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Cause and Effect

Cause and Effect

     We’ve all likely heard of ‘cause and effect’. The definition of this phrase per Mariam Webster is: “the direct relationship between an action or event and its consequence or result”. Many today think that everything that happens does so because of something else. This is not a new phenomenon. In Job 4:7 we see Eliphaz accuse Job, supposing Job brought his present misery upon himself. We then read of Bildad’s accusation in Job 8:6, again assuming Job’s sins were the cause for which he was afflicted. Finally, in Job 11:3-14, Zophar opines that Job should be more greatly punished for ‘supposed’ sins he had committed.
     As we move to the time of Christ, this idea still prevailed. In John 9:1, as the Lord returned from the Mount of Olives, He passed by a man who was blind from birth. In verse two, the mindset of the Lord’s disciples which prompted a question was apparent. They asked Him if the man or His parents had sinned to bring this upon the man. Christ’s answer from verse three is noticeably clear. Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Christ simply used a ‘current situation’ for which no one was at fault and performed a miracle to glorify God.
     Sin is not ‘passed on’ from generation to generation as some falsely teach. This was made clear in Ezek. 18:20 long before the time of Christ. The Spirit had this prophet tell Israel: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Each is responsible for their own soul. This is not to say there is no ‘cause and effect’ associated with some disobedience. For instance, in Hos. 4:6 where God’s people (Israel) were “destroyed for lack of knowledge”, their children would be forgotten by God because the parents failed to instruct the children to seek God and His Word. The parent’s lack of teaching is the cause, and the effect is their children’s disobedience because they did not teach them the Word of God.   All parents ought to consider this.
     As adults we are required to make decisions. Our choices are the cause, and the result is the effect. This is true in business, marriages, and all other areas of life. This is especially true as we consider our souls. In Gal. 6:7-8 this is clearly taught. The Christians in these congregations were warned that the choices they made (cause) would have an eternal impact (effect) on their souls. Paul was directed to write: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Our choice to live ‘for the flesh’ (serve self), is not making any preparation for the afterlife. Failure to properly prepare in accordance with God’s Word is the cause, and eternity separated from God in a devil’s Hell is the effect.
     We need to be reminded that not everything that happens can be attributed to cause and effect. Eccl. 9:12 teaches that sometimes people die suddenly. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Some of these deaths are caused by accidents and such. Some might argue in these cases that such a death is the effect, and the accident was the cause. While it may be a bit ‘cliché’, death is simply a part of life. A birth is the beginning of life outside of the womb, and death is the cessation of life. Death has also been defined as a separation.
     This is certainly true in the physical realm as Jas. 2:26 teaches. This passage also teaches that ‘faith only’ is equally dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Death can also mean separation without the cessation of physical life as is depicted in Gen. chapter 3. Man had been warned and the woman also knew the warning from God. In Gen. 3:2-3 we find: And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. The closing verses in the chapter show that man (and woman) faced death (separation from God) as they were banished from the Garden forever. There was certainly ‘cause and effect’ in this situation as their ‘sin’ was the cause and their punishment was the effect.
     Each of us are going to face death. This is certain as life itself. In Josh. 23:14, shortly before his death, Joshua made this proclamation: And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: This is much the same as David stated as he charged Solomon in 1Kings 2:2-3 not long before David died. He told his son he was going to die, and that Solomon needed to follow God’s Ways for his own benefit. He said: I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; We too shall face death per Heb. 9:27.  Notice what else this passage teaches. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
     When time is no more and the Lord returns, earth will be destroyed, and the judgement will take place. In 2Cor. 5:10, the apostle warned those brethren of the ultimate in ‘cause and effect’. 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. Why not make the needed changes today? Whatever ‘effect’ or judgment you receive will be what you have caused.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Devil Made Me Do It

The Devil Made Me Do It!

       Most of us have likely heard the title of this week’s article.   Some of us have heard it from folks when they were caught doing something wrong or evil and are looking for an excuse for their actions which will deflect the blame from them.   This is also likely the idea behind a skit which turned into a catch phrase for the comedian Clerow “Flip” Wilson.   He often performed skits depicting several different personas in which this catch phrase was employed. His most popular character was ‘Geraldine Jones’ who utilized the phrase liberally. Another was ‘Reverend Leroy’, the materialistic pastor of the "Church of What’s Happening Now”. Flip passed from this life in 1998, but this idea and the ‘church’ which Flip suggested seems to be very prevalent in our world today.
       To adhere to such an ‘excuse’ as our title suggest is absolutely a result of a lack of sound Bible teaching. When asked “why” we did something, or “what made one do such a thing”, the way of man seems to be to deflect the blame toward another.   This was the case with Adam in the Garden when God asked him if he had eaten of the forbidden fruit. In Gen. 3:12 Adam seems to blame God as he says: “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.”  Oh, the lengths to which man will go to ‘lay the blame’ elsewhere. The ‘woman’ (Eve) came a little closer to saying “The Devil Made Me Do It!” as vs 13 shows:The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
     We need to consult the Word of God rather than to seek to claim the sin which we do is another’s fault. Jas. 1:13-16 indicates several things. 1) God is not the source of temptation. 2) Temptation comes from within the individual. 3) Temptation allowed to ‘run amok” results in sin. 4) Sin, not checked, and not repented of produces (spiritual) death. 5) It is within the individual’s power and ability to resist temptation and keep our thoughts under control. This makes it possible to ‘control’ our bodies and ‘make them’ do as we think.   This is how a sound Christian continues to ‘walk’ according to truth and not allow themselves to be enticed, bewitched, tricked, and deceived by Satan and his devices.
     We are reminded of this in 2Cor. 2:11 as the apostle Paul wrote as directed by the Holy Spirit.   The brethren there were being warned that we (Christians) can be ‘aware’ of Satan’s devices. What are these?   They are ‘all the tools’ and ‘tricks of the trade’ he uses to ensnare God’s people.  If we allow ourselves to remain ignorant of these, we give Satan the advantage. This is because the only power Satan (the devil) has over us is influence.   He exercises this over us in various ways. He cannot “MAKE US” do anything, but if he can “GET US” to do something contrary to God’s Word, he has us right where he wants us.
   We may wonder what methods he uses to influence.   In Eph. 2:2 he is called the “prince of the power of the air” which means his work is performed in this realm, the same in which we live.   In Job 2:2, before he was allowed to afflict the faithful servant, God asked Satan from whence he came.   His answer is very revealing. He said: “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” He was quite busy seeking to turn people on earth away from God. It didn’t work in Job’s situation, and it needn’t be so with us.
     We also should know that he (Satan) does not do all the work himself. We are aware that Satan presented himself as a serpent in the garden. We are told in 2Cor. 11:14 he is “transformed into” (appears as) “an angel of light”. But He also has many followers and workers. Verse 15 reveals how many of his “imps” appear to others and what will become of them as well as those who follow them. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  This is no doubt why we were given the admonition of 1John 4:1. We are to “try the spirits” to assure they teach and preach only God’s Word. This is necessary “because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
     Need we be reminded of how subtle a change was made in God’s Command in the Garden? The serpent (the devil) only added one word (NOT) and diverted the mind of the woman from the ‘Word of God’ to the ‘lusts of her own mind’. Along with that came her desire to get Adam to ‘go along’ and join in. Sin was the result then and sin is the result now.   When ‘false teachers’ alter the Word of God and ‘pervert’ it, and preach and teach it to others, Gal. 1:6-9 tells us they are “accursed”. This is well defined in the Words of Christ in Matt 25:41 as He spoke of “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Any deviation from God’s Word is sin.   This is why it is so important to study it, meditate upon it, and live by it.   But how can we do this when so much effort is made to thwart us?   This is how Satan wants Christians to think.  
     Don’t despair, God has provided all we need so that we won’t be influenced by Satan, if we will access it and use it. In Jas. 4:7 Christians have divine assurance that if we “Resist the devil, . . . he will flee from you.” We can only do this as we submit ourselves to God.  In Eph 4:27 we have the admonition: not to “give place to the devil.”  This is how in 1Cor 9:27, Paul (and we) could keep under his (our) body and bring it into subjection. We do this per Eph.6:11 as we “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  
     The devil CANNOT MAKE US DO ANYTHING and everyone has the same means from God to resist. In 1Cor 10:13 we see that all temptations have been used before, but also that God has provided a “way to escape” all that the devil presents before us to trip us up. That ‘way’ is God’s Word. We also see from 1John 3:8 Christ was “manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Don’t allow the devil to influence you to your own destruction.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Approved? But By Whom?

Approved?   But By Whom?

     Man seeks approval. This seems to be a taught trait. As man domesticates animals for work and as companions, he seeks to instill this in those creatures as well.   Man has even gone so far as to breed animals with certain qualities so they will be more obedient, attentive, protective, or playful. These animals are then taught to seek approval of its owners.   However, when all is said and done, and if the attempt to teach such to animals comes to nought, it matters little. When the beast dies, there is nothing beyond for it. In Eccl. 3:20-21 we are told that physical bodies all return to the same state.  Here we are also informed that the ‘spirit’ (soul) of man has a destination. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
     If the animal cannot be trained, or taught to seek approval of its owner, or it lives its entire life in the wild according to nature and the instincts with which it was born, it does not change its destiny. It simply lives, then dies, then that of which its body was composed, returns to the elements from which it came. The ‘spirit’ of life is all the animal has. It does not possess a soul.   On the other hand, man has the ‘spirit’ of life as well as a soul.   In Gen 2:7 we are told: “God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”   None of God’s creation, except humanity, was granted this.
     Because man was given a soul, he was also granted the faculties to reason, to think, to decide and to choose. Parents (hopefully) teach their children to seek approval in the right way and from the proper source. But not all approval is that which should be sought. In Gen. 4:5 we see that Cain sought approval of God (the right source), yet in the wrong way regarding his offering.   Cain sought approval according to his ‘own will” and not that of God. In Gen. 4:7a we find: If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.   Seeking wrong approval or acceptance is sin.
     Because man has choice, he can determine in what, and of whom he will seek to be accepted or approved. However, mankind will fare much better when properly informed before making such a decision with eternal consequences. Upon an examination of God’s dealings with His O.T. people (Israel) for the sole purpose of bringing the promised Messiah (the Christ), we find they often failed to seek the approval of God.   In fact, in Jer. 14:10-11, the prophet, guided by the Spirit, had a message for them.   He reminded them: “they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet”, which means they chose to NOT FOLLOW God’s Word or seek His approval. Therefore, God did “not accept them” and would “now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.” This means God would punish them.  
    In fact, their refusal to seek God’s approval in full accordance with His Word prompted God to tell the prophet: “Pray not for this people for their good.” They had hardened their hearts and refused God to the point that God had determined: “When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.” God’s own people, in failing to seek His approval, had brought upon themselves rejection from God and destruction of body and soul.   They had no one to blame but themselves as they were creatures who had been granted the power to choose.    
     In Rom. 15:4 we read that the things of the past recorded in God’s Word are for our learning.   We also see in 1Cor. 10:11 that the record of the outcome of the decisions of others were for our examples and written for our admonition. Will we not learn from others, or heed the admonition of God lest we make the same mistakes?   Sadly, some don’t.   In Jno. 8:44a, nearing the end of the O.T. Law of God, Christ called out some of the Jews of His day who failed to properly follow God and in so doing was approved of the devil. He said: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” Christ had observed their actions and knew their thoughts, so His judgement was righteous.  
     In Rom. 6:16, the brethren of that city were reminded that the one of whom they sought approval and to whom they yielded, would be whom they served. Again, choice is a factor.   We see in vss 17-18 that they had once ‘served’ sin, but when they “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” they were made “free from sin”.   In other words, when they were ‘baptized into Christ’ in which they contacted His blood, in full accordance with the N.T. doctrine, their past sins were remitted.   In so doing, they had full approval of God. This is stated in a slightly different way in Eph. 4:22-24. There we see we are to “put off” the “old man” and his “conversation” (manner of life) and be “renewed in the spirit of your mind”.   This means when we are taught what God approves (and are shown it in His Word), if we seek God’s Approval, we will do as God Commands. If not, we are seeking our own approval.   Surely none desires to suffer the fate of being rejected of God because we didn’t seek His approval or obey Him.
       In Acts 10:34-35, as Peter stood before Cornelius and his house to preach that soul saving message of the gospel, the Spirit had him say: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” To “fear God and work righteousness” is to be obedient to God’s Word. Why will you not seek God’s approval by obeying the gospel, and then remaining faithful to His Word today? To seek approval of self, or of man is to bring condemnation upon your eternal soul.  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Talk About A Winner!

Talk About a Winner!

     In life, many seek to be a winner. However, the question needs to be asked: “What constitutes winning”? To many, this is “coming out ahead” in the various areas of life. For some, it is a certain level of success in the business world. To others, it is wealth or power. To still others, winning is becoming the best at a particular sport and wearing the title “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) for a while.
     How many fail to realize that earth’s successes are fleeting? How many fail to see that after we leave this life, whatever ‘earthly success’ we might have enjoyed is over? Who can “inherit” this? None can “win” by basking in the success of those who came before them. One also cannot win by leaving others material goods or monies. In Eccl. 2:18-19, the Spirit had Solomon pen wise Words to help us through this aspect of life. Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. 19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
     The one who inherits goods, wealth, or properties from another cannot call themselves winners. All that ‘stuff’ will perish when the Lord destroys the earth and the ‘works therein’ with fire. One can only truly benefit in this life from the influence of others (if it’s the right influence). This is where we can become winners. When the influence ‘directs us correctly’ to the Word of God, and if we “choose” to read, study, meditate on and “do” what God Commands we are ‘winners’ in this life and are preparing for the ultimate win – eternity with God.
     This is perhaps the idea behind the poem here – written by my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, many years ago. He didn’t amass much in this life, and he was not able to ‘leave’ his children ‘worldly’ goods or monies. But what he left them, (a deep and abiding love for God’s Word), and his preparation for that eternal home made him a winner. Won’t you seek to be a winner too?

Talk About A Winner

The crowd continues waiting,
And excitement’s in the air.
A celebrity’s debating,
When to make the ‘entrance’ there.
Every eye has been directed,
To behold some thrilling things,
When the ‘star’ who is expected,
Comes from “waiting in the wings”.

In the game the score is “tied”.
Two are “out” and three are “on”.
“on the deck” one will decide,
With the bat he brings along.
As the crowd stands in the bleachers,
Now, the pitcher makes his “wind”,
Some are disappointed creatures,
For their team is four behind.

The horses are all a “prancing”,
As they’re guided in the “chute”,
Betters know what they are chancing,
Hoping to collect the “loot”.
They wait for a grand performance,
And to watch them as they run.
While the “purse” remains enormous,
Someone, first, must “fire the gun”.

The Trumpet has just sounded,
And the earth is “wrapped in flames”,
Teaming millions from all ages,
Stand there, listening for their ‘names’.
Time has ended, and Eternity,
Is waiting, just before,
As the “Judge” raps with His gavel,
“Will you read that name, once more?”

In life’s battles there are “losers”,
Many of us do not win.
Maybe, we are just poor “choosers”,
Between right and wrong and sin.
There’ll be nothing to compare,
Or, such grandeur so sublime.
At that “meeting in the air”,
When the next name called is mine.

Poem by: O.D. Wilson (deceased) –
Article by: Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Are You On Target?

Are You On Target?

       To hit a target, one must aim.   Of course, we’ve all heard the adage: “Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and again”. This means that accidentally, one might possibly hit a target without aiming.   However, often, as one takes his eye off the target, a miss occurs.   We apply this in many areas of life. We instruct our children to “keep your eye on the ball” as we teach them to catch or hit that little orb. This requires patience on the part of the parent or coach and takes persistence and determination on the part of the child.
     When we contemplate taking a job, there is also a ‘target’ in mind. This may be a certain salary or position within a company. The most common advice given is to “keep your eye on the goal” as the appropriate “rungs on the ladder” are taken to achieve the objectives. This also takes patience and perseverance. In many cases, when one perceives themselves as advancing toward the desired purpose, they gain confidence and are more likely to keep their focus.  
     We need to apply this idea in the realm of religion as well. Are we naïve to the point of thinking, like much of the world, that all are going to go to heaven after life is over? To those who think this way, heaven is not even a goal, but a certainty.   Is this why the Spirit had Paul write in Phil. 3:12 that he had not yet “attained”?   Why would he be “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before”?   Would there be any need to “press toward the mark for the prize” as stated in vss 13 & 14?
     Would there have been any reason for the Spirit to have Paul write what we see in 1Cor 9:24ff to the brethren there: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”? Why ‘run’ if heaven is already assured?   Why “keep under my body and bring it into subjection” if there is no penalty for disobedience?  Why even mention the possibility of being a “castaway” if there’s not a goal to be attained? Why would any “strive” for that incorruptible crown if it’s guaranteed to all? God has given us His Word so we can know there is a goal and how to reach it.
       Surely, we all can see the fallacy in thinking that heaven is certain regardless of what we believe or do. Therefore, we need to have a target. We also MUST CHOOSE THE CORRECT TARGET because our soul’s eternal destiny depends on it. We then need to take care to keep this target in sight. This is obviously why the Spirit had Paul tell the brethren of Colossae at what to aim in Col. 3:2 - Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  The things on the earth will not last. Jesus spoke of this in Matt. 6:19-21, in the Sermon on the Mount. He clearly pointed out to the Jews that believed on Him and gathered to hear Him that earth’s treasures are temporary. He also stated that the treasures of heaven are eternally secure. This was to be their target, and in Matt. 6:33 He told them specifically what that target was. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  The ‘kingdom of God’ is speaking of the church.
       Now that we have firmly established, 1) The need to have a target, and 2) the necessity of having the correct target, we can ask the question: Are You On Target? This question is relevant and needs to be asked because once a target or goal is determined, it is possible to lose focus.   Christ also addressed this in the Sermon on the Mount.   Just after telling those Jews to ‘lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven’, He spoke of the ‘singleness of the eye’. This part of the sermon is about focus and allegiance.   In Matt 6:24 we find it is impossible to maintain our fidelity to God and serve ‘self’, money, or power at the same time.  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 
      I said earlier that in many situations it is possible to accidentally hit a target without aiming. That target of ‘salvation of the soul’ that God has provided for man is the exception to that rule. Heaven cannot be ‘accidentally’ attained. One cannot ‘inadvertently be added to the church. In Matt. 7:21, once again from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; (the church) but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  One MUST ‘Take Aim’ and do as God directs in His N. T. Word to ‘become’ part of the church. Remember, one must ‘become before they can be’.

     John 1:12 clearly states that what Christ gave to man through His Sacrifice was not Salvation, but the “power to become the sons of God”. Christ shed His blood in His death on the cross.  John 1:13 tells us one must be “born of God”.  This is only accomplished in baptism ‘into Christ’. Rom. 6:3-4 shows how this spiritual birth occurs. In Baptism ‘into Christ’ (spiritual birth), one contacts the blood of Christ. The difference in physical birth and spiritual birth is that in the former, one does not “choose” to be born. They are a product of their parents.   In spiritual birth, we CHOOSE to be born, and when.  One can only be born spiritually as God depicts in His Word (John 3:5 & 1Pet. 1:23)
       Following our spiritual birth, we have ‘taken aim’. After this, we MUST remain on target (remain faithful) to God and His Word if we expect to receive the prize of heaven. The prize of heaven is not given until the Lord returns. One way of doing this is to “keep your eye on the target”. By the way, there are two ‘targets’ on which one can look. Heb. 10:27 shows God’s adversaries can “look for” the ‘fiery indignation” of God to “devour” them.   1Thess 4:15-18 is where we find the other ‘target’, to be forever with the Lord.  Are you on target?   If so, which one?   Make sure you are focused on the right target.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Same Thing - Only Different?

Same Thing – Only Different?

         Have you ever heard someone say this? What does this even mean? Does it mean ‘similar’? If so, why not say similar? Has it not occurred to some that the “same thing” is not a “different thing”? Perhaps those who support, defend and use some of these so-called bibles prescribe to the idea that similar is OK. They use the ‘version of the Bible’ they prefer (follow their own will) and expect all to be ‘on the same page’. Some offer the idea that we just don’t understand things alike. To me this is equally confusing. One either understands something or they do not! Things are the same or they are different.
       As we look into God’s Word, notice that the word ‘different’ is not found in the sacred text even once.   1Cor. 4:7 is the only place the word ‘differ’ can be found. The brethren there were asked: “For who maketh thee to differ from another?”  On the other hand, in 1Cor. 1:10 these same brethren were told to speak the “same thing” and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”  Additionally, in Phil. 3:16, even as the Word was first being delivered, we see how this is accomplished. They were told “let us walk by the same rule (God’s Word), let us mind the same thing.
       Earlier, I mentioned so-called Bibles. There are many ‘versions’ (perversions) of the Word of God.  For instance, the prophecy of Isa. 7:14 of the KJV Bible reads. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  Contrast that with what is found in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) for the same verse. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.  This is not even a prophecy! “Young women” have been bearing children since shortly after Adam and Eve sinned and were banished from the Garden of Eden. There are many other examples of this in many of the ‘perversions’ of God’s Word, but time and space prevents a listing of them here.
        I want to know, What is the “Standard Version” of the Bible, and why did it need to be revised in the first place. Also I ask, was there ever an “Old” Revised Version?  I have been able to determine that this particular mutation, (or perversion) of the Bible came into being in 1989 and was derived from the “Revised Standard Version” 2nd edition, which came out in 1971. The NRSV updated version was released in 2021 and is now called the NRSVue.    From Wikipedia, we find that the NRSV is a translation of the Bible in contemporary English.   It was published by the “National Council of Churches”, (the largest ecumenical body in the United States) and was produced by a committee “comprising about thirty members”.
       By contrast, the KJV Bible was commissioned in 1604 and published in 1611.  There was an ‘update’ in 1769 to change spelling from Olde English, and to make a few typesetting changes, but not to alter or ‘revise’ the content. The Word of God has been ‘translated’ on many occasions, and into many languages. However, a translation is not an alteration or changing of the text. A translation is not the “same thing - only different”. A translation is the “same thing” but presented in a different language.
     Man has been “commanded” in the Old and New Testaments not to “add to or take away” from or “alter” God’s Word. There are serious ramifications for so doing. A ‘revision’ of God’s Word is an alteration. True ‘translation’ is not alteration. The Holy Spirit provided ‘translation’ of the N.T. Word of God before it was even written. We are told in Acts 2:5 as the Jews had assembled for Pentecost as Commanded under the Law of Moses, Jews from ‘every nation under heaven’ were gathered.    In verses 6-8, the multitude heard in their own tongues (languages) as the apostles spoke.  It was also noted that these apostles were Galileans.   It is affirmed that each heard “in our tongues the wonderful words of God” in verse 11. They did not hear the ‘same thing – only different’ but heard the same thing (the Word of God), each person hearing in their own language.
         Additionally, from Acts chapter 3 and 4 we read of the healing of the lame beggar at the gate called Beautiful, the preaching from Solomon’s porch, and the conversion of about five thousand. The Jewish council was “grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2).   In Acts 4:13 the council perceived that Peter and John were “unlearned and ignorant men”.  This simply means that these apostles were not recipients of “higher education”.   There is nothing wrong with education, but one can be educated and remain ‘ignorant’. According to Felix, as he chided the apostle Paul in Acts 26:24 he said: “much learning doth make thee mad”.  Again, education is not a bad thing (if it is the right education). The proper application of the learning is what makes the difference.
       A little later, in Acts 26:28, Agrippa told Paul “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”. Paul’s inspired answer is in vs 29. “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”     Is ‘almost’ the same thing – only different than ‘altogether’?   Is a “religious person” the same thing – only different than a Christian?   Is “to live a good clean life” the same thing – only different than to obey and serve God according to His Word?      Think about it!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

It Cannot Be Passed On

It Cannot Be Passed On

      I recently heard a sermon on the Holy Spirit. It was preached by a ‘long-time’ Christian and proclaimer of the Word. In this sermon, some things were said that caused me to ‘cock an eyebrow’ and made me listen more intently. I began to hear things that were at best, questionable. As usual, some of these things were stated as passages were ‘pulled out of context ‘and therefore misapplied. Some of the passages used were taken from various ‘modern’ so-called versions of the Bible, designed to ‘pull’ folks in a certain direction. These have caused untold damage to the church. Other things seemed to be stated because of the present trend to ‘go with the crowd’ on certain subjects. Regardless, it was disturbing because this was being ‘aired out’ on the internet for all to hear.
     How much ‘misinformation’ does it take to lead one astray? How often does one need to repeat error before it becomes ingrained? Why regurgitate what some well-respected, well-intentioned, yet mistaken, brother of the past wrote if it does not align with God’s Word on a subject? Can we not see that the repeating of error is just as wrong as falsehood when it was first proclaimed? How many times have we seen preaching of a ‘little error’ lead to even more? “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9 & 1Cor 5:6b) should come to mind.  We need to call attention to error to refute it (and do it properly with the Word of God – book chapter and verse) so others can be warned.
     We know that the Spirit of God, His Work, functions, and operations were given in ‘measures’ at a certain time for a specific purpose. Yet when reading about the Spirit, Who was responsible for these, some want to claim the same for us today. While some reject the ‘miraculous’ works of the babyhood of the church, they profess to have His ‘bodily presence’ living in their ‘heart’ today. They even use such passages as Rom. 8:9 as proof text. When asked: “What does the Spirit do for you that the Word cannot and does not do?” The reply is something like: “He is just a ‘comfort’ for me to have Him there.”   Is there any comfort in that which is against the Word of God?
     I suppose in such a case, the Spirit is a ‘house guest’ in one’s ‘heart’. Is there anyone that can find this for me in the Word of God?   Per Rom. 15:4, we have hope and comfort, and develop patience through the Word the Spirit brought. I think not!    We do know that the Spirit brought the Word. We don’t need to forget that the Spirit is the author of the scriptures. We are reminded of this in 2Tim 3:16-17. This passage ‘passes on’ some valuable information.   It tells us 1) All of God’s Word is inspired (God breathed). This means that all of it was delivered by the Spirit by inspiration. 2) Scripture is profitable in several areas for our good. 3) The purpose of this is that the “man of God may be perfect” (whole or complete – not sinless) and “throughly furnished” or totally supplied with all we need. 2Pet. 1:3-4 also affirms this.
     It seems to me that some want the “personal indwelling” so they can lay claim to having something ‘religious’ as part of them. Again, what does He do “within you’ that cannot and does not occur through the Word? Perhaps they want the Spirit to do all the work so they can be saved. They may want the Spirit to ‘guide them’. Does the Word not do that per Psa. 119:105? Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.    Since they claim to have the “indwelling of the Spirit”, how long till they claim to have the “direct operation of the Spirit” as was needed in the ‘baby church’ in absence of the written Word?    It’s just a matter of time.   Perhaps this is the idea behind this poem, written by my wife’s father (O.D. Wilson) many years ago. It is very apparent that these misunderstandings go way back. We need to use all means to refute error and teach truth. The poem bears the same title as this article.

It Cannot Be “Passed On”!

Tell me which apostle laid his hands on you,
All the 12 are gone, we know this is true.
Jesus gave them power through the Holy Ghost,
To “lay hands” on some when it was needed most.

When the 12 “laid hands” on Philip, it is said.
He could “heal” the sick, and even raise the dead.
But he couldn’t “pass on” this power we find,
For only the 12 had this gift divine.

Simon saw that through the 12 apostle’s hands,
Gifts were given, so he tried to buy the “plan”.
Peter told him, gifts of God no one could buy,
So, repent and pray, or you will surely die.

Oral, Jim, and Tammy tell us it is true.
One of Christ’s apostles laid his hands on you?
Why then offer unto us a different way,
Than the Spirit gave the 12 back in their day?
                               Acts chapter 8:14-22

       1Cor. 13:10 tells us when the “perfect” came (the completed Word of God) “that which is in part (gifts of the Spirit) shall be done away”.  Want blessings of God?  Look into the “perfect law of liberty”, the Bible (Jas. 1:25), continue therein, and “do the work”. The blessings await! If we believe the Word of God, why not fully follow it?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

That Just Doesn't Add Up

That Just Doesn’t Add Up!

      We have many phrases from mathematics that are used in everyday speech. We’ve all likely heard: “It takes two to tango”, or that “possession is nine-tenths of the law”, or the phrase “six of one and half a dozen of the other”. These and others use mathematical terms to make a point, but they don’t use arithmetic.
     Arithmetic, by definition, is: the branch of mathematics dealing with the properties and manipulation of numbers, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, and a few other means of dealing with numbers. As a young student, I struggled a bit with anything beyond “basic math”. I still do! One of my teachers told me that mathematics was like ‘another language’. I guess it wasn’t meant for me to be bilingual.
      Nevertheless, upon being introduced to a basic calculator, I have been able to get by. I can ‘figure’ things out as needed. Of course, there are others who are well versed in mathematics and in the use of numbers for several tasks such as taxes etc. as the need arises. But even with my inadequacies in the numbers department, I can still see when things “just don’t add up”. This phrase is often used when things don’t make sense. We readily apply this idea in matters of daily life, but many refuse to do so when it comes to religion.
      In Acts 2:41, Acts 2:47, Acts 5:14, and Acts 11:24 we read of those who were added to the church or added to the Lord, which is the same thing, as the church is the body of Christ. In these passages it is stated or implied that the Lord is the one who did the adding. This was done when these folks heard (listened) to what God’s Word says, believe what it says and does what it Commands. This was affirmed by Christ in Matt. 7:21 in that great Sermon on the Mount. He said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. To hear, plus believe, plus obey is to do the Will of God,   Who would have all come to repentance and desires that none perish according to 2Pet. 3:9.
      What doesn’t “add up” is how the world tries to apply God’s Word. We are told in 2Tim. 2:15 for one to be approved of God, one must ‘rightly divide’ God’s Word. While this is an arithmetic term, used in this way it means one will ‘handle aright’ the Word of God. How can one apply their own plan and claim to be handling God’s Word properly? Will such bring one to Salvation? Is one allowed to substitute rather than what God has required? I think not! One cannot substitute salt for sugar in the baking of a cake and expect to produce a cake that is delicious. One cannot deviate from the pattern and expect to make a garment that fits.
      I am not allowed to deviate from the ‘laws of mathematics’ to suit myself. If I determine that two plus two equals five, or that there are fifteen inches to a foot and determine to quantify items by my own standards, how well shall I fare? I suspect that I would reach opposition on every front. I could not count monies properly. I could not deal with my fellow human beings properly on a variety of levels. Most can see the fallacy of using the wrong standard in our dealing with others. When the wrong standard is used in much of life, folks say that just doesn’t add up.
      Why then, do people take God’s Word, alter it, and mold it to fit them? This just does not add up.   In Rom. 12:2, the Spirit had Paul warn the church in Rome about this. They were not to “conform to this world”. Rather, they were to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”.  This means they were to align their minds to what God says in His Word and do it. To conform to the world is to look like, walk like, talk like, and be like the world. If we mold ourselves to the world, won’t we suffer the same fate as the world?   In 1John 2:15 the church has the divine direction to not love the world or the things of the world.   The passage goes on to tell us that if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.   So, loving the world (sin) and the things of the world (sinful things) just doesn’t add up.   This just doesn't add up because 2Pet. 3:10 tells us when the Lord comes, the ‘earth and the works therein shall be burned up’.
      It doesn't add up when folks refuse to believe the truth.    2Thess. 2:12 warns that those who have ‘pleasure in unrighteousness’ and ‘believed not the truth’ will ‘be damned’.   It just doesn’t add up why would any embrace, hold to, and place their future in that which is promised by God to be utterly destroyed when the Lord returns and time is over. It just doesn’t add up when many religious folks claim to be disciples (followers) of the Lord yet alter His Word to fit their whims.  When the Christ was on earth, in John 8:31-32, we have the record of what He said to some who believed on Him. He said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
     What does make sense mathematically as well as biblically is that addition in rapid succession or to a great degree equals multiplication. In other words, why say 2+2+2+2+2+2+2+2=16 when you can say 2 X 8 =16? It makes perfect sense, as the number 2 increases, it multiplies. By the same token, when the Word of God is applied properly in the minds of people, disciples are made.   If the Word is allowed to increase, as in Acts 6:7, disciples are ‘multiplied’ as they are “obedient to the faith”. This is also how the church grew in the first century and how it can grow today.   Now, this adds up!     Any other equation simply just doesn’t add up. Won’t you obey the gospel today and be ‘added’ to the church by the Lord?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

How Prepared Are You?

How Prepared Are You?

       From before the time we entered this world in birth we have been being prepared and preparing. Upon conception and until delivery we were growing in the womb and being made ready to arrive in this world. When that great day came, our parents began preparing us for life in this world and all the stages of life leading up to adulthood. This includes the feeding and cleaning of us, the clothing of us appropriately, and the teaching which contributed greatly to our initial learning. They prepared us to begin school and receive further teaching.
      As we attended school, or received continuing education in other forms, it was for our good and our advancement. This also is preparation. Most of us have participated in various phases of schooling to prepare us for the next level of learning. Hopefully we persevered to the end and received a diploma or its equivalent so we would be considered ready for some degree of maturity. It seems that some, regardless of the amount of education, have not advanced as they should have. Sadly, these are unprepared for productivity in our society.
      We have other areas in which preparation must be made. We have annual hurricanes in certain parts of the country. Having lived in a hurricane prone area for several years (in Florida), I am very aware of the value of preparation. We also saw what happened to those who waited until the last minute to prepare. The materials needed for proper protection are in short supply because those who have prepared have used them up. Or, in the case of ‘waiting until the last minute’, we realize we haven’t the time to adequately prepare.
      Hopefully, we try to prepare for all the seasons and the changes that occur annually. We have our A/C units serviced before they break down in the Spring or our home heating units ‘checked out’ before the need to fire them up for the chill of Winter. The same can be said regarding our vehicles. It is wise to make preparation for the inevitable if possible. Lack of preparation in these areas is likely to only make us a little uncomfortable at times.
      Failure to prepare for eternity has everlasting consequences. Why can’t some folks see the need to make preparation for eternity? Many seem to embrace the idea that they have plenty of time. Jas. 4:14 makes it clear that we know not what the next day may bring. Could time for us possibly run out? What happens to our soul if we fail to make proper preparation? We will come to the sudden realization of our error too late. This is what happened to the ‘rich man’ of Luke chapter 16. He was in torments and agony to the point that a single drop of water would cool his tongue and provide some sort of relief. When was the time for preparation? Luke 16:27-29 shows that while in this life one can prepare as this man had five brethren who had not yet died and were not in the place of departed souls. They could still prepare.
      This same idea is conveyed in Eccl 9:12. Here, fish are ‘taken’ in a net, and birds are ‘caught’ in a snare. Neither of these knew their lives were in danger and their life force was about to be terminated. However, there is a big difference between a fish or bird or other animal and man. When animals of any kind are killed or die, they simply are no more. The only preparation any of them need to make is what God instilled in them (instinct) to make it from one phase of life to another until life for them is over. They have no soul!
      With man, it is far different. Preparation is made for the ‘here and now’ as well as the hereafter. Upon creation, none of the beasts of the field, the fowls of the sky, or the fishes of the sea were given a soul. We find in Gen. 2:7 that when God created man, He “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Then, from Eccl 12:7 we see that the dust  from which man was created returns to the earth from which it came, but the “spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
      Now before any get the wrong idea, let me point out that the fact that the soul returns to “God who gave it”, doesn’t mean those souls will spend eternity with God. Need we be reminded of the Words of Jesus in Matt. 10:28 as He warned His disciples of the harm that would come upon them for loudly and faithfully proclaiming the soul saving message of the gospel? He said: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Surely, we understand from this that not all souls will spend eternity in the same place. This is why we must make preparation while there is time – While we live our lives.
      In Eze 18:4 the Spirit had the prophet warn Israel that “all souls” belong to God. But he also warned them “the soul that sinneth, (remains in or continues in sin) it shall die.” We are aware that we are all going to die physically, so this statement must mean an eternal separation from God (such as the rich man’s soul in torment). This also means there must be criterion for determining which souls will be with God for eternity and which will not. Indeed, there is.
      The Spirit, in 2Cor 5:10, had the apostle Paul write to Christians in Corinth so they would see the need to stay prepared. He wrote: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. One must become prepared before they can remain prepared.
How prepared are you? If you’ve not obeyed the gospel, you’re not! If you have once obeyed the gospel, then not continued faithfully, daily, diligently in the Word of God, doing as Commanded out of love for God, you’re still not prepared! Make proper biblical preparation now while there’s still time.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Do You Have A Reservation?

Do You Have A Reservation?

      Have you ever been asked this question? Of course, if one’s dietary desires are more toward Burger King, Chick Fil-et, Taco Bell, or Cracker Barrel, it is likely they won’t be asked this. There’s nothing wrong with these places to eat, but upon arrival you’ll usually only have to ‘sign up’ for a wait list if the restaurant is full, or your table needs to be cleaned. On the other hand, if your palate is geared more toward a more upscale restaurant where T-shirts, flip flops, and cargo pants aren’t acceptable attire, you may have to have your table reserved. A reservation means that something has been ‘set aside’ for you. For some fancy restaurants and hotels where you need a reservation, you call ahead and ask them to set aside a table or room for you at an arranged time. These reservations are recorded and ‘checked off’ as they are physically filled.
      Now, let’s apply this spiritually. The word “reservation” itself is not found in the Bible. However, the concept of having something ‘set aside’ is not absent from the Word of God.   First, let’s deal with the type of reservation all should desire to have. In 1Pet. 1:3-5 we are told of a ‘lively hope’ provided by the resurrection from the dead. Then we read of an undefiled, incorruptible inheritancereserved’ in heaven, which will be ‘revealed’ in the last time (or last day). We know this was written to those who have a reservation in heaven. How did they receive this reservation? In Heb. 12:23, those who were part of the church for which Jesus died had their names “written in heaven”.
      When, where and how were these names written in heaven?    Phil. 4:3 tells us the ones who labored with Paul ‘in the gospel’ had their names in the ‘book of life’. These were placed there ‘when’ they obeyed the gospel.   The ‘where’ is the book of life.   How does this happen? They were added (Acts 2:47) by the Lord when they ‘gladly received’ the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:41) and were baptized into Christ. This occurs when one is ‘delivered from the power of darkness’ and are ‘translated’ into Christ’s kingdom (Col. 1:13). When one is ‘born again’ (baptized into Christ), they receive a reservation from God.
      Of course, a reservation can always be revoked by the one who issued it. In a restaurant or a hotel where a reservation is required, one who fails to, or refuses to abide by the conditions of the reservation will lose theirs. In Rev. 3:5 the Lord had John write to the church in Sardis regarding the pending fall of Jerusalem.   Each congregation in the letter was warned of the persecution that was to ‘shortly’ come upon them. The Sardis congregation was promised that those who persevered would not have their names ‘blotted out’ of the book of life. This implies that those in the church who did not persevere, or who did not continue to overcome would have their reservation in heaven revoked. This destroys the idea of ‘once saved – always saved’ doesn’t it?
      Secondly, we understand that there is also a reservation for the ‘heavens and the earth’.  Much has been declared, written, and speculated regarding the final demise of the world in which we live. These prognosticators need only to inquire of the Word of God to see what is ‘reserved’ for what God has created.    In 2Pet. 3:7 we see that our world is reserved unto fire.   Just a few verses after this in 2Pet. 3:10, we are told that the heavens and earth will pass away, the elements (of which all things consist) shall melt, and the “earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up”.   In 2Pet. 3:11 we see ‘all’ these things will be dissolved. This is not a reservation for the earth to be renovated as so many falsely teach, but a reservation for total annihilation issued by God and to be carried out by Him at the appointed time. This will not be revoked as it is a solemn promise from God Himself.
      Finally, there is a reservation some make for themselves which they do not really want to keep. In 2Pet. 2:9 we are told that God “knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”   1Cor. 10:13 tells how God ‘delivers’ the ‘godly’ out of temptations. He makes “a way of escape” (directions are found in His Word) if followed, so we can bear (overcome) every temptation. But the ‘unjust’ are those who have a reservation they’d rather not keep. This is because of what we read in 2Thess. 1:8-9. The vengeance of God will be upon all who “know not God” (those who serve self or Satan), and those who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. All these will then “be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
      Their refusal to do as God Commands in His Word is how they made this ‘reservation’ for themselves. An apt description of such folks is provided for us in Jude, verses 11-13. “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
      You do indeed have a reservation, but which one? The beauty of God’s plan for mankind is that as you live your life on earth, you have the choice of which reservation to make. God ‘keeps the books’ and makes sure you keep the reservation you make. Why not read and study His Word and be obedient to it before it is too late? Failure to fully obey God and His Word is to make a reservation in eternal Hell!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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