Fractured?

Fractured?

     A fracture by definition is a break or a crack in a bone. It occurs when a force is applied to the bone that exceeds its structural capacity. There are many different causes for the breaking of a bone. There are also many types of breaks. Upon looking this up, I was surprised to learn there are hairline, greenstick, closed, open, displaced (unstable), nondisplaced (stable), something called comminuted, and spiral fractures. The bone is part of the body and if part of the body is affected, the whole body suffers too. Regardless of the cause for the break or the severity of the break, each one needs treatment to repair the damage before the body can perform properly and operate up to its full potential.  
    This concept was recognized by Abraham Lincoln. In his 1858 senate campaign speech, he said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand”. He knew that the 1857 Dred Scott case and its outcome had divided the nation. Lincoln also knew the “body”, in his case, the United States of America, could not operate effectively when part of it was broken. It took a great deal of effort, a civil war, and the loss of many lives to begin the process of healing which the country desperately needed. Of course after the “cast” is applied to stabilize the broken bone, it takes time for it to fully heal. Sadly, a bone once broken, can be broken again provided enough pressure is applied against it.
   Many attribute the above quote to Mr. Lincoln, who would serve in the Senate and then as President of the United States until his assassination. But these words did not originate with Lincoln. He was a student of the Bible and “borrowed” this concept from Christ Himself. In Mark 3:25 as Jesus was responding to the scribes who accused Jesus of having “Beelzebub”, and “by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils”. To this, Jesus said: “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.“ In the previous verse He also declared that a kingdom divided among itself cannot stand.
   When Christ referenced a kingdom, He was speaking of the church for which He would die at the end of His earthly ministry. The beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry began after He had heard John had been cast into prison.   We are told in Matt. 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  That kingdom is the church as Matt. 16:18-19 clearly indicates. Peter had made the great declaration that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus told Peter this had been revealed to him by the Father. Then, He said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:”. Christ’s death on the cross would not stop Him. In fact, according to Acts 20:28, the church was purchased with His blood.
   Additionally, according to Eph. 1:20-23, when God raised Jesus from the dead, He placed Christ “to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body”. Since the church is “His body”, all the members of the church are part of the “body of Christ”. In 1Cor. 12:25-27 the Spirit has the apostle Paul warn the Corinthian church regarding divisions within the body. This is in the context of the spiritually gifted within the church in the absence of the written Word. However, the premise remains. Christians are “the body of Christ, and members in particular” (27). And “there should be no schism in the body” (25). When division exists, a departure from the truth has occurred in part of the body. When a fracture occurs in the “body of Christ” the whole body suffers. We are reminded in Eph. 5:30, “we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Then, we are assured in Eph. 5:32 that “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”  
    Have “fractures” occurred in the church, the “body of Christ”? Of course they have. Near the beginning of the first epistle to Corinth, the Spirit had Paul warn these brethren of divisions in the church. 1Cor. 1:10 drives this point home and also tells what will prevent the stress and strain that fractures or divides the body of Christ. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” When the “house”, the “body”, the “kingdom”, all of which are the church, fail to speak the same thing, fail to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment, there is a fracture. When this occurs, a part of the body is broken because it has departed from the proper teaching of the New Testament. In such a case, that part of the body needs repair.
   This can only be accomplished by following the admonition delivered to Paul by the Holy Spirit and penned in Phil. 3:16 - Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.  That “same rule” must be authorized by Christ as is seen in Col. 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. This is why in 2Cor. 6:17 the faithful brethren were told: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”. Don’t be fractured, broken, or in any way separated from God.   Follow His Word and it alone.    The reward awaits!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing

     Contrary to popular belief, the phrase ‘love is a many splendored thing’ did not originate with William Shakespeare. The English playwright, poet and actor, died in 1616. The phrase comes from an adaptation of a book written in 1952 by a Chinese-born Eurasian physician and author who was better known by her pen name, Han Suyin. This saying gained wide-spread usage following the release of the 1955 movie of the same name.
   Not surprisingly, a song with this title was written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster for the movie. It has been recorded by The Four Aces, The Vogues, Nat King Cole, Nelson Riddle, Andy Williams, and Frank Sinatra, among others, including (believe it or not) Ringo Starr. And, because Hollywood tries to capitalize on every thing possible, a TV series, an American daytime soap opera of that name even aired from ’67 to ’73.
   It seems fitting, in part due to the “Valentine Season”, to bring this to everyone’s attention. But a better reason to draw our focus to “Love” any time of the year is because “Love” is the central theme of the Bible. Everyone is familiar with John 3:16. And yes, the sending of His Son is the climax of God’s love toward man. This plan that culminated with the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection to die no more to purchase the church was part of God’s plan to save lost souls from before the foundation of the world per Eph. 1:4, Heb. 4:3, and 1Pet. 1:20.
     No doubt God has shown His love to humanity in the creation. His love was also shown when He Commanded Noah to build an ark to the saving of his house and by extension, humanity itself. God also extended His love as He separated out a people and gave them a Law. It was through them He would send His Son. In Duet. 10:15, only the Father “had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them ”. It was in Prov. 8:17 we read “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”  But, is love a many splendored thing when love is unrequited? Few are truly aware of what God requires of them that “claim” to love Him. As we read above, God loves them that love Him. But what does this mean? Are we sure we requite (make appropriate return for) God’s love? How are we to appropriately show love to God? Many who claim to love God are the very ones who serve their own wills. We have a glimpse into this even as Christ walked the earth. The Law of Moses was still in effect. As Christ responded to the ridicule of the Pharisees for the refusal of His disciples to hold to the tradition of the elders, He said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹ But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt. 15:8-9).
   When this Law was issued in Exo. 20 and repeated in Deut. 5, we have God saying “And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.”. Of course this Law was specific to the Jews, and designed to keep them separate until Christ came. When He did come, He also lived under that Law. In John 14:15 His apostles elect were told, If ye love me, keep my commandments.  In John 15:10 He repeated this when He again said to them, If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  But since then, another dispensation of time, (the final one) has been ushered in, and with it a new Law was given.
   We all now live in the New Testament age, and under the N. T. Law, the gospel of Christ. How do we requite the love of God that has been extended to all humanity? Would it surprise you to know that in the short, five chapter book of 1John alone, “his commandments” are referenced seven times? Would it be a surprise that this list culminates with “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”, as we read in 1John 5:3? What is so hard about keeping God’s Commands? They’re not grievous.  
   Even though there are quite a few Commandments in the N.T., one can’t continue to “keep them” unless or until one begins. To begin to keep that which God would have one do, is to obey the gospel. This also is not “too hard”. Here are God’s Commandments to obey in beginning to show your love for Him. 1) Hear the Word – Rom. 10: 17; Acts 10:33.   2) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God – John 8:24; 1John 5:5 . 3) Repent of past sins – Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30.  4) Confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God before men – Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32.  5) Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48. And let us not forget - 6) Remain faithful until death – 1Cor. 9:27; Rev. 2:10. These, and many other scriptures show that these “Commandments” are from God.
   Yes, love can be a many splendored thing, but only if it is reciprocal. If one loves, yet is not loved in return, where is the splendor? You say you love God, but do you love God in full accordance with His plan? His love and mercy is extended to all. Why not show your love to God by being obedient to, and then faithfully keeping all His N. T. Commandments. Start today. Obey the gospel before it is everlastingly too late.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Do You Hope To Go To Heaven?

Do You Hope To Go To Heaven?

     Of course you do. Who would want to go to Hell? None (in their right mind) would want their soul to be delivered to a place of eternal torment. After all, isn’t there enough pain and suffering in this life? In fact, life itself is a time in which our physical bodies endure illnesses, shed tears, and suffer loss. We cannot expect to live our lives without a certain amount of these. Eccl. 3:1-8 shows there is a “time” for all events that constitute life. Then, as our life on earth comes to a close, where does our soul go? This question is something that will be answered for all souls at the end of time.  
    However, many are uninformed, misinformed, or uncaring about where their soul will go after life on earth has ceased. Sadly, many have adopted the idea that regardless of how they live, God’s infinite mercy will provide them a home in heaven when they die. This misconception is the basis of much erroneous teaching. This type of teaching (& preaching) gives folks a false sense of security and false hope for their soul’s eternal destiny.  
    Everyone should examine this and seek Bible answers to know what God has stated on Heaven and Hell, and who (whose soul   ) will abide in each place when time is no more. One erroneous idea is that when a person dies, they (their soul ) goes directly to one place or the other. The Bible does not teach this. A better understanding of these things will hopefully cause one to want to know what God has provided and declared so man can be ushered into heaven to be with God whenever all life on earth has ended.
   First, know that God wants all to be saved. In 2Pet. 3:9, we learn that God’s longsuffering exists because He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”   God wants you and I to be saved, but He has left the choice of how one lives up to the individual. Each much choose whom or what they will serve according to Josh. 24:15 in the O.T. and Rom. 6:16 in the N.T.   There are other passages that teach this as well, but these will suffice. So, choose wisely.
   God tells us in Ezek. 18:4 & 20, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”. It becomes obvious in Ezek. 18:21 that God is not speaking of the death of the physical body as we know all die. He said: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  Therein is the choice man must make. As God’s plan for Salvation was in its final stage of preparation, Jesus, in John 10:10b, said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”. Notice the Words “might have life” in the statement of Christ. Our choice(s) in this life relative to God’s Word will determine if we will have abundant eternal life, or everlasting torment.
   When Christ died on Calvary’s cross and arose to die no more, He didn’t save a single soul. Therefore, just because Christ died, was buried and was raised from the dead to die no more does not guarantee you a place in heaven. But, He provided the means whereby one “might be saved”. In John 14:6, Jesus in answer to Thomas’ inquiry said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” So, if one hopes to go to heaven they can only do so through Christ. Jesus came, died and was resurrected to die no more, so man could have the hope of Heaven.
   Sadly, many refuse to acknowledge that Hell is real. If Hell is not real, why did Jesus teach about Hell? One part of the hadean realm is reserved for the evil, wicked, and those disobedient to God’s Word. In Luke 16:23, the rich man was described as “being in torments”. Could this disobedient ‘child of God’ (a Jew under the Law of Moses), be in a place that doesn’t exist? If he had been faithful under the O.T. Law to the Jews, he could have been in Paradise, a place of peace and rest, awaiting heaven, just as Lazarus was. Unfortunately, this “rich man’s” hope of heaven was gone, because he refused to obey God while he was on earth.   This should be a lesson to all.
   In 2Thess. 1:8-9 we see that when the trumpet sounds and time is over, Jesus will take vengeance “in flaming fire” on all that “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” Notice from verse 9 that all these “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord ”. Where will they be? Where will they spend eternity? Certainly not Heaven. According to 2Pet. 2:9b, God has reserved the “unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” Since heaven is a place of eternal rest, they won’t be there. The only other place they could be punished for eternity is Hell.
   Let me remind all again, that hope for heaven exists only in this life. In Rom. 8:24, we are told “hope that is seen is not hope”. If we make it to heaven, we will no longer hope to go to heaven because we will be there. This is why verse 25 shows that faithful Christians “with patience wait for it ”. The faithful Christian serves God as they wait for it because we have Salvation in promise (1John 2:25).   1Pet. 1:4 tells us it is “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you ”.
     One can only have that hope in this life. Why not obey the gospel today as instructed from God’s Word. Then, as Col. 1:23 directs, “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ”. Then, and only then can one be secure in their hope to go to heaven.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Christ In You

Christ In You

Ever wondered why, of all the Godhead, some folks desire to have the Holy Spirit be the one that ‘abides’ within them? I suppose they want the ‘manifestation’ of the Spirit such as existed in the early church. The phrase “filled with the Holy Ghost” appears eight times in the portion of the Bible designated as the New Testament. However, three of these occurrences were clearly before the establishment of the church and were definitely while the Old Testament was still in effect. The fourth occasion of this was in Acts 2:4 as the apostles had gathered in Jerusalem on Pentecost as directed by the Lord. It was there where they were to “receive power from on high”. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 
   I fear that many fail to realize that these “manifestations of the Spirit” were miraculous in nature. The purpose for miracles in the ‘babyhood’ of the church were to confirm the Word.  We now have the completed Word of God and can currently ‘confirm it’ with “Book, Chapter & Verse!” Maybe some don’t understand, haven’t read, or don’t care that 1Cor. 13:8 is where we are informed that prophecies would fail, tongues would cease, and knowledge (divinely supplied), would vanish away. It is without doubt that they ignore 1Cor. 13:10 – But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  Friends, per Jas. 1:25, we have access to the “perfect law of liberty”. And Jas. 2:12 warns the church that we “shall be judged by the law of liberty”. In short, the time for miracles and the reason for miracles has long since passed.
   Perhaps folks aren’t aware that when one of the Godhead is ‘in you’, all of the Godhead is. Per 1John 5:7, the reality of this should easily be seen. We are told: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. So, if one abides within, do not ‘all’ abide within? However, one must also know HOW it is that any or all of the Godhead abides or lives in us.
   A huge clue is found in 1Pet. 1:23, where we see that it is the Word of God which ‘abideth forever’, and by which one is ‘born again’. 1Cor. 4:15, is where the Spirit had Paul remind these brethren that he had begotten them through the gospel. And, we learn from 1Thess. 2:13 – “it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” This Greek word for ‘believe’ here implies so much more than to simply mentally affirm’. The Word only ‘abides’ in one and instructs one if they read and obey. Allow me to add that one has to “put the Word” in them, before it will benefit or abide within. This provides one the choice to obey it or disobey it. We also know from Col. 1:5-6 that it is the ‘gospel’ (the Word) “Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit”.
   Before attempting to “limit” God by allowing only the Spirit to “come in, or dwell in” as many claim, take a moment and consider a number of New Testament passages that indicate HOW God, Christ and the Spirt can “abide within” a person. We learn from 1John 3:24 that Christ ‘abideth’ in Christians by the Spirit. It was the Spirit who brought the Word to man. Also in this passage, we find that one ‘dwelleth’ in Christ by keeping His Commandments. Per 2Cor. 13:5, one is to examine his or herself to see if they “be in the faith”. If Jesus Christ be not “in you” ye “be reprobates”.
    One might consider that God (through the Word) made known “what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: ”– Col 1:27. Reflect on the fact that per Eph 3:17, it is possible that “Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;” We are also given the inescapable fact according to Rom. 10:17 that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”    So, how can Christ be “in us” but through the Word? It is impossible for any to “accept Christ” unless or until they do so through the Word and as the Word instructs.
   God (the Father) can ‘be in one’ as well. 1Cor. 14:25, in the specific context of the “spiritual gifts” (which have now ceased), shows that the prophecy provided then and there, by that supernatural means, would cause one to “. . . report that God is in you of a truth.”. And 2Cor. 9:14 makes it abundantly clear that the saints in Jerusalem, in their prayers of gratitude for the brethren in Corinth for their bountifulness, were aware of “the exceeding grace of God” in the Corinthian brethren.
    And no, we’ll not forget the Spirit in this. Rom. 8:9 removes all doubt that it is possible for the Spirit of God to “dwell in you”. This verse goes on to say “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We are also informed per 1Cor. 3:16, “ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” The “ye” and the “you” in both these cases is the Christian. This is also the case in Eph. 3:16 where one who is a child of God, born of water and the Spirit, is “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man”. Allow me to remind again that it is the Spirit which brought the Word that we might all know of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.   It is only through this Wonderful Word of God that the Godhead dwells in a person.
   Do you not desire to receive the promise of eternal life? If not, all that remains is eternal condemnation. Why not read, study and fully apply God’s Holy Word today? You can do this and become obedient and remain faithful. Then you too can have “Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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