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