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

It's About Time!

It’s About Time!

        Most of our country today is dealing with ‘time’. Forty eight of the fifty states in our nation recognize and utilize ‘Daylight Savings Time’. Hawaii and Arizona have chosen not to participate.   This does not mean that the fine citizens of these states are unconcerned with time. Time has an effect upon all. We are all ‘subject’ to time. In Job 14:1, we see the observation of this suffering servant. He said: Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.  Although we may live 70, 80 or more years, none of us are going to live forever. Neither are we going to live a life without a certain amount of difficulty.
   The Spirit had the ‘wise man’ in Eccl. 3:1, inform that there is a “season” for everything and a “time to every purpose under the heaven”. As we read seven verses that follow, we see that every aspect of life is addressed, and the word “time” has twenty eight occurrences. One cannot read these verses without realizing that time is indeed important. We also should be acutely aware that our ‘time’ is limited on earth. Psa. 90:10 is one of many verses of the Old Testament supporting this. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
   From the New Testament, we see in Jas. 4:14 that our sojourn here only lasts a “little time”. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  Because all will only spend a limited period on the earth, it is imperative that we use our brief stint here properly. Eccl 9:10 tells us: 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. While we live, doesn’t it make perfect sense that we attend to the things of life that matter beyond this life? I think it does.
   But what are these things that matter beyond this life? While they cannot be the things ‘of this life’, they must be attended to ‘in this life’ as we saw in the previous verse. These things also cannot be the ‘things of the world’ as 1Jno. 2:15-17 clearly shows and also shows why. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  The things of this life and the things of this world cease to be our concern as soon as we leave this life.
   A favorite hymn for many, Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, conveys the message of life and how we are to spend our ‘time’ on earth. Our hymnal only has three verses, but I will provide the words of all four, as they provide insight to every aspect of life including what lies beyond for the obedient and the faithful.

Time is filled with swift transition.
Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Trust in Him who will not leave you.
Whatsoever years may bring.
If by earthly friends forsaken,
Still more closely to Him cling.

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay.
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures.
They will never pass away.

When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in Glory
Your enraptured soul will view.

Refrain:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Build your hopes on things eternal.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

      The phrase “it’s about time” is often used when a person finally does that which should have already been done. Many have heard the gospel, yet fail to obey. Christians are to continue in obedience always as the Spirit had Paul write: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:16) Even Saul (Paul) had to be reminded that time was short after he had heard the gospel and knew his soul’s true condition. In Acts 22:16 he was told: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” What about you? It’s about time! It may soon be too late. Another phrase also fits – “Time’s a wastin.”

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Which Church?

Which Church?

   To the best of my knowledge there is not a city, town, or municipality in this country in which there’s not a church building, or where a church meets. This is stated in this way because there is a huge difference between the church building and the church. It seems that the children’s little exercise in which they interlace their fingers inward, fold their hands, and bring the index fingers to a peak even confuses the two. They say: “Here’s the church; here’s the steeple; open the door (as they unfold their hands with fingers still interlocked), and here’s the people”.
   Today, there are many churches. This is evidenced as those, seeking to determine other’s ‘religious preferences’, ask a series of questions such as: “Do you go to church?” If the reply is “yes”, they usually follow with: “Which one?”. It is also readily apparent upon driving through a city, town or municipality while noticing the huge differences in the ‘names’ that are associated with the various structures in which these people meet to carry out whatever religious services they endorse and follow.  
   How sad it is that folks rarely, if ever, consult God and His Word in their search for a church. Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom and foreknowledge has simplified things for man if man would only read and follow. Peter and John were being ‘grilled’ by the Sadducees for preaching “through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” In Acts 4:7 the council asked: “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” Acts 4:12 gives us the inspired response the Holy Spirit provided Peter, and which should guide our search for “church”. He said: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” In verse 10 we see this is speaking of Christ, whom they (the Jews) had crucified and Whom God raised from the dead. Should we not search “which church” by the authority of Christ?
   Christ has not authorized any other name. Why then are there so many ‘churches’ that bear the names of men? From Acts 2:21 (when the church was established) to 1John 5:13, penned approximately 55 years afterward, there are about 37 references to “the name of” the Lord, or Christ, or the Son of God. Every one of these means “by His Authority”. The miracles in the ‘babyhood’ of the church were by His authority. The teaching and the preaching of the gospel was done by His authority. Those who were immersed, were baptized “into Christ” by His authority. Any other ‘baptism’ is unauthorized.
   A case in point is Acts19:1-5 as Paul traveled to Ephesus where he found certain disciples. These were questioned regarding their baptism, and it was discovered they had only submitted “unto John’s baptism (vs 3). Perhaps they “felt” that this was permissible as the baptism of John was valid at one point and had a purpose. John’s baptism was only to Israel, and as we read in Acts 19:4 was “the baptism of repentance”. And as they were baptized of John’s baptism, he told them “they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” Upon hearing the preaching of Paul, “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” per verse 5. It is only in the baptism “into Christ” where one contacts the blood of Christ, and is added to “the church” (Acts 2:47).
   Paul, directed by the Spirit, condemned the ‘party spirit’ that had arisen among the Lord’s church in Corinth in 1Cor 1:12-13. Various factions had begun, and some attempted to follow men. This needed to be corrected then and needs correction now. The Spirit had Paul write: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. ¹³ Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? ” In Acts 20:28 we find how the church came to be. It was “purchased” with the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ was shed on the cross of Calvary. Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), nor any other, including John the baptizer, could die to purchase the church. Why then do some ‘churches’ wear the name of Luther or Westley? I suppose they can since “their churches” belong to them.
   In Matt. 16:18, just after Peter ‘confessed’ Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Lord told Peter “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” His death on the cross would not prevent the purchase of, the establishment, nor the victory of His church. His church belongs to Him and He has full authority over it. Jesus told His apostles in John 8:32 “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”. The truth would make them free from sin (only if they followed it). In John 16:13 He then told them that the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth”. He has provided these instructions for His church in the New Testament.
     Then why do so many seek to ‘worship’ as they wish? It is because they follow the ‘doctrines of men’. Matt. 15:9 tells us what this produces. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Can the “churches” founded by John Calvin, Roger Williams and John Clark, Joseph Smith, or a score of others be “the Lord’s church”? By whose authority did they build their churches? In their churches, they have their doctrines and according to the Lord Himself, this yields “vain worship”.
     Which church? Man’s church or the Lord’s church? You decide.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

When Your Happiness Becomes Your Joy

When Your Happiness Becomes Your Joy

   As we enter life, we begin to discover what brings us happiness. When, as infants, we received the things we needed such as mother’s milk or a blanket when we were cold, we became contented and happy. Happiness, according to one definition, is: a state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment with one's current situation. During our time as children, our situation may change dramatically depending on various factors. Some remember what may be described as a very “happy childhood” while others in the same family may look back on those same years with disdain.
   Unfortunately, as many grow up, the desire and search for happiness may lead to paths that are less than desirable and often lead to a life of misery. These paths are taken to fulfill various ‘fleshly desires’, supposing these will produce happiness. However, the Words of Rom. 8:12-13 should help all understand the fallacy of seeking the “fleeting happiness” of the flesh to the detriment of true joy. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. ¹³ 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. 
     If we ‘back up’ just a bit in the scriptures, we see in Rom. 8:5-6 where the desire for ‘happiness’ in this life only leads. At the same time, we can easily see where being ‘spiritually minded’ takes us. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 
   At this point in a discussion about happiness, many insert the question: “But doesn’t God want me to be happy?”. Of course He does, but He has provided the way for all things “wholesome” whereby we may be happy. 2Pet. 1:3 tells us this. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 
   Earlier, a definition of happiness was given, so joy must also be defined. According to a Wikipedia article, joy is: the state of being that allows one to experience feelings of intense, long-lasting happiness and satisfaction of life. This seems to fit because “if” what makes us ‘happy’ in this life leads us to eternal life, we anticipate the ‘joy’ of heaven. There are only two places that are truly “long-lasting”. One of these is heaven and the other is Hell.  Only one of these has joy.
     We may think that our time on earth is long, or long-lasting, considering all we must endure, and the fact that some folks live what is considered by many to be a long life. The Spirit had Paul contrast the ‘span’ of our time here on earth with eternity in 2Cor. 4:17. We may think that portions of our lives seem to take “forever” to pass, but Paul says they are quite brief in comparison. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  Eternal is forever, and
there will certainly be no ‘joy’ among those who are punished as described in 2Thess. 1:8-9 when the Lord returns. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 
     Perhaps this is why Jesus, in Matt. 6:19-21, (part of the Sermon on the Mount), advised His hearers where to focus and why. He wanted them to be able to experience real joy. He said: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: ²⁰ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: ²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. One’s “heart” in this context is the mind. If our mind’s focus is on the things from the Word of God, and doing those things to be pleasing to Him, we can be extremely happy as we live our lives on this mundane sphere. Only because our time here on earth is spent ‘happily preparing’, in full accordance with His Word, can we expect to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
    When one considers the ‘plan of God’ and the joy it brings, they enjoy much happiness in following God’s Word. From the O.T. Scriptures, we see in Psa. 1:1-2 how the Spirit had the psalmist describe the attitude and the actions of one who loves God and strives to faithfully serve Him. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. “Blessed” in this passage means “happy”. This same idea is conveyed in the N.T. in Rom. 7:22. Here the Spirit had Paul describe his happiness in following the ‘law of God’ even when temptations assailed him. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  Their happiness had become their joy In both of these cases.
     Your happiness can become your joy also. If what you think makes you happy is leading you away from God and His Word, there is no real ‘joy’ in it, nor to where it leads. That ‘fleeting happiness’ ends when your life on earth ends. Look into the Holy Word of God today. Obey the gospel and become a “child of God” and remain faithful and grow in the faith. Then you can be happy here while working toward eternal joy.   Lay up for your-self “treasure” in heaven.    You won’t be disappointed.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What Are You Afraid Of?

What Are You Afraid Of?

   Everyone has been afraid of something at some point in their life. As small children, we were likely afraid of ‘monsters’ that are only shadows or figments of young imaginations. As we become a little older, we may develop fears based on experience. Such is the case when we were first exposed to certain Carnival rides, scary movies and stories, and things of this nature.  There are also those who seem to take pleasure in causing others to be afraid. Bullies use other’s fears against them, and often cause fear by their threats and actions to do so.
   Fear is not limited to young people. Perhaps the first emotion mentioned in the Bible is fear, and was realized by Adam in Gen. 3:10, who was created fully adult. God had called unto Adam as Adam and Eve were ‘hiding in the trees’ – “Where art thou?” How did Adam respond? He said: “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Adam claimed to be afraid because he was naked, but he was actually afraid now that he “knew he was naked” because he had disobeyed God.    
     Not all fear is because one has done something wrong. Sometimes, experiences produce fear. Christ’s own apostles were in a ship, crossing to the other side of the sea as directed by the Lord. They saw something that scared them greatly. They saw the Lord walking on the water. Christ’s reply in Matt. 14:27 showed He desired them not to fear. He said: Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  Impending loss of a loved one also produces fear. In Mark 5:36, the ruler of the synagogue was in the process of asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter, when the message was delivered that the child had died. The Lord told the man: “Be not afraid, only believe.” Then, as Peter, James and John went with Him, Jesus dispelled the fears and loss of the friends and family as He healed the young girl and presented her alive to her parents.
     Fear presents itself in many ways and for various causes, but if a person places his trust in God, and reads and follows His Word, there is nothing to fear at all.   Several years ago, my wife Linda, was assigned the topic of fear to address in a class consisting of ladies in the church. She requested some assistance from her father (O.D. Wilson). He sent her the poem below, which greatly helped her in her presentation.

Fear

The fear of God, is at reverence for Him,
which leads men to obey,
and access the values of right and wrong,
no matter what others say.
Such awareness motivates the trusting heart
to walk where we fear to tread,
And to cast out fear along the way,
For all will be well just ahead.

There is nothing to fear, but fear itself,
the inevitable will surely be,
and a well-founded faith will buoy us up
As we wrestle the storms of the sea.
“Oh, ye of little faith, why are ye afraid?”
we hear the captain say,
this ship won’t sink, in this troubled sea,
“I sail this way every day.”

And yes, when we walk thru the valley of death
we won’t be traveling alone,
We’ll have no fear, for our captain is near,
to safely direct us home.
Fear God and keep His Commandments we’re told,
This is the whole duty of man,
Because from where we are , it may not be far.
til we enter the PROMISED LAND!

O.D. Wilson (deceased) – written August 28, 1994

     Christ, in Luke 12:4-5, tells of the only ‘fear’ with which we should be concerned. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Think about it!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Bless Your Heart

Bless Your Heart

       I’m told this is a Southern expression. The phrase has multiple meanings and was originally used to express genuine sympathy, but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity. Meanings are primarily imparted through context and tone.   While common in the South, it is primarily used by individuals who wish to "be sweet” and do not wish to "act ugly”.  “Bless your heart” is an expression used by some to mask real feelings. To understand the real meaning, pay attention to the words said just before “Bless your heart” or “Bless his/her heart.”
    The term “heart” can be found 833 times in the KJV Bible.  “Bless” is found about 127 times.  The phrase “your heart” is found 35 times.  As you may have deduced, “Bless your heart” is not found in God’s Word at all.  The word ‘bless’ in the N.T. Greek means ‘to speak well of’.  But this seems to be the opposite of how folks use “bless” in the title of this article. We should desire others to ‘speak well’ of us, especially if we are Christians.
    In Matt. 5:44, Jesus was speaking to some Jews who would soon be granted the great opportunity to obey the gospel (become Christians) and become part of the kingdom.  Christianity was not available at that time as Christ had not yet died on the cross to purchase the church.  As Jesus offered these Pentecost Pointers, He said: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 
    If and when they submitted themselves to God under the N.T. Law, they would need to apply this advice because they would have many enemies and even some of their fellow Jews would hate them, spitefully use them and even persecute them.  This is abundantly evident when we consider the treatment the apostles received in the early days of the church.  Multiple passages show the mistreatment they suffered for the cause of Christ.
    The same idea that Jesus put forth to that crowd in the Sermon on the Mount is also conveyed by the Spirit in the New Testament to the brethren at Rome.  “Bless” is utilized twice in Rom. 12:14. In both instances, the idea of ‘speaking well of’ is being conveyed. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. The word “bless” in this verse is used in contrast with “cursing” the ones who had victimized them.  This is the same idea and intent we find in 1Cor. 4:11-13 as the Spirit had Paul tell them about some of the oppression the apostles endured.  Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; ¹² And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: ¹³ Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 
    In 1Cor. 4:14 we see that this was written to them for their benefit and as a warning.  I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. This warning is necessary because the ‘natural inclination’ of man is to retaliate ‘in kind’, or in the same way they had been treated. I suspect this is a misapplication of the Old Testament “an eye for an eye” in Lev. 24:19-20: “And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; ²⁰ Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.”  But Jesus explained this in Matt. 5:38-39 (while still under the Old Testament Law) to the people gathered to receive those Pentecost Pointers.  He said: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:³⁹ But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 
    Rather than a Christian being contemptuous toward their “enemies” (or those that ‘curse them’), or even those in opposition to Christ, we read the divine teaching and admonition regarding this in Rom. 12:20-21. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.  For one to be “overcome with evil” is to invite eternal condemnation.  Those who “curse” folks who persecute them forfeit the opportunity to teach them the truth.  One cannot reach someone if they have alienated them.  If we cannot reach one with the gospel, how can they be truly ‘blessed’? 
     Speaking of ‘heart’, we perhaps need to remind all that the Bible ‘heart’ is the mind of man.  It is the ‘mind’ or ‘soul’ of man that needs to be blessed of God by being cleansed by the blood of Christ. If indeed one is ‘spiritually blessed’, they must be “in Christ”.  This can be seen clearly in Eph. 1:3 and also shows that “bless your heart” is not always a negative thing. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 
    It is my desire that every soul be truly and spiritually blessed. This is the same desire the Spirit had Paul express in Rom. 10:1. He wrote: Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. He also stated that they were not saved because they refused to submit themselves to God. Submit yourself to God and His Will today.  Read, study and obey the Word of God.  Become His child and be ‘in Christ’.  God will ‘speak well of you’ in saying “Bless Your Heart”.  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

You Are What You Eat

You Are What You Eat

     When this saying is applied, none figures when they eat a pizza, they’re likely to develop pepperoni skin tags, or become flat and round. Neither does anyone suspect they will become a snowman by ingesting a snow cone. But most are aware that how and what we eat has some impact on our body shape and at times, our overall health. This is why we are taught about a balanced diet. We learn to tolerate certain vegetables, or endure certain meats (animal proteins), for our bodies to operate at peak efficiency. We also need a certain amount of work or exercise to tone our muscles and maintain balance and such. This was the way God designed the body.
   Much of this is applied physically, yet countless numbers of folks mentally ingest ‘filth’ and expect to be ‘good people’. Spiritually, we don’t masticate (chew) and swallow, but we put information into our minds as we read and take in ‘religious’ material. Of course, the only ‘sure’ religious material is found in the Word of God, but it too, must be ‘rightly divided’. Most would not dream of ingesting poison as it will adversely affect the physical body, yet they readily expose themselves to toxic literature and caustic religious publications. Little do they realize they are ‘searing’ the mind to the point that it soon loses feeling and can no longer detect the danger(s) it faces.  
   The intake of the mind is as critical as what we ingest and process in our stomachs. We recall the old computer adage: “Garbage in, garbage out,” yet are not so concerned when the computer God designed (man’s mind) is deluged with the debris offered from so many sources. Again, we need to be reminded of Prov. 23:7a and the effect of what we allow to enter our minds. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is said of him that “hath an evil eye”. Just as the food we put into our bodies affects the physical, so does that which we ‘mentally ingest’ or consume, affect the mind.
     That being the case, should we not be more cautious in the reading, studying, and thinking we do? Jesus taught that we should. The Pharisees of Matt. 15 accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the “tradition of the elders” in that they failed to wash their hands before eating bread. In verse 3, the Lord exposed their hypocrisy in question form. He asked: “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?”, then explained in verses 8-9 why their “heart” (mind) was defiled as well as the affect it had on their actions (worship). This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.   They had been mentally ingesting tradition rather than God’s Word and failed to realize they had become traditionalist rather than truly serving God according to His Law to them.
     Is this any different than countless numbers that hear false “preaching” and receive false teaching and simply absorb it without considering the source. Many people do this frequently. The source is not the one who delivers the message. In fact, it was Paul and Silas who were the messengers of the gospel to some Jews of Berea in Acts 17. Here was an apostle and a trusted evangelist who ‘fed’ these folks the ‘bread of life’. Surely these faithful soldiers of the cross “preached the truth” as 1Pet. 4:11 directs. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; It is certain from reading Acts 17:11 what these folks did and why they did it after Paul and Silas taught. They checked the message for purity, comparing it with the Word of God. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. When they were “fed” properly, the next verse states that “many of them believed” and from this we understand they obeyed the gospel.
     Again, we don’t “eat” the information we read and study, even though we do “take it in”. Christ Jesus spoke of two types of meat in Jno.6:26-27 as He told the people why many followed Him. One is physical; the other spiritual. Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. ²⁷ Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then, in verse 35 we see that what Jesus offers completely satisfies. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 
     Of course, to offer improper spiritual food has a negative effect on the presenter and the recipient if they follow it.   Gal 1:8 is the inspired proof of this. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. One cannot preach “any other gospel” and expect the recipients to be spiritually filled. Timothy was told in 2Tim. 4:2 to “preach the Word”. Before doing he was told to “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (2Tim. 2:15). Be careful what we ingest spiritually, & what we “serve up” to others.  We are what we eat.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

My Change - Begins With Me

My Change – Begins With Me

     From conception till now, we have been in a constant state of change.   Initially, when the sperm meets the egg and cells begin to divide, we are forming and changing. Then, we are born, and we continue to change. Our relatives and others, upon observing us, having not seen us for a time, have no doubt stated “My! You’ve changed so much”, or something to that extent. Usually, they are commenting on the physical growth that is so much a part of youth.   These are changes over which we have no control, and are not changes that ‘begin with us’, although they affect us.
     We want to focus on changes over which we have control. There is likely something about each of us that we desire to change. Some of these things are not within our power to alter, such as eye or skin color, our height, or things such as this. Other things, such as our weight, physique, attitude, and things of this nature are somewhat within our control, and when some adjustments need to be made, we ourselves need to make those changes.
     Usually before a change is made, there needs to be some motivation to make the change. For instance, magazines used to carry advertisements for the Charles Atlas bodybuilding course where the skinny, malnourished, sickly looking man, had sand kicked in his face, and his girlfriend taken from him by the ‘bully of the beach’. Then, the skinny man participates in the course, and is then ’transformed’ into a well-defined, macho, picture of man with strength and vitality, who ‘takes back his girl’, and avenges himself of the treatment he once received from those once stronger than he.  
     These types of advertisements and programs teach a couple of things. One of these is that change is needed. The second is that one must have the motivation to affect the needed change in his/her life. Thirdly, when one has the proper motivation, and applies the proper program or course of action, change for the better is inevitable. Unless one is willing to make the needed changes, his situation will remain the same as before.
     Now, we will make that same application from the ‘spiritual’ perspective. From where does the motivation to ‘change’ spiritually come?   Some would argue that they don’t need spiritual change. This cannot be, because God’s Word clearly teaches that all souls need change. We are told in Rom. 3:23 why this is. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” We also know a couple of things from Isa. 59:1-2 that need to be acknowledged here. 1) Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.  That is:1) God’s ‘power’ is not diminished by man’s actions. 2) It is man’s sin and iniquity that separates him from God and any punishment man receives for sin is his own fault. The fact that man sins and separates himself from God should motivate man to seek change that would put him in ‘favor’ with God.
     Psalm 119:109a proves that spiritual changes we need are within our own power. “My soul is continually in my hand:” The latter part of the verse shows us what the psalmist used to bring about the needed changes. “yet do I not forget thy law.” From verses 9-11 of the same psalm, we see what God has provided so we can make the proper adjustments that we might not be separated from God but be in His favor. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. ¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It is by ‘following the Word of God’ that brings us to God and keeps us in a proper relationship with Him.  
     But where does this ‘begin’ with us? Notice the use of the word “heart” in these previous verses. This is speaking of the ‘mind’. The ‘blood pump’ (heart) is only an organ to propel used blood to other organs to be cleansed and to send clean refreshed blood to the body to make it function efficiently. If there is “a feeling” in this physical heart (organ), it could mean a physical problem. The Bible ‘heart’ is the mind. Our actions (the ones we can control) are directed by our minds. Prov. 23:7a makes this abundantly clear. “For as he thinketh in his heart, (mind) so is he:” Jas. 1:14-15 supports this from the N. T. When one is ‘drawn away of his own lust’ (which begins in the mind), he sins, and needs change. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ¹⁵ Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 
     Rom 10:10 also shows that the beginning of the needed change from God’s Word which can occur in us, is in ‘our mind’. For with the heart (mind) man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Notice that the ‘thought’ and the ‘expression’ of that thought are “unto” not “INTO”. When one ‘believes’ or ‘confesses’ they are not changed, or ‘saved’. Each individual should be motivated to not be separated from God, apply God’s inspired remedy for sin, and make the change for a better life and the promise of life eternal with God.  
     Change your ‘mind’ today. Align it with the Word of God. Read God’s Word. Follow God’s Word, and “make the needed change. Obey His gospel. My change begins with me, and your change begins with you!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Coming Together

Coming Together

     The idea of ‘coming together’ has been part of mankind since the beginning. In Gen. 1:28, the first recorded Words of God to man and woman were: “Be fruitful, and multiply”. When this occurred, because man is a social being, they gathered together. They did so for safety as well as for other reasons. We find in Gen. 6:1-2 that ‘sons and daughters’ were continually born as men “took them wives of all which they chose”. We read in Gen. 6:5 in the days that followed, because men failed to ‘come together’ before God “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. We all know how that turned out as God destroyed the world due to their wickedness. Incidentally, all who failed to get in the ark truly “came together” in the destruction of the great flood.
     Of course, we also know that not all perished, as some did indeed “come together” into the ark. We are told in Gen. 6:8 that Noah “found grace in the eyes of the LORD”. Then, we read in Gen. 6:9b why this was. Noah walked with God.   This meant that Noah followed the Commands of God, including the building of the ark, as Gen. 6:22 shows. “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” The result of Noah and his family being obedient and “coming together” in the ark is obvious. 1Pet. 3:20b tells us of the benefit of so doing: wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
     Later, after Noah’s sons and their wives were “fruitful and multiplied”, once again man populated the earth.   We see in Gen. chapter 11 that they “came together” in one place in the land of Shinar. An observation of the Lord is found in Gen. 11:6. “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Because of their evil intent, God confounded the language, and they could no longer all “come together”. As we can see, when man defies God, man will also be separated from God. All who are separated from God eternally will ‘come together’ in Hell.
     There have many “gatherings” of men for various purposes. Each one in its own way is a ‘coming together’. In Gen. 49:1, not long before Jacob’s death, he called his sons to him to “tell you that which shall befall you in the last days”. In the next vs, he said: “Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.” He asked them to “assemble” or ‘come together’ to tell them why the three elder sons would not receive the blessing, and in blessing Judah, prophesied of the Christ. In Gen. 49:10 we see: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
     We know that Christ has come, and that He bears that sceptre. This device is that which is carried by a ruler and is a sign of sovereignty. We know also that Christ has “all authority”.   In Matt. 28:18, after the Lord’s resurrection, as they had been instructed, the apostles ‘came together’ to meet Jesus on a mountain. There, He said to them: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This means He has ‘all authority’ and has been given the “sceptre”.   He is the ruler of the kingdom.   Previously, while in Caesarea Philippi, Christ had asked the apostles whom man said He was. They answered accordingly. Then, came the question “But whom say ye that I am?”, to which Peter answered “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:15-16). Additionally, after Peter made this ‘profession’, in Matt. 16:18 Jesus declared “upon this rock (this profession that Christ is the Son of God) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” He now rules over the church.
     Prior to the church being established, God used another ‘coming together’ to introduce the church for which Jesus died to the Jewish world. The event to which we refer was Pentecost, A.D. 33.   The Jews were still ‘coming together’ in accordance with the O.T. Law of Moses. We are told in Acts 2:5, “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Each of these had the great opportunity to hear of the church Jesus purchased with His blood, as well as how they could obey and become part of it. Following this in Acts 2:41 we find, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Then we read in verse 44, “all that believed were together, and had all things common;”. The church had ‘come together’ and believed and followed the same thing.  
    Today, the Lord has Commanded that the church continue in this. We see this in 1Cor. 1:10. “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 is repeated in Phil. 3:16. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” As we (Christians) “gather” for worship, we are to do so “in spirit and in truth” as Jesus stated in Jno. 4:24.
     What concerns me greatly, is how some seem to think they can do this while not even ‘coming together’ as they worship (?) ‘virtually’. Virtual, by definition is “simulated”. It’s not even real worship as God Commands in His Word. We are told in Heb. 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together”. This is the same thing as “Don’t stop ‘coming together’ for worship every time the church meets!” To fail to do this is to defy God. As we have pointed out, defying God results in being separated from God – yes, for eternity.   Think about it!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ