Many times we get burden with the day to day duties as husbands, wives, sons, daughters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, police that we forget that God is not just a somber mournful lives.
There is joy in the morning when we can see the sunshine, or the rain to water the lawn.
There is joy in the birth of child that is welcomed by parents, grandparents and loved ones.
There is joy when one is made well after sickness, and can walk again.
There is joy when food is given to those in need and hearts are opened to hear that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
There is joy and laughter when old Christians can hear the laughter of young Christians which proves that God is over both young in age and young at heart.
Yes, there is a time where tears, pain and "weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning...Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in the heart" Psalms 30:5, 32:11
There is more joy and laughter each day. Pray for joy and laughter through your day and perhaps as the others see you they desire to learn more of the joy of salvation.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit Psalms 51:12
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: ...
a time to weep, and a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4).
Monday, October 21, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there
FOR YOUR C0NSIDERATION
"Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there." (2nd verse of a great old hymn)
For this week’s editorial lesson I’m going to talk about a subject that we see very little of today, to wit: "Personal responsibility." It just seems to me that, no matter what bad situation people find themselves in - it’s not their fault! And, with all that recently went on in our nation’s capital, what better example of this could we have to illustrate my topic?
All we heard reported by the news media, 24/7, was how bad everything is right now and everyone blaming the other person/s or the other "side" as being the responsible party for the mess we’re currently in. It doesn’t matter who is doing the talking, it’s the other guy’s fault - not mine. When it comes to politicians, if something has back-fired or isn’t working the way it was supposed to, there’s always something or someone else to blame for it.
And, it’s not just the politicians that don’t accept any "personal responsibility" for messes, although I have to say that they occupy the "chief seats in the synagogue" of blame-shifting. Another prime example that I’ve observed many times during my career in law enforcement is criminals and how they play the "blame-game."
When caught, the first thing they plead is "I didn’t do it. You’ve got the wrong person." If that excuse doesn’t hold water or there’s too much evidence against them, they resort to another phase of blame-shifting by claiming they were crazy when they did it. Or, I was too doped up or drunk at the time to know right from wrong so, therefore, I’m not responsible for my actions. Of course, they don’t feel any responsibility for being in their diminished capacity either.
Sticking with the criminals for a bit more, one of their methods, assisted by their lawyers, of course, is to blame society (us) for whatever it was they committed. The common tack that this method takes is to say that they were raised by abusive parents or, that they lived in the poor section of town, thus didn’t have the opportunities to be an honest citizen. They were doomed by society to be a law-breaker. They had no choice, therefore "it’s not my fault."
That type of defense shifts the responsibility for their actions from the individual to the nebulous idea that an unfair world is responsible for the actions of the defendant. What’s really happening when this defense ploy is used is that the responsibility shifts from the criminal to the jury, to society, with the hope that the jury will convict themselves instead of the defendant and exonerate him. Remove any responsibility for his actions.
I have a short side-thought here about the "abuse" angle of shifting responsibility from the individual. My thinking in this regard is, that if parents spanking children during their younger years or depriving them of things they wanted is a valid excuse, I would have been in a penal institution a long time ago and so would have most of my generation.
All of what I’ve said to this point is simply to point out that many people are looking for ways to take the responsibility for their own actions away from them and place it on someone or something else. In the examples that I used you’ll notice that no one is denying that the action or the crime took place, they’re simply denying any "personal responsibility" for that action.
You know what really bothers me about all of this? That many in our society seem to go along with this idea of there being no "personal responsibility" for actions. That there seems to be this idea that if I don’t place any responsibility on other individuals, then they can’t expect me to be responsible either. Could that be a reason we have something called "No-Fault Insurance?"
By now you’re probably wondering how or if I’m going to tie this into a scriptural lesson. I think that I can do so by looking at something found in the 35th chapter of Numbers. Even though Moses didn’t get to go into the "Promised Land," he was given the plans by God as to the way things would be done once the Israelites got there. In this chapter we find the law regarding the "cities of refuge" being received by Moses.
In studying this chapter and the laws relating to the setting up of the "cities of refuge" I think that we can see a "type vs. anti-type" lesson. The "type" of course is the "cities of refuge" and the anti-type being something destined to come later. Here’s some information about those "cities" that we need to understand in order to understand the antitype lesson.
There were six (6) "cities of refuge" to be set up and they were strategically placed throughout the land. They were there so that if a person committed an act that resulted in the death of another person, he could flee to the nearest one and would be safe from the "revenger of blood" AS LONG AS HE STAYED IN THE "CITY OF REFUGE." Now, this did not relieve them of having to face a trial for their actions. They would still be tried and if convicted, be turned over to the "revenger of blood." IE: they still had to face a "personal responsibility."
But, let’s say that they had the trial and the defendant was found not guilty. What happened then was, that he was released from custody and was safe from the "revenger of blood" AS LONG AS HE STAYED IN THE "CITY OF REFUGE."
However, should the defendant choose to leave the "city of refuge" and the "revenger" caught and killed him, no fault was applied to the "revenger." Verse 28 tells why: "Because he should have remained in his city of refuge..." His death at the hands of the "revenger" was his "personal responsibility." It wasn’t the cities’ (society’s) fault for not stopping him from leaving. Can’t you just hear some smart lawyer back then try to make the city responsible by saying that they should have posted someone at the gate to stop him.
Or, maybe plead to the jury that his client was too inebriated to realize that he had staggered out the gate. "Someone" should have been designated to keep him from exiting the city so therefore, it’s not his fault. God said that it was and I’ll go with God’s judgment in this matter. There was absolutely no other person he could shift the blame to for his being slain. As we say in today’s vernacular, "he owns it."
Now for the anti-type. Do we as Christians have a "city of refuge?" A place where we are safe from the world? Remember I said the anti-type was something "destined to come later?" Well, it did. Our "city of refuge" came in the human form of Jesus Christ, but was in reality, the Son of God. HE is our "city of refuge."
Think about it a minute. Whose responsibility is it to make it to the "city of refuge?" OURS! Picture our "city" in the words of the hymn I cited at the onset of today’s lesson:
"Safe In The Arms of Jesus." That’s where we’re safe. Where "sin cannot harm us." Where the "revenger" (Satan) can’t get to us AS LONG AS WE STAY IN THE "CITY."
Whose responsibility is it to "remain in the city?" OURS! Just like the lesson seen in the type; if we leave and perish eternally because of that leaving, whose responsibility is it? Again, OURS! We have no one or no thing to blame it on if we "choose" to leave our "city of refuge." To put it on a personal level - it’s my "personal responsibility" to get into the "city" and it’s my "personal responsibility" to "remain" there. The same applies to you.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
"Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there." (2nd verse of a great old hymn)
For this week’s editorial lesson I’m going to talk about a subject that we see very little of today, to wit: "Personal responsibility." It just seems to me that, no matter what bad situation people find themselves in - it’s not their fault! And, with all that recently went on in our nation’s capital, what better example of this could we have to illustrate my topic?
All we heard reported by the news media, 24/7, was how bad everything is right now and everyone blaming the other person/s or the other "side" as being the responsible party for the mess we’re currently in. It doesn’t matter who is doing the talking, it’s the other guy’s fault - not mine. When it comes to politicians, if something has back-fired or isn’t working the way it was supposed to, there’s always something or someone else to blame for it.
And, it’s not just the politicians that don’t accept any "personal responsibility" for messes, although I have to say that they occupy the "chief seats in the synagogue" of blame-shifting. Another prime example that I’ve observed many times during my career in law enforcement is criminals and how they play the "blame-game."
When caught, the first thing they plead is "I didn’t do it. You’ve got the wrong person." If that excuse doesn’t hold water or there’s too much evidence against them, they resort to another phase of blame-shifting by claiming they were crazy when they did it. Or, I was too doped up or drunk at the time to know right from wrong so, therefore, I’m not responsible for my actions. Of course, they don’t feel any responsibility for being in their diminished capacity either.
Sticking with the criminals for a bit more, one of their methods, assisted by their lawyers, of course, is to blame society (us) for whatever it was they committed. The common tack that this method takes is to say that they were raised by abusive parents or, that they lived in the poor section of town, thus didn’t have the opportunities to be an honest citizen. They were doomed by society to be a law-breaker. They had no choice, therefore "it’s not my fault."
That type of defense shifts the responsibility for their actions from the individual to the nebulous idea that an unfair world is responsible for the actions of the defendant. What’s really happening when this defense ploy is used is that the responsibility shifts from the criminal to the jury, to society, with the hope that the jury will convict themselves instead of the defendant and exonerate him. Remove any responsibility for his actions.
I have a short side-thought here about the "abuse" angle of shifting responsibility from the individual. My thinking in this regard is, that if parents spanking children during their younger years or depriving them of things they wanted is a valid excuse, I would have been in a penal institution a long time ago and so would have most of my generation.
All of what I’ve said to this point is simply to point out that many people are looking for ways to take the responsibility for their own actions away from them and place it on someone or something else. In the examples that I used you’ll notice that no one is denying that the action or the crime took place, they’re simply denying any "personal responsibility" for that action.
You know what really bothers me about all of this? That many in our society seem to go along with this idea of there being no "personal responsibility" for actions. That there seems to be this idea that if I don’t place any responsibility on other individuals, then they can’t expect me to be responsible either. Could that be a reason we have something called "No-Fault Insurance?"
By now you’re probably wondering how or if I’m going to tie this into a scriptural lesson. I think that I can do so by looking at something found in the 35th chapter of Numbers. Even though Moses didn’t get to go into the "Promised Land," he was given the plans by God as to the way things would be done once the Israelites got there. In this chapter we find the law regarding the "cities of refuge" being received by Moses.
In studying this chapter and the laws relating to the setting up of the "cities of refuge" I think that we can see a "type vs. anti-type" lesson. The "type" of course is the "cities of refuge" and the anti-type being something destined to come later. Here’s some information about those "cities" that we need to understand in order to understand the antitype lesson.
There were six (6) "cities of refuge" to be set up and they were strategically placed throughout the land. They were there so that if a person committed an act that resulted in the death of another person, he could flee to the nearest one and would be safe from the "revenger of blood" AS LONG AS HE STAYED IN THE "CITY OF REFUGE." Now, this did not relieve them of having to face a trial for their actions. They would still be tried and if convicted, be turned over to the "revenger of blood." IE: they still had to face a "personal responsibility."
But, let’s say that they had the trial and the defendant was found not guilty. What happened then was, that he was released from custody and was safe from the "revenger of blood" AS LONG AS HE STAYED IN THE "CITY OF REFUGE."
However, should the defendant choose to leave the "city of refuge" and the "revenger" caught and killed him, no fault was applied to the "revenger." Verse 28 tells why: "Because he should have remained in his city of refuge..." His death at the hands of the "revenger" was his "personal responsibility." It wasn’t the cities’ (society’s) fault for not stopping him from leaving. Can’t you just hear some smart lawyer back then try to make the city responsible by saying that they should have posted someone at the gate to stop him.
Or, maybe plead to the jury that his client was too inebriated to realize that he had staggered out the gate. "Someone" should have been designated to keep him from exiting the city so therefore, it’s not his fault. God said that it was and I’ll go with God’s judgment in this matter. There was absolutely no other person he could shift the blame to for his being slain. As we say in today’s vernacular, "he owns it."
Now for the anti-type. Do we as Christians have a "city of refuge?" A place where we are safe from the world? Remember I said the anti-type was something "destined to come later?" Well, it did. Our "city of refuge" came in the human form of Jesus Christ, but was in reality, the Son of God. HE is our "city of refuge."
Think about it a minute. Whose responsibility is it to make it to the "city of refuge?" OURS! Picture our "city" in the words of the hymn I cited at the onset of today’s lesson:
"Safe In The Arms of Jesus." That’s where we’re safe. Where "sin cannot harm us." Where the "revenger" (Satan) can’t get to us AS LONG AS WE STAY IN THE "CITY."
Whose responsibility is it to "remain in the city?" OURS! Just like the lesson seen in the type; if we leave and perish eternally because of that leaving, whose responsibility is it? Again, OURS! We have no one or no thing to blame it on if we "choose" to leave our "city of refuge." To put it on a personal level - it’s my "personal responsibility" to get into the "city" and it’s my "personal responsibility" to "remain" there. The same applies to you.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
What it means to be dead in sin
You Are Dead
Donald Miller Jr. was declared legally dead in 1994. He had vanished from his home eight years earlier. Miller, 61, told Hancock County Probate Court Judge Allan Davis, that he disappeared in the 1980s because he had lost his job and he was an alcoholic. His ex-wife claims that he vanished because he owed $26,000 in overdue child support payments. Miller lived in Florida and Georgia before returning to Ohio around 2005.
He said his parents told him about his "death" when he came back to the state.
Miller went to court this week to ask the Probate Judge to reverse the 1994 ruling that declared him legally dead. He wants to obtain a driver's license and reinstate his Social Security number.
But Judge Davis, admitting that this is a "strange, strange situation," turned down his request, citing a three-year limit for changing a death ruling. "I don't know where that leaves you, but you're still deceased as far as the law is concerned," the judge said. *
Consider...
Because of our sins, YOU and I are dead! The Apostle Paul diagnosed the condition of those in Ephesus before God saved them: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (Ephesians 2:1-2).
Even so, WE are dead in our transgressions and sins - separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), under the condemnation of death (Romans 6:23), and completely unable to resurrect ourselves!
Despite our sins, however, God loves us and has provided the Way for us to have eternal life.
To those who were dead in their transgressions and sins, the Apostle Paul wrote: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us ALIVE with Christ even when we were DEAD in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).
Because of His great love for us, God sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
He suffered the "death penalty," so that you and I can have eternal life! "He died for us so that... we may live together with Him" (1 Thessalonians 5:10).
God has promised to raise those who are dead in their transgressions and sins when they place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
The Apostle Paul explained to Christians in Rome how God had raised them up: "Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4).
We are dead in our transgressions and sins but God provides eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son.
Won't YOU submit to the Savior so that He can give you new life?
David Sargent
Donald Miller Jr. was declared legally dead in 1994. He had vanished from his home eight years earlier. Miller, 61, told Hancock County Probate Court Judge Allan Davis, that he disappeared in the 1980s because he had lost his job and he was an alcoholic. His ex-wife claims that he vanished because he owed $26,000 in overdue child support payments. Miller lived in Florida and Georgia before returning to Ohio around 2005.
He said his parents told him about his "death" when he came back to the state.
Miller went to court this week to ask the Probate Judge to reverse the 1994 ruling that declared him legally dead. He wants to obtain a driver's license and reinstate his Social Security number.
But Judge Davis, admitting that this is a "strange, strange situation," turned down his request, citing a three-year limit for changing a death ruling. "I don't know where that leaves you, but you're still deceased as far as the law is concerned," the judge said. *
Consider...
Because of our sins, YOU and I are dead! The Apostle Paul diagnosed the condition of those in Ephesus before God saved them: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (Ephesians 2:1-2).
Even so, WE are dead in our transgressions and sins - separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), under the condemnation of death (Romans 6:23), and completely unable to resurrect ourselves!
Despite our sins, however, God loves us and has provided the Way for us to have eternal life.
To those who were dead in their transgressions and sins, the Apostle Paul wrote: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us ALIVE with Christ even when we were DEAD in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).
Because of His great love for us, God sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
He suffered the "death penalty," so that you and I can have eternal life! "He died for us so that... we may live together with Him" (1 Thessalonians 5:10).
God has promised to raise those who are dead in their transgressions and sins when they place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
The Apostle Paul explained to Christians in Rome how God had raised them up: "Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4).
We are dead in our transgressions and sins but God provides eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son.
Won't YOU submit to the Savior so that He can give you new life?
David Sargent
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Proverbs 13:3
Proverbs 13:3 “He that
keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have
destruction.”
The ability to talk is
one of our great blessings if it is not misused and abused. There are a number
of passages that deal with the use of the tongue among which we find the
following: Prov. 10:11, 19, 31-32, Prov. 26:20-28,, Matthew 12:34-37, Eph. 4,
25, 29, 31 and, of course, that great passage from James 3:1-12. I love the
advice given by the Preacher in Eccl. 3:7—“A time to rend, and a time to sew; a
time to keep silence and a time to speak.” Have you ever spoken something
before really thinking and then immediately wished you could reach out and pull
those words back into your mouth?
When we talk about our
speech, we are talking about something that is a true index to our faith and
commitment to our Lord. Make no mistake about it, our speech can betray us. (
Mk. 14:70, Matt. 26:73). The words that flow from our mouths will indeed testify
to who we are and what we are. With words spoken, we can promote peace,
harmony, love, unity, obedience and strength. Or we can kindle strife,
contention, error, destroy unity and peace.
One of the hateful and
abominable things listed in Proverbs 6:16-19 is a lying tongue. Paul makes it
clear that the child of God must be truthful (Eph. 4:25, Col. 3:8-9). Solomon
tells us that lying lips are abomination to the Lord (Prov. 12:22). Closely
aligned with lying words are those of a deceitful nature (Jer. 9:8, Ps. 120:2,
Job 27:4). These are words that are spoken to mislead, words to cause someone to
believe something that is not true or to not believe something that is true.
Following closely on the heels of deceitful speaking is that of tale bearing
(gossip) Leviticus 19:16, Prov. 11:13, 1 Pet. 4:15). Madam “Don’t You Tell”,
Mrs. “I have heard”. Brother “Rumor” and Brother “They Say” have been around for
a long time and unfortunately they are often found among us. We are to avoid
these people (Prov. 23:19). Lend them your ears and you become guilty of their
conduct. A long time ago, I do not remember where or when, I came across these
words: “If there were no gossipy ears, soon there would be no gossipy
tongues”
We need to use our power
of speech to glorify our Lord. Speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). Speak
that which edifies (Eph. 4:29). Speak words of kindness (Prov. 15:1, Eph. 4:32).
Speak words of encouragement. Speak words of truth (John 8:32, 17:17, Col.
3::17, Eph. 4:14-15, 25, Acts 26:25).
It is only fitting to
close this Bible Thought with the words of Psalms 19:14: “Let the words o my
mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my
strength, and my redeemer”.
Charles Hicks
Sunday, October 13, 2013
"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb. 13:8
If I told you that the inspiration for today’s editorial stems from the most prominent subject dominating the news media right now what would you guess that to be? You’re absolutely correct - I’m going to talk about ObamaCare. Now, before you tear this message into shreds and run screaming for the exits, stay with me a few more moments and let me explain how and why I’m going to use this subject.
First off, I’m not going to discuss the "plan" itself, nor will I talk about the merits (or lack of) the President’s plan. I’m only going to use it as an example of "man-made" plans in comparison with "Divine-made" plans. Let’s just call this lesson today: ObamaCare versus JesusCare and do a little policy comparing.
Starting with the "man-made" plan let me just ask you a simple question and say that, if you possess either a radio or TV or read a newspaper, you should most likely know the answer. Is ObamaCare the same for everyone? Or, asked in another way: Do the rules apply equally to all?
Here’s a couple more questions regarding this "plan." Has it been changed since it’s inception to be more convenient for some people or entities? Is this "plan" prejudicial in any way? The correct answers to those questions, in the order asked is: question 1 - NO! Question 2 - NO! Question 3 - YES! And, question 4 - YES!
Now I’m not picking on this particular "insurance plan" anymore than I would any other "man-made plan." It’s just that this one is sort of the epitome of the way man thinks and operates when devising "plans" and is certainly the hottest example available for comparison to the way God plans and operates.
OK, now, for the rest of our time and space here, let’s look at the "Divine, God-made, insurance plan" for mankind. We can ask the very same questions about it that we just asked about ObamaCare. "Is it the same for everyone?" Answer: YES! "Do the rules apply equally to all?" Answer: YES! "Has it been changed since it’s inception to be more convenient for some people or entities?" Answer: NO! "Is this plan prejudicial in any way?" Answer: NO!
I hope that you noticed that the answers to God’s plan, which I refer to as "JesusCare," are exactly opposite of the answers to ObamaCare, our "man-made" plan. With God’s plan, which I’ll also call the "Gospel Plan," there are no "exemptions" given for a selected class of people. There are no "waivers" issued to any special entities or individuals.
In the "Gospel Plan" everyone plays by the same rules, is required to meet the same qualifications and receives the same benefits as everyone under the "plan." Notice, I didn’t even mention the "benefits" when I discussed the "man-made plan" but it’s observably apparent that different people receive different benefits, isn’t it?
For the rest of our lesson, let’s look at the "application form" for enrollment in "JesusCare." First requirement: the applicant must "believe in Christ." "For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for they that come to Him must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek after Him." (Heb. 11:6) Also see further proof of this in Acts 16:31 and Romans 5:1
The second requirement is: the applicant must "repent of their sins." "Repent ye and be converted that your sins may be blotted out." (Acts 3:19) You see by this requirement that unrepented sin on the part of anyone disqualifies them for coverage by God’s plan. There are no "exemptions" to this clause. Proof of this can be found in Luke 13:3 and Acts 17:30.
The third requirement in the "JesusCare" plan is: the applicant is required to "confess their faith in Christ." "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Rom. 10:10) When you go to Acts 8:37 you can read the exact words of that confession: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
The fourth requirement for applicants of the "Gospel Plan" is one that "perfects," or serves to complete, the other three. In other words, it’s the finishing touch to the requirements and has to be done or else the application process is incomplete. If only the first three requirements are met, the policy is not in effect. The fourth one, "baptism," is what validates the others.
In the unequivocal words of the Holy Spirit, written in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; he that believeth not shall be damned." Other instructions regarding baptism can be read in Acts 22:16: "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Some other passages that speak to the importance of this requirement can be seen in Rom. 6:3-4, Gal. 3:26-27 and 1Pet. 3:21. Please check those out.
Only when these requirements have been met is our policy under "JesusCare" in force. There are many other "plans" out there in the "religious realm" that purport to have the benefit of salvation without including the above requirements. Just like many have reported regarding the "fine print" of "ObamaCare" a very rude awakening will come to those who have "bought into" any "man-made plan" that promises salvation as its benefit.
Now, lest you think that once you’ve successfully applied for "JesusCare" that’s all that you have to do, allow me to set you straight about that. In insurance parlance, you have to pay premiums. We have to "worship" together (Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, Heb. 10:25). We have to "work" or be of "service" as spelled out in 1Cor. 15:58 and Rom.12:11)
We have to strive to keep ourselves "pure" in order to be pleasing to God and to keep our policy in effect. Matt. 5:8 and James 1:27.
The keeping of our "JesusCare" policy in effect is not a hit or miss operation. It’s not something that requires only a limited attention on our part. No, we have to be "faithful" -for how long? "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10) What that requirement entails is the keeping of "His commandments" and the keeping of which is what shows our "faith" to be active. Not just talk.
What are the benefits of being enrolled in "JesusCare?" How about "forgiveness of sins?" (Eph. 1:7) How about being able to having an "advocate (intercessor or comforter) with the Father." (1Jn. 2:1-2) We’re in "communion," we have
"fellowship" with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. (1Jn. 1:3 and 2Cor. 13:14).
But, the best benefit of all: "Salvation!" The reason this benefit is available to anyone, regardless of who they are, what they are and wherever they are, is because the "Author" of "JesusCare," was the "perfect" sacrifice that enabled the "Plan" to be available. Read what it says in Heb. 5:8-9. When you go there and read that you’ll see the only ones who qualify for His Plan: "all them that obey Him."
Ron Covey
Friday, October 11, 2013
Hebrews 5:12
Each of us, if we have lived any time at all on this earth, have faced struggles and difficulties. We sometimes face challenges to our life and to our faith. It's part of living on this earth isn't it?
I kind of liked what one fellow said who had faced many challenges in life. He said, "They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. At this point I should be able to lift a car." In reality, we understand (hopefully) that it's not a physical strength that is gained, but a spiritual strength, a stronger faith, the ability to trust God more to carry us through the challenge
Every day I talk with people who have a new challenge in their life. Sometimes it is a health issue, sometimes a relationship issue; sometimes it's a faith issue. We would like to think that whatever the problem, whatever the challenge it would make us stronger wouldn't we. However, we know that isn't really how it works don't we?
Yes, that is the ideal, but we know that it doesn't always work that way does it? We all have seen people who have left God, left his church, left following the guidance found in God's word. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." (Hebrews 5:12, KJV)
For some folks, challenges move them away from trusting in God, while others are moved to trust more in him than they ever have before. One of the most powerful and encouraging passages regarding our trials in Christ comes from the apostle Paul who knew all about challenges. Notice what he has to say about it: "Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one, for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one, for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below, indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:33-39)
The choice is really yours to make. Will life's challenges weaken your faith or make you stronger?
Russ Lawson
Thursday, October 10, 2013
"Maintaining The Memorials"
Everyone is talking about the government shutdown (I wrote about
it last week in
this venue). But who is doing anything about it? Chris Cox is. His story is
spreading across the nation, and is sure to inspire many others. He describes
himself as the first member of the Memorial Militia.
Chris has been seen this week in Washington, D.C. pushing a lawnmower in areas
around the Lincoln Memorial, the World War 2 Memorial, and other such sites.
No, he's not a government employee; they've been shut down. But Cox refuses to
sit idly by while weeds and vandals spoil our nation's memorials.
He's not a local resident, either. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to Google Maps, that's eight hours and over 500 miles away. This man
is obviously dedicated to his mission.
Sadly, officials have told Cox that he can't continue doing this (bureaucracy!),
and Cox has complied. Nevertheless his example speaks volumes about noble
American citizens and the monuments that most of us wish to see honored and
preserved.
Monuments are mentioned in the Bible. One can be found in Joshua 4. After
Israel had safely crossed over the (miraculously) parted Jordan River, the Lord
ordered stones to be taken from the riverbed and stacked in a pile. Why? "...
that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come,
saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'" (Joshua 4:6). What a teaching
opportunity, not unlike children today who tour the World War 2 Memorial,
learning of the sacrifices of a previous generation!
The greatest monument of the Bible, however, is portable in nature. It consists
of a small piece of unleavened bread and a swallow of grape juice. What?! Yes,
we're referring to the Lord's Supper, an event you'll find celebrated each
Lord's Day throughout the world.
Jesus Himself instituted this memorial. In Luke 22:19 we read: "And He took
bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" He then gave them the
cup, containing the grape juice found at Jewish Passover feasts, which He said
symbolizes His blood.
Christians have been maintaining and honoring this memorial since the founding
of the church, as evidenced by Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and other
passages. To neglect this memorial is to risk forgetting the price paid for our
redemption. That is an event we must never forget!
--Timothy D. Hall
this venue). But who is doing anything about it? Chris Cox is. His story is
spreading across the nation, and is sure to inspire many others. He describes
himself as the first member of the Memorial Militia.
Chris has been seen this week in Washington, D.C. pushing a lawnmower in areas
around the Lincoln Memorial, the World War 2 Memorial, and other such sites.
No, he's not a government employee; they've been shut down. But Cox refuses to
sit idly by while weeds and vandals spoil our nation's memorials.
He's not a local resident, either. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to Google Maps, that's eight hours and over 500 miles away. This man
is obviously dedicated to his mission.
Sadly, officials have told Cox that he can't continue doing this (bureaucracy!),
and Cox has complied. Nevertheless his example speaks volumes about noble
American citizens and the monuments that most of us wish to see honored and
preserved.
Monuments are mentioned in the Bible. One can be found in Joshua 4. After
Israel had safely crossed over the (miraculously) parted Jordan River, the Lord
ordered stones to be taken from the riverbed and stacked in a pile. Why? "...
that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come,
saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'" (Joshua 4:6). What a teaching
opportunity, not unlike children today who tour the World War 2 Memorial,
learning of the sacrifices of a previous generation!
The greatest monument of the Bible, however, is portable in nature. It consists
of a small piece of unleavened bread and a swallow of grape juice. What?! Yes,
we're referring to the Lord's Supper, an event you'll find celebrated each
Lord's Day throughout the world.
Jesus Himself instituted this memorial. In Luke 22:19 we read: "And He took
bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" He then gave them the
cup, containing the grape juice found at Jewish Passover feasts, which He said
symbolizes His blood.
Christians have been maintaining and honoring this memorial since the founding
of the church, as evidenced by Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and other
passages. To neglect this memorial is to risk forgetting the price paid for our
redemption. That is an event we must never forget!
--Timothy D. Hall
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