want” in this life lead to pain, suffering, and destruction, should we not abandon them for better things.  
     In the Deut. 10:12-13 account of the of the giving of the Law of Moses to Israel, we see what God expected of His Old Testament people. And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? 
     From the time Israel was given the tables of stone until the close of the Old Testament, God, through the Spirit told His people to “go for it”. But what were they to “go for”? In Isa.1:19-20 we are told. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.  When Israel chose to “go for” the wrong things, they brought death and destruction upon themselves.
      But what of us today?  We are not under the same Law or system as was Israel in that dispensation of time. At that time, only Israel was under that Law, but all others were under the Patriarchal dispensation. Today, all are under the Law of Christ, as we all live in the “last days”. God requires the same of us today in the New Testament age as He did of His Old Testament people; keep His Commandments. In every age, faith and obedience has been part of God’s plan. God has laid out His final plan for the Salvation of souls and through inspiration has written it down for all to read and follow. Rom. 16:25 tells us the Word was a mystery at one time. But Rom.16:26 tells us: But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  The rewards for the obedient and faithful, as well as the punishment for the disobedient and unfaithful are there for all to read and understand.
      Therefore, everyone today needs to carefully search God’s Word to see what it is they are to “go for”. God’s Word contains the Promises of God as well as what He desires. We are told in 2Pet. 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. All His Promises are available and attainable. However, those who refuse to “come to repentance” (be obedient), will suffer eternally for their disobedience. This will occur when the longsuffering of God has run it’s course and this world and its works burn up. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  (2Pet. 3:10)
      Perhaps if we seriously consider the Words of Rom. 2:6-10 and compare the scenarios and the results, we can surely understand what God desires all to “go for”. Verse 6, speaking of God states: Who will render to every man according to his deeds: Verses 7 & 10 show God’s Promise to those who obey and are faithful – 7-To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:  10- But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Contrast this with verses 8-9 and God’s Promise to the disobedient and unfaithful. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;  This means everyone.
     So, “go for it”. That’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to seek the Salvation He planned before the foundation of the world. But we can only go for it while in this life. From the Old Testament in Eccl. 9:10 we learn: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  We’re all going to die, but while here, all have to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:10).
     Obey the gospel, remain faithful from that time until you pass from this life. Only then can one be pleasing to God and receive the reward. Go for it. You’ll surely be blessed.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ