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Let All The Earth Keep Silence

5th February, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

“But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20).

How often have we heard these words read or sung at the beginning of a service? The silence enjoined by Habakkuk is not a literal silence but the silence of submission and acceptance which would not dare to voice any question or complaint against God.

There is, however, great value in literal silence—a value our generation may well have forgotten. In these days of roaring traffic, noisy factories, humming household appliances and megawatt stereos, an unexpected moment of silence can be almost frightening. The first option we demand for our automobiles is a radio/cassette player; and people going to the mountains or the seashore for a picnic seem more concerned about getting their ghetto blasters or portable TVs than they are about the sandwiches. One thing to be said for many of these people is that they are generous enough to share their sound with everyone within a mile’s radius. With all due respect, however, I think I prefer the selfish kind who, while walking, running or cycling, get their necessary sound fromthose little earphones that allow the rest of us to make our own selfish choices of what we want to hear—or not hear.

All of this lust for sound has even carried over into worship: we want sermons delivered with machine-gun rapidity and prayers prayed without a moment’s pause for thought. The silence during the Lord’s Supper has become so unbearable to some that they have eliminated it with live or recorded singing. Our generation would have been miserable in heaven when there was silence “for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1).

Silence is the natural effect of many commendable emotions: awe, humility, controlled anger, sympathy, a stricken conscience, and reverence, as well as the submission and acceptance of superior wisdom advised in Habakkuk 2:20. Even love may be expressed by silence. Someone has said that the depth of a friendship may be measured by the time two individuals can be comfortable with no word exchanged. Our aversion to silence may reveal the scarcity of some of these qualities.

Silence increases objectivity as we escape the clamor of emotional appeals and subjective arguments and evaluate the real substance of things we have heard. Crooked salesmen do not like silence.

In a special way, silence seems to remind us of the presence of God. It is not in the city that Christians most often remark on the certainty of a creator; rather it is on a mountain peak, far above the noise below, where the stillness is broken only by sounds of God’s creation.

Silence allows us to hear the voice of the Spirit—not in some miraculous way, but through reflection upon the law of God which we have laid up in our hearts (Psalms 119:11) and upon which we “meditate day and night” (Psalms 1:2). Meditation is best without distracting noise.

Because of these qualities, silence may often be used effectively to calm bitterness and to avoid polarization of individuals in disagreement. The Quakers have become known as peerless mediators in numerous types of conflict; and periods of silence are among their favorite devices.

Most of us talk too much and are too rushed to be successful as peacemakers.

Silence is an excellent tool in personal evangelism. A period of quiet reflection after the reading of a scripture gives the student time to reach his own conclusions about its message. It is amazing how effective the Holy Spirit can be in revealing truth to one whose mind is uncluttered by the explanations of “teachers.”

Silence can encourage decisions. Once, talking to a couple who had been attending services for many years, I was urging their obedience. As usual, they said they needed a little more time. “How much time do you need?” I asked. “You have had 20 years.” Silence followed. They said nothing. I said nothing. I determined that I would not speak until they did. The silence lengthened. It became almost embarrassing—it seemed so long. But it was finally broken when he said, “I’m ready; let’s go.” They died not long after that—saved by a decision which was spurred, not by what was said but by what was not said. I learned that there is, indeed, “a time to keep silence” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

Silence facilitates private prayer. Perhaps it was a quest for such silence which led Jesus, rather often, to rise a long while before day to go out into a solitary place to pray. If He sought it, so should we.

 

By Sewell Hall

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living, Prayer, Reverence for God |

Should We Be More Tolerant?

29th January, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

We preachers have just been much too hard on thieves and thievery. We have spent way too much pulpit time condemning theft when we could have been preaching on understanding, love and tolerance for thieves. We have instead insisted upon telling people that stealing is a sin and that they shouldn’t behave that way.

Now, I know what the Bible says about stealing. One of the ten commandments given to the nation of Israel was “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Of course, the Law of Moses was fulfilled by Jesus and we don’t live under that law any more. Still, the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed by the inspired apostles and prophets of the New Testament also condemns theft. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that any thieves should stop stealing (4:28) and he actually told the Corinthians that thieves would not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10)! Paul seems to have believed that stealing was a sin, but then he probably also hated thieves, don’t you think?

If someone steals a car, I guess the proper thing to do is to avoid referring to that person as a “thief.” Identifying someone by their conduct has never helped anything, has it? It’s just the way that people who considered themselves to be “morally superior” put others down. The person who stole the car probably couldn’t help it anyway, since we all know that some folks are compulsive thieves. Besides, the Bible is an old book and we are a more enlightened people now.

The reasoning offered above is seen to be ridiculous when applied to stealing. Does anybody actually believe that preachers who identify theft as a sin therefore hate thieves? Is it “discrimination” to identify someone who steals as a “thief”? (Actually, it is – by the general meaning of the word “discriminate,” i.e., to make a distinction between different things, people, etc. Modern society, however, has attached such an unsavory connotation to the word that ANY discrimination is seen as undesirable). Unfortunately, the same kind of argument is routinely used to defend other kinds of immoral behavior and to attack those who speak out against such behavior.

I personally have had enough of “political correctness.” Note the craftiness of the homosexual movement which portrays any criticism of homosexuality as “discrimination” tantamount to racism. Those who identify homosexual behavior as sinful are classified as “bigots” who hate homosexuals. Never mind that the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as “vile passions,” “against nature,” “shameful,” “error” and “debased” (Romans 1:26_28). Never mind that forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation is available to ANYONE who will turn from his sins and seek divine grace (Acts 17:30_31; Titus 2:11_14). I recognize that there are individuals who are hateful toward homosexuals, but to assume such of everyone who disapproves of that lifestyle is no more reasonable than suggesting that disapproving of thievery 4 implies the hatred of thieves!

“Political correctness” is often used to hide the truth about certain kinds of behavior. For instance, there are those who argue that it is improper, even hateful, to refer to those who enter our country illegally as “illegal aliens.” “Alien” simply means that they are not citizens (which is true) and “illegal” simply refers to their method of entry into the country, i.e., in violation of United States immigration law (which is true). The political lobby for illegal aliens has learned well from the homosexual movement; the terms used in the national discussion of a subject can be half the battle!

Christians must not be afraid to stand up and identify what the Bible calls “sin.” That won’t make us popular with a large segment of the population, but, like the apostle Paul, our objective is to please God, not men (Galatians 1:10). Part of the reason that our society has lost its moral bearings is that religious people (I include the members of denominations) have become reticent to identify sin for what it is. At the same time, we must remember that the object of the preaching of the gospel is to encourage men and women to seek God. We must be plain, but not hateful. We must be firm, but not vindictive.

 

By Allen Dvorak

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Edifying the Saints, Evangelism, False Doctrine, Personal Evangelism |

Free Speech?

22nd January, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23

“These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.”  Proverbs 6:16-19

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs 12:18

“The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Proverbs 12:19

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” James 1:26

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

 

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

 

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

 

With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” James 3:1-12

“For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.’” 1 Peter 3:10

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

“He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Proverbs 17:27

“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37

 

[Verses arranged by Isaac Muñoz]

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living, The Tongue |

Children of God

15th January, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

When one begins to contemplate the many blessings bestowed upon himself throughout one day, he should be both mesmerized by the enormity of these gifts and humbled by their presence in his life. When one further contemplates the Creator of all the universe caring for him, it truly brings a sense of awe. As the Psalmist wrote, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). No truer question could have ever been asked than, Who am I to receive such wonderful blessings?

It is this sense of awe that prompts within us our humility. We are humbled because we understand our weaknesses and failure to maintain faithfulness to God. We freely confess that we have fallen short and deserve nothing, but even then God continues to love, forgive, and reunite our lives with His will. We are humbled by the empirical evidence that manifest God’s love, one that is greater than any we should ever deserve. Our very being both spiritually and physically is sustained by our Father who reigns in heaven – Who am I to ever be called one of His children?

It is with this foundation of awe and humility, we want to examine these words of the apostle John – “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him” (1 John 3:1). It is this love of God manifested in our lives that has forever changed not only our course on earth but our eternal destinies. We are no longer just average men but are children of God. Do we honor God by humbly thanking Him for this awesome gift? Do we contemplate what it means to be called a child of God and the rich blessings we obtain through this new relationship? Our task is to evaluate the text of John’s first epistle and to think about the rich blessings we are given through God’s wondrous love.

The first blessing of being a child of God is sharing in fellowship with the Father and Son (1 John 1:7). When we put on Christ in baptism, our motivation in life has changed from selfish interest to selfless concern. Our love and the pursuit of worldly things is redesigned to now love the Father and carry out His will (1 John 2:15-17). We have been called to walk in a manner as He walked (1 John 2:6). Our lives become a manifestation of this change, when others no longer see vain pursuits but a life given to righteousness (1 John 2:29). This change originates and continues daily because of the fellowship we share with the Father and Son.

The second blessing of being a child of God is the forgiveness of sins. Our God’s love is incomprehensible! As Paul said, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). While man struggles to forgive his debtors and to love his enemies, our God loved us while we were yet sinners and completely unlovable. This is only possible because our God is love and because in His love lies the gift of forgiveness (1 John 4:8). While God does expect us to live differently after salvation, He also continues to forgive those who confess and repent of their sins. John said, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). There is no excuse for a Christian to live with sin for John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Therefore, we must live in such a way to confess our faults and ask for God’s forgiveness.

A third blessing of being a child of God is the hope and assurance of a better life coming. John spoke of eternal life in both the immediate sense and future sense in his short epistle. John wrote in the immediate sense to encourage those Christians who were having to endure both physical persecutions and the false teaching of their day to remain faithful (1 John 2:26; 4:1-6). This purpose was further explained by John when he wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Building upon this foundation, John moved from their immediate situation by exhorting them to live with full assurance of eternal life in the future sense. As he wrote, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2). John encouraged the faithful to carry on by reminding them of their future glory and home in heaven with the Father and Son.

While this list was never meant to be exhaustive, it does gives us three key blessings that transcend the centuries by continuing to encourage us in our faithfulness to God. What a tremendous thought that we will all share in the same result as our brethren of the 1st century if we remain faithful to God? Will you be found walking in the light or will you forfeit God’s richest blessings for a momentary pleasure of sin? We have been called to not walk like mere men but rather to walk on a higher plane with a new purpose. We are encouraged by John to walk in love, truth, knowledge, forgiveness, light, etc., because these are the traits manifested in our Father. May our lives continually be in awe of God’s surpassing love and humbled by His wondrous forgiveness so that we remain to be called – Children of God!

By Colby Junkin

Posted in Baptism, Bulletin Articles, Grace, Love, Plan of Salvation, The Nature of God |

What We Gain Every Time We Meet

8th January, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

Sometimes we approach our service to God with questions like, “Do I have to?” This tends to take an approach that leads to the feeling of forced service or drudgery. Instead, what if we focused on the positive benefits that we gain when we meet together? To that end, I’d like to remind us of what we are doing when we come together as a church. Another reason for this reminder is that it is all too easy for us to get wrapped up in the entanglements of the world, even though they might be matters that are not in themselves sinful. Even so, they take time and energy, and sometimes God and His people get pushed to the back seat of busy lives. We’ve all struggled with this. We don’t usually do this purposefully, but gradually over time we allow more and more of the activities of the busy world take time and energy from us and we lose out on the ability to make the most of opportunities as we face evil days (Eph. 5:15-17).

“Opportunities” is the operative term. Meeting together is indeed a commitment of time and energy, but these are also great opportunities to learn, grow, and come away with a renewed sense of zeal and purpose. We find the time to do what we value and love, so let’s be reminded of the value

of coming together as a congregation dedicated to serving the Lord.

Every time we meet, we gain opportunities:

  1. To Praise God in Unity with Others. We have been redeemed to the praise and glory of God (see Eph. 1:3-14). We want to be with other redeemed people so that we can praise and glorify Him together. After making the point that we need to redeem the time because the days are evil, Paul continued, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father” (Eph. 5:18-20). By doing this together, we show unity and encourage each other.
  2. To Receive Strong Biblical Teaching. The word of God will be read and taught, whether in classes or general assemblies. Even in our singings, we are teaching biblical concepts and principles. But make no mistake: we are committed here to present the strongest biblical messages we can. We are committed to Scripture as God’s word, and we will hold this standard out for all to hear and follow. As Paul told Timothy, so we will do: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2). You will, therefore, have opportunities to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18).
  3. To Have Fellowship with other Christians. Do not underestimate the power and importance of having fellowship in person with brothers and sisters in Christ. We are here to share jointly in the spiritual blessings of Christ. When we meet, we will see examples of faith and love. We will see godly people showing us what it means to be faithful. We will see Christians loving one another. We want to develop that family bond, and we need each other present to do so. By this, we will have the opportunity to lift up and encourage others who might be weak or struggling (Heb. 12:12). We will stimulate one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:23-25). We need this time of fellowship together.
  4. To Recommit ourselves to the Lord. Of course we can do this anytime, but when we come together we are especially reminded of how important it is to be dedicated and committed to the Lord every day. By meeting with the brethren every opportunity we have, we will be showing our commitment and will be reminded of the need to cast off the old man of sin to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2). We ought to leave every meeting with a renewed commitment to serve our great God daily.

We realize that there are issues that can prevent us from attending (e.g., sickness), and some situations are difficult. Nevertheless, we need to see the value of what we gain when we are present, and what we miss when we are absent, whatever the reason. We need to develop a longing and love for the assemblies. Think, also, of the impact this love and commitment will have on our children and future generations. If you’ve not been in the habit of coming every time the doors are open for classes and assemblies, please reconsider and think of what you are missing and what you will gain, and how you will help so many others. Let’s cherish our times together.

By Doy Moyer

Posted in Attendance, Bulletin Articles, Worship |

Bring in the New Year

1st January, 2017 · Chapman · Leave a comment

Lose weight.  Exercise more.  Quit some bad habit.  Read the Bible from start to finish.  The New Year is upon us, a time when we make plans about how we’re going to spend the next twelve months.  But one of the best resolutions you can make for 2017 is the decision to bring someone to the Lord.  That is not only a commitment that will change another’s life; in the process, you will start your own revolution.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at the Savior.

I have found that there is no better way to get to know the Lord than to tell other people about Him.  Since you want them to come and follow Him as you have, you will seek to present His case in the most persuasive and convicting manner.

When you describe His miracles and wonders, you will have a better appreciation of His deity.  When you tell of His temptations, sufferings, and tears, you will have a greater grasp of His sympathy with the human race.  When you explain His sweat that fell as drops of blood and the nails that were driven through His hands and feet, you will have a more graphic picture of the destructive nature of sin.  And when you tell of His glorious resurrection from the dead, you will grow the anticipation of your own promised victory over the grave.  Help someone see Him through the eye of faith and watch how your vision for the unseen becomes even clearer.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at the Scriptures.

No matter how many times you have read Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”, those words will take on a new meaning when you see them in action.

It is that gospel that has the power to penetrate stone hearts and to break stubborn wills.  It is that gospel that causes hope to be realized with the news that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24).  It is that gospel that brings people under the condemnation of their sin and provokes the response of “what must I do to be saved?”  It is that gospel that produces inexpressible joy over the forgiveness of sins like the eunuch, after he was baptized, “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).  Show someone the passages that led you to the obedience of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It will only draw you closer to Him who authored that same message.

    Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at yourself.  

If you want to point someone to Christ, then let them see Him living in you.  “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).  Your life is no longer about you.  It’s about Him.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).  Who was more qualified to make that statement than He who practiced what He preached?  Jesus never took the approach of “Do as I say, not as I do.”  And He needs disciples who will follow in those steps of sincerity.  You can’t recommend a way of life that you are not willing to live yourself.   People have to see Jesus when they see you.  Not only will that allow you to be a good example to those you come in contact with, it will ultimately bring glory to God.

Live the life of a Christian.  Evangelism is as much about showing as it is telling.  The story of Jesus is too good not to tell.  It’s too good not to live.  You say you want a resolution?  Ring in the New Year by bringing someone to the Lord.

By Bubba Garner

Posted in Bible Study, Bulletin Articles, Church Growth, Evangelism |

Staying Alert in the Battle Against Sin

25th December, 2016 · Chapman · Leave a comment

Have you ever been through a time in your life when you were constantly overtaken by the same sin again and again, not realizing the temptation was there until it was too late? Maybe you’re even struggling with that right now, falling into old habits, not seeing the trap until you’re already caught in it.

What causes this spiritual obliviousness? How can you and I be more alert and aware so that we won’t succumb to a surprise attack from Satan?

In his epistle, Peter talks about three actions we need to take that will help us to change from who we used to be into the people God wants for Himself:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

Prepare your minds for action

This phrase literally means “gird up the loins of your mind”. Back when people wore long robes, it was necessary to tuck the robe into their belts in order to run quickly. Peter’s essentially saying, “Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work”. If you’re not expecting to be tempted by sin, you will be caught off guard and fall more easily into the temptation. Peter says later in his letter, “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Half the victory is preparing for the battle. What can you do to be ready to combat Satan?

Be sober-minded
If you’re struggling with impaired judgment and poor decision-making, maybe you’re drunk. And not necessarily on alcohol, though that could be an issue, but maybe on other things that numb you to the reality of God’s truth. What are you “under the influence” of? Think about what you go to for comfort or escape when you’re feeling down. Is it entertainment, sex, food, socializing, etc.? These things can offer temporary relief from pain but do nothing to confront the reality of life, and will only deaden us spiritually. Ephesians 5:15-21 offers the alternative to spiritual inebriation: be filled with the Spirit, sing to God, be thankful, and serve others.

Hope fully on grace
Peter spent the first 12 verses of this chapter writing about the hope that we have because of the grace God has given us, and the grace we’ll continue to receive. Often when we find ourselves falling into the same sins repeatedly, it’s because we have our hope fixed on something other than Jesus and the grace He brings. If your hope is set on landing that promotion at work, or meeting the perfect person, or finally getting approval from someone you admire, then you will make decisions and work hard to bring that hope to realization, no matter the cost spiritually. Examine your behavior and how your emotions are affected by circumstances in your life, and you will begin to see where your hope is truly placed.

When we have our minds set on God’s truth and ready for action, when we remove from our lives influences that impair spiritually, and when we focus on the hope Jesus gives, we will be better prepared to confront the sin that we’re tempted with head on.  Peter gives us hope for the battle against sin at the end of the letter:

Resist [the devil], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:9-10).

By Joshua Lewis

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living, Temptation |

Things Involved in Service

18th December, 2016 · Chapman · Leave a comment

Service is serving — sometimes voluntarily, sometime involuntarily. In service one is enslaved to someone or something — sometimes voluntarily, sometimes involuntarily. Slavery is not all bad. For instance, Paul, inspired by the Spirit, said, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). One may be freed from one kind of slavery, but he will inevitably be brought under the control of another kind of slavery. Those who were made free by The Emancipation Proclamation were not free to do as they pleased. They ceased being mere chattel for their masters; but they were brought under the laws of the land. If one is free from righteousness, he is the slave of sin; if he is freed from sin, he becomes the servant of God. Everyone serves someone.

Service to God is a deliberate action. It is a choice made. There is no force involved saving for the force of one’s own intelligent reaction to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel forces one to this new slavery by imposing upon him a sense of righteousness and judgment and a sorrow for sin. It only forces one to serve because he comes to know and love God.

This new yoke (Matthew 11:30) is easy to bear, its burden light compared to the imposing slavery of sin and the yoke it imposes.

Service to God is man’s only way to glorify Him. There is no other. Mental assent may bring some satisfaction to the mind, but it brings little glory to God. Even pangs of conscience may well say something about where a man is headed, but it does not, by itself, glorify God. Only service glorifies God. Adopting the attitudes He recommends, bringing oneself deliberately under His control, performing, to the best of one’s ability, His requirements and leaving off His prohibitions constitutes service. Without these things in their proper places, there is only admission, not service. True service brings the whole man into subservience to God.

To serve God one must put himself totally at God’s disposal. There must be no room left in the heart for any god of any sort, but Him only. One must sanctify Him; give Him the high place He deserves. That speaks not only to faith, but to trust and confidence as well. It speaks to allowing Him complete control in one’s life. Any less is double-minded devotion and such a mental division of affection is not acceptable to Him. Please note that such submission not only brings Him glory, but it brings glory to the person who submits as well. Man never operates at a higher level of efficiency, nor does he ever come closer to the fulfillment of his design for being, than when he is totally disposed to serve his Maker.

Service to God is eminently practical. It makes sense. It is practical because of what it does for man. Man is made better by serving God. His ideals are more substantive, his goals are more sensible, His labors more effective, his hope more lofty. It makes no sense at all to lay up treasures on earth when nature itself teaches that the earth eventually claims its patrons, leaving them penniless and powerless. It makes good sense to lay up treasures in heaven where God has assured that the investment will pay dividends so rich that our fi nite minds fail to accurately comprehend them. Such rewards are the result of service to God. Notice, I said the “result,” of such service. These rewards are provided by the grace of God; but they are for those who choose to serve Him. There will be no such rewards for those who deliberately choose a life of service to the mundane.

In its purest sense, service is an offering. Service is a sacrifice of oneself to God. Paul indicates such in Romans 12:1, when he says, “present your bodies a living sacrifice to God.” He speaks of such as “your reasonable service.” It is reasonable because it makes sense; it makes sense because it is reasonable. This offering is a presentation — one presents himself to God to be used as He sees fit. “Here am I Lord, send me” is the mantra of the true servant. You give your life, you give your heart, and you give your being to Him. He is yours and you are His. Beside Him there is no other. It is this giving in service that makes it a “living” sacrifice; it is alive, active.

Service is a measurement of one’s love for God. If you serve Him faithfully, you love Him dearly. If you serve Him sporadically, you love him sporadically. You must measure your love yourself; and you measure your love by appraising your service to Him. Is it total? Is it unrestrained, unrestricted, unlimited?

By Dee Bowman

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living |

“Be Patient With All”

13th December, 2016 · Chapman · Leave a comment

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

We all have responsibilities toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s especially true when the going gets tough. In this verse, Paul briefly identifies some common spiritual problems and our duties toward those who have them.

The word unruly described a soldier who was insubordinate or a laborer who neglected his work. This brother’s behavior is disor­derly, out of line. He is not following the rules (i.e., the command­ments of God; see 2 Thessalonians 3:6b). He knows what he ought to do but chooses not to do it.

Paul’s command is that we admonish (warn) such a person. We work to persuade him to do better. Whether it requires gentle words of encouragement or stronger words of rebuke, our goal is to get him to change his conduct to conform to what God instructs—in other words, to repent.

The fainthearted (literally, “small-souled”) brother is easily dis­couraged. He may be overly sensitive to criticism. He may quickly lose heart when he makes mistakes, or when he sees the failures of others. He may be fearful of opposition to his beliefs. Without help, this disciple could become disheartened and depressed to the point of giving up.

Our duty to this brother is to comfort him. He may need a cheerful word or just a sympathetic ear. He needs to know he is not alone. “Let them know that the battle is not theirs, but the Lord’s; and those that trust in him shall conquer” (Adam Clarke). “There­fore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble” (Hebrews 12:12).

The weak brother has many faces: the student who is experi­enc­ing doubts about his faith; the new convert who still has much to learn; the brother who is weak in conscience toward some matter of indifference (cf. 1 Corinthians 8-10; Romans 14). This Christian lacks the depth of knowledge or conviction that he needs.

Paul tells us to “uphold” or support the weak. The word here can mean either (1) to endure or withstand, or (2) to cling to or pay atten­tion to. I believe both meanings could apply. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his neighbor’s good to edi­fication” (Romans 15:1-2). When a brother is weak, we must “put up” with his weaknesses and try to “build up” what is lacking on his part. The goal is not for him to be complacent in his weakness, but for him to grow stronger.

When a brother or sister struggles with problems, it may be hard to determine which of these descriptions best fits. Is the person willfully disobedient or just struggling with temptation? Is his problem due to a lack of self-control or a lack of knowledge? Does she need reassurance or rebuke? It may take careful consideration and time before we know. And that leads us to one more exhortation…

Be patient with all. The word is literally “long-tempered”—be­ing patient with those who try our patience. Warning the unruly, comforting the fainthearted, and upholding the weak can put a strain on us. Satan seeks to frustrate and discourage us. He would rather we just gave up on those who need our help. But we must not. Remem­ber that we all need the support of our brothers and sisters from time to time. Imitate the longsuffering of God (2 Peter 3:9,15). “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentle­ness, and patience” (Colossians 2:12).

 

By Jeff Himmel

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living, Edifying the Saints, Patience |

Do It Yourself Obituary

27th November, 2016 · Chapman · Leave a comment

The “Do It Yourself” idea has made millions for industries catering to those who would rather complete a project than pay another to do it.  Entire cable networks have built their programming around this craze, demonstrating how old houses can be made to look new again, how old furniture can be refurbished, and how items from the junkyard can be turned into treasures. In turn, those with the necessary skills have saved millions of dollars by doing the work to produce a satisfying end product. It is within this spirit of “DIY” that the following challenge is made: write your own obituary!

Even today, most every hometown newspaper has an obituary column. Enshrining those who have passed from this life, their family, deeds, good works, and hobbies are encapsulated in a few brief paragraphs to allow readers to know the quality of the individual. What, though, if obituary writing was taken away from newspaper journalists and the responsibility given to every individual?  There is biblical precedent for such an idea! As the Apostle Paul knew his life would soon end, he wrote his obituary:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (I Timothy 4:6-8)

Paul’s reflection on his death illustrated an individual who knew what he wanted in life; thus, his final days were not spent with regret, but with anxious anticipation of what was soon to come.

Getting Started

Typically, the hardest part of a do it yourself project is beginning. The necessary motivation is often eclipsed by either a dread of the work at hand or the attention paid to other pursuits. As a part of the do it yourself obituary, the first step is to take time and contemplate what accomplishments are desired in this life. A nurse who spent her life working in the field of palliative care recorded the biggest regrets her patients voiced as their lives were coming to a close. In her anecdotal observations, she found that every male patient expressed the same regret, “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” As these men looked back on their lives, they realized that pursuing a career had devoured time which could and should have been devoted to family and other good works. The Lord recognized this as a great temptation, admonishing in his parable of the soils that “what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Thus, as the “do it yourselfer” begins writing, he must determine how he wants to be remembered. Will his obituary state that he was a devoted family man, good father, and good husband, or will it state that he was an invaluable asset to the company for whom he worked? Will it state he was a selfless worker in the Lord’s service or will it state he was a tireless worker for his employer?

Concluding

Perhaps the second hardest part of the do it yourself project is finding satisfaction with the end result. Often, the DIY enthusiasts will state “I should have done this” or “I should have done that.” What about with the final lines of the obituary? Note once again how the Apostle Paul concluded his obituary; it was not with regret, but with anticipation. He was not a perfect man in any way; in fact, he stated that he was “chief among sinners.” He, however, knew the grace of God and knew the absolute necessity of “working out one’s own salvation.” Thus, he always had the finish line in mind and raced accordingly. The DIY obituary writer must make a choice; does he desire to be remembered as the man who left his family financially well-off or the man who laid the foundation for a spiritual house? Does he desire to be remembered as the veteran employee whose portrait will hang on the wall for years to come or the Christian whose portrait adorns the hearts of his brethren? Does he desire to have his name engraved in earthly memorials or does he desire his name to be recorded in the Lamb’s book of life?

Filling In The Middle

The hard labor of any project is what occurs between beginning and end; the same is true with life. What, then, is the purpose of writing one’s own obituary? It is to live in such a manner that will lead to the desired conclusion. Writing an obituary before the closing days of life provides opportunity to evaluate the direction one’s life is going. It gives the young man working his way up the corporate ladder opportunity to pause and reconsider his family obligations: “Husbands, love your wives even as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25).  It gives the young woman opportunity to reflect on her God-given duties within the family: “And so train younger women to love their husbands and children” (Titus 2:5). It provides opportunity for every Christian to examine his or her lifestyle and determine if the Lord is a part of that life or if the Lord IS life: “And when Christ, who is your life, appears…” (Colossians 3:4). The priorities established “before the evil days come” will certainly determine the outcome.

Conclusion

Death is not a subject that most desire to contemplate and mortality is often an avoided idea. The realist, however, fully understands that the day of departure is coming: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The DIY obituary writer, with full realization that death is coming, gets busy! As the Apostle Paul, actions are taken to produce the hope and security that a victor’s crown is waiting. May every child of God take to heart and live every day in anticipation of meeting the Lord. May every obituary written by the faithful come to its desired and glorious conclusion – a life lived for God.

By Greg Chandler

Posted in Bulletin Articles, Christian Living, Marriage, Parenting |
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