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America Is In Trouble Indeed
America Is In Trouble Indeed
Among the political rhetoric of the day, you’ve likely heard this said, or will hear it as our upcoming national elections draw nearer. There is some measure of truth to this, regardless of which side of the political spectrum you stand. This is because there is a greater harm America faces than the ones that are the ‘talking points’ or the debate subjects our political heroes or villains embrace. Contrary to popular belief, the fate of our nation does not lie in the hands of its politicians. It lies in the minds of the people. Our democracy was founded on the great idea of being a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people”. However, when people, regardless of their nationality, gender, or political affiliation forsake God, they are in trouble. Such is the case in our country by many during our present time.
Some Corinthians had obeyed the gospel. In doing so, they became ‘children of God’. In 2Cor. 6:14-17, the Spirit had Paul warn the brethren in Corinth of the fallacy of ‘conforming to’ the world, and what kept them separate from the world and in favor with God. Paul penned: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.Then in vss 17-18, we see the remedy and the way out of trouble. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. God did them a great favor in warning them of that which would cost them their soul if they didn’t change.
We can benefit greatly from the ‘foresight’ of those now gone on, as they perceived the track being taken even in their day as they gave the clarion call to return to a ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ and follow it always. One such man was my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, a faithful preacher of the gospel. He foresaw the damage to America and its citizens as they forsook God, and also strove to bring this to our attention.
Below is an article he wrote fifty-six years ago. If the decay was evident that long ago, and is equally evident that the “rot” that defiles has not been ‘rooted out’. America is indeed in deep trouble!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
AMERICA IS IN TROUBLE
I’m sure this comes in no way as an announcement because everybody knows by now that unless drastic changes are made SOON America will fall. This may be unbelievable to some. It was one of the hardest statements I have been forced to accept in years. Communism is considered the problem but it is really not the problem. It is but a symptom of the disease. The real trouble in America is UNGODLINESS (Rom. 1:28-32). Many of her citizens no longer believe there is a God, Jehovah. In living their lives, making important decisions, rearing their children, appealing for wisdom and strength they turn to the weak and beggarly elements, but not to God (Gal. 4:9). If America were GODLY Communism and all the other “isms” would have no place here at all. The “seed bed” has been well prepared to bear the fruits of sin and that is what she is doing in such a terrible mess.
Thinking people are agreed that the only answer to this dilemma is Almighty GOD. This means that we must again open the “old Book” (John 5:39) and read its sacred pages in prayer. It means that we must repent of our sins and “get right” with God. It means that God’s people, Christians, must get on their knees and ask God for forgiveness and look to His Word for guidance (Psa. 119:105). We have “played church” too long. It is past time to “get down to business with God.”
The sinfulness of America has had its impact upon the Lord’s church too. Doctrinal weakness, compromise, worldly members and “apologetic” preaching have greatly weakened her (II Tim. 4: 2-3). Think of how this must hurt the Heavenly Father. What a price was paid for the redemption of the body of Christ, His Bride. What more can one give than Jesus gave? Men have not only been vile enough to build their own churches in competition with Christ, but, even worse, they seem determined to destroy His church, FROM WITHIN, with unconverted members, gimmicks, apathy and the like. Yes, America, the church, each citizen is in grave trouble but that trouble is “in the heart”, SIN AND GODLINESS, and may God help us to know the difference in the DISEASE and the SYMPTOMS and to understand that if, and when, the disease is cured the symptoms will disappear. Jesus said: “Ye shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall make you free” John 8:32. Whatever time we may have left, as God provides the means and opens the doors, let each Christian give his “all” in reaching the lost with the gospel, God’s power to save (Rom. 1:14-17). What will you do?????
O D Wilson, evangelist 1968 - - - deceased -1995
Is It A Day For Mom?
Is It A Day For Mom?
On this day throughout our country, and on other dates in other places all over the world, mothers are honored. Strangely, the date is not always the same, but the second Sunday in May is the day set aside to celebrate Mother’s Day in America. Why Sunday? Why not another day? Many ‘holidays’ occur on various days of the week regardless of their significance.
There are a plethora of holidays recognized by Americans. Some of these are historical, others “religious”, and some, while not specifically recognized as “federal” holidays are observed by many in diverse ways for some reason. Take for instance, New Years Day. It may or may not fall on a Sunday, and if it does, the government sees to it the following Monday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes.
Many other ‘holidays’ have a specific date applied to them based on various grounds. For example, the 4th of July, or Independence Day, must be celebrated on that specific date as it commemorates the same date the original Thirteen Colonies declared they would no longer be subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were, as of that date, now united, free, and independent states.
Even some so-called “religious” holidays, created by man and placed on a schedule, don’t fall on a Sunday. An assigned date was given to these, and some of these dates were changed a few times in history to fit man’s whims. Interestingly, said dates, and the holi-(holy)days they depict don’t have their origin in the rightly divided Word of God. I suspect if a man or woman “invents” a holiday, they should be given the privilege to affix it to the date they choose.
But why choose a “day” which the Lord made holy. We read in Acts 20:7 & 1Cor 16:2 that the church met on the first day of the week (Sunday) to ‘gather together’ for worship. Why tarnish that which the Lord sanctified and use it for any other purpose than which the Lord Himself intended?
Perhaps this was the mindset of my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, when he sat down and wrote the words of the song below. These were written in the 1980’s and fit the song “Higher Ground”. There is nothing wrong with the song “Higher Ground”, but these words, remembered on this day, may very well help us keep our focus directed where it should be on this, the most holy of all days, the first day, Sunday, as it was sanctified by the Lord for worship to God in “spirit and in truth”.
Mother’s Day
(1)
My mother lived a godly life.
She was a Christian and a wife.
Although she’s gone to higher ground,
my love for her is most profound.
(2)
A mother’s day is every day.
We honor her in many ways.
In olden times men honored her,
It’s still the same most every where.
(3)
No Christian mother would prefer,
Our Lord be honored less than her.
And if for mom, one day we keep,
Don’t choose the first day of the week.
(Chorus)
Yes, Mother’s Day, is every day.
Let’s honor her in many ways.
Perhaps her choice of all we do,
Is tell her: “Mother, we love you.”
O.D. Wilson – deceased
Yes, mothers are important. Without one to bring us into this world, we would not be. We are to honor both our parents as Eph. 6:2 commands. In the context of civil authorities, Rom. 13:7, honor is to be rendered to whom honor is due. Husbands are to honor their wife (1Pet. 3:7). The elders who rule well, and labor in word and doctrine are worthy of “double honor” as we read in 1Tim. 5:17. Per 2Pet. 2:17, Christians are also to honor all men including the ‘king’, or civil ruler. (Rom. 12:10) We are to honor each other also. Yes, all of these are important and each has their part in our lives.
However, all pale in comparison to the One whom we are all to honor. In 1Tim. 6:16, speaking of Christ we see: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Let’s prioritize as we should.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
A Separate People
The following is an article from 1931, but much needed today. Many thanks to brother Wallace and all other faithful brethren who defend the truth. The church must remain separate, and it will as long as it follows the Word of God, and veers not to the right, nor the left, and remains on that 'strait and narrow way'. (Dennis Strickland)
A SEPARATE PEOPLE
The divine idea of separation in religion is as old as the Jewish race. God divinely determined to raise up a people to be his own, a peculiar people, separate from all other people, to preserve belief in the true and living God, to prepare the race of man, then in universal apostasy, for the coming of the Redeemer of man.
Abraham was chosen of God to be the father of the chosen race. But idolatrous Ur of the Chaldees was not a land to nourish such a race. Influences were overwhelmingly against God’s purpose to raise up a separate people. Hence, the call of God came to Abram to abandon country and kindred and seek a home in an unknown land. It was a stern requirement, but the true philosophy and absolute necessity of such a demand is seen, and the lofty purposes of God justify the radical measure. “So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him.” And that is the beginning of separation--a separate family.
Years afterwards the posterity of Abraham, through a series of varied providential circumstances, settled in the land of Egypt. There they grew into a numerous race. Their presence within the empire presented a rather ominous aspect to Egypt’s Pharaoh, and, as a safety measure, the Israelites were reduced to serfdom. Time developed that they could not serve God in Egypt. Their religion was contrary to Egyptian customs and their worship was in direct conflict with Egyptian idolatry. Separation was essential. God called them out of Egypt. The emancipation of Israel was accomplished by wondrous power. A peculiar nation was formed at Sinai, with peculiar laws, a peculiar government, and peculiar life and relations. In keeping this law and maintaining this separation Israel was blessed. But when they departed, changed their government (1Sam. 8) served other gods (Deut. 8: 19), and formed alliances, they were rejected by God and subjected by their enemies. And only after reformation did God grant them restoration. (Ez. 10: 10,11.) The lesson of the story is separation-a separate nation.
But that is not the end of the story of separation. God still requires it--a separate church. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but now are the people of God.” (1Pet. 2: 9,10.) As fleshly Israel was called out of Egypt, God has called the church, spiritual Israel, out of the world. And to retain the favor of God, the church must maintain that separation distinct and peculiar. (Emphasis DPS)
1. The church must maintain separation in speech. “Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard in me.” (2Tim. 1: 13.) The power of a united language is demonstrated in the Tower of Babel. It became the bond of an apostate union which God had to break up in a confusion of tongues. And it is so that unity and purity of speech--calling Bible things by Bible names--is a bond among Christians that will triumph over error and bring order out of confusion.
2. The church must maintain separation in doctrine. Paul’s charge to “preach the word” and his admonition to “speak thou the things that become sound doctrine” need constant emphasis today. There can be no compromise. Jeremiah said: “My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Jer. 2: 13.) God’s word is the fountain of living water, our only source of truth. The creeds and doctrines of men are broken cisterns. A compromise with error can only be regarded as a repetition of the evils assailed by the prophet Jeremiah in his day. The New Testament command to “touch not, taste not, and handle not,” does not refer to strong drink, but to “the commandments and doctrines of men.” (Col. 2: 21,22.) It is a warning against flirting with error and fraternizing with denominationalism. The growing idea that the “church of Christ” is just a church among churches will prove fatal, and it must not prevail. It is the church or nothing. It is only one way or none. Any participation on the part of members of the church of Christ in denominational functions can only compromise the church and is detrimental to the cause of truth.
3. The church must maintain separation in worship. The Old Testament injunction to “take heed lest ye turn aside” has its counterpart in the New Testament counsel: “Let no man beguile you, . . . intruding into those things which he hath not seen, . . . and not holding the Head, . . .after the commandments and doctrines of men. Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship.” (Col. 2:18-23.) Self-devised worship is condemned along with man-written creeds and man-made doctrines. The New Testament pattern must be adhered to. The forms and formalities of men in worship must be shunned. God’s worship is sacred and God is jealous. He requires separation in worship.
4. Finally, Christians must maintain separation in life. Terms of dignity are applied to Christians. The church is “a chosen generation,” it is “a royal priesthood” and “a holy nation.” Christians are to “show forth the praises [or excellencies]” of God who called them. But is there any visible distinction in the lives of professed Christians today and admitted non-Christians? What is it that non-Christians do that the majority of professed Christians are not doing?
The demand of the Bible upon Christians is to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts” and to live “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” It is a demand for separation of life. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.’
Foy E. Wallace (May, 1931) Gospel Advocate Editorial
A Life Or Death Situation
A Life Or Death Situation
Often when folks speak of life or death circumstances, they consider if the situation will cost someone their physical lives. At times, due to medical issues, a person may be required to make a life or death decision. This may be whether or not to participate in a treatment or take certain medications. It is also possible that some ‘professionals’ offer an estimation on how long a person ‘might’ live with or without said care.
Of course, that is a wild guess at best. I have known those who have been diagnosed and were told: “Go home and get your affairs in order, you only have about a year or so to live” by those who were respected as being in the know. Strangely, on several occasions, the “condemned one” failed to expire until long after the prescribed period without the treatment.
It has long been known that people die. In Eccl. 3:19 this is confirmed by the Spirit through the pen of Solomon. He wrote: For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. The ‘life force’ that is within all living beings is subject to being extinguished.
Eccl. 9:11-12 verifies this, and it applies to all. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. From a physical standpoint then, life itself is a death situation. This is why all need to understand that it is what we do with this physical life that is of most importance because it is in this life only when we prepare for eternity. Our time on this earth is truly when we determine our eternal destination – Life or Death.
This is confirmed in Eccl. 9:10 as all the things ‘of this life’ have ceased once we pass that threshold. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. This means that even though everyone is going to die, time on this earth is precious and it needs to be used carefully. It is only in this live we can do for others. In Jas. 2:15-16 as faith is being discussed, the Spirit had James write: “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” The provisions for the body are important because according to Jas. 2:26, it houses the soul until the spirit of life departs the body. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
In Matt. 6:25 Christ told those gathered to hear Him preach the Sermon on the Mount: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Surely He wasn’t telling them life wasn’t important. Neither was this Christ’s message as He spoke to His apostles in Matt.10:28 saying - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. One who can only ‘kill the body’ is very limited in that all they can do is ‘take a physical life’. The soul continues and this is the ‘life’ that matters.
A life or death situation is pointed out in Rom. 8:13 as the Spirit had Paul write to the church in Rome. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Surely he wasn’t addressing physical life or death, as we are all going to die. From the context this is abundantly clear. Verse 12 acknowledges this. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Then, verse 14 drives the point home. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
To be ‘led by the Spirit of God’ is to be directed by the Word of God. To reject or neglect God’s Word is to die spiritually. Gen. 2:17 provides this as God Commanded the man He placed in the Garden - But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. We know the body of Adam (or Eve) did not cease to function. Life or death was put before them and they chose death. We also know the ‘signs’ Jesus did was to draw folks to life. We read in John 20:31 that the signs were recorded that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Of course “believe” here carries with it the idea of obedience.
Rom. 1:17b & Heb. 10:38a both tell us how to live spiritually – the just shall live by faith. And Rom. 10:17 tells us faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Just as Moses of old in Deut. 30:19 set before Israel “life and death” and implored them to choose life, so must we. Our time on earth is truly a “Life or Death Situation” – eternal life which is only “in Christ” – or eternal separation from God, (spiritual death) in everlasting torment. Choose now while you can – Obey the gospel and become a child of God, and then live your life so that you need not eternally die, but live forever with God on high.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Playing Church?
Playing Church?
It is possible that as children we had been taken to a worship service somewhere and during the following week, played church. Recently, Linda and I were talking about this, and she recalled how she and her siblings ‘played church’ on the stairs when they were much younger as one of the boys led singing, one ‘preached’, and the remainder of the kids made up the congregation. It is apparent that the parents were ‘so involved’ in the work of the church and God’s Word was in their lives, that their children ‘played church’ often.
While the ‘playing church’ of the youth shows what these young folk were exposed to, there is a much more serious ‘playing church’ that is happening today among many adults. How serious are we about service to God? How often do we consult His Word to see when, how, what frequency, and what elements are to be a part of our worship to Him to be acceptable to Him?
Many of the youth who “played church” in the past, did so by following what they heard and perceived as they “went to church”. I’m afraid there are many adults ‘playing church’ today without realizing the ramifications. This is not such a new thing as some would suspect given the relaxed attitude many have toward God and His Word today. Through the years, this attitude has been held by some and it was recognized by others.
This is why faithful brethren, upon realizing this, have endeavored to warn the masses of such a harmful attitude and action. In 1968, my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, wrote a song regarding this. His hope, and the hope of all the faithful is that others stop “playing church” and get serious about their own souls and the work of the church laid out in the Word. Has it ever occurred to you that countless souls will enter eternity with false hope, not knowing that “playing church” throughout their lives has left them woefully unprepared to be with God for eternity? Some are the “hypocrites in the church”. They need to be warned and need to take heed.
Hypocrites In The Church
(1)
Just got home from church, hadn’t been for a while.
but I did have a wonderful time.
The members were friendly, each gave me a smile
and the preacher’s sermon was fine.
They spread the Lord’s Table, and graced it with prayer,
there’s no doubt the Savior was near.
Then I wondered why such a small crowd was there,
and these words rang out in my ears.
Refrain
Hypocrites in the church who just won’t live right,
God’s love is not in their hearts.
They care not that sinners are lost in the night,
they’re really just acting a part.
Recitation
Then I saw myself as others see me
and I prayed Oh Lord please forgive,
Help me to be faithful that others might see
Jesus Christ in the life that I live.
(2)
You may ask this question, I’m sure that you could,
Just why is the Lord’s church so small?
If all of us members would live true and good,
It wouldn’t be that way at all.
So brothers and sisters give your heart a search,
And by the Lord’s Spirit be led.
It’s the things that we do that speak for the church,
So don’t ever let it be said . . .
Refrain/Recitation
O.D. Wilson deceased
Several passages spring to mind as I write this. Matt. 6:33 is one. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Another is 2Cor. 6:17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,. Yet another is Heb. 10:24-25a. The faithful will be in the assembly physically, mentally and spiritually. To forsake the assembly and claim ‘faithfulness’ is hypocritical in spades. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
Do we see ourselves as others see us? Do we want to? Do we simply “act a part” and “play church”? Is the “examine yourselves” of 2Cor. 13:5 only for others? When that self-examination is made, do we seek strength from God’s Holy Word? Do we pray for the “wisdom from above” (Jas. 1:5 & Jas. 3:17) as we seek that strength? Our time on earth is a spiritual life or death battle. If we “play church”, we are going to lose eternally. We need to get serious about our souls. Think about it!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Hope For tomorrow
Hope For Tomorrow
As we live our lives, we all come to expect ‘tomorrow’. This is supported by the many times people say: “See you tomorrow”, or something like this. We are often asked to think of the future. When I worked in the corporate world I was once asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years, ten years?” When this was asked, my initial response was “I have no idea”. The purpose of the question was to gauge my desire to advance, and to see if I would take the steps and put forth the effort to achieve those goals.
All this expectation was predicated on the idea and the hope that there would even be a tomorrow for me or for those with whom I interacted. This is a bit presumptuous as none on earth know their future. We are reminded of this in Jas. 4:13-15. This passage certainly points out that life is brief even though it might last many years. Time has existed since God put it into place about six thousand or so years ago. What is seventy, eighty or even a hundred years in comparison? That’s right – “It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make plans for ‘tomorrow’. We read this in verse 15. “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”. Many misread this passage and try to make it state that if it is God’s Will, we will do ‘this or that’. What is actually being said is that if the Lord tarries His coming (2Pet. 3:9b-10) and the earth remains, I plan to do “this or that”. Also God and His Word should never be left out of our plans. The point is two-fold. The first fact is we are going to die. This is made abundantly clear in Eccl. 12:7. When the spirit leaves the body, (death per Jas. 2:26), the body decays and returns to the dust from which the original body God formed came. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. We can’t control ‘how long’ our life will be, but we can make plans for the tomorrows we have, including our eternal tomorrow. Get prepared! Stay prepared!
The second fact is that any plans we make for earthly tomorrows or the “eternal tomorrow” must be addressed before we die on this earth. All that is possible to do must be done in this life per Eccl. 9:10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. One cannot make plans for the afterlife, after this life. When this life on earth is over, it is much too late to prepare. Failure to plan now for eternity with God is to plan for an eternity separated from Him. I’m relatively sure that this is not an eternal tomorrow anyone wants!
So, what is our hope for tomorrow? What is important for tomorrow? It has to be that which beyond this life. As we pointed out earlier, life is short and may very well end for us this day. Is our hope contained in this life alone? If so, according to 1Cor. 15:19, we have a sad and melancholy life. There, the Spirit had the apostle write: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. This must mean that there is the possibility of something beyond the grave. Since our life could end today, should not our hope for tomorrow really be a hope for eternity? Is this not what our minds should be focused on?
Sadly, most fail to make adequate plans for eternity because they are so engrossed in seeking pleasures in this life and involve themselves with the cares of this world. There’s nothing wrong with wholesome activities that bring pleasure, and there are certain “cares” in this world for which we have responsibility. But God has provided for these and yet, they are not to be the whole focus or function of our time here. In Mark 4:19 in the parable of the sower, Jesus explains how these things, if made our priority, prevents the Word from directing us properly. He said: And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
In 2Tim. 2:3-4 after the church was established, the Spirit had Paul warn about becoming so concerned with the things of life that one couldn’t fight the good fight of faith which they committed to when they obeyed the gospel and became a soldier of the cross. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. This means we cannot be pleasing to God if we put the things of this life before God. Are the things of this life more important than our hope for earth’s tomorrows or for our eternity?
All of what God has provided for us in His Word is for our good and given so we might prepare for that which is beyond this life. In Rom.15:4 we find this requires that we read, learn, know and continually follow God’s N.T. Word. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. This is also supported in Col. 1:5-6a. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; This hope cannot be realized until one obeys the gospel and is “born” into the family of God. This is how you get ready. To stay ready – you must remain faithful to God and His Word from that point to the time you pass from this life.
If you’ve not obeyed the gospel, hope that you have a tomorrow on earth so you can obey before its everlastingly too late.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Don't Waste Your Time
Don’t Waste Your Time
In what way do we spend our time? That, in fact, depends on the person and what they believe. There are also other factors that determine how we spend our days on the earth. Often, we depend on information derived from others as we decide what to do, or what to wear each day. One of the things many regularly consult is the weather forecast. We check the T.V. or the almanac to see if the weather requires a certain type of clothes, etc.
Often it is the case that planned activities have to be altered despite the predictions of the meteorologists. If we fail to ‘check out’ the expected conditions, we are likely to discover that we cannot participate in what we desired to do, albeit it too late. Many a picnic has been disrupted because folks didn’t check to see if it was going to rain. When such happens, our time can’t be used that way and seems to be wasted.
Much of the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes is devoted to “time” and all that one can do with whatever time they have on the earth. It is also a fact that “time” will run out for everyone as Eccl. 9:12 clearly declares. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. From this, and many other verses in the word of God, we should learn not to waste or squander whatever time we are granted.
The Spirit had the psalmist in Psa. 90:12, write to instruct how we ought to occupy our time on earth. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. We also find the inspired Words penned by the wise man in Prov. 2:1-2. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; It is clear that the seeking of wisdom and understanding from God are not a waste of time. When we depart, wisdom and knowledge we gain from the world will be left behind.
Therefore, one must seek that which is of the most benefit to them and to those whom they love. Prov. 2:4-7 identifies what is of most importance, how diligently we must search for it, and how it benefits us. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. Furthermore, not wasting time here on earth while seeking God through His Word and living in full accordance with it, yields everlasting benefits.
We receive this counsel from the Word of God, as well as from books and stories. We have often gleaned this from the pens of poets as well. One of my favorite ‘poets’ is my wife’s late father, O.D. Wilson, who was also a faithful gospel preacher. Much of his poetry teaches the principles of life which we find in God’s Word. Below is one of these poems. It also bears the name of this article.
Don’t Waste Your Time
1
Life is like a flower in the Springtime,
Budding and blooming in the breeze.
Don’t crush its beauty but always be kind,
Do a good deed, always try to please.
2
Life is like a vapor, spreading o’er the valley.
In a short time it goes away.
So temporary, it is gone tomorrow,
Make the right use of it while it’s today.
3
Life is like a storm-cloud with a booming thunder,
There’s lightning and hail and heavy rain.
Soon it will pass, no need to wonder,
For we know the sun will shine again.
4
Life is like a journey; it has an ending,
We carefully chart the course our way to find.
Our footprints we leave, our message we are sending,
To those who follow us, not far behind.
5
Then don’t waste your time; its use confine
Not for yourself alone, this resign.
Walk with God, in perfect peace of mind’
Helping the lost, the way to find.
O. D. Wilson – deceased
Our time is perhaps our second most precious commodity. Our soul is the most important thing we have. Why not use that which is temporary to address the needs of that which is permanent? Obey God’s Word now while you have time, and prepare properly for eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Can I Tell You Something?
Can I Tell You Something?
Usually, when someone approaches another with the title of this article on their lips, they have a desire to reveal a secret, or to “share” a nugget of information they wish impart. That which I want to tell you is not a secret, yet, many don’t know it. Many are blinded by what others tell them about Christ, His purpose for coming to earth to die, and the benefit that it brings to all who will follow only His plan as outlined in the New Testament.
There was a time when the “thing” I want to tell you was a mystery. When Christ was on earth, He often spoke in parables to the people. His apostles asked Him about the parable of the sower. Speaking directly to the apostles, in Mark 4:11, His answer was: “Unto you (apostles) it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” Right then, it was not proper time to reveal the mystery to all the people. In Rom. 16:25 we are informed that the mystery had been “kept secret since the world began”.
However, Christ intended that at the appropriate time, all were to know the gospel message and He would reveal the proper time. In Matt. 28:18, after He rose from the dead, Christ appeared to His apostles, and told them He was given all authority. His first Commandment to them then is found in vss 19-20. He told them “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.”
In Acts 1:4 we find the Lord’s last Commandment to His apostles before His ascension to His Father. He told them to “not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” And the reason for this is given in vs 5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Of course, they tarried there, just as the Lord Commanded.
This promise to the apostles was fulfilled in the second chapter of Acts when the twelve were baptized with the Holy Ghost, and according to vs 4, they were “filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, (languages) as the Spirit gave them utterance.” This ensured that the message of the mystery was delivered without error and was not the words of the apostles, but the communication of the Holy Spirit. Christ had told them this would occur in Jno.16:13. He said: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. The “things to come” of which Christ then spoke, was the church. It came on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33. This is the “nugget” of information I wish to pass on.
The message is freely available to all, yet again, so many do not know it. We find the Words of the Spirit, given to Paul in Eph. 3:3-6 that shows how he received it and how we can know it, and how all should benefit from it. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
From the time the Spirit disclosed the gospel message of God’s Saving Grace at Pentecost and announced the church for which Jesus died, it was no longer a secret or a mystery because it had now been revealed. But at the first it only went to a limited amount of people. Acts 2:5 shows that the gospel was first preached only to the Jews. They were the people of God under the O.T. Covenant. It was only fitting they had the first opportunity to hear and obey as the apostles followed Jesus Command to preach it. We are told in Acts 2:41, that after hearing the gospel, “about three thousand” gladly received the Word, and having repented, were baptized (immersed in water, “into Christ”), for the remission of sins, and were therefore “added” to the church (Acts 2:47).
Several years later, in accordance with God’s plan for Salvation, the Word was also taken to the Gentiles. This occurred in Acts 10, but as the Peter retold of the events that took place in Cornelius’ house, Luke, by inspiration was given this we have in Acts 11:13-14 to write down. “And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” We are told in Acts 10:48a after they heard the ‘words’, what they were to do. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Sadly, many refuse to “read God’s Word” so they might fully understand His plan and obey it as God would have them do. It is now available to all. This is why I ask: “Can I Tell You Something?” I want to tell all of God’s Gospel plan of Salvation and how important it is to apply it in their lives before it is everlastingly too late. However, I don’t want to use ‘my words’, but God’s. Rom. 1:16 tells us the gospel of Christ “. . . is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth . . .” If you believe this, why won’t you obey what God is Commanding in His N.T. Word rather that what man teaches? To follow anything else but God’s plan is to be lost.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Pardon, Your Faith Is Showing
Pardon, Your Faith Is Showing
Faith is a much misunderstood subject. Folks are often heard speaking of “their faith” while believing pretty much anything and everything. Faith, by definition is: complete trust or confidence in someone or something: One who “has faith” has complete trust or confidence in what they believe. The problem is that not everyone ‘believes’ the same things. This is not a bit surprising as there are many different beliefs. In the context of religion, faith is belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion. Therein lies the problem. ‘Religion’ per se, provides many different teachings, and not all the teaching that is offered is from God.
Because of the foreknowledge of God, the Spirit had John pen the Words of warning to the church found in 1Jno 4:1. He wrote: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. As these ‘false prophets’ go out into the world, they are spreading man’s doctrine, and teaching things contrary to God’s Word. If these doctrines are believed and followed, they becomes one’s faith. Then, they offer worship in accordance with what they believe. When this is considered in light of Matt. 15:9, it shouldn’t be hard to see where this leads. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. A faith that is built on false doctrine is a faith that leads to destruction.
But how does one know what a person believes or if their faith is sound? Trying the ‘spirits’ is one way. But not everyone is a teacher in the traditional sense of publicly teaching or ‘leading’ a class. However, Jesus identified the means by which we can know a person’s ‘faith’. In Matt. 7:20 He said: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. In other words, what a person does indicates what they believe. Incidentally, in context, Jesus was warning against false prophets (teachers). These were deceptive as they wore “sheep’s clothing”, but inwardly were “ravening wolves”.
This was not only true in Christ’s time and in ours, but also existed in the days when God sent prophets to warn Israel to turn back to Him. Some came and prophesied that Israel would not go into bondage. Jer. 27:14-15 provides the Words of the Spirit given to one of God’s prophets to deliver to Israel. Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.15 For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you. Notice what following a false prophecy or false teaching produces. Those who follow false teaching will develop a false faith, and will perish.
A faith which cannot be seen is not faith. We know from Heb. 11:1 what faith is. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The entirety of Hebrews chapter 11 provides ‘evidence’ of the faith of many and the “deeds” these folks did to show their faith. In Heb 11:6 we read: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Not only must one have faith; they must also live so that others see it. The “fruits” of one’s life is what others see and by what they are known.
One’s faith must be made known so others can see it. Faith is not a ‘feeling’. Neither feelings nor faith can be seen. Only actions can be shown, and actions are the result of what a person believes. This is clearly seen from Jas. 2:14 to the end of the chapter. Within the last thirteen verses of James chapter two, faith occurs eleven times. In verse 18 we learn that one’s faith is shown by his works. In verse 20, ‘faith without works is dead’, and in verse 22, it is by works that faith is perfected. We also know from verse 24 that a man can be justified, but “not by faith only”.
All should realize how important faith is. In Rom. 1:17 we learn that “the just shall live by faith”. From Rom. 5:1-2 we can also read of the significance of faith. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Then, from Rom.10:17 we learned where true faith originates. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Why then do so many believe (have faith in) so many different things? I think the answer is obvious. It is because so many are listening to, believing, and following ‘man’s teaching’ rather than the Word of God. 2Pet. 2:1 tells us what was happening then (and what’s happening now). But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Then, we see from 2Pet. 2:2 what results. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. As folks ‘believe’ these false teachers, they develop and show faith in their teaching.
Why not go to the source of true faith? Why not follow the Word of God? When whatever you believe is seen by others, your faith is showing. If your faith is not based on God’s Word, destruction is your fate. Do as God directs in His Word today. Then make sure your faith is showing as you lead others to the Lord through His Word.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Recalculating . . . .
Recaulculating . . .
Most newer automobiles come equipped with some sort of GPS system as part of the basic vehicle package. Most who drive have utilized these at one time or another. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System, and as I understand it, works for everyone. The following is from Wikipedia and may help us understand it a little better. The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provide geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It does not require the user to transmit any data, and operates independently of any telephonic or Internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. It provides critical positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. Although the United States government created, controls and maintains the GPS system, it is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.
This is quite a bit of information but shows that quite a bit of technology is utilized to keep a user ‘on track’. Some GPS units will say (or show) the word “RECALCULATING” when a user starts to deviate from the prescribed pathway to reach a desired destination. The individual ‘user’ must decide if they will follow the directions or “take a chance” at where they will end up. Sadly, many refuse the instructions of such a machine that has access to so much more data than they, and then will blame the device through which information is provided. Is it the fault of the “architects”, builders, or the “tech” of GPS if we get lost? Were the direction(s) faulty, or does the blame lie with the rejection or the ‘misuse’ of the information that is provided? When one’s location and destination is known, the route becomes certain.
Now, what has any of this to do with “spiritual” matters? The Bible has often been referred to as “God’s Road Map to heaven”. Many a sermon has been built and delivered to ‘re-direct’ those who were astray, or to instruct the lost how to be saved. In 1Pet. 4:11, in the context of spiritual gifts, the Spirit had Peter pen: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. This means that the “words” spoken were to be as if God Himself was delivering the message. Indeed, He was as the Spirit is God. In Mark 13:11b Christ told His apostles that the Spirit would provide them what to say. . . . take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Additionally, the “message” is without flaw. Originally, as in Acts 2:42 Salvation’s message was unerringly delivered by the apostles, and heard in every language on the Day of Pentecost “as the Spirit gave them utterance.”. In John 16:13 Christ promised the apostles the Spirit would “guide you into all truth”. In John 14:26 Christ’s promise to them was that the Holy Ghost would “teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”. This method, and all the “spiritual gifts” was temporary because it was utilized in the absence of the written Word.
In 1Cor. 13:8-9 the Spirit had Paul explain that at that time they were in possession of ‘some of the Word, and some spiritual gifts’. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. Then in vs 10, we read that when the ‘completed’ Word is available, the “gifts” would no longer be necessary and would be taken away. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. The same Spirit had James call Gods’ Word the “perfect law of liberty” in Jas. 1:25, and “whoso looketh” (continually looks into) and then “continueth therein” (constantly follows) it is to be blessed. This can only be interpreted that they in so doing, will successfully arrive at the desired location – (heaven).
God’s Word has always been the “guide”. Parts of it were written to His people Israel while His Covenant with them was in effect. Sadly, many failed to follow. In Jer. 6:16 when God’s people Israel were admonished to “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”. When they refused the inspired “recalculation” required of them they said: “ We will not walk therein.” The Hebrew Christians, in Heb 2:3, were asked: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ”? They were being asked if they expected to arrive at the desired destination (salvation) while not following the inspired GPS (N.T. plan of Salvation).
Why won’t you look into God’s Word today and see what recalculation you need to make to be on the right path to heaven? Unlike GPS systems on earth, God has only one path to heaven and it’s the same route for everyone. Get on the right path, faithfully follow God’s GPS – His Written Word – before it’s too late for you. After your life on earth ends, there’s no place to turn around.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
