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

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

The title of this article is also the title of a song recorded many years ago by Andy Williams. This is the time of the year when many are wishing one another, “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas, “Happy New Year.” We talk of joy, peace, and happiness more during this time of the year. Why is this time of the year a time of happiness and cheer for many?

First, many are thinking about Jesus Christ more at this time. The Bible says nothing about the date of Christ’s birth, or about celebrating it. It was an important day (He could not have died if He had not been born), but we do not know when it was. I suppose the chances that Jesus was born on December 25th are about 1 in 365. The celebration of Christmas is man-made. However, I think we would be foolish to say people are not more aware of Christ during this time of the year. Many people determine to be more spiritual and Christ-like during the holidays. People who rarely attend religious services will attend around Christmas. While we would agree that everyone should have these attitudes throughout the year, perhaps we can use this time to convince them of this need. Anytime we can encourage people to think about Christ, it is a good thing.

Second, it is a time for families to be together. One part of the song has these lyrics: “It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be much mistltoeing, And hearts will be glowing, When love ones are near, It's the most wonderful time of the year.” Many families are like mine. They live great distances from each other and have little time to be together. Often, that time is during the holiday season. I can remember as a child being at my grandparents’ house with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. Since I started preaching, we have lived away from family. My two older brothers and their families are in the same situation. For many years, Christmastime has been the time of the year that we have tried to be together.

While it is true that this is the most wonderful time of the year for many people, there are others who struggle through the holidays in loneliness and depression. This time of the year has one of the highest suicide rates. While we are celebrating and enjoying the holidays, let’s all be look for those who are not and reach out to them with loving arms.

--Lamar

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Have you ever been around someone whose conversation was the opposite of these? Their speech is base and vulgar. Compare that with someone whose speech is always honorable, lovely, and pure. What makes the difference? The heart, their thoughts. Have you ever said something and then said, “I didn’t mean that. I didn’t think before I said it.” That is impossible. The things we say come from our thoughts. Jesus said that the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and defile a man (Matthew 15:18).

Paul admonishes us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. We should give every effort to keep our minds controlled by that which is wholesome. One cannot expect to keep his mind pure if he constantly holds his attention on things that are not pure. A dirty story, salacious literature and movies, as well as gossip, are not the kind of things that the pure in heart enjoy. It is a sad commentary on society that pro­moters of filthy literature and entertainment are getting rich doing it.

It is imperative that we fill our minds with good things. It is not enough just to avoid the evil and impure thoughts. If our minds are not used constructively, they will be used destructively. Remember the old saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If we do not actively pursue using our mind for good things, Satan will simply take it and use it for his purposes.

We read in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These sins are first committed in the heart, before the overt act. The sin, therefore, is the child of a corrupt mind. The most vicious crimes may be committed because a person allowed his mind to dwell continually on wickedness. It is not surprising that the Scriptures warn so plainly of the danger of thinking about the wrong things.
Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Psalms 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in
Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

What are you thinking?

--Lamar

MISPLACED VALUES

There has been much in the news for the last several weeks about the current economic crisis. People are losing their jobs, their investments and pensions, and their homes. Some are losing their hope. I think part of the problem is we have misplaced values. We need to realize there are some things that are worth much more than other things. We need to find out what the more valuable things are and place our focus on these things. I am not suggesting that we totally ignore the financial situation and bury our heads in the sand, but we do need to get our priorities straight. Because sometimes the things that are really worth the least are more precious in the hearts of men.

In Isaiah 5:20, we have this reading: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” It is tragic when men confuse themselves as to what is good and what is bad. The prophet said they call evil good; and they call good evil. They exalted the worthless and degrading; and belittled things were good. If this seems strange, only recall that this is the common course of mankind. For instance, money and material goods have become the great goal of many lives; while virtue and spirituality are forgotten. Our nation is more concerned with the economy than Jesus Christ and His treasures.

Jesus told a parable about a man who prepared a great feast and invited many. He sent his servant to bid them saying, “Come, for all things are now ready.” “But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’19 “And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’20 “Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come” (Luke 14:18-20). These men had a great opportunity; but they were more interested in other things. We have many opportunities to enjoy the blessings of Christ and His kingdom, but often pass them by in the pursuit of the temporal and unimportant. It is true that life requires attention to business, home, and so on; but such things should be secondary.

What are we talking about? We are talking about a mother that is anxious for her daughter to be a social success; but is not concerned about her spiritual success. We are talking about a father that spends thousands of dollars to get his son through college, but never took him to Sunday school. We are talking about the way men and women will devote themselves to business, to a profession, to home, and a host of other things; but who give the service of God and the salvation of their own soul only passing attention.

When your life and mine draws to a close, only one thing will really matter. All the rest will mean nothing. Only what is done for Christ will make any difference.
--Lamar

THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER

Except for a few races that will be decided in run-off elections, our government leaders have been chosen. It seems like some candidates have been campaigning since the last election ended, so I am certainly glad that part is over. Some of the candidates I supported and voted for won and some did not. The same is probably true for you. That is okay. I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In the church today, there is neither Democrat, nor Republican, nor Libertarian, nor Independent. We are all one in Christ. As we look to the assumption of power for our new officials, there are some things we can do for them.

Pray. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He tells us in Romans 13 that the authorities are appointed by God and we are to be subject to them. This is the case whether my candidate won or not. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). We can pray for our leaders to have wisdom, to govern in a godly manner, to work for peace in our country and the world. We can also pray for their hearts to be changed in those areas where they are in conflict with God’s word. Yes, indeed, pray for our leaders.

Support. Even if you did not vote for the eventual winner in a race, you can still give that person your support when he/she is promoting ideas and laws that are good and right. Many states are dealing with the issue of same sex marriage. Any government official who is opposing such will have my full support on that issue. The same is true for any who oppose abortion, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and other such moral issues. These matters of morality are really the key issues. What should be done about the economic crisis? Iraq? Terrorism? Illegal immigration? There may be many possible solutions to these problems. However, with the problem of atheism, humanism, and immorality, there is only one solution: God. Anyone who will promote God, His word, and His way should have our support.

Oppose. On the other hand, when our officials are promoting things which are wrong we should speak out loud and clear in opposition. Our President elect and many others support abortion. They think Roe v Wade was the right decision and some want to broaden it even further. I can not and will not support anyone in his/her efforts to expand the “right” to destroy innocent human life. The same is true with other issues of morality (or the lack thereof). Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to speak out against such ungodliness, and we should use that freedom to the best of our ability.

In his inauguration speech, John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” What can we do for our elected officials, whether local, state, or national? Pray, support, and oppose.
--Lamar