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Bless Your Heart
Bless Your Heart
I’m told this is a Southern expression. The phrase has multiple meanings and was originally used to express genuine sympathy, but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity. Meanings are primarily imparted through context and tone. While common in the South, it is primarily used by individuals who wish to "be sweet” and do not wish to "act ugly”. “Bless your heart” is an expression used by some to mask real feelings. To understand the real meaning, pay attention to the words said just before “Bless your heart” or “Bless his/her heart.”
The term “heart” can be found 833 times in the KJV Bible. “Bless” is found about 127 times. The phrase “your heart” is found 35 times. As you may have deduced, “Bless your heart” is not found in God’s Word at all. The word ‘bless’ in the N.T. Greek means ‘to speak well of’. But this seems to be the opposite of how folks use “bless” in the title of this article. We should desire others to ‘speak well’ of us, especially if we are Christians.
In Matt. 5:44, Jesus was speaking to some Jews who would soon be granted the great opportunity to obey the gospel (become Christians) and become part of the kingdom. Christianity was not available at that time as Christ had not yet died on the cross to purchase the church. As Jesus offered these Pentecost Pointers, He said: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
If and when they submitted themselves to God under the N.T. Law, they would need to apply this advice because they would have many enemies and even some of their fellow Jews would hate them, spitefully use them and even persecute them. This is abundantly evident when we consider the treatment the apostles received in the early days of the church. Multiple passages show the mistreatment they suffered for the cause of Christ.
The same idea that Jesus put forth to that crowd in the Sermon on the Mount is also conveyed by the Spirit in the New Testament to the brethren at Rome. “Bless” is utilized twice in Rom. 12:14. In both instances, the idea of ‘speaking well of’ is being conveyed. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. The word “bless” in this verse is used in contrast with “cursing” the ones who had victimized them. This is the same idea and intent we find in 1Cor. 4:11-13 as the Spirit had Paul tell them about some of the oppression the apostles endured. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
In 1Cor. 4:14 we see that this was written to them for their benefit and as a warning. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. This warning is necessary because the ‘natural inclination’ of man is to retaliate ‘in kind’, or in the same way they had been treated. I suspect this is a misapplication of the Old Testament “an eye for an eye” in Lev. 24:19-20: “And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; 20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.” But Jesus explained this in Matt. 5:38-39 (while still under the Old Testament Law) to the people gathered to receive those Pentecost Pointers. He said: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Rather than a Christian being contemptuous toward their “enemies” (or those that ‘curse them’), or even those in opposition to Christ, we read the divine teaching and admonition regarding this in Rom. 12:20-21. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. For one to be “overcome with evil” is to invite eternal condemnation. Those who “curse” folks who persecute them forfeit the opportunity to teach them the truth. One cannot reach someone if they have alienated them. If we cannot reach one with the gospel, how can they be truly ‘blessed’?
Speaking of ‘heart’, we perhaps need to remind all that the Bible ‘heart’ is the mind of man. It is the ‘mind’ or ‘soul’ of man that needs to be blessed of God by being cleansed by the blood of Christ. If indeed one is ‘spiritually blessed’, they must be “in Christ”. This can be seen clearly in Eph. 1:3 and also shows that “bless your heart” is not always a negative thing. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
It is my desire that every soul be truly and spiritually blessed. This is the same desire the Spirit had Paul express in Rom. 10:1. He wrote: Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. He also stated that they were not saved because they refused to submit themselves to God. Submit yourself to God and His Will today. Read, study and obey the Word of God. Become His child and be ‘in Christ’. God will ‘speak well of you’ in saying “Bless Your Heart”.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
You Are What You Eat
You Are What You Eat
When this saying is applied, none figures when they eat a pizza, they’re likely to develop pepperoni skin tags, or become flat and round. Neither does anyone suspect they will become a snowman by ingesting a snow cone. But most are aware that how and what we eat has some impact on our body shape and at times, our overall health. This is why we are taught about a balanced diet. We learn to tolerate certain vegetables, or endure certain meats (animal proteins), for our bodies to operate at peak efficiency. We also need a certain amount of work or exercise to tone our muscles and maintain balance and such. This was the way God designed the body.
Much of this is applied physically, yet countless numbers of folks mentally ingest ‘filth’ and expect to be ‘good people’. Spiritually, we don’t masticate (chew) and swallow, but we put information into our minds as we read and take in ‘religious’ material. Of course, the only ‘sure’ religious material is found in the Word of God, but it too, must be ‘rightly divided’. Most would not dream of ingesting poison as it will adversely affect the physical body, yet they readily expose themselves to toxic literature and caustic religious publications. Little do they realize they are ‘searing’ the mind to the point that it soon loses feeling and can no longer detect the danger(s) it faces.
The intake of the mind is as critical as what we ingest and process in our stomachs. We recall the old computer adage: “Garbage in, garbage out,” yet are not so concerned when the computer God designed (man’s mind) is deluged with the debris offered from so many sources. Again, we need to be reminded of Prov. 23:7a and the effect of what we allow to enter our minds. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is said of him that “hath an evil eye”. Just as the food we put into our bodies affects the physical, so does that which we ‘mentally ingest’ or consume, affect the mind.
That being the case, should we not be more cautious in the reading, studying, and thinking we do? Jesus taught that we should. The Pharisees of Matt. 15 accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the “tradition of the elders” in that they failed to wash their hands before eating bread. In verse 3, the Lord exposed their hypocrisy in question form. He asked: “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?”, then explained in verses 8-9 why their “heart” (mind) was defiled as well as the affect it had on their actions (worship). This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. They had been mentally ingesting tradition rather than God’s Word and failed to realize they had become traditionalist rather than truly serving God according to His Law to them.
Is this any different than countless numbers that hear false “preaching” and receive false teaching and simply absorb it without considering the source. Many people do this frequently. The source is not the one who delivers the message. In fact, it was Paul and Silas who were the messengers of the gospel to some Jews of Berea in Acts 17. Here was an apostle and a trusted evangelist who ‘fed’ these folks the ‘bread of life’. Surely these faithful soldiers of the cross “preached the truth” as 1Pet. 4:11 directs. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; It is certain from reading Acts 17:11 what these folks did and why they did it after Paul and Silas taught. They checked the message for purity, comparing it with the Word of God. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. When they were “fed” properly, the next verse states that “many of them believed” and from this we understand they obeyed the gospel.
Again, we don’t “eat” the information we read and study, even though we do “take it in”. Christ Jesus spoke of two types of meat in Jno.6:26-27 as He told the people why many followed Him. One is physical; the other spiritual. Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then, in verse 35 we see that what Jesus offers completely satisfies. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Of course, to offer improper spiritual food has a negative effect on the presenter and the recipient if they follow it. Gal 1:8 is the inspired proof of this. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. One cannot preach “any other gospel” and expect the recipients to be spiritually filled. Timothy was told in 2Tim. 4:2 to “preach the Word”. Before doing he was told to “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (2Tim. 2:15). Be careful what we ingest spiritually, & what we “serve up” to others. We are what we eat.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
My Change - Begins With Me
My Change – Begins With Me
From conception till now, we have been in a constant state of change. Initially, when the sperm meets the egg and cells begin to divide, we are forming and changing. Then, we are born, and we continue to change. Our relatives and others, upon observing us, having not seen us for a time, have no doubt stated “My! You’ve changed so much”, or something to that extent. Usually, they are commenting on the physical growth that is so much a part of youth. These are changes over which we have no control, and are not changes that ‘begin with us’, although they affect us.
We want to focus on changes over which we have control. There is likely something about each of us that we desire to change. Some of these things are not within our power to alter, such as eye or skin color, our height, or things such as this. Other things, such as our weight, physique, attitude, and things of this nature are somewhat within our control, and when some adjustments need to be made, we ourselves need to make those changes.
Usually before a change is made, there needs to be some motivation to make the change. For instance, magazines used to carry advertisements for the Charles Atlas bodybuilding course where the skinny, malnourished, sickly looking man, had sand kicked in his face, and his girlfriend taken from him by the ‘bully of the beach’. Then, the skinny man participates in the course, and is then ’transformed’ into a well-defined, macho, picture of man with strength and vitality, who ‘takes back his girl’, and avenges himself of the treatment he once received from those once stronger than he.
These types of advertisements and programs teach a couple of things. One of these is that change is needed. The second is that one must have the motivation to affect the needed change in his/her life. Thirdly, when one has the proper motivation, and applies the proper program or course of action, change for the better is inevitable. Unless one is willing to make the needed changes, his situation will remain the same as before.
Now, we will make that same application from the ‘spiritual’ perspective. From where does the motivation to ‘change’ spiritually come? Some would argue that they don’t need spiritual change. This cannot be, because God’s Word clearly teaches that all souls need change. We are told in Rom. 3:23 why this is. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” We also know a couple of things from Isa. 59:1-2 that need to be acknowledged here. 1) Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. That is:1) God’s ‘power’ is not diminished by man’s actions. 2) It is man’s sin and iniquity that separates him from God and any punishment man receives for sin is his own fault. The fact that man sins and separates himself from God should motivate man to seek change that would put him in ‘favor’ with God.
Psalm 119:109a proves that spiritual changes we need are within our own power. “My soul is continually in my hand:” The latter part of the verse shows us what the psalmist used to bring about the needed changes. “yet do I not forget thy law.” From verses 9-11 of the same psalm, we see what God has provided so we can make the proper adjustments that we might not be separated from God but be in His favor. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It is by ‘following the Word of God’ that brings us to God and keeps us in a proper relationship with Him.
But where does this ‘begin’ with us? Notice the use of the word “heart” in these previous verses. This is speaking of the ‘mind’. The ‘blood pump’ (heart) is only an organ to propel used blood to other organs to be cleansed and to send clean refreshed blood to the body to make it function efficiently. If there is “a feeling” in this physical heart (organ), it could mean a physical problem. The Bible ‘heart’ is the mind. Our actions (the ones we can control) are directed by our minds. Prov. 23:7a makes this abundantly clear. “For as he thinketh in his heart, (mind) so is he:” Jas. 1:14-15 supports this from the N. T. When one is ‘drawn away of his own lust’ (which begins in the mind), he sins, and needs change. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Rom 10:10 also shows that the beginning of the needed change from God’s Word which can occur in us, is in ‘our mind’. For with the heart (mind) man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Notice that the ‘thought’ and the ‘expression’ of that thought are “unto” not “INTO”. When one ‘believes’ or ‘confesses’ they are not changed, or ‘saved’. Each individual should be motivated to not be separated from God, apply God’s inspired remedy for sin, and make the change for a better life and the promise of life eternal with God.
Change your ‘mind’ today. Align it with the Word of God. Read God’s Word. Follow God’s Word, and “make the needed change. Obey His gospel. My change begins with me, and your change begins with you!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Coming Together
Coming Together
The idea of ‘coming together’ has been part of mankind since the beginning. In Gen. 1:28, the first recorded Words of God to man and woman were: “Be fruitful, and multiply”. When this occurred, because man is a social being, they gathered together. They did so for safety as well as for other reasons. We find in Gen. 6:1-2 that ‘sons and daughters’ were continually born as men “took them wives of all which they chose”. We read in Gen. 6:5 in the days that followed, because men failed to ‘come together’ before God “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. We all know how that turned out as God destroyed the world due to their wickedness. Incidentally, all who failed to get in the ark truly “came together” in the destruction of the great flood.
Of course, we also know that not all perished, as some did indeed “come together” into the ark. We are told in Gen. 6:8 that Noah “found grace in the eyes of the LORD”. Then, we read in Gen. 6:9b why this was. Noah walked with God. This meant that Noah followed the Commands of God, including the building of the ark, as Gen. 6:22 shows. “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” The result of Noah and his family being obedient and “coming together” in the ark is obvious. 1Pet. 3:20b tells us of the benefit of so doing: wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Later, after Noah’s sons and their wives were “fruitful and multiplied”, once again man populated the earth. We see in Gen. chapter 11 that they “came together” in one place in the land of Shinar. An observation of the Lord is found in Gen. 11:6. “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Because of their evil intent, God confounded the language, and they could no longer all “come together”. As we can see, when man defies God, man will also be separated from God. All who are separated from God eternally will ‘come together’ in Hell.
There have many “gatherings” of men for various purposes. Each one in its own way is a ‘coming together’. In Gen. 49:1, not long before Jacob’s death, he called his sons to him to “tell you that which shall befall you in the last days”. In the next vs, he said: “Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.” He asked them to “assemble” or ‘come together’ to tell them why the three elder sons would not receive the blessing, and in blessing Judah, prophesied of the Christ. In Gen. 49:10 we see: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
We know that Christ has come, and that He bears that sceptre. This device is that which is carried by a ruler and is a sign of sovereignty. We know also that Christ has “all authority”. In Matt. 28:18, after the Lord’s resurrection, as they had been instructed, the apostles ‘came together’ to meet Jesus on a mountain. There, He said to them: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This means He has ‘all authority’ and has been given the “sceptre”. He is the ruler of the kingdom. Previously, while in Caesarea Philippi, Christ had asked the apostles whom man said He was. They answered accordingly. Then, came the question “But whom say ye that I am?”, to which Peter answered “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:15-16). Additionally, after Peter made this ‘profession’, in Matt. 16:18 Jesus declared “upon this rock (this profession that Christ is the Son of God) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” He now rules over the church.
Prior to the church being established, God used another ‘coming together’ to introduce the church for which Jesus died to the Jewish world. The event to which we refer was Pentecost, A.D. 33. The Jews were still ‘coming together’ in accordance with the O.T. Law of Moses. We are told in Acts 2:5, “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Each of these had the great opportunity to hear of the church Jesus purchased with His blood, as well as how they could obey and become part of it. Following this in Acts 2:41 we find, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Then we read in verse 44, “all that believed were together, and had all things common;”. The church had ‘come together’ and believed and followed the same thing.
Today, the Lord has Commanded that the church continue in this. We see this in 1Cor. 1:10. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” This is repeated in Phil. 3:16. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” As we (Christians) “gather” for worship, we are to do so “in spirit and in truth” as Jesus stated in Jno. 4:24.
What concerns me greatly, is how some seem to think they can do this while not even ‘coming together’ as they worship (?) ‘virtually’. Virtual, by definition is “simulated”. It’s not even real worship as God Commands in His Word. We are told in Heb. 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together”. This is the same thing as “Don’t stop ‘coming together’ for worship every time the church meets!” To fail to do this is to defy God. As we have pointed out, defying God results in being separated from God – yes, for eternity. Think about it!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Going Through A Phase?
Going Through A Phase?
We’ve all heard it: “He’s just going through a phase.” We probably didn’t appreciate it, especially when this remark was made about us when we were striving to make a needed change. We have recently mentioned ‘New Years Resolutions’, and some of us have likely begun one. Hopefully, as we have only advanced a few weeks into this year, we’ve not yet abandoned this year’s commitment. If so, some may say of us: “They weren’t serious, they were just going through a phase”.
Have we considered that life itself is a series of phases and stages? Are we not all in one ‘stage’ or another in life? Surely, we are, or we are not alive. If some have recently entered life while others have lived lengthy lives and are headed toward that ‘long home’, are they not in different ‘stages’? Yes, they are. We may readily recognize this in the above example but fail to do so in other areas of life or even spiritually.
A phase by definition is: “a distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development”. Therefore, a phase is not necessarily bad, nor is it a negative thing. Often, when this phrase is used about someone, it is stated with negative undertones as if it is just a “passing fancy”. This might be acceptable in areas such as architecture, fashion, hobbies, or trends of other kinds, but a ‘passing fancy’ has no place in spirituality.
We are all at different ‘stages’ in our physical and spiritual lives. We did not begin our lives, physically or spiritually at the same time. None are at exactly at the same level of development or maturity. There are a number of reasons why this is. We all started at different points in time. We all learn in different ways and at different speeds. Some put a great deal of effort into studying so they can learn, while others take a more relaxed approach. This is why some children of God are struggling spiritually. Is this not what the Spirit had the prophet write: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”? (Hos. 4:6)
Bible study should never be a ‘phase’ in our lives but should be a constant. Unless we study God’s Word as we should, we cannot have Bible knowledge. Without Bible knowledge, we cannot be pleasing to God. Keeping the Laws and Commandments of God was not a ‘phase’ of Abraham’s life, it was his life, and it impacted the life of his son. In Gen. 26:4, the Promise God made to His “friend” Abraham, that his seed would be as the stars of heaven was repeated to Isaac. In Gen. 26:5 we see why. Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. Isaac was expected to know and to follow the ‘Commandments of God” also.
As God separated out a people, (Israel) through which to bring His Son into the world, and so fulfill His Promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God gave a Law that applied only to these people. God looked over, provided for, guided, and instructed these people as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised land. They were expected to know and follow God’s Commands every day of their journey. In Exo. 16:28 when some went out to gather manna on the Sabbath, the Lord questioned Moses - And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
We know that God had Commanded Israel. He also instructed as to how these Commandments were to be known as well as how His people were to remember them. In Deut 6:4-7 we find divine direction for God’s people of the Old Testament. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed by God to lead Israel. God Commanded Joshua in Josh. 1:7-8 how to lead Israel and how to be successful in them receiving what God had Promised. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua knew God’s Word, followed God’s Word and was successful as Israel’s leader and as a servant of God. It was not a ’phase’, but a way of life.
Likewise, in this dispensation of time, (the New Testament age), we are not to allow our Bible study to be a ‘phase’. Some make an annual ‘resolution’ to study the Bible more yet fail to do so. In 2Tim. 2:15 Timothy was admonished: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This also applies to us today. We cannot ‘know’ God’s Word, nor can we be ‘approved of God’ if our study is some sort of ‘phase’. Our Bible study needs to become a “way of life.
Get serious, let’s study God’s Word daily, rightly divide it (handle it aright), and follow it to be pleasing to God and prepare for eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ.
That "Unchangeable" Gospel
That “Unchangeable” Gospel
As we have entered a New Year, we all await the ‘changes’ that possibly may confront us as circumstances in our country and the world vary. This is true of jobs, family, and pretty much every aspect of life. However, not everything is subject to change. As the time drew near for the pen of inspiration to be laid down when God would cease ‘speaking’ to Israel, for many years, the Spirit had Malachi pen the Words we read in Mal. 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. God had made promise to Abraham and that promise was to be fulfilled, even in the face of Israel’s disobedience. The Promises of God are ‘unchangeable’.
Part of the fulfillment of that promise was the sending of His Son to die and purchase the church, wherein all could be saved. Gal. 3:26-29 shows how this Promise of God is fulfilled. Verse 29 states: And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.Because Christ is the “express image” of God (Heb. 1:3), He also does not change. Heb. 13:8 provides a simple but true declaration. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. God does not change. Christ does not change. Neither will the plan God ‘purposed’ from the foundation of the world to save souls change. This plan was first proclaimed in the Garden of Eden and will now be preached until the trumpet sounds.
One thing that seems to be the same this year as in the previous one, thus far, is that I lose track of time, fail to prioritize, and find myself behind schedule. Therefore, I searched through some of my wife’s father’s papers and found an article he penned many years ago that fit this week’s sermon idea but has also helped me get the bulletin out on time. This is one of the numerous ways he has assisted me in service to God. Perhaps like Abel of old, per Heb. 11:4, “he being dead yet speaketh”.
Hopefully, some will read the words of this article and wonder about God’s love for the souls of humanity and desire to know what God has declared in His unchanging gospel.
That “Unchangeable” Gospel
The greatness in the gospel is in the ONE who gave it,
And is the “good news” that Jesus rose again.
That death has been defeated and this gospel can now save us,
From the death and consequence of sin.
The “power” of God is inherent in the gospel,
As is the “life” that’s hidden inside the “grain”.
Albeit, the gospel is not “personal”, adaptable to others,
For God has ONE plan through which ALL are born again.
This gospel has but one “form”, or “pattern of sound words”,
One “mold”, the “design” re-producing the same.
(As the “master” tape is identical with every one that’s heard),
And ONE blueprint is sufficient, and ONE name.
ONE “parenthood” genders both sisters and brothers,
And a “common” faith proclaims a “common” Lord.
Things equal to the same things are equal to each other,
And “unity” is the result, as we walk in accord.
But, ‘tho we or an angel preach to you another gospel,
Than the one that we previously preached unto you,
The anathema of God shall be “called down” upon him,
Because he “took away from”, or “added unto”.
Our Command from the Lord is to carefully “try” the spirits,
And when we find that they “walk not in the Light”,
The Lord has decreed “Do not bid them godspeed”,
Until they turn from their sins and teach what is right.
So, until the “alien” obeys the gospel from the “heart”,
By being baptized into the “death” of Jesus Christ,
There is no forgiveness of sin, in whole, or in part.
(It was in Christ’s death that He shed His blood).
And, it is “in Christ” that one is a “new creature”, “old things” gone,
(Obeyed that “form of doctrine”, death, burial, and resurrection,
Death is repentance and immersion where Christ is “put on”),
That we’re “washed in His blood” and enjoy the spiritual “connection”.
O. D. Wilson – deceased
Don’t cling to this changing world, it will be destroyed. Why not embrace the “unchanging” gospel of Christ and live forever?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
What Are You Looking For In 2024?
What Are You Looking For In 2024?
I know the title of this article is not grammatically correct, but we all get the point, and besides, it rhymes. We are on the cusp of a New Year. This is the time of year many make ‘New Years Resolutions’. It is likely we all desire to improve ourselves in some areas during the coming year. Many of us resolve to exercise more, eat less, or to improve ourselves in some other fashion. Most of us fail to see these through for the whole year.
Usually, these ‘resolutions’ are made to address some sort of physical need or desire such as losing weight. Most of these are often abandoned as we reach the goal, or when we become bored because it is hard, or the goal has not yet been attained. I personally have discarded several New Years Resolutions for various reasons in the past, but still make one or two annually. This is because I always see a need. What better time to address this than at the beginning of a year? The key is to maintain the labor or exercise until the goal is attained.
One question we might ask ourselves as we ponder which ‘resolution’ we are going to make is, “what do I need most?” We all should want to do the things that are conducive to better health. We desire that our bodies operate at maximum efficiency, and are saddened when, due to age, accident, or injury, they do not. But should we not desire the ‘inner man’ to function at its best so the outer man can be better as well?
This should be something for which we all should work in the coming year. Is it not important that both parts of man be properly maintained? Even in the Old Testament, the Spirit had the psalmist declare what God desires for us all. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.(Psa. 51:6) Is this not something we all should look for in 2024? Per 2Cor. 4:16 our bodies will fail, but our soul needn’t. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
We all should be aware that physical health and well-being is extremely important, “For as the body without the spirit is dead,. . . ”, as Jas. 2:26a informs . But this is not the end of the ‘spirit’ (soul). In Eccl. 12:7 we are shown that the soul of man continues to exist after the death of the body. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. But this does not mean that all who die will spend eternity with God as many tend to believe. When Jesus was on earth and while He spoke to His disciples, in Matt. 10:28, He warned them about fear. He also told them some would spend eternity separated from God. 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.
While we focus on what we want to make us better as we move into a New Year, perhaps we should ask what God wants for us. God has promised man a great deal since He created mankind. 2Pet. 3:9 tells us God is not “slack” when it comes to His promises. This verse also tells us what God wants for us. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. It is important that all ‘look for repentance” and become His children per His Holy Word.
Now, why should we ‘look for’ this in 2024? The information is provided by the Spirit to Paul to deliver to the brethren in Corinth. All Christians should “look to do well in 2024 and every year, because as 2Cor. 5:10 tells us, 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. In the meantime, we should seek to ‘do good’ while we live our lives here so we can prepare to ‘appear before God’. (Eccl 5:18-19)
So, by what means are we to ‘do good’ as we look for whatever 2024 brings? Eph. 3:16 tells us that the source of our strength is provided by God Himself. He sent the Holy Spirit, Who provided Words of inspiration to Paul to write to these brethren as well as others. In this place, we see: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;. This strength is revealed to the ‘inner man’ by revelation of God. Per 1Cor. 2:10-11, God sent His Spirit to reveal God’s plan so man could know the plan of God for Salvation, and that for which all should be looking in any given year to make him or herself better. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
As we enter 2024, let us not forget the most important aspect of ourselves as what is our greatest need. To do this, we need to have the same attitude of the apostle Paul and what the Spirit had him write in Rom. 7:22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Should we not be looking for the same thing the Spirit had the psalmist declare in Psa. 119 10-11? He had him pen: With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
What are we looking for in 2024? Should it not be that which is most pleasing to God? Think about it.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Gifts From God
Gifts from God
The present time of the year has many folks focused upon gifts. It has become a tradition for many in this country and elsewhere to purchase or make items to give to people during this ‘holiday’ season. There are also quite a few businesses that have capitalized upon this. Some have started companies to participate in and promote the ‘gift giving’ season. Much money is spent on advertising to entice the public to participate, even to the point of going into debt to procure gifts for others. Often the gifts and the giving of them are directed toward people they love. Occasionally, some even give to others out of a sense of obligation.
It is amazing that so many are ignorant of what God has provided for all of humanity. The list of ‘gifts’ God has given to man is too numerous to list in an article. However, some need to be mentioned, so let’s begin at the start. In Gen. 1:1 we are told of the first gift God gave to man. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. To some, this may not seem to be much of a gift, but God created earth so man would have a place to live.
Years later when man had populated the earth, because the wickedness of man had become so great, God, in Gen. 6:5-7 determined to destroy earth and every living thing. However, because of his fidelity, in vs 8 we see that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Then we are told God gave man a great gift in 2Pet. 2:5 in that all did not perish. And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; Consider the gift of the fact that you and I would not even exist had all humanity been destroyed then.
Interestingly, in Gen. 3:15, God had already promised humanity a gift in the Garden following the sin of Adam and Eve. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This is speaking of the death of Christ.
As Christ was on earth, He taught about some gifts of God. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:43-45we read what He taught to His disciples. This portion of the Sermon was about love. God’s love for man has Him giving all humanity gifts daily as part of His general providence for man. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Everyone benefits from this gift from God.
Unfortunately, not everyone benefits from every gift of God even though the gift is offered to all. God loves man to the point that He sent the great gift of His Son as John 3:16 points out. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God provided this gift because He does not desire that any soul should be lost. We have assurance of this in 2Pet. 3:9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God’s Word has always declared the Christ and what He came to offer mankind.
However, as John 1:11 shows, some of Christ’s own people (the Jews) rejected Him. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Those who gladly receive Him according to John 1:12 are indeed given a wonderful gift. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Sadly, too many folks are taught that all one has to do to become a “son of God” is believe. That cannot be true, else the ‘devils’ could become ‘sons of God’. Jas. 2:19 tells us: “the devils also believe, and tremble”. One thing is certain. The folks who refuse to believe that Christ is the Son of God will die lost. This is a promise from Christ Himself in John 8:24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Many fail to realize that some of the promises of God are conditional. If one refuses to abide by God’s conditions, He will not grant the promise. Upon the beginning of the New Testament age, the apostles addressed all the Jews that were gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. At the conclusion of the sermon, some of the Jews were convinced that they had condoned the killing of the Son of God. In Acts 2:37b they asked: Men and brethren, what shall we do? The Spirit had Peter provide the conditions and the available gift in verse 38. He said: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.This gift is the ‘promise’ of eternal life. While we live on earth, we only have eternal life in promise. This is what 1John 2:25 tells us. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Rom. 6:23 tells us of God’s great gift to man and how it is procured. But it also shows us the ‘reward’ for iniquity. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Why not obey the gospel according to God’s conditions as laid out in His Word and become a ‘son of God’? For one to do otherwise is to reject God’s gift and spend eternity in Hell.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
What Would You Give?
What Would You Give?
Many are focused on the giving and getting of presents and gifts during this holiday season. During this time of the year, it is also common to hear folks remark on the ‘commercialization’ of the season. Those who make these comments are usually accusing others of “losing the spirit” of the season. Many are rushing here or there, buying this or that, or anxiously awaiting the arrival of that precious ordered item they anticipate will bring someone joy. Some go to great lengths and put a lot of effort into preparing and presenting foods for gatherings, all designed to make people ‘happy’ as they come together for a short time so they can have ‘joy’ or happiness, that is at best, fleeting.
I cannot think of anyone that does not desire happiness. But I can think of a number of folks that are refusing to ‘give up’ things of this life so they can be happy forever. As we seek to provide ‘momentary joy’ for others in providing gifts, we give our time and efforts to purchase or ‘kraft’ things for them. Folks often quote the Lord, and the Words given to the apostle Paul by the Spirit as he likely concluded his last conversation with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:35. He said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
How often do we give of ourselves to ensure that others can ‘lay hold’ on that which is not fleeting, but lasts forever? Also, how often do we put real effort into making sure we ourselves are preparing properly? The Spirit had Paul show how much he cared for the souls of others as He had him write: “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you;” in 2Cor. 12:15. Paul was ready to “give of himself” for the benefit of others. Paul, and others of the past went to great lengths, gave up much, and suffered much hardship so others could know of the gospel of Christ and be saved.
The gospel is taught so folks can make an informed choice. We are told the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16), but the gospel won’t save unless or until it is believed and obeyed. What are we willing to give or ‘give up’ to gain eternal joy? The things of ‘happiness’ of this life are indeed as fleeting as life itself. The things of this earth will pass away. But eternal things are forever. Perhaps this was what was on the mind of my wife’s dad, O. D. Wilson, as he penned the following poem many years ago. We should all ask ourselves what would we give to have eternal bliss? Each individual is responsible for his or her own soul. God and Christ gave all so you could have the choice. What would you give to have what they offer?
What Would You Give?
What would you give, ever to live
Free from all suff’ring and pain?
Where there’s no heartaches, wrongs to forgive,
No sad partings again.
But while we’re here things we hold dear
All must perish, vanish away.
Jesus has promised He will be near,
Walk with you all of the way.
What would you give to have a true Friend,
When you cross the Jordan so wide?
One on whom you can ever depend,
When you must cross the dark tide.
Jesus is that Friend Who will be true,
Land you safely over the foam.
All that you need He’ll give unto you,
Then you can live in that Home.
If you are lost, think of the cost,
That the Lord paid on that day.
Gave His own life to save us from Hell,
When we like sheep were astray.
Think of such love sent from above,
Now is the time to prepare.
Better obey the gospel today,
So He will welcome you there.
O. D. Wilson – deceased
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Unless you’ve lived under a rock, or “off the grid” for the past 50 years, when you see the title of this article, you’ll likely think of the hugely popular soul song by Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul”. Her version of the song was released in 1967 and became her signature song. Some may not know, but it was written and originally released by Otis Redding and was a crossover hit for him in 1965. The original version was a ballad and was rearranged by Aretha as an R & B tune, which also became a feminist anthem of the ‘70’s. Of course, due to its popularity, the song has been ‘covered’ by many different artists.
I won’t provide the entire lyrics here, but a few lines of the chorus as sung by Aretha Franklin should be more than enough to cause one to remember it. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Take care, TCB. (This abbreviation means “taking care of business"). This is the aspect of the song I wish to address. I want to draw attention to the “respect” one is to have for God and His Word as we live our lives on this mundane sphere. Can we not recognize all God has created and provided and have respect to Him? It is painfully evident that ‘respect for God and His Word’ is sadly absent from the lives of many today.
It is amazing what you’ll find about a word, topic or subject when it is looked up online. One online dictionary gives the following about respect. 1) a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. 2) giving due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of. 3) agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement). The third definition here applies to the Bible and what God has “COMMANDED” in His Word. If we have respect for God, we will do what He has commanded. We will do it out of love and deep adoration for what God has provided to all humanity in the physical, as well as the spiritual realm. As we live our lives, is it not “taking care of business” to respect God in every facet of life?
The question becomes: “How do I do this?”. As was pointed out, one of the definitions of respect is to agree to recognize and abide by (legal requirement). While researching “respect”, I find the ‘core’ of respect is about listening. We know people feel respected when they’ve been heard and understood. Is this any different with God? I don’t think so. The Spirit had Solomon pen the Words we find in Eccl. 12:13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. This cannot be done unless or until one has respect to God and His Law. God’s final Law of Salvation has been issued. It is in the New Testament and is laid out for the benefit of all mankind. Yet so few truly follow. In Isa 17:7, speaking of this wonderful time, the Spirit had him prophesy: “At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.”
Surely, we now understand why so many do not respect God. They are not listening to Him. He ‘speaks’ to us through His Word. In the past, God spoke by giving His Word to prophets as Heb. 1:1 shows. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,. But now, in these “last days”, speaks “by His Son” who has all authority. We can read this in Heb. 1:2 - Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;. Then we see in Heb. 2:3 that this Word was “confirmed” by those apostles whom the Lord Himself chose. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Therefore, refusal to ‘abide by’ what God has ‘spoken’ in His Word and passed down to us through inspiration is to fail to hear, or respect God. Many would rather listen to and follow man’s “opinion” as to how to serve God. Those who do so, fail to realize that they are ‘respecting’ man’s wishes and are refusing to show God the respect He deserves. Under both the Old and New Testaments, God, through His Holy Word, has commanded us to follow Him and not man. In the days of Christ (under the O.T. Law of God), Jesus in Mark 7:7 said: Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Were they showing ‘respect’ unto God or Christ in so doing? I think not! Is it any different today? Obviously not. In fact, the Spirit, in 2Pet. 3:1-2, had Peter write: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
Respect for God is “agreeing to recognize and to abide by” God’s Word. This cannot be done while “holding to” the “old life” and old ways. We can see in Eph. 4:21-23 how this can be accomplished. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation (manner of life) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Fill your mind with God’s Word and His Commandments. “Crucify the old man” and his deeds and do as God directs in His Word. Take care of the “business of life” and prepare for life hereafter. Respect God and His Word.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
