Man is said to be several things in the Bible; builders, sheep, branches, salt, light, withering grass and fading flowers, and now a tree. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of man being as a tree “planted by the rivers of water.”

Christians have also been planted (Rom.6:3-5).  A tree is a rooted thing.  Christians are rooted and built up in Christ (Col.2:7).  It takes time for a tree to become rooted, and it takes time for a person to become established in the faith (Heb.5:12).  A tree is a growing thing.  “By the rivers of water” is a place of nourishment. 

Nature demands that a tree grow, and the law of God demands that a child grow (I Pet.2:2).  The environment for growth is equally important for the tree as it is for a Christian (I Cor.15:33).  A tree is a beautiful thing. Few things in nature are as beautiful as a tree.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly life (Rom.10:15).  

            When my father passed away (1976) he had a lot of eight track tapes. Many today still have cassette tapes. Cars no longer come equipped with a cassette player but rather a CD player. How does all that relate to the Bible? The following quotes may help, “In 31 states and more than a hundred foreign countries, spanking in school has gone the way of cassette tapes, pay phones and Kodachrome.” (USA Today, May 8, 2012). That could have read, “The Bible has gone the way of cassette tapes, pay phones …” Another quote, “Supporters of corporal punishment laud the old ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ proverb, but science says otherwise [Emphasis mine LA]. The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded years ago that spanking harms learning and self-image.” Hmm, isn’t that amazing? Poor ole God didn’t understand learning and self-image.

      This is not new of course. The Bible is being rejected in many areas.

                THE BIBLE IS BEING REJECTED IN THE RELM OF MARRIAGE. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Paul wrote, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). NO! NO! We must live together (commit fornication) first to see if we are compatible. The Bible has gone the way of the cassette tape.

                THE BIBLE IS BEING REJECTED IN THE REALM OF MORIALITY. Gay marriage is now the rage in spite of the Bible’s instruction. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Businesses and organizations are rushing to let the homosexual society know that we support you. Paul again writes, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet” (Rom. 1:26-27). Recently (May 6, 2012) Vice President Joe Biden said that he was “ ‘absolutely comfortable’ with gay marriage, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday in a separate interview that he thinks same-sex couples should be able to marry.” (USA Today, May 8, 2012). The Bible has gone the way of the cassette tape.

                THE BIBLE IS BEING REJECTED IN THE REALM OF CREATION. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). Science says “nay, nay” it was created by a big bang. You, my friend, came from a lower form of animal and not made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). The Bible has gone the way of the cassette tape.

                There is only one major problem!!! In the Day of Judgment we will not be judged by The American Academy of Pediatrics, by a school board, by Vice President Biden or Education Secretary Arne Duncan but by the Holy Word of God. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: that word that I have spoken, the same shall judge you in the last day” (John 12:48).

                                                                                                Larry

 We fear not the darts of the wicked, because we have God as our shield (Eph.6:16).
We have no danger to fear, because of the presence of the Lord (Gen.26:24; Mt.28:20). 

There is to be no fear of our enemies because the Lord will fight for us (Ex.14:13-14).  We have no fear of being forsaken; since God has promised to be with us (Deu.31:6; Jam.4:8). 

There should not be a fear of starving; because the Lord has promised to feed us (Mt.6:25-33).  Man and society are not be feared because the Lord is our helper (Heb. 13:6). 

We have no fear of persecutions since man is unable to kill the soul (Mt.10:28). We fear not of death, because the Lord will be with us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psa.23:4).  What else is there left to fear?

        As Mother’s Day approaches each year our minds begin to drift back over the years to memories of our mothers. Everyone has a special memory. It may her cooking, the way she did things around the house, her scolding, her being there when things didn’t always go right but these fond thoughts have a special place in our hearts.

        Solomon wrote, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies’ (Prov. 31:10). No one ever disagrees with that. What is she worth? If you live in Lithia Springs and your Mom is a stay at home mom and she received an annual salary it would be $96,181. If she is a working mom her salary would be $56,476. according to Salary.com. However, Solomon said her price was greater. So what is it that makes her so valuable?

        SHE MANAGES THE HOME. “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Prov. 31:27). Paul describes it like this, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house…” (1 Tim. 5:14). She is a domestic manager.

        SHE IS THE MODEL OF OBEDIENCE. “Submit yourselves to God” (Jam. 4:7). She puts God first in her life and as a result, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her” (Prov. 31:11). She is a living example to her family (1 Pet. 3:1-6). When the angel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would bear a child being conceived of the Holy Spirit she said, …”Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word…” (Lk. 1:38).

        SHE IS A TEACHER OF GOOD. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Prov. 1:8).

        Yes her children “Arise up, and call her blessed…” (Prov. 31:28).

                                                Larry

When a “storm” strikes in life, some will stand and others will fall (Mt.7:24-27).  A storm-proof religion is one that demands faith and obedience (Mt.7:24-27; Jam.1:22). 

Many who have done wonderful things will not be able to stand, because they did not obey God’s will (Mt.7:21-23).  The five foolish virgins were turned back, because they had not made sufficient preparation (Mt.25:1-13).  The storm tragically hit the one-talent man (Mt.25:14-30). 

The difference between those on the right hand and those on the left is that some “did” (Mt.25:31-40) while others “did not” (Mt.25:41-45).  The fig tree was cursed for not being productive (Mk.11:13-14).  The builders upon the sand are deceiving themselves (Jam.1:22).  It is either “hear” and “do” or be lost (Rev.22:14; I Pet.4:17-18).

]]> http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/05/01/storm-proof-religion/feed/ 0 http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/05/01/many-methods-%e2%80%93-one-message/ http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/05/01/many-methods-%e2%80%93-one-message/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 02:24:32 +0000 admin http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/?p=505 Continue reading →]]> MANY METHODS – ONE MESSAGE

        “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Mt. 28:19). The Great Commission. We have entered the age of technology with cell phones, iPods, iPads, iPhones and every other  “i” you can think of. We have CD’s, DVD’s, video cameras, streaming. Many methods but one message.

            In emphasizing the methods let’s not forget the message. A few months ago a speaker made the statement that many times we use too much scripture. The late Bro. Johnny Ramsey replied to a fellow who said that to him, “What words are better? Those of God or man.”

            Panel discussions, dialogue and conversation are good but don’t forget that “…It please God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). Paul said this, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16).

            Yes, we preach the gospel by using tracks and many written publications. We use the Bible Correspondence Course and other excellent methods of this nature but don’t lose sight of preaching. Several years ago there was a book entitled, The Gospel Blimp in which several Christians were talking about how to reach a next door neighbor who was not a Christian. They devised this plan to hire a blimp to fly over the neighborhood and drop tracks from the air. The tracks were to land in the neighbor’s yard and he was to pick it up and read it and obey the gospel. In the process they decided to buy a blimp instead of renting, then they had to hire a pilot, then they had to have a fundraiser to pay for all this. Finally in the end the Christian neighbor just stepped next door and taught his neighbor who was not a Christian.

            There are many methods all of which are good and are tools to help us carry out the preaching of the gospel. There is not a one of them that I would want to eliminate but don’t forget the wonderful method of standing in the pulpit and with a love for the word, quote or read from the scripture and with zeal, desire, determination and passion proclaim the precious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Solomon was a preacher (Ecc. 1:1), Isaiah was a preacher (Isa. 61:1), Jonah was a preacher (Jonah 3:2), John the Baptist was a preacher (Mt. 3:1), Our Lord Jesus Christ was a preacher (Mt. 4:17), the twelve were preachers (Mk. 3:14).

            John Wesley said, “Either put fire in your sermon or put your sermon in the fire.” Let’s get fired up and preach it from the roof tops.

                                                                        Larry

 The church of Christ is in need of men to make a stand in various roles and as leaders in the church and the home.  Men of knowledge like Timothy are needed today (II Tim.3:14-17).  Men of faith like Enoch (Heb.11:5). 

Men who count all things loss to gain Christ as Paul had done (Phil.3:7-8). There needs to be men as God-fearing as Peter and John (Acts 4:19.20).  Patient men like Joseph (Job 1:21; 2:10).  Virtuous and pure men like Joseph (Gen.39:1-23).  Men of righteousness like Noah (II Pet.2:5). 

Those men who are agreeable and compatible as Abraham was (Gen.13).  Men of vision and determination like Nehemiah (Neh.1:6). There needs to be men like Caleb who are optimist in the church today (Num.13).

            Read Romans 7:14-23. The center of that passage may be this, “For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 6:19). Some may get the idea that Paul was frustrated in living the Christian life but that is not the case. He is simply showing the state of the non-Christian.

            Remember the charge often made that Paul was an old bachelor out of touch with society because he taught (by inspiration we should note) that women are not to usurp authority over the man (1 Tim. 2:12), keep silent in the churches (1 Cor. 14:34) and women were to submit themselves to their husbands (Eph. 5:22). Another example are those who want to say that Paul’s teaching on marriage in the Corinthian letter was just his opinion and not from God (1 Cor. 7:12). It is these folks who support the above ideas who are out of touch.

            The Apostle Paul was everything but frustrated. One definition of frustrate is, “to induce feelings of discouragement”; another is “to make ineffectual: to bring to nothing.” Well folks that was not Paul. He was strong. If you desire to know just how strong, read the eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians. In Paul’s meeting with the elders of Ephesus his determination is seen in his desire to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22).

            Things happen in life that will frustrate you. Those who claim to be Christians do not always act like Christians. Folks don’t always do what they say they will do. Even though Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates” life is not always a box of chocolates. So why not take a lesson from Paul. Here are some things he wrote by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16-17) in the Philippian letter:

            “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).

            “Let your moderation be known to all men” (Phil. 4:5).

            “Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6).

            “…In everything by prayer” (Phil. 4:6)

            “…With thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God (Phil. 4:6).

            A motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, said “Don’t become frustrated become fascinated.” 

                                                                                                              Larry

]]> http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/04/27/was-paul-a-frustrated-old-preacher/feed/ 0 http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/04/20/spiritual-security/ http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/2012/04/20/spiritual-security/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:21:21 +0000 admin http://lithiaspringschurchofchrist.com/?p=491 Continue reading →]]> Spiritual Security

            When we watch television we might see a commercial or perhaps see a billboard that is advertising financial or identity security.  We all want to watch out when it comes to our debit and credit cards being used without our knowledge.  We want to have insurance as a means of security if something happens to us. The greatest security that we can have is spiritual security, and that is within the reach of everyone.  Peter specifies the things to do to keep from falling and to be granted an entrance into the eternal kingdom (II Pet.1:5-11). 

            Faith is necessary.  Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6).  We are to live by faith (Gal.2:20), and walk by faith (II Cor.5:7).  When we pass on; we are able to win the victory by faith (I Jn.5:4).  Let it be said about us, “Your faith groweth exceedingly” (II Thes.1:3). 

            Peter, by inspiration, specifies that we are to add to our faith, virtue (II Pet.1:5).  Virtue is strength or courage.  It is product of faith in God (Psa.27:13; Phil.4:13).  Hard times must be endured with courage (II Tim.2:3).  When looking at the lives of Christ and Paul, we see lives of courage. 

            Knowledge is to be attached to virtue as the building blocks for spiritual security (II Pet.1:5).  Religious activities without the proper Bible knowledge only cause trouble (Hos.4:6).  Jesus says that we must have knowledge of the truth (Jn.8:32).  The children of Israel had zeal without knowledge (Rom.10:1-3).  It is often the case today in denominations and even within the borders of the church. 

            Temperance, or self-control, is essential that we may make the proper use of faith, virtue, and knowledge.  “He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh his city” (Pro.16:32). Temperance is also mentioned in the list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:23). 

            Patience which can be said to be steadfastness or endurance is to be found within the Christian (I Tim.6:11).  We are told to run with patience (Heb.12:1).  Oftentimes we may hear the saying of having the patience of Job (Jam.5:11), which is true. Those that have patience and continue to do the will of God will inherit eternal life (Heb.10:38). 

            Godliness is to be implemented next to insure spiritual security.  Godliness is profitable to all things (I Tim.4:8).  Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim.6:6).  There are some that have a form of godliness but deny it (II Tim.3:5).  The word of God gives all things that pertain unto life and godliness (II Pet.1:3).  We are to be godly in this world of ungodly things (Tit.2:12). 

            It is easily recognized as sympathy in action.  Brotherly kindness is a fruit of love (I Cor.13:4).  Paul wrote, “Be ye kind one to another” (Eph.4:32).  If we show brotherly kindness among the church half of our problems will be solved (Eph.4:2-3). “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Rom.12:10).  Brotherly kindness is to be exercised daily alongside the previous things mentioned.

            Peter writes, “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (II Pet.1:7).  We must love God (Mt.22:37); our neighbor (Mt.22:39); the brethren (I Pet.2:17); our enemies (Mt.5:44); and, the truth (II Thes.2:10-12). 

Stephen

(II Kings 18:1-7)

Hezekiah was the son of the one of the worst kings, Ahaz.  He did not have a good family environment.  His son, Manasseh, was also one of the wickedest kings (II Kings 21). Hezekiah rose above his father; while Manasseh had a righteous father, but fell beneath him. 

Hezekiah “did that which was right in the sight of God” (II Kings 18:3).  He was loyal and uncompromising. He took away the idolatry of Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (II Kings 18:4).  He was a man of action (II Chron.29:3, 36).  He immediately began his work as a reformer.  Many have failed because of indecision.  He trusted in the Lord God of Israel (II Kings 18:5). 

He clave to the Lord (II Kings 18:6).  Kept the Lord’s commandments (II Kings 18:6), just we are to do (Jn.14:15).  He was a prayerful person (II Kings 19:14).  The Lord made him great, so the Lord will be with us and prosper us if we strive to do the same things.