Connected - Yes, But Properly?

Connected - Yes, But Properly?

      Much of the world today claims to be “connected” to God in a religious sense. Many who claim to have this privilege say they have this connection through some denominational organization. Sadly, there continues to be more denominations in this world than one can count. Participants in these have joined themselves to their organizations according to the charter of that particular man-made religion. As is the case with most groups, there are certain leaders or authorities who have established guidelines, (which sometime change), governing association within their group. This includes how to become a member, how to remain in good standing, as well as possible penalties for breaking these rules.
   The same is true for many civic organizations. These also are much more numerous than space within this article will permit.   But most of these also have a governing “board” or someone of that nature to enforce the standards set by that ruling body. All who refuse to abide in accordance with the requirements set up by their authority will likely be removed from the accepted members list or censured or sanctioned in some fashion.     
   Sadly, many in the religious world fail to realize that one’s “connection” to God is not physical in nature. One can’t be voted in but must be born into it as foretold in John 3:1-8. Neither can one be a part of (connected to) a man-made institution (denomination) and part of the church which Christ purchased with His blood at the same time. God made these rules and gave them to mankind through His New Testament Word. The parameters under which one becomes a member haven’t changed since the beginning of the church – (See Acts 2:36-41 and 1Pet. 1:18-23)
   The head of the church for which the Son of God died is Christ. This also has not and will not change. We learn from Col. 1:13-19 that the kingdom (the church) belongs to Christ. It is only through Him (in Him) that one can receive the forgiveness of past sins. Christ created all things (John 1:1-3). He is also the “head of the body (singular), the church”. It was in Christ and through Him that God’s plan for Salvation would be carried out.
   Prior to the establishment of the church, there were those who followed Jesus Christ.   In John 14:1-6, Jesus told His closest disciples (the apostles elect) that He was going away to prepare a place. This was the foretelling of the death, burial, resurrection of Christ to die no more. After this He ascended to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God (1Pet. 3:22).   Just before He ascended, in Matt 28:18, Jesus told the apostles He has been given “all power”, which means He has all authority.   This aligns perfectly with Eph. 1:19-23.   As “head over all things to the church”, it is Christ who made the rules and set the conditions to be met whereby one is connected to Him.
     In John 15:1-6, we have the inspired record of the Lord’s discourse with these apostles elect about their connection to Him.   So that these would more completely understand, Jesus used the inspired example of the vine and the branches. Jesus explained to them that He is the vine, and those who obey Him and continue to follow Him are the branches. No fruit can be borne except the branch “abide in the vine” (verse 4). Then, in verse 5, Jesus told them that which applies to all in New Testament times, “for without me ye can do nothing.”
     In Matt. 16:19, Christ promised these disciples He would give them the “keys of the kingdom of heaven”. In the fullness of time these very followers as apostles, would preach the gospel of the kingdom beginning at Pentecost A.D 33, (Acts 2:14-36), telling all in attendance what to do to be saved. This is when they used the keys (the authority) and the N.T. Word of God) to open the doors of the kingdom and per Acts 2:41, those that gladly received the Word and were baptized, were “added” to the church.
     2Cor. 5:20 identifies the apostles as the hand chosen ambassadors of Christ through whom the Holy Spirit would bring the inerrant Word of God to humanity. Through that Word, they would “beseech” all and provide instruction whereby one could be saved and abide in Christ.   We are taught from 1John 2:24-28 that those that have obeyed His Word are to continue to abide in Him (and the Father), clinging to the promise of eternal life in confidence as we look forward to Christ’s second coming. This tells us how to become and remain properly connected to Christ.
   It is true in the realm of horticulture, and equally true in religion that to not remain properly connected to the vine, is to be separated from the proper nourishment. If the branch is disconnected from the vine, no fruit will be produced. Without continued connection to the vine, Jesus said in John 15:6 that the branch would wither and be cast into the fire to be burned. Surely, we don’t need the eternal ramifications of this explained to us.
   This is why the Spirit had the apostle Paul, in 1Tim. 4:6, advise the young preacher Timothy how to be a good minister. He was to put the brethren in remembrance of some departing from the faith, speaking lies, teaching doctrines of devils, among other things.   Rather, as Timothy was nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine, he could properly teach others. He was told this in 2Tim 2:2. They too could become properly connected to Christ (the vine). This still needs to be preached and taught today.
    Why not obey the gospel today and be properly connected to Christ? He is the vine and you can be the branch.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Watch Thou In All Things

Watch Thou in All Things

   Second Timothy 4:2-5 contains the finest advice a Christian can obtain save from the words of the Master. We are told to, among other things, preach Christ’s truth regardless of the hearer’s desire or aptitude. We are to be both loving and strong as we reprove, rebuke, and exhort because, Paul continues, a time is coming (and now is) when men will not desire or heed Christ’s truth but rather will seek to have their ears soothed with smooth and fair speeches. And then he adds this sage advice, “But watch thou in all things” (2 Tim. 4:5).
   This sobering instruction, though given to one young Christian, must be applied to the hearts of all concerned followers of the Savior. Salvation is still the same today as it was when Paul penned these encouragements so long ago. And since it is the same now as then, it must also be approached in the same manner. So sad are we who realize that little consideration is given such somber instruction even by men claiming to be Gospel teachers and preachers.
     Therefore, the implied question must be asked, “Can the message remain the same when our method has altered so drastically?” Can a world needing the true “bread of life” remain satisfied or find salvation in the pillows and balloons we issue with each sermon? Can the crowds find Christ’s burning messages when our pulpits no longer ring with His blessed truth? “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” was enough for one apostle yet our soothing balm of watered-down compromise seems to be the call of the day. The message of the Master, the message His followers gladly taught is the message of the cross and unless we “take up His cross” our empty pews will remain a constant reminder of a job incorrectly done. Preaching “peace” when there is no peace is like the ostrich with its head in the sand. The cross, and its message, is the only hope of the world.
    Preachers who have been called by Christ to preach His Word must see their place as an opportunity to serve rather than a position for hire. Our stand must be solid on the “Rock of our salvation” rather than on our name or place of schooling. The popular stand is not always the truthful one and in fact seldom is, but with truth is where Christ stood and so must we. Our strength is not in our tact but in His message and our concern must be for the lost, not the suffix attached to our name. To paint with words a beautiful sermon is a talent but to show Christ as He really is, is our challenge. Like modern day poets we might appeal to man’s ears but do our words explain the answer to man’s most pressing need, “What must I do to be saved?”
   Why has the example of our preaching forefathers been so obviously ignored? Why instead of following their steadfastness and forthrightness have we cottoned to apathy and compromise? God has always called men to preach His truth and not to design a truth of their own.
     Our time is now spent, not in conquering the windmills of man, but rather in re-thinking and re-structuring the battles of our preceding past. Now, instead of challenging the false thinking of the world we find ourselves being handed back to superstition, ignorance, and sectarianism that the men of the Restoration began to battle and the preachers of a generation past, I thought, defeated. A world and a brotherhood of disunity has spawned a new style of preaching; that is, preaching unity where there is no unity and love where there is no understanding. Christ’s unity has been rent asunder by man’s creed, edicts, and traditions and such can be said also in His church. His love and sacrifice has been hidden by a party-spirited climate and division makers of every ilk.
     There is but one way to please the Father and any alteration from His scheme will fail and fall. Unity cannot be found by setting aside our religious differences but rather by “searching the scriptures daily to prove those things are so.” Such setting aside would only serve to further water down God’s word which would naturally lead to a total dismantling by man of God’s heritage. Unity can only be realized by sincerely showing our differences in light of God’s Word. Any difference which does not have bearing on His truth is not a difference at all but rather an opinion for personal approval. When truth speaks, our opinions cease and until truth is found and accepted nothing is settled.
   The plan and message of the New Testament is an unyielding force that cannot change. It is clearly stated and must be clearly presented. And then as all stand before His blessed throne on that faithful day we will all be ready to give an answer to every deed, every word, and every action in accordance with His truth. God’s law has never catered to man’s whims or fancies, therefore, we must “preach the word” both “in season and out of season”, we must “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” with “all longsuffering and doctrine.” And we also must “watch in all things” concerning self, the church, and the brotherhood.      C. Lected

     This is a “borrowed” article, but well worth reading and heeding.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Dedicated, But to What or Whom?

Dedicated, But to What or Whom?

     Dedication is defined as one being entirely committed to a goal or cause, consistently investing one’s time, energy, and effort. It consists of a persistent, unwavering drive to follow through on what a person cares about most. Dedication is what shows up and pushes one forward even when things get tough. A dedicated person has a strong sense of loyalty and shows unwavering support for that organization or people to which they are devoted. That dedication is called faithfulness. When one is dedicated to something they will stand up for it and will also defend it.
    As you read this, you are likely to think that this is not a bad thing. It is not, provided one is committed to the right thing or to the right being. I dare say there are many dedicated folks in this country and in many other places throughout this world.   However, not every cause, nor group of folks deserves one’s undying loyalty. This does not mean we must choose only one thing to which to be dedicated.   One can love and be devoted to more than one thing at a time but one will always take precedence over the others.   For instance, one can be loyal to family and to country at the same time. One can also be completely loyal to family and a job simultaneously. One can also be totally dedicated to God, diligently serve Him, and still be able to fulfill our responsibilities in any other wholesome areas of life like job or family. But again, only one can be the priority.  
   This is where I think some folks tend to get off track. Some, erringly think they can prioritize according to their own will and still be approved of God. What did Jesus say in Matt 6:33 as He taught the Jews about the long-awaited kingdom? He taught that seeking the kingdom and the righteousness of God was to be the first thing in their lives.   It should still be so today.  Did not Christ in Matt 10:37-39, as He sent His twelve apostles out in the Limited Commission to preach the kingdom to Israel, also warn about proper allegiance? He also pointed out to the benefit of being truly dedicated to Christ and doing His Will.  The “life” that is found is that eternal life in Christ that everyone should seek.
   Then as we move to the New Testament, are not Christians directed to be dedicated to God and His Word?   Was it not the teaching of the Word of God and obedience to it that made them “free from sin”? This is what the Spirit had the apostle Paul write in Rom 6:17-18. These folks had at one time ‘dedicated’ themselves to sin (were servants of sin) but then had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (the death, burial and resurrection of Christ). They had died to the love and practice of sin, had been buried in the watery grave of baptism, and were raised to walk in newness of life.  This was initial obedience and applies to all who obey the gospel of Christ. This is also when they made commitment to God.  
   But let’s back up to Rom 6:13 and see what instruction these brethren received that they (and we) might remain dedicated to God.   They were told to NOT yield their members to “unrighteousness” (which is sin), but rather to yield themselves to God.   They (and all who have obeyed) have made a COMMITMENT to God. He offers Salvation, and as we obey the gospel, we are making a solemn VOW (promise) to remain faithful to Him that we might receive the end of our faith, (Salvation) per 1Pet 1:9.   One cannot and will not receive Salvation unless or until they are totally dedicated to God FIRST. In Rom 6:16, the church in Rome was reminded in the form of a question that one can’t be dedicated, devoted or committed to sin and God at the same time. This passage also shows the final result of dedication or commitment to each one. Obedience leads to righteousness, but sin leads to death (eternal condemnation).
   Perhaps some are not properly instructed about sin.   1John 3:4 tells us that “sin is the transgression of the law”.   We are under God’s N.T. Law which began at Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Acts 2).   If we break that law, we sin.  But one also needs to know that NOT DOING what is “good” (God’s Law) is sin per Jas 4:17.   Doesn’t this mean when one knows to do something according to God’s Law and they don’t do it, they are sinning, which is the same thing as breaking their commitment to God?   Hasn’t such a one broken their VOW to God?   How can one who is doing this rightly claim to be dedicated to Him?
   The Holy Spirit had the apostle Peter, in 2Pet 1:5ff, tell these brethren to “give all diligence” to begin with their faith and add seven things to it as directed. These things are necessary, as we see in verse 8, those that had these things and abounded in them would always be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. Verse 9 tells us those who lacked these are as the blind and have forgotten that their past sins have been washed away. In verse 10, we are reminded to “give diligence”, and then we have inspired promise of spiritual success and faithfulness. By this we can be assured that we remain continually dedicated to God.
   Also, bidding false teachers and false religion God speed and going among them shows a true lack of dedication toward God per 3John vss 9-11 and is spiritual adultery.   Finally in Jude vs 3, the Spirit had this servant and brother of the Lord pen Words whereby all can see and know of our dedication to God and His Word as we “earnestly contend” for the faith. May all who have obeyed the gospel be constantly reminded of the commitment we made to the Lord and may we keep Him and the following of His Word first and foremost in our lives. To do otherwise is to deny Him.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Three Brief Articles on Truth

Truth Makes Christians

     A perverted gospel cannot save. Jesus declared that it is the knowledge of Truth, not the belief of error, that makes men free (John 8:32). Though a perverted gospel may have in it all the elements of the true Gospel, its power to save is lost in perversion. Bread is God’s power to quell the hunger, but the admixture of a poisonous element—a spoonful of arsenic, for instance, in a loaf of bread—would destroy its power. Water is God’s power to quench the thirst, but the admixture of salt will destroy the quenching power of water.
     The Gospel is God’s power to save the soul, but its admixture with error—the doctrines and commandments of men, when heard and believed—destroys its saving power. Hence, Paul’s alarm concerning the perverters at Galatia: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7).
     Error preached, error heard, and error believed cannot result in the Truth obeyed. No man can accidentally obey God. The Truth preached, the Truth believed, and the Truth obeyed makes a Christian. Nothing else does. How careful then men should be in their handling of it!

Foy E. Wallace, Jr. – deceased

The Truth Sometimes Hurts

     How much do you appreciate the truth? The truth is easy to hear when it is flattering, encouraging and uplifting. However, the truth can sometimes hurt. Do you always desire the truth from those around you, regardless of whether it is favorable or not? Do you always demand the truth from those who preach and teach the gospel of Christ?
   The truth pleased the rich young ruler until Jesus told him the one thing he lacked (Mark 10:17-22). Some would call such a declaration of truth unloving, but the Spirit called it love (note verse 21). How do we feel when someone courageously and honestly points out our shortcomings (Prov. 27:6)?
     Some of the Jews who heard Peter on Pentecost appreciated the truth, though it indicted them. They chose repentance and baptism (Acts 2:36-40). Whereas, those Jews who heard Stephen speak that same truth hated what was spoken. They responded by stoning Stephen to death (Acts 7:54-60). How do we respond to the truth?
    The Galatians loved the apostle Paul—so much that at one point they were willing to pluck out their own eyes and give them to Paul. However, in the very next verse, Paul was compelled to ask if he had become their enemy because he told them the truth (Gal. 4:14-16). Do we despise those who tell us what we need to hear?
    Simply stated, unless we have a love of the truth, we will never appreciate the truths that hurt (2Thess. 2:10-12). Unless we are willing to accept painful truths, we cannot know the sanctifying power of truth (John 17:17). Unless we obey the truth, we will be condemned (Rom. 2:8).
     How much do you appreciate truth? The answer is painfully obvious when we are confronted with agonizing truths that require change in our lives. Change hurts, but the truth saves. How will you respond the next time you are confronted with the truth?

C. Lected

What Is Truth?

     Of course, we all recognize this as the question Pilate, the governor of Judea, asked the Lord as recorded in John 18:38. Pilate’s original query of Christ was in response of the accusation the Jews that opposed Jesus and sought to rid themselves of the one who drew the people away from their evil influence as He preached the truth of the coming kingdom.
     Many people over the years have asked the same question Pilate asked, but for different reasons. In the past couple of years, I’ve heard folks use the ridiculous phrase “my truth” or “their truth” as if any “truth” is acceptable. Did not Jesus, in John 8:32 state, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”?   Christ’s use of the article “the” in this statement, shows that there is only one truth.
     Because of this, more folks should search to see where that one truth is found. According to Col. 1:5, the hope laid up in heaven is found in the truth of the gospel. Additionally, God has provided warnings for all who refuse or reject truth.   One passage where this is found is 2Thess. 2:12, where all will be damned (condemned) who believe not (obey not) the truth.
   Why not search God’s Word for truth, learn it, obey it, and follow truth daily?   To do otherwise is to condemn your own soul.  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Liberty

Liberty

     The theme on the minds of many in this country this coming week is liberty, especially since we are celebrating our nation’s 250^th birthday. It is likely this is on everyone’s mind because of the holiday in this nation celebrating independence from Great Britian. We often refer to the holiday as: The 4th of July, but the actual “name” of the holiday is “Independence Day”. Wikipedia provides the following information: Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies would be no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. Independence Day is commonly associated with various other activities such as: fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States. – Unfortunately for many, this is simply another day off work, or another long weekend to enjoy.
       Liberty has long been connected with freedom. To a person serving in the military, “a liberty” is: an authorized absence, not chargeable as leave, for short periods to provide respite from the working environment or for other reasons. In other words, during the time of their “liberty”, they were free from the constraints of working, or scheduled duties. One definition I found for liberty is: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views: The key here is “oppressive restrictions” because in any functioning society or body, there must be rules, laws and even restrictions for the good of all.
       The same can be said for the spiritual kingdom, the church. Everything God has done for man has been for man’s good. But freedom “in Christ” does not mean we have liberty to do as we please. There are “rules” which God has given in His Word to guide the lives of those who love Him and follow Him. These Commands are not “restrictive” to those who love God and desire to obey Him as can be seen in 1John 5:3. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. While Christ was on earth, He constantly spoke to His people, the Jews. In John 8:31-34 we read of Christ offering them liberty and telling them of their bondage. Because of the blindness of their hearts, they refused to receive what Christ offered. They didn’t want the truth. They wanted “freedom and liberty” based on a misconception of the Law of Moses, under which they lived at that time, which was not freedom at all. Interestingly, when Jesus told them what could make them free, they claimed while under Roman rule and domination, not to be in bondage to anyone. They missed the point altogether. Christ came to deliver man from the bondage of sin. And this can only be done by following and obeying the New Testament truth of God.
       In 2Cor. 3:15-17 this is explained for us. The Spirit had Paul write this so those brethren (and we) can know how true liberty is provided and what was preventing Jews of that day (and perhaps now) from being the recipients of the liberty in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. ¹⁶ Nevertheless when it (their heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The Spirit brought the Word to mankind and has delivered the “truth” of which Jesus spoke. In Jas. 1:25 the N.T. Word of God is called the “perfect law of liberty”. We also know that this was sent to man from God Himself. In Jas. 1:17 we are reminded of this. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Would any argue that God’s Word is not the perfect gift? Most everyone desires to be “free” from spiritual death. I can’t think of a single soul that wants to spend eternity in Hell! However, so very few are willing to completely follow the plan that God has presented in His New Testament Word. We all have “freedom”, but not all are free.   We can choose to obey, or we can choose to disobey. That is freedom. But according to Christ in John 8:32, only truth can make us free. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Being free and having liberty “in Christ” does not mean we worship or serve as “we wish”. Jesus made this clear while talking to the woman at the well in John 4:24. He told her: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. This means we must also have the right attitude in our worship to God, and it MUST BE in accordance with His Holy Word.
      In Gal. 5:1, the Spirit had Paul warn the brethren in the churches in Galatia to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” In Rom. 6:16, the Spirit had Paul remind those brethren that all serve someone or something. Today, we should heed that same advice. Seek that liberty. Why not obey the gospel and then stand fast in the liberty “in Christ”? To do otherwise is to “obey sin unto death”. That is the worst bondage one can impose upon himself.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

How Much Do We Have To Obey?

How Much Do We Have To Obey?

   This may seem like a strange question, but such an attitude is exhibited in the daily lives of many.   Back in 2014, I wrote an article entitled “Just Enough To Get By”.   In it, I pointed out that many folks have become so busy, they’ve adopted the attitude that they only need to do what is absolutely necessary so that they can “fit in” everything they want to do. Notice this last statement, everything “THEY” want to do.   Some folks even tend to have this mindset in regard to their jobs. If the job description doesn’t “require it”, or if the boss doesn’t “specifically demand it”, they ask, “do I have to do it”?
   Sadly, this is also the same approach adopted by many in the religious world. Even when Christ was on earth, the Jews, who had a written Law, developed the same mentality. We see this in Luke 17:1 as Jesus taught His closest disciples. He had warned them of that “offenses” would come, but warned, “woe unto him, through whom they come!” The apostles became concerned, and said in verse 5, “Lord, Increase our faith.”. Following this, in Luke 17:10, the Christ taught them the fallacy of being unworthy in their service to God. He said, So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 
   At the conclusion of Jesus’ Matthew chapter 25 teaching on the parable of the talents, He told the fate of those who sought to do only what had been explicitly Commanded. In Matt. 25:30 He stated, And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   Oh, the eternal anguish of those who seek to merely “get by” and do only what they consider as “their duty”.   Perhaps Rev. 2:4 will help us to see that this is applicable in the church age today. The church of the Lord which met in Ephesus prior to the apocalypse was told, Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Simply “doing” without proper love for God is not the obedience God wants. Their “works without love for God made them unprofitable.  In verse five, they were told “to repent”.   This strongly indicates they were going the wrong way.
   So, how much did those of the past, and we “have to obey”?   We find in Gen. 6:22 that which was said of the ark builder, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Later, in Deut. 6:24, the Lord Commanded Israel to “do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day”. In verse 25, we read, “And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.”   In Deut. 10:12-13, the Spirit directed Moses to ask what God required of Israel, and part of the answer was they were to “walk in all His ways” and “keep the commandments of God and His statutes”.
   Joshua, nearing the conclusion of His life, called the elders, the heads, the judges and officers of all Israel together.   In Josh. 23:6, the Spirit had him admonish them to, “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;” This means they were not to deviate in any way from the Word of God and the keeping of it. When God granted Solomon’s prayer for an understanding heart, God promised him this as well as riches, honor and length of days, but there were conditions to receiving these. We find this in 1Kings 3:14. God said, “And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.”
   What about today, in the New Testament age? How much are we to obey? This depends on if we know God and how much we love Him. We know God if we have been baptized into Christ, don’t we? We are told in 1John 2:3 how we know God. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  In verse 4, we find, He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  To keep His Commandments implies “ALL” of His Commandments. “Keepeth not” means refusing to, or not continuing to keep any of them.   Again, this is “ALL” of the N.T. Word. 1John 5:3 tells how one shows his/her love for God. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. This means the keeping of “ALL” of God’s Commandments are not too difficult. We MUST obey ALL of God’s N.T. Commandments!
   In Acts 10:33, Cornelius, having recounted the appearance of an angel and the directive to send for Peter, tells the apostle, “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Peter was to preach “all things” commanded, leaving nothing out. In 2Cor. 2:9, the Spirit had Paul write, “that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.” In 2Cor. 10:5, after pointing out that the weapons of the faithful Christian aren’t carnal (of the world), and that as we look to God and His Word, if we focus our minds, we can be, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ”.
     Unless, or until one has been baptized into Christ, they are the children of disobedience (Eph. 2:2). Those who are less than totally faithful have once again become children of disobedience (2Pet. 2:20-22). The wrath of God will also be directed on these “less than totally obedient” (Col. 3:6). How much do we have to obey? That depends on how much we love God, and where we want to spend eternity.   Something to think about!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

It's All About Time

It’s All About Time

    As we traverse life, do we realize that it’s all about time? We are told that there is “a time to every purpose under the heaven” in Eccl. 3:1. But there is a phrase in God’s Word, “in process of time”, that shows that time does continue.   We have that phrase no less than five times in God’s Word. We also know that “when the fullness of the time was come” Christ was to be born of woman. (Gal. 4:4) We are equally aware, according to Eph. 1:10, that God’s plan to bring redemption from sin came to fruition, but it took time. There we have the expression “in the dispensation of the fulness of times”.  
   Additionally, the Words “shall come to pass”, is found one hundred twenty nine times in the KJV Bible. Perhaps the most memorable occurrence of these is Gen. 9:14, where God, having promised to never again destroy the world by a flood, promised the bow in the cloud.   In the 9th verse, God proclaimed it (the bow) as a token of the covenant between God and Noah. It was to be as long as time is, as God said it was “for perpetual generations”. Perpetual is an adjective that describes something continuing forever or occurring in an uninterrupted, ongoing succession. This indicates that God intended that time continue, at least for an extended period.
   This is due to the fact that God indeed had a plan, even before time was. We refer to Titus 1:2, which speaks of the “hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”. In the verse that follows, we are informed that God makes His Word known through preaching. Some call this preaching “foolishness” because some require a sign, while others seek for wisdom. Sadly, both of these project a lack of faith and rely on man’s insight alone. I urge all to read and study 1Cor. 1:18 – 2:5, then reevaluate your use of your time while on earth. Everyone’s time is limited.  
    Many desire the Promise of God, as was first proclaimed in the N.T. period in Acts 2:38-39. However, few are willing to biblically apply 1Pet. 1:16-17 as God would have it apply. Those that had obeyed the gospel were told to “Be ye holy; for I (God) am holy”. They were also admonished to “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” The need to do this is because “time” as we know it will cease when we die. Do we fail to realize that God gave time to man for his benefit?   In Gen. 1:14, when in the creation, God set lights in the firmament “to divide the day from the night”.   He also proclaimed, “let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” The other purpose for these lights according to verse 15 was to illuminate the earth. Time means nothing to God, because He is eternal. 2Pet. 3:8 declares, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
    Not so with man. We have a limited period on earth. And, time only exists on the earth. We have the inspired exhortation of Eccl. 9:10 to all mankind, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”. This strongly implies that time also, along with the things mentioned will cease for each individual when they pass from this life. In 2Cor 6:2 we have the inspired Words “behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” This has long been used to stress that time is short for all who are presently alive. Each gospel preacher or teacher that has used it this way are urging folks to obey the gospel before it’s everlastingly too late. In context, this passage is teaching that we are now living in the final period of time, when Christ has come. He has given Himself and His Precious blood as the only Sacrifice that can remit sin.
    But because time continues on, man has perhaps been lulled into a sense of false security. Sadly, some still fail to realize that “time” for all, will cease. And as time for each ceases, so does their opportunity to obey. Perhaps this was the mindset of those in 2Pet. 3:4 who asked, “Where is the promise of his coming?” Their reasoning also was given. They said “for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”   These “all things” also includes death. Two passages, one from the O.T. and one from the N.T., should dispel such thinking. In Job 14:1-2, we find the record of this suffering servant which says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. ² He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.”.   Then in Jas 4:14 it is pointed out that life is “even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”.
   It is all about time, and the fact of God’s patience attests to this. We know from 2Pet. 3:9 that God is longsuffering to humanity and doesn’t want any soul to be lost. Rather, He wants all to come to repentance. But none should allow this to delude them into thinking God will forgive everyone’s sin. God is a God of mercy, but that mercy is only extended when folks are alive. We should all remember that 2Pet. 3:10 tell us that at the end, “the earth also and the works therein shall be burned up.” Additionally, we learn from 2Thess. 1:8 when the Lord returns it will be “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” The following verse says these will be “punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,”.
   Is it any wonder that in Acts 17:30, God “commandeth all men every where to repent:”? It is “all about time”. It’s about time you learn how God says He saves the souls. It’s about time you seek to be saved according to God’s plan. The plans of man lead to eternal destruction. The best use of what time any soul has is to do what the Spirit had Peter say in Acts 2:40 - Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  One can do this by learning the gospel and obeying what God Commands in His N.T. Word. If we can help you in your search for Salvation before your time runs out, please let us know.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

A Look At Sin

A Look At Sin

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

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You Abundantly Alive?

Are You Abundantly Alive?

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

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

You've Got to Stand for Something

You’ve Got To Stand For Something

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ