Predictions for 2013

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."

 

A few hours from now we will usher in the new year 2013 surrounded by so much unrest both socially and politically. This year begins at a time when so many events are happening that cause our hearts to be troubled. Uncertainty permeates our society. This is a time in which we find great comfort in the words of Jesus found in John 14:1-3. It is a time in which we should heed the words of Paul in Phil. 4:6-7. 

 

Entering this new year with its unrest and uncertainty, I pray we will be strong as children of God knowing that the power of God in our lives is unlimited. Before us lies many battles that we will have to fight. There will be battles with temptations brought into our lives by the lure of the world around us (1 John 2:15-17). There will be fierce battles as the result of physical conditions or adverse circumstances brought to bear upon us. We will have to fight the good fight of faith everyday we live (1 Tim. 6:12). Thanks be to God, our strength is not of ourselves. We have the promise of God that he will help us in our struggles. When fierce temptation strikes, when a burden must be borne, when the storm clouds gather and the battle begins to rage, if our trust is in God, he will impart to us the strength needed to endure. (1 Cor. 10:13, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Heb. 4:16, Heb. 13:5-6). Each day I Iive, I become more convinced that our God will direct the heart of all who will trust and obey him (Prov. 3:5-6). If God is our salvation, if God is our strength and song, if our faith is in him, we don't have to fear regardless of circumstances that surround us (Isa. 12:2-3). The 23^rd Psalm begins with a powerful statement, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want". Our God is able to turn the worst day into a beautiful experience. He can make the light to shine through the darkest night (Psa. 27:1, Psa. 119:105, Psa. 105:129-136). There is no doubt in my mind of what God can and will do for us when we totally commit ourselves to him (2 Tim. 1:12). When we commit ourselves to him without reservation then there is nothing that can separate us from his love and care (Rom. 8:38-39).

 

I know not what is going to take place in the year 2013. For that matter, I don't know what is going to happen in the next moment. But this one thing I do know, there is not one ounce of doubt in my mind as to who controls my life and I am safely in his hands. (1 John 4:4,  5:11-13)

 

I pray that you will be strong in the Lord as you go forth on the pathway of life. I pray that each of you will prosper and be in good health in the days ahead, Most importantly, I pray that your souls will be in good health and prosper ( 3 John 2).

 

Charles Hicks

White  House, Tennessee

 

Psalm 125

As I pen (proverbially speaking) this editorial today I want you to know that it is an absolutely gorgeous day here my area. Even though our valley is now pretty much covered by people and buildings, on days like this, surrounded by 7000 feet of mountains, it's still beautiful. It somehow seems clean and pure. Today it's these majestic mountains, combined with some current news thoughts that serve as my inspiration for our lesson.

We're in the midst of the holiday season and I've always believed this to be the best time of the year in this area. The nights are cool and the days warm with the skies almost always clear, clean and bright. We've recently enjoyed some great fellowship (with great food) and we're looking forward to more of the same before the season ends.

We're also looking forward to the coming new year. Looking forward to see what lies ahead for our lives. With the news reports lately, about all we're seeing coming at us is "doom and gloom" of some sort. IE: we're going over the "fiscal cliff." Of course, with politics and government involved, if it wasn't this crisis, it would be something else foreboding, wouldn't it?

If you listen much to the news at all, you soon get the idea that we're surrounded by troubles and woes. By some sort of menace coming at us from all directions. As I consider the mountains around me, coupled with the various looming problems and travails reportedly headed our way, I'm inspired to offer a few words of encouragement today.

In applying my thoughts to a Biblical relevance I'd like to direct your attention to some words given us by the Psalmist in Psalm 125. As you read this Psalm, I'd like you to let your mind go back to the time of the Psalmist. I think this might help us to grasp what he's saying here in his song.

Imagine that you're the Psalmist and you're standing atop one of the elevations overlooking Jerusalem. By looking out over the city, in every direction, past perils and coming perils can be seen. In "past" perils, you see Jerusalem being set upon by many enemies. By looking North, you see where the Syrians had come down and assailed Israel. When you look to the East, this is where the Babylonian army came from that destroyed the city and carried the people off into captivity.

From the South came the Edomites, constant enemies of Jerusalem and from the West, the Philistines. There was no direction you can look that doesn't remind you of threats that Jerusalem faced or from where troubles didn't come.

If we were standing on that elevated ground today we'd still see Israel surrounded by enemies and facing constant threats to its very life. Doesn't seem like much has changed in that part of the world, does it? Let's see if we can't take this little exercise and apply it to a spiritual lesson. Maybe change our "elevated looking" to a spiritual viewpoint.

We stand here in our lives and look in all directions and what do we see - the world coming at us from all directions. We see constant threats to our spiritual lives. Satan's army seems to be coming at us from every direction. We see worldly storm clouds gathering all around us in the form of financial woes (taxes, etc.), terrorists attacks, crimes and tragedies, all of which have an effect on our spiritual lives.

Yes, there are simply scads of worldly woes that seem to surround us and wherever we look there appears to be problems and dangers there. Like the Psalmist must have felt as he looked out over Jerusalem and thought about all the things that had come and were coming upon them.

But then, the Psalmist looked a little further out. Sort of refocused his sight, if you will. He saw the mountains of Judea off in the distance. He saw them as a natural barrier between Jerusalem and her enemies. I believe that it was then that he was inspired to write the words we read in verse 2 of his Psalm. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever."

As (or like) the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people. In other words, He forms a protective barrier around them. In the same sense as several passages in the Bible refer to God as a "fortress." I particularly appreciate Jeremiah's application of this metaphor found in Jer. 16:19 "O Lord, my strength and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of my affliction...."

I like the picture of God being my "mountains." The picture of Him being a "fortress" which protects His people from the onslaughts of their enemies. I like the idea of Him placing Himself between me and my adversaries.

Then we read some additional words of the Psalmist that should serve as a most comforting and encouraging thought to Christians, especially as we go into the new year and face all of its' potential problems and woes. Look at what he says in Psa. 125, verse 1: "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever."

Let me just wrap up my thoughts today with these words. He is our "fortress." He is our "mountains." He serves as a barrier between His people and the armies of Satan. Nothing can surmount Him. Nothing can remove His barrier. His "fortress" is impregnable. It cannot be breached.

Nothing can get to us - we're safe, but only so long as we stay behind His "mountains." As long as we stay inside the "fort." He will not "remove" His "mountain" nor will He take down His "fortress." But, we can leave the safety of His "mountains" and His "fortress" if we so choose as He won't keep us there against our will. But, we have to understand that, should we choose our own source of safety, then we will not have His barrier, His "mountains" nor His "fortress" to protect us.

I just don't think that I want to face the new year, nor any other year that I'm blessed to have, outside that protection. How about you?

Ron Covey

Melbourne, Australia

Suppose you are in Melbourne, Australia in early December 2012, and you want
to visit the city of Mildura. You get out your iPhone to use Apple Maps to
get directions to the city.

If you follow the directions given, you could put your life in danger. If
you follow the directions given, you will end up - not in Mildura - but in
Murray Sunset National Park.

A screen shot taken Tuesday, December 11, 2012, of an iPhone's Apple mapping
application shows the service placing the city of Mildura, 44 miles away
from the actual city, in the Murray Sunset National Park, a desert-like
1,900 square mile region with scorching temperatures and virtually no mobile
phone reception. Australian police warned the public that errors in Apple's
mapping application have led drivers headed to the southern city to take a
potentially "life-threatening" wrong turn into the middle of a remote state
park, ending up in tire-choking desert sand far from food and water.

Sammie Morris stated, "People using the defective Apple maps (associated
with the new iPhone 5's) are ending up in a very hot place!"

Victoria state police say they've had to rescue several Mildura-bound
drivers who were directed by the app to the remote National Park. Some were
stranded for 24 hours without food or water, and had to walk long distances
through tough terrain to access phone reception.

"Police are extremely concerned as there is no water supply within the park
and temperatures can reach as high as [115 degrees Fahrenheit], making this
a potentially life threatening issue," police said in a statement.

In fact, by mid December six people had been stranded after turning into the
park via a dirt road the Maps application recommends, according to Mildura
police inspector Simon Clemence. Clemence also stated that some were able to
get out on their own but others needed to be rescued by police. *

What an appropriate illustration for depicting the ERROR of following the
world's directions! Those who follow the world's directions will end up in
a much HOTTER place than Mildura, Australia (cf. Mark 9:43-48 - Hell!).

Jesus warned, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is
the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and
there are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

Everyone needs directions to access the Way that leads to life. Jeremiah
said, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who
walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Twice in Proverbs, we find
this warning: "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the
way of death" (14:12; 16:25).

But God loves us so much that He provided the Way that leads to life. That
Way is through Jesus, God's Son (John 14:6). Jesus died on the cross to pay
the price for our sins and to open a "new and living way" to heaven through
His redeeming blood (Hebrews 10:19-21).

You and I can access that Way by following Jesus: placing our faith and
trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Then,
as we continue to walk in the light of His Word, He will continue to cleanse
us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

It has been reported that Apple has changed its map application to give
better directions. You and I need to be sure that we're following the true
Way that leads to eternal life!

Won't YOU follow Jesus - the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)?

David A. Sargent

What must I do to be saved by Jesus?

 

Acts 16:30 " And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

 

This question asked by the Philippian jailor echoes down the corridor of time. What answer do you give? Some say just be a good moral, honest God fearing person (this wasn't enough for Cornelius (Acts 10). Others say just believe but that is not in accord with the 2^nd chapter of James. Still others say just pray for your salvation. One of the most popular answers given is to repeat the sinners prayer.  Upon hearing a popular televangelist end his sermon inviting all who would be saved to repeat his version of the sinners prayer, I immediately emailed him asking where that prayer could be found in the Bible. He replied with a truly honest answer stating that it could not be found in the Bible. However, he did try to justify its use by saying that men need to come to God and the sinners prayer is a convenient and easy way for them to do so. I replied to this man asking why tell someone to do something that cannot be found in the Bible. Why not tell them what can be found in the Bible. I never received an answer. I would like to say that it doesn't matter what answer preachers (teachers) give but I cannot say that because it does make a difference. When any answer is given that differs from the answer given by divine inspiration the result will be lost souls, condemned to an eternity of everlasting punishment. Thanks be to God, there is an answer found in God's word. Now, we cannot pick and choose what we want to do. Regardless of how we feel or what we want, there is only one way to be saved eternally and that is God's way (Gal.1:6-9, Luke 6:46, 2 John 9).

 

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

 

The answer given by divine inspiration:

 

                        1.  Hear the word of God                  Rom. 10:17

 

                        2.  Believe the word of God             John 20:30-31

                                                                                    Mark 16:16

                        3.  Repent of sins                               Luke 13:3

                                                                                    Acts 17:30

                                                                                    Acts 2:38

 

                        4.  Confess Jesus                              Rom. 10:32-33

                                                                                    Acts 8:37

 

5.     Be baptized for the
remission of sins                         Acts 2:38

                                                      Mark 16:16

                                                      Acts 22:16

                                                      1 Pet. 3:21

 

                        6. It is at this point that one is saved and added by the Lord to his

                            to his church—Acts 2:47

 

God's plan to save man has one more requirement. Once added to the Lord's church, man must be faithful until he dies (Rev. 2:10).

 

God said it, I believe it and for me that is the end of the matter.

 

Charles Hicks

 

 

Review of Seaworld

 

"Own A Whale!"

 

I have always loved aquariums. My first venture into fish-keeping was a small bowl with a goldfish. When I saw a five-gallon tank with an air pump and a few guppies, I was hooked. A ten-gallon tank was in my future, and I might have moved up to the big leagues if I hadn't discovered how much work an aquarium demands. Take a few days off, and you've got algae-covered walls and perhaps a few fish floating on their backs. My position today is this: I love looking at other people's aquariums.

 

All of this helps to explain why I love Seaworld. We've made only a few trips to Orlando, but each time I go I'm ready to take another tour through this amazing place. (I've not visited their other properties in San Diego or San Antonio.) Hours are spent gazing at the various displays, especially two-story- sized tanks filled with fish and creatures found in the oceans. And what's a trip to Seaworld without taking in the Shamu show?

 

Word is out today that I may soon have a chance to buy Seaworld. Er, to be more exact, I can become a part-owner. Blackstone Group LP, the firm that now owns Seaworld Entertainment, is considering issuing stocks in order to raise capital. Thus, for a relatively reasonable cost (I'm guessing stocks would sell for $100 or less) I could boast that I now own a whale. Kind of.

 

I would be correct, of course (assuming I actually bought stock). But what would make it possible for me to claim ownership of a whale would be that others paid the majority of the price. Could I ever dream of laying down millions to become a sole owner? We both know better than that! The only way I could dream of "owning" a whale is if others put down the biggest chunk of the funds.

 

I have no desire to own a whale, of course. But I am immensely interested in having a stake in a kingdom - the kingdom of God. James wrote long ago that such a dream can be a reality: "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:5) An "heir" is one who will one day take possession of something. You and I are offered possession of God's kingdom!

 

Paul also spoke of this fantastic offer: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together" (Romans 8:16,17). No, I would not be the sole heir of the kingdom, just as I could never dream of owning Seaworld on my own. But I most certainly can become a "joint heir with Christ".

 

How can such an offer be made? All the riches of earth could not buy a gift like God's kingdom. So how is it possible that "the poor of this world" might become "heirs of the kingdom"?

 

Paul elaborated: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance ..." (Ephesians 1:11). "Him" refers to Jesus, the one of whom Paul had earlier said this: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). Without Christ's voluntary offering of Himself on the cross, I could never hope to have such an inheritance. As the old hymn says, "Jesus paid it all."

 

No, I don't want to own a whale. But having a stake in God's eternal kingdom - I want that!

 

Timothy D. Hall.

 

Proverbs 7:21

"With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him" (Proverbs 7:21 NASB). We must be aware of how our hearts can be persuaded and drawn away from God's ways (cf. Jeremiah 17:9). In this case, the young man's heart has been led astray by her many persuasions. She has appealed to his luts by dressing immodestly, drawing him close, and kissing him (7:10-15). She has broken down his objections and removed his inhibitions by explaining her husband is not home and is going to be gone a long time (7:16-20). Now, she is adding smooth talk and flattery fulfilling a need many men have to be admired and feel important. She appeals to him and makes him feel good. Wisdom would help this young man realize the consequences of giving himself over to these passions (cf. 7:22-23), but since he is lacking sense he is just going to follow his lusts. Let's not make the same mistake. We need to watch over our hearts and what we let influence it (cf. Proverbs 4:23), and make sure we are being guided by God's Word rather than our lusts.

 

Jeremy Sprouse

 

Sermons on Bible prepositions

Bible prepositions: Preaching on the prepositions in the Bible

 

A sermon on the preposition "out"

 

a) Our first passage comes from Mt. 13, a place where we read about the "kingdom."
b) Jesus gave an illustration where the word "kingdom" refers to the entire world.
c) Jesus compared the world to a "net" that "catches all kinds of fish."
2) Satan is allowed to rule in the world, but the world is not His; God is the ultimate owner.
3) Let's look at verse 47 – READ
4) The preposition "out" is used in the original text of verse 47 as well as verse 49.
5) Verse 47 uses this word to say all people will one day be brought out of the net to meet God.
6) This process will also include the information we find in verse 49 – READ
a) Not only does "out" tell us a time of judgment is coming, it says a separation is coming.
b) Many have the idea that God is going to let us about everyone into heaven.
c) God says through the word "out" that this will not be true.
7) Our next passage comes from Mark, Mk. 1:10.
a) Two weeks ago we saw how the preposition "in" is joined with baptism.
b) People went "in" to water to be baptized.
c) If people go "in" water to be baptized, they probably come "out" of that water.
d) This is precisely what we find in Mk. 1:10 – READ
8) In 2 Tim. 2:26 we find our preposition for "out" being used once again.
9) There Paul spoke of people trying to get "out" of the devil's snare.
10) 1 Pet. 2:9 says God has called us "out" of darkness (same word).
11) The grace of God says to mankind, "Here is a better way.  Here is salvation.  Come this way."
a) 1 Pet. 1:5 says Christians are "guarded" unto a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time.
b) 2 Pet. 2:9 promises help during times of temptation.
c) Jude (verse 23) speaks of saving people "out of the fire."
d) We refer to "the nick of time" and the "skin of our teeth."
e) Rev. 3:5 refers to God removing a person's name from the book of life.
f) John said "blot out his name out of the book of life."
12) A lot of things would seem to be sad on the future judgment day.
a) Rev. 22:1 and Rev. 22:19.
b) John pictures absolute purity.
c) This is what comes out of (from God's presence) and God says to man, "I want you to share in it."
d) Satan's course for man's life leads to nothing but misery.
e) Satan says, "Drink all you want."
f) Rev. 22:19 – READ
g) God will keep some people "out" of the "holy city."
h) The disobedient and the unfaithful will not be there.
i) There are people in life who do not abide by God's word.
13) We need to seek God out of a "pure heart" (2 Tim. 2:22) and this means we do not tamper with the Bible.
14) A pure heart also means we seek to please God on His terms.

 

How to have peace with God

How to be save: Learn how to be saved and how to have "peace with this God" with the following free Bible study and the "how to be saved" link on the right side of this page.

 

How to find true peace

 

1)      Jn. 14:27 and made a pretty startling statement– READ

2)      The Lord said He wanted the apostles to have "peace" but it would not be like the peace in the world.

3)      How does the peace from God stand in contrast to the peace found in the world?

a)      The peace that people have in the world is fragile.

b)      Think of the times in our lives when our earthly peace has been instantly shattered.

4)      Jesus knew the peace provided by the world can be lost and lost instantly.

5)      The Lord said He wanted to provide a different type of peace.

6)      This peace He provides is a comprehensive peace.

a)      In Rom. 5:1 we learn that we have "peace with God through Jesus Christ."

b)      This forgiveness means plenty of grace for past sins and plenty of grace for present and future sins.

7)      God's willingness to forgive lets Christians have peace in their heart.

8)      Christians know that the one true God realizes they are weak and they will fail.

9)      Phil. 4:7 refers to peace "guarding the heart."

10)  God's peace is designed to affect our deepest and most inner parts.

11)  God wants to "guide our feet into the path of peace" (Lk. 1:79).

12)  Lk. 2:14 – READ

a)      Heavenly creatures know that God wants men to have peace.

b)      Satan wants chaos and destruction; God wants the best for us.

13)  Have we ever looked very closely at verse 14?  Have we noticed:  "in whom he is well pleased."

a)      God has peace, but this peace is for a certain group of people.

b)      Lk. 2:14 says God's peace is conditional; it is reserved for those who please God.

14)  A lot of people want the blessing, but they do not want to do what is necessary to receive it.

15)  Peace comes by living a life that is pleasing to God.

a)      If we will pursue God and His will, we can have this peace.

b)      We can have the peace that passes all understanding, Phil. 4:7.

16)  The Christian life is not always an easy way to live.

a)      In Mt. 10:34 Jesus said, "I came not to send peace but a sword."

17)  Jesus said people are "with Him" or "not with Him" (Mt. 12:30).

18)  Jesus alluded to this peace in Mt. 11:28.

19)  The first century Christians preached "peace by Christ" (Acts 10:36).

20)  Paul said the gospel is a message of peace (Eph. 6:15).

21)  Phil. 4:9 says "the God of peace shall be with you."

22)  In Rom. 8:6 Paul sets forth man's two choices:

23)  We can have the "mind of the flesh" or the "mind of the spirit."

a)      The "mind of the flesh" leads to destruction.

b)      What if we choose "the mind of the spirit" (the Christian life)?

c)      Paul said this choice leads to "life and peace."

d)     In Col. 3:15 Paul expressed the thought in this way:

e)      "The peace of Christ shall rule the heart."

24)  There is only one type of peace that is 100% secure – it is found in and through Jesus Christ.

25)  This peace cannot be separated from living a faithful Christian life.

26)  God's peace is a great blessing in this life that begins in this life.

27)  Do we have the peace of God now and are we looking forward to this in its perfect form in eternity?

 

   

Latest news Sandy Hook Elementary School

Our hearts continue to break because of the tragic shooting and loss of 6
adults and 20 children in Newtown, CT last December 14th. Out of the
tragedy, some heroes have emerged - including Victoria Soto.

Victoria Leigh Soto, 27, a first grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary
School, was one of the adults that was killed in the shooting. It was what
she was doing when she died that makes her a hero.

When Soto became aware there was a gunman in the school, she hid her
first-graders in closets and cabinets in her classroom. When the shooter
approached, she told him that the children were in the gym. The gunman
turned the gun on her and killed her.

"She was amazing and a wonderful teacher,'' said Yvonne Cech, a colleague of
Soto and Sandy Hook's library media specialist. "She loved her kids. It
seemed that at the start of each year she loved them automatically.''

And love them she did - to the very end. She loved them so much that she
put herself in harm's way in order to shield her students from the gunman.
She loved the children so much that she gave her life in order to protect
them.

Jim Wiltsie, Soto's cousin, told the Daily Telegraph: "I'm just proud that
Vicki had the instincts to protect her kids from harm. It brings peace to
know that Vicki was doing what she loved, protecting the children. In our
eyes she's a hero."

Soto's selfless love reflects the love that JESUS has for each one of us.

When we were in danger of being destroyed because of our sin (Romans 6:23),
God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our
sins (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus was the only One who could die in our place
because He was sinless (Hebrews 4:14-16). He placed Himself in "harms way"
giving His life for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age,
according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4).

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his
friends." - John 15:13

It was this "greater love" that prompted Victoria Soto to lay down her life
for her students so that they might live. It was this "greater love" that
compelled Jesus to lay down His life so that WE might live FOREVER.

God will grant forgiveness and life to those who: will place their faith and
trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31),
confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into
Christ (Acts 2:38). Then, as we continue to walk in the light of His word,
the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7).

In loving gratitude, won't YOU submit your life to the Savior so that you
may receive the eternal, spiritual blessings that He wants you to have so
much that He gave His life for you?

David A. Sargent

Motive for shooting Newtown, Connecticut

 "And Gideon said unto him (an angel of the Lord), Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?" Judges 6:13

 

Last Friday, Dec. 14th, a week ago as I write this, a horrible scene played out in the small town of Newtown, Conn. A total of 28 people, including 20 children, were murdered. Of course, any murder is horrible, not only because of the death of a person, but also for the inherent fallout associated with the parties involved. In this incident, you can magnify the horribleness hundreds of times over.

 

Like you, I've heard many, many pundits, reporters and psycho-babblers offer their opinions of what happened and why it happened and I know, probably like myself, that you're tired of hearing the same thing over and over. For this lesson today, I'm going to use this terrible incident as the basis, but hopefully it won't be something you've heard "ad nauseam," as I intend to address it in a different manner than the pundits et al.

 

All of the ones I've heard discuss the incident have reasoned or related it to all sorts of causes, none of which related it to a scriptural aspect. That's the approach I'll attempt to take in this editorial today. I appreciate your consideration of it.

 

One of the things I heard the pundits say is that we have a "societal problem." In a sense that may be so, but I rather think that we have a "moral problem." Or, maybe better said, society has a "moral problem." To illustrate what I'm talking about, I received a photo from a brother that pretty much nails it. It was a picture of a T-shirt that read: DEAR GOD. WHY DO YOU ALLOW SO MUCH VIOLENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS? SIGNED, A CONCERNED STUDENT. Below this question was this reply: DEAR CONCERNED STUDENT. I'M NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS. GOD.

 

The pundits ask "What has our society come to?" I'm amazed that they even ask this question. I ask, "Where has society's morals gone?" and I don't see it as a hard question to answer. When the basis for our morals and ethics, our basis for what's right and wrong, has been systematically subjected to years of assault by those opposed to God and any of His precepts, what do you expect of society? A better one? Not hardly.

 

When for the past 40 years or so society, through its governmental entities, has prohibited God from being seen or heard, much less taught in schools or other public agencies, can you expect a God-less society to somehow be morally better? But, none of the pundits I heard speak ever made this connection.

 

Think about all of the behavior that used to be immoral that is now accepted as normal. Behavior that has, over the last couple of generations, been forced on and into society. I ask again, Why wouldn't society have a "moral problem?"

 

With the society we have "advanced" (?) to today, I'm hard-pressed to define "deviant behavior." I used to have no problem knowing what deviancy was, and "was" is the operative word here. I never thought that I'd say this, but I'm glad that I'm of the age that I won't be around to see what the next generation embraces. What deviancy will be the next "normal."

 

But one thing that I can see so far is that a lack or morals, a lack of decency, a lack of ethics leads directly to one thing - a lack of regard or concern for others. Or, said another way, leads to a total disregard for their fellow man. That simply means that they have no "love" for others.

 

All of the above "lacks" comes from a "lack" of God which teaches people what "love" truly is. John pretty much nails this down when he writes in 1John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."

 

It's a pretty simple equation, isn't it? If we know God, then we know "love" and "love" is what causes us to have concern for others. When we've done our best to remove God, the source of "love," from society's basic structure, should it be any surprise that incidents of horrible behavior occur in that society.

 

A man once asked Jesus what the greatest, most important commandment was and Jesus answered that it was to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind." Without being asked, Jesus then said that the 2nd greatest commandment was "like unto" the 1st. "Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matt. 22:36-39) In my humble opinion, society today doesn't "love God" and therefor doesn't "love it's neighbors."

 

That's my analysis, but it certainly isn't the pundits. Their answers to these events is that we need to enact more laws. One thing that history has proven, over and over, is that you cannot legislate morality or moral behavior. Enacting more gun laws or more mental health laws isn't going to alleviate the "moral problems" of society. Do we have laws against drunk driving? Laws against theft? Laws against all sorts of criminal behavior? Of course we do. Has those laws stopped anyone from violating them? Of course not.

 

To borrow the words of the prophet Hosea, because we've "sown the wind" (been denying God) we're now "reaping the whirlwind." (Hos. 8:7) You can make all the laws you want. Legislate up a storm, which is what Congressmen do in order to make it appear that they're doing something, but that isn't going to address the underlying cause of our "moral problem."

 

Said in another fashion - you can't legislate a society to "love its neighbor" when that society has no basis for "love" which is the basis for our morals, ethics and decent behavior. You know what legislation would work? If the government passed a law that said that God's Law will be read in every home and taught in every school.

 

Then, perhaps, if God was "allowed to be in schools" we wouldn't be needing armed guards and locked doors in them. However, if we continue on in our path of removing and denying God we can only expect more of these horrible event to occur. My greatest fear is that our society will continue that path of destruction and I shudder to think what my grandchildren's generation will have to live with.

 

In conclusion, I would opine that the answer to Gideon's question might just be this: perhaps "The Lord" isn't with us as a nation because, like Israel of his day, we've left Him.

 

Ron Covey

 

Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people

Judges 6:13 " And Gideon said unto him. Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?"

Why? Why? Why? As I sit here thinking about this question being asked by Gideon, the words of Deut. 11:26-28 where a blessing is promised if people obey the commandments of God but a cursing is the result of not obeying God. I think of Prov.14:34 where we are told that righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people. Israel had sinned, Israel had forgotten God (Judges 3:7). That is why they were in a pitiful, impoverished condition. It is now that I think of America.   Gideon here speaks aloud a question that is once again echoing across America. Another horrendous act of violence has taken place causing men and women throughout this great nation to ask "Why". It seems that this question is constantly on our lips, Why so much crime, why all the drug abuse, why  all the immorality, why all the suffering and pain, why all the greed, the wickedness, the violence. Why? Why? Why? I do not know all the answers to this question but each day I become more convinced that America is following in the footsteps of Israel of old. The Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of our government have for the most part excluded God. God has been removed from our educational institutions. Godless organizations are allowed to dictate to us what is acceptable or unacceptable in the religious aspects of our lives (Acts 4:18-19, Acts 5:29). There is a lack of restraint regarding fleshly appetites (Gal.5:19-21, Col. 3:5-6). Sadly, God has been removed from many churches (Matt. 15:8-9, Gal. 1:6-9, 2 John 9-11). In short, God has either been excluded or relegated to an obscure position in the lives of masses of people (2 Tim. 3:1-5)  Still, we ask, "Why".    

The cry for conditions to change is now echoing throughout the land. I pray that change will be a renewed respect for God, a desire to walk in his ways, a desire to love and serve God with all the heart, soul, mind, strength and a willingness to keep his commandments  (John 14:15, 2 John 6, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 3:2-3,  Mark 12:30). It is time for a spiritual revival in America (2 Pet. 3:9, Matt. 11:28-30, Eph.5:14-17, Eccl. 12:13-14)

The circumstances surrounding some events of this life are truly difficult to understand, The impact they have on our lives is sometimes heart wrenching. I may not always understand but one thing I do know and understand is that the God I serve, the God in whom I have placed my faith and trust is in control of all things including my life. He will see that I have the strength, the courage, the ability to overcome all things (Isa. 12:2, 1 Cor. 10:13, 1 Pet. 5:6-7, Heb. 13:5-6)

Charles Hicks

 

How to find the church described in the Bible

Are you looking for a church home? Have you been searching Google to find the church described in the Bible? Have you wondered if Christianity is the only religion that is acceptable to God?

Finding a "church home" can be a challenge.  Finding the right "church home" (a place which also has God's approval) can also be challenging.

If you are looking for a church (and the word church describes a group of people instead of a building), you need to know what the Bible says about the church. 

There is a FREE BIBLE STUDY that will let you study for yourself and at your own pace what God says about the church built by Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).  To get this free Bible study sent to your home without cost or obligation (and no one will call or ever ask for some type of "donation"), click on the "how to be saved from sin" link to the right of this post.

Proverbs 7:13-15

"She seizes him and kisses him, and with impudent face she says to him: "I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you!" (Proverbs 7:13-15 NASB). Once the mind is caught, the body soon follows (cf. Proverbs 7:5-12, James 1:13-15). She seizes him and kisses him. This would have been unheard of in this culture—a brazen and shameless act. Her lack of shame is further seen in the double life she lives. She has offered peace offerings (which are designed to increase fellowship between God and man), but she cares nothing about the ways of God. She is just like a wolf in sheep's clothing. She has the public appearance of a religious woman, but this is not her reality. Religion is something she has to do, but what she enjoys is seducing men. Her conscience has become so calloused she can immediately plan and seek to sin after communing with God (cf. Ephesians 4:19). If he doesn't change his ways, this is the future of the young man Solomon is observing. He will become just like her living the life of a shameless hypocrite

 

--Jeremy Sprouse

26 victim families in Connecticut

Today I took a little extra time dropping my children off at school this morning. As I parked the car, we all got out and walked towards the school, I was more aware this morning of how many children were walking with their parents; particularly kindergarten age. The walk was a little slower than the normal rush to school. Today was a little different for me...all because of Friday. For 26 families in Connecticut, today was another day of unspeakable grief.

 

I have no words to take away your sadness or grief regarding the tragic event. As a father of three children (one in kindergarten) I struggle with feelings of pure anger and yet overwhelming tears because someone ruined the lives of others. One day, one person and countless numbers of lives changed. 26 families (plus the shooters) devastated in an instant.

 

To be honest, no amount of political debate or human reasoning can take away from the loss or return the loved ones to the family. I am not trying to be political, be let's be logical. The gun did not take the lives of 26 people on Friday, just as the rock did not take the life of Able. Each person committing violence choose their weapon. David choose the enemies army to murder Uriah, the Jews chose rocks to stone Stephen and the Romans chose nails and a tree to murder Christ. Evil took the loves of those people -- pure evil.

 

The debates will rage of gun control and beyond, but let's be honest and realize it is evil that murders the innocent – pure evil. The same day as the Newtown shooting, a man in China brutally assaulted 22 children with a knife. It was pure evil. Evil does not come in the form of an object, but of a soul without Christ.

 

Evil embodies itself, not in an object but in its use. Evil is an action taken by a person without care or concern for others. Taking away guns, knives or rocks does not solve the problem, it only make us feel better. Taking away objects does not get to the root of the problem -- evil. The only way to purge evil from someone's life is to bring them to a higher plane - a higher standard. Without a standard of morality in one's life, we will find no reason to do good to all men, much less care for them.

 

The only thing which will purge evil from one's life is Christ - pure and simple. No humanistic reasoning, self-help book or psychology class will bring a person to the highest calling one can attain -- simple Christian living. While the world debates the "items of violence' let us debate the cause - evil.

 

So, debate if you will, but I will choose to pray and share Christ; for He is the only solution.

 

Chris Gallagher

 

26 victim families in Connecticut

Today I took a little extra time dropping my children off at school this
morning. As I parked the car, we all got out and walked towards the school,
I was more aware this morning of how many children were walking with their
parents; particularly kindergarten age. The walk was a little slower than
the normal rush to school. Today was a little different for me...all because
of Friday. For 26 families in Connecticut, today was another day of
unspeakable grief.

I have no words to take away your sadness or grief regarding the tragic
event. As a father of three children (one in kindergarten) I struggle with
feelings of pure anger and yet overwhelming tears because someone ruined the
lives of others. One day, one person and countless numbers of lives changed.
26 families (plus the shooters) devastated in an instant.

To be honest, no amount of political debate or human reasoning can take away
from the loss or return the loved ones to the family. I am not trying to be
political, be let's be logical. The gun did not take the lives of 26 people
on Friday, just as the rock did not take the life of Able. Each person
committing violence choose their weapon. David choose the enemies army to
murder Uriah, the Jews chose rocks to stone Stephen and the Romans chose
nails and a tree to murder Christ. Evil took the loves of those people --
pure evil.

The debates will rage of gun control and beyond, but let's be honest and
realize it is evil that murders the innocent – pure evil. The same day as
the Newtown shooting, a man in China brutally assaulted 22 children with a
knife. It was pure evil. Evil does not come in the form of an object, but of
a soul without Christ.

Evil embodies itself, not in an object but in its use. Evil is an action
taken by a person without care or concern for others. Taking away guns,
knives or rocks does not solve the problem, it only make us feel better.
Taking away objects does not get to the root of the problem -- evil. The
only way to purge evil from someone's life is to bring them to a higher
plane - a higher standard. Without a standard of morality in one's life, we
will find no reason to do good to all men, much less care for them.

The only thing which will purge evil from one's life is Christ - pure and
simple. No humanistic reasoning, self-help book or psychology class will
bring a person to the highest calling one can attain -- simple Christian
living. While the world debates the "items of violence' let us debate the
cause - evil.

So, debate if you will, but I will choose to pray and share Christ; for He
is the only solution.

Chris Gallagher