Finding Our Strength in God and Nothing Else

Have you ever noticed how that some passages of Scripture seemingly make little sense on the surface? For instance: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Mt. 16:25)—lose but find, at the same time? “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Mt. 23:11)—to be great, serve? “…[H]e which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6)—give, wait, and see it come right back? “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10)—strength from weakness?

Now notice that in reversal order: Do you want to live? Be willing to die. Do you want to be great? Become insignificant. Do you want to get? Give. Do you want to be strong? Revel in your weaknesses.

On the surface, some things seem to make very little sense. But, this is exactly the way God intended for it to be. In point of fact, God has turned our world upside down in a counter cultural way so that we might learn to trust in His way. Thereby, we will find our strength in Him and nothing else.

By way of this short essay, let's first make an examination followed by an observation.

In Isaiah chapters 28-31 we have recorded messages of Judgment from Isaiah. These are called “woes.” There is a woe to the Northern Kingdom of Israel—specifically Ephraim (28:1-13). They had become a nation of arrogant drunkards. Second there was a woe to the Southern Kingdom of Judah (28:14-29:24). Once again, they were drunkards; had disdain for Isaiah’s warning; were in disbelief of God’s power and promise; and, their hearts were full of deceit, for they tried to hide their sins from God. Third, there was a woe to those who sought Egypt’s aid (30:1-31:9). This will serve as the backdrop for this brief study.

If we were to examine Isaiah 30, we find that it can easily be dissected into three primary thoughts: Devastation, an Invitation, and then Salvation. First, there was devastation upon Israel (Isa. 30:1-14, 16-17, 31:1-3). This devastation was a result of their making plans without first consulting God. As a result of their lack of trust, God’s judgment was going to be upon them like a bulging wall.

Second, there was an invitation to Israel (Isa. 30:15, 18; 31:6-7). God made them a promise. A promise that was conditional upon their trusting in Him. He told them that they would have to repent and turn their hearts back to God.

Third, there was the salvation of Israel (Isa. 30:19-33; 31:4-5). God said that He would comfort and hear the prayers of His people. God said that He would teach them and guide them. God said that He would defeat their enemies. God said that He would fill their hearts with joy.

Having made a brief examination of Isaiah 30, let's now turn our attention to some observations from both Old and New Testament passages. Remember, all of this is under the umbrella of the need to Find our Strength in God and Nothing Else.

There is no greater example of an individual’s trust being put to the test than the man Abraham. So, what I want us to do by way of observation is to go to an Old Testament passage, and then a New Testament passage that refer to the same event. In Genesis 22 God told Abraham to do something, that on the surface, made no sense at all. We find this event broken down into two primary points—the test, then the triumph.

For the test, see verse 1 of Genesis 22, then verses 11-12. The chapter begins by saying God proved Abraham. Then God says to Abraham, “Now I know that you won’t put anything ahead of me in your life.” Did not God already know that? This test was not for God’s benefit, but for Abraham’s. It was the test of trust. Now, let’s go back to verse 1 and watch this test unfold. God gave Abraham a “who,” “what,” and “where.” There was no question as to the particulars of this test.

For the triumph, see verse 18. Did you catch how obedience and trust go hand in hand. When it comes to the point that I can obey God, even when it seems that my life has been turned upside down, when I can so trust in God as to obey His Word, then and only then will I have strength.

Now what was that one thing that allowed Abraham to pass the test of trust and triumph in the end. Look at verses 7-8. Notice that phrase “God will provide.” Another rendering is “God will see.” It doesn’t make sense to Abraham, but as we follow this thought through verse 14, we appreciate the fact that Abraham took the test all the while knowing that God was watching.

Now for a New Testament passage with respect to Abraham, look at Hebrews 11:17-19. Again, there are two primary thoughts here. There is a test, and then there is a triumph.

For the test, the text simply says that Abraham was “tried.” Add to that, he triumphed. The Bible says, Abraham “gladly received [to welcome into] the promises [plural].” Abraham, knowing the promises of God, he was willing to offer up his monogunes—his only begotten son.

How was Abraham able to do what seemingly made no sense? Look at verse 19. God is watching. God will see. God is able to make something out of this, even though I may not understand it. In spite of the fact that in the 21 preceding chapters in Genesis there is never the mention of a bodily resurrection, Abraham new of God’s promise, and trusted God to make good on his promise.

My friends, we serve a promise making and promise keeping God. It is because of these things that we can Find Our Strength in God and Nothing Else.

Practical Studies from Joshua

I typically use this as an opportunity to put out challenging and practical Bible based articles. However, today I'd like to invite you as the reader to check out the podcast for our local television program. If you will go to http://www.thinkonthesethingstv.mypodcast.com/ then you can listen to and/or download the audio of our weekly program. This one will air on Sunday August 3.

Appreciation is extended to Greg Cook for his co-hosting this week's program on the book of Joshua. Greg preaches for the Woodruff Church of Christ in Woodruff, SC and has been there for about two years. I look forward to continuing this series of studies in the near future.

Q&A About How to Use the Church Treasury

“What are the things that the local church's funds can be spent on? . . . “What are the ‘works’ (God given purpose/function) of the church? In what ways does this differ from an individual Christian's purpose/function?”

The apostle Paul said this, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). In an earlier epistle (cf. 1 Cor. 5:9), the apostle had evidently revealed his plans to provide for the saints in Jerusalem, raising money from such Gentile congregations as Macedonia, Achaia, Greece, and Asia Minor. Paul then writes the instructions above to describe the manner in which they were to give.

With respect to the time, they were to give “upon the first day of the week” (kata mia sabbaton—upon the first day of every week). We know that the church met upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), and it was on this occasion, each and every week, that they were to give. Keep in mind, this was obligatory—“even so do ye.”

Add to that, everyone capable of giving of their means was/is to participate. When Paul later wrote to the Christians in Corinth he said this, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Then, the apostle discusses the amount which the giver was to give. He was/is to give as he is able.

Now, what was the design of this arrangement? Imagine Paul, having already informed them that he was coming to take a collection to support the saints we mentioned above, trying to go door to door to collect monies from every disciple when he arrived in town. The design of the divine arrangement was to avoid such a thing. Their gifts would have been pooled into a common treasury, thus making the contribution ready on short notice.

Question: What was the purpose of this contribution? The purpose was to relieve the needs among the poor saints in Jerusalem. “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem” (Romans 15:26). The Corinthians were a part of this work. So, where is the detailed pattern for using the Lord’s day contribution for such things as paying the preacher, purchasing pew Bibles or songbooks, Bible literature, communion supplies, or even building auditoriums, etc.? Notice something here. There is no apostolic example of using the money raised on this occasion to support the poor saints of this congregation, the very one raising the money. Does that mean they were not to help the poor of their own number?—that’s absurd.

There are two types of authority. There is specific Bible authority, and there is also general Bible authority. Here, the specific Bible authority is to give upon the first day of the week. The general Bible authority would be using the Lord’s Day contribution to meet a need. So, today, when a need has been established, we have general Bible authority that allows us to use those funds collected upon the first day of the week to meet the need.

Now, let me address some specific areas of church spending:

1. Is it right to use church funds to pay the preacher? First of all, is it scriptural to have a located preacher? The Bible proves that it is. Consider Paul (Acts 20:17-31). Consider Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3; cf. Acts 20:17; 2 Timothy 4:5). Consider Paul and Barnabas (Acts 11:26—there’s proof of having more than one located preacher). Now, can the located preacher be paid? A gospel preacher is entitled to support (Galatians 6:6; cf. Lk. 10:7). Paul took wages (2 Corinthians 11:8).

2. Is it right to use church funds to pay elders? It is clearly taught that in the apostolic age elders were paid. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Double honour has reference to praise and money.

3. Is it right to use church funds to build a house of worship? There is definitely a necessary inference for such. We are commanded to worship upon the first day of the week. The Bible doesn’t say where. But a place is clearly implied. Is it true that we have abused the building of “meeting halls?” Yes. But does that make it wrong to build such?

4. Is it right to use church funds to support orphan homes? James 1:27 says this, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Now, if that is not an obligation of the church, then the church cannot practice pure and undefiled religion. The word “visit” here is from the Greek that means to assist—sometimes that’s financial. Then, let’s look at it from a common sense standpoint. If this is merely toward the individual Christian, what about those individuals who are not able themselves to provide for the fatherless and the widows. They could not practice pure and undefiled religion. Too, the terms fatherless and widows are plural in number. To practice pure and undefiled religion we would each have to support a plurality of such. Of course, you can see that this conclusion is absurd.

5. Is it right to use church funds to build a “fellowship building?” First let me ask another question. Is it right to eat upon the same premises as we worship, especially in the same building that we worship? 1 Corinthians 11 we find an abuse that existed in Corinthian worship. It consisted of three things. (1) They participated in a common meal in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper. (2) They exhibited selfishness in eating before others; some had nothing. (3) They failed to properly understand the nature of the Lord’s Supper. Paul nowhere condemned the brethren for eating “on church property.” If so, then the majority of first century Christians were in sin for they met in their homes to worship and ate in those same homes.

Here we have a matter of expediency. Is it right for Christians to eat together? Yes—their “love feasts” of yester year are much like our “pot-luck” meals today. They did it, therefore we know we can do it. What about where we do it? We could do it in the home, at a restaurant, or on church property. If all we did with the church’s money was build buildings, pave parking lots, etc., and did nothing to reach out to the lost, that would be poor stewardship. But if we are about seeking the lost and have a place for them to come to and learn the truth, and then upon their obedience have a place for us to gather together for times of sharing, eating, etc. where have we gone wrong in so doing?

Sources:

Gleaned from several sources.

I Teach Because . . . (By Emily Richey)

You may look at me and wonder
Why it is I choose to teach
A Bible class on Sunday mornings
Or the middle of every week.

It’s not for notoriety—
No, fame’s not on my mind.
It’s to my Father’s glory
That I’m donating my time.

The taking of the Gospel
To those precious little souls,
Is more reward to me
Than all the silver and the gold.

If I think of the great impact
My words have on their hearts,
It helps me to appreciate
The love I must impart.
A love for God, and for His truths,
A love for souls who are lost.
Conviction that holds true and firm,
No matter what the cost.

The task that is before me
Is not easy, that’s for sure;
But the work that I put in it
Makes me love it all the more.

And even though in this world
Riches, I may not see.
To lead a soul to heaven
Is all the treasure that I need.

"Let Women [and Men] Adorn Themselves in Modest Apparel"

Despite the fact that the Bible says we are to clothe ourselves in “modest apparel” (1 Tm. 2:9), there are still those who view this issue as subjective. In other words, what is immodest to you is not necessarily immodest to me. The subjective view of modesty allows society, culture, and conscience to set the standard. This makes God’s command on the subject of wearing “modest apparel” nothing more than a judgment issue. Can this be right? As my very soul hangs in the eternal balance, can I allow man to dictate what is modest, or shall I follow what the Bible has to say on the matter of “modest apparel”? Let’s notice the following verses together.

First, there is the need for dressing modestly.
Paul wrote, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tm. 2:9,10). In order for me (women in the immediate context) to profess godliness with good works, I must adorn myself in modest apparel. The word “adorn” means to arrange. The word “modest” is from the Greek, kosmios, meaning: orderly, well arranged, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement, adornment (Strong’s Dictionary, Power Bible CD). Webster defines modest as “observing the proprieties of sex, chaste, decent”. So modesty has to do with action, speech, and dress.

Second, Adam and Eve realized that they were not dressed modestly.
Read Genesis 3:6-10. Following their sin, Adam and Eve discovered that they were naked, or immodest. They tried to clothe themselves with a fig leaf—apron. These aprons, from the Hebrew word chagora, were loincloths or hip clothing comparable to the modern swimsuit (the lower part). Though they had a portion of material on their body, Adam still referred to himself as being “naked”. God shared this sentiment. God said, “Who told you that you were naked?” (Gen. 3:11). So what would be comparable to a modem day swimsuit is still naked, or immodest in the eyes of God.

Third, God dressed Adam and Eve modestly.
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21). The coat, according to the Hebrew word kethoneth, that God made for them was a long shirt-like garment, generally with sleeves, that covered Adam and Eve from their shoulders to their knees (Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies).

One immediately asks the question, “Why clothe Adam and Eve in this way when there was no one else around to look at them”? Is it not possible that God was setting a moral standard for man with regard to “modest apparel”? Remember that God’s moral law never changes. It is quite obvious that God’s standard for “modest apparel” exceeds mans. Someone may say, “It seems a little radical to say that I ought to wear a garment that covers my shoulders to my knees”.

Friends, God wants us to be pure. He tells us what we should do, say, think, and wear because he loves us. Will we love Him enough to listen to what He says on this vital subject?

Restoring My Brother

Paul said, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2). It is possible for any and every Christian to fall to the temptation of sin. In fact, we all sin (1 Jn. 1:8-10).

The word Paul uses translated “overtaken” means to be surprised by the sin or temptation to sin. It bears with it the idea of one’s spiritual heart being suddenly invaded and taken before aware. When sin takes hold of my brother in Christ, I want to remove its ugly grip from his soul and free him to again walk faithfully in the sonship of Jesus the Christ (1 Jn. 1:7).

By way of this short essay, I want to give you just four reasons why I should want to restore my brother.

I want to restore my brother because . . .

He is my brother.
Christians are part of a family. Case in point, families feel sorrow when one of their members is in pain. The same family feels great joy when all is well in the life of that family member. Paul said, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rm. 12:15).

Rudyard Kipling once wrote about families, “All of us are we—and everyone else is they.” A family shares things like dreams, hopes, possessions, memories, smiles, frowns, and gladness...A family is a clan held together with the glue of love and the cement of mutual respect. A family is shelter from the storm, a friendly port when the waves of life become too wild. No person is ever alone who is a member of a family (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/).

I want to restore my brother, because he is part of my family. Add to that…

Sin has hold of my brother.
It doesn’t take too much time spent in the soup line of sin before complete apostasy can occur (1 Jn. 5:16). One has described it this way, “Sin teaches you more than you want to know. It takes you farther than you want to go. It costs you more than you want to pay. It keeps you longer than you want to stay.”

It is thought that David, with his pen of contrition, wrote Psalm 51 following his sin with Bathsheba. In this Psalm he identifies the fault which had overtaken him. Notice the words that he wrote, “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me” (Psa. 51:2,3; emph. N.R.). When these three words; iniquity, sin, and transgression, are used together, they describe the lowest abyss of guilt.

After David’s sin with Bathsheba, and following the murder of Uriah (1 Sam. 11), Nathan was sent by God to restore David (1 Sam. 12). Nathan was a friend to David; and, yes, we might call him a brother—at least one performing the duty of a brother. Sin had its hold on David and so Nathan acts as a brother (by divine guidance) and serves as an illustration to the words of Paul when he said, “…if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one…” (Gal. 6:1).

I want to restore my brother because he is part of my family, and because sin has hold of him. Add to that . . .

I would want my brother to restore me.
We often refer to God as being one who is not a respecter of persons (Eph. 6:9). But, equally so, Satan is not a respecter of persons. You recall how that Satan tempted Jesus (Mt. 4:1-11). With each temptation Jesus responded with “it is written”—a demonstration of the defensive power of the Word. When Satan tempted Jesus the third time, and when Jesus did not give in, Satan left him.

If the devil will tempt the Lord of lords and King of kings, you know he will tempt you and me. Paul said to restore your brethren “…considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:2). Since Satan is going to tempt me; and since it is possible for me to give in to that temptation; and if I give in to that temptation I could, as a result, lose my soul; I then want my brother to restore me. The words of Jesus would certainly apply here, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Mt. 7:12).

I want to restore my brother because he is part of my family; because sin has hold of him; and, because I would want him to restore me. Add to that…

To please Jesus means to bear the burdens of my brother.
Paul said, “…Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15). Under the banner of the assurance of eternal life, John wrote: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also (1 Jn. 4:20-21).

If I’m to be assured of eternal life, one of the requirements is to love my brother. I must love my brother enough to tell him he’s wrong, and then to show him how to do right.

The next time I find my brother surprised by sin, I’ll know that my duty is to restore him. But add to that, I’ll want to restore him because of these four reasons: he is my brother; sin has hold of my brother; I would want my brother to restore me; and, to please Jesus I must try to restore my brother.

“Have Ye Not Read?”—Thoughts on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Then Jesus responded by saying, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mt. 19:3-9).

The Pharisees wanted to talk about divorce, but Jesus wanted to talk about marriage. We live in a time when divorce and remarriage seems common place. Don’t like your mate, or don't get along, then just get a divorce. After a few years have passed, find somebody better, after all, God wants you to be happy, and you can't be happy by being celibate. This is what many are saying and doing, and incidentally have no biblical authority for such.

By way of this short study, let’s look at two questions and then some practical pointers on how to avoid getting into an unscriptural relationship.

May one divorce and marry again?
Before answering this two-part question, consider with me that there are only three people that have the right to marry.

1. One who has never been married before. If the person you choose to marry is an eligible candidate for marriage (having never been put away for fornication) you have the right to marry provided that you are both able to fulfill the marriage duties found in Ephesians 5 and elsewhere.

2. One who has put away a fornicating spouse, himself/herself being innocent. If one has a spouse who has violated the wedding vows by committing fornication he/she may be put away for the cause of fornication (Mt. 19:9). At that point, he/she is free to date and marry again.

3. One who’s spouse has died. If one has suffered the loss of a mate, he/she may marry again. They are no longer bound together (Rm. 7:2,3). The requirement of the widow/widower is that they marry, “only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39).

Having thus observed those who may marry, let’s now turn our attention to the first part of the above question—may one divorce? God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). There is never a divorce where sin is not involved. It could be that a couple divorces because they don’t get along—there is sin in that divorce because the couple divorces for grounds other than fornication. Or, there could be a divorce for the cause of fornication—in this case, it was sin (adultery) that led to the divorce. In both cases, sin is involved.

Question, may one divorce? Yes, provided that it be for the cause of fornication and there have been no attempts to reconcile the relationship. In other words, if a fornicating spouse asks forgiveness from his/her mate, and that forgiveness is extended, then they are to remain in that marriage never bringing the unfaithfulness up again—forgive and forget go together (Isa. 43:25; Heb. 10:17).

The second part of the question is, may one remarry? One may remarry if he/she has put away a fornicating spouse (himself/herself being innocent). One may remarry if his/her spouse has passed away, provided that you marry “only in the Lord.”

When one is baptized or restored, does that make the unlawful marriage lawful?
It is true that baptism washes every sin away. It is also true that baptism never makes a wrong right, nor does coming forward during an assembly. Prior to one’s baptism, the decision must be made to repent of sins—that includes an adulteress “marriage.” Remember, repentance requires fruits of repentance—a change and restitution.

Jesus taught that the unscripturally divorced and remarried persons “keep on committing adultery” (Mt. 19:9). The woman who puts away her spouse for reasons other than fornication and marries another is an adulteress (Rm. 7:3). If that adulteress decides to become a Christian, she must remove herself from that relationship and remain celibate. The same is true for the Christian who desires to repent and make his/her life right with the Lord.

Now, let me pause here and interject a thought that really stirs the emotions. Somebody asks, “What about the children?” No one with the compassion of Jesus can fail to be touched by such a question. However, it is possible (not easy) to break up an unlawful relationship without “throwing the children in the cold.” It just takes work!

How can one avoid getting into an unlawful relationship?
1. Make the decision early on to only marry a faithful Christian (Mt. 6:33). God’s very best for your marriage is one Christian man and one Christian woman joined in holy matrimony for life.

2. Marry someone who will love you more than they love themselves (Mt. 20:27-28). The best marriage partners are those who have the attitude of a servant.

3. Marry someone who is committed to helping you go to heaven (1 Pt. 3:1-2). The purposes of marriage are, procreation, to avoid fornication, and to provide help on the road to heaven. Marry someone with that in mind.

4. Marry someone who is more concerned with what you have to offer from within, than without (1 Pt. 3:4). The Lord is more concerned with the inward man than the outward man. We would do well to develop this attitude of Jesus.

5. Marry someone who will be sexually faithful to you all the days of his or her life (1 Pt. 3:7). The word “dwell” in this verse is interesting. It means to “reside together as a family.” Husband, you “dwell” only with your wife. Wife, you “dwell” only with your husband.

6. Marry someone who will create and maintain a gracious atmosphere in your home (1 Pt. 3:7). Fill your home with the components of grace—mercy, love, and kindness. See if that doesn’t help you to have a great marriage.

Are You Passing the Test

While attending an area-wide gospel meeting, I heard the preacher say, "Each of God's commands, in essence, is a test." He was exactly right.

Most of us understand the need to obey God's commandments. We know the words of Jesus that say, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15). We recognize the fact that "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (Jn. 14:23). We know that the love of God is "that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1 Jn. 5:3).

At least, with lip service, we say that the commandments of God are not optional. But, do we believe that--really? Consider if you are passing the following tests.

There is the Attendance Test.

One of the most simple of commands given to Christians by God is found in Hebrews 10:25--"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Yet, Christian men and women fail this test miserably on a regular basis. Most Christians make themselves available to attend Sunday morning worship--I said most. However, many, as the numbers indicate across the board in churches of Christ, fail to come back on Sunday night, Wednesday night, much less during Gospel Meetings.

Few there be that would deny it is a good thing to assemble with the saints when they meet for the purpose of worship and study. With that in mind, consider these words, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (Jas. 4:17). Are you passing the attendance test?

There is the Prayer Test.

Are you a praying person? I mean a regular, sincere, praying person? There is great appreciation extended to the psalmist for these words, "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Psa. 55:17). Prayer is the only way in which the faithful Christian can pour out his heart to God. When is the last time that you "talked to God?"

Some have said, "I pray to God, but he just does not answer my prayers?" If you are a faithful Christian, you need to know that He does. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers" (1 Pt. 3:12). He may not always answer your prayers the way you think that He should. Sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait awhile. Are you passing the prayer test?

There is the Bible Study Test.

We eat everyday. Most watch television or listen to the radio everyday. Some read the newspaper everyday. Do you read the Bible everyday? We would do well to adopt the same attitude of the Bereans. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Are you passing the Bible study test?

There is the Giving Test.

Every time we assemble upon the first day of the week in order to worship God (Acts 20:7), we observe the command to give as we have prospered (1 Cor. 16:1- 3). Have you ever considered that this is a test that tells God how much we love Him? As the apostle Paul talked with the Corinthian brethren about their giving practices, he pointed out the example of how the Macedonians gave. "I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love" (2 Cor. 8:8). Here Paul tells the Corinthians that the way they give is a result of how much they love God. Are you passing the giving test?

There is the Soul-winning Test.

One of the great joys of a faithful Christian is to share the saving message that he has learned with others. Just this week a brother came into my study with a handful of church bulletins. I began to discuss his plans for them and he told me that he likes to hand them out to those with whom he comes into contact. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Mt. 28:19). Are you passing the soul-winning test?

The preacher was right, "each of God's commands, in essence, is a test." How have you been at test taking lately? The grade will either be pass or fail. May God help us to be faithful so that we can stand prepared to give an account of how we tested.

Source:
Idea from a skeleton outline given by Wendell Winkler at Polishing the Pulpit.

Can We All Understand the Bible Alike?

It is not a novel idea, but one worth noting here, that the church is being challenged today by subjectivism. It is specifically challenging as it relates to one’s understanding of the Scripture. It’s the philosophy that says, “you believe what you want to believe, and I’ll believe what I want to believe, and while we’re both trying to get to the same place, what you believe is o.k. and what I believe is o.k..”

While we could focus our attention on why we believe what we believe and why denominations believe what they believe, I want us to concentrate on differences within the church itself. Can New Testament Christians understand the Bible alike?

Within the churches of Christ we are divided, and splintered over different views in matters of doctrine—the Holy Spirit; marriage, divorce, and remarriage; worship; fellowship; and, the list goes on and on. Is there a right and wrong answer with respect to such subjects? If one’s view is not the same as mine, can we not both be right? Let’s take it a step further—can we both go to heaven?

It’s important to note that the division that takes place over such issues as mentioned above is not the result of a difference in understanding. Rather, it is a misunderstanding of the Scripture. The Book by which you and I will one day be judged is too important for us to misunderstand the doctrinal content that is found therein. For the purpose of this study, let’s consider some rules that will help us as we open our Bibles for the purpose of studying the great book handed down by the Almighty.

Study, Study, Study!
Though daily Bible reading is important, nothing will quench your spiritual appetite more than drinking deeply from each page—study the Book. It’s not easy. True Bible study is a “weariness of the flesh,” but a task worth the effort. David said, “I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” A statement that he followed up with, “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes” (Ps. 119:131,135). David had an insatiable desire to know the word of God and to be a student of God’s laws.

Add to that, study is something that continues on an ongoing basis. Education does not end when one receives his diploma. As many have often said, graduation is where true learning begins. As Christians, never will a day pass when we do not need the guidance of the Lord (Acts 8:30-31). That instruction comes from the Bible, and our successful living depends on daily Bible study.

Be Honest With Yourself
When one open’s the pages of God’s word, it is important that he do so without bias. The Bible was written by divinely, inspired men, and its message has one meaning. Peter, one of those men, said that “the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Prior thereto, Peter said, “Knowing this first, that no prophesy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Pt. 1:21,20). The only way to study God’s word is by being honest with one’s self and by being open to the possibility that what one has always believed may in fact not be what the Bible says.

Use Good Judgment
The Hebrews writer said, “…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). In other words, when you fill yourself up with the knowledge of God’s word, use the good sense that God gave you to determine the truth between right and wrong. It is equally important to use the good common sense that God gives us when it comes to Bible study. We sometimes make the Bible hard to understand. When the fact of the matter is, what we might call the doctrinal elements of the book (i.e. marriage, salvation, worship, fellowship, etc.) are not difficult to understand at all.

Use Divine Reasoning and not Human Reasoning
By that I simply mean this, when studying the Book, do not insert your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. For instance, God said “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). The Bible says that the saved ones are those who believe and are baptized. Who are we to reach the “opinion” or have the “feeling” that as long as we accept Jesus through prayer we’ll be saved—after all, a great number of “believers” today, that’s what they did. Who are we to judge and say that they are lost?

What about this example? God said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and who marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Mt. 19:9). Who are we to theorize and rationalize ourselves into thinking that one can divorce and remarry for a cause other than fornication?

It is not up to us to reason why this and why that. We must simply do as we are told. There are no gray areas in matters of doctrine. Here’s a thought for you, “because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The point is, who are we by human reasoning to question God?

Obviously there are a number of other areas that should concern those who are sincere about understanding the Bible the way that God intended. In your studies, remember the following: context; who is talking, and to whom is the writer talking; do not interpret one passage in a way that it contradicts another one.

May God help us to understand the Bible alike in matters of faith. God is not the author of confusion. His word can be understood. It is up to us to study and discover His message for our lives.

God's Fountain of Youth

Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of the “Fountain of Youth”—the fictitious fount from which one can drink and never grow old? Who, under the heavy weight of age has not said or thought, “If I just had the energy of a young person”? Then do I have the solution for you!

God’s word acts as a fountain of youth providing insight to the aged on how to retain the spirit of youth. There are five principles from God’s Fountain of Youth that will motivate all Christians, especially our senior saints, to remain optimistic and vibrant about life.

God’s Fountain of Youth Reminds Us . . .

To Focus on the Heart and Not the Years.
Paul the apostle said, “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Youth have known pain, disappointment, misplaced confidence, sadness and bereavement. Yet, life seems to continue to be pleasant and meaningful.

To Think Like a Young Person.
The Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). We all understand that physical strength must give way to the years, but internally, a man is only as old as he thinks he is. Sadly, some have developed calendar neurosis—thinking themselves into the grave. It is the thinking of one’s uselessness that kills.

The Holy Spirit puts before us the challenge to think like young people: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).

To Take Time to Live.
From the physical viewpoint, we are dying a little every day. “Each day we pass the brink of the grave, and some of its dust is sprinkled upon us. But we can shake off some dust for awhile by taking time to enjoy the deeper and more meaningful things of life.” Remember that we all must make a living, but let’s take time to live, and as we live, let’s live for the Lord.

Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rm. 12:1). Did you catch that little word “living”? It’s a primary verb that literally means to live life.

“A doctor told the story of a man who came to him on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a man who was getting old in middle age. The patient thought his business could not go on without him; so he worked overtime night after night, and would take a brief case full of work home with him on the weekend. His explanation to the physician was that the work had to be done and that he was the only one who could do it. The pressure was killing him.

The doctor refused to prescribe until the patient agreed to follow the prescription, which was this: He was to deliberately cut off two hours of every working day and spend that time cultivating traits and attitudes which keep one young. He was to take off a half day every week and spend that time in a cemetery. The doctor said, ‘I want you to wander around and look at the gravestones of those who thought the whole world rested on their shoulders and who had no time to enjoy the finer aspects of life. And then meditate on the fact that when you are rolled there to lie in the hallowed soil, the world will keep on turning and it will be found that you were not so indispensable after all. Then sit down among the tombstones and quote two verses from the Bible: ‘Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth’ (Prov. 27:1). ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones’ (Prov. 27:22).’

In a few weeks the patient got better and recovered some of the invigorating qualities of youth he was losing. His business improved. His change was so marked that his friends and business associates liked him better and appreciated his company more.”

To See the Unseen.
Life becomes stale and boresome to those who cannot see beyond their on self-cares, self-interests, self-gratifications, yea their things. I must learn to look beyond the here and now, and look to the there and then. Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Mt. 6:20).

To Minister to the Needs of Others.
The performance of a good deed every day adds interest to life and keeps your days from being just an aging process of eating, drinking and sleeping in an animal like existence. Add to that, there is renewal in a life of reading. Many an invalid child and elderly persons could tell us hour after hour what their books have done to brighten their outlook on life.

Listen again to the words of Jesus when he said, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Mt. 20:26,27).

While there’s no such thing as a fount that gives eternal physical life, there is in deed one that makes life worth the living and eternity brighter. God challenges us to drink daily from His fountain of youth and in so doing, rejoice because God has exalted you (Jas. 1:9).

Sources:
1. All Scripture references are from the KJV.

2. Power Bible CD 2.8

3. Brownlow, Leroy. Flowers for You. (Fort Worth, TX: Brownlow Publishing, 1963).