What God Hath Joined Together

What God Hath Joined Together

     The title of the article likely caused you to think about a marriage. This phrase is often stated near the close of a wedding ceremony, indicating that the now married couple has been bound together into a single unit by the authority of God.  This phrase is usually followed by “Let not man put asunder”, just as the Lord stated in Mark 10:9.  This “connection” is ordained by God and reserved for a man and a woman.  Per Eph. 5:31, where the Spirit had Paul write concerning Christ and the church, this is to be a life-changing and permanent “link”.  To tear apart what God has joined together is a direct affront against God.  Sadly, many disrespect God and His Word in regard to this noble institution. 
    However, marriage between man and woman is not all that “God hath joined together”. In Rom.7:1-6, the marriage analogy is used to teach the converted Jews that were being enticed to embrace the O.T. Law, that one  previously under the Law, was no longer “bound” to that Law as it had been nailed to the cross of Christ per Col. 2:14.   That “old” Law had died, and was now no longer in force.  Rom. 7:4 makes this abundantly clear.  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.  We also read in 1Cor. 6:17, But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 
    From the foregoing scriptures it is proven that he who obeys the gospel has been “joined” to Christ.  If one needs additional truth, one can read Eph. 1:22-23 which proves that the “body of Christ” is the church. We also know from Acts 2:36-47 that those who obeyed the gospel, were “added” to the church, the body of Christ. God “binds” the obedient to the body of Christ as Acts 2:47b shows.  None can “join” the church, but are  “added to it”, only as they are born again when they are baptized into Christ for the remission of sins per God’s New Testament system.
     Earlier, it was stated: “to tear apart what God and His Word has joined together is a direct affront against God”. This is true. When a marriage between a man and a woman is ‘dissolved’, except in death, what God joined together has been ‘torn apart’.  But who is at fault in these cases?  Before ‘finger pointing’ occurs, let me state that it is evident that one of the parties that have been joined together breaks the bond.  It takes three, (God, man and woman), to make an earthly marriage, but sadly, one can break the bond. It takes two, (God and the penitent individual) to make the spiritual connection in Christ.  Again, one of the two can shatter it.  
    Let no one say that God ‘puts asunder’ what He hath joined together.  To do so is to claim God has gone against His own Word. Mal. 3:6a tells why the sons of Jacob were not consumed because of their refusal to keep the ordinances of God.  God had previously made promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  God always keeps His Word!  He said: “For I am the LORD, I change not;”.  In the New Testament, in Heb. 13:5b, the Christians to whom that epistle was written were told: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”.  As with the earthly joining of two in holy matrimony, the  spiritual bond of one in Christ is to last “till death do us part”.  It can neither be God nor Christ who breaks this ‘union’ because in the apocalyptic vision of Rev. 1:18a, Christ said: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore . . .” 
   In the afterlife, there is no “marriage or giving in marriage” such as is experienced in this realm per Jesus’ explanation to the erring Sadducees in Matt. 22:30.  But there is a spiritual “bond” that can exist between man on earth and God in Heaven.  God will not break that bond as has been shown above.  The “putting asunder” what God hath joined together, is a separation.  In the Old Testament, God was married to Israel spiritually as Jer. 31:31-32 reveals.  Regarding this union in O.T. times, the Spirit had the prophet write: “I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:”  God had another prophet warn Israel In Exek. 14:7, against setting up idols in their heart (mind), and in so doing, separating themselves from God.
    In the New Testament, as we have previously shown, the old covenant between Israel and God had been ‘nailed to the cross’. This allowed a new spiritual “marriage” to be entered into through obedience to the gospel of Christ as is indicated in 2Cor. 11:2.  The church is the “bride of Christ”. Just as Israel in the O.T. broke their ‘commitment’ to God, so can those who have been “joined together” with Christ through obedience to the gospel, put asunder what God hath joined together.   Sin separates one from God!   It did so in the Garden of Eden.  It did so under the Patriarchal dispensation.  It did so during the O.T. Mosaic dispensation.  And it does so in the N.T. dispensation of time.
    However, if one has not obeyed the gospel, they are not only NOT part of the bride of Christ, but are already ‘separated’ from God and as those described in Eph. 2:12 before their obedience, without Christ, having no hope, and without God the world.  Will you not obey the gospel today?  Become a part of “What God Hath Joined Together”, and then protect and nurture that spiritual relationship all the time remaining in your life, so you can spend eternity with God.  If, as an erring child of God, you have unrepented sin, you’ve separated yourself from God (2Pet. 2:20). Don’t enter into eternity in either condition. 

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

We've Only Just Begun

We’ve Only Just Begun

      Upon reading the title, depending on your age and music preferences, you may recall a song written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols in early 1970. This song was originally written for a bank television commercial, but gained a great deal of popularity later that same year when it was performed by The Carpenters as a single and included as the flip side of “Close To You”. This ultimately became one of their signature songs and catapulted them to their early musical success. Who knew how things were to progress for them as time went on?
     We’ve ‘just begun’ as we have recently entered into a new year and also cannot fully know what might be in store for us. Our various situations and circumstances within a year may be altered dramatically. Our relationships, health, financial stability, and many other aspects of life are all subject to change. As we look back on our own pasts, we can realize the magnitude of these potential changes, as parts of our existence are in a constant state of flux. And, whether or not we like to admit it, none of us are exactly the same as we were just a few short years ago. Hopefully we’ve grown in stature, knowledge, and spiritually.
     We have all embarked on a journey. We are all in various phases of that journey. This journey is called life. When we arrive, (are born), we don’t know the obstacles life will present, how we will handle them, or how it will all turn out. We all begin this journey the same way, physical birth. As we began life, we didn’t know much, couldn’t do much, and needed a great deal of help along the way. The ‘right direction’ needed to be given. With the passing of time, hopefully we learned, grew, and became more capable of navigating all the changes and challenges we encountered along the way.
     But as ‘We’ve Only Just Begun” this year, have we considered the reason we are here on this journey called life? Many seem to live it as if this life is all there is.   Have we begun a new year to repeat the things of the previous years and constantly tread the “wheel” of life like a hamster? Is there not a reason for our ‘beginning’ and our being? Of course there is. That is why from Matt. 19:16 through Jude verse 21, ‘eternal life’ is mentioned twenty-six times, and ‘everlasting life’ occurs ten times. God wants all to be able to embrace the concept and participate in the plan that brings that life. This is why in 1Cor. 15:19, the Spirit had Paul write to those brethren: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 
     This is why there’s a ‘beginning’ that must occur in the physical lives of all who walk this realm to the age of accountability and desire to ‘lay hold’ on eternal life (1Tim. 6:19), and the hope set before us (Heb. 6:18).   This beginning is also a birth, a spiritual birth.  Jesus discussed this with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21, and made it clear that being ‘born of the flesh’ being ‘born of the spirit’ were two entirely different beginnings. Some of the ones who had participated in this new beginning, the spiritual birth, were those written to in 1Pet. 1:22-23. They had “purified your souls in obeying the truth”. They had been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” One’s spiritual life begins only when they’ve been born again in full accordance with the Word of God.
     However, just as our physical birth doesn’t guarantee how the rest of our physical life turns out, our spiritual birth doesn’t guarantee how our spiritual life continues. Physical birth is simply the beginning of our time here on earth. Spiritual birth (baptism into Christ) is the beginning of our entrance to the kingdom. What we do ‘after’ our birth is what determines the final outcome. Think about it! After our birth, the outcome of our physical life depends much upon what we do. The same applies as to how we ‘choose and do’ in our spiritual lives.   We don’t have to worry about God’s part, as we are told in 2Pet. 1:3 that He “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”.
    Perhaps all “Christians” should realize that “We Have Only Just Begun”. How can this be? Some of us were ‘born again’ many years ago. Consider how we might ‘end up’ if we did nothing. Physically, we would die. The same occurs spiritually. That’s why in Phil. 2:12, the brethren, (those that have been born again), were told “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. How? 1Tim. 4:6 tells us the child of God is “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”. 2Cor. 4:16 tells us this is how the “inward man is renewed day by day”. And, we have the admonishment of Eph. 4:23: “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”
   In fact, the Words of Jesus Himself in Luke 9:23 indicate that each day “We Have Only Just Begun” if we are a “follower” of Him. He said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”. Have you begun? If you’ve not obeyed the gospel as is laid out in the N.T., you haven’t. Why not obey the gospel now? Then every day be renewed spiritually by His Holy Word as you prepare for eternity.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

I Am Resolved

I Am Resolved 

    Yes, it’s that time again. We have arrived at the beginning of the New Year. It’s that time in which we make our resolutions for the year. We have things we want to do, things we want to do better, pounds we want to lose, or things we desire to accomplish in the next 365 days.   Many look at this as a period in which to improve our health and wellbeing. Some look on this time as a new start, a place in which to rid ourselves of old habits and to begin altering ourselves. The fact is that each day takes new resolve if one is going to adhere to the resolutions proposed on New Years.
   Each new day presents obstacles to a resolution. Opportunities to fall back into old habits are abundant. The mind plays tricks, and convinces one of how much they need to do as before, or how much one needs a substance or situation to make their lives ‘normal’. Over the past few years effort to indoctrinate us was made as we were told “this is the new norm”. Can we not see that we establish our own “norm” (normal state)?   Man was created with the capability to choose. ‘Free moral agency” is what separates man from the beasts of the field.   We have to ‘decide’ and choose what to do in any given situation.    
   Josh. 22:5 provides sage advice to Israel as the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh were about to cross back over Jordan to their inheritance there. They were told: “But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This sounds like excellent material for a New Year’s Resolution of our own. We are not under the Law of Moses, but are all now under God’s New Testament Law. We can each day, resolve to do as God Commands. We can and should daily resolve to love God, cleave to Him, and serve Him with all our heart and soul as His Word directs.
   If we do this we are more likely to read, study and meditate on the Word of God daily to see what God would have us do. This was the advice from God Himself to Joshua shortly after he was tasked to usher Israel over the Jordan and divide the land among them as God had Promised. In Josh. 1:8 we read: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Surely we desire to be successful. Can there be any more prosperous or successful life than that of a faithful servant of God?   Is any reward on earth greater that what God has set aside in Heaven for the obedient and faithful?   I think not.  

     In 1896, Palmer Hartsough wrote the hymn “I Am Resolved”. We include the lyrics for this well-beloved, often sung song here.

1) I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

Refrain:
I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

2) I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the Just One,
He hath the words of life.

3) I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.

4) I am resolved to enter the kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

5) I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay;
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

     As Mr. Hartsough wrote this, he alluded to Phil. 3:13-14, the Spirit’s Words through the pen of Paul. This is sage advice today. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  All today need not only to resolve, but to do as God directs. Obey the gospel and enter the kingdom. Then continue in daily, diligent, and faithful service to God as He instructs through His New Testament Word. This is the only way to prepare for Heaven.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You Working?

Are You Working?

      In a recent article, we asked “Are You Ready?”. It seems that many may think if they consider themselves ready, they can quit working. I suppose this is acceptable when the labor of ‘getting ready’ is complete.   This idea will suffice in the putting on of clothes and applying makeup etc. Those tasks, or efforts may be complete, but the final objective still has not been achieved. You’ve still not arrived at your destination, or accomplished those things for which you have been making preparations. There are always things needing to be done and work to be performed.
     Some think when they retire from a specific job they have no more work to do. This is not the case as there is always something needing to be done. If nothing else, things break and need repairing, clothes must be washed, meals need to be planned and prepared, and many other ‘menial tasks’ await. In fact, many consider that the retired have nothing but ‘time on their hands’. When you ask a retired person what they have been doing, most will comment on how busy their lives now are. There are many retirees who will tell you “When I was working, I don’t know how I got anything done. Now I can’t find the time to accomplish the things I want to do each day”.
   Work, by definition is: activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. Key words here are ‘activity and effort’. As we exert ourselves and ‘toil’ toward our eternal goal, it shouldn’t be considered drudgery. We should never feel as though we are burdened as we serve God. Often the sage advice which goes unheeded is for one to engage in ‘work’ they love to do. An old Mark Twain quote applies with a job or any other task. “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This certainly applies in “true religion”.
    A “job” by definition is: a paid position of regular employment. Sadly, many fail to realize that “pay” is often more than monetary gain. A reward when a job has been well done is also pay. There are many instances in this life when the ‘payoff’ comes long after much effort is put forth and the labor for the specific task has been completed. This is doubly true when a soul is at stake. In Matt. 25:21 & 23, as Jesus was telling the parable of the talents, spoke about the kingdom which was to soon be established. He indicates that a “well done” from the Lord is a ‘payoff’ for which all who enter the kingdom are to look forward.
     Unfortunately, many Christians, (all who have been born again, having been taught correctly, and have contacted the blood of Christ in baptism for the remission of past sins), seem to feel that in so doing, they have done nearly all that needs to be done for Salvation. Some of these brethren seem to think that it is a “good thing” to attend worship services now and again. This seems to be especially prevalent as the ‘holidays’ approach. This is also one of the times when the ‘offerings’ become larger as if their giving then makes up for lack of doing so previously. These look on such as their “work” for the Lord and consider it sufficient.
     Is this what the Spirit meant when He had Paul write: “. . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” in Phil. 2:12? Had they not already “put on Christ” in baptism? Had they not already been ‘washed in the blood of Christ’? Of course, they had, or they would not have been “saints”, as is indicated in the opening verse of the epistle. Does not “always abounding in the work of the Lord” from1Cor 15:58 indicate there is much to do after becoming a ‘child of God’? Indeed, there is, and the Israelite Christians of Heb. 6:10 were reminded of this when the Spirit had the penman write: “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love . . .”. We today also should be reminded that according to 1Cor 3:8, . . . “every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”  
      Perhaps all who are children of God need to be reminded that the Work of the Lord in the New Testament age was Commanded by the Christ just after His resurrection. In Matt. 28:19-20 the kingdom was yet to be established. He had been given all authority, and this Commission applies until the trumpet sounds and time is no more. He was telling His apostles how folks were to enter the kingdom, as well as the perpetuity of God’s plan for the Salvation of lost souls when He said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. If, as a Christian, we are not working, we are not ready.
     As we read this let us be reminded that this two verse passage is a ‘command’ to work. Surely we see: 1) Go 2) teach 3) baptize 4) teach. Let each examine his or her self and ask, “Am I Working” as God would have me work? If we engage in God’s Work we’ll become stronger. We’ll become better, and better prepared. One is required to work until the end so they will remain ready. Obey the gospel; work to remain faithful; work to help others know the truth.   Are you Working?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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