Anticipation

Anticipation

      For what are we looking? Another way of asking this is, “what do we anticipate?” Anticipation is an emotion that everyone experiences as they consider or await an expected event. Both questions asked here are very broad in that the answer depends on the goal or the purpose for which one strives, or what event we might expect. Often, one’s anticipation is regarding something that has been predicted to become a reality. Perhaps one anticipates graduating high school, going to college, getting married, having a child, or many other activities of life.   Many of these milestones are what folks use to gauge success in their lives.
    One strange thing about success is that many define it differently. There have also been many different quotes about success. One interesting quote has several variations. It is - Success is a journey, not a destination. Arthur Ashe, the tennis player, added “The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Mark Twain viewed success in a slightly different vein. He added “It requires constant effort, vigilance and reevaluation.” I think both Arthur and Mark missed it slightly.  While success does take constant effort, vigilance and reevaluation, the only true success is the outcome of spiritual success. True spiritual success only occurs when the faithful journey leads to the proper final destination.
    What is it that we should anticipate more than anything else? This is also where many folks’ answers vary. Sadly, many focus on this life alone and give little if any thought to that which is beyond this realm. Should not all work toward rest and peace with God for eternity?   Is that not real success? It certainly is a destination all should seek, and all need to make that journey properly. One synonym for anticipation is hope. We are told in 1John 3:3 what our journey on earth will be if we desire and anticipate spending eternity with God - And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he (Christ) is pure. 
    For us to anticipate, or hope for eternity with God, we must begin and complete a journey. That journey must begin in this life and the earthly portion concludes when we pass from this life. 1Pet. 1:3-4 helps us understand how God’s plan for the Salvation of souls works and how we can have access to that plan. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,⁴ To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,. God’s mercy is extended to mankind in this life as His Word is preached and opportunity to obey the gospel is ours.
   Also per this passage, Christ’s death, burial and resurrection from the dead to die no more provided the means where by man could anticipate something beyond the grave. In Job 14:14a we are presented a question none could answer until Christ came, died, and was resurrected to return to heaven, never to face death again. That question was “If a man die, shall he live again? ” Christ answered the question and provided the hope that mankind needed.   However, when Christ died on the cross, and came forth from the grave, none were instantly saved. It wasn’t until the inspired gospel was preached, received and fully obeyed, that any could realize Salvation from past sins.   In Acts 2:40, as Peter’s sermon was recorded on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, we see that ‘many other words’ than are recorded were used to exhort these folks to do something. Then Peter said: “Save yourselves from this untoward generation”. Only when they had done as the Spirit directed through the Word and were baptized into Christ, could they truly anticipate eternity with God in heaven.
    While these folks, and all who have properly obeyed the gospel, can now anticipate heaven with God for eternity, none who continue to live in physical bodies have succeeded in making it there. While we anticipate a home in heaven, we must still work toward reaching that goal. The Spirit had Paul write the Philippian brethren that they might “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil. 2:12).   Yes, it will take constant effort, vigilance and reevaluation on the part of each individual. As stated here, one must work. That is a constant effort. We are told in 1Thess. 5:6 to “watch and be sober” (serious minded). This is vigilance. We are also told in 2Cor. 13:5 to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith”. This is re-evaluation.
     Only if we obey the gospel, then work, watch and examine ourselves according to God’s New Testament Word and make adjustments to align fully with His Will, can we truly anticipate eternity with God in Heaven. We learn from Rom. 8:24 that one can only anticipate (hope for) heaven, as we have yet to see it. Then, verse 25 teaches us that anticipation must be coupled with patience. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 
    What do you anticipate for eternity? Upon what is that anticipation based? Examine yourself by God’s Word. Watch that you stay on track and patiently work (remain obedient) to reach the goal. Make any changes the Word requires.   Then, you can truly anticipate heaven.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Let's Take A Walk

Let’s Take A Walk

      Walking has been around as long as man. The voice of the Lord God is the first to have been reported as “walking in the Garden in the cool of the day”, (Gen. 3:8). This to say that God ‘transported Himself’ there as His presence was “amongst the trees of the Garden”.   Man has no doubt been walking since creation as this was the means by which he was able, as a fully formed human adult, to move about. God, in His foreknowledge, provided man all he needed to do what God expected of him. God created man with the ability to walk, whereby man could “dress and keep” the Garden of Eden as we see from Gen. 2:15.  
     It becomes obvious in observing an infant as it grows, that the desire to walk soon becomes their focus.   They see others moving about from place to place at a much faster pace than crawling. Proficiency in this area comes only after much practice and some falls. Perseverance is required and success can be achieved to the point of becoming second nature. Before long, “the baby” is scurrying about from room to room and one must keep an eye on them lest they “walk” where they shouldn’t. Anyone having raised children knows of the harm that often results when the children don’t always watch where they go.
     But walking can mean much more than the physical moving of oneself from one place to another. For instance, in Gen. 5:22, Enoch “walked with God”. This has an obvious spiritual connotation, as vs 24 repeats that he walked with God, and adds, “and he was not; for God took him.” Enoch did not die because he aligned his mind, his life, and his ways after the Commands of God.   Gen. 6:9 also shows that Noah was a “just man” who walked with God. He followed God in all his ways, including the building of the ark, the means by which humanity was spared total annihilation.
    And we would be remiss to not mention Abraham, the “friend of God”, who in Gen. 17:1, was told by God Himself, “walk before me, and be thou perfect”, meaning follow God’s directives. This is affirmed in Jer.10:23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  God, in His Word, tells man how to walk.
   The Spirit had the sweet singer of Israel pen Words which should make all seek to serve God in full accordance with His Commandments. One such place is Psa. 128:1 - Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. This word “blessed” in the Hebrew (O.T.), and Greek (N.T.) means “happy”. Later, the Spirit had Solomon write: He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. – Prov. 14:2.   This same idea is conveyed in the N.T. as the Spirit had the beloved apostle pen the Words of 1John 2:5-6 for our direction. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶ He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 
   So, the question arises, How did He (Christ) walk? We must know this before we can fashion our lives after His. John 15:10 tells us that Jesus’ walk was keeping His Father’s Commandments, continually abiding in the Father’s love. Christ Himself, in John 6:38, said He did not come down from heaven to do His own will, “but the will of him that sent me.”  From this, it should be clear, that it we would “walk as Jesus walked”, we are to strive to do God’s Will.   We are told in 2Cor. 5:7 that those the obedient “walk by faith, not by sight”. We also know from Rom. 10:17 that faith is only attainable through the Word of God.  
   Now, let’s take a walk. Before one can “walk”, they must be born. And before one can walk spiritually, per John 3:3-6, they must be born again. This requires a “death, a burial, and a resurrection. This “new birth” is explained in Rom. 6:3-4 - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Being “born again” is not one’s whole “walk” in the Lord. In Col 2:6, the brethren there were admonished - As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 
   Contrast this with the walk of those in the world as Eph. 2:2 describes. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: This is echoed in Col. 3:6-7 following a list of some things against God which one who loves God will ‘mortify’ or put to death. For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: ⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 
   Why did Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, Jesus, Peter, Paul, as well as countless other obedient folks “walk with God? That’s simple. It’s because they loved God. 2John verse 6, the Words of the Spirit to John the apostle say it best. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.  Also, the Words of Christ in John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments. 
   This is an urgent plea because we MUST choose while in this life. We are warned in 1John 2:17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  Do God’s Will now. Obey the gospel, then patiently walk in the love of God, doing His Commandments, awaiting the promise of heaven as Heb. 10:36 shows.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Let’s walk together – serving God in this life.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

I'm Not What I Used To Be

I’m Not What I Used To Be

     Often, when I have difficulty in writing a bulletin article I go to a source provided in the writings of others. I appreciate the efforts of others in the cause of Christ for truth and right. Some of these folks have gone to their reward, and others are still with us for the present.   In their writings and in mine, one thing seems to be apparent. We are all not what we used to be. We are all changing as we live. This is because, hopefully, we learn more each day. What we learn could have a positive, or a negative effect on us, depending on what we learn and then, what we do with it.
    Some learn of good things (God’s Word) and apply it in their lives, while others learn and embrace what is evil and wicked. Fortunately, some who “learn” of evil, have been taught, and recognize evil as such, and avoid it at all costs so that they might be pleasing to God. Sadly, still others think being “a moral person” will gain them a home in heaven. Even sadder still is when the concept of good or evil is ignored as a person lives their lives ‘for self’, not considering that there is a reason each soul is granted time here on earth. The outcome for each life is directly dependent on what one does while living their lives in response to God’s Word.
     I found the following poem in the writings of my wife’s Father recently. It conveys what I wanted to say much better than I could. It also directs the minds of the readers to God’s Word and what each should do with it. God’s Word is a gift of God, provided that we might: 1) be born again as we obey the gospel - John 3:1-7; 2) grow spiritually as we partake of the sincere milk of the Word -1Pet 2:2; 3) stand fast in the faith, remaining strong -1Cor 16:13; 4) remain faithful until death - Rev 2:10b.
    None of us should “be what we used to be” because we are to continue to grow in grace and continually to excel in service to God in preparation so that we might spend eternity with Him. I sincerely hope that everyone will open their heart (mind) to the Word of God and be altered just as God intended. I hope this poem helps lead you in the right direction and that you might open your heart to God’s Word and Salvation.

I’m Not What I Used To Be 

1)
One thought that recently came to me,
Was, today, I’m not what I used to be.
Now, this could be good, and it could be bad,
It might be funny, or even sad. 

2)
There’s one thing for sure; I used to be young,
And spake with a quick and youthful tongue.
I loved to laugh, and jump and run.
My energy supply was second to none.

3)
One time in life, I thought as a child,
No guilt, as of yet, or, by sin defiled.
From problems of life I was really care-free,
But today, I’m not what I used to be. 

4)

And, I used to be a servant of sin,
But was spared of most things that people get in,
Strong drink, “loose” women, other acts of crime,
Thank God I can say, were never mine. 

5)
I have lived a life that was moral and clean,
And records of truth verify what I mean.
But only one plan God has for sin,
The good and the bad must be born again. 

6)
Paul wrote that, “Ye were servants of sin”,
Before, and not , they were born again.
The “change” in them that had to be made.
Was when from the heart (mind), the Lord they obeyed. 

7)
The “servants of righteousness” they then became,
And brought honor and glory to Jesus’ name.
So in that last day in that “final Inspection”,
I hope to be one of the ransomed inspection.

O.D. Wilson – deceased

    It’s your life to live. No one can live it for you and none can reap your reward, nor can anyone bear your punishment. In Gal 6:7 we find: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. We also know from Ezek 18:20a - The soul that sinneth, it shall die. “Sinneth” means one who continues to live in sin. Don’t be whom you used to be. Make the change now. Attune your heart (mind) to God’s Word and God’s plan. Obey the gospel. Then live your life learning and growing and prepare for that final day. Your soul’s eternity depends on it. And when your life is over, it’s too late to alter your destination.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?

What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?

      The title of this article is a great question. However, few really consider this seriously in view of eternity. Many contemplate what they would like to occur over the next few years and make plans accordingly. Some set a goal and make attempts to reach that goal even while overcoming many of the obstacles life might present. Sometimes, because of circumstances beyond our control, we may even need to change goals. But still, the object of most folks’ attention seems to be so that they might attain the particular goal while “in this life”. This is because their focus is usually ‘on this life’ only. Sadly, this is the case with many as they have assumed that God will accept them ‘as they are’ because of His great mercy.
   The responses to the question in our title will vary greatly depending on what one wants out of life. It could be a family with a wife and children. It might be the home in which the family might safely abide and continue through this life. This goal might be a particular career. The goal may be success in that career so you can ‘enjoy retirement’ after the career. The goals are as diverse as humanity, as all individuals are different in some ways while alike in other ways. But do not all these, family, home, career, etc., all only exist in this life? Will they not perish when life itself ceases? Yes, according to 2Pet 3:10, the earth, as well as the things of this life will all be destroyed.
   So, what plan do you have for when your portion on earth is over? When do you plan for what is beyond this present time? Of course, it is before the event for which you are planning occurs. A couple plans their wedding prior to speaking their vows before the authority performing the marriage ceremony. One plans for the birth of a child before the day in which the infant is to come forth from the womb. A person begins their education before they start the course of study that leads to a particular career. Is it not sensible to begin the preparation for what is beyond this life, while we are alive, and while we have the capability to do so? If not, we won’t be prepared at the end of our life, or when the Lord returns.
   This was the warning of James 4:13ff. The Spirit had this penman write these scattered saints to warn them of the brevity of life. He was not telling them they were not make plans, but all plans they made were to be with the understanding that the Lord could return at any time. This is the message of James 4:15 - For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.  When the Lord returns and one has not made proper plans for eternity, it will be everlastingly too late. But when will that be? No one knows as God has not revealed this to humanity. In 1Thess. 5:1-2, the Spirit had the apostle Paul remind the brethren of Thessalonica of this fact. He wrote: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. ² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”  There will be no time to prepare when the Lord returns.
     The most important time in one’s life is now. This is because the time that is passed is irretrievable. The time that “may or may not” come, is yet in the future. We have no control of what has been, nor of what will be, but we can alter the course of our lives in preparation for eternity. This is true for those who have obeyed the gospel as well as for those who have not. All today, and for approximately the last two-thousand years are in the New Testament age. This is the final dispensation of time. It began when the Spirit delivered the gospel to the apostles in Jerusalem, Pentecost A.D. 33. It concludes when Christ returns the kingdom (the church) to His Father per 1Cor. 15:24 - Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  This is why Paul was directed to remind these brethren in 2Cor. 6:2 “. . . behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
   What of those who have not become “children of God”? What should they do the rest of their lives? According to John 1:12, only those that “receive” Christ can become the sons of God. This is accomplished only when one obeys the gospel. This is initial obedience and entails several things, as laid out in the New Testament. 1) Hear the gospel – Rom 10:17;  2) Believe in Christ as the Son of God – John 8:24; 3) Repent of sins – Acts 17:30; 4) Confess that Christ is the Son of God – Rom. 10:9; 5) Be Baptized into Christ – Rom. 6:3-4. Then, per 2Cor. 5:17, one has become a “new creature”. Once one has obeyed the gospel, they are ”in Christ” and must, 6) Remain faithful unto death – Rev. 2:10b. It’s a rather simple plan that requires putting God and His Word first in one’s life. This is a lifetime commitment as each person’s soul is at stake.
     Those who have obeyed the gospel also must strive to continually serve God as He has laid out in the New Testament.   This requires an on-going dedication to the Word and the forsaking of all that would cause one to sin and separate them from God. To do this requires that one know what God says to man through His Word. 2Tim. 2:15 teaches study is the only way to know what God has revealed to man and to be approved unto God. In short, as the Spirit had Paul write in Phil. 2:12, Christians, for the rest of their lives, are to: “work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling ”. We cannot afford to be as Israel in Amos 6:1. “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion ”. We’ve not made it to heaven yet. We have life to live first. Live whatever time you have left in preparation for eternity. Your soul depends on it.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What We Say

What We Say

     As we are born, we begin to be exposed to all sorts of stimuli. As our little minds begin to absorb that which is around us, we develop various abilities. One of the early developments, and one that thoroughly pleases parents (at least at the first), is when ‘the baby’ begins to say words. We then become capable of stringing words together to convey ideas, make the arguments needed to support those ideas, and to communicate with each other. There are multiple avenues in which saying words can be utilized, so we should be aware that what we say reveals much about us.
     In many instances, not only what we say, but how we say it, has a great impact on how the message is received. The tone of voice often dictates how others perceive what is said. Some have even surmised that one can say pretty much anything and get by with it, so long as it is said with a smile. I don’t agree with this, as one’s actions often bely the intent of a person’s mind, regardless of the friendliness of their face. For instance, if one menacingly approaches me while smiling, I have a hard time seeing a pleasant outcome. Therefore, many who instruct others in the area of public speaking, sales, and other areas in which ‘words’ are used to convince folks to purchase a product or embrace an idea, stress the idea that the way something is said, as well as the ‘optics’ of how it is said has an impact on what is received by the hearer and the final outcome.
     But regardless of ‘how’ something is said, the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie. Truth and lies are diametrically opposed and the presentation does not change the character of either. The latter part of 1John 2:21 is confirmation of this. The Spirit had the beloved apostle pen, “no lie is of the truth”. This is in part why the Spirit, in 1Cor. 1:10, had Paul write: 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.
     This includes what is proclaimed from the pulpit, as well as from house to house. Peter was sent to the home of Cornelius as the gospel was first being offered to the Gentiles. The message provided Peter by inspiration was faithfully delivered, concluding with the Words of Acts 10:42-43. “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” We also know this preaching includes the requirement of baptism, as Acts 10:48a shows. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. The commanding of preaching baptism ‘into Christ’ is a necessity because remission of sins does not occur until one is baptized into Christ, having been properly taught. When what we say is not according to the Word of God it is a mixed message, and this results in souls not being saved.
     Mixed messages also tend to divide congregations. This is why truth and consistency from the pulpit is so essential. The Spirit had Paul warn some congregations of this. In Gal.1:8-9 these brethren were warned that if any, whether an apostle or an angel from heaven, preached a message other than what had been delivered by inspiration and which they had received, the preacher would be accursed. This is quite obvious when the inspired directive of 2Tim. 4:2 is considered. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The reason was also given why the “whole truth” (the Word) MUST be faithfully proclaimed is laid out in the two following verses. We have all observed when folks “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ”, and “be turned unto fables ”. Mixed messages and all other false teaching leads man to destruction.
     On the other hand, the true Word of God leads man to Salvation. Paul, according to Rom. 1:14-17 knew that preaching the truth is important. He was ready to preach the gospel in Rome. He was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ”, because he knew it “is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth ”. He knew that the “righteousness of God ” is revealed in the gospel. The Spirit also hade Paul write to the brethren in Colossae and confirmed that “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” And in 1Cor 15:1-2 we see the result when what was said was truth, and when the truth is received, believed and obeyed. 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.
     What we say may very well help some lost soul see the truth and help guide them to obedience to the Word of God. The primary mission of the church is to take the soul saving New Testament gospel to all. Hopefully they will hear and obey. On the other hand, what we say, if not in accordance with God’s Word, may very well lead a soul toward eternal destruction. Let’s all search the scriptures daily, say the right things whether in the pulpit or across the kitchen table that will help someone learn the truth so they can make an informed decision about the eternal destiny of their soul.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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