Are You Ready?

Are You Ready?

     The question above is asked in various situations. Often, parents will ask this of their children as the young ones want to experience some exciting new event in which they have never participated.   A husband occasionally asks his wife this in exasperation, after he feels she’s had adequate time to prepare for departure from home. Of course, hubby forgets he has far less grooming to do, and therefore needs less time in this case. Most of the time his frustration is unfounded, as the wife realizes there is ample time allotted to arrive at the planned destination.
   We spend much of our lives “getting ready” for one thing or another. Is not life a series of events, some in which we have never participated, while others are repetitive in nature? Most events require some level of readiness or preparation. Rarely do “spur of the moment” preparations produce the desired results. Very quickly “grabbing” some clothes from the closet and donning them might result in one with mismatched garments. Surely, we don’t want to appear in public this way.   When careful consideration is made toward the desired result, if good planning is done, and if the plan is followed properly, a more harmonious outcome is achieved.
   There is an event all will face, and this question needs to be asked of all. It is about eternity. Every soul will spend eternity in one of two places. At the end of time, one will either enter the Heavenly abode to be with God, or they will enter eternal condemnation in pain, torment, and suffering, forever separated from God. We are granted time in this life to ‘get ready’. Additionally, after doing as God Commands in His New Testament Law to become His child, one must remain prepared (ready) as we don’t know how long our lives will be. Won’t it be awful if we fail to prepare properly and end up lost?   Sadly, many are “banking” on haphazard or hurried measures for their readiness for eternity.
     In 1886, Will Thompson wrote the beautiful hymn “There’s A Great Day Coming”, that shows the finality of all human life on earth. In it, he expressed the certainty of final judgment and the necessity of becoming and staying ready. The song also points out the rejection of those that make inadequate preparations or fail to get ready.

There's a great day coming,
A great day coming,
There's a great day coming by and by,
When the saints and the sinners shall
be parted right and left,
Are you ready for that day to come?

There's a bright day coming,
A bright day coming,
There's a bright day coming by and by,
But its brightness shall only come
to them that love the Lord,
Are you ready for that day to come?

There's a sad day coming,
A sad day coming,
There's a sad day coming by and by,
When the sinner shall hear His doom,
"Depart, I know ye not!"
Are you ready for that day to come?

Refrain:
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for the judgment day?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
for the judgment day?

    Sadly, many claim to be ready for that spoken of in 1Thess. 4:16-17, having made preparation for eternity in accordance with man’s teaching. In reality, the passage that best fits those who plan for eternity according to their own will or the doctrines of men is 2Thess. 1:8-9. The outcome depicted in these two passages are diametrically opposed.
   Are You Ready? Sure you are! The question is, “For what are you ready?” Have you made preparation for eternity according to what God has stated in His New Testament Word?   Have you compared the provisions you have made against God’s Word? Have you been honest in that evaluation? If not, it won’t be a “bright day” in which you’ll begin eternity in the presence of the glory of God. It will be a “sad day” indeed, for your soul will be lost forever, eternally separated from God and His glory.  Take the time to get ready now while you can. If you love God and want to be with Him forever, go to His Word and do what it teaches to ensure that you are truly ready in accordance with His plan.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Good For What Ails You

Good For What Ails You

     The phrase which forms the title of the article, likely stems from old-time "medicine shows" where vendors would promote their remedies as a cure-all for various ailments. These traveling peddlers ‘conjured’ up some sort of concoction that had a ‘medicine’ smell or taste and tried to convince all that regardless of the malady they were suffering, this was the guaranteed cure. They hawked their product as the remedy for snake bites, pneumonia, malaria, diaper rash, and any other thing they could think of. Obviously, the reason for “selling” this was of more benefit to the seller than the buyer.
   Today, in my opinion, it’s not that different in the medical field. The large pharmaceutical companies seemingly ‘invent’ diseases to be cured, or make multiple vaccines, medicines, or potions for current illnesses, whereby their pockets are deeply lined in the process. Don’t get me wrong, there is much value in proper medical care when such is needed. Again, my opinion, but much that some ‘modern’ medicine is said to provide, results in additional problems, side effects and issues which, wouldn’t you know it, requires additional medicine. Still, big Pharma benefits most.  
   But man has a much greater need than the remedy for aches, pains, and the diseases, all of which are simply a part of life.   What ails mankind more than anything else is a sin problem. God’s Word declares this in Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23, and many other passages. In fact, according to 1John 1:10, those that claim to “not sin” are calling God a liar. Hopefully, all also realize that physical ailments are not why God’s remedy is offered.
   Christ indeed healed physical disease and ailments while on earth. But this was “that the works of God should be made manifest” (John 9:3). As the apostles and those upon whom they ‘laid hands’, healed in the early church, the purpose was the same. It was to confirm the Word of God and to direct the mind of the people to focus on the power of God (the gospel), and to show them the way to “spiritual healing”.
   Spiritual healing also had its place in the ministry of Christ. While on earth, He had the power to forgive sins as we are told in Mark 2:5-11 when believers of Capernaum went to great effort to bring one sick of the palsy before Him. In Luke chapter seven, as Jesus was invited to, and went into the Pharisee’s house, there was a sinful woman in attendance. She, in an effort to honor the Lord, washed Christ’s feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and anointed His feet with ointment. Afterward, a discussion ensued between Jesus and the Pharisee. In this conversation, the hypocrisy of the Pharisee was clearly exposed. In verse 47, we read where the Lord spoke of her forgiveness, and in verse 48, He said “thy sins are forgiven”.
   Even as Christ was in the process of ending His work for God on earth, He still was offering forgiveness. This is not saying that Christ was giving blanket forgiveness to all while on the cross. Christ’s death on the cross provided the means for forgiveness from sin, but did not forgive anyone. Some are going to contend that the thief on the cross was forgiven. I’ll not argue that as in Luke 23:43 He told the man “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” That is indeed forgiveness. However, Jesus was still on earth. He had not yet died, and they were still under the Old Testament Law that was given to the Jews, (Israel alone). Might I also point out that the “thieves on the cross” were also Jews, and therefore children of God under that Law. One repented and received forgiveness. Forgiveness, (spiritual healing), is Good For What Ails You, and at that time was granted to that repentant Jew on the cross.
     Unfortunately, many today want forgiveness and Salvation on the same terms as the thief on the cross. However, that is impossible, as God’s plan for the Jews was not extended to the Gentile world. That “handwriting of ordinances” (the O.T. Law of Moses), has been blotted out, taken out of the way, and nailed to His cross as Col. 2:14 informs. None can live under that Law now, nor receive that which is “good for what ails you” (forgiveness or Salvation) under that plan. One today cannot “be saved as the thief on the cross was saved.   Sadly, many denominational “religious medicine shows” exist today and claim that one can. Their “monetary success” shows who benefits most from their doctrine. They also claim that one can worship in whatever way they desire. But what did Christ have to say about this? In Matt. 15:9, He said: But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. The commandments of men are not good for what ails you. The commandments of men are not truth and cannot free one from sin or provide Salvation.  
   Christ spoke of that which is “good for what ails you” in John 8:32, He said: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.It is obedience to the truth that brings one to forgiveness and the hope of Salvation. We see this truth brings one to God’s plan for Salvation. Sin is everyone’s problem. Don’t take my word for it. Don’t take any man’s word for it. Take God’s Word for it. Why not get what God, in His Word has said is “Spiritual healing” for you? The plan is not difficult. 1) Hear the gospel - Acts 10:33 2) Believe that Christ is the Son of God - John 8:24   3) Repent of sins - Acts 3:19 4) Confess that Christ is God’s Son - Acts 8:37   5) Be Baptized into Christ - Acts 22:16, and 6) Then remain faithful until death - 2Pet. 2:20.   Why not take God’s medicine for sin? Why not honor the Lord and keep His Commandments?   What do you have to lose?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Close, But Not Completely

Close, But Not Completely

     ‘Close enough’ is a concept that is acceptable in much of life, especially when the standard is flexible. Sometimes this phrase is used so one can do just enough to get by, such as “close enough for government work”. Used in this way, it is “an idiom that means something is satisfactory or good enough for a particular purpose, even if it’s not perfect” (Wikipedia). Sadly, many today approach religion with this same lackadaisical attitude. Many are ‘satisfied’ with what ‘they think’ to be right. Is it “close enough” to do what we think? What about what God has written and directed in His Word?  When God has “Commanded” something, it is the directive from the Highest Authority. We are directed to do “exactly” as God Commands. We will do what He Commands if we love Him.
   Is ‘close enough’ what God desires? Is He pleased with “close enough”? Maybe we should consider this as we contemplate obedience to God. Perhaps this is why we have the record of Naaman, the leper of 2Kings. His attitude was that things would be as he envisioned them. He said “behold I thought” as the situation did not unfold as he pictured it.   He expected a miracle and a quick resolution to his disease without him doing something to receive healing. Isn’t this like many “religious” folk today? They expect God to do it all, while they stay “close, but not completely” obedient to God. Is not partial obedience in fact, disobedience?    
   Naaman was not a Jew, therefore not ‘of the people of God’. Yet, because of the counsel of a young Jewish maiden, a captive in servitude to the wife of Naaman, he was given a chance to be healed of leprosy. When told what ‘to do’, Naaman offered alternatives. In 2Kings 5:11, he offered the rivers of Damascus, much cleaner than the Jordon as a better place to wash. Was he “close enough” when he rendered partial obedience? We know Naaman was not healed until he ‘completely’ obeyed. Is one ever “close enough” with partial obedience today?
   All of the seven churches in Asia to which the Revelation was written, were reminded of “things which must shortly come to pass”, speaking of the fall of Jerusalem and its impact on the church for which Christ died. While some of the congregations were commended for the “good things” they did, six were also told what was lacking. The church in Ephesus had “left thy first love”. The congregation which met in Smyrna were warned of the blasphemy of some. The brethren in Pergamos, sadly, had some that embraced the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.   The saints that met in Thyatira were influenced by evil to participate in fornication and idol worship. The church in Sardis had some that enjoyed the reputation of being alive but were spiritually deceased. Of course, we remember the church in Laodicea. They were the ones that were ‘lukewarm’ and therefore their actions were despicable to the Lord. Nothing negative was directed toward the church in Philadelphia.
   If ‘close enough’ was acceptable, why were six of the seven churches of the Revelation tasked with repentance? Why were some told to “hold fast” to the good and proper things, and why were all seven told to “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches”? What the Spirit “sayeth” to the churches (congregations of the Lord’s church there), and what the Spirit has delivered through inspiration, is God’s exact declaration of what He expects.   He did not make any of the congregations comply. God does not force or coerce any into obedience, but has given all the choice and the opportunity to do as God Commands in His Word.
   The church at Corinth, the congregations in the area of Galatia, brethren in Philippi, and the church which met in Thessalonica were all told to “stand fast”.   The body in Thessalonica were also told to “hold fast” as were the Israelite Christians in the letter to the Hebrews. Timothy was told this as well. In Eph. 6:11-18, we see that the faithful Christian is to “put on the whole armour of God”, and “having done all to stand”’. Does is appear that God will accept “close enough”? In this passage, we also see that if one is to faithfully serve God, they will gird their loins with truth, strap on the breastplate of righteousness, prepare their feet with the gospel of peace, bear the shield of faith, don the helmet of Salvation, arm themselves with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), and pray.   This formula is not how to ‘be close enough’, but according to Eph. 6:10, it is how brethren are to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
     As Paul was in Athens, standing in the midst of Mars’ hill, observing that the people had altars to many gods, including the UNKNOWN GOD, told them to seek God because He is “not far from every one of us:” (Acts 17:27)  God is everywhere and accessible. Jas. 4:7-8 informs that Christians are to submit themselves to God and draw nigh to God. We see that He will then draw nigh to us.   We cannot afford to be as king Agrippa and those with him as Paul stood before them in Acts 26:28-29. Agrippa indicated that he was almost, (close but not completely) persuaded to be a Christian. Paul’s desire is that all there were “altogether” as Paul was, without the bonds, in other words, a Christian, not close, but completely.
     Will you not look into the Word of God and follow His inspired direction to become His child, be added to the church, (Acts 2:47)? To be close, but not completely obedient according to God’s N.T. Word is to spend eternity lost and separated from God forever!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You Full Yet?

Are You Full Yet?

   It is likely, when you read the title of this article, your mind went back a few days to the recent Thanksgiving holiday. This is a question that is asked by Grandmother and Mother alike. It seems to them, that if one isn’t “full”, they can’t be satisfied. No doubt, most of us got all the holiday fare that was available, including the deserts.   Rarely does one participate in the holidays without consuming copious amounts of foodstuff. So, if one answers this question from that context, the answer usually is a resounding
“Yes, I’m full”, “I’m stuffed”, or, “I can’t eat another bite”.
   However, there is much to be considered when the concept of being full is contemplated. Is this question asked regarding the physical or spiritual? One may be full physically at one point in life and be destitute of daily food later as Jas. 2:15 indicates.   The Spirit had the apostle Paul remind the brethren to trust in God’s Providence in Phil. 4:11-13, as he wrote of his instruction to ‘be full and to be hungry’, and reman content in ‘whatever state’ he was in. God, the creator, knows of the needs of physical man, and all the requirements a body has to remain able to function. God is also aware of what the “inner man” needs. These are often expressed as “spiritual” needs.
     Man is to exercise caution in that with which he fills himself. One can eat too much, or the wrong things, and continue to do so over a period of time and cause physical illnesses and open the body up to all sorts of disease. We also can be “filled with” the wrong thing in the inner man, the mind, and bring destruction upon us. Some have said: “You are what you eat”, and we understand this to mean that what we eat will have long term consequences. Interestingly, we can also be “full” in other ways which can bring harm. One can allow a mindset that is destructive and this is a direct result of that which we allow into our minds.
   For instance, in the context of those who “changed the truth of God into a lie” and “did not like to retain God in their knowledge”, Rom. 1:29 speaks of those “being filled with all unrighteousness”. What immediately follows is a litany of despicable actions. This is not isolated to the New Testament age. Man has ‘filled his mind’ with wickedness for nearly as long as man has been on the earth. In Proverbs 23:6-7, the Spirit had Solomon write to warn Israel of “joining in” with one filled with evil. They were not to “eat the bread” (participate with) “him that hath an evil eye”. This is because “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”.
   Indeed, man may be “full of” much, and it may be the wrong things. As one is filled with wrong thoughts, wrong actions result. In Acts 5:17, As the gospel was being preached, many ‘signs and wonders’ were done to confirm that Word. Many souls were ‘added to the Lord’. As a result, the high priest and the Sadducees were “filled with indignation”. Why? What did they think? They, (the unbelieving Jews, both Pharisees and Sadducees, thought themselves to be the “chosen of the Lord”). Because of the wrong ‘thoughts of their heart (mind)’, they were outraged toward the apostles. Being filled with wrong thoughts resulted in wrong actions as the apostles were imprisoned.   We know the actions of the Sadducees were wrong as the Lord sent His angel to ‘bring them out of the prison’ and told them to continue to preach the gospel.
     In Acts 13:45, the Jews, seeing the multitudes come together to hear the Word of God, were ‘filled with envy’.   The result? They contradicted the Words the Spirit had given Paul, and blasphemed. This lead to rejection of the Word by these Jews and promoted the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles on a much larger scale.   Many other passages could be cited to show that man can be ‘filled’ with improper things, but these will suffice.
   But there are also proper and positive things with which we can be filled. According to 2Tim. 1:4, one can be ‘filled with joy’. Col. 1:9 shows we can be ‘filled with knowledge’. In Phil. 1:11 we are informed of being able to be ‘filled with the fruits of righteousness’. Eph. 3:19 tells us it is also possible to be ‘filled with the fulness of God’. This is certain to allow us to be ‘filled with comfort’ like Paul in 2Cor. 7:4.   God has also provided the means whereby we can be ‘filled with all knowledge’ and also be able to admonish one another as Rom. 15:14 shows. All of this is possible if we do as directed in Eph. 5:18, and be ‘filled with the Spirit’.
   Unfortunately, many fail to understand what it means to be ‘filled with the Spirit’. This is not the “Holy Spirit” as a force taking up residence in you to guide or direct. To be ‘filled with the Spirit’ is to be ‘filled’ with what the Spirit brought to man. The Spirit brought the Word of God and revealed the deep things of God as we are told in 1Cor. 2:10.
     We are told in Heb. 11:6 that one must have faith to be pleasing to God, and that He rewards those that diligently seek Him. Then, Rom. 10:17 shows where faith comes from – the Word of God. And, Timothy was told in 2Tim. 2:15, to study, rightly dividing (handling aright) the Word of truth. This applies to us as well. This is how one is to be ‘filled with the Spirit’. God, per 2Pet. 1:3, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. Are You Full Yet? If not, have another heaping helping of the Word of God. You can be filled.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Thankful, All Day, Every Day

Thankful, All Day, Every Day

      In this country we are swiftly approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. We all probably look forward to the day, the holiday, the food, the time with family, or whatever tradition(s) we take part in for the holiday. I understand that there are four other nations, and multiple territories that also celebrate Thanksgiving. Contrary to the belief of some, this is not a holiday or celebration that originated in America. In fact, in 1619, before this nation was formed, a group of thirty-eight English settlers, having traveled to the “New World”, participated in a religious celebration of thanksgiving.
     This celebration was “specifically dictated by the group's charter from the London Company. The charter declared: "that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantation in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.” (Underlined and italicized info from Wikipedia.) Additional info from this source deals with our present day “Thanksgiving” holiday. We are told: The 1621 Plymouth, Massachusetts thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. The Pilgrims celebrated this with the Wampanoags, a tribe of Native Americans who, along with the last surviving Patuxat, had helped them get through the previous winter by giving them food in that time of scarcity, in exchange for an alliance and protection against the rival Narragansett tribe.
    Of course, the Thanksgiving holiday, while now officially celebrated in this country on the last Thursday of November, has been observed on various dates and has several different traditions attached to it. Perhaps because the harvest is different in certain areas of the country, different foods are favored for the holiday in various regions. Not surprisingly, given the mindset of much of our population today, many traditions associated with this holiday are not even sanctioned by God.
     But what of us who love God, and all who claim to serve God? Can we say we love God, and fail to show gratitude for all He has done and all He has given for our well-being? To the best of my knowledge, the Words gratitude and ingratitude aren’t found in the Bible. However, we find the Word ‘thanksgiving’ twenty-eight times in the Bible and the phrase ‘giving of thanks’ three times in the New Testament. Is this not sufficient evidence that God desires gratitude from those He has graciously blessed?
     In the first chapter of Romans, the brethren there were warned about the wrath of God ‘against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness’ (verse 18).  Then verse 21 tells why some had come to be in such a condition. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  The resulting actions of those who were “unthankful” are listed, and “vile affections” is an inspired and suitable description. The remainder of the chapter tells of despicable mindsets and actions, concluding with the fact that “they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (verse 32).
    The first time “thanks” is found in Scripture is 2Sam. 22:50. David had been delivered from Saul, and his song of gratitude was recorded. As he concluded his song, he said: “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.” We are also aware of the instruction in Psa. 100:4-5, as the Spirit had the psalmist pen the Words: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ⁵ For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 
   This “mercy” in the New Testament age is God’s great plan of Salvation which first was proclaimed in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost in A.D. 33. It tells how to become a Christian. A Christian is one “born into” the family of God, only through the plan God has put forth in His New Testament Word. There are several verses that speak to this, as well as the instruction to God’s children to be thankful. One such passage is Col. 3:15. When one is obedient to the gospel they are “called into one body”, (the church for which Christ died). Therefore, they should be very “thankful”.
   However, not all will be thankful. In 2Tim. 3:1-5, as the Spirit had Paul describe the “perilous times” which are part of the “last days” (which we are now in), being “unthankful” is found in the midst of the contemptable actions of those who are “ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth”, (vs 7). On the other hand, 1Cor. 15:57 instructs those who have come to a knowledge of the truth (obeyed the gospel), that they have every reason to be thankful, because they are given “victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
    Therefore, All Day, Every Day, is the time for the Christian to be thankful. The brethren of Thessalonica were reminded of this in 1Thess. 5:18. Does not “every thing” include that which occurs “all day”? In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Seek to know and do God’s Will (obey the gospel). Then serve Him faithfully all the days of your life, being Thankful, All Day, Every Day, as we look forward to eternity with God.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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