A Solid Foundation Jesus concluded “The Sermon On The Mount” by saying, “Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father . . . . Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not . . . done many wonderful works in thy name?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work lawlessness.’ “Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: . . . And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: . . . .” (Matthew 7:21-27). Friend, be sure you are building upon the eternal foundation of God’s revealed word; not your shifting feelings.
Chaste or Chased? by Steve Higginbotham June 3, 2008 Warmer months are quickly approaching. In fact, warm, sunny, days have already arrived, and with the warm weather comes the challenge of modesty. I'm not going to lecture or give you my "opinion." I don't want to set your standards for you, and tell you what you can and cannot wear. All I want to do is ask you to read God's word and then answer a question. First, God's word... · Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). · Thou shalt not covet your neighbor's wife (Exodus 20:17). · Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has committed adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:28). · Abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11). · Flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). · Possess your vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passionate lusts (1 Thessalonians 4:4-5). · Dress in modest apparel; dress that professes one's godliness (1 Timothy 2:9-10). · Let us resolve not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way (Romans 14:13). Now then, the question... · Does the way you dress cause the opposite sex to think you are "chaste," or does it cause them to think you want to be "chased?" Honest self-evaluation, virtue, and an unrelenting desire to be pleasing to God is all that is needed, and modesty will take care of itself. Give it some thought.
Failure vs. Success Babe Ruth struck out 1,333 times during the time that he hit the 714 home runs for which he is remembered. Abraham Lincoln LOST when he ran for the legislature. He was unable to get an appointment to the U.S. Land Office. He also LOST in his race for the Senate, and for Vice President. But Lincoln did not give up! Eventually, he became the President of the United States, and one of history’s greatest men. More important than the fields of sports or politics, let us NEVER GIVE UP on our spiritual success. Although Satan discourages us and attempts to defeat us, and various ones may forsake us, NEVER GIVE UP on following Christ. 1 Peter 4:19 reads, “. . . let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”
Finding God Psalm 19 begins by stating that the design of creation demands that there is a grand and divine Designer. Although we can perceive the existence of God by considering the design we see in the wondrous things He has created, God reveals Himself to us through His word. Therefore, Psalm 19: 7 - 8 continues, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Verse 11 goes on to say that. “. . . by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. It is one thing to acknowledge the existence of God, it is another thing to keep His law, trust His testimony, practice His statutes, and keep His commandments. However, in so doing, we are made wise, find reason to rejoice, and we are enlightened in the way of God. Won’t you heed God’s warnings and experience the great rewards and joy of a life of righteousness?
Indifference In The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, The devil explains to his demon nephew, Wormwood that his objective is not to make people wicked but to make them indifferent. Satan cautioned that if a person should start thinking about anything of spiritual importance, Wormwood was to encourage him to think about other “more pressing matters.” The devil then informs his nephew: ‘I will always see to it that there are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with ‘good people’ who do not care.” (From Brett Blair). Jesus had the apostle, John write to the church at Ephesus, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. . . . So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3: 15 & 16). Let us not be indifferent or lukewarm, but concerned, zealous, and active in the Lord’s work.
Learning Did you ever try to teach someone who did not want to learn? It is, at least, difficult, and, at most, impossible. They may be one of those who, "thinks they know everything;" or, they may just not have any interest in the subject you are teaching. So it is with regard to teaching righteousness; teach one who is interested in doing right and that one will eagerly digest the word of truth and put into practice. What is your attitude toward righteousness? The people at Berea they searched the scriptures daily with the desire to know and perform God's truth. Wise people, today, follow their noble example; learning and practicing God's will each day. Proverbs 9: 9 reads, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser: Teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning." Friend, do you turn to, or away from, God's revealed righteousness?
Losing Our Focus The story is told of two steamboats racing up the Mississippi to a port in Memphis. One captain ordered that some of their cargo of salt pork be thrown into the furnace. Instantly, the boat increased its power, so they continued the practice. With whistle blowing and flags waving, his steamboat arrived at Memphis far ahead of their rival. However, when the merchants came for their cargo of pork, they learned that it had been destroyed. Like that steamboat captain, we often lose our focus and purpose. Life is not about “getting ahead,” or even “keeping up with the Jones’s.” Jesus instructs us to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Friend, to each of us, God has entrusted His cargo of holiness and godliness by practicing His righteousness. Don’t lose sight of His intended purpose for you.
Newsweek or Newsweak? by Steve Higginbotham December 9, 2008 In the latest issue of Newsweek magazine, an attempt is made to justify homosexual marriage by using the Bible, itself. One of the arguments employed in defense of homosexual marriage was that Jesus reached out to everybody, especially those on the margins of society. If he were here today, he would reach out to the homosexual community as well. Frankly, I agree with their premise. It is true. Jesus did indeed reach out to everybody, especially those on the margins of society. And I agree that if Jesus were here today, he would reach out to the homosexual community. However, the conclusion they seek doesn't follow from the premise. There is one word that is missing, and that word is “repentance.” Reaching out to all men does not equal endorsement of the sins in which they are engaged. Remember, Jesus reached out to the adulterous woman, but told her to “go sin no more.” (John 8:11). Apparently the inclusivists and pluralists of our society have decided to simply eradicate sin through legalization and normalization of that which is illegal and abnormal. Remember, God knows the difference between good and evil, even if we don’t (Isaiah 5:20).
Say - Do The child who says, “Mother, I love you,” but refuses to clean up his room as asked, doesn’t demonstrate love. A husband says to his wife, “I Love you honey,” but doesn’t support her physically and emotionally, doesn’t demonstrate true love. Those who say they “love God,” but in their life, prioritize recreation, their job, or worldliness, demonstrate hypocrisy, rather love. Many people say they love Jesus for dying for them, but they refuse to turn from their carnal will to perform His divine will. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Words of love and devotion are easily spoken. However, true love and devotion are demonstrated by what we DO, rather than what we SAY. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Standards When people disagree about how much something weighs, they settle their disagreement by using scales – a standard of authority acceptable to all parties. When people disagree about the length of an object, they resolve the matter by using a ruler – a standard of authority acceptable to all parties. The Bible declares, “All scripture is breathed of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” It supplies and defines “every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, when people disagree in matters of faith, the Bible must be the standard to which they make their appeal for resolution. The only way we will ever eliminate religious differences is to stop trying to decide WHO is right and, instead, find out WHAT is right according to the Bible. 1 Corinthians 4:6 tells us, “. . . not to think of men above that which is written, . . .”
Struggles The story is told of a man who watched a butterfly struggle to force its body through the tiny hole of its cocoon. It appeared that the butterfly was stuck and unable to exit through the tiny opening, so the man enlarged it. Although the butterfly emerged easily, it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch, expecting that the butterfly would assume its normal shape. However, it never did. The man was ignorant of the fact that the restricting cocoon, and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the tiny opening, was nature’s way of forcing fluid from the butterfly’s body into its wings. James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you experience various trials. Know that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience accomplish its completing work, that you may . . . lack nothing.”
Be Thankful, Even In Adversity This Thursday, many of the citizens of our nation will give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. As we do so, we find it difficult to remember and innumerate all of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. There are so many of His blessings that we take for granted. Perhaps the hardest task is to be thankful in the midst of adversity; times when life presents us with trials and things are just not going the way we would like for them to go. These are times that lend themselves to worry, frustration, and anxiety. These are the times of which our heavenly Father has instructed us to, “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philip. 4:6-7). Being thankful in the midst of adversity keeps us focused on living for the purpose of glorifying God (cf. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; 1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9). The apostle, Paul learned to “. . . Most gladly . . . glory in his infirmities, . . .” (2 Cor. 12:10). 1Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to give thanks in everything. Let us remember that this includes adversity as well as prosperity
The Bible & The Faith Jude, verse 3, reads, "...while...making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you, appealing that you contend earnestly for 'the faith' which was once for all delivered to the saints." "The faith," is a specific reference to the practice of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Notice also, "The faith" which saves is "the faith" which is common to all humanity. Romans 10: 17 reveals this "Faith comes by hearing the word of God." The faith that saves is not the product of our personal feelings or preferences. The faith that saves and glorifies God is the faith that is produced by hearing and obeying the word of God as revealed by the doctrine of Christ. We, the members of the Wolf Creek Church of Christ, invite you to join us in practicing and contending for the faith that has been delivered by God.
The Bible Is Inspired 2 Timothy 3: 16 reveals, "All Scripture is by inspiration of God . . ." In other words, the Bible is the product of God's supernatural creative power. The Greek word, from which "inspiration" is translated, literally means "God-breathed." Therefore, the Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit acting upon human writers, "breathing" the revelation of God's will into their spirit. 1 Cor. 2: 12, 13 reveal that the apostles ". . . received . . . the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but (words) which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (words)." The Bible is the product of God's creative power. Let us respect and practice the directives found within its pages.
The Future The future holds many serious and exciting events for all of us. The concern and/or excitement we may have about the future often causes us to overlook the most serious future event – the return of the Lord, Jesus. Jesus said that He would return and that he would then judge all people. Angles proclaimed that Jesus would return. The apostles foretold of the return of Jesus and the judgment that would then take place. Romans 14: 12 reveals, “...every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” 2 Corinthians 5: 10 reveals, “...we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done..., whether it be good or bad.” Both His return and His judgment are certain. In fact, the only thing we know for certain about the future is that Jesus will return and judgment will take place. The question is not, “When will the Lord return?” The question is, “Are you ready for His return?”
The Heavens Declare . . . Psalm 19: 1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” God expects us to recognize His greatness as it is evident in all of His creation. There is not a flower that blooms or a star that twinkles; an insect that crawls or a man that walks, but that the wisdom and power of God is demonstrated. He is the creator and sustainer of our world. As Colossians 1: 17 reads, “...He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” For every breath, for every drop of water, for every morsel of food, let it be acknowledged that God is the provider of all. When you arise and view the dawn, see the glistening moisture on the grass, and breath the fresh air, appreciate the fact that it is all the product of the grand Divine Designer.
The Translation Of The Bible 1 Cor. 2: 12, 13 reveals, that the Bible is the revelation of the mind of God in the words of God. However, the Bible was not written in English. How can we be sure that our contemporary Bible is an accurate translation of God's words? The Dead Sea Scrolls contained copies of Old Testament Hebrew manuscripts, and Greek translations of them. As these older manuscripts were compared to more recent manuscripts, no discrepancies were found in copying or translating although there was a gap of more than 1,000 years between the two sets of documents. Over 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts containing all or parts of the New Testament exist. Some date to within a century of the original document. We can be confident that our contemporary Bible is an accurate translation of the very words originally delivered to the Bible writers.
Priorities & Happiness What’s the most important thing in your life? Have you ever thought about it? Is it your music? It could be your family. Maybe it’s your job? Here’s a fact: Happiness—real happiness—the kind of happiness that makes you look forward to the next day—is directly related to the thing that is most important to you. Perhaps the reason that so many people are unhappy is that their most important thing is actually very shallow. Solomon went through a time in his life were he apparently sought happiness in wealth, possessions, popularity, passion, and nature. Yet, he found that all of these did not bring enduring happiness. He finally concluded, “Revere God and keep His commandments, this is man’s purpose” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Jesus said it this way, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). What’s the most important thing to you? Are you happy?
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During the depression a good man had lost his job, exhausted his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the death of his precious wife. Only his faith remained — and it was weakening. One day, as he was looking for work, he stopped to watch some stone masons. One of them was skillfully chiseling a piece of rock. He asked “Where are you going to put that?” The man pointed toward the top of the building and said, “See that little opening up there? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here so it will fit in up there.” The man walked away, reflecting on how appropriate the craftsman’s words applied to life and eternity. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 NKJV). Trials and tribulations strike blows on the faith of believers. But the faithful remain steadfast, knowing that we are shaped down here so that we will fit in up there.
Use What You Hear Jesus said, ATake heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you;. . . @(Mark 4:24, NKJ). We use what we hear. Therefore, if we hope to be doing God=s will, it is very important that we compare what we hear with the revealed truth of God=s word found in the Scriptures. However, it is also important that we do use God=s truth. Hearing the truth without acting upon it does not produce it=s intended benefits. James 1: 22 says it this way, A. . . be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.@ We are deceiving ourselves if we think that we are acceptable before God simply because we know His will for us. To be accepted by Him, we must use His truth in our life. Friend, hear the word of God, and use it in your life.
“We Have Found Him!” “Philip found Nathaniel, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Every Hebrew anticipated the coming Messiah and the new kingdom over which He would rule. However, they mistakenly expected the Messiah’s kingdom to be a material kingdom with an earthly leader that would restore the Jewish nation. None of the prophets wrote of such a kingdom. The prophets foretold of a spiritual kingdom, comprised of citizens from all nations, races, and cultures. Philip recognized that Jesus was the Messiah of whom the prophets wrote, and that the blessings of God would be upon all who would follow and obey Him. What a discovery! Friend, “come and see” what Philip found. Jesus lives! He reigns over His kingdom. Let Him reign in your heart.
Who Is Wise? Proverbs 26: 12 reads, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Did you ever meet someone who thought they knew everything about everything; the person that infers that when they die, all knowledge will die with them? That is the type of person to which this verse refers. They are wiser than God. To hear them tell it, they do not need to read the Bible, because they “just know” what God wants. However, those who are truly wise, learn to listen, consider, and conclude (cf. James 1:19). The wise do not presume to think for God. They realize His word is truth (John 17:17), and resolve to do His will, as it is revealed in His word (Matthew 7:21-27). Be wise: search the scriptures and learn what Jehovah expects of you and every person.
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was geeting her things "in order," she contacted the preacher and had nim come to her house to discuss certain aspect of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the preacher was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very importan to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the preacher's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The preacher stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the preacher. The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried topass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and inners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonder ful and with substance! So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.'" The preacher's eyes welled up with tears o fjoy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the preacher heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the preacher told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they proably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you rach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. they lend an ear, the share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hears to us. Show your friend how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never now when it may be their time to "Keep your fork." Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.