WHY IS IT?

A couple of Sundays ago, as I was getting dressed, I pulled out one of my ties to put on. Wanda made comment that is was a Christmas tie. It had candy canes and snowmen on it. I asked her, “Why is it a Christmas tie? What do snowmen and candy canes have to do with Christmas?” She had no answer. So I decided to do a little research. According to thehistoryofchristmas.com:
During the 17th century, craftsmen created white sticks of candy in the shape of shephreds' [sic] crooks at the suggestion of the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The candy treats were given to children to keep them quiet during ceremonies at the living creche, or Nativity scene, and the custom of passing out the candy crooks at such ceremonies soon spread throughout Europe. Some have suggested that the cane is in the shape of the letter “J” representing Jesus, with the white representing purity and the red, His blood. I am not sure how accurate all of this is, but at least it gave me some answers.

That took care of the candy cane, now on to the snowman. How did the snowman come to be associated with the Christmas holiday? A google search and I still don’t know. Some connect it with Charles Dickens’ book, “A Christmas Carol” in which there is a lot of snow. Others say it is simply because snowmen are made out of snow which is a wintertime event, and Christmas is celebrated in winter. However, this does bring to my mind another question.

Why is it that some people want to center everything about Christmas on Jesus and others want to take Him completely out of it? Such is the nature of man, a creature of extremes. It seems strange to me that people who give Christ little or any thought the rest of the year want to make Him the total focus of their lives for a few weeks. Putting out a nativity scene and going to church once or twice during the holiday season is no substitute for a life focused on Christ 365 days a year. Don’t get me wrong; I am glad people are at least thinking about Christ this time of the year. I just wish it was a part of their thinking and lifestyle year round. That may be a part of the problem; it requires too much commitment.

Those on the other extreme want to take everything having to do with Christ out of Christmas. The idea, in and of itself, does not bother me that much. Christmas, after all, is man made and whether you want to celebrate or not is totally up to you. However, the overall mindset bothers me a great deal. It is not just Christmas these people are after; it is anything to do with Christ and Christianity. Any public mention of Christianity conveys a state sponsored religion and everyone knows that violates separation of church and state. Many people are surprised to find that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not appear anywhere in the Constitution. It is also interesting to read what many of our founding fathers has to say about the importance of Christianity (Christianity specifically, not just religion in general). Dave Miller of Apologetics Press has some excellent material on this.
--Lamar

DO NOT BE AFRAID PART 3

For the last couple of weeks, we have been discussing some things of which we should not be afraid. Today, we will conclude these thoughts with two things which we should fear: sin and God.

Sin is to be feared by every man, woman, and child. Sin the transgression of God’s law and includes every kind of moral and religious disobedience. As we watch television and movies and listen to music, sin is often glamorized and portrayed as a way to make life pleasant. Really? How pleasant do you think Tiger Woods’ life is right now? His sinful lifestyle has made his life anything but pleasant, and that says nothing about what it is doing to his wife and children. He probably thought no one would ever know, but “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

That is just the physical, social side of the effects of sin. What about the spiritual? “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Sin causes us to be separated from God and incurs His wrath. “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:30-31). Yes, sin destroys careers, families, and lives. However, it also destroys souls. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Jesus said, “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5 “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5). What men might do to us is limited to our existence in this body. God’s power goes beyond the grave into eternity.

We do not fear God in the sense of being afraid of unfair treatment or injustice. We fear God in that we live in awe of His greatness, we respect Him, we believe Him, and we obey Him. The decisions we make in life should be governed by a fear of the Lord. While we do not fear God in the sense of injustice, we should fear His wrath against sin and what will happen to us if that sin remains unforgiven. We need to understand that God’s response to us is determined by the choices we make. “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22).

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
--Lamar

DO NOT BE AFRAID PART 2

Last week, we discussed some things of which we should not be afraid. We should not be afraid to use what we have been given to work for God, nor should we be afraid to get involved in doing good.

We should not be afraid to take a stand for what is right, even if it means going against the crowd. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. When the Jewish leaders questioned the parents of the healed man about this miracle, they refused to commit themselves because they did not want to go against the crowd. “His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22). Certainly the right way is not always the easy one. Being a faithful Christian calls for courage. The Bible says, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). It is tempting to yield to the crowd and go along with what everyone else is doing.

Jesus taught that the majority will choose the wrong course. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Christians should not seek to be like everyone and everything around them. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

If we stand for what is right no matter what, it may cause us to lose friends, be ridiculed, and even suffer persecution. Paul writes, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). No, it is not always easy to do the right thing, especially when it means acting contrary to what others are doing and what they want us to do. However, if our faith in God rests firmly in our minds, worldly opposition loses its significance.

We should never be afraid to confess our faith in Christ. We are familiar of the story of Peter’s denial of Christ. Only a short time earlier, Peter had stated that he would die for Jesus. Yet, when confronted by enemies of Christ and pressured, he gave into his fear. He denied Jesus three times, the final time with cursing and swearing (Matthew 26:69-75). Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). May we always have the boldness and courage to declare our faith and love for Him everywhere and to everyone.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
--Lamar

DO NOT BE AFRAID PART 1

Acts 18:9-10 - Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

Hebrews 13:6 - So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Each of these verses, as well as several others, teach that as Christians we should not be afraid. We can know that God is with us and will watch over us. Even in the face of opposition, do not be afraid. Do not be a coward. Have the courage to do what is right and live for God.

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the man who received one talent hid his talent rather than using it as his master had intended. When his master questioned him he said, “And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground” (Matthew 25:25). The master called him a wicked, lazy, and unprofitable servant. This was a man who was afraid to use what was given to him.

We should not be afraid to use what has been given to us in God’s service. The talents and opportunities we are given should be used to serve God zealously. Some fear what other might think. If they really devote themselves to God, others might think they are fanatical. Instead of using everything they have for God, they hold back because they fear the pressure of society.

Others hesitate to do good because they fear getting involved. Man’s history is full of tragic events that could have been avoided if someone had been willing to do good. A girl is killed when people hearing her cries refused to help. A man suffers a fatal heart attach on a busy sidewalk with hundreds of people passing by but refusing to help. “It’s not my problem. I don’t want to get involved.” The Lord tells us to get involved.

Matthew 25:41-46 - 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:42 ‘for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;43 ‘I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’45 “Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

There is nothing to indicate these people had committed any terrible evil. They had simply failed to do good. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Over the next few weeks, we will continue to consider things of which we, as Christians, should not be afraid.
--Lamar

MORTGAGING OUR SOULS

“So Ahab said to Elijah, ‘Have you found me, O my enemy?’ And he answered, ‘I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord:’” (1 Kings 21:20). Elijah tells King Ahab that he had sold himself. How did he do this? What was the payment? Are we doing the same thing today?

Ahab took out the first mortgage on his soul when he married. “But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up” (1 Kings 21:25). While Ahab was responsible for his choices and actions, there is no doubt that his wife was an evil influence in his life. One of the greatest decisions we make is the choice of a marriage partner. Far too many Christians have sold, and are selling, their souls for the wrong person. Some people estimate that almost 80% of all Christians who marry non-Christians become minimally active in the church, with about 50% becoming totally unfaithful. I know there are exceptions, but they are just that, exceptions! It is no wonder that Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” While this does not condemn mixed marriages, and does not apply only to marriage, it is certainly a warning that needs to be heeded.

Ahab’s second mortgage was the compromise of his religion. “And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him” (1 Kings 16:31). Ahab did not want to completely reject God, so he tried to compromise. Many in the Lord’s church today are afraid of offending others so they try to compromise the truth. There is only one church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). There is only one way to heaven (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14). There is an acceptable standard for our worship (John 4:24). Baptism is essential for salvation (Mark 16:16; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). These are only a few things that members of the Lord’s church are trying to compromise with the denominational world. Compromise did not work for Ahab; it will not work for us.

The third mortgage for Ahab’s soul was a piece of land.

1 Kings 21:2-4 - So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near, next to my house; and for it I will give you a vineyard better than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money.”3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”4 So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food.

The story goes on that Jezebel conspired to kill Naboth and Ahab then took possession of the land. Others have done the same: Judas (Matthew 27:3), the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22), the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). Many today are following their footsteps. There are those who know what they need to do to become a Christian, but will not do so because it will cost them money. Others are so busy trying to maintain a high standard of living that they have no time for the Lord and His work.
--Lamar

EDUCATED BUT IGNORANT

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

The children of Israel did not lack in some types of knowledge. It was a particular knowledge that they lacked, a knowledge of God. They had knowledge of material things, secular knowledge, but they were ignorant of God. Thus they might be considered educated but ignorant. Their education that left them ignorant led to their ruin. Morality bears the same relationship to a nation’s life which the heart bears to the body. When the heart stops, we die. It does not matter how well we may look nor how prosperous our surroundings. Morality is the heartbeat of a nation’s life.

The symptoms of “educated ignorance” are found in the realm of morals. Israel was filled with lying, stealing, and killing. What better description could we find of this country? The annual crime bill of the United States is about seven billion dollars. The people of this country are better educated than any generation that has ever lived. There are more students in college today than ever before. It is difficult to get a job today without a college education and just about impossible to get one without a high school diploma. There has never been a generation of “educated ignorance” equal to this one. Education without God is indeed “educated ignorance.” What would we think of our schools if they planned their courses and ignored English, math, and other fundamental courses? What if they denied the principles of math and taught the student they had no need of math? What kind of education would that be? When a student graduated, would he not indeed be one with a diploma in ignorance? But the knowledge of God is far more fundamental in true education than math or any other subject. Yet the majority of our schools not only leave the knowledge of God out, they deny God. It is no wonder that in spite of all of our education, we are ignorant.

Knowledge to us is intellectual, the knowledge of things. Paul says that knowledge “puffs up,” (1 Corinthians 8: 1). We could well say that it “blows us up.” Knowledge produced the atomic bomb and all that we lack in being blown up by it, is for someone to pull the trigger to set it off. Unless we can put God back in our education, this may well happen. Education without God deals with facts, but ignores their meaning. Facts are one thing and facts properly understood are quite another thing. Without a knowledge of God, facts cannot have the right meaning. Education without God fails to provide facts about the one thing man needs most, information about himself. The education that increases man’s knowledge without instruction as to how to best use that knowledge, is an education in ignorance.

Destruction overtakes a nation, not because it lacks intelligence, but because it lacks integrity. Integrity, honesty, and uprightness in character can only come with the knowledge of God.
--Adapted from article by
Franklin Camp

TO SAVE OTHERS

Some have heard about Heather Christensen, the woodwind instructor for the American Fork, Utah high school band. They were returning from a band competition in Idaho where they had won first place, but celebration quickly turned to tragedy. Reports stated that the bus driver slumped over the wheel. Ms. Christensen quickly reacted and took the wheel, trying to avoid a crash. The bus ran off the road and turned on its side. Christensen fell out of a window as the bus rolled. While several were injured, she was the only fatality. The band’s director said, “She loved her students, they were her life. I know she died trying to save them.” She will be remembered as someone who died to save others.

What about Christ? He gave His life trying to save others. How much is He remembered? How well is He honored? There are some similarities between Ms. Christensen and Christ, but there are also some important differences.

First of all, look at what Christ gave up. Our greatest desire is to go to heaven. Christ was there and left it to come here! “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). I do not want to minimize this woman’s sacrifice, but she gave up no where near as much as Christ.

Second, think about who each one was trying to save. I do not know the relationship between her and the students. It was obvious she cared for them very much. Were there any strained relationships between her and any of the students? I do not know. However, none of them had hurt her the way we have hurt God with our sins. Nothing these students had done caused her to lose her life. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Third, from what were they saving people? Heather acted to save a few from physical death. Christ died to deliver all mankind from spiritual death. “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Finally, the cross was no accident. When Ms. Christensen left to go on this trip, she had no idea she would be giving up her life before the day was over. I believe her efforts were simply a reaction to an unplanned, unforeseen emergency. She probably did not really even thing about it, she just reacted. Would she have acted differently if there had been time to think it through and plan her next step? We will never know. However, we do know about Christ. He knew His life would lead to the cross. He prophesied about His own death several times. After all, that was the plan all along. “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;” (Acts 2:23).

Heather Christensen will long be remembered and honored for her great sacrifice. Can we do any less for our Lord and Savior?
--Lamar

KEEP YOUR FORKS

A woman had been diagnosed with cancer and had been given three months to live. Her doctor told her to start making preparations to die (something we all should be doing all of the time). She contacted her preacher and had him come to her house to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what she wanted to be wearing. She also told him that she wanted to be buried with her favorite Bible.

Near the end of the conversation she said, “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The preacher did not know what to say. “Does that surprise you?” she asked. He replied, “To be honest, I'm puzzled by the request.” The woman explained. “In all my years of attending church fellowships, potlucks, and other functions where food was involved (and let's be honest, food is an important part of any church event); my favorite part was when whoever was clearing away the dishes of the main course would lean over and say 'you can keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming. When people see me with a fork in my hand and ask, ‘What's with the fork?’ you can tell them: ‘Something better is coming so keep your fork too.’”

It’s true. Something better is coming for the faithful Christian, and it is called heaven. Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). As we live this life, we face the difficulties and uncertainties every day. During the current economic difficulties, some have lost jobs and others are in fear they will. People living on retirement incomes have seen their lifestyles dramatically affected. Even in a good economy, there are still the other trials of life to deal with: sickness, death, job pressures, parents, children, aches and pains, etc.

In heaven, we will not have to worry about such things. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Things will be better. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1). Paul even goes on to say that we are pleased to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Yes, something better is coming, so be sure to keep your forks.
--Lamar

THE POWER OF WORDS

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Many of you probably remember this verse from childhood. Perhaps you have used it when others were calling you names and in other ways using words to hurt you. When I was growing up, it was very popular. There is one big problem with it; it is a lie! Words do hurt and we need to be aware of the power of words. Words are the tools with which we work and for this reason we should learn to use them well. We should strive to become the master of our words as a carpenter does the ruler, hammer, and saw. What we build with our words is far more important than what the carpenter may build with tools.

James tells us in chapter 3 that the tongue is very dangerous. Our words can be used as powerful weapons or as effective tools. Every Christian should strive to be an expert in the use of their words. The person that is a master of words may be the master of any situation (James 3:2).

It has been said that thoughts are the children of your brain and words are the garments they wear. We must be careful not to dress our thoughts with words that make them look like tramps. Words are powerful. They can wreck homes, destroy lives, ruin businesses, and leave a congregation torn asunder. In most congregations that have had trouble, it was started by words that should never have been uttered.

Words can stir the human emotions and passions. Words can bring heartaches and tears. Some of the deepest wounds ever made in the human heart were slashed with biting and unkind words. Words can bring joy and cover faces with smiles. Many a soul that has lost the joy of living and sunk in the depths of despair has been saved from ruin and destruction by kind words. We admire the doctor that may use a surgeon’s tools to save a life and yet we have within our grasp tools that may not only save a physical life, but a soul from ruin and destruction.

Is it any wonder the Psalmist said, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). We would do well to utter this prayer at the beginning of each day and of each conversation. Our words will justify or condemn us (Matthew 12:36-37). Our words are the revelation of what is in our hearts Matthew 12:34-35). The best way to control our lips is to control our hearts.
--Lamar

ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?

From time to time, we sing the song with the above title. It asks a vital question that every person must answer. If you have not been washed in the blood, you have not been redeemed, for “redemption is through His blood,” (Ephesians 1:7). If you are not washed in the blood, you are still in your sins, because forgiveness is also through His blood (Ephesians 1:7). If you die without being washed in His blood, you cannot live with God in heaven for the ones in heaven are: “...the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14). So each one must ask and answer “Am I washed in the blood of the Lamb?”

Not If You Are An Unbeliever
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). The unbeliever will die in his sins. His only hope is to give up his unbelief and turn to Christ’s blood for remission. If he does not, he must be doomed forever.

Not If You Are Not Penitent
Jesus came to save people from their sins, not in their sins (Matthew 1:21). The blood removes the guilt of sin only for those who cease the practice of sin. Jesus says in Luke 13:3, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. John 3:16 tells us that God gave His Son that the world might not perish. Since God gave His Son that the world might not perish, but those who refuse to repent will perish, it is obvious that the impenitent have not been washed in the blood. If you have not repented of your sins, then you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Have Not Confessed Christ
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10: 10). If confession is essential to salvation, and it is, then confession is necessary in order to be washed in the blood, since salvation is by the blood. If not, why not? If you have never confessed Christ, you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Have Not Been Baptized
The people in Acts 2:38 were told to “be baptized for the remission of sins.” Baptism stood between them and the remission of sins, but remission of sins is through the blood; therefore, baptism stood between them and the blood. We are “baptized into His death.” “We are buried with Him THROUGH BAPTISM INTO DEATH,” (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism stands between one and the death of Christ, or the merits of His blood. Therefore, baptism stands between one and the blood of Christ. If you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins, you are not washed in the blood.

Not If You Are Not In The Lord’s Church
Christ died for the church (Ephesians 5:25). He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). If you are not in His church, you are not bought by the blood. If you are not bought by the blood, you are not saved by (or washed in) His blood.

Looking to God’s word as the standard, are you washed in the blood?
--Lamar

STRENGTH FOR LIVING

STRENGTH FOR LIVING

Over the last several months, we have been dealing with a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety because of the economic situation. Even in these difficult times, most of us are greatly blessed, compared with the rest of the world. However, there is still a great feeling of insecurity. Security and strength for living cannot be found in material things.

If security and strength are not to be found in material things, where are they? We can find the answer in Isaiah 30:15. "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not."
Jerusalem was being threatened and the people wanted strength and security. They were making alliances with other nations, hoping these would ward off invasion, and thereby give them strength and security. Isaiah knew these alliances would not bring safety. He tells them where it could be found. He points out two things that are necessary: quietness and confidence. Here in simple words we find the formula for security.

Quietness
Most of us know little or nothing of quietness of life. We are always in a hurry. We may not know where we are going, but we have to get there in a hurry. Even when we are at home, we have to have the television or some other noisemaker going. This could well be described as the age of noise. This is without a doubt one of the reasons for our insecurity. We need to learn to be quiet. Quietness turns our minds toward God. The Psalmist said, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). Quietness and stillness cause sober reflection, and sober thinking leads the mind to God. The quiet person comes to realize that God is the source of strength and security.

Confidence
This is the second part of Isaiah’s formula for strength and security, and he gives them in the proper order. The person that has confidence in God is the one who meditates; the one who is thoughtful. No one can shut himself off from the world, and in with God, without it leading to confidence or trust in Him. The imprint of His hand is upon all that He has made. That hand has never lost a battle, nor failed in its purpose. When this is felt deep down in the soul, it brings confidence; for when I believe this, if I am a Christian, I know that hand holds me and all will be well.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Philippians 4:6-7 - 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do you want more security in your life? Insert some quietness in your life and place your confidence in God rather than self or material things.
--Lamar

WE NEED MORE BEREANS

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Paul is on his second missionary journey and has traveled from Thessalonica to Berea. Luke, in this verse, commends the Bereans as more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica. Why?

First, they were good listeners. They received the word. One of the more difficult abilities to develop is that of being a good listener. Jesus warned of the danger of hearing while not hearing (Matthew 13:14). Good communication involves both good talking and good listening. If I do not listen well to what you are saying, how well you say it makes little difference. Sometimes people complain that they got little from the worship service. Sometimes it may be a true statement. However, the next time you start to make such a statement ask yourself, “How well was I listening?”

Second, they were open minded. They received the word with all readiness. They were honest enough to accept the truth when convinced it was the truth. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I know what the Bible says, but I just don’t believe it?” They lack an open mind. We should never close our minds, but always be willing to make an honest examination. We must be careful not to be so open minded that we accept anything without honest examination. You should never be so open minded that your brains fall out. Open mindedness and caution go together. The truth has nothing to fear from open, honest study and inquiry. We should look for the facts, face the facts, and then follow the facts.

Third, they examined what they were taught by the Scriptures. They searched the Scriptures daily. They did not just accept what they were taught. They checked it out with God’s word. The word “search” means to “examine up or through, from the bottom to the top.” The Greek word for “read” means to know exactly. That is why Jesus was able to ask the Pharisees in Matthew 12, “Have you not read?” They had looked at the Scriptures, but they had not read them. Do we read to know exactly what the Bible teaches or do we just look at it?
--Lamar

THE WISE MEN

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:1-2). These men may have been called wise men because they studied the stars. But the story of their following the star to Bethlehem suggests another kind of wisdom; one that is so often forgotten by multitudes of people.

These men showed wisdom by their willingness to be led by something above, the star. Paul wrote, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Many today do consider this wise, but completely foolish. Rather than having our eyes glued to earthly things, let us focus our lives on spiritual things, things above.

These men realized there were longings within them that could be satisfied only by finding Christ and worshipping Him. It has been said that every human heart has a hole in it that can only be filled by Christ. There are cravings that can be satisfied only by spiritual things. One can fill his life with all the pleasures of this world and still hunger for more. Think of Solomon. What would we thing of someone who tried to satisfy the physical needs, hunger for example, by reading a book or singing a song? While those things man be useful activities, they will do nothing to satisfy the physical needs. The same is true of trying to satisfy our spiritual appetites with physical things. It will not work.

These men saw the star God gave them to show the way. However, He left them free to choose whether they would follow it or not. They showed their wisdom by choosing to follow the way and find Christ. It is the same with us. We are free to choose to stay or go, but is it wise to refuse to go in search of that which all of us need most? Our greatest need is not for groceries, nor a doctor, but a Savior. Is one wise that uses his freedom to ignore his need of a Savior, or refuse to go in search of a Savior?

These men were wise in that they did not let anything block their path that led to Bethlehem. It was likely a long, difficult journey for them to reach Bethlehem. There were difficult roads, hills to climb, and valleys to cross to reach their destination. There were determined to reach their destination no matter what. What do we let get in our way of reaching Christ? There are always hills to climb and valleys to cross and there are too many that are ready to let these block their path. The world with its barriers will stand between us and Christ. We must be willing to walk over or around these to find Him.

The goal of the wise men was to reach Jesus and they would not allow anything to sidetrack them. They stopped at Jerusalem, but not to stay. They continued their journey until they reached the place where He lay. Too many times we start to find Him, but get sidetracked on the way. We read in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” There are many things Satan will use to sidetrack us. We must be wise and not allow ourselves to get sidetracked along the way.

Finally, look at what these men said in verse 2, “we have come to worship Him.” They did not say we have come to see Him, to receive a blessing, to have Him do something for us, but we have come to worship Him. We will be wise to do likewise. Let all that we do be for the purpose of praising and glorifying our Savior.

Are we wise?
--Lamar

HOW DO WE ANSWER?

Most of us are familiar with the story the beheading of John. Herod was celebrating his birthday and the daughter of Herodias came in and danced for him. As a result, he promised her whatever she wanted. So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” (Mark 6:24). Many sermons have been preached on Herod’s rash vow and on the evils of dancing as shown by the daughter of Herodias. I would like to take the question the girl asked her mother and the answer given and make some practical applications for us.

Young people like to ask questions. The harder the question is to answer, the better they like it. Just as the daughter of Herodias wanted to know from her mother what to ask for, our young people are asking, “What shall I ask of life?” This question is being asked of parents, preachers, elders, and teachers. How do we answer such questions? Are we prepared to answer them? The answer Herodias gave was in keeping with the hatred she had in her heart. The answer we give will be likewise, in keeping with what is in our hearts.

Do we answer by saying, “Be a social success”? Do not many parents push their children into things for the sole purpose of wanting them to climb the ladder of social prominence? We allow, and even encourage, them to participate in activities they should not because we want them to be accepted and popular.

Do we answer by saying, “I want you to be rich?” There is no wrong in preparation for a useful job in life. However, we must not leave the impression that the chief aim of life is to make money. We may not tell them in words that material things are the most important things in life, but when we seek material things first and the kingdom of God last, they know what we are telling them.

Do we answer by saying, “Obtain a secular education”? Our young people know when we think that math, science, and other such subjects are more important than Bible knowledge. Do we see that they have their school lessons, but never see that they prepare their Bible lessons? Do we encourage them to stay home on Wednesday night and study their school lessons instead of seeing that they prepare and attend Bible classes? They know what this answer means.

Do we answer by saying, “Ask of life that you may be a Christian first, second, and last? Ask of life that you may be a Christian in the Bible sense of the word, not in its watered-down meaning of our day. Ask for the opportunities to serve and not to be served. Ask of life the chance to make the world a little better place to live in because you are passing through.”

“(B)rought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother” (Mark 6:28). Picture the scene of this damsel coming to her mother and saying, “Here is what you wanted most of all.” Some day our children will come back to us with their lives saying, “This is what you wanted.” Will they come back to us with lives that have been a blessing? Will they come back to us with lives that are full of the satisfaction that can only come from real Christian living? Will they bring back to us a life that is materialistic and void of faith in God? How we answer their questions will determine what they bring back.
--Lamar

WHY ARE SO MANY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH WORLDLY?

A couple of weeks ago, we considered the problem of worldliness and what worldliness really is. Today, I want to ask the question of why worldliness is a problem in the church.

The first cause is a failure to properly evaluate life. Too many members of the church have not learned the real values of life. They are interested in finding happiness, but do not know where it is to be found. It has never dawned on them that happiness is determined by what one is, not by what one has. Look at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and note the emphasis on character. Someone describes Paul in prison as follows:
“With life and all that men count dear behind, and with the horrors of a barbarous death
before him—alone, unfriended, unsuccored, he is yet the happiest man in Rome. Among the
millions within her wide walls, not another heart is so buoyant with hope, so lifted with joy.”
This was true of Paul because he had learned life’s value. He was happy because of what he was.

A second reason is a failure to reach our potential in Christian living. Life will not remain a vacuum. It will be filled with something. If all Christians would make a determined effort to fill their lives with good, there would not be any place for the worldly. Too many are satisfied to just “get in” the church, and then do as little as possible! The natural result from such is to fill the void that is left with worldliness. God knew what He was doing when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). This is not just an arbitrary command. It has as its basis the building of a life that is spiritual. The way to get worldliness out is to put something in its place.

A third reason is indifference. This is perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to the solution of the problem. It is so much easier to travel the path of least resistance than it is to find out whether it is right or not. So many members of the church live day after day caring not that they have no influence for good, and not interested in learning why. They are afraid if they get interested it will upset their own lives, and they just do not want this to happen.

A fourth reason is that there are some who do not want to pay the price that is necessary to be spiritual. One young woman, who having observed the charming life and broad influence of a fine Christian woman, went to her and said, “I would give the world if I could only have your influence.” The lady replied, “That is exactly what it costs.”

A fifth reason is that many are guided by custom rather than the Bible. There are many members of the church who want to hear the Bible on the plan of salvation, the church and its organization, and worship; but, they do not want to hear the Bible on worldliness. Do they ever give chapter and verse for their worldly practices? No. Their theme song is: “Everybody else is doing it.” “I can’t see any harm in it.” That is exactly what denominational people say about instrumental music. Why reject their plea for instrumental music and then turn right around and use their old worn-out arguments for your worldly practices? Then some say, “I can do it and it won’t hurt me.” Suppose you could. Can a conscientious Christian be happy when he knows he is giving his time and lending his influence in that which degrades more than it uplifts? Let us face the threat of worldliness and build lives that are spiritual.
--Lamar

WORLDLINESS

I believe one of the greatest problems facing the church today is worldliness. I am convinced that the majority of our problems, individually and collectively, are rooted in this one problem. I believe worldliness is at the bottom of the problems of attendance, small contributions, and the lack of development in Christians.

Our definition of worldliness has been too narrow. I am afraid that preachers and teachers have contributed toward worldliness by leaving the wrong impression. Too often we have confined the term to some few things, which were certainly worldly, but were far from covering everything that should be included in the term. Many members of the church think that because they do not dance, or wear immodest clothes, and a few other similar things, they are not worldly, yet in God’s sight they are. I do not mean to suggest by this that these things are not worldly and that they should not be condemned, but we should not leave the impression that worldliness is confined to these. When John says, “Love not the world,” just how broad is that? Is it confined to some few things, or does it cover all that belongs to the world?

What is “worldliness”? Worldliness is sin. Worldliness is conforming to the world. Worldliness is anything that is opposed to being transformed. Worldliness is “worldlikeness” in anything. Worldliness is anything that is not Christlike or that hinders “Christlikeness.” Worldliness is a wedge that sin drives into the heart of the member of the church, disuniting his own will and God’s will for him, making his actions incompatible with his spiritual potential because he allows selfish interests to usurp the place of God in his life.

Worldliness, the opposite of spirituality, is an obsession with temporal, material things. Worldliness is a force that sidetracks the Christian from his greatest privilege and his greatest function. When one persists in worldliness, he will inevitably decrease in spiritual perception. Worldliness is majoring on the temporal rather than the spiritual.

Worldliness is a cancer which creates an indifference to moral values, a “no-difference” attitude about right or wrong. It makes a person insensitive to real abiding values and, in most cases, unsteady in Christian life. Worldliness splits an individual’s loyalties, making him selfish, spiritually indifferent, careless, near-sighted, and complacent.

What is your primary concern? Is it to be a social leader, prominent, comfortable, wealthy, popular, living in ease, spending all of your free time in some sort of pleasure that may be right in itself, or is it to be the best Christian possible? These things may be worthy of attainment, but not to the neglect of spiritual growth. Let us keep in mind that worldliness is the opposite of spirituality; an obsession with temporal and material things to the detriment of spiritual growth. One does not have to be knee-deep in sin to be worldly. The person who considers himself a “pretty good fellow,” but whose ideals are material and self-centered is a worldly person.
--Lamar

MUST WE FORGIVE?

In our class last Sunday we discussed forgiveness in the family. In the course of the discussion the question was asked if we are to forgive someone before they repent or ask for forgiveness. We had a good discussion, but I wanted to develop it a little further.

First of all, what is forgiveness? I did not do a good job of fully explaining this in class. We talked about it being the releasing or letting go of something. We must determine what the something is that we are to let go. We talked about the letting go of bitter feelings and the desire for revenge, but this is not forgiveness of sins. What if you do not experience such feelings? If the release of those feelings is forgiveness and you never experience them, then you cannot release them so you cannot forgive. What about God? When He forgives us, is He releasing bitter feelings and desire for revenge? Certainly not. Forgiveness is the releasing of sins, the sending of sins away and the restoration of a peaceful relationship which the offence interrupted. Unless the offender wants this relationship to be restored, it is impossible to do so no matter how much the offended may want it.

Some will respond that the Lord says we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. That is certainly true. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). I am fairly certain there will be some people who will stand condemned on the day of judgment because they were unwilling to forgive others.

However, we must consider all that Jesus says about forgiveness. He also said, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). There is no doubt that we must be willing to forgive one another, but Jesus places a condition on that forgiveness: “if he repents.” Without repentance, there is no requirement for forgiveness.

Let me also say something about repeated forgiveness. In the text in Luke Jesus says that if a brother sins against seven times in a day and repents seven times, we are to forgive him each and every time. Some of us would probably question his sincerity in repenting by the seventh time, but we are not given any such prerogative. We must simply accept the repentance and forgive and leave the judgment of sincerity to God.

As Christians, are we to have a forgiving spirit, always ready to forgive one another? Yes. Are we to go beyond a willing spirit and actually forgive one another? Certainly. However, such forgiveness can only take place when the guilty party repents.
--Lamar

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD

The place was Bethany beyond Jordan where John was baptizing. When John saw Jesus coming he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)!

What an announcement! Since the fall in Eden the weight of sin had been on mankind. The blood of thousands of bulls and goats could not remove it (Hebrews 10:4). The prophets had foretold of a Messiah who would bring deliverance, making the crimson stain of sin as white as wool (Isaiah 1:18). Now He had come!

The word “gospel” means “good news.” The gospel of Christ is the good news about Christ. The preaching of the gospel has the aim of making men see Jesus as the Lamb of God, who saves men from sin. The story briefly told is simply that God sent His own Son into the world as a Savior. He ministered among the people for a short time and then was crucified. Those who killed Him did it with malice; but God intended His death to be a sacrifice for sin. He was buried and then raised from the dead. Soon He ascended back to heaven, but first He commissioned the preach­ing of the gospel to all men, promising that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” (Mark 16:16). He now reigns at the right hand of the Father, ever living to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

The figure of a lamb is used to describe Christ because lambs were offered as sacrifices under the Law of Moses. The shedding of His blood was indicative of the loss of His life. Salvation is by the blood of the Lamb because He died for us. The righteous justice of God demanded that the penalty of sin be paid. But God’s mercy provided that Christ pay the penalty for us. The apostle Peter writes, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). And John says, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

In Revelation, chapter 7, we find a description of a beautiful scene in heaven. There is an innumerable host of people from all nations. The record says, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).

We can offer nothing as the hope of mankind except Jesus Christ. The answer for sin and all the world’s related ills is not to be found in science, philosophy, or government. Try as they may, those who reject the Savior will find no other solution. The “good news” is that Jesus will truly save those who come to Him in believing submission.

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
--Lamar

A GREAT WORK

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the five young people who went on the trip to Cochran last week. These young men and women: Tyler Christensen, Walter King, Kieanna Knight, Andy Powell, & Tabitha Sharit, are to be commended for their willingness to sacrifice some of their summer and their desire to share the gospel with others. They knocked on the doors of about 200 homes, inviting them to the gospel meeting. They also gave a copy of the DVD “Searching for Truth” to each home. They took names and addresses of those who showed some interest for the Cochran congregation to follow up. All of this was done in 90 and 100 degree weather without complaint. The congregation here at St. Mary’s should consider ourselves blessed to have these fine young people in our midst.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). While Jesus is speaking directly in this passage to His apostles, He is urging all Christians of every age to be busy in spreading the gospel to the world around us. This was accomplished to some degree by these young people last weekend.
As I stated before, they were willing to sacrifice a part of their summer. How many times, when asked to participate in a work of the church, have you responded, “I am too busy,” or “I just don’t have the time?” Sometimes we just need to make a sacrifice and make the time to do a good work.

This work was done in very hot and humid conditions. On Friday afternoon, while we were out we drove by a thermometer that read 102 degrees. In addition, the vehicle they were using did not have air conditioning (I think that was the case). When the group I was with finished walking a few blocks, we were able to go back and get in an air conditioned vehicle. These young people walked several blocks in the heat and their relief was to climb into a vehicle that was not much, if any, cooler.

We also see their willingness to step out of their comfort zone. This was a first for most, if not all, of these young people. It is not easy to walk through a neighborhood, knocking on doors, and talking to complete strangers. Most of us have a hard enough time talking to people we know about the gospel. I am sure they were a little nervous when they started, but they went ahead and did it anyway. How often do we miss an opportunity to share the gospel with someone because it would cause us to step out of our comfort zone?

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). There is no doubt these young people were an example to us all in this effort.
--Lamar

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Once upon eternity, Above the clouds so high;
There were some chosen angels Who had no wings to fly.
Their hands were made for helping, Their hearts were tender too;
Their smiles were warm and happy, And glowed as halos do.
So God sent down these angels Who differed from the others;
To spread their gentle love on earth; And now we call them mothers.
-Author Unknown

Today is the day set aside to honor our mothers. Many cards, flowers, and other gifts have been purchased. Restaurants will be busy this afternoon. While there is nothing wrong with buying your mother, or the mother of your children, a nice present and a card, is that all there is to it? Is taking her to a nice restaurant really the best way to honor mother? I think we all realize there is much more involved. What is the best way to celebrate Mothers Day? How do we truly honor our mothers?

Obey her. I can remember as a child growing up that my mother expected us to do what she said, when she said. I cannot ever remember my mother counting to three, or ten, after she told me to do something. I am not saying she never told me twice to do something, but if she told me more than once there were consequences. The Bible still says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). I am not sure when or where we came up with the idea that disobedient children should not be disciplined, but it has caused many heartaches. Young people, I can pretty much guarantee you that you will not always agree with your mother. You will not always want to do what she tells you to do. So what? Do it anyway. As long as it is not wrong in God’s eyes. you must obey her. Failure to do so is sin.

Honor her. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2). The time comes when children become adults and move away from home. The time comes when children grow up and make their own decisions, mom and dad cannot do it for them. This is when our relationship with our mother moves away from obedience and more towards respect and honor. Respect should certainly be a part of our childhood relationship, but it takes on a greater role in adulthood. We grow beyond obeying everything our mother tells us, but we never outgrow the responsibility to respect her.

Make it a daily habit. If Mothers Day is the only time you give your mother any thanks and honor, then you are missing the point. It is necessary that you show her love, respect, and appreciation every day of the year. Is the second Sunday in May the only day she acts as a mother, showering you with love and devotion? If she did, would you not question her love for you as a child? The same is true in reverse. If this is the only day you show you mother any love and appreciation, something is very wrong. Make it a point every day to tell her, and show her, how much you love and appreciate her.

Happy Mothers Day!
--Lamar

SELF RENEWAL IN OUR GOSPEL MEETING

The elders recently spoke to the congregation about the focus for this year: self renewal. While it is true that we want to focus on the lost (the lost sheep and those outside the church) during this effort, we also can be benefited during this time. I would like for you to think along with me for the next few minutes as to how we can use this meeting to evangelize Camden County and to enhance our self renewal in the congregation.

Resolve to be involved. There was a time when gospel meetings would fill up a building with both church and community members. In today’s world, it is getting harder and harder to get community members to attend. However, that is not all. It is also getting harder to get members of the church to attend. Does it surprise you that your neighbor is not interested in attending when he sees that you are indifferent? Some have suggested that you are doing well if you can get half of the members to attend. We have done better that that in the past and I am confident we will do better than 50% next week. I am sure brother Blackwell will be well prepared and 100% involved in this effort. Can we do any less?

Educate others. Tell everyone you know about the gospel meeting. There are flyers you can use as well as “House To House” papers with an ad on the back. I am sure there is at least one person you want to hear the gospel. This is your chance. You may say, “They will not come if I invite them.” That may or may not be the case, but it is almost an absolute guarantee they will not come if you do not invite them.

Never give up. It is easy to become discouraged. The person you invite declines or says they will come but do not. A person you have been studying with ends the study without obeying the gospel or by attending a denomination. A dear loved one who has fallen away refuses to come back. These are a few things that can cause disappointment and frustration. Keep living the Christian life before them, keep inviting them, and keep praying for them. You never know what God might be able to do. There was a man in my hometown when I was growing up who had a problem with alcohol. He stayed drunk about as much as he stayed sober. His wife was a faithful Christian through the years. She did everything she could to encourage him to obey the gospel and to leave the alcohol alone. Every preacher in the congregation spent time trying to teach and convict him of his need. It seemed like he would never change and everyone was doubtful he would ever become a Christian. However, people kept praying and trying. Eventually, only a few years before his death, he obeyed the gospel. He spent the remainder of his life living for Christ. What would have happened if his wife and everyone else had given up?

Energize the church. Every one has probably seen the “Energizer Bunny” who just keeps going and going. Could you, as a Christian, be described in that way? Excitement and zeal are contagious. If your fire is burning bright, there is a good chance others in the church will catch fire also. This meeting is a chance for you to use your energy to fire up the church, especially in reaching the lost.

Wait on God. Put you faith and trust in Jehovah. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in self-renewal. We either want to do it for ourselves, or we want God to do it but on our schedule. Put your life, and the lives of friends and loved ones, totally in His hands. Do all the planting and watering you can possibly do, and leave the increase up to God (1 Corinthians 3:6).

As you endeavor to put these into practice, not only will it benefit others, but you will also find a renewed spirit within yourself. Use this gospel meeting as an opportunity to invite friends to hear the gospel, but also use it as an opportunity for self renewal.
--Lamar

YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE

Perhaps you have heard someone, when asked for directions, say, “You can’t get there from here.” Of course, the statement is not meant literally. The person is saying that the destination desired cannot be reached by a simple, direct route. There may be many turns, crooked curvy roads, or other difficulties. Considering our salvation, you can get there from here. I am not saying living a Christian life is easy, but the directions and instructions are simple, readily available, and easy to understand and follow.

In regards to our initial salvation from sin, the Bible gives clear instructions. In Ephesians 1:3 we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Paul says every spiritual blessing is in Christ. That would certainly include forgiveness from our sins. If we want to reach the destination of salvation, we must enter Christ. How do we enter Christ? Again, the Scriptures give the answer. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). The Bible says we are baptized into Christ. That baptism is based on hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17), believing in Jesus (John 8:24), repenting of sin (Acts 17:30), and orally confessing your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). That is it. If you will do these things, you are in Christ, you are forgiven, you are saved.

That is not all there is to salvation, however. Once you have obeyed the previous commands, you must live the Christian life. Do you realize over half of the New Testament is primarily written to Christians instructing them on living a Christian life. It is not an easy task, but the instructions are straightforward (Romans 12; Galatians 5:21-22; Ephesians 4:25-32; 2 Peter 1:5-8; 1 John 1:5-10). These passages, and many others, will instruct us in living the Christian life in such a way that we can remain a faithful member of the body of Christ.

All of this leads us to our final destination, heaven. In John 14:2-3, Jesus says that he is going to prepare a place for us and that He will come again and receive us into that place. It has been said that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. You will not enter heaven by accident. It will take much effort, diligence, and patience, but you can get there from here. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
--Lamar

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

There are battles we face in life that are fought and won in a short time: passing tests, playing games, solving a puzzle in the newspaper, or winning at a sporting event. We engage in these battles and occupy our time with them at least in part because they grant us instant satisfaction and a measure of self confidence.

Other battles involve more time in fighting and winning: graduating from high school or college, getting a promotion at work, rearing children, achieving retirement. These battles are of greater importance because there is a significant achievement providing a greater and more lasting sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. With each of these two types of battles, we can win the battle and move on to other things.

However, there are some battles that are continuing struggles and we will never completely win the battle until death. They are constant battles that require daily efforts and struggles on our part. For a society that is accustomed to seeing complex crimes solved in one hour on television, sporting events started in finished in two or three hours, and completing the sudoku in 30 minutes, the longevity of these battles is hard to accept. We only win this battle by continuing to fight.

Wanda and I have been trying to establish a daily habit of exercising, and also being a little more careful in our diet to lose some weight. This is not a battle you can fight for a few hours, or a few days, or a few weeks, or even a few years. It is a battle you must continue fighting. A while back, we were walking about two miles six days a week. The exercise helped us feel better and actually helped us watch our diet. We both started losing some weight. Then, things got a little hectic in our schedule and we missed a few days. Before long it was a week and then months since we had exercised on a daily basis. Guess what happened. The weight loss stopped. We had quit fighting the battle.

The Christian life is this kind of battle. It is not one to be fought and won today, but an ongoing fight. Some might find it discouraging, but I think just the opposite is true. If we accept the fact that our battle is an ongoing one, I believe we will have a great weight lifted from our shoulders. The person who is constantly telling himself, “I gave to win today!” will soon be hopeless and give up. If Wanda and I try to achieve our goal of losing weight and being in better shape in a matter of days, or weeks, we will be doomed to failure. Why? Because it is a battle that continues to be fought even after we have achieved some measure of success. The same is true of the Christian life. As we struggle and battle each day, we can achieve some measure of success. However, we must continue the battle tomorrow or we will gain nothing, and may even lose what was gained yesterday. Paul told Timothy, “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). It was a battle that Paul was only expecting Timothy to win by continuing to fight it, and the same is true for us today.

Today we fight the battle. Our victory is through our faith on a daily basis (1 John 5:4). If we continue the battle, we will overcome.
--Lamar

GOD BLESS AMERICA?

Some of you may have listened Tuesday evening as our President addressed both Houses of Congress and the nation about our current economic situation. Following his speech, Mr. Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana, gave a response. Both of them acknowledged the seriousness of the current situation and offered solutions. Although I may be over simplifying, the basic message I got from Mr. Obama is that we need to rely on the government for a solution. Meanwhile, Mr. Jindal promoted the idea that government’s role should be limited and the answer lies in the people. I do not want this article to be a political debate, but there was one thing that concerned me. While I did not listen to either speech entirely, the only time I heard God’s name mentioned was at the end of the governor’s speech when he said, “God bless America.” Can we really expect God to bless this country when we have turned our backs on Him?

For some time, there has been the effort to have God removed from the public eye completely. Prayer was removed from the schools many years ago. The theory of evolution is the only option for the explanation of the universe that can be taught in many school systems. Most of you remember the Alabama judge who lost his job because he refused to remove the ten commandments from the courthouse. Also, remember the court in California that ruled the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Some have also tried to have “In God We Trust” removed from our currency. It is almost to the point where the only time you can mention God is to ask for His blessings on the country.

God and His word are being removed from our moral code. In one recent Gallup Poll, the respondents were asked if they found the following morally acceptable or not: divorce – 65%; stem cell research using human embryos – 64%; gambling – 63%; sex between an unmarried man and woman – 59%; having a baby outside of marriage – 54%; same sex unions – 57%. When we are refusing to listen to God’s word on these, and other, moral issues, what right do we have to ask Him to bless our country?

God is also missing in our homes. Think about the situation in your own home. How much time do you spend working? School? Watching TV? Computer (playing games, facebook, etc)? Sports? Exercising? Reading? How much time do you spend in worship, prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual activities? When you spend time with your children, what are you doing? If we neglect God in our homes, should we really expect Him to bless them?

“If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, Then you shall not be moved.2 And you shall swear, ‘The Lord lives,’ In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory” (Jeremiah 4:1-2)
--Lamar

PEACE IN THE CHURCH

In Philippians 2:5, the apostle Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” One important ingredient in a successful church is a prevailing attitude of peace. This does not mean the total absence of conflict. Anytime you have a group of people together, you will have disagreements (there are times I am not sure I agree with myself). The problem is not necessarily the conflict itself, but how we handle it. If there is an abiding desire for peace, we will find a way to work it out. In the passage mentioned above, Paul reveals the secret: have the mind of Christ. What is involved in having the mind of Christ? How will it contribute to peace? There are four things mentioned in Philippians 2 that are involved in having the mind of Christ that will develop a loving, abiding peace among His people.

First of all, we must have the same love (verse 2). Two things come to mind when I think of the phrase “having the same love.” One thing I think of is that we all have the same love for one another. Loving one another in the church is absolutely essential (John 13:34-35). Paul says that we can have great faith and do great things, but without love it is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). However, I also think there may be something else here. Perhaps Paul is encouraging us to have the same for one another as did Christ. If I love you as you love me, what happens if you do not love me? However, if my love for you is the same as Christ, it will be an unconditional, sacrificial love. When we have that kind of love for one another, peace will prevail.

Second, we must be of one mind (verse 2). Again, this does not mean we will never disagree, but that we will not be disagreeable. There are some people who simply have a belligerent attitude. They are looking for a fight and will argue about anything at the drop of a hat. My mother used to say, “You would argue with a sign post after you put the sign post up.” We need to have an agreeable nature. What was foremost in the mind of Christ? Doing the Father’s will (John 4:34). If we will have that same mind, peace will prevail.

Third, we must be unselfish (verses 3-4). It is not unusual to find a small child who is the center of his/her universe. Everything should be done in their way, on their schedule. Everything in sight, and sometimes things out of sight, is “Mine! Mine! Mine!” The problem is when a child is never taught and never grows out of such an attitude. Unfortunately, we have the same problem in the church. Elmer Morgan writes, “All too often, all the babies aren’t in the church nursery. They are in the pews in grown up clothes, crying, “More for me, more for me.” Where would we be if Christ had that attitude? He gave up everything, including His life, for me. We need to look out more for the interests of others, and peace will prevail.

Finally, we must be humble (verses 6-8). Peace cannot survive where there is pride and superiority. “I am the (preacher, elder, oldest member, last charter member, etc.), so my opinion counts for more. Jesus left heaven and equality with God (John 1:1-3, 14). He came to this earth as a man and obediently submitted to death on the cross. He did not insist on having His way. He did not claim such a task was beneath Him and someone else should do it. He humbly submitted. We cannot have peace in the church if I think I am more important than others, or if I think I am too good for a certain task. We must be willing to empty ourselves of all pride and arrogance, and peace will prevail.
--Lamar
In Philippians 2:5, the apostle Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” One important ingredient in a successful church is a prevailing attitude of peace. This does not mean the total absence of conflict. Anytime you have a group of people together, you will have disagreements (there are times I am not sure I agree with myself). The problem is not necessarily the conflict itself, but how we handle it. If there is an abiding desire for peace, we will find a way to work it out. In the passage mentioned above, Paul reveals the secret: have the mind of Christ. What is involved in having the mind of Christ? How will it contribute to peace? There are four things mentioned in Philippians 2 that are involved in having the mind of Christ that will develop a loving, abiding peace among His people.

First of all, we must have the same love (verse 2). Two things come to mind when I think of the phrase “having the same love.” One thing I think of is that we all have the same love for one another. Loving one another in the church is absolutely essential (John 13:34-35). Paul says that we can have great faith and do great things, but without love it is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). However, I also think there may be something else here. Perhaps Paul is encouraging us to have the same for one another as did Christ. If I love you as you love me, what happens if you do not love me? However, if my love for you is the same as Christ, it will be an unconditional, sacrificial love. When we have that kind of love for one another, peace will prevail.

Second, we must be of one mind (verse 2). Again, this does not mean we will never disagree, but that we will not be disagreeable. There are some people who simply have a belligerent attitude. They are looking for a fight and will argue about anything at the drop of a hat. My mother used to say, “You would argue with a sign post after you put the sign post up.” We need to have an agreeable nature. What was foremost in the mind of Christ? Doing the Father’s will (John 4:34). If we will have that same mind, peace will prevail.

Third, we must be unselfish (verses 3-4). It is not unusual to find a small child who is the center of his/her universe. Everything should be done in their way, on their schedule. Everything in sight, and sometimes things out of sight, is “Mine! Mine! Mine!” The problem is when a child is never taught and never grows out of such an attitude. Unfortunately, we have the same problem in the church. Elmer Morgan writes, “All too often, all the babies aren’t in the church nursery. They are in the pews in grown up clothes, crying, “More for me, more for me.” Where would we be if Christ had that attitude? He gave up everything, including His life, for me. We need to look out more for the interests of others, and peace will prevail.

Finally, we must be humble (verses 6-8). Peace cannot survive where there is pride and superiority. “I am the (preacher, elder, oldest member, last charter member, etc.), so my opinion counts for more. Jesus left heaven and equality with God (John 1:1-3, 14). He came to this earth as a man and obediently submitted to death on the cross. He did not insist on having His way. He did not claim such a task was beneath Him and someone else should do it. He humbly submitted. We cannot have peace in the church if I think I am more important than others, or if I think I am too good for a certain task. We must be willing to empty ourselves of all pride and arrogance, and peace will prevail.
--Lamar
In Philippians 2:5, the apostle Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” One important ingredient in a successful church is a prevailing attitude of peace. This does not mean the total absence of conflict. Anytime you have a group of people together, you will have disagreements (there are times I am not sure I agree with myself). The problem is not necessarily the conflict itself, but how we handle it. If there is an abiding desire for peace, we will find a way to work it out. In the passage mentioned above, Paul reveals the secret: have the mind of Christ. What is involved in having the mind of Christ? How will it contribute to peace? There are four things mentioned in Philippians 2 that are involved in having the mind of Christ that will develop a loving, abiding peace among His people.

First of all, we must have the same love (verse 2). Two things come to mind when I think of the phrase “having the same love.” One thing I think of is that we all have the same love for one another. Loving one another in the church is absolutely essential (John 13:34-35). Paul says that we can have great faith and do great things, but without love it is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). However, I also think there may be something else here. Perhaps Paul is encouraging us to have the same for one another as did Christ. If I love you as you love me, what happens if you do not love me? However, if my love for you is the same as Christ, it will be an unconditional, sacrificial love. When we have that kind of love for one another, peace will prevail.

Second, we must be of one mind (verse 2). Again, this does not mean we will never disagree, but that we will not be disagreeable. There are some people who simply have a belligerent attitude. They are looking for a fight and will argue about anything at the drop of a hat. My mother used to say, “You would argue with a sign post after you put the sign post up.” We need to have an agreeable nature. What was foremost in the mind of Christ? Doing the Father’s will (John 4:34). If we will have that same mind, peace will prevail.

Third, we must be unselfish (verses 3-4). It is not unusual to find a small child who is the center of his/her universe. Everything should be done in their way, on their schedule. Everything in sight, and sometimes things out of sight, is “Mine! Mine! Mine!” The problem is when a child is never taught and never grows out of such an attitude. Unfortunately, we have the same problem in the church. Elmer Morgan writes, “All too often, all the babies aren’t in the church nursery. They are in the pews in grown up clothes, crying, “More for me, more for me.” Where would we be if Christ had that attitude? He gave up everything, including His life, for me. We need to look out more for the interests of others, and peace will prevail.

Finally, we must be humble (verses 6-8). Peace cannot survive where there is pride and superiority. “I am the (preacher, elder, oldest member, last charter member, etc.), so my opinion counts for more. Jesus left heaven and equality with God (John 1:1-3, 14). He came to this earth as a man and obediently submitted to death on the cross. He did not insist on having His way. He did not claim such a task was beneath Him and someone else should do it. He humbly submitted. We cannot have peace in the church if I think I am more important than others, or if I think I am too good for a certain task. We must be willing to empty ourselves of all pride and arrogance, and peace will prevail.
--Lamar

FALSE CLICHES

We often like to use clichés in our conversations. A cliché is defined as “a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse.” Some are true, such as, “Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Others are false, and perhaps harmful. “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The cliché I would like for us to think about today is, “What you don’t know will not hurt you.”

How many times have we heard this statement, or said it ourselves? It just is not true. In 1982, seven people died after taking Tylenol which had been poisoned with cyanide. Did any of them know they were taking poison? Probably not. Did their lack of knowledge provide them any safety? Definitely not.

I have also heard this phrase used in religious discussions. It may be said in different ways, but the idea is that if you do not know God’s will about a subject, He will not hold you accountable. One way it is used in by referring to people in a particular area who do not know about Jesus or His gospel. The idea promoted is that since they are ignorant of the gospel, they are in a safe condition with God. Another idea is that if you do not know or understand a particular aspect of the gospel, you will not be held accountable. For example, if you do not know or do not understand that baptism is essential for salvation, you can be saved without being baptized. If you do not know there is one curch, you can be saved in any church.

I am afraid many people are being misled by such thinking. Paul says, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30). The Athenians had built an altar to the unknown god and were worshipping such in ignorance. Paul says that the one they were worshipping without knowing he would declare unto them (Acts 17:23). Were the Athenians safe in their ignorance? If so, were they still safe after Paul preached to them? According to Paul’s statement, they were lost in either situation. There is also something else to consider. Suppose for a moment there is a group of people who have never heard the gospel. If they are safe in their ignorance, the worst thing we could do is teach the gospel to them. They now know the gospel; they no longer have the excuse of ignorance; they are now in a lost condition. If they were safe in their ignorance, the best thing we could have done was to leave them alone.

Ignorance is no excuse, and what you don’t know will hurt you.

--Lamar