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What Are You Thinking
What Are You Thinking?
If anyone answers the above question and says “nothing”, do not believe it. According to a 2020 study, people have more than 6,000 thoughts a day. Here’s the math, based on their estimate: Say you get 8 hours of sleep each night. You are awake for 16 hours each day and have exactly 6.5 thoughts per minute. (6.5 x 60 x 16 = 6,240 thoughts). Of course, this is only one study. In 2005, the National Science Foundation published an article regarding research about human thoughts per day. The average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 95% are exactly the same repetitive thoughts as the day before and about 80% are negative. There are several other studies on this.
As can be clearly seen, there are a ‘lot of thoughts’, on how much one thinks in a day. Much of this seems to be based on opinion, and the results derived often depend on the parameters of the various studies and the subjects of those studies. For instance, a group of grade school students would have different thoughts than their older high school age brothers and sisters. At the same time, a group of mature adults will think about different things than either of these aforementioned groups.
Additionally, a person’s surroundings, prior teaching, present teaching, attitude, and a plethora of other things have influence on what thoughts they have. As a result, thoughts may change over time. There have been many smart people who have provided quotes about thinking. One of my favorites comes from Henry Ford. He said: “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” Thomas Edison, the great inventor of many things spent time thinking alone. His quote reflects this sentiment. He said: “The best thinking has been done in solitude. The worst has been done in turmoil.” As can be seen, thinking is often occurring. Therefore it is important that we think properly.
God also addressed this in His Word. In Proverbs, the Spirit directed the wise man Solomon to warn against participating in things with those who are thinking evil and deceitful thoughts. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.(Prov. 23:6-7). The Spirit also gave Words for king David, the father of Solomon to pen on this subject. In Psa. 10:3-4 we read, For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Perhaps this is why, in Isa. 55:7-9, God had this faithful prophet write and admonish Israel. He penned: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God wants man’s thought to be proper. They can only be so if one thinks on, and does the things in God’s rightly divided Word.
In Rom. 12:3, in the context of spiritual gifts, the Spirit had Paul write to these brethren that they keep their thoughts in line. None of them were to “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, . . . ”. Again, all are to think in full accordance with God’s Word. Rom. 10:17 tells us that faith comes from the Word of God. Then, as we see in Jas. 1:5-6, the brother that lacks wisdom is to ask God in faith and do so without wavering. The ones who waver are as unsteady as the waves of the sea. In verse 7, one that asks without faith, is not to “think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”
If our thoughts remain in accordance with God’s Word, we will realize just how much we don’t know just as the brethren in Corinth were told in 1Cor. 8:2, and will study to know more. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. The more we study, the better we can think. This is very similar to what the Spirit had the apostle Paul write the brethren in Gal. 6:3. He told them one of the many ways a person can be misled from within his own mind. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. God doesn’t want anyone to be deceived. He wants all to know what to do to be saved and how to keep their thinking strait.
Rather than us being deceived, Phil. 4:8 provides us with a number of things with which to occupy our minds. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. What are you thinking? Why not think wholesome thoughts based on, and in full accordance with God’s Word? If you do so, you can’t go wrong.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Trust Me
Trust Me
Often, when someone says, “trust me”, it may not be the best idea to believe them. That is because the word of man is not sure, certain, nor can be depended upon. Sometimes man is so sure in his own mind, he’ll say, “trust me, I know what I’m doing.” This may be so in some endeavors, but not so when it comes to matters of the soul. In Jer. 10:23, the Spirit had the prophet pen: O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. In fact, God has a plan for man, and woe unto him that places his trust in man as Israel was warned in Jer. 17:5 - Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. Prov. 3:5 also provides sage wisdom in this regard. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
One must also not place their trust in intangible actions, or those things that one might possess as a result of these as Psa. 62:10 clearly shows. Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. In the New Testament, in 1Tim. 6:17-18, we are informed of the same thing. Timothy was admonished to: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Neither are we to have confidence in those in civil authority, or even other fellowmen when it comes to our soul as the Spirit, in Psa. 146:3, had the psalmist write - Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. This is why in 1John 4:1, we are told to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
You might ask, “Since we can’t trust in things, in government, in any other man, or even in ourselves, who can we trust?” Friends, that is the easiest question of all time to answer. Space in this article will not allow the listing of all the Scriptures that attest to the “truthfulness” of God. But we have room for several. One might consider 2Sam. 22:31which shows the benefit of trusting in God. It reads, As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. A “buckler” is a shield. Should not all desire a “shield” that has been tested in battle and found to be perfect?
We also have the inspired admonition found in Psa. 4:5 to “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” The psalmist penned these Words as directed by the Spirit when God’s people Israel were familiar with the concept of sacrificing. Today, the church, which are God’s people in this age, have a similar admonition. Rom. 12:1-2 is where this is found. It applied to the church in the first century and is equally applicable to Christians today. They (and we) are told - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Want to be happy? Want to do well? Simple. Trust in the Lord as we read in Prov. 16:20. The inspired pen of the “wise man” provides us with this advice. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. This aligns well with Words the Spirit provided in 1Pet 3:13-14 in the New Testament. He wrote: “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” Rather, Christians are to (set apart), sanctify, God in our hearts (minds), and prepare ourselves to answer all who asks us of our hope in Christ. We can then happily show them the gospel truth in humble service to God.
We can also see from Psa. 37:40, that deliverance and salvation come to those who trust in God. The psalmist was directed to write, And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. In 2Cor. 1:9, during the “miraculous age” (before the Word of God was fully delivered), the apostle Paul had full confidence in God as he carried the Word of God to many places to his own peril. The Spirit had him pen, But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Don’t trust me. I am simply a preacher of the gospel. Trust the gospel which is the Word of God. Read it, study it, and search to see what the Lord wants you to do to save your soul from eternity in Hell. At least allow a faithful gospel preacher to help you learn to trust God. Your soul is too important to waste. God promises to save you if you obey His Word.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Helping the Chief Shepherd
Helping the Chief Shepherd
We’ve all no doubt seen or heard of sheep dogs or border collies. At times there are competitions in which the collies are pitted against each other to showcase their skill at herding sheep around barriers and into a pen as the shepherd directs. The shepherd has trained his collie to respond to the shepherd’s voice and commands. The collie that can direct the sheep into the safety of the fold per the instructions of the shepherd in the best time and with the best form, receives the top prize in the contest. An interesting thing occurs as this contest is being held, and while these animal ‘work’. Whenever the sheep are going ‘the right way’, and at the right pace, the collie doesn’t push or guide. He simply watches for straying sheep, remaining alert to possible dangers, and keeping his ear attuned to hear the voice of the shepherd. He then acts accordingly.
Let’s apply this spiritually. As we live this life, in this, the New Testament age, we have a choice as to which “fold” we belong. The Lord is the “chief Shepherd” according to 1Pet. 5:4. This verse also tells us, that this is when the “crown of glory” which will not fade away is to be given to those who follow Him. In Heb. 13:20, He is also called the “great shepherd”. Christ, in John 10:14, referred to Himself as “the good shepherd”, and says: “and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him because they obeyed His gospel to become His sheep and will continue in His Word to remain one of His sheep. In John 10:14, the Lord foretold that those other than the Jews “shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” However, since Christ wouldn’t physically be with His sheep, He ordained that He would have those to help Him.
In John 14, Jesus, the great Shepherd, told His apostles elect He was going away. Jesus spent three years preparing those He had hand-picked that they might continue in His work after He died, was buried, resurrected to die no more to purchase the church, and ascend back to the Father. We read in 2Cor. 5:20, that these apostles were His “ambassadors”, or official representatives, here on earth. But He did not leave them without guidance. In John 14:26, He informed them of the “Comforter”, the Holy Ghost, who would “teach you (apostles) all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Additionally, in John 16:13, Christ told them how the Spirit would help them, help the chief Shepherd. He said: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. These “assistants” to the chief Shepherd received the baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, A.D. 33, and ushered in the New Testament age.
Following the establishment of the Lord’s church, these helpers of the chief Shepherd, spread the Word, and guided by the Holy Spirit, set up church government. In Acts 14 as Paul traveled about preaching the Word, we see in verse 23 that elders were ordained. We have the qualifications of elders recorded for us in 1Tim. 3 and Titus chapter 1. These men are in place in their congregation to help the chief Shepherd as they labor to keep the sheep heading in the right direction in accordance with the rightly divided Word of God. We see their function in Acts 20:28 as Paul revealed this to the Ephesian elders when they met him in Melita. He told them to: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” The purpose for this admonition is seen in the 29th verse - For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
But what are new, or small, or struggling congregations to do as there are not enough qualified men desiring to serve as elders? We are to see to it that men are “well-fed” in the Word of God and can grow and be developed to faithfully serve God in this honored role. Meanwhile, each of us, as part of the flock have a responsibility to our fellow sheep. It is our obligation, upon seeing one of the flock beginning to stray, to help guide them back to the right. We see how the Spirit had Paul direct Timothy in this in 2Tim. 2:25-26: “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Let’s do our part to help the chief Shepherd as we prepare for eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Let's Make A Deal
Let’s Make A Deal
I suspect, upon reading the title, you thought of the T.V. game show of the same name. This show originated in the United States in 1963 & has since been produced in many countries throughout the world. The concept of the show is members of the audience are selected, offered something of value, and then are given a choice to keep it or exchange it for a different unknown item. The catch is that the audience member doesn’t know if the item being offered for exchange is of greater, equal or less value than that which they were given in the first place.
There are many “deals” made every day and in every walk of life. Major purchases, such as homes, cars, and the like, which usually must be financed, require a deal to be made. Before an agreement is reached, a contract is prepared to explicitly state the terms of the deal. This includes the duration of, and the conditions of the agreement made between each party. When the agreed upon terms have been met, the party of the first part gives the party of the second part that which was agreed upon and the contract has been completed.
The greatest agreement possible today is that which can exist between God and man. God wrote the “contract” before the world was created. After establishing a covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (the O.T.). He sent His Spirit to direct the psalmist to pen: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psa. 119:89). God revealed His Will over time. When it was time, God concluded the Old Testament (covenant) with the death of His Son and established the New Testament Law. All mankind can now “make a deal” with God on His terms.
These terms are God’s New Testament Law. This portion of the Word of God contains a great deal of information. If we obey the gospel we agree to the terms. This includes the reward that awaits the faithful, as well as the penalty for not obeying or disobeying after having become a child of God. Some years ago, an unknown author wrote the following about the greatest volume ever written. This deserves reprinting and repeating.
“THIS BOOK CONTAINS---The mind of God, the state of man, the way of Salvation, doom of sinners, and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here, Paradise is restored, Heaven is opened up, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered for ever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.”
Author unknown
God has provided everyone with a soul. In His New Testament Word, God offers every person a deal. Each has the option as to what they will do with that soul. God has provided in His Word the only options available. After all, it is His gospel alone that can save a soul – (Rom. 1:16). Also, per 2Pet. 3:9, it is not God’s Will that any be lost. However, He won’t make your choice for you. He gave man ‘free-will’ – the power of choice. He has given mankind His Word whereby one can choose. And one must choose according to the time frame in which he lives, and per the Law of God which is in force during that time.
Joshua lived when the O.T. Law of God to the Jews was in force. In Josh. 24:15, Joshua reminded Israel of their choices. He offered them God’s deal, and told what he, himself had chosen. He said: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. God offers you the deal of a lifetime. He, through His N.T. Word is basically saying, “Let’s Make A Deal”, and lays out the potential reward as well as the condemnation for all who don’t take the deal. Why not start today? Obey the gospel, remain faithful until death, and go to live with God as you enjoy the ultimate prize.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Be Ye Separate
Be Ye Separate
Many years ago, the song “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” was written by Fanny J. Crosby and John R. Sweeny. This song has long been & still is utilized by many in worship services. While there is nothing wrong with this song, its message seems to depict the general desire of a “religious” person. It also mentions the hope of reward. However, the song does not fully express what an earnest believer of the gospel must do to be promised or receive the reward. Nor does it show the importance of “obedience”. It is as if the concept is that of a benevolent God, rewarding any and all who desire it.
Much of the religious world embraces a similar idea. They gladly affirm that Christ is God’s Son, and that He died on the cross. They are convinced that since Jesus died on Calvary, their sins have been taken away, and all they need to do is “accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior”. Did not Jesus, in Luke 6:46, ask the people of His day about this? He asked: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? ”. Those who refused to do the things the Lord said to do, did not have the privilege to call Him Lord. Neither did they have access to the reward He would provide in His death for those who love and serve Him.
One cannot live in this life as “part of the world” and expect to be accepted of the Lord. In 2Cor 6:17-18, in the context of living in the world, but not being “of the world”, the Spirit had the apostle Paul tell them: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Sometime in the early ‘80’s, my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, wrote words to this hymn, that I think, better reflect the proper attitude a child of God is to have. The Christian has committed him/her self to a life dedicated to God. This includes a life spent in learning and doing God’s Word. This is the only way a child of God can remain pleasing to God, while preparing for eternity with Him. The words of this song, aptly titled “Be Ye Separate”, and sung to the tune of “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” are printed below.
Be Ye Separate
1)
The Lord’s people are peculiar,
It’s because we want to be.
We’re a chosen generation,
Roots go back to Calvary.
2)
It’s because we were invited,
And accepted Jesus’ call,
Were in death with Him united,
Found in Him our all in all.
3)
And we are God’s Holy nation,
Royal blood flows in our veins.
Priests of God, a new creation,
To show praises to His name.
Chorus
Come ye out and be ye separate,
Do not touch the unclean thing.
Ye shall be my sons and daughters,
And my blessings to you bring.
O.D. Wilson - deceased
Should not all who have obeyed the gospel and been added to the church, want to clearly “stand out” as diligent, dedicated, committed, and faithful children of God? Why not start today in obedience to the gospel? Let us help guide you in the New Testament Word of God so you can prepare yourself to spend eternity with God and with all those who love Him and serve Him in accordance with His Word.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Ways Satan Takes Advantage of the Church
Ways Satan Takes Advantage Of The Church
When Christians fail to do as God has directed, we become distracted and then we become vulnerable to Satan’s many schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Our adversary, the devil, realizes that a direct attack on the church usually fails; therefore he works to “sidetrack” the body of Christ. Following are six ways the church becomes vulnerable to Satan’s plan of destruction. Please take each one personal and consider them. If you know of someone who needs to read this, please share it with them.
He Gets Advantage When Members Become Polluted With The World… One does not have to have this world’s goods to become worldly. Worldliness isn’t always found in things even though it does include such. (Titus 2:12; 1 John 3:17; 1 John 5:19).
He Gets Advantage When Members Are Busier With Other Things Than The Lord’s Church… You can’t get any clearer than what Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 13. Now, let’s make sure we are following his inspired instructions (2Timothy 3:14).
He Gets Advantage When We Attract People By Using “Glitter” Rather Than The Pure Gospel… Simply study John 12:43 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2-6.
He Gets Advantage When A “Thus Saith The Lord” Is Considered Radical And Narrow Minded… Paul warned Timothy of such an attitude in 2 Timothy 4:3.
He Gets Advantage When Members Fuss, Fight And Splinter The Body Of Christ… Study carefully the following set of scriptures — Proverbs 6:16-19; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-26.
He Gets Advantage When Members No Longer Have The Spirit And Attitude Of Christ… A simple study of Philippians 2:1-5 is needful for all in the church.
If we would honestly consider the things noted above, we would not only make the proper decisions in our lives, we would also make the proper decisions concerning the lives of others.
The above article is borrowed from the
Northside Anchor, bulletin from the
Northside church of Christ -
Calhoun, Georgia,
Kent Bailey – preacher
How many times have we asked about a congregation of the Lord’s church when it has become weak, or liberal, “How did it get that way”? The answer is the same most of the time – Satan Took Advantage! Many would look at this and agree, some accepting this answer as if they held no responsibility for the condition of the congregation where they attend. However, we must be reminded that the church that meets in a particular location consists of its members. Are not the members the one’s Satan takes advantage of? Of course they are! Satan is not so foolish to try to attack all the members at the same time. All he needs to do is “influence” a few, stir up a little strife and wait for the “body” to attack itself, or allow itself to be led astray.
Do we need to be reminded that 2Corinthians 5:10 is written to warn the church there that “all” members of the church will stand at the judgment seat of Christ? Should we need to be reminded that each, as individual souls, will be held responsible for the “things done in his body”, “whether it be good or bad”?
Hopefully, we realize that simply because our parents, or spouse are faithful members of the Lord’s church, that we don’t have an “in” with the Lord. Does not Galatians 6:7 clearly state “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”?
It is articles such as the one above that keeps us reminded of the tactics Satan uses to lure the Christian into complacency, or how he negatively influences the Christian. These types of articles prevent Satan from “getting an advantage of us:”, as they help us so that we are “not ignorant of his devices.” (2Corinthians 2:11)
Let’s all keep our focus on having the right attitude, reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word daily and striving to serve God faithfully in accordance with His rightly divided Word. All this can be done on an individual level to our own benefit and for the good of the congregation of the Lord’s church where we attend. And, we’ll all be happier here, and when we meet for eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Gimmicks and Ministries Don't Save Souls
Gimmicks and Ministries Don’t Save Souls
In spending a few hours a week “surfing” websites of the Lord’s church in various locations to see what is being taught, I have discovered a most alarming trend. Those congregations that have “gimmicks” and multiplied “ministries” are experiencing increased attendance. This influx of new members usually produces the call for additional elders. This need is seemingly met by “promoting” deacons, and moving some of the younger men into the deacon slot. Sometimes, an “elder of the month” is listed, or a deacon or his wife are “put in charge” of this or that ministry. In some places, there are even women hired as the “children’s minister”. Where is any of this found in the New Testament? Can souls be won for the cause of Christ in such an abominable way?
True, we want more members in the body of Christ, but we want members to be added as a result of teaching, and obedience, not through entertainment or gimmicks. We see the result of sound Bible teaching in the early church in Acts 2:41-42 after Peter and the eleven had preached the gospel to the Jews at Pentecost. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. We see no gimmicks here, nor do we have “ministries”.
In Acts 4:4, after Peter and John had preached at Solomon’s porch at the temple and for doing so were “put in hold”, we read: Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Was what these people believed a gimmick or a ministry? NO! They heard and believed the Word preached. “Believed” here is a part standing for the whole (a Synecdoche). They not only believed, they obeyed the Word.
Some are bound to ask, but “isn’t the word ‘ministry’ in the Bible”? Yes it is, but “ministries” is not found anywhere in God’s Word. To their credit, I seriously doubt any will ask if “gimmick” is in the Bible. When ministry is used, check the context. Perhaps the best use of ministry is in Acts 6:4 in the response of the apostles when the issue of the Grecian widows arose. They said: we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. The effect of the preaching of the Word of God is evident in the 7th verse of the same chapter. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Souls were being won as the Word was preached, as folks believed and obeyed. Gimmicks and ministries are not part of God’s plan.
Preaching and teaching are part of God’s plan for the church. Before the establishment of the church, after Jesus came forth from the grave to die no more, He met His apostles and told them to “teach, baptize, and teach” – the Great Commission - (Matt. 28:19-20). Even as the apostles were being persecuted, Acts 5:42 shows us, And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. When Peter was sent to the household of Cornelius to preach to the Gentiles in Acts 10:42-43, part of the message was, “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Again, “believe” here is a part standing for the whole. In Acts 10:48a we read, he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Did the Spirit have Paul write to Timothy with a gimmick, or have him set up some sort of ministry? No He did not! Clearly, in 2Tim. 2:1-2, we find God’s plan for the spreading of His soul saving gospel, and how Christians can be strong in faith. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. In 2Tim. 4:2, we see that gimmicks and ministries are not required. Timothy was instructed, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Also, the phrase “preach the gospel” is found nine times from Acts through 2Corithians, while “set up a ministry” or gimmick is not in Scripture anywhere!
Let’s leave the gimmicks to sales people, politicians, entertainers, or carnival workers. Let’s leave the “setting up of ministries” to those in man-made religions to promote their cause. The church for which Jesus died has important work to do. It is to spread the gospel and in so doing, give God the glory. The Spirit had Paul put it this way in 1Cor. 9:16 - For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! Preaching and teaching the gospel should be the objective of every faithful Christian. Souls are at stake.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
How Pure Is Pure?
How Pure Is Pure?
There are several synonyms for pure. Perhaps a listing of, and a look at some of these will help us answer the question above. Many will agree a thing that is uncontaminated, unpolluted, or unadulterated is pure. It is also stated, and rightly so, that the innocent are pure. The soul of one that is unaccountable is pure because they aren’t aware of the difference in right or wrong. The soul that has not sinned, is indeed pure.
When an alloy is added to a metal to strengthen it, the metal is said to be impure. Many ladies pay much attention to see if a ring, being offered them, is made of “pure gold”. The addition of another substance often cheapens the gold and makes the jewelry of less value. Sometimes an alloy is made stronger, depending on what is added. At other times, an added substance makes things weaker. For instance, the percentage of water mixed with a poison element often has an impact on its lethality.
The first mention of “pure” in the Bible is in Exo. 25:11, in reference to the Ark of the Covenant. God Commanded that they were to “overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.” The mercy seat, the table for the shewbread, and the crown around it were to be covered with pure gold. The dishes, the spoons, bowls and covers were to be made of pure gold. The candlestick, the tongs and the snuffdishes were also to be constructed using pure gold. The oil was pure. The various spices that were used in the O.T. worship were also not to have any other spices added to them.
Had anything been added to the spices, the gold, the oil, or to anything God had Commanded, would have made it something other than what God required, and would be sin. God’s Commands are His Law, and we read in 1John 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. If when one sins they become impure, then breaking God’s Law which is sin, causes one to be tainted spiritually.
To be impure or tainted spiritually is to be separated from God. Israel was told this in Isa. 59:2. It was not that God was prevented from saving them, nor had He become deafened that He couldn’t hear their cries as recorded in the previous verse. The Spirit had Isaiah tell them - But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Perhaps Israel thought that “just a little sin” or some “small iniquity” would be overlooked. It seems as though many today hold these same views. This is obvious in the types of activities some participate in, the associations some maintain, as well as the places folks frequent. The early church was warned of such when some of the brethren were told to “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2Cor. 6:14). Rather, per 2Cor. 6:17-18, they were counseled “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
In Psa. 119:140, the Spirit had the psalmist declare two things. The first is that God’s Word is “very pure”. The second, is that “thy servant loveth it.” Why did the psalmist love the Word of God? That should be obvious to all. The Spirit had the wise man, Solomon, the son of David pen what we read in Prov. 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Then, we see the admonition in the verse that follows, (Prov. 30:6), Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. If, one adds to God’s Word, they have weakened it, polluted it, and adulterated it. It then becomes the perverted gospel of which the Spirit had Paul write in Gal. 1:6-7. Then we see in the next two verses that if any preach any other gospel than the pure Word of God, or alter it in any way, they are accursed.
This shows that one cannot follow “part of the truth” and be pleasing to God. In Jas. 4:8 we find inspired instruction to those scattered brethren that they might remain pure. They had already obeyed the gospel and were the children of God. Yet, they were “flirting” with worldliness. They were told “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” This shows one cannot be doubleminded and remain pleasing to God. This passage aligns perfectly with what Paul wrote in 2Cor. 7:1. Earlier, we saw that God had promised if these Christians would come out from among those that were tainted, be separate, and abstain from the unclean, He would receive them. Here, we see how to maintain that purity. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
How pure is pure? It’s not partly pure. It’s not a little clean. It’s not kind of uncontaminated. It is totally pure. When one obeys the gospel, they are made pure. In Acts 22:16, we see the question the Lord had Ananias ask Saul. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Isn’t it time for you to become pure by hearing the N.T Word of God, believe that Christ is the Son of God, repent of your past sins, confess before men that Christ is God’s Son, be baptized into Christ, then remain faithful for the rest of your life?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
He Supplies My Every Need
He Supplies My Every Need
Have you ever wondered, “How am I gonna make it?”, “How in the world can I succeed?”, or perhaps, “Where am I going to get what I need?”. Of course, the questions one may ask themselves are seemingly endless, in that most everyone looks at life through a different lens. Some look on worldly fame or fortune as the measure of success. Some consider power or control as the pinnacle of achievement. Others, thinking only of the physical, delude themselves into thinking that our time here on earth is all there is. As long as they are healthy, happy, and things are going their way, their needs have been supplied.
Few consider the source of the supply of man’s needs. Most are like the pigs that enjoy the acorns on the ground, yet rarely, if ever look up to see or contemplate the source of that with which they are richly blessed. We also should be aware that God blesses all His creation including humanity. We are reminded of this in Matt. 5:45 as the sun is given for those that are evil as well as the good. God sends “rain on the just and the unjust”. This fits, as Acts 10:34 tells us “God is no respecter of persons:”. We are also told in Rom. 2:11, Eph. 6:9, Col. 3:25, and 1Pet. 1:17 that God does not operate with “respect of persons”.
In fact, according to Jas.1:17, all that is “good” and “perfect” comes from God. There is nothing that is lacking in all He has supplied to earth or the inhabitants of earth. This is not subject to change as the passage also tells us there is “no variableness, neither shadow of turning” with God. In Acts 17:24-25, the people of Athens were reminded by the Words Paul proclaimed as the Spirit gave him utterance, that God “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” You may recognize the title of our article from Phil. 4:19 as the Spirit had Paul address the brethren there. He wrote: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This is also likely the scripture that prompted my wife’s dad to pen the song that is included in this article.
He Supplies My Every Need
(1) Have you ever wandered in the dark of night
With your burdens hard to bear?
Have you stumbled in your search for light
And no one seemed to care?
Well, I know a friend I can recommend,
My doubting heart He freed.
Now the victory’s mine, and from time to time,
He supplies my every need.
Chorus
What I need, He will supply.
He will lead, to my home on high.
When I was a sinner, He took me in.
He gave me peace and joy within,
Health and strength and daily bread,
Power to keep moving on ahead.
So, I’m fine, He’s mine. I’ll follow where He leads.
I want the world to know that He supplies my every need.
2nd chorus ending:
I want the world to know, everywhere I go,
That Jesus supplies my every need.
(2) It doesn’t matter what the world may say,
My soul is heaven bound.
I know I’m walking on the King’s highway,
And ole Satan can’t turn me ‘round.
When the road gets rocky or the waters rough,
My Lord has guaranteed,
To prepare a way, so from day to day,
He supplies my every need.
(O.D. Wilson – deceased)
Yes, God has supplied all our needs. This doesn’t mean we can expect to lie back and wait for God to do “all the work” or that He is going to do for us what we ourselves can do. If there is food on the plate, can we expect it to ‘journey’ into our mouths without any efforts on our part? Neither can we expect anyone to do everything for us. In 2Thess. 3:10, the brethren there were told if any “would not work, neither should he eat.” In Phil. 2:12, those brethren were told: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” In 2Pet. 1:3, we are informed that God “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. This is “through the knowledge of him (Christ) that hath called us to glory and virtue:” God has supplied all you need to become His child through obedience to the gospel. He has supplied, through His Word and His Son, all one needs to remain faithful to Him as we live on this earth. All that remains is one’s desire to love, obey and serve Him in accordance with His Word. Will you not accept the God-given help you need to become a Christian and faithfully serve Him till you depart this world?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Where Are You?
Where Are You?
This question in our title is asked often. I sometimes hear this when my wife is expecting me to be in a certain place at a certain time and I’m delayed, and she calls me. Folks are asked this when someone calls out to them and they respond, but can’t see them. It’s also possible you’ve also been asked this if you were on a journey and someone calls to check your progress. The reasons why this question may be asked is dependent on various factors, and too numerous to discuss in this, or any other article. But these mentioned above, are in reference to one’s physical presence in a particular location. True, your location at any particular point in time might, or might not have much impact.
However, there is an application of this same question which should be of great importance to everyone, because it has eternal implications. That is “Where are you spiritually?”. Sadly, many who embrace any number of the many different “faiths” that are prevalent in our society think that everyone is in the “same place” from a spiritual standpoint. Each earnestly argues they are “faithfully serving God” and claim to be “one of His”. Did not God address this in Amos 3:3 when the Spirit had the prophet Amos pen “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Can folks teach, believe and practice different things from a religious or any other viewpoint and be in the same place? As Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem, going through the cities and villages, teaching, He was asked, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23). In response, He taught the narrowness (“strait gate”) through which one must pass to become part of the kingdom (the church). Some who refused to obey the requirements of entrance for whatever reason, upon demanding that the Lord “open unto us” (vs 25), were told “I know you not whence ye are”. This is in essence, “I don’t know you from where you are”. In verse 27, this is followed by “depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”
Iniquity is sin. Those who are workers of iniquity are those who continue to live in sin. Jesus was telling these, His own people, that in their present state, (whence ye are), He did not know them. Their refusal to accept His teaching on the kingdom placed them in opposition to Christ. The Law and the prophets taught of the Christ and the kingdom. To go against the Law and prophets was sin. Their refusal to accept Jesus as the Christ, hear His teaching and obey it, (“repent for the kingdom is at hand ”) was to be where they should not be. Where they were, (in refusing the Christ), also aligned them against Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets, the faithful servants of God.
The Jews of Jesus’ day, placed great importance upon being physical descendants of Abraham. According to the Law of Moses, this was what constituted a covenant relationship with God, and applied to the Jews alone. In Jesus’ day, that Law was still in effect and binding. However, according to Col. 2:14, Christ, in His death on the cross, blotted out “the handwriting of ordinances” (the O.T. Law), “took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross”. He had fulfilled that Law and put it away. Beyond that time, for the Jews to be in a covenant relationship with God, they would have to be “in Christ” (in the kingdom). The New Law, which included the terms of entrance into the kingdom was preached to the Jews, beginning on the first Pentecost following the death, burial and resurrection of the Christ. The biblical account of this is recorded in Acts chapter 2.
This would later be preached to all, Jew and Gentile, just as was foretold in the Law and the prophets. This afforded all the opportunity to hear the New Testament Word of God, gladly accept it, and obey it. All who do so, become “in Christ”. In Acts 2:41 we read: “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”. Acts 2:47b shows “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” All who were obedient to the gospel were “added” to the church and were “in Christ”. This put them, whether Jew or Gentile, in a covenant relationship with God. Then, it is up to that person to remain faithful to God and remain in Christ. This relationship is maintained through continued fidelity and growth as one reads, studies, meditates on, and lives according to God’s New Testament Word.
Where Are You? Specifically, where are you spiritually? In Phil. 4:3, Paul wrote to some whose “names were in the book of life”. These were faithful Christians which met in that city. These were those who had obeyed the gospel and were now “in Christ”. They had entered into a proper covenant relationship with God and Christ. 2Tim 2:19 informs, “The Lord knoweth them that are his.”, and admonishes: “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Let us also remember that iniquity on our part will cause God to remove our name from that book of life because of our sin.
Why not obey the gospel today? Why not have your name written in the book of life? Why not live faithfully according to the Word? Why not prepare now, so you can properly respond to the question “Where are you”?, You then can answer it honestly and faithfully, In Christ.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
