The title to this article derives from a statement made by a
brother in Christ at a preacher's forum in 1983. Since that time our brother
(albeit, apostate brother) has widened his circle of fellowship to embrace many
of those in error. Others now parrot this new-found doctrine, and efforts at
unity with the denominations finds increasing popularity, leading eventually to
participation with them in their vain worship. All of this is done under the
guise of seeking to uphold and maintain the restoration movement. But the
implications of such a position will lead a man to abandon the principle of the
restoration movement rather than uphold it. If I believed for a moment that a
man could be a 'sincere, knowledgeable, devout Christian' and stay and work
within the framework of denominationalism, I would immediately cease to preach
and plead for a return to the ancient pattern. Some have been so bold as to do
this, but we think to the detriment of their soul's salvation. T hat it is
possible for a man to become a Christian and then somehow become associated with
a denomination, I do not deny. But for such a one to grow in the grace and
knowledge of the Lord and remain in that denomination, and then claim that
somehow he is still in fellowship with God and acceptable in His sight, we deny.
Brother Alan Highers addressed this issue in a most forceful way:
There are at least two senses in which we might expect to find Christians caught up in the errors of denominationalism. First, one might obey the gospel, become a Christian, and be faithful for a while, then apostatize, forsake the truth, and join a denomination. Second, one might study the scriptures, learn the truth, and obey the gospel, but thereafter become affiliated with denominationalism for lack of understanding about the New Testament church. In the first case if the individual is knowledgeable about the church, he cannot be sincere in joining a denomination. In the second instance if one is sincere, he cannot be called knowledgeable. The issue, therefore, is not whether one who is a child of God may sometimes become entangled in denominationalism, but whether he can be sincere, knowledgeable, and devout in so doing. If one is knowledgeable as a Christian, he will know that denominationalism is sin (1 Cor. 1:10). One who is sincere cannot knowingly participate in t hat which is sinful; therefore his knowledge would preclude his sincerity in becoming affiliated with denominationalism. On the other hand, if one is sincere as a member of a denomination, it must be because he feels he is doing right. That sentiment, however, would signify a lack of knowledge; therefore, his sincerity in belonging to a denomination would exclude the possibility of his being knowledgeable. Consequently, if one is knowledgeable, he could not be sincere; if he is sincere, he could not be knowledgeable. In this context, the terms are mutually exclusive" (Fifth Annual Spiritual Sword Lectures, page 305). Sincerity is essential in one's faith, but it is not the secret talisman that makes all things right and somehow determines what direction we should go. The Proverb writer clearly declared, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death" (Pro. 14:12). Saul of Tarsus was sincere, but he was wrong. In an effort to bolster up this new fancied doctrine, we hear of some who claim, "We are Christians only, but we are not the only Christians." This is not a new phrase, but we think it has been used in a new way. It is imperative that we define the word "we." If by the word "we" someone is referring to the New Testament church, then one cannot scripturally declare that we are not the only Christians, for all Christians are members of that church and only that church. How could it possibly be otherwise in light of the Scriptures? It should be clearly understood that the word "we" is being used by some of those infected with liberal tendencies to refer, not to the New Testament church, but to those Christians who have not affiliated themselves with a specific denomination. Such individuals perceive of the church of Christ as a segment of the church rather than then church as a whole. Their message is clear, though blatantly false: "We (Christians who are undenominatio nal) are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only (in the sense that we claim nothing more). The late N.B. Hardeman declared: I do not claim, and have never so done, that those who have taken no stand with denominations are the only Christians upon the earth; but here is the contention: Having simply believed and obeyed the gospel, we propose to be Christians only. Now, there is a wonderful difference between saying that we claim to be Christians only and that we claim to be the only Christians. The Bible clearly predicts that the Lord's people, some of them, will be engaged in a state of confusion; and the Lord bids his people come out of that state and just stand, if you please, as humble Christians only. The confusion of the twentieth century is denominationalism. There is no doubt about that (Tabernacle Sermons, Volume II, page 253). Another restorationist pioneer, and one time editor of the Gospel Advocate, brother F.D. Srygley, was once asked if there were Christians in the denominations. He answered: When there are Christians - not the best variety of Christians, to be sure, but the same sort that lengthen the lists of members on all 'our church books' — in saloons, on the race track, at the theater, in the ballroom, around the gambling tables, in the calaboose, behind the jail doors, in the penitentiary, and on the gallows, it should not create surprise or start a scandal if a few of the meanest specimens of them should occasionally be found temporarily in the most respectable and pious religious denominations of this degenerate age and God forsaken country. If there are Christians 'in all denominations,' or in any denomination, they ought not to be there, and the sooner they get out the better (source lost). If it is the case that there are 'Sincere, Knowledgeable, Devout Christians' in every denomination, then let us ask how they got there. They were either baptized into that denomination, in which case they were not baptized into the proper sphere. Or, having once obeyed the Gospel, they then "joined" that denomination, a step or action that is foreign to the New Testament. Why can men not be satisfied with the simplicity of God's word and the beauty of His pattern? We plead with all men to abandon man made institutions and return to the old paths, and walk therein.
by
Tom
Wacaster
|
Monday, September 30, 2013
ARE THERE 'SINCERE, KNOWLEDGEABLE, DEVOUT CHRISTIANS SCATTERED AMONG THE DENOMINATIONS'?
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase
We
Planted; Others Will Water
by Tom Wacaster
by Tom Wacaster
In years gone by, when the opportunity afforded itself, I
would plant a garden in my back yard. Between the planting of the seed, and the
reaping of the crop there are certain things that I had to do, like tilling the
soil, keeping the weeds out along the way, and applying water in the absence of
sufficient rain. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians he too made a distinction
between the planting and the watering: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God
gave the increase" (1 Cor. 3:6). With this year's mission trip to India now
complete, we give thanks for the opportunity to have been involved in this great
work for our Lord. It is not uncommon for the fruits of our labor to continue to
grow far beyond the work we do during these two and a half weeks work. As long
as the seed we have planted in India is properly watered by brethren living and
working in that area there will continue to be fruit from our labors. Think with
me about what is involved in spiritual wa tering.
First, there is the sheer importance of watering. God, in His marvelous design, arranged the natural order of things so that a seed planted in the ground must receive water in order to sprout and grow. Deprive the seed, and/or the plant of water, and it will die. So it is with God's spiritual seed, the Word of God (Luke 8:11). The soil may determine the amount of care required to bring the seed to full fruition. But without water, there simply can be no growth.
Second, there are the specifics of this spiritual watering. One important feature that will enhance the growth of the word in a good in honest heart is the example we set before others. A good example is essential to nurturing the seed. A good example must be provided by the teacher, as well as those who claim any association to the message of that teacher. If brother Jones takes the time to teach some lost soul, it is imperative that he set a proper example. Teaching coupled with action is the golden key that unlocks the vault of influence. But it is also important that each member live a life that is exemplary to the message and hope to which they have been called. Hypocrites in a congregation most certainly render a negative influence upon those contemplating attendance or obedience. Yes, a good example is important. Then there is the need for additional teaching and instruction once the seed has been planted. Paul introduced the Corinthians to the Gospel; Apol los did the follow up work. Seldom does a soul obey the Gospel after just one lesson (though there are exceptions). Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or even years of encouragement and instruction. As long as a man is willing to learn, let us provide him with the "sincere milk of the word," and pray for his obedience.
Third, let us realize that 'planters' and 'waterers' share in responsibility and reward. The planting is of no greater or lesser importance than the watering. It takes both. The 'planter' may include those who visit and set up studies, conduct cottage classes, teach and preach the word publicly and/or privately. The 'waterer' may follow up with encouragement, a visit or call on the phone, or a prayer in behalf of those who have heard yet not obeyed. The 'planters' do their job well, and the 'waterers' contribute to the completion of the work, and both share in the reward. Let us not forget, "for as his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the baggage: they shall share alike" (1 Sam. 30:24).
Fourth, it is important that both the 'planter' and the 'waterer' be versed in the scripture. A successful gardener must have a knowledge of gardening. On occasions I have actually pulled out precious flower plants because I thought they were weeds. Someone might accidentally poison a plant if he is ignorant of what chemicals are good and/or bad for the care of his garden. And so it is with planting and watering. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus commanded us, "Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." What constitutes a "shining light"? Is my example beneficial or detrimental to the well being of those who are watching me? Am I using scripture properly in the exhortation and encouragement that I lend to others? How can you be certain if you know not God's word?
Finally, we must share the bounty with others. My first local work was in a farming community. Summer's harvest, though planted by others, was shared by the many. It was not uncommon for us to receive so many potatoes, tomatoes, and onions that we simply could not eat it all. Waste is wrong and one's bounty was passed along to others. God's bountiful harvest is to be shared with others. The Gospel is for all. The Great Commission is not the Great Permission. Those who refuse to share what they enjoy with others are guilty of selfishness. They are like the lepers who discovered the goods in the abandoned camp of the Syrians: "Then they said one to another, We do not well; this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, punishment will overtake us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the king's household" (2 Kings 7:9). Brother, do not horde your blessings. Give to others that they too might live.
As we labor together may we recognize the fact that, although some are "planters," and others are "waterers," our goal is the salvation of the souls of men to the glory of God the Father, through Jesus Christ His Son. One more observation before I close this article. Seed often planted will produce a crop through more than one season. While living in Talco, Texas we planted a garden in the plot of land next to our house. We reaped the benefits of our labors that season, but due to increasing time away for mission trips I decided not to plant a garden the following year. As it turned out, some of the seed planted the year before took root, grew, and produced a crop, though somewhat smaller than it might have been had I properly tilled and cared for the garden. Still, the seed planted a year earlier continued to produce a harvest well beyond what we might have expected. The point is this. The seed you plant today will reap a harvest. The good you do (or even the bad you do) may not produce a crop immediately; but it will produce a crop. Thus we are reminded by the apostle Paul: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9).
First, there is the sheer importance of watering. God, in His marvelous design, arranged the natural order of things so that a seed planted in the ground must receive water in order to sprout and grow. Deprive the seed, and/or the plant of water, and it will die. So it is with God's spiritual seed, the Word of God (Luke 8:11). The soil may determine the amount of care required to bring the seed to full fruition. But without water, there simply can be no growth.
Second, there are the specifics of this spiritual watering. One important feature that will enhance the growth of the word in a good in honest heart is the example we set before others. A good example is essential to nurturing the seed. A good example must be provided by the teacher, as well as those who claim any association to the message of that teacher. If brother Jones takes the time to teach some lost soul, it is imperative that he set a proper example. Teaching coupled with action is the golden key that unlocks the vault of influence. But it is also important that each member live a life that is exemplary to the message and hope to which they have been called. Hypocrites in a congregation most certainly render a negative influence upon those contemplating attendance or obedience. Yes, a good example is important. Then there is the need for additional teaching and instruction once the seed has been planted. Paul introduced the Corinthians to the Gospel; Apol los did the follow up work. Seldom does a soul obey the Gospel after just one lesson (though there are exceptions). Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or even years of encouragement and instruction. As long as a man is willing to learn, let us provide him with the "sincere milk of the word," and pray for his obedience.
Third, let us realize that 'planters' and 'waterers' share in responsibility and reward. The planting is of no greater or lesser importance than the watering. It takes both. The 'planter' may include those who visit and set up studies, conduct cottage classes, teach and preach the word publicly and/or privately. The 'waterer' may follow up with encouragement, a visit or call on the phone, or a prayer in behalf of those who have heard yet not obeyed. The 'planters' do their job well, and the 'waterers' contribute to the completion of the work, and both share in the reward. Let us not forget, "for as his share is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his share be that tarrieth by the baggage: they shall share alike" (1 Sam. 30:24).
Fourth, it is important that both the 'planter' and the 'waterer' be versed in the scripture. A successful gardener must have a knowledge of gardening. On occasions I have actually pulled out precious flower plants because I thought they were weeds. Someone might accidentally poison a plant if he is ignorant of what chemicals are good and/or bad for the care of his garden. And so it is with planting and watering. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus commanded us, "Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." What constitutes a "shining light"? Is my example beneficial or detrimental to the well being of those who are watching me? Am I using scripture properly in the exhortation and encouragement that I lend to others? How can you be certain if you know not God's word?
Finally, we must share the bounty with others. My first local work was in a farming community. Summer's harvest, though planted by others, was shared by the many. It was not uncommon for us to receive so many potatoes, tomatoes, and onions that we simply could not eat it all. Waste is wrong and one's bounty was passed along to others. God's bountiful harvest is to be shared with others. The Gospel is for all. The Great Commission is not the Great Permission. Those who refuse to share what they enjoy with others are guilty of selfishness. They are like the lepers who discovered the goods in the abandoned camp of the Syrians: "Then they said one to another, We do not well; this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, punishment will overtake us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the king's household" (2 Kings 7:9). Brother, do not horde your blessings. Give to others that they too might live.
As we labor together may we recognize the fact that, although some are "planters," and others are "waterers," our goal is the salvation of the souls of men to the glory of God the Father, through Jesus Christ His Son. One more observation before I close this article. Seed often planted will produce a crop through more than one season. While living in Talco, Texas we planted a garden in the plot of land next to our house. We reaped the benefits of our labors that season, but due to increasing time away for mission trips I decided not to plant a garden the following year. As it turned out, some of the seed planted the year before took root, grew, and produced a crop, though somewhat smaller than it might have been had I properly tilled and cared for the garden. Still, the seed planted a year earlier continued to produce a harvest well beyond what we might have expected. The point is this. The seed you plant today will reap a harvest. The good you do (or even the bad you do) may not produce a crop immediately; but it will produce a crop. Thus we are reminded by the apostle Paul: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9).
2 Corinthians 5:1
2 Corinthians 5:1 “ For
we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.”
There is not one iota of
doubt in my mind that there is a destiny of my soul, the grandeur of which no
words of human wisdom can adequately describe (Rev. 21:2-4, 16-21, 22:5). My
eyes have been privileged to see many beautiful things and places but not one of
those sights can begin to compare to the beauty of heaven. How beautiful heaven
must be.
I love to read the words
of Hebrews 11:13 and 1 Peter 2:11 in which we are made to realize that we are
but strangers and pilgrims on this earth and one day this frail, weak,
corruptible human frame is going to be changed into a glorious, incorruptible
body (1 Cor. 15:51-57). What a glorious day that will be for those who obeyed
the Lord and lived faithfully for him (Rev. 14:13).
Before the Lord came
forth from the grave (1 Cor. 15:3-40), death was a blind alley but after his
resurrection death became a thoroughfare that leads us out into eternity. Now,
we look not at the grave but we look beyond it (1 Cor. 15:55-57, Phil. 1:21,
23). As we arise each morning to go about our daily activities, the words of
Paul in Phil. 3:14 should be our battle cry, “I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. We must make the heavenly
home the one supreme end of our life. I want to come to the end of this earthly
journey and be able to say as Paul said, “I am ready, I’ve fought a good fight,
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-8). How about
you?
I think often of that
land where we will never grow old. I dream of that pearly white city of God and
think about how wonderful it will be there. I am convinced that in order to go
to that wonderful city of God, I must decide that I want to go more than I want
anything else and so must you if you want to go. There must be an all consuming
desire that overshadows everything and embraces every moment, every day of our
life. Understand this, God will not just reach down one day, pick us up and say
“welcome home”. We must hear him (Rom. 10:17, Rev. 3:20), we must believe him
(Mk. 16:16, 1 Tim. 1:16, we must repent (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38, 17:30, we must
confess (Rom. 10:10, Matt. 10:32, Acts 8:37), we must be baptized for the
remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Pet. 3:21), and finally, we must
remain faithful until we die (Rev. 2:10). Because this plan comes not from the
heart of man but comes from the heart of God, we do not have the option of
choosing which one(s) we will or will not do. With love in my heart for all, I
must say that if I, if you are not willing to comply fully, completely with
God’s plan, then we will never see the inside of that pearly white city of
God.
Charles Hicks
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Difference between guilt and worry
Guilt is concerned with the past
Worry is
concerned with the future
Contentment
enjoys the present
Not that I am speaking of being
in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be
content.
Philippians
4:11
Many days are
spent over the lost days of "do over one more time" or regrets. Even more days
are spent over waiting for the next day, week or month to really make a
difference.
These are
tough times for each and everyone of us to have to face physically, emotionally,
and spiritually.
It takes
practice to be focus on the good and not so good for
today.
When Paul
wrote to the Christians in the area of Philippi it was not to disregard the past
troubles, and future problems. It was the mindset that with the Lord we can
rejoice always (over and over again). In order to reach that mind set Paul also
wrote
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
To be content
today, pray and ask, pray and ask, pray and ask for the peace of God. It will
come and with it an action plan for contentment on tomorrow.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore
do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own
trouble.
Matthew
6:32-34
Monday, September 16, 2013
Seeking the lost
Searching
The Back Roads of India For Lost Souls
by Tom Wacaster
by Tom Wacaster
Everyday traffic on the small streets of India is a challenge
to even the most experienced of travelers. The lorries (equivalent to our 18
wheelers back home), large buses, automobiles, and over abundance of motorcycles
can turn even the smallest of traffic jams into a nightmare. The driving habits
of most of the motorcycle owners is more like a dog-eat-dog world on two wheels.
Words simply cannot adequately describe the mind-set of a motorcycle diver on
the public thoroughfares of India. Thursday evening we were making our way to a
village meeting and, due to construction on the main road, had to take a detour
down what you and I would call a small country dirt road. In front of us was
what appeared to be a large tour bus something akin to a Greyhound. It took up a
good 3/4 of the road. Coming from the other direction was a lorrie, which also
took up 3/4 of the road. In order for these two oversized vehicles to pass, they
had to hug the shoulder of the road o n one side, concrete walls and buildings
on the other side, and slowly inch by one another while by-standers, wanting to
get this traffic cleared from in front of their house as quickly as possible,
helped watch the half inch to 1 inch clearance between the bus and truck to make
sure they did not lock up or that no damage was done to either. The optimum
words here are "slowly inch." Cars were backing up behind both the bus and the
truck, waiting for them to successfully maneuver past one another. Add to this
equation the impatient motorcycle drivers, and traffic almost came to a complete
standstill. Rather than line up behind the automobiles following both truck and
bus, the motorcyclists would go around the cars, and attempt to squeeze into
whatever "crack" might be available for quick passage. Of course, with the
dozens, if not hundreds of motorcycles attempting to pass our car and beat the
next guy to what small opening might become available, they filled in the !
space in front of the truck coming the opposite direction so that the truck
could not "inch forward." At the other end the same had occurred with regard to
the motorcycles and the bus we were following. So, there we all sat; the bus in
front of us and the truck coming the opposite direction, side by side, unable to
move because of the motorcycles, and the motorcycles unable to move because the
truck and bus blocked the way. And then the honking of horns begins; the
incessant honking of horns. I have, for years wondered if there would ever come
a time when a traffic jam would be so back logged that it would be impossible to
make any progress at all. I thought I had witnessed such on this particular
occasion. It took about 30 minutes to finally clear the log jam, and we were on
our way.
Two days later we were in Palakole. The citizens of the state of Andre Pradesh are demonstrating because of a decision by the Indian government to split the state into two parts. This has produced large gatherings of people who pour into the street to voice their opposition to this government decision. With the agitation and strikes, we had to take some back roads in an attempt to get around the city. When I say back roads in India, I mean "back roads"; they make our country roads seem like super improved highways. These narrow, often bumpy, pot-hold laden back roads, wind through the villages and rice patties of India. I asked Nehemiah if the local preacher who was with us was familiar with these back roads. Nehemiah assured me that brother Prabudas was quite familiar with these back roads because he had travelled these roads many times in search of souls. I thought about that statement, its implications and sobering reminder that we are to go about in search for s ouls.
In Luke 19 we read of our Lord's encounter with Zacchaeus. After Zacchaeus had promised to restore four-fold anything he had improperly exacted from the people, the Lord made the following statement: "To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Since the gospel came to India in the late 1960's, the growth of the Lord's church has been nothing short of astonishing. There are villages that are so far removed from the main stream of society that it astounds me that the gospel has reached so deep into these remote parts of India. Seeing that the church is the body of Christ, should we not be about seeking and saving those that are lost? Should not our search be as diligent as was our Lord's? Consider the following.
First, the word used by Luke and translated with our English word "seek" means "to seek in order to find; to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after." There is an intensity and urgency in that word. That same intensity and urgency was suggested in the Lord's parable of the lost coin. "Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?" (Luke 15:8). Not only did this woman seek for that coin; she sought diligently. So urgent was this woman's desire to find the lost coin that she would not leave any object unturned, or any corner of the room unswept in order to find that coin. After ten years of making trips into India and travelling the back roads with brother Gootam, one thing I have learned is that these hard working brethren have diligently searched out the lost souls in these villages.
Second, a thorough search takes time and energy. If you have ever lost an object around the house, and needing to find that object, you know what time and effort it can take to find the lost article. It takes time to get to these villages. It is not unusual to travel two hours to get to one village. In the early days of the church here in India transportation was limited. Some of the preachers we help support are still very limited in their travel capabilities. Last year one preacher told us he would catch the bus to his next preaching appointment; and quite often he would have to walk. On occasions he simply cannot make the bus connections, and by the time he gets to the next preaching appointment the crowds have left. I wonder how many of us in America would be willing to take five hours out of our week to make just one visit. We are so time-conscious and impatient that a two-minute wait in the line at Walmart is intolerable.
Third, seeking lost souls in India is, to be quite frank, quite inconvenient. Sitting in a traffic jam while two oversized vehicles attempt to pass one another is inconvenient. The heat, bumpy roads, lack of sanitation, and a thousand other inconveniences will literally wear a body down. The preachers we support bear up under all those inconveniences, and more, for no other reason than the fact that they love the souls of men. The physical discomforts that go with getting to, preaching, and getting home from a night in the village will test any man's stamina. The western world has become so saturated with labor saving devices that we have in many instances forgotten what it is like to labor. Perhaps we need to take a lesson from the brethren here in India.
Finally, seeking lost souls is very rewarding. Someone once asked me if I enjoyed writing. I answered them with something a brother said to me: "I enjoy having written." Any worthwhile task is laborious, and often filled with frustration and set backs. But in the end, having achieved the desired task, one can enjoy the fruits of his labor. So it is with seeking lost souls on the back roads of India (or anywhere for that matter). There is a joy in knowing you have assisted someone to come to a better knowledge of God's word, or having taught and watched as a precious soul confesses the good name of Christ and is baptized for the remission of his sins. This is why I enjoy coming to India. The sheer magnitude of obedient souls overwhelms the heart and makes every inconvenience, every traffic jam, and every difficult moment worth all the effort to seek and save the lost.
Two days later we were in Palakole. The citizens of the state of Andre Pradesh are demonstrating because of a decision by the Indian government to split the state into two parts. This has produced large gatherings of people who pour into the street to voice their opposition to this government decision. With the agitation and strikes, we had to take some back roads in an attempt to get around the city. When I say back roads in India, I mean "back roads"; they make our country roads seem like super improved highways. These narrow, often bumpy, pot-hold laden back roads, wind through the villages and rice patties of India. I asked Nehemiah if the local preacher who was with us was familiar with these back roads. Nehemiah assured me that brother Prabudas was quite familiar with these back roads because he had travelled these roads many times in search of souls. I thought about that statement, its implications and sobering reminder that we are to go about in search for s ouls.
In Luke 19 we read of our Lord's encounter with Zacchaeus. After Zacchaeus had promised to restore four-fold anything he had improperly exacted from the people, the Lord made the following statement: "To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Since the gospel came to India in the late 1960's, the growth of the Lord's church has been nothing short of astonishing. There are villages that are so far removed from the main stream of society that it astounds me that the gospel has reached so deep into these remote parts of India. Seeing that the church is the body of Christ, should we not be about seeking and saving those that are lost? Should not our search be as diligent as was our Lord's? Consider the following.
First, the word used by Luke and translated with our English word "seek" means "to seek in order to find; to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after." There is an intensity and urgency in that word. That same intensity and urgency was suggested in the Lord's parable of the lost coin. "Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?" (Luke 15:8). Not only did this woman seek for that coin; she sought diligently. So urgent was this woman's desire to find the lost coin that she would not leave any object unturned, or any corner of the room unswept in order to find that coin. After ten years of making trips into India and travelling the back roads with brother Gootam, one thing I have learned is that these hard working brethren have diligently searched out the lost souls in these villages.
Second, a thorough search takes time and energy. If you have ever lost an object around the house, and needing to find that object, you know what time and effort it can take to find the lost article. It takes time to get to these villages. It is not unusual to travel two hours to get to one village. In the early days of the church here in India transportation was limited. Some of the preachers we help support are still very limited in their travel capabilities. Last year one preacher told us he would catch the bus to his next preaching appointment; and quite often he would have to walk. On occasions he simply cannot make the bus connections, and by the time he gets to the next preaching appointment the crowds have left. I wonder how many of us in America would be willing to take five hours out of our week to make just one visit. We are so time-conscious and impatient that a two-minute wait in the line at Walmart is intolerable.
Third, seeking lost souls in India is, to be quite frank, quite inconvenient. Sitting in a traffic jam while two oversized vehicles attempt to pass one another is inconvenient. The heat, bumpy roads, lack of sanitation, and a thousand other inconveniences will literally wear a body down. The preachers we support bear up under all those inconveniences, and more, for no other reason than the fact that they love the souls of men. The physical discomforts that go with getting to, preaching, and getting home from a night in the village will test any man's stamina. The western world has become so saturated with labor saving devices that we have in many instances forgotten what it is like to labor. Perhaps we need to take a lesson from the brethren here in India.
Finally, seeking lost souls is very rewarding. Someone once asked me if I enjoyed writing. I answered them with something a brother said to me: "I enjoy having written." Any worthwhile task is laborious, and often filled with frustration and set backs. But in the end, having achieved the desired task, one can enjoy the fruits of his labor. So it is with seeking lost souls on the back roads of India (or anywhere for that matter). There is a joy in knowing you have assisted someone to come to a better knowledge of God's word, or having taught and watched as a precious soul confesses the good name of Christ and is baptized for the remission of his sins. This is why I enjoy coming to India. The sheer magnitude of obedient souls overwhelms the heart and makes every inconvenience, every traffic jam, and every difficult moment worth all the effort to seek and save the lost.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Overlook Trail
"Across My Path"
The few days away to relax had been long anticipated. Making things even better were the presence of our daughter, son-in-law, and our fourth grandson (still in the womb). With the beautiful weather we decided to take off on a hike, a two- mile trek named "Overlook Trail". We set out with great expectations.
We almost didn't begin the hike. At the very beginning of the trail, a three- foot copperhead snake was stretched out across the concrete steps leading downward. The Lord has blessed me with a healthy fear of snakes (even rubber ones!), and I was not about to proceed until this fellow slithered out of the way. We pressed ahead, but with greater watchfulness than usual.
About a mile farther on the same trail we came across another copperhead, lying right on the edge of the trail. This one blended more into the background, and we might have stepped on him (her?) if we hadn't been watching. A bite from a venomous serpent would not have made this a pleasant outing!
A serpent serves as an apt image for our adversary, the devil. The Bible presents him as cunning, deceitful and dangerous (John 8:44). You may recall mankind's first encounter with him, found in Genesis 3. The effects of his "bite" were destructive, and Adam and Eve were introduced to pain and suffering as a result of his dastardly work.
Like the copperhead, Satan is usually camouflaged. Paul warned first-century readers of this danger: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13,14). He looks warm and genuine; but when he opens his mouth his poisonous fangs appear!
Then what hope do we have if this powerful, awful being is lying across our path? Earlier in the same letter Paul wrote this: "... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Those who carefully study God's word are given an education about venomous serpents. We don't have to be surprised by Satan because God offers an in-depth briefing of our enemy.
One other suggestion by Peter should be noted: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Had we not been watching carefully that day, we might have stepped on that copperhead. If we don't look carefully, Satan may catch us off-guard. But with God's help, we'll finish our journey safely!
Timothy D. Hall
The few days away to relax had been long anticipated. Making things even better were the presence of our daughter, son-in-law, and our fourth grandson (still in the womb). With the beautiful weather we decided to take off on a hike, a two- mile trek named "Overlook Trail". We set out with great expectations.
We almost didn't begin the hike. At the very beginning of the trail, a three- foot copperhead snake was stretched out across the concrete steps leading downward. The Lord has blessed me with a healthy fear of snakes (even rubber ones!), and I was not about to proceed until this fellow slithered out of the way. We pressed ahead, but with greater watchfulness than usual.
About a mile farther on the same trail we came across another copperhead, lying right on the edge of the trail. This one blended more into the background, and we might have stepped on him (her?) if we hadn't been watching. A bite from a venomous serpent would not have made this a pleasant outing!
A serpent serves as an apt image for our adversary, the devil. The Bible presents him as cunning, deceitful and dangerous (John 8:44). You may recall mankind's first encounter with him, found in Genesis 3. The effects of his "bite" were destructive, and Adam and Eve were introduced to pain and suffering as a result of his dastardly work.
Like the copperhead, Satan is usually camouflaged. Paul warned first-century readers of this danger: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13,14). He looks warm and genuine; but when he opens his mouth his poisonous fangs appear!
Then what hope do we have if this powerful, awful being is lying across our path? Earlier in the same letter Paul wrote this: "... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Those who carefully study God's word are given an education about venomous serpents. We don't have to be surprised by Satan because God offers an in-depth briefing of our enemy.
One other suggestion by Peter should be noted: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Had we not been watching carefully that day, we might have stepped on that copperhead. If we don't look carefully, Satan may catch us off-guard. But with God's help, we'll finish our journey safely!
Timothy D. Hall
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Kathipudi India
Traveling throughout India one has the opportunity to
traverse a lot of different streets in search of souls longing to hear the
gospel. The city of Kathipudi is no different than any other town in India, or
in any part of the world for that matter. It just so happens that on this
particular occasion we conducted a night meeting in this city on this Lord's
Day. Kathipudi lies on the National Highway that runs from Vishakhapatnam to
Gunter, and a smaller road connects this town of about 100,000 to Kakinada. Over
the years I have had the opportunity to preach in Kathipudi on a number of
occasions, and have passed through this town on the way to other destinations
during the ten years I have been doing mission work in India. Kathipudi is a
typical town, with typical people. There is nothing special about the streets of
this city other than the fact that we happened to be at this place, at this
particular time, meeting with the saints and preaching to both saved and lost
souls. We entered this city from the south, crossed under the National Highway,
started up the access road, and made a turn on a side road that would classify
as a back alley in Fort Worth, Texas. The road was narrow, unpaved, and with the
rain that day, this small dusty road had now become a narrow muddy road.
Buildings lined either side of the street; small concrete houses where families
lived and children played. The street was so narrow that two cars could not pass
one another, and even Nehemiah's Toyota and a bicycle would literally take up
the entire space between the houses on either side of the road. After making a
dogleg to the right and back to the left, the narrow street eventually came to
an end. On our right was a house where Shiro Rajyam, the local preacher for the
Lord’s church, lived; on the left was the meeting place for this particular
occasion. It consisted of a concrete floor, several pillars that would
eventually be connected by walls an! d a roof overhead to protect the
inhabitants from the rain and a hot summer sun; but for now the structure was in
the early stages and we actually gathered under an open sky that was cloudy and
threating rain. I preached on Romans 12:1-2, encouraged the brethren, and
extended the invitation to the lost. Eleven precious souls responded, bringing
the total number of baptisms for this mission trip to 40. After visiting with
the brethren and meeting several of the preachers from the villages around
Kathipudi, we departed, waving goodbye to the precious saints who had lingered
to shake our hands and capture one last glimpse of this pale, white skinned
preacher, who spoke a different language. We slowly made our way back up the
narrow, muddy road to the National Highway, arriving in Kakinada around 10:30
PM.
Jesus often told parables using objects and incidents from every day life. He was the Master Teacher, and on one occasion He used the illustration of a road to describe what happens when the seed is planed in an unfruitful place (cf. Matt. 13:18-23). He also used a road to illustrate the magnitude of lost souls: "Wide is gate, and broad is the way [road, T.W.] that leads to destruction" (Matt. 7: 13-14). The word "street" and/or "streets" appears more than 95 times in the Bible, sometimes referring to a literal street (as in the case of Saul of Tarsus and his stay on a street called Straight); sometimes figuratively. Our English word first appears in Genesis 19:2 where it speaks of two angels who went to the city of Sodom and the house of Lot. Rahab the harlot was warned not to go out of her house into the "street" when Israel invaded Jericho lest she or someone in her family be destroyed. We could go on, but I think this is sufficient to show that the Bible’! s us e of the word "street" or "streets" is both interesting, and can be inspirational. As Nehemiah and I were leaving Kathipudi, it dawned upon me that there are a lot of lessons we might glean from this simple occasion of traveling the streets of Kathipudi.
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that men are lost. "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Our numerous road trips here in India take us through dozens of towns and cities. Without exception, the streets are always crowded with teeming thousands who are shopping in the markets, or socializing on some corner. Gathered at a nearby Hindu temple are the worshippers of a false god; which is no god at all. Bankers, merchants, teachers, and even beggars all walk the streets of Kathipudi; and every single one of them who has not named the name of Christ is lost!
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that "Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; She uttereth her voice in the broad places; She crieth in the chief place of concourse; At the entrance of the gates, In the city, she uttereth her words" (Pro. 1:20-21). At the end of that narrow muddy road that evening an effort was underway to let wisdom cry aloud in the streets of Kathipudi. I have had a few occasions here in India to literally preach on the streets of some city or village. Brethren bring their blankets, chairs, or some other item on which to sit. They cordon off a section of some narrow street, set up a microphone and amplifier, and we preach. On those, and numerous other occasions, wisdom has cried aloud in the streets; and Lord willing, she will continue to cry aloud until our Lord comes again.
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that the things of life are only temporal. Nowhere is the decay of earthly things more apparent than on the streets of Kathipudi. Almost all we see about us is in disarray, the ravages of time and use showing wear and tear on everything visible. Paul reminded us that the "things that are seen are temporal" (2 Cor. 4:18). They are only temporary; they do not last. Why, then, do men scrimp and save to acquire "stuff" when without fail, that same "stuff" will eventually be gone?
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that we have work to do as servants in the Master’s kingdom. Nehemiah and I did not travel to Kathipudi to attend a concert, watch a movie, or purchase property. It is easy to get caught up in the affairs of this life and forget the real purpose for which we have been called by the Gospel. You and I must never lose sight of our real purpose upon this planet. This is a time of preparation for that moment when all of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of what we have done in this body (2 Cor. 5:10). Unfortunately the vast majority of those who walked the streets of Kathipudi that night have no knowledge of the God of heaven, or that moment that awaits all of us when we shall give an account to the Almighty.
Finally, the streets of Kathipudi remind me there is something better that awaits me. There are many inconveniences when traveling abroad. Whether it be India, Russia, Nepal, or a half dozen other countries to which I have had the privilege to travel, the standard of living is not what it is back home. From a purely physical standpoint I could say without any doubt whatsoever that something better awaits me when I finish my work here. But the inconveniences here are only a reminder that, when compared with any place upon this earth, nothing - absolutely nothing - will compare with the joys that await the child of God upon his entrance into that eternal home. When this life is over, and we are granted entrance into that heavenly home by the grace of our God, we will then walk the street of gold, breath celestial air, and feed upon the tree of life. No longer will the saints who live in this small town have to walk the streets of Kathipudi.
Jesus often told parables using objects and incidents from every day life. He was the Master Teacher, and on one occasion He used the illustration of a road to describe what happens when the seed is planed in an unfruitful place (cf. Matt. 13:18-23). He also used a road to illustrate the magnitude of lost souls: "Wide is gate, and broad is the way [road, T.W.] that leads to destruction" (Matt. 7: 13-14). The word "street" and/or "streets" appears more than 95 times in the Bible, sometimes referring to a literal street (as in the case of Saul of Tarsus and his stay on a street called Straight); sometimes figuratively. Our English word first appears in Genesis 19:2 where it speaks of two angels who went to the city of Sodom and the house of Lot. Rahab the harlot was warned not to go out of her house into the "street" when Israel invaded Jericho lest she or someone in her family be destroyed. We could go on, but I think this is sufficient to show that the Bible’! s us e of the word "street" or "streets" is both interesting, and can be inspirational. As Nehemiah and I were leaving Kathipudi, it dawned upon me that there are a lot of lessons we might glean from this simple occasion of traveling the streets of Kathipudi.
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that men are lost. "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Our numerous road trips here in India take us through dozens of towns and cities. Without exception, the streets are always crowded with teeming thousands who are shopping in the markets, or socializing on some corner. Gathered at a nearby Hindu temple are the worshippers of a false god; which is no god at all. Bankers, merchants, teachers, and even beggars all walk the streets of Kathipudi; and every single one of them who has not named the name of Christ is lost!
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that "Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; She uttereth her voice in the broad places; She crieth in the chief place of concourse; At the entrance of the gates, In the city, she uttereth her words" (Pro. 1:20-21). At the end of that narrow muddy road that evening an effort was underway to let wisdom cry aloud in the streets of Kathipudi. I have had a few occasions here in India to literally preach on the streets of some city or village. Brethren bring their blankets, chairs, or some other item on which to sit. They cordon off a section of some narrow street, set up a microphone and amplifier, and we preach. On those, and numerous other occasions, wisdom has cried aloud in the streets; and Lord willing, she will continue to cry aloud until our Lord comes again.
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that the things of life are only temporal. Nowhere is the decay of earthly things more apparent than on the streets of Kathipudi. Almost all we see about us is in disarray, the ravages of time and use showing wear and tear on everything visible. Paul reminded us that the "things that are seen are temporal" (2 Cor. 4:18). They are only temporary; they do not last. Why, then, do men scrimp and save to acquire "stuff" when without fail, that same "stuff" will eventually be gone?
The streets of Kathipudi remind us that we have work to do as servants in the Master’s kingdom. Nehemiah and I did not travel to Kathipudi to attend a concert, watch a movie, or purchase property. It is easy to get caught up in the affairs of this life and forget the real purpose for which we have been called by the Gospel. You and I must never lose sight of our real purpose upon this planet. This is a time of preparation for that moment when all of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of what we have done in this body (2 Cor. 5:10). Unfortunately the vast majority of those who walked the streets of Kathipudi that night have no knowledge of the God of heaven, or that moment that awaits all of us when we shall give an account to the Almighty.
Finally, the streets of Kathipudi remind me there is something better that awaits me. There are many inconveniences when traveling abroad. Whether it be India, Russia, Nepal, or a half dozen other countries to which I have had the privilege to travel, the standard of living is not what it is back home. From a purely physical standpoint I could say without any doubt whatsoever that something better awaits me when I finish my work here. But the inconveniences here are only a reminder that, when compared with any place upon this earth, nothing - absolutely nothing - will compare with the joys that await the child of God upon his entrance into that eternal home. When this life is over, and we are granted entrance into that heavenly home by the grace of our God, we will then walk the street of gold, breath celestial air, and feed upon the tree of life. No longer will the saints who live in this small town have to walk the streets of Kathipudi.
by
Tom Wacaster
Monday, September 9, 2013
Kenny Beach of Brunswick, Georgia. Beach
Up from the Miry Clay
Keith Wishum reports: Tuesday, October 26, 1999 was no day at the beach for 28 year-old Kenny Beach of Brunswick, Georgia. Beach, whose house overlooks a marsh, went out in a small boat to search for missing parts of his floating dock. When he stepped from the boat to retrieve an errant piece, he sank immediately up to his waist in the muck.
Beach quickly discovered that struggling to free himself only made matters worse as he was sucked deeper into the soft mud. Soon, he was buried up to his chest. The tide was coming in.
Deciding to be still and call for help, Beach began to shout. He continued to sink deeper. The tide continued to rise. The sun disappeared and darkness settled, leaving Beach cold, alone, and afraid as the cold dark water rose, first to his neck, then to his face. Continuing to call for help, Beach panicked, knowing that he would soon drown.
As the murky water finally closed over Beach's nose, fire department rescuers James Williams and Craig Renshaw heard a gurgle. Swinging their rowboat toward the sound, they spotted Beach and quickly began to pull him from the muck which would have claimed his life.
Kenny Beach's plight while stuck in the mire resembles our condition in our sins. we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and destined for death (Romans 6:23). We cannot free ourselves from the mire of sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are totally dependent upon someone else to come to our rescue.
God, because of His great love for us, sent His Son Jesus to our rescue (Romans 5:8). He came to this world as a Man to identify with us and to die for us - the perfect Sacrifice to pay the debt for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).
Jesus will lift from the mire of sin those who accept His offer of salvation and eternal life by placing their 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 sins (Acts 2:38). Then those who continue to cling to Him through their trusting obedience will continually be cleansed by His blood (1 John 1:7).
In a song entitled "Deeper and Deeper," Oswald J. Smith ponders the salvation that Christ offers:
Into the heart of Jesus
Deeper and deeper I go,
Seeking to know the reason
Why He should love me so,
Why He should stoop to lift me
Up from the miry clay,
Saving my soul, making me whole,
Though I had wandered away.
The reason that God desires to lift us up from the miry clay is because He loves us.
The reason why we should accept His offer on His terms is because Jesus is our only Hope!
Won't YOU trust and obey Him?
David Sargent
Keith Wishum reports: Tuesday, October 26, 1999 was no day at the beach for 28 year-old Kenny Beach of Brunswick, Georgia. Beach, whose house overlooks a marsh, went out in a small boat to search for missing parts of his floating dock. When he stepped from the boat to retrieve an errant piece, he sank immediately up to his waist in the muck.
Beach quickly discovered that struggling to free himself only made matters worse as he was sucked deeper into the soft mud. Soon, he was buried up to his chest. The tide was coming in.
Deciding to be still and call for help, Beach began to shout. He continued to sink deeper. The tide continued to rise. The sun disappeared and darkness settled, leaving Beach cold, alone, and afraid as the cold dark water rose, first to his neck, then to his face. Continuing to call for help, Beach panicked, knowing that he would soon drown.
As the murky water finally closed over Beach's nose, fire department rescuers James Williams and Craig Renshaw heard a gurgle. Swinging their rowboat toward the sound, they spotted Beach and quickly began to pull him from the muck which would have claimed his life.
Kenny Beach's plight while stuck in the mire resembles our condition in our sins. we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and destined for death (Romans 6:23). We cannot free ourselves from the mire of sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are totally dependent upon someone else to come to our rescue.
God, because of His great love for us, sent His Son Jesus to our rescue (Romans 5:8). He came to this world as a Man to identify with us and to die for us - the perfect Sacrifice to pay the debt for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).
Jesus will lift from the mire of sin those who accept His offer of salvation and eternal life by placing their 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 sins (Acts 2:38). Then those who continue to cling to Him through their trusting obedience will continually be cleansed by His blood (1 John 1:7).
In a song entitled "Deeper and Deeper," Oswald J. Smith ponders the salvation that Christ offers:
Into the heart of Jesus
Deeper and deeper I go,
Seeking to know the reason
Why He should love me so,
Why He should stoop to lift me
Up from the miry clay,
Saving my soul, making me whole,
Though I had wandered away.
The reason that God desires to lift us up from the miry clay is because He loves us.
The reason why we should accept His offer on His terms is because Jesus is our only Hope!
Won't YOU trust and obey Him?
David Sargent
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Second Kings 22
Have you ever lost something? Let me rephrase that. Have you lost something in the last couple of hours? That’s probably more accurate of a question. I lose things all the time which is why I own several of the same tools. At least I know that I own them, but I have trouble remembering just where it was that I put them which explains why I have more than one.
Something "lost" is the basic story line of our lesson today. I was studying for a class presentation the other day and happened across an incident occurring back in the days of Judah (the kingdom). I got to thinking about what occurred back then and it brought to mind something we see in the New Testament. It’s regarding how the "law" is written. Let me try and tie the Old Testament incident and its "law" with what we find said about the "law" we have today.
We read about this event in Judah in the 22nd chapter of 2 Kings and I found it very interesting, especially when you consider our human propensity for losing things. Here’s what happened. In that chapter we find Josiah becoming King of Judah when he was 16 years old. About 18 years into his reign is where we find this interesting event occurring.
I see this incident as going a long ways into explaining how Judah had gotten itself in the spiritual condition it was in as a nation when this occurred. I’ll take writer’s liberty here paraphrasing what took place, but I’d appreciate it if you read that chapter for yourself and make sure that I paraphrase it correctly.
Josiah sent orders to the High Priest telling him to take inventory of the temple receipts. The purpose of this was to pay for the renovation taking place there at the time. While taking this inventory, guess what happened? They "found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s House." (Vs.8) "FOUND?" "In the Lord’s House?" Amazing, isn’t it?
Can’t you just picture it being found in some dark, dusty storeroom of the temple? We know that it certainly wasn’t readily visible, as it should have been, because if it was, they wouldn’t have had to "find" it. The word "found" means things like "discovered" or "located," depending upon the context where it’s used. Thus, we can determine that it was not where it would have normally been located.
So, they took the "Book" to the King and probably said something like "Look what we found. It’s the Book of the Law." King Josiah read it and I can almost picture his face turning pale and his knees getting weak at the words of God that he read therein. How does the Bible describe his demeanor at the time? It says, that upon reading it, "he rent his clothes." (Vs. 11) In today’s vernacular we’d say "he went ballistic."
What was in there that sent him "over the edge" so to speak? He immediately realized that they (Judah) had not been doing what they were supposed to be doing as regards to what God’s Law commanded. That God was very angry ("wrath kindled") with them.
Yes, when Josiah read the words in the "Book of the Law" it was pretty obvious to him that they had not been keeping the "Law" and that God’s anger was righteous towards them. Shortly thereafter, he ordered a wholesale cleansing of the temple resulting in all of the idol worshiping accessories being removed and destroyed. Does it seem strange to you to read that things pertaining to the worship of Baal were apparently openly being used in the "house of the Lord" and the "Words of God" were lost or hidden away in some storeroom? Sure does to me.
Josiah’s next move was to call everyone in the nation together and basically, he preached them a sermon. (Chap. 23) Josiah is known by Bible historians as one of the few Kings of Judah that was righteous before God. He’s known also as the "great reformer."
Because of Josiah’s doing all that he could to return Judah back to God, he was granted the blessing by God of not living to see Judah’s destruction. Shortly after his death, the wrath of God fell upon Judah in the form of the Babylonian army and they ceased to exist as a free nation. IE: What the words of the "Book of the Law" said came true.
God had promised them wrath if they kept not His Commandments and they didn’t. Shouldn’t that serve as a lesson to us today that the same thing will happen to those who neglect or refuse to recognize and serve the Savior sent by God to save us? Absolutely! One Bible truism that we should never forget is "The Lord is not slack concerning His promises." (2Pet. 3:9)
I could stop here and the lesson today would be adequate enough, but I said that I wanted to tie the "lost Book of the Law" to something we read about in the New Covenant so we will do that in this last portion of our lesson. It shows us another difference between the "Law of Moses" and the "Law of Christ."
The "Law" found in the temple was written on paper, or whatever its equivalent was in those days, and over the course of probably 80-90 years had been "lost." The words of God were forgotten because they weren’t being read or used. The Judeans were humans just like us today. There’s an old saying, "if you don’t use it, you lose it." They just gradually quit using "The Book" and it got "lost."
But, our "Covenant," our "Law" isn’t written on man-made material, is it? It’s written on God-made material - our "hearts." "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" (Heb. 8:10)
The apostle Paul puts it in these words: "...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart." (2Cor. 3:3)
Ok, here’s where I’m going with this: God’s covenant given through Moses was "written" on "tables of stone." God’s covenant with His people today are "written in their hearts." Why is this important to note? Because it can’t be "lost" or put away in some storeroom.
The key to realizing this is found in what Paul wrote just before the one I cited above from 2Cor. 3:3. Look at the words of verse 2: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." The key part of that verse is the words "known and read of all men."
Over many centuries, a lot of men have tried to hide, destroy or somehow render God’s Word unavailable to people. In times past, people have been tortured and put to death for just possessing a Bible. Others have burned Bibles to keep them out of people’s hands. Or, like the Judeans, simply stashed it away, out of sight, and forgot what it said.
Why did (and still do) they do that? To me it’s very simple - they don’t want to be reminded of sin. If it’s not there to tell them it’s wrong to do whatever it is they’re doing or not doing, then eventually people will just forget about what God says. And, that’ll work, as we saw with the people of Judah.
But, if written in men’s hearts - and kept there by constant use - it can always be "read by all men." But, we have to be aware that by not using it, or if we’re allowing the world’s "writings" to be inscribed in our hearts, then we’ll be providing the wrong message to be "read" by others. The accouterments of sin had replaced God’s "Book of the Law" in the temple. Let’s not let them replace our copy of Christ’s Law in our hearts.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
Something "lost" is the basic story line of our lesson today. I was studying for a class presentation the other day and happened across an incident occurring back in the days of Judah (the kingdom). I got to thinking about what occurred back then and it brought to mind something we see in the New Testament. It’s regarding how the "law" is written. Let me try and tie the Old Testament incident and its "law" with what we find said about the "law" we have today.
We read about this event in Judah in the 22nd chapter of 2 Kings and I found it very interesting, especially when you consider our human propensity for losing things. Here’s what happened. In that chapter we find Josiah becoming King of Judah when he was 16 years old. About 18 years into his reign is where we find this interesting event occurring.
I see this incident as going a long ways into explaining how Judah had gotten itself in the spiritual condition it was in as a nation when this occurred. I’ll take writer’s liberty here paraphrasing what took place, but I’d appreciate it if you read that chapter for yourself and make sure that I paraphrase it correctly.
Josiah sent orders to the High Priest telling him to take inventory of the temple receipts. The purpose of this was to pay for the renovation taking place there at the time. While taking this inventory, guess what happened? They "found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s House." (Vs.8) "FOUND?" "In the Lord’s House?" Amazing, isn’t it?
Can’t you just picture it being found in some dark, dusty storeroom of the temple? We know that it certainly wasn’t readily visible, as it should have been, because if it was, they wouldn’t have had to "find" it. The word "found" means things like "discovered" or "located," depending upon the context where it’s used. Thus, we can determine that it was not where it would have normally been located.
So, they took the "Book" to the King and probably said something like "Look what we found. It’s the Book of the Law." King Josiah read it and I can almost picture his face turning pale and his knees getting weak at the words of God that he read therein. How does the Bible describe his demeanor at the time? It says, that upon reading it, "he rent his clothes." (Vs. 11) In today’s vernacular we’d say "he went ballistic."
What was in there that sent him "over the edge" so to speak? He immediately realized that they (Judah) had not been doing what they were supposed to be doing as regards to what God’s Law commanded. That God was very angry ("wrath kindled") with them.
Yes, when Josiah read the words in the "Book of the Law" it was pretty obvious to him that they had not been keeping the "Law" and that God’s anger was righteous towards them. Shortly thereafter, he ordered a wholesale cleansing of the temple resulting in all of the idol worshiping accessories being removed and destroyed. Does it seem strange to you to read that things pertaining to the worship of Baal were apparently openly being used in the "house of the Lord" and the "Words of God" were lost or hidden away in some storeroom? Sure does to me.
Josiah’s next move was to call everyone in the nation together and basically, he preached them a sermon. (Chap. 23) Josiah is known by Bible historians as one of the few Kings of Judah that was righteous before God. He’s known also as the "great reformer."
Because of Josiah’s doing all that he could to return Judah back to God, he was granted the blessing by God of not living to see Judah’s destruction. Shortly after his death, the wrath of God fell upon Judah in the form of the Babylonian army and they ceased to exist as a free nation. IE: What the words of the "Book of the Law" said came true.
God had promised them wrath if they kept not His Commandments and they didn’t. Shouldn’t that serve as a lesson to us today that the same thing will happen to those who neglect or refuse to recognize and serve the Savior sent by God to save us? Absolutely! One Bible truism that we should never forget is "The Lord is not slack concerning His promises." (2Pet. 3:9)
I could stop here and the lesson today would be adequate enough, but I said that I wanted to tie the "lost Book of the Law" to something we read about in the New Covenant so we will do that in this last portion of our lesson. It shows us another difference between the "Law of Moses" and the "Law of Christ."
The "Law" found in the temple was written on paper, or whatever its equivalent was in those days, and over the course of probably 80-90 years had been "lost." The words of God were forgotten because they weren’t being read or used. The Judeans were humans just like us today. There’s an old saying, "if you don’t use it, you lose it." They just gradually quit using "The Book" and it got "lost."
But, our "Covenant," our "Law" isn’t written on man-made material, is it? It’s written on God-made material - our "hearts." "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" (Heb. 8:10)
The apostle Paul puts it in these words: "...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart." (2Cor. 3:3)
Ok, here’s where I’m going with this: God’s covenant given through Moses was "written" on "tables of stone." God’s covenant with His people today are "written in their hearts." Why is this important to note? Because it can’t be "lost" or put away in some storeroom.
The key to realizing this is found in what Paul wrote just before the one I cited above from 2Cor. 3:3. Look at the words of verse 2: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." The key part of that verse is the words "known and read of all men."
Over many centuries, a lot of men have tried to hide, destroy or somehow render God’s Word unavailable to people. In times past, people have been tortured and put to death for just possessing a Bible. Others have burned Bibles to keep them out of people’s hands. Or, like the Judeans, simply stashed it away, out of sight, and forgot what it said.
Why did (and still do) they do that? To me it’s very simple - they don’t want to be reminded of sin. If it’s not there to tell them it’s wrong to do whatever it is they’re doing or not doing, then eventually people will just forget about what God says. And, that’ll work, as we saw with the people of Judah.
But, if written in men’s hearts - and kept there by constant use - it can always be "read by all men." But, we have to be aware that by not using it, or if we’re allowing the world’s "writings" to be inscribed in our hearts, then we’ll be providing the wrong message to be "read" by others. The accouterments of sin had replaced God’s "Book of the Law" in the temple. Let’s not let them replace our copy of Christ’s Law in our hearts.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
Monday, September 2, 2013
Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology
Well, now I can say that I’ve heard it all. At least in the theater of organic evolution. And, "theater" is the right word here because, most of the time, the various theories put forth regarding how we got here, even though fallacies and heresies, are at least entertaining. That’s exactly the right category for this latest one.
Before I tell you what the latest theory is about the origin of life on this Earth, let me just say that it’s hard for me to visualize a group of highly educated, very smart people actually sitting around seriously discussing what I’m about to relate to you. To see them considering the latest "scientific theory" put forth on how life came to be on the Earth. It just proves what someone once said about these theories regarding "evolution" - that it takes more faith to believe one of them than it does to believe what the Bible says.
Yep, according to a professor at the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology, we are all really "Martians." He put forth his theory this year at a conference in Florence, Italy. I can just see the other conference attenders enrapt at his presentation and shouting "Amen." Keep in mind, the audience is other scientists and professors. Unbelievable.
Here’s the latest theory in a nutshell, as the professor believes it could have happened. That there is an "element" that is crucial to the origin of life "ONLY" available on the surface of Mars. He refers to this element as being "seeds" and theorizes that these "seeds" could have arrived on our Earth having been carried by meteorites that were "blasted off of Mars" by volcanic eruptions or impacts by other meteors.
He went on to say how "lucky" we are to have "ended up here." Because the earth is better suited to the sustaining of life than Mars. That if we had remained on that planet we wouldn’t "have a story to tell." In further explaining his theory about this "crucial element" he "thinks" that it is the catalyst that helps the other "organic molecules" to develop into "living things."
I’ve got to tell you, I’m at a loss. I thought that the "big bang theory" was foolish and absurd but, the "Martian" theory of how life began on Earth is simply beyond preposterous. And I say again, these are so-called "smart people" who come up with these ideas. What I considered to be the last laugh in his speech at the conference was his reasoning as to why life would have been a "struggle" to get started here on Earth. He said that it was because the Earth was "likely to have been covered by water."
No kidding! I didn’t think anyone, even "dumb people," refuted the provable fact that the Earth was once entirely covered by water, but this guy, a teacher of students, thinks it "likely" to have been covered by water. I wonder how he would react if he were told that his "thinking" coincided with what the Bible tells us? He’d probably think that the Bible just agreed with him and not the other way around.
We only have to look at the first four verses of the Bible to see that yes, the Earth was covered by water and that God was the one who "divided" these waters. Verses 9-10 tells us that, when He "divided" the waters and made the "dry land appear" He called it "Earth" and He called the waters "Seas."
I’m quite sure that our brilliant professor probably doesn’t even realize that there is an actual modicum of Biblical truth seen in his theory. I see that bit of truth being this: that yes, life could not have been possible on the original form of our planet. But, when you read the account of creation found in Genesis, chapter 1, what you realize, is that God was making the Earth to be habitable for all forms of life. And, notice also the order in which He did it.
Everything was done in order. There had to be "dry land" and there also had to be "waters." Some "waters" were on the Earth and some above the "dry land." Once that was created, it was suitable to "grass and herbs," and all other kinds of vegetation. The next thing created was that God placed in position the sun, moon and stars which marked the seasons, the days and years. (Question to the Professor: What came first - Earth or Mars?)
Now the Earth was ready for the next order of creation - the fish of the water and the fowls of the air. Ok, that accomplished, the Earth could now support more living creatures in the form of animals to occupy the "dry land." The good "edible" types of animals and also the "creepy" things. I’d like to take notice of something said about God after the completion of these different orders of the creation - He "saw that it was good." Almost like it’s saying "OK, that will work, now let’s create the next order."
Then, after everything was appropriate, He made "man," after His "likeness" and gave him "dominion" over all of the other "living things" He had created. God then looked upon the totality of what He had created and said that "it was very good." If you think about it, the Earth would have to have been created in the order which God did so, simply so that man’s (our) life could be sustained.
If there is one thing about this Earth that is proven by the Biblical account of how life came to be here it is "the order" with which it was created by God and can be seen in everything about our Earth. There is "ORDER." Think about it, if life had begun in some chaotic fashion, it would still be chaotic. Where would the "order" have come in. Certainly not from Mars.
I’ll just close this with a few more thoughts on the "order" we see in everything around us. Two phrases repeated in Gen. 1 show us this "order" and they are: "after his own kind" and "the seed was in itself." The mere fact that every "living thing" reproduces "after his own kind" shows us that life could not have begun chaotically and continued on from there. And, if volcanic eruptions on Mars, expelling chunks of that planet throughout the universe with some "lucky ones" hitting Earth isn’t "chaotic," I don’t know what is.
But yet, let some highly educated, but still a "ding bat" person dream up a cock-a-mammy theory such as some element on the planet Mars being the source of life on the Earth and people will believe it. As I earlier said, it takes more faith to believe in something like that, than it takes to believe what God says in the Bible.
I wasn’t there to witness the creation of our world, but I have faith that it happened exactly as God’s Word describes it. Why? Because, even though I didn’t physically see it occur, by faith I can see the "evidence of things not seen." The "evidence" is all around us. It’s in the "order" of creation and the continuing "order" of our world. I do not possess enough "faith" to believe other wise.
(Information addendum: The crucial "element" which the professor said was only on Mars is "molybdenum" and is being mined in the desert about 100 or so miles from here.)
Ron Covey
Before I tell you what the latest theory is about the origin of life on this Earth, let me just say that it’s hard for me to visualize a group of highly educated, very smart people actually sitting around seriously discussing what I’m about to relate to you. To see them considering the latest "scientific theory" put forth on how life came to be on the Earth. It just proves what someone once said about these theories regarding "evolution" - that it takes more faith to believe one of them than it does to believe what the Bible says.
Yep, according to a professor at the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology, we are all really "Martians." He put forth his theory this year at a conference in Florence, Italy. I can just see the other conference attenders enrapt at his presentation and shouting "Amen." Keep in mind, the audience is other scientists and professors. Unbelievable.
Here’s the latest theory in a nutshell, as the professor believes it could have happened. That there is an "element" that is crucial to the origin of life "ONLY" available on the surface of Mars. He refers to this element as being "seeds" and theorizes that these "seeds" could have arrived on our Earth having been carried by meteorites that were "blasted off of Mars" by volcanic eruptions or impacts by other meteors.
He went on to say how "lucky" we are to have "ended up here." Because the earth is better suited to the sustaining of life than Mars. That if we had remained on that planet we wouldn’t "have a story to tell." In further explaining his theory about this "crucial element" he "thinks" that it is the catalyst that helps the other "organic molecules" to develop into "living things."
I’ve got to tell you, I’m at a loss. I thought that the "big bang theory" was foolish and absurd but, the "Martian" theory of how life began on Earth is simply beyond preposterous. And I say again, these are so-called "smart people" who come up with these ideas. What I considered to be the last laugh in his speech at the conference was his reasoning as to why life would have been a "struggle" to get started here on Earth. He said that it was because the Earth was "likely to have been covered by water."
No kidding! I didn’t think anyone, even "dumb people," refuted the provable fact that the Earth was once entirely covered by water, but this guy, a teacher of students, thinks it "likely" to have been covered by water. I wonder how he would react if he were told that his "thinking" coincided with what the Bible tells us? He’d probably think that the Bible just agreed with him and not the other way around.
We only have to look at the first four verses of the Bible to see that yes, the Earth was covered by water and that God was the one who "divided" these waters. Verses 9-10 tells us that, when He "divided" the waters and made the "dry land appear" He called it "Earth" and He called the waters "Seas."
I’m quite sure that our brilliant professor probably doesn’t even realize that there is an actual modicum of Biblical truth seen in his theory. I see that bit of truth being this: that yes, life could not have been possible on the original form of our planet. But, when you read the account of creation found in Genesis, chapter 1, what you realize, is that God was making the Earth to be habitable for all forms of life. And, notice also the order in which He did it.
Everything was done in order. There had to be "dry land" and there also had to be "waters." Some "waters" were on the Earth and some above the "dry land." Once that was created, it was suitable to "grass and herbs," and all other kinds of vegetation. The next thing created was that God placed in position the sun, moon and stars which marked the seasons, the days and years. (Question to the Professor: What came first - Earth or Mars?)
Now the Earth was ready for the next order of creation - the fish of the water and the fowls of the air. Ok, that accomplished, the Earth could now support more living creatures in the form of animals to occupy the "dry land." The good "edible" types of animals and also the "creepy" things. I’d like to take notice of something said about God after the completion of these different orders of the creation - He "saw that it was good." Almost like it’s saying "OK, that will work, now let’s create the next order."
Then, after everything was appropriate, He made "man," after His "likeness" and gave him "dominion" over all of the other "living things" He had created. God then looked upon the totality of what He had created and said that "it was very good." If you think about it, the Earth would have to have been created in the order which God did so, simply so that man’s (our) life could be sustained.
If there is one thing about this Earth that is proven by the Biblical account of how life came to be here it is "the order" with which it was created by God and can be seen in everything about our Earth. There is "ORDER." Think about it, if life had begun in some chaotic fashion, it would still be chaotic. Where would the "order" have come in. Certainly not from Mars.
I’ll just close this with a few more thoughts on the "order" we see in everything around us. Two phrases repeated in Gen. 1 show us this "order" and they are: "after his own kind" and "the seed was in itself." The mere fact that every "living thing" reproduces "after his own kind" shows us that life could not have begun chaotically and continued on from there. And, if volcanic eruptions on Mars, expelling chunks of that planet throughout the universe with some "lucky ones" hitting Earth isn’t "chaotic," I don’t know what is.
But yet, let some highly educated, but still a "ding bat" person dream up a cock-a-mammy theory such as some element on the planet Mars being the source of life on the Earth and people will believe it. As I earlier said, it takes more faith to believe in something like that, than it takes to believe what God says in the Bible.
I wasn’t there to witness the creation of our world, but I have faith that it happened exactly as God’s Word describes it. Why? Because, even though I didn’t physically see it occur, by faith I can see the "evidence of things not seen." The "evidence" is all around us. It’s in the "order" of creation and the continuing "order" of our world. I do not possess enough "faith" to believe other wise.
(Information addendum: The crucial "element" which the professor said was only on Mars is "molybdenum" and is being mined in the desert about 100 or so miles from here.)
Ron Covey
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