Blood sport in San Bernardino

                                    "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding

                                                what the will of God is." Eph. 5:17

In my humble opinion, one of the most important instructions given to Christians in the furtherance of their Christian lives is the one Paul gave to Timothy in 2Tim. 2:15. There he said "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Why I think this is so important is because of two things seen in that verse with the first being "study." The second thing is one that is totally reliant upon the first - so we can "rightly divide the word of truth." "Rightly dividing" isn't something hard to understand. It simply means "so we can correctly explain or teach the word of truth."

What brought about our lesson subject today was an article in our local newspaper last Sunday, penned by one of their staff columnists. I know him personally and have debated with him before on occasion when I disagreed with one of his opinion pieces. I did so again after reading his column last Sunday. I'll just briefly mention the gist of the column and quote the part that "fired me up."

The headline of his column read "Murder is blood sport in San Bernardino." In it, he was addressing the phenomenon of our city being blessed (?) with an over abundance of murders so far this year. I have no quarrel with his subject matter nor his opinions as to their occurrence. What I took exception to is his use of a Bible incident in order to support his opinions.

Better yet, I should say his MISUSE of scripture in his editorial effort. Here is the paragraph to which I took exception and felt strongly enough about it to write a letter to the editor regarding this scriptural atrocity. Hopefully they'll print it in the "Letters" column, but I'm not holding my breath. Here's his paragraph, his scriptural gaffe.

"According to the Bible story, Cain slew his brother Abel in a dispute over a bowl of gruel. What at depressing story. These are the first young men on Earth, the sons of Adam and Eve, and already they're fighting and killing over nothing."

Can you believe that? Cain killed Abel in a dispute over a bowl of gruel? My first thought was that I know this writer and I can't believe him to be that ignorant of the Bible. Then I came to realize that he's no different from a lot of people who have a smattering of Bible knowledge, but not near enough to "rightly divide" or "correctly explain" anything from the Book. Following is what I wrote to the editor in rebuttal to the columnist. Then we'll have some further discussion on our lesson.

"In the Sunday edition, Mr. 31^st, 2013 appeared John Week's column regarding murder being a "blood sport in San Bernardino." I have no complaint with John regarding his views and opinions of homicide events in our city. What I do have a complaint about is his use of a Biblical illustration and the possible results of its inclusion in the piece.

The very first result noted is that it's almost totally incorrect. I've met John in the past and I usually agree with his opinions voiced in his columns. I just didn't believe that he would be so ignorant of The Scriptures that he would misspeak them in the manner which he did. The only thing correct about his use of Cain and Abel was that they did constitute the first murderer and victim. Where he got that the murder was due to a "dispute over a bowl of gruel" is beyond me.

I've taught Bible classes for about 50 years or so and I have to admit that, in all those years, I somehow missed the scripture telling us that fact. In my studies of the 4^th chapter of Genesis I always read that the reason behind the murder of Abel was because he offered the type of sacrifice that God required and Cain didn't which caused God to question Cain about it. In his jealous anger over not being approved of by God he did what's common in a lot of murders - he took his anger out on another person, his brother. I just never saw anywhere in that passage where a "bowl of gruel" was involved.

Perhaps John once picked up a Bible or actually heard someone teach a lesson from it and that lesson was about the two brothers, Jacob and Esau, and Jacob, the younger brother, obtaining the "birthright" from their father in a situation involving a "bowl of pottage (stew)" (Gen. 25:29-32). I would just say this to John: if you are going to cite something from the Bible in a future column, it might be wise to actually have someone who is versed in that Book to check your draft before printing it for the world to read. I see the misuse of scripture as being dangerous because someone else as ignorant of the Bible as you might believe what you said." Respectfully, Ron Covey.

The first point I'd like to make is, that I feel that it is a Christian's duty to stand up to those who misuse or fail to teach the truth and do so in a public forum, IE: the daily newspaper. I don't believe that this writer was intending to teach falsely or deliberately mislead someone by his citing Cain and Abel as examples in his column. I truly believe that he simply wrote what he did out of ignorance of the Word.

I can only explain and speak for myself here but, I feel that, should I just overlook that scriptural deviation from the Biblical record and not say something, in essence I would be agreeing with him. For the past several years, there's been a movement seen in both society and religion that has sort of stemmed from the philosophy of just "looking for the good in everyone and not being critical." We've even seen the ecumenical statement "let's agree to disagree" pop up, even in the Church.

I saw a T-shirt once that read: "IF I AGREED WITH YOU WE'D BOTH BE WRONG." That shirt sums up my feeling on ignoring something such as our recent column in the paper. And I recall something written in 2John 10 that tells me that if I fail to rebuke or speak out against error, then I'm bidding them "god speed." I don't want my silence to, in anyway, indicate that.

This brings me to the most important reason for me to answer the mis-truth in the paper's column and that is the effect it may have on others who do not have a lot of knowledge about the Bible. The only thing they may hear is something miss-communicated or misspoken by a person who has a "pulpit," so to speak. There may be many people who actually believe what was proffered as "according to the Bible" and that bothers me.

On several occasions in his letters, Paul said that "I would not have you ignorant, brethren" meaning that he desired to make them knowledgeable about a particular subject. I guess that's my desire in our lesson today. There's an old maxim that originates from Latin jurisprudence that we use today: ignorance is no excuse of the law." That means that our ignorance of a law doesn't relieve us from the liability of a violation of it.

There is another maxim that also comes from the Latin system of law that I am really partial to and we'll wind up our lesson with it. "IGNORANTIA IURIS NOLET" which translates to: "NOT KNOWING THE LAW IS HARMFUL." As Paul told Timothy (and us) "study," know the "word of truth," lest by our ignorance, we do harm to another's soul.

Ron Covey

How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?

Abraham Lincoln is credited with asking a very famous question: "How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?" While many would say five, his response was: "Four, calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg." Society has changed the face of homosexuality by changing how it refers to this lifestyle. Changing the terms by which it known, however, does not change its nature.

Calling homosexuality an alternative lifestyle doesn't make it so. By "alternative" they mean normal and acceptable. Homosexuality, however, isn't normal. Only a small percentage of the population lives a homosexual lifestyle (approx. 2.3%). In the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003), homosexuals and pro-homosexual groups estimated the number to be around 6 million (probably a high estimate). This number is far below the 14 million American who are addicted to alcohol (should we consider their behavior normal and acceptable?). The Bible does not validate homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle either. Instead, it refers to homosexual practices as contrary to nature and error (Romans 1:26-27).

Calling homosexuality genetic doesn't make it so. They say you are born gay; it isn't a choice. Despite attempt after attempt, no link has ever been found between genetics and homosexuality. In fact, several studies have proven the opposite. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we are told no one who practices homosexuality can inherit the kingdom of God. If God made homosexuals and condemned them for it, He would not be just (a defining characteristic of God). In addition, Paul is addressing Christians in this passage. He notes that some of them had previously been homosexual, but were not anymore (1 Corinthians 6:11). If it was genetic, how did they stop this practice?

Calling homosexual unions a marriage doesn't make it so. The institution of marriage was created by God in the Garden of Eden, and as its Creator, He gets to set the rules (Genesis 2:24). He created marriage to be between a man and a woman who leave their individual families and join together for life. Since God is the definer of marriage, and this is the only definition given, nothing else can rightly be called a marriage. Man cannot change what God has declared; we can only accept it or reject it. Those who try to change God's plan are rejecting it.

It does not matter what we call a practice, if God's Word declares it to be wrong it is wrong. The Bible clearly teaches homosexuality is contrary to nature, error, and those who practice it will not enter into God's Kingdom. Those who advocate homosexuality as acceptable are just hiding behind names. In reality, they are approving an evil and immoral lifestyle. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20).

by Jeremy Sprouse

What does it mean to be stupid?

We're kind of Stupid that way!

 

If you were asked, "Are you a stupid person?" most of us would say No! We have a picture in our minds of stupid people doing ridiculously stupid things, things we would not consider doing. Some people just do dumb things!

 

Webster's defines the word "Stupid," as: "slow of mind; given to unintelligent decisions or acts; acting in an unintelligent or careless manner." We also sometime refer to people as "Dumb," again Webster defines the word as "showing a lack of intelligence." So, we see that both words have similarities. We might admit that we sometimes do stupid or dumb things, but over all they are just temporary lapses in judgment, not a regular condition we exhibit, that's right, isn't it?

 

I wish that were true, but far too often we repeatedly fall into those "lapses in judgment." Often when we do this it is regards to sin or temptation. It seems to be common to the human condition, but should it be? Are we trapped into being less that we can be by those "lapses in judgment"?

 

I love reading the comic's in the newspaper (or online now days). Calvin and Hobbes is one of my favorites. In case you don't know, Calvin is a small boy with a vivid imagination and Hobbes is his stuffed toy Tiger who he imagines is alive.

 

In the very first Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, Calvin's dad is working on the car, when Calvin walks up in a safari hat and says, "So long, Pop! I'm off to check my tiger trap! I rigged a tuna fish sandwich yesterday, so I'm sure to have a tiger by now!" His dad replies, "They like tuna fish, huh?" As Calvin walks off, he says, "Tigers will do anything for a tuna fish sandwich!" The final frame shows Hobbes, hanging by his foot from a tree, munching on a tuna fish sandwich. He says to no one in particular, "We're kind of stupid that way."

 

Every day Satan tempts us to make stupid decisions, perhaps to accomplish less with our lives than we could, for God or ourselves, if we made different decision. Often the easiest path is the one we choose rather than challenging ourselves to be more or live better, purer lives. We choose to eat the tuna fish sandwich when we could do better. Sadly, far too often, "We're kind of stupid that way." How about choosing the way which challenges you to be all that you can be for God, yourself and your fellow man!

 

Russ Lawson

 

Drop Box review

"A Box In The Clouds"

How times have changed! If someone had told me ten years ago about a box in the clouds I would have guessed an airplane door had come open and some of its cargo was plummeting toward earth. But that's not at all what my title today suggests: I have in mind a virtual box that is located in the virtual clouds.

"Virtual" has been a buzzword in computing for the last couple of decades. It all began with "virtual reality", a term that suggested things that looked real but weren't. Today we sometimes hear of virtual relationships, a situation where two people communicate frequently, but never in person. Their conversations take place via social media, email or (old-fashioned!) telephone.

A couple of years ago I learned about Drop Box, a service on the Internet that enables a person to share large files with others (or perhaps just store those files). By connecting with this "box" that is located in the "clouds" (i.e. on some unknown computer), my associates and I can share files that would be much too large for email. I utilize a couple of these services, and as long as I don't get too ambitious the service is free. I have found these virtual boxes to be pretty handy.

Before I learned about these boxes, I was introduced to another box (that also happens to be virtual). Walt and Barb Larimore, in their book "His Brain, Her Brain", envision a box into which husbands and wives place good deeds and feelings. From time to time each of us who is married reaches into the happiness box, so to speak. We need that warm and nurturing experience of closeness that we expected to have throughout life when we said "I do". For some, though, the box has become empty. There are no happy feelings to withdraw.

What has happened in such cases? The author's point was simple: If we don't take time to put happy and loving things into our "marriage boxes", we shouldn't be surprised to one day find that box empty. (The same principle works with bank accounts - have you noticed?)

Paul made a point about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:3 that speaks to this idea: "Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband." The English Standard Version renders affection as "conjugal rights", and the context makes clear that is what Paul had in mind. Physical affection is an important part of marriage, and both husbands and wives should recognize this fact.

A larger principle arises from this command: Affection is what I owe to my marriage partner, whether it be in the marriage bed (see Hebrews 13:4) or in simpler acts of love, such as a kiss on the cheek, holding hands or saying "I love you" now and then. Those who fail to put such acts of affection into their marriage boxes should not be shocked to one day discover the box has been emptied out.

Consider also Jesus' words in Luke 6:31: "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." This "Golden Rule" applies to every relationship we have with others. If it applies to all, doesn't it especially apply to the way I treat my wife or my husband?

You may not subscribe to Drop Box. But if you are married, there is a happiness box in your relationship. Have you placed anything in it lately? Remember the affection you owe to one another.

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall

What is the World Population Clock?

The "World Population Clock" is updated every few seconds. Our world reached 7 billion somewhere between October 31, 2011, and March of 2012. We are already one tenth on our way to 8 Billion, with a total population as I write this article of 7,104,635,615. During the early centuries of man's life on the earth, the population was quite sparse. Allan Barnes of Johns Hopkins University estimated that at the time of Jesus' birth the world population was somewhere around 200 million. It took us 1,830 years to reach our first billion shortly before our nation's Civil War. It took only 80 years to reach our second billion, only 30 years to reach three billion. We hit that mark in 1960. By 1972 we reached four billion, and only 40 more years to jump to our present population of more than 7 billion. It is estimated that our population will double over the next 40 years. That, beloved, is a staggering 14 billion! The figures are giving sociologists fits, and the gainsayers fodder for doomsday prophecies. The radical leftist organizations are using these figures to forward their agenda of mercy killing, abortion, and euthanasia, all in the name of survival (talk about an oxymoron). The common man simply stands in awe at the prospects that lay before us, both good and bad! The following "suggestion" for population control appeared in the 1971 Reader's Digest and Almanac and Yearbook: "In the long run, if the birthrate is not reduced to match the death rate, nature will automatically increase the death rate to match the birth rate." So much for failed prophecies! But listen to the "solution" offered in the event that nature does not take care of the population rate: "The more rational and desirable means of diminishing the population growth rates include birth control of conception, birth, and population. Conception control includes all the means by which conception is prevented. Birth control involves conception control plus abortion. Population control means those policies and programs encompassing the inter-relations of the birth rate, death rate, and net rate of migration, and well as social and economic programs that affect these factors." In 1971 our society rejected such "solutions" - today they are being given serious consideration. The "solution" thus presented is fraught with ethical questions, not the least of which is the role that "abortion" plays in population control. All efforts to either stop or slow the population growth rate over the past 50 years has simply not worked. Even in China, with their governmental policy of forced abortions and child limitations, they have only managed to slow their population growth and not to match the growth rate with the death rate. What, then, should be the Christian's perspective regarding the ever increasing numbers of our population? Shall we join hands with those who seek, through human wisdom, to address the problem? Like all other world problems that have challenged us over the centuries, the child of God has a different "world view" that enables him to cope with issues that arise from time to time. Here are some things to think about. First, God's wisdom should be sought. Those who have a strong belief in God, and rest upon His divine promises, look at problems from an entirely different perspective than those of the world. Frankly, I don't think the present population, or the prospect of doubling that amount within the lifetime of my children and grandchildren has, in any way caught God off guard. God is omniscient, and when He created this world He was fully ware that it would eventually have to house 7 billion (or perhaps more). By the same token, global warming, the shortage of water, the ozone layer, or a myriad of other issues facing our world just do not bother me because I trust in God's omniscience and omnipotence. Second, our God is caring God, concerned about every single person who has ever lived on this globe, is now living, or who will be born in the years to come. David wrote, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah in the land of the living. Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah" (Psa 27:13-14). God cares for us; perhaps we need to rest on His divine care and leave the population issue in His hand. Third, out of the 7 billon now living, and the myriads upon myriads of souls yet to be born, our greatest concern should be for the lostness of humanity. I cannot imagine 7 billion souls, much less 14 billion. Of all the souls who have lived in the past, the greatest population of hell will come from our generation and those to follow! The billions who will be weeping and gnashing their teeth will have come from our generation. By the same token, you and I have the opportunity to provide for the greatest percentage of those who will live in heaven, feasting on the riches of God's grace for all eternity. If we are negligent in our duty to preach the gospel as far, and as fast as humanly possible, we will, by our neglect, contribute to the population of hell. If, on the other hand, we are diligent in our efforts to send forth the gospel both far and wide, we will play a vital part in increasing the population of heaven when our Lord comes again. Let us, then, be faithful to the task at hand.

by Tom Wacaster

How much do we give to God?

The Windows of Heaven

 

 

 

One of the fascinating things about the words of the prophets is what they reveal about God; his mind, character, love for the people, and expectations for them. One of the sad things about the prophet's work is what it reveals about his people.  The Israelites of Malachi's day did not keep many of God's ordinances. One, in particular, concerned giving. They were commanded to give of the first-fruits, the best of everything they possessed. The animals used in sacrifices were to be unblemished, whole, without defect. Instead of obeying this command, they offered animals that were stolen, lame, or sick (1:7-8). God said they robbed him in tithes and offerings (3:8).

 

The Lord, through Malachi, chastised the people and presented a challenge. He said, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it (3:10). Having read the prophet's words, how do we Christians measure up in our giving?

 

We have far more riches than those who lived before the cross. We have better promises, a better covenant, the perfect atonement for our sins, but do we give more than a tenth of our earnings to the Lord? Do we purpose our giving based on what we get after deductions or before, after expenses or before? Do we give God the leftovers or the best?

 

Malachi's message is powerful. God doesn't want us to return to him "a small portion" each Lord's day. He wants the first-fruits. When we give liberally from the top of our earnings, out of hearts filled with love, gratitude, and cheerfulness, God will open the windows of heaven and shower us with untold blessings! Today's Verse: Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.

 

By Teresa Hampton

 

 

 

What does be not drunk with wine in Ephesians 5:18 mean?

Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

 

The 5^th chapter of Ephesians begins with an admonition to be a follower of God. Then in verses 3-14, we are given warnings against sins of uncleanness. Following this, Paul tells us to regulate our conduct with wisdom, not to engage in sinful worldly pleasures but to express our joy in spiritual songs and be thankful. In verse 18 he says not to be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit. I know that there are many lessons to be derived from this but let me suggest only one at this time. We should not seek some outside source to stimulate us spiritually!! We need to work on our spiritual life and fill our hearts with those things that will result in the Spirit being an integral part of our life. I would have you consider the fruits of the Spirit as outlined by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance). There is a parallel passage to this matter found in Colossians 3:16 where Paul says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly……" It is my conviction that the word of Christ will only dwell in me when it fills my heart, molds my thoughts and guides my life.

 

When we contemplate what God has done for us (John 3:16), when we contemplate what Jesus has done for us (Rom. 5:8, John14:1-3), we should be not only thankful but excited. We need to be excited, enthusiastic about our religion. When we come into a worship service there should be no coldness, indifference or formality. If we are truly filled with the Spirit, then we will sing, pray, give, listen enthusiastically. Preachers preaching those dull, boring, dry eyed sermons with little emotion just will not cut the mustard, as the old saying goes (2 Tim. 4:2). Members sitting in the pews with long sad faces, squirming in their seat wishing it would hurry up and end, not really enjoying the privilege of assembling to worship God will not cut the mustard either (1 Cor. 15:58, Phil.4:4, Eccl. 9:10, Psalms 122:1).

 

One of the problems we face today is reflected in the expression,  "Take It Easy". This is a principle of life with many people and it has affected their spiritual life. When comfort and ease become the trademark of those who occupy the pew, then that church is in trouble. You couldn't take 10,000 of them and build a strong, glorious, faithful church of our Lord. This "take it easy" theory is so successful because often people want to be coddled, lulled, soothed. Consequently, there is a mad race to see who can make religion the easiest, most entertaining and thereby draw great numbers (2 Ti. 4:1-4, 2 Tim. 3:1-4). Living the faithful life (Rev. 2:10) as a child of God is not a life of ease. If you believe it is, then you are sadly mistaken (Matt.5:16, Matt. 25:34-40, Gal.6:10, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Tim 4:12, Rom. 12:1-21, Eph. 4:22-32, 2 Pet. 1:4-11, Phil. 2:12-15). When it comes to the salvation of your soul, there are no special sale days or marked down prices—you pay full price or you don't go.

 

I pray that all of us will ever trust in God (Isa. 12:2, Rom. 8:28). I pray that we will always believe and know that we can do all  things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). I pray that we will b e filled with the spirit—bubbling over with excitement and enthusiasm for the Lord and his church.

 

Charles Hicks