The Race Is On

The Race is On

       It is possible that upon reading the title of the article, you might recall the song of this title.   It matters not what genre of music appeals to you, because the song has been covered by a variety of bands over the years.   Surprisingly, this song made popular by George Jones back in 1964, was also covered by the Grateful Dead, and later, the “Chipmunks” (Alvin, Simon, and Theodore), among others.  The idea in the song is that of a thoroughbred race used as a metaphor for the singer’s issues in his romantic relationships.   In case you’ve never heard of the song, I’ve inserted some of the lyrics here.  

I feel tears wellin' up cold, deep inside
Like my heart's sprung a big break
And a stab of loneliness, sharp and painful
That I may never shake

You might say that I was taking it hard
Since you wrote me off with a call
But don't you wager that I'll hide in sorrow
When I may lay right down and bawl

Now the race is on
And here comes pride in the backstretch
Heartache's goin' to the inside
My tears are holdin' back
They're tryin' not to fall

My heart's out of the runnin'
True love's scratched for another's sake
The race is on and it looks like heartache
And the winner loses all

      While this song and the idea to use a horse race to describe heartbreak and pain is cute and ‘playful’, there is a serious race in which all Christians are involved.   It is one that has ‘eternal’ consequences.   We cannot afford to be ‘cute’ or ‘playful’ as we run this race.   We only have one chance to run, which is the entirety of our lives once we become accountable souls.  The pain and the heartbreak that ensues if we lose this race is one that lasts forever. 
     The Bible speaks of a “race” on several occasions. The 1^st of these is found in Psa. 19:5 where race is used to describe the ‘bridegroom’, who rejoices as a strong man to run a race. The strong man here, is happy and excited as he knows by his strength, he is likely to win the race.   The bridegroom, having just received his bride, has already won.     The 2^nd, found in Eccl. 9:11, is about life in general, as is all of the book.   Here it points out that no matter how hard we strive in life, everyone’s time on earth ends the same. “but time and chance happeneth to them all.”  Regardless of our successes or failures, we all have an appointment with death.   Both of these passages deal with life on this earth, and while written directly to God’s O.T. people, Israel, application can be made by all. 
     The final two occurrences of ‘race’ are found in the N.T., therefore they are given in context of “Christian living”, or how one is to live as a Christian. One is 1Cor. 9:24 and is introduced by the Spirit by having Paul announce the things he did was for the sake of the gospel that he, and the ones to whom he wrote could be partakers together.   The idea is that all must run to be ‘in the race’.   In other words, if you are not “in Christ”, you’re not even in the race and the ‘prize’ cannot be yours.   He points out “one receiveth the prize”, and this is only true in earthly contests or races.  The “winner” receives the crown or trophy.   However, as is pointed out in 1Cor 9:25, those in earthly contests do so for a “corruptible crown” (one that is not lasting).   Those who begin the race for their soul do so only when they obey the gospel.  In order to win the “prize” (eternal life – the incorruptible crown), one MUST: 1) Get in the race (obey the gospel). 2) Stay in the race. 3) Follow the rules as are set forth in the N.T. Law of God till their race is fully run - (when they die).  All who fully follow these inspired instructions are ‘winners who win it all’!
     The final occurrence of ‘race’ in the Bible is located in Heb 12:1, which contains two admonitions. 1) “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” & 2) “run with patience the race that is set before us”.  We cannot run the race while encumbered with the ‘excess baggage’ of sin of which we will not repent, or persist in participating in.   We also cannot ‘speed up’ God’s plan.   Heaven is not available until God has determined it will be. Be patient.  When time is no more, the ‘prize’ will be awarded to those who have been successful in this race. 
     Interestingly, the word ‘prize’ is only found twice in all God’s Word.   We saw it above in 1Cor. 9:24, and it also occurs in Phil. 3:14.  In the two verses prior, the Holy Spirit has Paul write to inform all Christians they have yet to win.   The ‘race’ is not over.  Paul had not yet ‘attained’, and neither have we. Neither can we afford to “look over our shoulders”, or rest on the times when we were obviously ahead in the race.    Ever tried to run while looking behind you?    It’s not very safe. In fact, it’s foolish. The race is now and ahead, not backward.  Like Paul, we should “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”   The Race Is On!    Win it! 

                                                   Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Remember

REMEMBER

        It has often been stated that we don’t appreciate something (or someone) until we no longer have them (or it) with us. Having lost folks that were near and dear, I always assumed this to be a true saying. But as I contemplated “remember” in the writing of this article, it occurs to me that ‘loss of memory’ in our frail human bodies doesn’t quite follow that path. My reasoning is: If we truly “lose our memory” of those things which occur in this life, how could we lack appreciation for that which ‘once was’ which we can’t recall?
      I’m aware of a number of situations in which folks have or can “lose their memory” (as we normally call it). Sometimes this happens as a result of an accident, injury or some ‘defect’ in our brain due to some other cause. This seems to be most frustrating to folks, especially when that “memory” or recall comes and goes. It seems as though dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease is much more prevalent now than in the past. One of the scariest things I can imagine is to not be able to recall or remember God’s Word. The second, is to lose all memory of spouse, children, or close family members. Of course, when we lose that which is our guide and comfort in this life, we become like a ship without a rudder.
        Since the number twelve is considered a ‘perfect’ number, and symbolizes God's power and authority in the Bible, I don’t think the word “remember”, being found 148 times in 144 verses in the King James Bible is a coincidence. God, through the Spirit has ‘placed’ that word in His Word for a reason. Over the course of the usage in God’s Word, remember represents what God remembers, what God says He will not remember, Commandments for man to remember, and God’s Promises to man for man to remember and use for a guide in life so he can spend eternity with God.
       It is also found in Luke 16:25 to one that had departed this life, so we could know that our ‘memory’ goes with us when we die. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. We never “lose our memory”, but sometimes can ‘fail to recall’ in this life.
Perhaps this was the thought of my wife’s father when he wrote a booklet entitled: “Memorials”. Below is an excerpt from that booklet.

Memorials

An Innate Possession

An innate possession of the human mind is memory. This is also true in the animal family, to a limited extent, however, the animal cannot decipher between the good and the evil and perform on that basis. There are many advantages to “memory”, and there are some disadvantages. There are some things worth remembering, memorabilia, while the value of others is to be forgotten. The Artificer of the universe so created man in the beginning with this “built in” equipment, and also with the power to choose between the two. Memory exists in the present, operates in the past, and extends into the future. The poet has said that it is “one gift of God that death cannot destroy.” It is my opinion that the power to remember, as suggested by Abraham to “Dives”, (Div-ees’ – Latin for the rich man of Luke 16 – DPS) shall be the most tormenting of all God will use eternally to punish the wicked.

The Mind And Memory

The human mind is a “store-house” of knowledge. We must be certain that this knowledge is authentic, reputable, trustworthy. It “supplies” the conscience, the “judge”, with the proper information in accepting, or rejecting the “orders” sent in by the five human senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, feeling. Memory has a significant part in the classification, arousing, awakening, stirring up of the mind. The apostle Peter wrote: “I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” (2Pet. 3:1). How we need to remember good things. To forget them is catastrophic. While it is true that we need to learn new things, we must not forget the “tried and tested” of yesterday. We need not walk “looking back over our shoulders”, as it were, but neither should we “forget” to “remember”. We need to “draw” from the past. There is strength and wisdom if we make diligent comparisons between ourselves of the “then” and the “now”, and apply what we learn in the activities of today and tomorrow.

from the booklet “MEMORIALS” by:
O.D. Wilson – deceased

        The ‘things’ of this life, for which we will be judged, will never be forgotten. I hope all will make the right preparation while in this life. This is the only way our ‘eternal’ memories will be enjoyable. Remember, 2Cor. 5:10 tells us that we shall “receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Make good memories now – Obey the gospel, then remain faithful till death.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Making Christian Progress (2)

Making Christian Progress

     Have you ever felt like you weren’t making any progress in an endeavor in this life?  I’m sure we all have.   In every venture we’ve undertaken, we have had to make the necessary adjustments to achieve a desired goal.   This is not to say we must compromise. If we compromise in our efforts to reach a particular objective, we are actually redirecting our attention to a different target altogether.  
     Those that are Christians should have the goal of heaven in mind. In order to reach such a lofty goal, a certain number of things must occur.   First, one must “become” a Christian. You have to “become” before you can “be”. In John 1:12 we see that part of the reason for the coming of Christ was to provide the “power” to become “sons of God”. Notice that only those who “receive Him” are those who access this power. It is also of note that the “power” is in the Word. This can be shown by looking at a couple of passages. 1) Rom. 1:16 clearly declares that the gospel is the “power of God unto Salvation”.   2) Acts 2:41 unmistakably shows what the first folks did when they “received” that power. They immediately obeyed the instructions and were “baptized into Christ”. 3) Acts 2:47 declares that God “added” those who were baptized into Christ to “the church”.   This means that all Christians are “in the church”, but this does not mean they have reached their goal.
     Once we have “become” Christians, we can’t simply sit back and wait for a reward.   We must “make progress” toward that goal.  In Phil. 2:12b we find the Spirit had the apostle Paul write: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Were they not already Christians? Of course they were! But this passage indicates they needed to make progress as Christians so they might reach the goal of heaven.  Christian progress begins as we “become” a child of God and should not diminish until the close of our lives.  
     Perhaps this is the idea behind yet another poem, written by my wife’s father and inserted below.   I have no idea exactly when or what prompted him to write this poem. I do know that part of Christian progress is admitting our faults and seeking to overcome them. This can only be accomplished by reading, studying, meditating upon, and living by the Word of God. Christian growth is part of the progress we should see in our lives as we sojourn here, awaiting our reward.   We are also reminded in the poem, and in God’s Word, that we don’t make this journey through life alone if we are “in Christ”.  

Making Christian Progress

Closer and closer, Lord would I be,
I’ve found the answer, learning from Thee.
Where would I be if I’d never heard?
How would I know Thee without Thy Word?

Stronger and stronger, Lord would I grow,
With Thee beside me, I can, I know,
One single cross I don’t bear alone,
You help me bear them like they are Thine own.

Purer and purer, Lord would I be,
More of Thyself, and far less of me.
Crossing the “river”, I’ll have no fear,
For I know my Savior will always be near.

Longing and hopeful of wearing a crown,
When faith is sight, and the sun has gone down.
Reunion with those who have crossed to that Shore,
Rejoicing in knowing we’ll part never more.

O.D. Wilson – deceased

      Failure to progress is to lose that which was once gained. As we became Christians, we gained the “promise” of eternal life - (Acts 2:39). Without Christian progress we forfeit that promise. The Holy Spirit had the beloved apostle John pen the Words written to Christians in 2John verse 8 to warn them against a lack of Christian progress.   God does not want any to fail of the reward promised to the faithful (2Pet. 3:9). He wants us to overcome and remain victorious to the end.   This is why 1Pet. 2:2 mentions the “milk of the Word that we may grow thereby”, and why 2Pet. 3:18 admonishes Christians to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Proper Christian growth can only be viewed as progress, and such progress will lead us to our eternal goal. This goal cannot be attained unless or until a person acknowledges their faults, embraces the truth, and adjusts themselves in accordance with that truth. If we don’t have heaven as a goal, the only alternative available to us is eternal condemnation.   This is where lack of Christian progress leads.

       Won’t you do as God’s Word directs and “become” a Christian, and then be ever focused on progressing toward maturity as a child of God?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

My Father My Friend

My Father, My Friend

      The third Sunday in June, in many countries has been designated, or set aside for “Father’s Day”. The day is held on various dates across the world, and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood. I learned that in the U. S., Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington is credited with establishing a national day for fathers.   Sonora held her father in great esteem. While hearing a church sermon about the newly recognized Mother's Day at Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Sonora felt strongly that fatherhood needed recognition as well. She approached the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested her own father's birthday, of June 5, as the day of honor for fathers. The Alliance chose the third Sunday in June instead. (info here and below from Wikipedia)
     Not until 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day was it an official holiday. In 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year. Unfortunately, Father’s Day, like many holidays have their origins in secular traditions or man-made religions.   For centuries, the Eastern Orthodox Church has appointed the second Sunday before Nativity as the Sunday of the Forefathers to commemorate the ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, starting with Adam and emphasizing the patriarch Abraham, to whom God said: In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Gen. 12:3
    Notice that the focus of “Father’s Day”, from its inception until now is on ‘earthly’ fathers. There is nothing wrong with honoring fathers. Our dads, if they provide and raise their family properly, deserve honor and praise.   This is especially true if they raise the family according to God’s Word. And every father should be the friend of their children, as well as one of their parents. But if our focus is right, we can have a closer friend in a heavenly Father.  
     We perhaps need reminding that we all came from God. Without Him and His creation, we wouldn’t be. This information was part of the discourse of the Spirit (as delivered by the apostle Paul) on Mars Hill in Acts 17:28. They were told: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being;” and some of these folks’ own poets had said of God: “For we are also his offspring.”   This is certainly true, as Luke 3:38 points out that Adam “was the son of God”. It should be clarified that Adam was God’s “created” son.   It stands to reason since Eve was the “mother of all living” per Gen. 3:20, that Adam is the ‘earthly father of all living’.
     Just like the first earthly father, we are all going to die. 1Cor. 15:22 affirms this. The passage also informs that we needn’t die spiritually, for there we are told: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. When one becomes “in Christ” is when they have a “heavenly Father”. This blessing was made possible by God through Abraham and God’s Grace.   We can read of this in Rom. 4:16.   Interestingly, this was written to the church for which Christ died, that met in Rome. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,. The “us” in this verse, are Christians, those “born into the kingdom. It was meant for them, as they were the ones “in Christ” in Rome.   It applies to all Christians today as well.
     Is Abraham our ‘heavenly father”?   NO! And that is not what the above passage implies.   We can see in Gal. 3:26-29 how Abraham figures into the equation.   If ‘spiritually’, by baptism into Christ, we are Abraham’s seed, we are heirs. We are told in Rom. 8:17 that if we are “children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ”. This means if we are ‘in Christ’ we are the children of God and He is our Heavenly Father. Jesus, the ‘only begotten Son of God’ per Heb. 2:9-11, through His suffering and death was glorified, and therefore is not ashamed to call the spiritual sons of God, brethren.
     There are no less than eleven references in the Bible to “God our Father”, and in every one of these Jesus Christ is named as “Lord”.   Would it surprise you to know that all of these are in the New Testament? Four times in three verses in the Old Testament, we see Jehovah God referenced as the Father of the nation of Israel. These are 1Chron. 29:10; Isa. 63:16; and Isa. 64:8. Unfortunately, among Israel, and among God’s New Testament people, there were and are still some who fail to act as sons, let alone as friends of God.
     We have many Bible examples of those who loved God and showed their love for Him by their obedience.   Of course, these folks sinned at times. We all do, as we are human. Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the honor roll of the faithful, and even there the Spirit had the penman, in Heb 11:32, list the names of some who, while their faithful acts are not enumerated, are still part of this great list.   All of these could be considered “friends of God”. But there is only one who has this “official designation. Abraham, the father of the Jewish Nation has this distinction in Jas. 2:23b. Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 
     The great news is that you can become a son of God and a friend of God. But this is not possible unless you obey His Word and “be born” into His family. Only His obedient children, can truly say “My Father, My Friend”.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Price Is Right!

The Price Is Right

       No doubt, upon reading the title of this article, you thought of the game show of the same name. The Price Is Right is an American television show where contestants compete by guessing the prices of merchandise to win cash and prizes. Contestants are selected from the studio audience as the announcer calls their names and invokes the show's famous catchphrase, "Come on down!" This show began in 1972. Per Wikipedia, The Price Is Right has aired over 9,000 episodes since its debut. It is the longest-running game show in the United States and is one of the longest-running network series in United States television history. 
     However popular this, or any other show or series is, there is much which is of greater value, and for which a greater price has been paid. We’ll not take the time to discuss the myriad material goods that man can buy, possess, or attain.   All these, according to Eccl. 2:18-19 are to be left to someone else, and “who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?” Then the Spirit has Solomon call all this vanity. Additionally, in 2Pet. 3:10 we are told that all the material things and the earth itself “shall be burned up.”. To dispel any doubt, we are also told in 2Pet. 3:12 that even the “elements”, of which all material consists, will “melt with fervent heat”.
     Therefore, we need to concentrate on that of man which remains beyond this life. That is the soul. Every member of humanity has a soul and will spend eternity somewhere. But what is of greater importance than this is the fact that a great price has been paid so that souls needn’t be lost. This price could no man pay because man is sinful. In Matt. 16:26, Jesus posed the question: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Man can offer nothing because man really owns nothing.   All that we have control over has been “loaned” to us by God while we are here. Christ, being without sin, was the only one that could pay that price.
     We are also reminded of the fallacy of relying on even precious material things in 1Pet. 1:18-19, as well as the price that was paid by Christ so the souls of man could be redeemed. Silver, gold, and precious stones don’t have enough value to redeem a soul. Christ gave His life on the cross where He shed His blood so we could be saved.   The entire physical existence of Jesus was for this very purpose.   We are reminded in Phil. 2:7-8 that Christ “made Himself of no reputation”, came as a man, and “humbled Himself” to die on the cross and shed His blood. This was the “price” He was willing to pay.   According to Heb 10:12, we see this called a “sacrifice”.  
     God also sacrificed in sending His Son. John 3:16 is a much-loved, yet often misquoted passage which shows God’s Sacrifice for our benefit. Most folks fail to realize what price God paid so we could have the opportunity to be saved. The fact that God sent His Son, or that Christ willingly died on the cross did not save anyone.  We see this again in 1John 4:9 where God’s Love was manifested to us in sending His Son so we could live.   This passage speaks of the possibility of eternal life. In Eph. 3:11 we are told this was God’s plan for man even prior to the creation of the earth and of man.   Yes, the price is right, because it is the only price that could be paid to save a soul. 
      But just because the Godhead has paid a great price so our souls can be saved, doesn’t negate the fact that we also have responsibility for our soul’s salvation.   Don’t get me wrong. We cannot save ourselves from our sins by good works etc. The first part of Titus 3:5 makes this abundantly clear. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; However, just because we cannot “redeem” our own souls, does not mean we don’t have responsibility in our possible salvation.
     When Christ was on earth, just after foretelling His death in Luke 9:22, He spoke of one of the many sacrifices men must make to be able to receive this great benefit. In Luke 9:23-24 He said: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.   One sacrifice we must make, or price we must pay is a daily surrender to His Will.
     But before we can daily surrender to Him, we must become children of God.   We are clearly told in John 1:12 those that “receive Him” have been given “power” to become “the sons of God”. How does one become a son? He is born. John 3:16 was a part of Christ’s answer to Nicodemus which began in John 3:3. We must be “born again”. The beginning of the price we must pay per John 3:5 is to die to sin and be born of “water and the Spirit” in baptism for the remission of past sins. Then we see in Rom. 6:2 that since we are “dead to sin” we are not to “live any longer therein”.  This is what it means to “take up thy cross daily”.   It also requires daily reading, study, and meditation on God’s Holy Word. To do otherwise is to argue that your soul is not worth it!   Yes, the price is right !
    The Godhead has done their part and paid the enormous price so that we can become the children of God and inherit. Won’t you do your part, obey the gospel, and then grow and labor in the kingdom till you receive the prize?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

When

When

    In a recent article, we examined “if”.    We contemplated those things wherein we have choice.   There has always been some ambiguity regarding the many things that might have been or could be. But there is absolutely no doubt at all about those things which God’s Word assures us will be. So, we all need to look at “when”.

   As we navigate this life, we have all come to a realization of the difference between if and when. We likely take notice of this because of the inevitable things that are associated with life itself.   There are only a limited number of things that are guaranteed to occur. Two of these, if we enter life, are death, and the judgment.   Over one of these, we have no control as we are all going to die as Heb. 9:27 clearly shows. This verse also shows that at the conclusion of all life, judgment occurs.  

   While we have no power over death, each person has some control of the outcome of the judgment.   That is, while in this life, we can live so that our eternity is announced in a way which will be very pleasing to us. This idea, conveyed to the Christians in 2Cor. 5:10, shows that judgment will be in accordance with their lives, whether “good or bad”. Rom. 14:10 shows that “all brethren” shall “stand before the judgment seat of Christ”.  

     It is equally important that we understand that man can and will “fall” as we live our lives. This applies physically as well as spiritually.   We shall all fall physically as death is certain and unavoidable. We all fall from a spiritual standpoint as Rom. 3:23 affirms, because all sin.   We have physical enemies in that our health diminishes as we age, and disease occurs.   We cannot win that battle. We are all going to die. We have spiritual adversaries, of whom the devil is the leader.   But we needn’t lose that battle. That enemy will one day be destroyed as the Spirit had Paul write in 2Cor. 15:26. When all have died, or the Lord returns, the obedient and faithful are rewarded.

     Perhaps this is the idea that prompted my wife’s dad to pen the poem I have inserted below. He wrote this in 1981, just a few short years after his wife, a faithful servant of God, and Linda’s mother, had passed from this life after a terrible automobile accident.   She, and all who are obedient and faithful to God’s Holy Word have “gone to be”.

Gone To Be

Gone to be re-united, with loved ones over there,

In the Paradise of God, in that good land, somewhere.

Some have waited there, for many, many years,

Others, just a little while, we’ve scarcely dried our tears!

Gone to be on vacation, that shall never, never end.

Ten million years will be a moment, and “time” cannot begin.

They’ll need no map to tour the city, there’ll be a personal guide,

With nail-scars on His hands, His brow, His feet, the One they crucified.

Gone to be the recipient of a robe, a harp, and a crown,

To bask in the sunlight of God’s Love, having laid the old cross down.

No problems to solve, nor a pain to bear, not a burden of any kind.

Such things won’t enter Heaven; they’ll all be left behind.

Gone to be a musician, and singing a brand-new song,

With the ransomed of all the ages, throughout Eternity long.

With blood-washed robes in the blood of the Lamb, victors over sin,

A song God’s angels can’t sing, since they weren’t born again!

Gone to be in waiting, until the trumpet sounds,

Await a “glorified” body, not the old one in the ground!

Join in that wonderful meeting, with loved ones in the air,

I’m getting “packed” and ready, because I plan to be there!

O. D. Wilson – deceased

   While we await the final “whens” of our existence (death & judgment) and as we deal with the ones that take place in this life (stumbles & falling in sin), we must take heed to make the proper preparation.   Are you ready for death? If you’ve not obeyed the gospel, you’re not.   2Thess. 1:8-9 reminds us that God will take vengeance in flaming fire “on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” and they will be “punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”.

    If, you have once obeyed the gospel, and when you fell, haven’t gotten up (repented and asked God’s forgiveness in prayer), then you are not ready for death or the judgment. Just as Simon in Acts 8:21, your “heart is not right in the sight of God.” This is why it is so important to get ready now.  

   We shall all be “gone to be” at some point. The question is: Where will we go? That must be determined now.   Remember Psa. 119:109 - My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. Prepare for when – Now!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

IF

IF

     Hardly any word in our language has as significant an impact on folks as the word “if”. As a part of speech, it is a conjunction. To use “if” introduces a conditional clause. One uses “if” in conditional sentences to introduce the circumstances in which an event or situation might have happened, might be happening, or might happen in the future, as well as the outcome should this specific thing occur.

     As children, we no doubt were warned of the punishment we could expect by our parents as they used such a conditional clause regarding our behavior. It probably went something like: “if you do (such and such), then you’ll receive a spanking (or in this day and time, a “time-out”).   If our parents were consistent, the promised penalty was duly carried out when we broke the rules. Very early on, we became acquainted with the idea of “if/then”.

     When we became a little older, we learned the use of this conjunction was to entice us to do something.   For instance, a neighbor might say: “if you’ll mow the yard, then I’ll pay you five dollars.”   (At least that’s what it was in my youth). We fully understood the conditions (what the job entailed), as well as the reward that was expected upon completion of the job. Sometime later, we turned this around as we sought gainful employment in asking the prospective employer: “What pay, and benefits can I expect (if) I come to work for you?

     The same is true of contracts of all sorts. When we finance something or purchase something “on time”, we are allowed to keep and utilize that item, “if” we make the agreed upon payments in accordance with the conditions of the contract.   We will finally possess or own that item “when” we pay it off. This is only one example of how “if/when” works. The same is true when one enters into an agreement to provide goods or services to another for a set sum of monies. There are many other examples of this.  

   We’ve all heard some of the sayings of people that demonstrate this idea. Perhaps you’ve heard this one. If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Consider Lot, the nephew of Abraham.  In Gen. 13, as the land was not able to support the flocks, herds and tents of both Abram and Lot. A solution was suggested by Abram, which gave Lot the option of choosing which area he desired.   Gen. 13:10 shows that Lot chose the “well watered” plains of Jordan, which relegated Abram to the less irrigated land of Canaan. But we also see in Gen. 13:12 that this placed Lot in near proximity to Sodom. Gen. 13:13 informs us “the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” We know how this turned out. Lot’s deal wasn’t so good, was it?

     Perhaps you’ve thought up some of these yourself.   One I came up with is:
“If you make a hot deal with the devil, then you’re going to get burned.” Many are “making that deal” yet have not considered what price they are going to pay.   From Gen. chapter 3, we learn of the deal the serpent presented to Eve as he tempted her.   He and Eve both were fully aware of what God had said regarding the “tree in the midst of the Garden”. Verse 3 shows the prohibition God had given and the penalty awaiting “if” man touched or ate of it. Then, in verses 4 & 5, the “deal” was presented. Eve considered the deal, took the fruit, ate it, gave it to Adam who ate it, and they both paid the price in being separated from God and being expelled from the Garden.   Following this was a life of pain, suffering, difficulties, and all sorts of maladies known to mankind, including death. God has always meant what He has said.

   Even today, many are making deals that involve their souls. In Matt 16:26, Jesus acknowledged this by asking two questions. He asked: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Our time in this life and all life has to offer has no value in comparison to the soul of man. Yet, many are “exchanging” their souls for empty promises of fame, fortune, pleasures, or a number of other things which lure man away from God and the promises He has presented in the gospel.   We are told in Titus 1:2 that He’s Promised us the “hope of eternal life” according to His plan before the world began.

   In 2Pet. 1:4 God has, through His divine power, given unto us “exceeding great and precious promises”. These promises are to those who have obeyed the gospel. In 2Pet. 1:8, following the list of things to add to our faith, we find another “if” which presents the condition which, if followed, will make one fruitful in the kingdom for which Christ died. Following this in 2Pet. 1:10 we have another divine guarantee for success. It is: “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall”.   This is advice that comes from God above through His Holy Word.   God’s Word is always to be obeyed and followed to the end of our lives.   This is evident in Gal. 6:9. The latter part declares: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

     However, one must begin before they can be. This reminds me of one of the many sayings of Yogi Berra, the long-time catcher for the New York Yankees. He said: “If you come to a fork in the road, take it!”   You are at a fork in the road. You must go one way or the other.   Why not take the path that leads to eternal bliss? Obey the gospel today! Remain faithful to God and grow in the Word.   If you do this, then you can live with Him eternally.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Law Of God Is Perfect

The Law Of God Is Perfect

   Man has oft struggled with right or wrong, good or bad, light or darkness, virtue or evil.   God has addressed all these in His Holy Word. The sacred pages contain God’s Message to humanity.   The first Word of God was spoken and began in that Paradise on earth. It was sent to God’s people, Adam and Eve. It was perfect in design and true in every aspect. The warnings were clear, and the punishment foretold, if the directives were not followed out of love.

   After the fall of man, God continued to speak directly to His creation. They covered the earth, and many refused to hear His Commandments and lived for themselves. We are told in Gen. 6:5, GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. This grieved God. But there was one who loved God and followed God’s Law.   We know this is why Noah was called a just man.  

     God again spoke, but this time to Noah, giving him a warning, instructions, and directions how to be saved.   Noah heeded God and built that ark.   God’s Law for the saving of Noah and his house also condemned the world. Faith is what made the difference. Noah believed, was moved by fear (respect to God and His Word) and became “heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Heb. 11:7), in following God’s Perfect Law. These eight souls were saved by following God’s Perfect Law.

   Later, God provided a written Law to a people (Israel), chosen to bring His Son into the world.   This law was also Perfect in that it fully accomplished all that God intended. Gal. 3:24-25 shows that Christ indeed came, and that Old Law now has been taken away. This is confirmed in Heb. 10:9-10. Therefore, there is only one Law of God today. Jas. 1:25 calls it the “perfect law of liberty”, and that same “law of liberty” will judge all – Jas. 2:12.

     The poem below was written by my wife’s father sometime around 1985. He first wrote it as a song which fits the music to the song: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. The words of that song do not align with God’s Word as the cross was only an instrument of death upon which the Savior gave the supreme Sacrifice. The cross cannot save, but the New Testament Law of God does. God’s Word was written so the Will of God could be known and followed. If it is rightly divided, and properly followed, it leads one to God, and an eternal home in heaven.

The Law Of God Is Perfect

The Law of God is perfect, it saves the human soul,

Designed to bring men unto God and make them fully whole.

Directs the wanderer from sin to realms of peace above,

It’s the chart and compass that transcends, all for that home above.

Paul wrote of its Perfection when miracles had ceased,

And childhood unto manhood, in maturity released.

He said it’s the more excellent way of which but three remain,

Confirmed by supernatural gifts, complete in Jesus’ name.

The Word inspired, confirmed, makes the child of God complete,

The Perfect Law of Liberty from which none may delete.

Contains all things which now pertain to life and godliness.

It is the Truth which now alone, reveals God’s righteousness.

O.D. Wilson – deceased

     God has provided this “Perfect Law of Liberty” for the sole benefit of man. It contains warnings to be heeded – Col. 1:27-28. The great and precious promises are there for the benefit of His faithful children – 2Pet. 1:4.   As the gospel of Christ is proclaimed, the “power of God unto salvation” is what is presented and is available to all – Rom 1:16.  For the gospel to be followed, one must read the instructions – 2Tim 3:16-17. This passage, along with the one found in 2Pet. 1:3, the child of God has everything we need to prosper in life and be godly through the Holy Word. It is only through that “perfect” Word of God that we can know of Christ, and what He did to provide Salvation for the soul of man.  

   Incidentally, it is only in accordance with God’s Perfect Law of Liberty that one can become a child of God. The New Testament Word of God is also that which identifies children of God. 1Jno 3:10 tells us this and that God’s Word also identifies the children of the devil. Those who “doeth not righteousness” are “not of God”.  This is evident from Psa. 119:172. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. All God’s people speak of and follow God’s Word.

  Don’t delay. Look into God’s “Perfect Law of Liberty” today. Then do all that God Commands. He’s provided this for your benefit. Do just as Jas. 1:21 says. “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

A Mother Worthy Of Praise

A Mother Worthy Of Praise

    To most folks their mother is special. This is likely why a day has been set aside yearly in our country to honor and remember them. This is no surprise as the mother is the one who carries the baby in the womb, ushers it into the world, and in many cases, she is the one who nourishes the infant until it can feed itself. It is also the mother (when things are done as God set them up) who takes care of the child, kisses the “boo-boos”, and directs the child through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. Additionally, in many situations “Mom” is always there when there are problems.
    For all these things, mothers should be loved, honored, and appreciated in many ways. The mother is often the “rock” of the family, and the “glue” which holds the family together. Many families become unsettled and fractured when there is not a mother in the picture. Sadly, there are times when the mother must carry the whole burden of the family, and there are many who have done so with amazing results. Great effort is required to do all this.  
   There have been many “mothers of note” in the annals of time. Of course, there was the first mother, Eve.   We are told in Gen. 3:20 why Eve holds a special place in the history of mankind. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Then in Genesis 4:1-2 we see that Eve indeed bore children.   From that time forward, women have been bearing children and fulfilling part of God’s purpose for them. The next who was called a mother was Sarai (Sarah), Abraham’s wife.   She too was blessed in Gen. 17:16. Although she only bore one child (the child of promise) she was to be “a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.”
     Of course, we could also mention Rebekah, the wife of Isaac; Rachael, the wife of Jacob; Jochabed, the mother of Moses. Then there is Naomi, whose husband and both sons died in Moab, but returned to her people from Moab with Ruth who was in the bloodline of the Christ, as well as many others.  We could continue a search through the whole of God’s Word and identify a plethora of note-worthy women who bore children, some of whom were people of renown. Hopefully, all these women were loved, and their efforts appreciated by their offspring.
     However, the mother who is worthy of praise in every dispensation of time is not only she who bears children, nourishes them, watches over them, and provides for their physical needs, but looks out for their spiritual needs as well. One such mother was Hannah who had been barren and prayed to God for a child. In her prayer, she promised if God would grant her motherhood, she would give her child to the Lord. Surely this is a mother worthy of praise. Her prayer was answered, and as she promised, her first-born was “lent” to the Lord per 1Sam. 1:28. This child was Samuel, a great prophet and servant of God. She left her son with Eli to be taught to “minister” before the Lord. Hanna was also blessed in that she bore three more sons and two additional daughters.  
     Of course, any conversation about mothers worthy of praise is incomplete without the mention of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We are told in Luke 1:30 that Mary “found favor with God.” What greater honor could a woman ever have than to be chosen to bring God’s Son into the world. The announcement by the angel perplexed Mary as we see in Luke 1:34. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? But the explanation provided in Luke 1:35 clears this up for us all. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. After Jesus was grown and had begun His earthly ministry, we find in John 2:5, His mother provided some sage advice. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. This is advice we all should heed.
   As we move into the New Testament, we must note the grandmother and the mother of Timothy.  In 2Tim. 1:5 we are told a remarkable attribute of the young evangelist was his deep-seated faith which was instilled by Eunice with help from her mother Lois.   Why were these mothers worthy of praise? Because they used what God had supplied to help him develop that faith. In 2Tim. 3:15 we find what they used.   And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  They only had the Old Testament Scriptures at that point. They heeded Prov. 22:6 and when Timothy was able to make his own choices, he chose well. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 
     I suppose almost every mother deserves love, appreciation, and some of them warrant honor.   However, the mother that brings up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord are to be praised.   Be warned, not every child that is taught the truth at a tender age will result in a diligent and faithful servant for the cause of Christ. But if they are not taught properly from the Word of God, they are far less likely to become a Christian, and far less likely to raise their own children the right way.  
   If you are a mother, you are appreciated, and we honor you. But if you brought them up in the Word, you are a mother worthy of praise.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

It's Just That Way

It’s Just That Way

      As I was contemplating “things that are just” this past week to prepare for the sermon Sunday morning, I realized that the phrase which is the title of the article, and the title of the included poem could be taken a couple of ways. This would depend on your outlook.   Some might consider life and all the issues it presents and resign themselves that “it’s just that way”, or simply things are the way they are.   Many who consider things in this light rarely seek to change for the better or prepare for what lies beyond after we have shed these mortal bodies.   These are they who ‘drift’ through life and receive the consequences in life or the afterlife, whatever they may be.

     Others might express this slightly differently, putting emphasis upon the word ‘just’, applying a biblical definition of that which is: meet; holy; right or righteous. Used in this way, the phrase takes on a whole different meaning, doesn’t it? We are instructed in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are: true; honest; just; pure; lovely; of good report; of virtue; and of praise.   When we think on these things, surely, we are thinking of the Word of God. While Christ was on earth, in John 5:30, He stated that His judgment was “just” because He sought not His own Will, but that of the Father.

       We are told in Rom. 1:17 that the ‘just’ shall live by faith. We also can see in Rom. 10:17 that ‘faith’ comes by hearing the Word of God.   We can only see to be ‘just’ if we read, study and apply God’s Word. Did not Christ live in accordance with God’s Word? He is called “Just” in Acts 3:14; 7:52 and 22:14.  God’s Word is just. His plan is just. We can be just, only by following that plan.  

       My wife’s dad penned the poem below in 1983. I don’t know why he put these words to paper.   But as you read it, consider the contrast between: ‘It’s just that way’ as in: ‘que sera sera’ (What ever will be, will be), and “It’s just that way’ in that: life can be “just” when lived as God directs in His Word.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

It’s Just That Way

1)

Well, a fine little boy was born today,

To a sweet young couple just over the way.

They’d both been so happy, they could hardly wait,

And now they can really celebrate.

Why, they’d planned his life ‘til the time he was grown,

When he’d take a wife, have a home of his own.

The new mother wanted him to be a preacher,

But his dad preferred he’d be a schoolteacher.

And the difference was settled between these two,

He could be a preacher and a schoolteacher too.

2)

But they also had a funeral in our town today,

For a well-known man who’d passed away,

Who had lived a life of many years,

And had shed a lot of sweat, as well as tears.

When you had a problem and felt down and out,

This man would help without a doubt.

When he’d take his old Bible and begin to read,

Seemed he knew just the verse that filled your need.

When he’d bow his head and offer a prayer,

You felt like the Lord was standing there.

(I was thinking just now, that God in His grace,

May have sent that little boy to serve in his place).

3)

And you know, I believe it’s this way friends,

Where one leaves off, another begins.

From the point of beginning in a physical birth,

Our days may be few upon the earth.

We stumble along, make so many mistakes,

Through joy and peace and many heartaches.

I’ve oft asked this question, and now I know why,

When you’ve learned enough to live, it’s time to die.

And our expertise or the things that we own,

Won’t enter the grave or that Heavenly home.

O.D. Wilson deceased.