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Who Is Your Father?

Who Is Your Father?

      Often when children are addressed by a stranger they are asked: “Who’s your daddy?” The child can usually respond in pride that they are the son or daughter of their male parent, and provide the name.   Fathers are being honored on this day as our country, and many others have set aside the day for so doing.   It is a shame that many have forgotten the Heavenly Father.
     I find it interesting that in all of the Old Testament, the term “our father” is only applied to Jehovah God four times. These are 1Chronicles 29:10 as David prayed; Isaiah 63:16 (2 times); and Isaiah 64:8. In both cases, Isaiah was also praying.   The Lord Jesus also reminded Israel of the manner in which to pray in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:12 and that all prayers are to be directed to God, our Father. In fact, in John 16:23 Jesus told His apostles elect this very thing about the “church age” which would come after His death. He said: “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” There are also multiple references from Romans 1:7 through Philemon verse 3 where Jehovah is identified as “our Father”.  
       Equally interesting is the fact that in the entirety of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, there is not one mention of “my Father” in reference to God.   There is a plethora of occurrences of “my father” through the Old Testament, but in every case is applied to the one who “brought forth” the one using the term.   It therefore should not be a surprise when Jesus in Matthew 7:21 mentions that Jehovah (in Heaven) is His Father.   There are four occasions in the book of John in which Jesus is called the “only begotten” of God. After the church was established, Christ is also called the “only begotten Son” in Hebrews 11:17 and 1John 4:9.  
     This brings up some interesting questions.   Who is our Father? How did He become our Father?   When did He become our Father?
     I’m not asking this in regard to our earthly male parent as it is obvious that not all are the product of the same union. We have varied ancestors, blood-lines, and such. Because we have differing earthly fathers, the question with which we started this article would have a multiplicity of answers if answered in that vein.   How did our “male parent” become our father?   He begat us. When did he become our father? When we were brought forth in the process of fertilization, gestation and culminating with our delivery. In short, we were born to our parents.  
     But let us consider our “spiritual” Father a moment.   Most will gladly and quickly affirm that God is their spiritual Father. What other option is there spiritually? In Jesus day (and in ours), there is another possibility. In John 8, the Jews of Jesus’ day were quick to point out that Abraham was their father. They were speaking of their earthly ancestor.   In John 8:31 when Christ told them that they did the deeds of their father, they changed their tune. What did they now say? What most all men try to affirm. They said: “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
     The Lord then, in the 1st part of John 8:42 told them the truth. He said: “If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God;”. Then in John 8:44a we see the source of their actions. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. They were the “spawn” of the devil spiritually because they followed him in rejection of God, the Son of God and the Word of God.   This is very apparent after reading Romans 6:16.   Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?   They had yielded themselves servants of Satan.   Therefore, he had become their spiritual father.  
     How then can Jehovah God become our spiritual Father?   Fatherhood has always come about as a result of birth.   This is true in the physical; so it is in the spiritual realm.   In John 1:12-13 we see this to be the case. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. So, one must be “born of God” before God is his/her Father. But how? Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews in John 3:5-6 before the church was purchased by the blood of Christ on the cross. He said: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” So, He was speaking of a “spiritual” birth.  
     When does Jehovah God become one’s Heavenly Father? Not until you are “born to Him”.   How does this happen? 1Peter 1:23 provides the answer you seek. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.   One is conceived when God’s Word penetrates the heart (mind) and if/when the seed (the Word) germinates, and if the possessor of that mind obeys, they will be “born of water” (in baptism), in accordance with the Word (brought by the Spirit).
     Will you not be “born of God” today?   Will you not become His child as you obey His Commandments so you can be born again? He will then be your “Heavenly Father”. If not, Who is your spiritual father? You have a choice!

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Leave It "All" On The Field

Leave It “All” On The Field

     We’ve all heard this type of advice. In most cases, this guidance is offered to those in sports. We all know that this means: to commit wholly to, or to try one's best at, a sport or a game.   When this is the case, one is being told to use all their strength and ability to accomplish the desired results if at all possible.   I’m sure when this is applied to work or other areas of life there are other quotes that best fit the particular scenario.  
     One thing is for sure. We have a limited time in which to accomplish what we intend to do in life. This is certain in regard to a ball game or other athletic contests as there is usually a specified period allowed for such contests. The same could be said in regard to life. In fact, the Spirit had the “wise man” pen the Words we find in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that we are to “give it our all” while we occupy this earth. When you think of it, that is the only period in which these things can happen. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Sounds like we are to put our full efforts into whatever we endeavor to accomplish in life, doesn’t it?
      The Spirit had Solomon follow this verse with the warning we read in the next two verses.   He had him write: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 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. Ecclesiastes 9:11-12.   We only have a limited time in which to do that which we desire to do as we live.   However, we don’t know “how long” we have. We must “leave it all on the field” every day, as each day could be our last.
       Have we ever considered that Jesus Himself was acutely aware of this? He knew exactly why He came and how His earthly existence would end. In John 9:4 He stated: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. This is clearly indicated in the New Testament in several places. One of the most quoted of these can be found in James 4:13-14. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
       But, what to do in the meantime? No doubt we have many things which vie for our time. We all have obligations. We have things which we consider to be of great importance for the good of ourselves and for our family. Again, we rely upon the Lord for direction. As Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 6:31 He reminded those Jews: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? Are these things not important? Of course, they are. But Jesus was pointing out that there was something that MUST take precedence over these, because in verses 33-34 He tells us what this is.   But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
     To “seek the kingdom of God” first, was direction for the Jews of that day, to whom Jesus was speaking. The kingdom had not yet come at that time. There was a great deal of work that would need to be done once the kingdom came. In John 4:35 as He spoke to His disciples, Jesus said: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. He was telling them this because there would be so few laborers to do the needed work of evangelism.   In Matthew 9:37 He told them: The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
     This also holds true today. Folks today are to “seek the kingdom”, and are to become part of it through obedience to the gospel. As they do, they too become “laborers” for the Lord.   In 1Corinthians 3:9a, the Spirit had Paul write regarding himself and Apollos: “For we are labourers together with God . . . “. Paul and Apollos “sowed the seed of the kingdom”, in preaching and teaching the Word of God. They “gave their all” to convert sinners to Christ. In other words, they “left it all on the field”.  
     In 2Timothy 4:2, the Spirit had Paul instruct his young protégé about this. He was directed to write: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. In essence, Timothy was being told: “Leave it all on the field”- “Give it your all”.
     Christians are to do the same today. We are to “leave it all on the field” in service to Him.   We are to give of our absolute best to the Master. Anything less makes us slothful and slovenly.   Did not God give His best when He gave His Son for our benefit? In your service to God, leave it all on the field. Take His message to everyone. Do it while there’s still time! Souls are at stake.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

What Does The Bible Plainly Say?

What Does The Bible Plainly Say?

      Many are very confused as to what the Bible says on a variety of subjects. This is readily evidenced by the myriad of denominational churches and the differing doctrines they espouse. Have you ever wondered where all these things originated?   They are spawned in the minds of men.   What did the Lord say about this?   In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus was very “plain” when He warned of this very thing.  After calling the scribes and Pharisees “hypocrites” He said: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Could anything be any more plain?
     Why you ask, is this the case?   Why do folks “conjure” up things to do in worship that are not in God’s Word? Why do they alter God’s Word to make commandments which God has not made? The answers are simple. 1) Many do not know God’s Word. It is obvious why they fail to know what God has said. They don’t read, study, or meditate on the Bible. This is why we are told in 2Timothy 2:15 to study. This is why the psalmist in Psalm 1:1-2 was directed to describe the “happy” or blessed man who found his delight in the meditation of God’s Word, day and night.   When folks fail to read, study and meditate on God’s Word, they become as those in 2Peter 3:16, “unlearned and unstable” and as a result, they “wrest” the scriptures to their own destruction.  
     2) Some simply want things “their way” and find someone to teach them what they want to hear. This occurred in the O.T. with the Israelites. We see in Isaiah 30:9-10, God’s own people, the “rebellious people, lying children” requested: “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things”. This also continued into the N.T. as 2Timothy 4:3 warns of those with “itching ears” which will not “endure sound doctrine”. In Acts 20:30, Paul warned the Ephesian elders that some of them would speak “perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Only those who want things “their way” would ignore God’s Word and what it plainly says.
     Sometime in the early 80’s, my wife’s father wrote the following poem which clearly indicates that God has made His Will known to us through His Word.   What God has said, He has said plainly.   One must be ignorant, or just obstinate to not follow it. As you read this. see how relevant these questions are even today.  

What Does The Bible Say?

What does the Bible say about God’s Will to save?
What does the Bible say about the plan He gave?
What does it say we all must do,
When we have read it’s message true?
What does the Bible plainly say?

 

What does the Bible say about the word immerse?
What is the “mode” described within the inspired verse?
Not to be scripturally baptized,
Forfeits our hope of Paradise.
What does the Bible plainly say?

What does the Bible say about the way to live?
What does the Bible say about the way to give?
What of the first-fruits that we owe?
What of the gifts we should bestow?
What does the Bible plainly say?

What does the Bible say about the feast we spread?
What does the Bible say about the Cup and Bread?
What of the way we should partake?
What if His table we forsake?
What does the Bible plainly say?

What does the Bible say about the name to wear?
What does the Bible say how we His cross should bear?
What of the suffering for His sake?
What of His glory to partake?
What does the Bible plainly say?

O.D. Wilson – deceased

     Do yourself an eternal favor. Read God’s Word. Rightly divide it. Know it and properly follow it. Examine yourself by God’s Word. Then make the needed changes so you can live and worship as He desires. Show your love for God in faithful obedience to His Word.
     Avoid the trap of drawing nigh unto God with your mouth, honoring Him with your lips, while your heart is far from Him by following man’s teaching.
     Look closely, God has plainly said what He wants you to do and how to do it in His Holy Word.  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

 

Too Good To Be True?

Too Good To Be True?

     There are those who make the claim: “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is”. We’ve all heard this. Some of us have seen situations that seemed “too good to be true”.   When a person makes an offer that seems too good to be true, there’s bound to be a catch.   This is because most people are looking out for themselves. Usually, when an offer such as this is presented, the obvious question: “What’s in it for me?” is asked. When an offer made by man, seems “too good to be true”, there is usually more in said proposal for the one making the offer than there is for the one to whom the proposition is extended, and because of this, these types of offers should always be refused. However, not all offers are made by man, and not all good things come from man.  
     “Too good to be true” is a very cynical attitude, especially when one takes into consideration the offer Christ has extended to humanity. The “offer” Christ makes to humanity is one that had been in formulation since before the world began.   Christ’s offer is not “too good to be true” nor is it to be refused, because it originated with, and is ordained by God.   It is made quite clear in James 1:17 that all that has been given or provided by God is “good and perfect”. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  It makes no sense for folks to refuse the offer God made through Christ as 2Peter 1:3-4 shows that the offer to become a child of God comes with everything we ever need, as well as great promises. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
     However, all who have failed to accept what Jesus Christ has provided for mankind are refusing what God has offered through Christ. Unfortunately, many are refusing what Christ offers through ignorance.   In Matthew 7:7 we find the Lord, in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount offer this advice. He said: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ” The problem is, when one asks or seeks, they must go to the right source, or the offer may indeed be “too good to be true”.   Man offers several plans that cannot save.   All of man’s plans for Salvation, fall way short of what the Lord would have man do.
     Even some of God’s own O.T. people wanted what God offered, but they wanted it on their terms. This is not the way the plan of God works! The prophet Jeremiah was sent to them and in Jeremiah 6:16 they were told what to “ask for” and how they replied. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.    Isaiah 30:10 identifies the rebellious children of God: “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: ”  
       In this, the N.T. age, some claims to want what is clearly offered in the Word of God, but they still want it “their way”. We see in 2Timothy 4:3-4 this often was (and often still is) the case. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.   What kind of fables?   Fables such as: “Salvation is by faith only”.   From whence do such abominable ideas come?   From a total mis-application of a few verses.   We can see this from Acts 16:30-31 in the case of the Philippian jailor.   And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
     This is an enticing offer, and if one applies only these verses, it becomes an offer “too good to be true” and is also a “fable” that many follow.   All one has to do is “believe” and “they’re saved”? Too Good To Be True! Neither God nor Christ has offered this!   James 2:19 also reveals that this cannot be.   Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.    I ask you, are the devils saved?  
       Now, let’s read Acts 16:32-33 - And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (preached the gospel to them) 33 And he (Paul) took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.    This aligns perfectly with the Words of Jesus Christ in Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  
       Christ’s offer for Salvation is not “too good to be true”. But it can only be received in accordance to God’s plan.   Hear the Word – Romans 10:17. Believe that Christ is God’s Son – John 8:24. Repent of your sins – Acts 17:30.  Confess before men that Christ is God’s Son – Romans 10:9-10.   You can then be baptized into Christ – 1Peter 3:21.   Then remain faithful through the rest of your life – Rev 2:10.   Too Good To Be True? Not God’s plan. Too hard to follow?   Not God’s plan.   Let us help you.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can You Hear Me Now?

       Most everyone remembers those Verizon commercials that lasted about nine years. Being heard clearly is very important, especially in the realm of personal communication devices.  It seemed during that timeframe every program on television had at least one spot to draw buyers to this specific brand. As it turned out, this became a very successful method of convincing customers to purchase their products and services.  
     Everyone wants to be heard. We all want to be heard especially when we think we have something to say. For example, have you been in a restaurant lately? All the patrons, involved in conversation, try to “out-talk” everyone else in volume. This is simply because they want to be heard.   Perhaps their actions (volume) were asking “Can You Hear Me Now?”  
       Does God ever have occasion to ask you the question that heads this article? This came to mind when recently, my wife asked me a question. That was: “Have you ever wondered, that of all of God’s creation, man, the only to be created in the image of God, is that which refuses to hear (listen) to Him?” How profound! Honestly, I had never really thought about it. Have you?
      We have ample examples of this within the Word of God. We have the case of creation, when even the elements heard and obeyed as God spoke, and it was so.   There were also the animals of Genesis 6:19-20. Some may think that Noah went and gathered them, but the scriptures show this is not so. How then, did they know to “come to the ark”?   They heard God, and did as He Commanded.   And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. Their salvation depended upon hearing God and doing as He Commanded. The same went for Noah and his family.   All others of that day perished in the flood. Why? They refused to “hear God”.   All who possess a soul and refuse to hear God and obey Him as He has directed will perish in eternal Hell fire.
      As time passed, God continued to carry out His plan to save the souls of man. He had separated out a people, Israel, provided the means where they could grow to be a great nation, and then delivered them from the bondage they suffered at the hands of the Egyptians. Shortly afterward, He spoke to them through their deliverer, and prophet Moses. Notice what God had Moses tell them as we read Deuteronomy 4:35-36.  Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. 36 Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. Did they hear? At times.   Did they obey? Not all the time. Why? Because they refused to hear.  
     Not even the waters and the weather refuse to hear the Lord. We have a great example of this in Matthew 8:26-27 – When Christ was asleep on the ship, and the storm arose. His disciples, many of them, rugged men of the sea, were sorely afraid. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!  Neither the Father, the Son, nor the Holy Ghost has ever had to ask any of God’s creation, with the sole exception of man, “Can You Hear Me Now?”   Ever wonder why this is?
     God has provided this answer in the Words of His Son in regard to that very people, Israel.   Jesus came to “seek and to save that which was lost” as we read in Luke 19:10.   Why then are not all saved?   Because they refuse to hear and obey what God has said.   When Jesus came His message was one of repentance to Israel so they could be saved. But before they could be saved, they had to “hear” Him and obey. He came to call Israel to repentance and then to die on the cross to purchase the church. This was the event in which He gave Himself as the only sacrifice that could bring about the saving of a soul.  In His coming, dying, and resurrection He “fulfilled all righteousness.
     But His death on the cross is without effect on those that will not hear. We also have Jesus’ own Words of Matthew 13:14-15 to tell us why many of the Jews of His day would not be saved when the church came into being on the day of Pentecost. He said: And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. God had said to them, “Can You Hear Me Now?” and they refused. These folks, like many of their ancestors who refused to hear, were lost.
     Even to those “baptized into Christ”, God’s children, has God had to ask Can You Hear Me Now? so they wouldn’t go astray. We have an example of this in Hebrews 3:7-9 to the Hebrews that had been converted to Christ. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.  They knew the history of their forefathers and knew that some died in the wilderness and never reached the Promised Land.
     God is asking you and I today: “Can You Hear Me Now?”.  Won’t you hear? He speaks through His Word to Christians, and Christians are to take His Holy message of Salvation to all who will hear.   Can you hear Him?   Obey Him.  Let us help you understand God’s message and how to follow it so you too can have the hope of Heaven, that eternal Promised Land. If you refuse to hear Him and obey, you too shall be eternally lost!  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Spirit Of Compromise

The Spirit Of Compromise

     The Lord’s people have always been attacked and challenged by those in the world. The undenominational church of the New Testament today continues to be criticized by the denominations of the world. On each occasion when the church is attacked from without, we must be willing and able to defend the “bride of Christ” by using the “sword of the Spirit.” As Jude wrote, we must be willing to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The soldiers of Christ must be stedfast and unmovable. The attacks from without will do nothing but make the Lord’s people stronger as long as the truth is cherished and defended against these attacks. The greatest danger to the Lord’s church today is the spirit of compromise which seems to be growing in popularity among the ranks of the Lord’s people. Our persevere in the restoration of the New Testament church are not unlike Nehemiah’s efforts to restore the walls of Jerusalem. Several made efforts to stop the rebuilding of the walls. They began by using force; their efforts failed. They then desired Nehemiah to leave the work to meet for discussion. This also failed because Nehemiah saw this invitation as an invitation to compromise. His reply was, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” It is interesting to notice in this regard some words of brother F.G. Allen written in about 1886, which are profoundly important even today. He wrote, While we remain true to the principles on which we started out, there is no earthly power that can impede our progress. But, the day we leave these walls and go out to take counsel with the world will mark the day of our decline. We have nothing to fear from without. Our only danger is from within. This danger lies in the direction of indifference and compromise. While we are true to God in the maintenance of these principles, the divine blessing will rest upon our work. But, should they ever be surrendered, ruin will as certainly follow as that the Bible is true” (Old Path Pulpit, p. 33).    
          Certainly it will not benefit the Lord’s church to invite denominational speakers into our classrooms and pulpits. It will bring only catastrophe to the Lord’s church to encourage meetings with these who have set aside the principles of New Testament Christianity in a spirit of compromise for the sake of “friendship.”
        We must, as Nehemiah, live by the principle, “We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night.”

Lester Kamp – The Gospel Preceptor – May 6, 2022

       The above article was “borrowed” as it fit well with the a.m. sermon I plan to preach this week.   That sermon is: Faithful Stewards.   One will find that it is not possible to be a “faithful steward” if they ‘compromise’.   There may be areas of life when it may be possible to compromise (in some small way) and still remain faithful to the task at hand.   This is because in these instances the principles by which a task is defined by man and are not immutable. That is, the conditions and rules in such a case are set, and controlled by man, and therefore, changeable.   But when it comes to what God has stated in His Holy Word, there is no compromise. When there is compromise here, there is sin.  
         Compromise in the realm of religion is sin because God, His Word, His Laws, Commands, and Precepts are unchangeable. Psalm 119:144 tells us not only that His Word and His righteousness are everlasting, but also through His Word man can understand what God wants man to do. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Even in this, the New Testament age, we can know what God wants us to do and how to do it.   It MUST be done without compromise that we might receive the promises that He has made in His Word.   In Malachi 3:6, in dealing with the sons of Jacob, God Himself stated that He does not change. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. He had previously made promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God did not and will not compromise, therefore, so that the promise could be fulfilled, the sons of Jacob would not be consumed. It was through them Christ would come.
       That plan of God is now complete.   It came to fruition in Christ. Christ did not compromise when He came to die on the cross, purchase the church with His precious blood, and ascend to the Father with that blood sacrifice.   Then the Word of God came to the apostles through the Spirit. Because of this uncompromising plan of God, the obedient and faithful can be heirs according to promise. However, if one compromises, they cannot receive the promise of God. This is clearly indicated in Galatians 3:26-29.   For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
         This is what Jesus was saying in John 10:1 while He was on the earth. He said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Why compromise? That way only leads to death and destruction. Let us help you understand that true way – without compromise – to become sons of God?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Is It Mother's Day, Or The Lord's Day?

Is It Mother’s Day, Or The Lord’s Day?

       Today is the Sunday many have set aside so they might focus on Mother’s Day. Interestingly enough, “Mother’s Day” cannot be found in the Bible. It is also interesting that the term “Lord’s Day” only occurs once, and this is when John was on Patmos to receive the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, (Revelation 1:10).   There are many passages that speak of the Lord, and there are many that reference “Mother”. The word mother is found 320 times within 292 verses in the entire Bible. However, the term “Lord”, in reference to Jesus Christ is found in the New Testament more than 600 times. Why is it we have to take a “Lord’s Day” to honor Mom?  
     The fifth of the ten commandments - Exodus 20:12 deals with the honor one is to have for parents.   Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.   This was part of the decalogue, given specifically to Israel, directing how they were to serve and worship God.   The fourth Commandment, coming before the fifth, surely has more importance. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  
      Now, we know that the Lord’s Day is not the Sabbath day.   We also know that we do not live under the Old Testament Law of God.   It was always the intention of God to have a “new day”, under a “new covenant” wherein man should serve and worship Him. Jeremiah 31:31-32 is one of the many places this is prophesied.   Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Along with this new covenant was a new day in which man is to worship God.
      The Spirit had many prophets speak of this day. In Isaiah 2:2-3 we find a prophecy of this.   And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Yet another is found in Zechariah 14:8-9. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
      While Jesus was on earth, He taught His disciples about that kingdom, the church, of which the prophets spoke.   In Matthew 4:17 we are told just after John was imprisoned, Jesus began to preach. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.   Christ also had things to say about mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. In so doing, He also stated that one must put first things first and keep things in their proper priority.   In Matthew 10:37-38 we read: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  In Matthew 6:33 as Jesus spoke during the Sermon on the Mount, He told the Jews gathered there of that which is of most importance. He said: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
        Ephesians 6:2 repeats God’s Commandment regarding the honor to be directed toward parents. This is a part of God’s N.T. Law.   Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  We all should honor our parents as directed in the Word. Was it not “the Lord”, Christ, who died on the cross?   Was it not the Lord who “gave Himself” for us? We are told in Titus 2:14 that is exactly what He did.   Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
       No doubt mothers make many sacrifices for their offspring.   For this they should be honored. But should not a “greater sacrifice” deserve more honor? The greatest sacrifice a mother can offer, is to “give herself” in service to God and the teaching of her children so they might know how to obey, to serve, to be pleasing to God.   But Christ made the ultimate Sacrifice as His blood is the only Sacrifice that made it possible to take away sins.   We are told that Christ came to do His Father’s Will.   In so doing, He paid the price so that we might be saved.   Then as Hebrews 10:12 shows, He went back to the Father.   But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;  
        It is proper to “honor” Mom for all she does. (Romans 13:7)   She deserves it!   But’s let’s not fail to honor God, His Son and the Spirit first! A godly mother does not desire that she be honored more than God.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Hard Hearted?

Hard Hearted?

       The Bible uses the term “heart” in a number of different ways. We can see the “heart” defined in context as the “center” in Exodus 15:8 as the great joy of the delivered Israelites burst forth in song. And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. Later, when the Holy garments of the high priest were being described in Exodus 28:30, the Urim and the Thummin was to be worn “upon Aaron’s heart”, indicating above the physical heart. And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually. There may be other ways in which the Word of God utilizes the term heart.
     However, in most cases, the “heart” in the Bible refers to the mind. This is never more clear than in the first use of the word heart in the Bible. As man began to increase on earth, Genesis 6:5 shows that man’s “heart” (mind) had become obsessed with malevolence. And 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. We find that heart means mind through the remainder of the Holy scriptures.   There is the willing heart, sorrowful heart, discouraged heart, upright heart, astonished heart, joyful and glad heart, trembling heart, foolish heart and more.   All of these things begin in the mind.  
       Many other words are used to describe the thoughts, ideas, and emotions of the mind of man which bring about his actions.   Perhaps the saddest of these is the hard hearted.   Most would think that the “hard hearted” people would be those like the wicked folks of Noah’s day which perished in the flood. Those hearts were indeed “hard”, but they are not the only ones. Some of God’s own people were guilty of this.  
     In Ezekiel 3:4-7 it is clear that God, in speaking to the prophet, was telling him to go to God’s people, Israel.   God Himself identified His people as those suffering from hardness of heart. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. 5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; 6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. 7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.
      It is important to note that not every Israelite was hard-hearted. Down through Israel’s history, there were always some who were diligent in their service and dedication to God. Solomon was very aware that his father David was faithful to God and he started out that way. In 1Kings 3:6 we read what Solomon said to the Lord in his dream about his father which proved that the heart of David was not “hard”. This also explains the opposite of hardness of heart.   And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.   Shortly afterward, we see that Solomon himself (at that time) did not possess a hard heart because of what he asked in verse 9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?   This pleased the Lord. Unfortunately, even Solomon allowed his heart to become hardened when he followed his wives instead of God.  
     After Christ had been resurrected, (still O.T. times), He reproached His apostles for allowing disbelief to harden their hearts. In Mark 16:14 we have this record. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. Just after this, He presented the “Great Commission”, which applied to them as well as to us, and cannot be carried out by those with hardened hearts. If the apostles of Jesus Christ, His ambassadors, could be afflicted by this human condition, how can we not think we too could suffer this?   They had seen and been with the Christ.   Remember what Jesus said to Thomas in John 20:29 when he didn’t believe? Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
       Even Christians must protect themselves from this malady. The Spirit had Paul write in Romans 2:5-9 to tell the outcome of hard heartedness as well as obedience. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
       Hardness of heart will bring the “wrath of God” upon your soul.   On the other hand, “patient continuance in well doing” (obedience) yields eternal life.     How’s your heart?   Is it hardened?  

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

Make The Crossing

Make The Crossing

       “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath delivered us INTO the kingdom of His dear Son . . . “ (Col. 1:13).
        “For as many of you as have been baptized INTO Christ HAVE PUT ON Christ.”   (Gal. 3:27).
      We have previously pointed out that men must walk by faith in order to please God; that faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, and that whatever are God’s Commands to us are ACTS OF FAITH.   God has commanded alien sinners to BELIEVE, REPENT OF SINS, CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST, and BE BAPTIZED IN WATER FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:39).   As the sinner obeys these commands, he is walking by faith. As he walks by faith, God gives him pardon and Salvation from sin.
       Satan is the author of sin. He has a kingdom.   It is strong and powerful. Its citizens are those who OBEY his commands. These are they for whom Jesus died. He loves them so dearly and wants every one of them to live with Him in Heaven someday, but they are blinded and deceived by Satan’s false promises. They refuse to let Jesus save them. They are bound by chains of sin.   They need deliverance.
       The devil is aware of Jesus’ love. He loves nobody. It is a matter of revenge or vengeance with him. He knows that eternal Hell awaits him and he is striving to take everybody there with him.   There is no limit to his efforts to destroy mankind.   He hates man because man is made in the image of God. It is such a pity that man can’t see this.  

       Satan is a LIAR and the father of it. (John 8:44). He tells men: “You are good enough as you are.” This one is real popular. It appeals to the ego and soothes the conscience.   It eliminates the need for change, responsibility, spiritual adjustment. It blinds man to his sins. If he can’t see his mistakes and feel his guilt he is hopelessly lost. It must not be forgotten that there are many honest, sincere, moral and respectable citizens in Satan’s kingdom. He perhaps, is more proud of them than many of his vile ones. They are a “front” for him.
       Then Satan comes up with another false statement: “The Bible says it, but it doesn’t mean it.”   The serious thinker would ask, “Then why does it say it?” You’d think this “gimmick” would have little appeal to men but it is extremely effective. It destroys respect, confidence, and a definite need to rely on what God has said. It opens the door for speculation, human wisdom, tradition. Many preachers (?) use this gimmick.
      Satan is not too concerned if a man believing what God says IF believing is as far as it goes.   “The devils also BELIEVE and tremble.” (Jas 2:19). The devil is not too unhappy when a sinner repents, if this is the extent of it, because this only means that he is inactive.   He is still in the ranks of Satan at this point.   However, Satan begins to get nervous and uneasy when a believing, penitent sinner walks down the aisle to confess FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. This step brings him TOO CLOSE to the CROSSING.   Satan knows that only ONE STEP MORE will release this servant from the BONDAGE of sin. One step more, baptism in water, and the work is done.   Translated “out of the kingdom of darkness and INTO the kingdom of His dear Son.” (Col. 1:13).  
         Satan knows that baptism in water for the remission of sins is where the TRANSITION is made – where the crossing takes place. He must not permit this to happen. If so, he loses a disciple, a servant. He summons help from some of his ministers, his most influential citizens.   The fight is on.   He offers fame, money, power, threats, anything and everything at his command. He ridicules the followers of Christ, the church, showing how few in number they are compared with the number in his camp. As per usual, he does not tell the truth, that “. . . strait is the gate, and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.” (Matt 7:13:14)
         Don’t forget, SALVATION is IN CHRIST. (2 Tim. 2:10).   Redemption, forgiveness of sins is IN Christ. (Eph. 1:7). A sinner is a NEW CREATURE “in Christ.” (2 Cor 5:17). One must be “baptized” INTO Christ in order to “get in Christ”.”   We read: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were “baptized into Christ” were baptized into His death?” (Rom. 6:3).   It follows then, there is no other way into Christ except by baptism.   It is the LAST step. In baptism, the “crossing is made” from sin to salvation, from darkness to light. This is God’s way.   It must be right.  
        Friend, don’t let Satan keep you from making “the crossing”. Don’t let him make you believe that you have made the crossing UNTIL you have satisfied God’s demands.   Go all the way with God.   Take no chance on your soul.  

     The above article was written March 6, 1966 by O. D. Wilson. “Truth” is still “truth” today, yesterday when my Father-in-Law preached, and when it began in A. D. 33 when the church was born. (John 8:32). One CANNOT be TAUGHT WRONG in denominationalism, and be baptized in accordance to God’s plan to receive Salvation. One MUST MAKE THAT CROSSING in full compliance with the Commandments of God, or they are not citizens and cannot have the benefits or promises granted to citizens. For example, there are many “crossing illegally” into our country today seeking a “shortcut” to citizenship. There is a “legal” way to citizenship, but no “shortcut.  

            The same is true of becoming a child of God in His kingdom (the church). God’s Commands MUST be obeyed for one to become a citizen (Christian).   There is no “shortcut” into Christ. (Eph. 2:13 & 19)

     Why would anyone refuse to “make the crossing” legally and scripturally in order to prepare for eternity?   Let us help you learn what God says to do, so you too can make that most important crossing.

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

The Second Most Important Resurrection

The Second Most Important Resurrection

     If one were to ask you: “What is the most important resurrection the world has known?” What would you say?   It is likely, if you believe in God and have some knowledge of His Holy Word, you would answer: “The resurrection of Christ from the dead!” Well done! This would be the correct answer.   But if they were to be permitted a follow-up, and inquire: “What is the second most important resurrection?” Would your answer be correct? Most would not.
       I state this because most true “believers” would respond that the final resurrection, that which is to take place at the end of the world, is the second most important resurrection of humanity.   However, this would NOT be a correct answer to that question.   There is absolutely no doubt that this cataclysmic event will indeed be the finality of humanity in its present form. We are provided an inspired description of this event as well as a solemn warning in 2Peter 3:10-12 to become and remain prepared as we know not when this final event on earth might occur. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 
        This final event of humanity is indeed important, and it will occur because God has made promise through His Word that it will. All that He promises has, or will come to pass. This final event will occur, but not every soul can “look forward” to the “Second Coming” and the Judgment that will follow. Those who are not “in Christ” will not be resurrected to be with Him forever. To them, this won’t be the second most important resurrection. 
       I submit that the second most important resurrection is that resurrection which places one “in Christ”. Resurrection by definition is: the concept of coming back to life after death. In John 11:25,   Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: The term “believeth” here means more than to just believe or to affirm that Christ is.   It indicates obedience.   We see a similar phrase to indicate the same thing in Ephesians 5:14 to the Christians living in Ephesus. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. We know these folks were Christians, because Ephesians 2:1 shows this to be the case. And you hath he quickened, (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins;
         If this is not enough to call one to obedience, perhaps Romans 6:13 will convince. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. If one cannot “yield themselves” to God in obedience, they cannot be “born again” or made alive in the spiritual sense. In John 3:5-6, Jesus was speaking of one being obedient in baptism, and being “resurrected to life”.   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, (be baptized) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. This “new birth”, or coming forth from the dead to be “in Christ” is the second most important resurrection because it places one in Christ and makes one prepared for that final resurrection.
      1Thessalonians 4:13-18 was written to the church (those in Christ), who worshipped in Thessalonica, and clearly indicates that there are those which “have no hope”.   But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, (the dead) that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
   Those who are “in Christ” (and are faithful) have that hope and can indeed look forward to the Second Coming and the Judgment.  
        Much attention is directed toward the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and so it should be as this is the most important resurrection.   All other resurrections depend on His resurrection.   None could be “born again” or be resurrected from the dead and have their sins remitted had Christ not died and then come forth from the grave to die no more.   He did this so you too could be resurrected on that last day.   John 1:12-13 clearly shows this. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Won’t you be baptized into Christ and take part in this second most important resurrection?

Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ

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