Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

"Anxious To Meet Father"

Ross Walker, Jr. is one of those Americans we call "the Greatest Generation". Yes, he fought in World War 2, like hundreds of thousands of others. He was stationed in Germany, like so many others, for a long period of time. When he left Germany to return to the United States, he had no idea he had fathered a child.

Elvira Rypacek is that daughter Ross never knew. She grew up not knowing a father; her mother, Maria, never spoke of him. Shortly before her death in 1992, Maria gave Elvira what little information she had about Walker: a photograph of a handsome soldier and his name. His whereabouts for the past half-century were unknown to her.

For years Elvira tried in vain to locate Ross Walker. Finally, with the help of an organization called GI Trace, Walker was found living in Charlotte, NC. When Ross found out he had a daughter, he was 88 years old. His age didn't keep him from being excited to meet Elvira. "When is she coming home?" he asked. She had a home there, he explained, "because her daddy is in Charlotte." Do I need to tell you it was a tearful meeting? (http://wfae.org/post/german-daughter- finds-meets-her-world-war-ii-american-gi-father)

You and I also have a Father we've not yet met in person. Yes, we've heard much about Him; He is remarkable in every way. He is the One who made us, and His love for us is legendary. John describes it in this way: "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

Some who learn about this Father want to meet Him. They, like Elvira Rypacek, begin seeking Him. But will they have success? Paul argued that we can have success: "... So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27).

To actually be brought to this Father, though, will require assistance. Thankfully, Jesus promises just that: "In My Father's house are many mansions; ... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; ... I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:2,3,6).

And then - one day - we who follow this Way will see God. That's the hope Jesus gives us: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Do we even need to speculate on what our emotions will be on that day? Tears of joy will surely flow, for finally we will have met, face to face, our Father!

Timothy D. Hall

Free sermon outlines on worship

OUR WORSHIP

From John 4:22-23 we understand that we are to worship the Father; this by definition should exclude all others. John 16:23-24 tells us there was a time when they didn’t need to ask in Jesus’ name, but that has been changed by Christ himself. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 says there is only one Father and one Son, distinct beings even though they are God.  The worship of one does not constitute the worship of the other. Romans 15:6 and Ephesians 4:5-6 We learn that we are to glorify the Father; clearly defined  as the Father of Christ.

Conclusion:  We have authority to worship the Father.  The worship of the Father is distinct from the Son; addressing the Son is not the same as addressing the Father and our action to one cannot automatically be construed as action toward the other.  We have no authority to worship Christ.

Other Points

1. From Acts 1:24 Can we necessarily assume ‘Lord’ must be Christ? There are many references where Lord is either the Father or the Son; this is not conclusive (Matt. 4:10; Matt. 11:25; Mark 12:30; Mark 12:36; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:25; Acts 4:26).
2. In 1 John 5:11-15 can we assume that the subject must be Jesus and not the Father? The last ACTIVE verb used of either the Father or the Son is in verse 11 and refers to the Father.  Can we assume that the subject in verses 13 and 14 is Jesus when verses 12 and 13 refer to what man does, not what Christ does?  Considering John 16:23, this would seem to be a very precarious assumption at best.
3. In 1Timothy 1:12 Paul thanked Christ; however, Jesus appeared to Christ on the road to Damascus and talked to him (he saw him) but Christ also said he would appear to him (Acts 26:16).
4. Acts 7:59, Stephen addressed Jesus but he was seeing him.
5. In 1Corinthians 1:2 Calling on the name of Christ is not the same as calling to Christ.  We call on the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in baptism but we don’t pray to them in baptism.
6. In John 10:34 & Psalm 82:6 it is said that we are gods; are we to be worshipped? We cannot assume we can worship Christ based on his deity alone.
7. John 17:21-23  Some argue that Jesus and the Father are "one" therefore we can worship Christ but if we are also one as they are one then this would authorize our worship to each other.
8. Does Revelation 5:12 authorize us to worship Christ?  In Revelation 4:1 it seems the context is established for the vision of things which are going to be later. Also, if this authorizes worship to Christ we must also be authorized to use the harp in worship (Rev. 5:8).

Conclusion: We have not been authorized to pray to Christ or worship Christ. When Christ was on earth men worshipped him but He established a change in John 16.  Some talked to Christ as they looked upon him but we have no such experience.  We are to pray to the Father through Christ and are authorized to worship the Father.

—Jon Macon

WHAT IS WORSHIP?

We are speaking English but discussing the truth, which comes from the Hebrew and Greek languages, which are more specific than our English words. When we speak about worship in scripture, the definitions may be different than in the English dictionary (as is baptism).

The words in scripture that describe our worship generally refer to the action of prostrating oneself, a few times to reverencing and four times to serving God. The typical expression used with ‘worship’ is to fall down, or cast oneself down to worship.  The following is a more detailed discussion of the words in the Hebrew and Greek which have been translated as ‘worship.’

The primary words for worship in Hebrew (almost exclusively 7812) and Greek (4352) mean respectively to depress (prostrate) and to fawn or crouch (prostrate oneself in homage).  There are obviously figurative uses but this is the literal. When men fell down and worshipped, they fell down and depressed, fawned, crouched or prostrated themselves before him. I know our traditions don’t always agree with scripture but this is the primary way that I see worship used. John 4:24-25 is this word (4325).

A word that is used but 10 times in the New Testament is the word sebomai (4576), which is literally to revere. This is the worship (reverence) that God spoke about in Matthew 15:8-9. The problem was that instead of worshipping him according to the scriptures, they worshipped him according to tradition. I think much of our worship today is more from tradition than it is from scripture. This word is generally a description of the heart several people had toward God. I do not notice any commands [exercise in godliness] given to us concerning this word. In fact, the examples the Lord gives us are those who worshipped according to the Old Testament Law of Moses or pagan worshippers. This word is combined with the word well (eu) to form the word translated ‘godliness’ in the New Testament (2150, 2152, 2153). Thus this kind of worship would be akin to godliness which is to revere or reverence. Several other Greek words are translated as ‘worship,’ which are akin to this word, including Acts 17:23, where the pagan world reverenced the true God ignorantly. No doubt this is the primary word we think of when we discuss our worship to God, but it is not the primary word in the New Testament.

Another word translated as ‘worship’ (4 times in the KJV) has caused confusion for some brethren who believe that everything we do can be worship.  This word, ‘latreuo’ (3000) is literally ‘to minister’ as a menial servant. It is used 21 times in the New Testament and is almost always translated ‘to serve.’ This concept is not generally what we use when we discuss the worship of God.

John 4:24 is of primary importance because of the limitations placed on that type of worship. The context is the Samaritan woman’s statement that they worshipped in Samaria and the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. The worship she was discussing was the worship done in the temple of God. The worship in Jerusalem involved animal sacrifices, incense, bread, wine, olive oil, salt, and many other physical things. In contrast, New Testament worship is not so much physical as in spirit—in spiritual sacrifices, rather than in physical things. Our sacrifices are the fruit of our lips giving thanks to (literally acknowledging) his name (Heb. 13:15), doing well, communicating (Heb. 13:16), supporting those who preach the gospel (Phil. 4:18), the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:16-22), presenting our bodies to God (Rom. 12:1—this does not include the everything is worship doctrine), etc.

Worship in both Old and New Testaments was primarily falling down before God in one way or another. This concept of worship has largely been lost today, at least in public worship. Paul described his praying as this kind of worship (Eph. 3:14). The Roman soldiers knew how to pretend to worship (Mark 15:19). The Father is seeking those who will (literally) fawn or crouch before him (John 4:25). The sacrifices we offer to God are more spiritual in nature, which involve the heart of reverence, humility, kindness, mercy, liberality, reverence and devotion. We can reverence God as Lydia (Acts 16:14) and Justus (Acts 18:7) and the blind man (John 9:31). We are to exercise ourselves in godliness which is piety (verb is well reverent) in reverencing all the goodness of God. Worship does not preclude the many other services we offer from a pure heart according to his commands and wisdom.

—Jon Macon

Why does life seem so short?

Psalms 90:9-10 “For all our days are passed under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away” (ESV).

 As each day passes it seems as if more and more of the great truths of God’s word are being trampled upon. The troubled heart is a reality from which none of us can escape. I love the words of David found in Psalms 55:6, “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest”. Sometimes I find myself wishing that I could flee to a place where sorrows, heartache, sickness, afflictions and troublesome times would not be known. That place does not exist on this earth but there is a place where those things are not known and if I am a faithful child of God, one day I will fly away and live forever in it (John 14:1-3, Rev. 21:1-7, 2 Cor. 5:1-9).

Our days on this earth are very limited (Heb. 9:27). Life is a very brittle thread that can be and often is snapped quickly. We are but one short step from shedding these earthly bonds (1 Sam. 20:3). We are prone to measure life in terms of years when in reality we should measure life in terms of one heart beat a time, minutes, yea even seconds. Now, we know that when we do shed these earthly bonds, it will not mark the end of our existence (Eccl. 12:5-7, 2 Cor. 5:1). When that day comes, we will go out into eternity and, there face our God in judgment (Acts 17:30-31, Rom. 14:12). When standing at the judgment bar of God, we will face either a kind, loving God who will speak words of gladness to us, “Come, ye blessed of my Father” or we will face a God of wrath who will speak some of the most terrible words ever heard, “Depart from me” (Matt. 25:34, 41). It all depends on what we do with our lives before we fly away.

I venture to say that in all of our homes there is at least one book called the Bible. In that book, and that book only, do we find the words of eternal  life (John 6:66). The design and purpose of the Bible is to reveal God’s love, care and concern for us. From its beginning to its end, it points us in the way that leads to everlasting life. We hold in our hands the key to the greatest happiness what we can ever experience, the eternal safety of our soul. What will you do with the book of books? As for me, I will hear it (Rom. 10:17), believe it (Mark 16:16), and having repented (Acts 17:30), confessed (Rom. 10:10, 1 John 4:14-16), and been baptized into Christ (Mk. 16:16, Gal. 3:27), I intend to be faithful to my commitment (Rev. 2:10, 14:13) and pray that I will ever teach the truth consistent with God’s word, speaking the truth always in love, thereby setting an example for all who see and know me (2 Tim. 4:2, Eph. 4:15, 1 Tim. 4:12). How about you, what will you do with the words of eternal life?

Charles Hicks

What does free, moral agent mean?

There’s a well-known phrase that gets repeated often in sermons and Bible class lessons. It’s not a phrase found in the Bible, but it’s one that’s used so often that I’m sure many people think it’s in there. I myself, use it fairly often in my Bible study classes and because of that, I got to thinking that perhaps we should delve into this phrase a little deeper than just repeating it all the time. Sorta shake it apart, tear it down, and see just what we’re talking about when we use it.

The phrase of which I speak is - "free, moral agent." How many times have you heard that phrase used? Don’t burn up your brain trying to count them, just suffice it to say - lots of times. Usually in the form of "Man is a free, moral agent." Well, let’s just take a few minutes and see exactly what this means when we hear it used.

To do so, we’ll start almost at the beginning where, in the 1^st chapter of Genesis we read where God created mankind. You’ll see there that man was made different from all the other "creatures" God had made up until then. We know this because God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness....." (Vs. 26) 

Two of the major differences between man and the other creatures is that we possess both an intellect and a conscience. In other words, man can assess a given situation, make a decision as to what he wants to do and then act on that decision. When that "action" turns out to be wrong (as it many times does) we then suffer some mental anguish (perhaps even some physical) and we recognize this as our "conscience" working in us.

Okay, let’s take a moment and break down our phrase "free, moral agent" into the three parts readily seen there. First the word "free." When this word is used as a adjective, as it is in the phrase, it means things like "unbound" or "loosed" or "unfastened." By looking at those definitions we can see that God released man from the "instinctive" characteristics He created in the other animals.

We might even say that God "programmed" the animals to do and behave in the manner for which they were created. But, man is "free" to choose his own paths, yet with this "freedom" comes the responsibility for the paths we choose. We are "loosed" from being programmed to follow a set path, but we’re not "loosed" from the responsibility of our choices.

Now let’s take the word "moral" and see what we can learn from it’s definition. Again, it’s used as an adjective here because it is describing something. What it’s describing is the nature of a person’s character. In this case, it means things like "dutiful, conscientious, honorable, law-abiding or ethical." Basically, it’s describing a person’s principles. So then, how does this relate to our "phrase?" Simply that we’ve been given the "freedom" by God to choose the type of person he or she will be.

Now we come to the last word of our "phrase" - "agent." Out of several definitions available I think the best fitting of them to our "phrase" is "doer, performer or practitioner." Someone who is "doing" or "practicing" the things which God has allowed them to "freely" choose to do in their lives.

Now that we’ve defined our "phrase" let me cite you something said by William H. Prescott back in the 1800's that might help us better understand this "phrase" and better understand why God made man to be a "free, moral agent." He wrote: "Where there is no free agency, there can be no morality. Where there is no temptation, there can be little claim to virtue. Where the routine is rigorously proscribed by law, the law, and not the man, must have the credit of the conduct."

Throughout all of our studies of the Bible we find that man has always had the freedom to act on his own initiative. We’ve also seen in those studies that many times man has chosen the wrong path to follow, haven’t we? Not because they had no other choice available. Not because there were no alternatives for them to choose. But, mostly because, they weighed what GOD said was best for them versus what THEY thought best and made their choice and then acted on that choice. Isn’t that what man is still doing today?

When we think about "God’s Way" versus "Man’s way," here’s something you can take to the bank, so to speak. No matter how smart or intelligent a man is, and no matter how much education or degrees he can amass, his little "finite brain" can never come close to matching the "infinite" mind of God. Especially when it comes to knowing what is best for him. What path will be more beneficial for him to take.
And also from our Bible studies and all the examples there for us to see and learn from, you’d think that we’d make a lot better choices than we do, wouldn’t you? Just look at ancient Israel, the beneficiaries of countless blessings by God, and some of the choices they made. From being miraculously saved from Egypt, miraculously saved for 40 years in the wilderness and then being given a land flowing with "milk and honey" in which all they had to do was move in and occupy. After all they witnessed of the power and majesty of God, they constantly seemed to make poor choices that resulted in much misery for them.

The worst of their choosing was to forsake Him for false gods. In other words, to take all of His blessings and then ascribe them to man-made idols. Do you have any problem in understanding how their choices "provoked Him to anger." Good old Moses knew his people well for, just before his death, he predicted they’d "do evil in the sight of God...through the work of your hands." (Deut. 31:29) The "work of your hands" is just another way of saying "the choices you make."

As I mentioned earlier, they "chose new gods" and worshiped them instead of Jehovah God. "New gods" in today’s world equals anything man chooses to put before, or in place of, God. Do you think that God appreciates this today anymore than He did back in the days of old Israel? Well, we don’t have to guess or surmise what He thinks about this situation because we can look at something he told Israel in regards to them not choosing to follow His Way and know that our God is the same God and His words are just as applicable today and always. As long as there are those who, in the exorcism of their "free, moral agency," choose their "way" over Gods "Way" they can know exactly what God thinks about their situation, because He tells us this in these words:

"Yet ye have forsaken me and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the god which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation." (Judges 10:13-14)

In closing, let me give you one more passage letting us know the awesome responsibility we have when making our choices of following "God’s Way" or our own "way." In Prov. 1 we read about the end result for those who "did not choose the fear of the Lord," rather they "despised all my reproof, therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices." (Vs. 29-31)

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey

How to make up with someone who is made at you

The Bridge

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence-an 8-foot fence-so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge - a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other!  A fine piece of work, handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers met at the middle of the bridge, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have so many more bridges to build." *

When WE were separated from God due to our sin (Isaiah 59:1-2), God, because of His great love for us, sent His Son Jesus to "build a bridge" of reconciliation. 

Actually, Jesus WAS and IS the bridge that reconciles man to God, for Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our redemption (Ephesians 1:7).  Through Jesus, we are reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

To access the Bridge of reconciliation to God... we must place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

Don't remain separated from God!  Cross the Bridge of reconciliation through your trusting obedience to His Will.

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent

Is God punishing America?

Does it make you wonder what the Lord has in mind for His world?

·       I am sure the Jews were *not* empathetic with his decision to give Assyria all nations—including Israel and Judah into his hand (722 BC).

·       I am also sure the 10 tribes of Israel were *not* happy to find themselves removed from their land and their land given to strangers and foreigners (722 BC).

·       There is no doubt that Judah (the Jews) were NOT happy that the world was given into Chaldea's hand (586 BC).

·       I am still sure that the Jews were NOT happy that the world was given into the Medes and Persian's hand (536 BC).

·       You can understand that the Jews were *not* happy when their entire nation was destroyed and scattered throughout the world (70 AD).

The Lord did those things for the Jews, to curb/stop their corruption and immorality. And yet, Sodom and Gomorrah were worse than the Jews in that they did not hide their sin.

Notice that the Lord did not give Sodom and Gomorrah into another nation's hand, but utterly destroyed them. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, several nations practice a deviate lifestyle, but the US is now trying to force its views on other nations.

Granted there are others worse than the USA, but He will deal with those in His own time. The final question might be: Why would the Lord *not* destroy a nation that is worse than Sodom? Does this pattern fit Psalm 73:1-19 or Job 21:7-20, 28-30?

Thankfully, He still works all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11), and works all things together for good for those who are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28). Don't we need to trust Him to do what is good for His own, and also what is good for the rest of the world? David, Jesus and Paul had that kind of faith, and it would be good if we did too!

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“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Bible Studies for Women: Daughters of Sarah; Muliebral Studies; Muliebral Viewpoint; Articles and Books by Beth Johnson

Dutch speed skater, Sven Kramer

Because the media is such a rich source of inspiration, I’m staying with it for today’s efforts. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been all bad news this past week. I’ll note events that I deem to be "positive" in nature, but I stress that this is my opinion of what’s positive, but of course, you are free to form your own opinion.

Last week I wrote about the death of the actor who took his own life, albeit accidently, by an overdose of heroin mixed with other substances. About how the media covered that event (and still is), mostly in glowing platitudes of what a great guy he was. You know, "he was a great friend and husband. Tremendously accomplished actor, but he just couldn’t control the ‘demons’ in his life." Well, we’ve had another death occur this week in the entertainment community and I’m going to reflect on her life for a few moments.

The latest death of which I speak is that of Shirley Temple Black, a lady that I consider to be a "positive" role model, not just for the entertainment business but for all people everywhere. Did you know that the vast majority of her acting career was done before she was a teenager? In fact, she made over 40 movies before she was 12 years old.

Her entire acting career had, what everyone from the President on down considered to be, a "positive" effect on our nation. There was never a scandal, a reproach or anything of a "negative" nature associated with either her business or personal life. Not many in that business can claim that, can they?

She was married for 64 years to the same husband and a mother to three children. More important to look at is her public life after her acting career. She served as our Ambassador to the countries of Ghana and Czechoslovakia. In between those duties she served as the White House Chief of Protocol for President Ford. Not your typical "actor" was she?

She earned several million dollars as a child actor, but only to find out later that her parents had wasted just about all of it. She never showed any anger or resentment towards them for this loss nor did she ever speak in negative terms about it in interviews. They were her family and she forgave them for it.

As to how she thought about her success in the movie industry, we get a clue from something she once said in an interview. She said, "Sometimes one scores a bulls-eye purely by chance." (Reminds me of Eccl. 9:11) She was also asked once about how she "saw herself" when she looked back on her life. She said, "I always think of her as ‘The Little Girl.’ She’s not me." What a tremendous statement about her attitude towards life. I think we can conclude that she also didn’t have the massive ego that seems so predominant in the entertainment industry.

It’s a pleasure to write about an entertainer such as she. One who always presented a "positive" and forgiving influence towards the public. One who never showed anything of a "negative" or scandalous nature. If she had "demons" no one ever knew it.

She was exemplary as an actor, but she left that world to devote her efforts to serving her country and was exemplary in that business. She retired from government service and lived a quite and full life as a wife and mother and died peacefully last Monday surrounded by her loving family. I would hope that the media spends as much effort on her life and death as they did on the doper who killed himself. Somehow I doubt they will.

How about another "positive" thing from the media world? Actually the "sports media" world, to wit: the Olympic Games going on in Russia as we speak. Our "positive" example is the Dutch speed skater, Sven Kramer. Why I see him in a "positive" light is because of something many may have missed or not known about him and speaks volumes about what kind of person he is.

You see, he was competing in the last Winter Olympics and was the odds-on favorite to win the 10,000 meter race, as he is these games also. In his race during the last games, he was way ahead and winning the race but he was disqualified because he did not change lanes as he was required to do. It wasn’t his fault because his coach told him not to change. The coach was wrong, but that didn’t do Sven any good. He still was disqualified.

What a cruel and disappointing end to all his years of training and practice. How bitter must he have been and how distressed and crushed the coach must have felt over this. Would he be banished from coaching in this sport? Would any other skater trust him to coach him after that incident? Well, as Paul Harvey would have said, "here’s the rest of the story" and as I said, to me it’s the best one to come from these Olympics.

Next Tuesday, Feb. 18^th, Sven will race again in the 10,000 meter event and he’ll have his old coach right there with him on the track guiding him. The same coach that misled him in 2010 and got him disqualified. It was reported by a commentator that he had forgiven the coach for his mistake in the last Olympics. But, even better, not only has he forgiven him, he has him there with him as his coach at these games.
To me, this example of forgiveness and kindness by someone, wronged in such a public and costly manner, speaks volumes about the character of this young man. I don’t know the spirituality of Sven Kramer, but I can say that, by the example I see being set by him in the forgiveness of his coach and wanting him back at his side, made me recall some words the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Colossians (3:12-13). These words are descriptive of the nature of Christians and I think Sven’s story can illustrate what Paul’s saying.

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Since we talked about "deaths" in last week’s editorial and also today’s I’d like to close with one more little thought on that subject. I read a little sign the other day that I feel is appropriate for the wrapping up of our thoughts here. It simply read:

                            "Live every day like it’s your last. One day you’ll get it right."

And here’s the thing to remember about that. We don’t know when that "one day" will be so it behooves us to live such lives that we’re always "walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing..." (Col. 1:10) That we’re ever "growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." (2Pet. 3:18) And then, if we’re "faithful unto death (that "one day" that’s coming to all of us) and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey

Counting the cost and cutting losses

Sometimes we do certain things because we’re pressured by a sense of obligation or because we have made a prior decision for which we feel the need to ‘validate’, even if it means doing something we don’t really want to do.  We must be careful to understand that at times we need to ‘cut our losses’ and not continue to follow through on a foolish decision simply out of a desire to finish an initial course of action or fulfill an obligation.

Pilate, no doubt hoping to convince the people it was better to release a just man rather than a murderer, asked the people who they thought should be released.  And the public pressure on him was extraordinary; “Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus…” (Mk 15:14-15). Once it became the people’s decisions rather than a just decision, Pilate followed through against his better judgment and gave Jesus to be crucified.

Amaziah, King of Judah, spent a significant sum of money to hire an army from Israel, “But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this” (2Chr 25:6-9).  Amaziah was caught in an embarrassing and expensive situation.  He was obviously not going to have his money refunded by sending the army back.  But he made the right decision – “Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger” (vs 10). Amazia was not only willing to take a financial loss, he was willing to upset and snub an entire nation in order avoid continuing down a path he’d started, which was against God’s will.

But unfortunately Herod was not willing to retract his offer when Herodias’ daughter’s dancing pleased him, and he said, “…Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee…And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her” (Mark 6:22-26).  What a terrible choice Herod faced, and yet the one he chose caused him to behead the forerunner of Christ.

Is it any wonder that Jesus spoke of ‘counting the cost’ in the context of discipleship? (Lk 14:26-33).  We should consider our actions so we don’t let an initial bad decision, our pride, a commitment to someone, or a misplaced obligation lead us further away from God’s will simply because the price to change is high. May we, like Paul, be willing to count all things for loss in order to win Christ. (Phil 3:8-9) --Matthew Johnson

Life here is grand with friends we love so dear

Revelation 7:16-17 “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore: neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto fountains of living waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

The seventh chapter of Revelation speaks of the multitude before the throne and presents to us a description of the ultimate protection, safety and tremendous happiness of all who faithfully serve the Lord while on this side of eternity.

Today, we live in a world of tears. Tears of sorrow, sympathy and sacrifice,  tears shed over losses and disappointments in life, tears shed over our weaknesses, defeats and failures,] tears that are caused by the pain and anguish from illnesses and diseases that strike body and mind. Tears, tears, tears. What family, what individual has not shed many tears on this journey of life? But let’s pause a moment here, close our eyes and listen. Can you hear it? I do. I hear John proclaiming loudly and clearly that one day all those things that are the source of our tears will be no more (Rev. 21:4). There will be deliverance from the trials and tribulations of this world. The most distressing, disturbing and harrowing experiences known will disappear completely. There will be no incurable disease or pain to make the heart cry out in anguish. In that day, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a joyous anticipation is ours today.

We often sing, “Life here is grand with friends we love so dear”, and certainly even with the troubles and strife that often cause tears to stream from our eyes we still want to stay here a little longer. But aren’t you glad that the magnificent grace and love of God make it possible for everlasting peace and happiness to one day replace those tears (Titus 2:11, Heb. 2:9, 1 John 3:1-2). For all who have heard and responded to the voice of God speaking through his word, the Bible, who have believed that word, repented of their sins, confessed him, and have been baptized for the remission of sins, then lived a faithful life, the day will come when they will fly away to live forever in a land where they will never grow old and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.

On this day my prayer is that all of us will trust and obey our Lord so that one day we can say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”, now, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” (2 Tim. 4:7, Luke 23:46).

O, how I long to be in that paradise valley where I will be able to enjoy the supreme bliss of heaven with the redeemed of all ages. How about you?

Charles Hicks

self-inflicted death

OK! I’ve had it! I give! What I’m referring to is something that our dearly beloved news media had done again. By their coverage of a certain recent event they’ve knocked me off of my editorial perch and, as the old cowboy said, just "chapped my hide."
No, it’s not their coverage of the President and any of his ongoing endeavors or anything regarding government in general. The event of which I’m speaking, and the one that "gets my goat" every time that it happens, is the coverage of the "self-inflicted" death of another person of the entertainment industry.

Another "actor" whose "brilliant" career was "tragically cut short" by an overdose of illegal drugs. I heard one commentator say that he was fighting "demons in his life." I’m not sure whether he meant that as an excuse for his drug use or not, but it appears to me that this tormented actor (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) let the "demons" control his life and they won.

Now I know that sounds cold and heartless of me to say that, but that’s what it boils down to, isn’t it? What makes my teeth itch in these instances is the inordinate amount of news coverage these events, and similar ones in the past generate. Here’s my question - What makes the death of a person involved in the entertainment industry more tragic than any other life that’s been cut short of it’s "threescore and ten" years? Especially when it’s demise is brought on by the use and abuse of a "controlled substance."

You know, there’s a very good reason that heroin is "controlled" and illegal. It’s harmful to our bodies. It’s a poison to our God-given systems. And, as seen far too many times, it’s deadly. Especially when combined with other substances to enhance it’s potency. It could be seen as playing Russian roulette with a needle instead of a gun.

Another news media statement that always seems to accompany these types of events and usually is said as a lead-in to the initial coverage is, "The world is again in mourning." Really? The whole world? Is mourning the death of someone who most people say "Who’s that?" when the news breaks.

Me thinks that the news people have a far different idea than I do of who the world should mourn. How about the 11 soldiers (7 Americans & 4 British) who were killed in Afghanistan this past month? Or, the 15 police officers killed in the line of duty last month here in the U.S.? Since the 1^st of January we’ve seen the deaths of 11 firefighters, also in the line of duty.

If anyone should be "mourned by the world" I propose that it should be those whose lives were "cut short" while serving to protect us. Far more so than a narcissistic, demon-plagued, barely-known actor who killed himself by the use of illegal drugs. Anyway, that’s my humble opinion.

For the last portion of my lesson I’ll get off of my "soapbox" and see if I can tie my news- media-driven rants into a Biblical lesson. In doing so, I’m going to shift from "mourning" a death to "celebrating" one. The "death" we’ll "celebrate" is the "death" that served and benefitted mankind more so than any "death" ever - the "death" of Jesus Christ.

Technically speaking, it wasn’t a "self-inflicted death" as others had conspired to bring it about and still others physically executed this "conspired" event. But, His life was "voluntarily" given, wasn’t it? There is no power on earth that could have taken it from Him had He not allowed it to happen. (Read John 19:11)

Yet, I guess in a way, the world should "mourn." It should "mourn" the fact that it’s inhabitants got themselves into the condition that it required a "death" to save their eternal souls. And, because God loved His creation (us) so much, He provided His own Son for that "death." That "sacrificial death" on the cross.

Because The Father did this, and the Son voluntarily went to this "death" we do not "mourn" it, rather we "celebrate" it each and every Lord’s Day. (Acts 20:7 & 1Cor. 11:23-26) We "celebrate" this "death" that frees us from our sins. Wouldn’t you agree that this "death" is a cause for "celebration?" For praise?

I’m going to close these thoughts today by providing you with something the prophet Isaiah had to say, befitting to our lesson here. Read with me his words:
        "O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit;
         so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.    
         Behold, for peace I had great bitterness, but thou hast in love to my soul
         delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind
         thy back.
         For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee; they that go
         down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
         The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the Father to the
         children shall make known thy truth."   Isaiah 38:16-19 (KJV)
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey

Meaning of IVDEA CAPTA (Judea Captured)

Chiseled in Stone

The 8th century B.C. religious leader Isaiah is a very prominent figure in the Old Testament.  Four kings - Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah - ruled Judah during the period in which Isaiah served as prophet and spiritual guide to his people.  It was Isaiah who advised King Hezekiah that the invasion by Sennacherib and his Assyrian Army would not lead to the downfall of Jerusalem, and that Sennacherib would not enter the City.  He is also the author of the well-known book of Isaiah, including the prophetic chapter 53 concerning the life of the Messiah Jesus Christ.   Due to his accurate foreshadowing of Jesus in his writings, Isaiah is sometimes referred to as the "Messianic Prophet."

In the third chapter of the book of Isaiah, he gives another foreshadowing.   Here a vivid description is given of the fall of Judah.   Isaiah 3:25-26 states "Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.  The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground."

In the year 70 A.D., four legions of Romans led by future emperor Titus surrounded Jerusalem and lay siege to the city and sacked it, including the beloved Second Temple.  Josephus records the earlier scene as adorned and pleasant, but the aftermath as a "melancholy thing for those places which were adorned with trees and pleasant gardens, were now become desolate country in every way."

To commemorate the accomplishment of his son and the Roman forces, the emperor Vespasian commissioned coins to be minted.  Below is shown one such coin in which he has depicted Judah as a Jewess in attitude of defeat and mourning, seated destitute beneath a palm tree, being overseen by a conquering soldier.  The caption reads "IVDEA CAPTA" (Judea Captured).  While Vespasian, as Roman emperor, would have little reason to validate the prophecy of Isaiah, his coinage etches in refined stone the truth of Isaiah's prophecy.

Interestingly, the Great Scroll of the Book of Isaiah, with the prophecies of Jesus and Judah, has been carbon-dated by the University of Arizona and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and was given calibrated dates well before 100 B.C. *

The eternal truth of God's word -- His inspired Word, the Bible -- is "etched in stone."

Now observe what Isaiah said the Messiah would do for YOU and ME: "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.  5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.  6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." - Isaiah 53:4-6

This is EXACTLY what Jesus did for you and for me when He died on the cross for our sins.

We can accept the salvation from sin for which Jesus died by placing our faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38).

There are myriads of evidences of the truthfulness of God's Word.  And it is true: He will save you IF you will respond to Him on His terms.

Won't YOU?

-- Terry Livingston and David A. Sargent

My Tennessee Mountain Home Dolly Parton

Folks in East Tennessee regard Dolly Parton differently than they do many other entertainment stars. Parton, as you likely know, has been a famous singer for many years. Unlike some of the others, however, she has maintained her connection to her home area, Sevier County, Tennessee. Who hasn't heard of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge? How much revenue has been lured to the area by her efforts?!

A song Dolly made popular many years ago came to mind last night. Entitled "My Tennessee Mountain Home", here are some especially meaningful words: "In my Tennessee mountain home life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh." Those who often step back into the solitude of the woods can vouch for the truthfulness of those words.

It likely won't surprise you to hear that I was holding my newest grandson (less than two months old) when those words came to mind. Is there any sensation more wonderful than holding and gazing upon an infant? And, like Parton's words state, their sighs and other sounds are absolutely peaceful. I've been blessed to hold four grandsons in my arms and to feel that heavenly peace.

Alas, grandsons (like our three children) grow up, and their sounds don't always evoke peace! But I embrace something else that never fails to bring peace - when I remember to turn to it.

The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6,7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Years ago my wife and I faced a troubling event in our lives. My initial reaction to the news was to lie in the floor and sob. After a day or two, I was more controlled in my reaction, and I used prayer as a means of asking for the help of Almighty God. I remember feeling guilty for not being more fearful, though the troubling event remained.

Things turned out well in that episode of our lives. But for the three weeks of uncertainty, prayer enabled me to know a peace that was like a baby's sigh.

Jesus offers this peace to all who will accept His calling: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1). Troubles will still come. But peace that surpasses understanding is always available for those who turn to the Lord.

Place yourself in the Lord's care. To Him you are a beloved child!
Timothy D. Hall