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Talk About A Winner!
Talk About a Winner!
In life, many seek to be a winner. However, the question needs to be asked: “What constitutes winning”? To many, this is “coming out ahead” in the various areas of life. For some, it is a certain level of success in the business world. To others, it is wealth or power. To still others, winning is becoming the best at a particular sport and wearing the title “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) for a while.
How many fail to realize that earth’s successes are fleeting? How many fail to see that after we leave this life, whatever ‘earthly success’ we might have enjoyed is over? Who can “inherit” this? None can “win” by basking in the success of those who came before them. One also cannot win by leaving others material goods or monies. In Eccl. 2:18-19, the Spirit had Solomon pen wise Words to help us through this aspect of life. Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. 19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
The one who inherits goods, wealth, or properties from another cannot call themselves winners. All that ‘stuff’ will perish when the Lord destroys the earth and the ‘works therein’ with fire. One can only truly benefit in this life from the influence of others (if it’s the right influence). This is where we can become winners. When the influence ‘directs us correctly’ to the Word of God, and if we “choose” to read, study, meditate on and “do” what God Commands we are ‘winners’ in this life and are preparing for the ultimate win – eternity with God.
This is perhaps the idea behind the poem here – written by my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, many years ago. He didn’t amass much in this life, and he was not able to ‘leave’ his children ‘worldly’ goods or monies. But what he left them, (a deep and abiding love for God’s Word), and his preparation for that eternal home made him a winner. Won’t you seek to be a winner too?
Talk About A Winner
The crowd continues waiting,
And excitement’s in the air.
A celebrity’s debating,
When to make the ‘entrance’ there.
Every eye has been directed,
To behold some thrilling things,
When the ‘star’ who is expected,
Comes from “waiting in the wings”.
In the game the score is “tied”.
Two are “out” and three are “on”.
“on the deck” one will decide,
With the bat he brings along.
As the crowd stands in the bleachers,
Now, the pitcher makes his “wind”,
Some are disappointed creatures,
For their team is four behind.
The horses are all a “prancing”,
As they’re guided in the “chute”,
Betters know what they are chancing,
Hoping to collect the “loot”.
They wait for a grand performance,
And to watch them as they run.
While the “purse” remains enormous,
Someone, first, must “fire the gun”.
The Trumpet has just sounded,
And the earth is “wrapped in flames”,
Teaming millions from all ages,
Stand there, listening for their ‘names’.
Time has ended, and Eternity,
Is waiting, just before,
As the “Judge” raps with His gavel,
“Will you read that name, once more?”
In life’s battles there are “losers”,
Many of us do not win.
Maybe, we are just poor “choosers”,
Between right and wrong and sin.
There’ll be nothing to compare,
Or, such grandeur so sublime.
At that “meeting in the air”,
When the next name called is mine.
Poem by: O.D. Wilson (deceased) –
Article by: Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Are You On Target?
Are You On Target?
To hit a target, one must aim. Of course, we’ve all heard the adage: “Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and again”. This means that accidentally, one might possibly hit a target without aiming. However, often, as one takes his eye off the target, a miss occurs. We apply this in many areas of life. We instruct our children to “keep your eye on the ball” as we teach them to catch or hit that little orb. This requires patience on the part of the parent or coach and takes persistence and determination on the part of the child.
When we contemplate taking a job, there is also a ‘target’ in mind. This may be a certain salary or position within a company. The most common advice given is to “keep your eye on the goal” as the appropriate “rungs on the ladder” are taken to achieve the objectives. This also takes patience and perseverance. In many cases, when one perceives themselves as advancing toward the desired purpose, they gain confidence and are more likely to keep their focus.
We need to apply this idea in the realm of religion as well. Are we naïve to the point of thinking, like much of the world, that all are going to go to heaven after life is over? To those who think this way, heaven is not even a goal, but a certainty. Is this why the Spirit had Paul write in Phil. 3:12 that he had not yet “attained”? Why would he be “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before”? Would there be any need to “press toward the mark for the prize” as stated in vss 13 & 14?
Would there have been any reason for the Spirit to have Paul write what we see in 1Cor 9:24ff to the brethren there: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”? Why ‘run’ if heaven is already assured? Why “keep under my body and bring it into subjection” if there is no penalty for disobedience? Why even mention the possibility of being a “castaway” if there’s not a goal to be attained? Why would any “strive” for that incorruptible crown if it’s guaranteed to all? God has given us His Word so we can know there is a goal and how to reach it.
Surely, we all can see the fallacy in thinking that heaven is certain regardless of what we believe or do. Therefore, we need to have a target. We also MUST CHOOSE THE CORRECT TARGET because our soul’s eternal destiny depends on it. We then need to take care to keep this target in sight. This is obviously why the Spirit had Paul tell the brethren of Colossae at what to aim in Col. 3:2 - Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. The things on the earth will not last. Jesus spoke of this in Matt. 6:19-21, in the Sermon on the Mount. He clearly pointed out to the Jews that believed on Him and gathered to hear Him that earth’s treasures are temporary. He also stated that the treasures of heaven are eternally secure. This was to be their target, and in Matt. 6:33 He told them specifically what that target was. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. The ‘kingdom of God’ is speaking of the church.
Now that we have firmly established, 1) The need to have a target, and 2) the necessity of having the correct target, we can ask the question: Are You On Target? This question is relevant and needs to be asked because once a target or goal is determined, it is possible to lose focus. Christ also addressed this in the Sermon on the Mount. Just after telling those Jews to ‘lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven’, He spoke of the ‘singleness of the eye’. This part of the sermon is about focus and allegiance. In Matt 6:24 we find it is impossible to maintain our fidelity to God and serve ‘self’, money, or power at the same time. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
I said earlier that in many situations it is possible to accidentally hit a target without aiming. That target of ‘salvation of the soul’ that God has provided for man is the exception to that rule. Heaven cannot be ‘accidentally’ attained. One cannot ‘inadvertently be added to the church. In Matt. 7:21, once again from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; (the church) but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. One MUST ‘Take Aim’ and do as God directs in His N. T. Word to ‘become’ part of the church. Remember, one must ‘become before they can be’.
John 1:12 clearly states that what Christ gave to man through His Sacrifice was not Salvation, but the “power to become the sons of God”. Christ shed His blood in His death on the cross. John 1:13 tells us one must be “born of God”. This is only accomplished in baptism ‘into Christ’. Rom. 6:3-4 shows how this spiritual birth occurs. In Baptism ‘into Christ’ (spiritual birth), one contacts the blood of Christ. The difference in physical birth and spiritual birth is that in the former, one does not “choose” to be born. They are a product of their parents. In spiritual birth, we CHOOSE to be born, and when. One can only be born spiritually as God depicts in His Word (John 3:5 & 1Pet. 1:23)
Following our spiritual birth, we have ‘taken aim’. After this, we MUST remain on target (remain faithful) to God and His Word if we expect to receive the prize of heaven. The prize of heaven is not given until the Lord returns. One way of doing this is to “keep your eye on the target”. By the way, there are two ‘targets’ on which one can look. Heb. 10:27 shows God’s adversaries can “look for” the ‘fiery indignation” of God to “devour” them. 1Thess 4:15-18 is where we find the other ‘target’, to be forever with the Lord. Are you on target? If so, which one? Make sure you are focused on the right target.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Same Thing - Only Different?
Same Thing – Only Different?
Have you ever heard someone say this? What does this even mean? Does it mean ‘similar’? If so, why not say similar? Has it not occurred to some that the “same thing” is not a “different thing”? Perhaps those who support, defend and use some of these so-called bibles prescribe to the idea that similar is OK. They use the ‘version of the Bible’ they prefer (follow their own will) and expect all to be ‘on the same page’. Some offer the idea that we just don’t understand things alike. To me this is equally confusing. One either understands something or they do not! Things are the same or they are different.
As we look into God’s Word, notice that the word ‘different’ is not found in the sacred text even once. 1Cor. 4:7 is the only place the word ‘differ’ can be found. The brethren there were asked: “For who maketh thee to differ from another?” On the other hand, in 1Cor. 1:10 these same brethren were told to speak the “same thing” and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Additionally, in Phil. 3:16, even as the Word was first being delivered, we see how this is accomplished. They were told “let us walk by the same rule (God’s Word), let us mind the same thing.”
Earlier, I mentioned so-called Bibles. There are many ‘versions’ (perversions) of the Word of God. For instance, the prophecy of Isa. 7:14 of the KJV Bible reads. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Contrast that with what is found in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) for the same verse. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. This is not even a prophecy! “Young women” have been bearing children since shortly after Adam and Eve sinned and were banished from the Garden of Eden. There are many other examples of this in many of the ‘perversions’ of God’s Word, but time and space prevents a listing of them here.
I want to know, What is the “Standard Version” of the Bible, and why did it need to be revised in the first place. Also I ask, was there ever an “Old” Revised Version? I have been able to determine that this particular mutation, (or perversion) of the Bible came into being in 1989 and was derived from the “Revised Standard Version” 2nd edition, which came out in 1971. The NRSV updated version was released in 2021 and is now called the NRSVue. From Wikipedia, we find that the NRSV is a translation of the Bible in contemporary English. It was published by the “National Council of Churches”, (the largest ecumenical body in the United States) and was produced by a committee “comprising about thirty members”.
By contrast, the KJV Bible was commissioned in 1604 and published in 1611. There was an ‘update’ in 1769 to change spelling from Olde English, and to make a few typesetting changes, but not to alter or ‘revise’ the content. The Word of God has been ‘translated’ on many occasions, and into many languages. However, a translation is not an alteration or changing of the text. A translation is not the “same thing - only different”. A translation is the “same thing” but presented in a different language.
Man has been “commanded” in the Old and New Testaments not to “add to or take away” from or “alter” God’s Word. There are serious ramifications for so doing. A ‘revision’ of God’s Word is an alteration. True ‘translation’ is not alteration. The Holy Spirit provided ‘translation’ of the N.T. Word of God before it was even written. We are told in Acts 2:5 as the Jews had assembled for Pentecost as Commanded under the Law of Moses, Jews from ‘every nation under heaven’ were gathered. In verses 6-8, the multitude heard in their own tongues (languages) as the apostles spoke. It was also noted that these apostles were Galileans. It is affirmed that each heard “in our tongues the wonderful words of God” in verse 11. They did not hear the ‘same thing – only different’ but heard the same thing (the Word of God), each person hearing in their own language.
Additionally, from Acts chapter 3 and 4 we read of the healing of the lame beggar at the gate called Beautiful, the preaching from Solomon’s porch, and the conversion of about five thousand. The Jewish council was “grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2). In Acts 4:13 the council perceived that Peter and John were “unlearned and ignorant men”. This simply means that these apostles were not recipients of “higher education”. There is nothing wrong with education, but one can be educated and remain ‘ignorant’. According to Felix, as he chided the apostle Paul in Acts 26:24 he said: “much learning doth make thee mad”. Again, education is not a bad thing (if it is the right education). The proper application of the learning is what makes the difference.
A little later, in Acts 26:28, Agrippa told Paul “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”. Paul’s inspired answer is in vs 29. “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Is ‘almost’ the same thing – only different than ‘altogether’? Is a “religious person” the same thing – only different than a Christian? Is “to live a good clean life” the same thing – only different than to obey and serve God according to His Word? Think about it!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
It Cannot Be Passed On
It Cannot Be Passed On
I recently heard a sermon on the Holy Spirit. It was preached by a ‘long-time’ Christian and proclaimer of the Word. In this sermon, some things were said that caused me to ‘cock an eyebrow’ and made me listen more intently. I began to hear things that were at best, questionable. As usual, some of these things were stated as passages were ‘pulled out of context ‘and therefore misapplied. Some of the passages used were taken from various ‘modern’ so-called versions of the Bible, designed to ‘pull’ folks in a certain direction. These have caused untold damage to the church. Other things seemed to be stated because of the present trend to ‘go with the crowd’ on certain subjects. Regardless, it was disturbing because this was being ‘aired out’ on the internet for all to hear.
How much ‘misinformation’ does it take to lead one astray? How often does one need to repeat error before it becomes ingrained? Why regurgitate what some well-respected, well-intentioned, yet mistaken, brother of the past wrote if it does not align with God’s Word on a subject? Can we not see that the repeating of error is just as wrong as falsehood when it was first proclaimed? How many times have we seen preaching of a ‘little error’ lead to even more? “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9 & 1Cor 5:6b) should come to mind. We need to call attention to error to refute it (and do it properly with the Word of God – book chapter and verse) so others can be warned.
We know that the Spirit of God, His Work, functions, and operations were given in ‘measures’ at a certain time for a specific purpose. Yet when reading about the Spirit, Who was responsible for these, some want to claim the same for us today. While some reject the ‘miraculous’ works of the babyhood of the church, they profess to have His ‘bodily presence’ living in their ‘heart’ today. They even use such passages as Rom. 8:9 as proof text. When asked: “What does the Spirit do for you that the Word cannot and does not do?” The reply is something like: “He is just a ‘comfort’ for me to have Him there.” Is there any comfort in that which is against the Word of God?
I suppose in such a case, the Spirit is a ‘house guest’ in one’s ‘heart’. Is there anyone that can find this for me in the Word of God? Per Rom. 15:4, we have hope and comfort, and develop patience through the Word the Spirit brought. I think not! We do know that the Spirit brought the Word. We don’t need to forget that the Spirit is the author of the scriptures. We are reminded of this in 2Tim 3:16-17. This passage ‘passes on’ some valuable information. It tells us 1) All of God’s Word is inspired (God breathed). This means that all of it was delivered by the Spirit by inspiration. 2) Scripture is profitable in several areas for our good. 3) The purpose of this is that the “man of God may be perfect” (whole or complete – not sinless) and “throughly furnished” or totally supplied with all we need. 2Pet. 1:3-4 also affirms this.
It seems to me that some want the “personal indwelling” so they can lay claim to having something ‘religious’ as part of them. Again, what does He do “within you’ that cannot and does not occur through the Word? Perhaps they want the Spirit to do all the work so they can be saved. They may want the Spirit to ‘guide them’. Does the Word not do that per Psa. 119:105? Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Since they claim to have the “indwelling of the Spirit”, how long till they claim to have the “direct operation of the Spirit” as was needed in the ‘baby church’ in absence of the written Word? It’s just a matter of time. Perhaps this is the idea behind this poem, written by my wife’s father (O.D. Wilson) many years ago. It is very apparent that these misunderstandings go way back. We need to use all means to refute error and teach truth. The poem bears the same title as this article.
It Cannot Be “Passed On”!
Tell me which apostle laid his hands on you,
All the 12 are gone, we know this is true.
Jesus gave them power through the Holy Ghost,
To “lay hands” on some when it was needed most.
When the 12 “laid hands” on Philip, it is said.
He could “heal” the sick, and even raise the dead.
But he couldn’t “pass on” this power we find,
For only the 12 had this gift divine.
Simon saw that through the 12 apostle’s hands,
Gifts were given, so he tried to buy the “plan”.
Peter told him, gifts of God no one could buy,
So, repent and pray, or you will surely die.
Oral, Jim, and Tammy tell us it is true.
One of Christ’s apostles laid his hands on you?
Why then offer unto us a different way,
Than the Spirit gave the 12 back in their day?
Acts chapter 8:14-22
1Cor. 13:10 tells us when the “perfect” came (the completed Word of God) “that which is in part (gifts of the Spirit) shall be done away”. Want blessings of God? Look into the “perfect law of liberty”, the Bible (Jas. 1:25), continue therein, and “do the work”. The blessings await! If we believe the Word of God, why not fully follow it?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
That Just Doesn't Add Up
That Just Doesn’t Add Up!
We have many phrases from mathematics that are used in everyday speech. We’ve all likely heard: “It takes two to tango”, or that “possession is nine-tenths of the law”, or the phrase “six of one and half a dozen of the other”. These and others use mathematical terms to make a point, but they don’t use arithmetic.
Arithmetic, by definition, is: the branch of mathematics dealing with the properties and manipulation of numbers, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, and a few other means of dealing with numbers. As a young student, I struggled a bit with anything beyond “basic math”. I still do! One of my teachers told me that mathematics was like ‘another language’. I guess it wasn’t meant for me to be bilingual.
Nevertheless, upon being introduced to a basic calculator, I have been able to get by. I can ‘figure’ things out as needed. Of course, there are others who are well versed in mathematics and in the use of numbers for several tasks such as taxes etc. as the need arises. But even with my inadequacies in the numbers department, I can still see when things “just don’t add up”. This phrase is often used when things don’t make sense. We readily apply this idea in matters of daily life, but many refuse to do so when it comes to religion.
In Acts 2:41, Acts 2:47, Acts 5:14, and Acts 11:24 we read of those who were added to the church or added to the Lord, which is the same thing, as the church is the body of Christ. In these passages it is stated or implied that the Lord is the one who did the adding. This was done when these folks heard (listened) to what God’s Word says, believe what it says and does what it Commands. This was affirmed by Christ in Matt. 7:21 in that great Sermon on the Mount. He said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. To hear, plus believe, plus obey is to do the Will of God, Who would have all come to repentance and desires that none perish according to 2Pet. 3:9.
What doesn’t “add up” is how the world tries to apply God’s Word. We are told in 2Tim. 2:15 for one to be approved of God, one must ‘rightly divide’ God’s Word. While this is an arithmetic term, used in this way it means one will ‘handle aright’ the Word of God. How can one apply their own plan and claim to be handling God’s Word properly? Will such bring one to Salvation? Is one allowed to substitute rather than what God has required? I think not! One cannot substitute salt for sugar in the baking of a cake and expect to produce a cake that is delicious. One cannot deviate from the pattern and expect to make a garment that fits.
I am not allowed to deviate from the ‘laws of mathematics’ to suit myself. If I determine that two plus two equals five, or that there are fifteen inches to a foot and determine to quantify items by my own standards, how well shall I fare? I suspect that I would reach opposition on every front. I could not count monies properly. I could not deal with my fellow human beings properly on a variety of levels. Most can see the fallacy of using the wrong standard in our dealing with others. When the wrong standard is used in much of life, folks say that just doesn’t add up.
Why then, do people take God’s Word, alter it, and mold it to fit them? This just does not add up. In Rom. 12:2, the Spirit had Paul warn the church in Rome about this. They were not to “conform to this world”. Rather, they were to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”. This means they were to align their minds to what God says in His Word and do it. To conform to the world is to look like, walk like, talk like, and be like the world. If we mold ourselves to the world, won’t we suffer the same fate as the world? In 1John 2:15 the church has the divine direction to not love the world or the things of the world. The passage goes on to tell us that if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. So, loving the world (sin) and the things of the world (sinful things) just doesn’t add up. This just doesn't add up because 2Pet. 3:10 tells us when the Lord comes, the ‘earth and the works therein shall be burned up’.
It doesn't add up when folks refuse to believe the truth. 2Thess. 2:12 warns that those who have ‘pleasure in unrighteousness’ and ‘believed not the truth’ will ‘be damned’. It just doesn’t add up why would any embrace, hold to, and place their future in that which is promised by God to be utterly destroyed when the Lord returns and time is over. It just doesn’t add up when many religious folks claim to be disciples (followers) of the Lord yet alter His Word to fit their whims. When the Christ was on earth, in John 8:31-32, we have the record of what He said to some who believed on Him. He said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
What does make sense mathematically as well as biblically is that addition in rapid succession or to a great degree equals multiplication. In other words, why say 2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2=16 when you can say 2 X 8 =16? It makes perfect sense, as the number 2 increases, it multiplies. By the same token, when the Word of God is applied properly in the minds of people, disciples are made. If the Word is allowed to increase, as in Acts 6:7, disciples are ‘multiplied’ as they are “obedient to the faith”. This is also how the church grew in the first century and how it can grow today. Now, this adds up! Any other equation simply just doesn’t add up. Won’t you obey the gospel today and be ‘added’ to the church by the Lord?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
How Prepared Are You?
How Prepared Are You?
From before the time we entered this world in birth we have been being prepared and preparing. Upon conception and until delivery we were growing in the womb and being made ready to arrive in this world. When that great day came, our parents began preparing us for life in this world and all the stages of life leading up to adulthood. This includes the feeding and cleaning of us, the clothing of us appropriately, and the teaching which contributed greatly to our initial learning. They prepared us to begin school and receive further teaching.
As we attended school, or received continuing education in other forms, it was for our good and our advancement. This also is preparation. Most of us have participated in various phases of schooling to prepare us for the next level of learning. Hopefully we persevered to the end and received a diploma or its equivalent so we would be considered ready for some degree of maturity. It seems that some, regardless of the amount of education, have not advanced as they should have. Sadly, these are unprepared for productivity in our society.
We have other areas in which preparation must be made. We have annual hurricanes in certain parts of the country. Having lived in a hurricane prone area for several years (in Florida), I am very aware of the value of preparation. We also saw what happened to those who waited until the last minute to prepare. The materials needed for proper protection are in short supply because those who have prepared have used them up. Or, in the case of ‘waiting until the last minute’, we realize we haven’t the time to adequately prepare.
Hopefully, we try to prepare for all the seasons and the changes that occur annually. We have our A/C units serviced before they break down in the Spring or our home heating units ‘checked out’ before the need to fire them up for the chill of Winter. The same can be said regarding our vehicles. It is wise to make preparation for the inevitable if possible. Lack of preparation in these areas is likely to only make us a little uncomfortable at times.
Failure to prepare for eternity has everlasting consequences. Why can’t some folks see the need to make preparation for eternity? Many seem to embrace the idea that they have plenty of time. Jas. 4:14 makes it clear that we know not what the next day may bring. Could time for us possibly run out? What happens to our soul if we fail to make proper preparation? We will come to the sudden realization of our error too late. This is what happened to the ‘rich man’ of Luke chapter 16. He was in torments and agony to the point that a single drop of water would cool his tongue and provide some sort of relief. When was the time for preparation? Luke 16:27-29 shows that while in this life one can prepare as this man had five brethren who had not yet died and were not in the place of departed souls. They could still prepare.
This same idea is conveyed in Eccl 9:12. Here, fish are ‘taken’ in a net, and birds are ‘caught’ in a snare. Neither of these knew their lives were in danger and their life force was about to be terminated. However, there is a big difference between a fish or bird or other animal and man. When animals of any kind are killed or die, they simply are no more. The only preparation any of them need to make is what God instilled in them (instinct) to make it from one phase of life to another until life for them is over. They have no soul!
With man, it is far different. Preparation is made for the ‘here and now’ as well as the hereafter. Upon creation, none of the beasts of the field, the fowls of the sky, or the fishes of the sea were given a soul. We find in Gen. 2:7 that when God created man, He “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Then, from Eccl 12:7 we see that the dust from which man was created returns to the earth from which it came, but the “spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
Now before any get the wrong idea, let me point out that the fact that the soul returns to “God who gave it”, doesn’t mean those souls will spend eternity with God. Need we be reminded of the Words of Jesus in Matt. 10:28 as He warned His disciples of the harm that would come upon them for loudly and faithfully proclaiming the soul saving message of the gospel? He said: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Surely, we understand from this that not all souls will spend eternity in the same place. This is why we must make preparation while there is time – While we live our lives.
In Eze 18:4 the Spirit had the prophet warn Israel that “all souls” belong to God. But he also warned them “the soul that sinneth, (remains in or continues in sin) it shall die.” We are aware that we are all going to die physically, so this statement must mean an eternal separation from God (such as the rich man’s soul in torment). This also means there must be criterion for determining which souls will be with God for eternity and which will not. Indeed, there is.
The Spirit, in 2Cor 5:10, had the apostle Paul write to Christians in Corinth so they would see the need to stay prepared. He wrote: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. One must become prepared before they can remain prepared.
How prepared are you? If you’ve not obeyed the gospel, you’re not! If you have once obeyed the gospel, then not continued faithfully, daily, diligently in the Word of God, doing as Commanded out of love for God, you’re still not prepared! Make proper biblical preparation now while there’s still time.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Do You Have A Reservation?
Do You Have A Reservation?
Have you ever been asked this question? Of course, if one’s dietary desires are more toward Burger King, Chick Fil-et, Taco Bell, or Cracker Barrel, it is likely they won’t be asked this. There’s nothing wrong with these places to eat, but upon arrival you’ll usually only have to ‘sign up’ for a wait list if the restaurant is full, or your table needs to be cleaned. On the other hand, if your palate is geared more toward a more upscale restaurant where T-shirts, flip flops, and cargo pants aren’t acceptable attire, you may have to have your table reserved. A reservation means that something has been ‘set aside’ for you. For some fancy restaurants and hotels where you need a reservation, you call ahead and ask them to set aside a table or room for you at an arranged time. These reservations are recorded and ‘checked off’ as they are physically filled.
Now, let’s apply this spiritually. The word “reservation” itself is not found in the Bible. However, the concept of having something ‘set aside’ is not absent from the Word of God. First, let’s deal with the type of reservation all should desire to have. In 1Pet. 1:3-5 we are told of a ‘lively hope’ provided by the resurrection from the dead. Then we read of an undefiled, incorruptible inheritance ’reserved’ in heaven, which will be ‘revealed’ in the last time (or last day). We know this was written to those who have a reservation in heaven. How did they receive this reservation? In Heb. 12:23, those who were part of the church for which Jesus died had their names “written in heaven”.
When, where and how were these names written in heaven? Phil. 4:3 tells us the ones who labored with Paul ‘in the gospel’ had their names in the ‘book of life’. These were placed there ‘when’ they obeyed the gospel. The ‘where’ is the book of life. How does this happen? They were added (Acts 2:47) by the Lord when they ‘gladly received’ the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:41) and were baptized into Christ. This occurs when one is ‘delivered from the power of darkness’ and are ‘translated’ into Christ’s kingdom (Col. 1:13). When one is ‘born again’ (baptized into Christ), they receive a reservation from God.
Of course, a reservation can always be revoked by the one who issued it. In a restaurant or a hotel where a reservation is required, one who fails to, or refuses to abide by the conditions of the reservation will lose theirs. In Rev. 3:5 the Lord had John write to the church in Sardis regarding the pending fall of Jerusalem. Each congregation in the letter was warned of the persecution that was to ‘shortly’ come upon them. The Sardis congregation was promised that those who persevered would not have their names ‘blotted out’ of the book of life. This implies that those in the church who did not persevere, or who did not continue to overcome would have their reservation in heaven revoked. This destroys the idea of ‘once saved – always saved’ doesn’t it?
Secondly, we understand that there is also a reservation for the ‘heavens and the earth’. Much has been declared, written, and speculated regarding the final demise of the world in which we live. These prognosticators need only to inquire of the Word of God to see what is ‘reserved’ for what God has created. In 2Pet. 3:7 we see that our world is reserved unto fire. Just a few verses after this in 2Pet. 3:10, we are told that the heavens and earth will pass away, the elements (of which all things consist) shall melt, and the “earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. In 2Pet. 3:11 we see ‘all’ these things will be dissolved. This is not a reservation for the earth to be renovated as so many falsely teach, but a reservation for total annihilation issued by God and to be carried out by Him at the appointed time. This will not be revoked as it is a solemn promise from God Himself.
Finally, there is a reservation some make for themselves which they do not really want to keep. In 2Pet. 2:9 we are told that God “knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” 1Cor. 10:13 tells how God ‘delivers’ the ‘godly’ out of temptations. He makes “a way of escape” (directions are found in His Word) if followed, so we can bear (overcome) every temptation. But the ‘unjust’ are those who have a reservation they’d rather not keep. This is because of what we read in 2Thess. 1:8-9. The vengeance of God will be upon all who “know not God” (those who serve self or Satan), and those who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. All these will then “be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
Their refusal to do as God Commands in His Word is how they made this ‘reservation’ for themselves. An apt description of such folks is provided for us in Jude, verses 11-13. “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.”
You do indeed have a reservation, but which one? The beauty of God’s plan for mankind is that as you live your life on earth, you have the choice of which reservation to make. God ‘keeps the books’ and makes sure you keep the reservation you make. Why not read and study His Word and be obedient to it before it is too late? Failure to fully obey God and His Word is to make a reservation in eternal Hell!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Gowing With The Flow?
Going With The Flow?
As we travel through life, what path do we take? Are we inclined to take the easy way? Water does. Pour water onto the ground and it will follow whatever path the ground provides. As creeks, streams, or rivers come into contact with an obstacle, the water simply flows around, under, or over any object in its path. Other things of nature could be used as an example, but this one is familiar to all. As water flows, it goes; and where it goes matters little unless it causes a problem. If that is the case, it can be diverted by placing some sort of barrier in its way to change its direction, and it flows on. Where it ultimately ends up doesn’t matter much as God recycles it and it flows again.
Man also often seeks the path of least resistance. Most look to avoid the path that is arduous, and in so doing, goes with the flow. Some do so to please others. This may be the ‘easy way’, but where does this lead? What destination is expected? The difference between man and water is that man’s destination is a final one. The ‘path’ we take leads somewhere eternal. We too may have obstacles or barriers in our journey. Another huge difference between water and man is that man can choose his destination.
As Jesus spoke to His disciples on the mount beginning in Matthew chapter five, He had much to say. He spoke ‘Pentecost Pointers’, directing them to the time when the church was to soon be established. As He neared completion of the Sermon on the Mount, He stated in Matt. 7:21 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Man has choice. Whatever time he is granted on earth is to choose the place he will spend eternity. To ‘go with the flow’ is to follow the crowd. If one simply follows the crowd, should it surprise them if they end up where the crowd ends up? Does it stand to reason that the “crowd” is always right? Man can at times be likened to the Leming, who inexplicably follows his kind to mass destruction and leap to their deaths.
The logic of many folks is faulty. Many people contend: “Everyone is doing it.” Others reason: “if so many are doing (or going) . . . how can it be wrong?” What does the Bible say about this? As God had Moses speak to the people He had separated out in keeping His promise to Abraham, He directed Moses to say in Exo. 23:2: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;. Israel often went with the flow and often participated in evil individually and en masse (in a group or all together). Of course, there was always a ‘remnant’ who went against the flow and continued to follow God and His Word.
As Jesus was preaching in that Sermon on the Mount, in Matt. 7:13-14 He warned that there were two ways to go and that each had a destination. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. There are many who choose to pursue the same path as the masses, as this is the easy way. This way seemingly has less ‘friction’ and less opposition here on earth. The Lord said ‘many’ participate in this way. Notice the fate of those who follow the crowd.
The word “strait” is another word for narrow. It is used in reference to water as the place where two seas come together. This word is also sometimes used in reference to a situation characterized by a specified degree of trouble or difficulty: For instance, an idea that should be familiar to us all at present. "Our economy is in dire straits" or (having much difficulty). From this usage, many have concluded that the Words of our Lord in the above passage means “hard” or difficult. This is also because to ‘go against the flow’ is indeed difficult. The Word ‘strait’ in the Bible carries both ideas. The way is ‘narrow’ as the Lord declared, but perceived as difficult at the same time because life presents many barriers to the one that refuses to go with the flow.
This is true in many cases in nature as well. Salmon comes to mind. As these fish seek to carry out their ‘purpose’ of life, they are presented with many things which make their journey difficult. They cannot choose as man does, and God provided them with instinct to live and die as they do. However, the ‘path’ they take as adults can serve as a valuable example to man. The purpose of Salmon is to go as God created them to spawn in fresh water, and then die. Their young will make the trek to the sea, mature and begin the arduous trip to spawn young and this is where the greatest difficulty lies. The life of a Salmon is fraught with peril. As a youth, it may be ‘eaten’ as it makes journey to maturity. It may also be snared in the fisherman’s net. But as it strives to fulfill its purpose, this is when it becomes the hardest. 1) It must travel upstream (against the current). 2) it must travel ‘uphill’ to the spawning area. 3) It faces death by hungry bears or other wildlife. Yet, against all odds and opposition, success is achieved through perseverance. Finally, once its objective is reached, it has given its all, and it dies.
With man, the journey to spiritual success is ‘against the current’. It is indeed ‘uphill’ as we face opposition from those going with the flow. And as we read in 1Pet. 5:8, we also have an enemy, (the devil) that seeks to devour those going against the flow (following the Lord). Eccl. 12:13 gives man’s “whole duty” which is to “Fear God, and keep His Commandments”. This is against the flow of much of humanity. Are we going to be likened to Lemings or Salmon? We should remember, our path leads to our destination. Are you ‘going with the flow’ or serving God in accordance with His Word
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Walk Like . . . ?
Walk Like . . . ?
Some of us remember the 1963 song by the Four Seasons. A young man is basically told to ‘grow up’ and “Walk Like A Man”. Much has been said in song as to how one should walk. There’s 1968’s Elvis song ‘Devil In Disguise’ with the lyrics “Walk like an angel”. Then there’s “Walk Like An Egyptian” by the Bangles, “Walk Like a Dinosaur” by Was (Not Was)?, “Walk Like A Camel” by Storybots, “Walk Like A Duck” by Kurious, “Walk Like Shawn” (whoever that is) by Funnel Vision, And even “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith. I am sure there are more, and I won’t attempt to list any of the lyrics of these, as many of the lyrics are unmentionable, wicked, and surely not repeatable.
The point is, there is a lot of advice from many sources as to how one should walk. The problem with all this advice is that it is all “opinion”. As we all know, opinions differ, and not all can be trusted. Why is it that so few look to the one source that can always be trusted? Psa. 32:10 provides an undeniable edict as the Holy Spirit had that penman write: Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Couple that with Psa. 84:12 and surely all should see that God’s instruction is the only advice that is safe to follow in any area. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. God had the prophet Jeremiah remind the people of Israel of this in the warnings He directed this prophet to give them in Jer. 10:23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Why is it that so many heed so much direction from others? Is it that some care not what God has said? Can it be that the advice of man on this or any subject is simply a tool of Satan to lead people away from God? This could be the case. If Satan can convince you through influence, that you are walking your own way and it is a good way, why not advise others to do the same?
Again, we return to Words of Wisdom given to Israel to see that this might very well be what’s going on. In Jer. 6:16, we find the inspired Words provided for this weeping prophet. He lamented the fact that God’s own people had turned away from God. He warned them as directed by the Spirit. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. The latter part of the verse shows their obstinance. But they said, We will not walk therein. When man today refuses to hear God through His Word, there is not any rest for that soul. When people are miserable, tormented in life, failing to realize peace, it is because they are NOT ‘walking’ like God would have them walk.
What does God say about how we are to walk? Since we all live in this, the final dispensation of time, we’ll see what He has said to man in His N.T. Word. Prior to this dispensation, (with the exception of the Law of God to Israel), God, per Acts 14:16 had allowed man “to walk in their own ways”. This all changed when God, through Christ established the church for which Christ died on the cross, after He had been buried, resurrected, and ascended back to the Father. We know that when the church began, Acts 2:41 tells us: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Why were they baptized? Rom. 6:4 not only shows that their ‘baptism’ was a burial, it also shows how they were to then walk. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Our lives may have once been as wicked as some of the Corinthians had been as listed in 1Cor. 6:9-10. They had been changed when they were baptized into Christ as verse 11 shows. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. In Rom. 13:13 the Spirit had Paul tell those brethren how to walk and how NOT to walk. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. This is only accomplished by following the direction of Gal. 5:16. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. To walk in the Spirit means to walk in accordance with the Word of God. This is because the Spirit brought the Word to man.
In Col. 1:10 the Spirit had Paul tell these brethren to walk and what to do as they walked. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; One is also to walk as Eph. 5:15 tells us. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, If we would be ‘wise’ we must follow the advise provided in Col 2:6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Christians are also told in Col. 4:5 to: Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Then in Phil. 3:16b. “. . . let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” As we do this, we must take those that are without the soul saving message of the gospel. If you are a Christian, how are you walking? Whose advice are you following? If we aren’t walking by the rule of God, we’re not walking according to His Word. Isn’t it about time that all walk as God directs? This is the only way we can obey Him and be pleasing to Him.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
But You Promised!
But You Promised!
Promises are a part of life. As children, we may have looked forward to receiving a promised item for accomplishments etc. We likely felt if our parents assured us of something, we could believe them, and then would receive it as promised. No doubt, when something did not materialize after we had been told it would, we accused: “but you promised”, in pleading for whatever had been the subject of the pledge. I suspect there are very few cases in which a child, upon returning home, when the parent seemingly forgot the promise of a spanking has come to the parent saying: “but you promised!”. We look forward to promises that are pleasing. But on the other hand, that which we deem hard or harsh, we’d just as soon ignore or forget. I’m convinced this is what many have done regarding God’s Word. Where God has promised peace, comfort, or other blessings, many say: “Yes please”, then often disregard the ‘conditions’ of such blessings. Jas. 4:3 shows the fallacy of Christians with such a selfish attitude. To ask ‘amiss’ is to forfeit. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Many things asked of God by man fit Jas.4:3. Most promises God has made have conditions attached. To expect the things God has promised and ignore the specific requirements He has assigned to His promises is to ask inappropriately. For example: “If you do _____, then I’ll give ______.” When we ignore the “if” part, He who extended the promise is under no obligation to provide the “then” part. Unfortunately, the one who fails to receive because of their own failure to act appropriately usually places blame on the one who made the promise.
This is very easily seen in the way the world views God’s Promises. Many seek to be the beneficiary of much that God has offered yet refuse to follow God’s Word or do what God has Commanded. They are much like the petulant child who stomps the foot and cries out “but you promised!”, failing to admit they’ve not kept their end of the deal.
In 2Pet. 1:3-4, God’s Promises are called exceeding great and precious. God made these promises through His divine power. He gave man all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Christ. These verses also tell us that according to these promises we ‘might’ be partakers of the divine nature. Those who have “escaped the corruption that is in the world” had to do so in accordance with the gospel. We know God’s Promises to man in the New Testament are contained in the gospel. It is also through the gospel the Lord called man per 2Thess. 2:14.
As we continue reading in 2Pet. 1:5-7, we find a list of things to be added to one’s faith. Faith is where one’s obedience begins. These things are to be added by “giving all diligence”. Then we see the promise in verse 8. The benefit is: “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Then we see another inspired guarantee in verse 10, and one is also reminded to be diligent. In the latter we read: “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall”.
Another verse that has inspired promise is Mark 16:16. This was just after Jesus’ resurrection as He issued the Great Commission to His apostles. He had just told them “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” He then said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” These are promises of God. Strangely, there are those that want to be saved, but refuse to complete their obedience by being baptized in accordance with the gospel.
We are told in Psa. 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. If His Commandments are sure, can we not see that His Promises are certain as well? Deut. 7:9 provides affirmation of this. Here God’s people were told: Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Just like the child who has been promised ‘a spanking’ hopes the parents forget, many of the folks of the world hope God will forget some Promises. Take for instance the Words of 2Thess 1:6-9. The brethren there are promised when this would occur and upon whom God’s vengeance would be directed. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; The Christians in Rom. 12:19 were reminded that vengeance belongs to God. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
God does not forget. 2Tim 2:19 says the “Lord knoweth them that are his.” This passage also tells us: Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Since the Lord knows all them that are His, He also knows who will suffer His wrath. It is all those who work iniquity. In Matt 7:23, the Christ made a promise. He said: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. There will be no chance to, nor any reason for any to say, “but you promised”, for all will receive exactly what God has promised based on how you live regarding His Word. As Gal. 6:7 says: “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
