Keeping It In Perspective

Earlier this week, I received a phone call from my brother-in-law, Ben, who lives in Tennessee. Ben had received a call from his brother, Dave, in Florida who had made an interesting discovery.

Dave had been making an effort to find my parents' address on WhitePages.com. He typed "Roark" into the name field, and their ZIP code into the address field. He found what he was looking for, but also came across an additional entry with my name listed.

This in itself was not an interesting discovery since Kelly and I did indeed live and work in this same Tennessee town for two and one-half years. The intrigue begins with the job title listed under the entry with my name. It still had me listed as an employee of the West Fayetteville church of Christ, but with the job title listed as "false teacher" (click on the image above to see the screen capture).

Apparently, anyone with internet access is able to submit a name and job title. Dave was somewhat hesitant to let Ben call me with this piece of news, but being my best friend and brother-in-law (some say we were separated at birth), Ben knew exactly how I would take it: with great amusement.

Now, don't get me wrong...being labeled as a "false teacher" is no laughing matter -- especially if there is any validity to such an assertion. Understand, however, that when someone anonymously submits someone's name with that label to a website, that can be somewhat difficult to take seriously. It shows a genuine lack of character and courage, to say the least. And so, one might have to say in a situation as this, "consider the source."

While Ben and I were having a good chuckle over this, he asked if I could think of anyone who might be behind this. My answer was that I had only one or two guesses (after all, I'm not all that well-known!), but it would be impossible to say with any degree of certainty. Besides, I was not overly concerned with the situation in the first place.

Had this situation arisen in my younger days, I may have been hurt, angry, and on a mission to find the culprit. Now, at the advanced age of 30, I've found it much easier to keep situations like this in its proper perspective. For this, I give God the glory...

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:14-26, ESV

When we allow the Spirit of God to operate and mold our lives through the Scriptures, the difference will be plainly evident.

r2

Lost In Translation

God's word is a precious gift...a wonderful manifestation of divine grace. The gospel is the singular source of power from above that rescues the souls of men from eternal torment (Romans 1:16). Since this is the case, it is in the best interest of all mankind to preserve the accuracy and reliability of the Bible text.

Thousands upon thousands of sermons have been preached, debates have been waged, and articles have been penned with regard to the Bible translation question. Countless sincere souls have asked in some form or another, "Which Bible translation should I use?". Such a query is legitimate and should be considered in light of the fact that different versions have been produced to serve different purposes than others (e.g. translations versus paraphrases).

From time to time, however, one will come across individuals and organizations that staunchly hold up a singular translation as not only superior (a matter of opinion in itself), but also the only reliable translation in existence. Most of my dealings have been with those who advocated a "King James Version only" point of view.

I will personally laud the King James Version for the excellent translation it truly is, but to hold up any translation as the only true Bible is walking on thin ice, to say the least. Inasmuch as every translation is a product of fallible men, there are strengths and weaknesses to be found within each one. The "autographs" of every book in the Bible (i.e. the original documents penned by Paul, John, Peter, etc.) are indeed breathed out by God. However, when one makes the claim that a translator (or group of translators) was inspired by God, he makes an ignorant and unsustainable statement.

For those who take a "King James only" position, can you answer the following?

• The King James Version underwent many changes between 1611 and 1769 (with revisions in 1613, 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769). Which of these King James Version versions is to be taken as "the" Bible?
• Since the 1611 version of the King James Version included the Apocrypha, and since the book of Second Maccabees teaches the concept of "purgatory," are you saying the one and only true translation of the Bible teaches the erroneous concept of purgatory?
• What will be the fate of the non-English speaking world? If they cannot read the KJV, does this mean they cannot possibly have access to the Bible and will, therefore, be lost due to their inability to read English?
• Did you know that the Textus Receptus, from which the KJV was translated, was based on a half dozen small manuscripts, none earlier than the 10th century?
• Did Paul use the KJV?
• Did Jesus speak in Old English?
  

I have a list of more than 70 additional questions the "King James only" advocate must answer in order to sustain this position. Truthfully, not a single one of these questions can be logically answered by someone who holds to the idea that the King James Version is the one and only Bible.

Much as in many other areas, we must seek balance here. To say there is one and only one translation is just as unsustainable as saying any translation goes (even paraphrases, the Jehovah's Witnesses New World Translation, and the like). The most rewarding study comes when one utilizes several reliable translations, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses that come with each one.

For those who make "King James only" conformity a test of fellowship, you have a heavy burden of proof laid upon you which no such advocate has been able to bear to this point. We all have our favorite and preferred translations, but let us lay ego aside as well as "what we heard so-and-so say" and use level-headed logic and reason to work toward a mutual understanding.

r2

Hot-Tempered Woman Burned Up Over Heat

A Michigan couple made headlines this week after having a disagreement about the temperature of their home.

When Joseph Grucz asked his wife, Cheryl, to turn up the heat, she grabbed the couple's gun and fired one round. The bullet missed Joseph, but instead struck and destroyed the couple's flat-screen television (which is just simply a tragedy in its own right, in my book).

While speaking with the police dispatch operator as he hid his head under a pillow, Joseph claimed Cheryl was, "all excited about it because she's so cheap."

Well, let's look on the bright side here: Mrs. Grucz's frugality is certainly commendable, as is her determination to conserve energy and be "green." Okay, we're probably stretching a bit there, but you get the idea.

Despite her best efforts to be fiscally and environmentally conscious, one would hope Mrs. Grucz will be able to manage her temper more effectively in the future.

No doubt, each of us can recall a time or two (or seventy) where we let our own tempers get the best of us. Remember, anger is a natural human emotion. The difference is made in how our actions are affected by that anger:

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV

So lest we ruin a perfectly good flat-screen television (or worse), let us always remember to take a moment to collect ourselves when the blood begins to "boil."

r2

The First Church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:42, ESV

This statement from the divine record shows us God's plan for his church. In its infancy, the church of Christ was:

1. Sound in doctrine
2. Strong in fellowship
3. Devoted in worship
4. Steadfast in prayer

Why would we ever want to de-emphasize any one of these areas? Each one is vital to the healthy growth of the body of Christ. Which of these items do you suppose we may deem less important than any other? Beyond a doubt, one of the reasons the early church prospered in such a way was due to their balanced approach.

Let us all step back from time to time and be certain of our motives in all that we do. Let us never neglect to maintain healthy, Biblical teaching while pursuing unity. At the same time, let us never fail to pursue peace and brotherly kindness while defending sound doctrine. A balanced approach will cause the church to prosper and grow in a healthy way.

r2

Already At It For Next Year!

With the 2007 Cold Harbor Lectureship officially two days behind us, it is time to start planning for and working on next year's program. I am so excited about next year's theme that I had to sit down and design the cover for the 2008 lectureship book (at right).

As you can see from the image, the theme for the 12th Annual Cold Harbor Lectureship will be Balance. I know we every director of every lectureship probably says this every year, but I truly cannot think of any subject that is more urgently needed for consideration by the body of Christ in this generation.

With individuals and groups splitting off and departing in multiple directions, we desperately need to come back to a place of balance -- balance in what we teach, how we live, and any number of other areas of practical living. As we sit down to plan this lectureship, we will make the effort to be balanced in our approach.

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left...
Joshua 23:6, ESV

And, since our mind is still on the Proverbs...

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:27, ESV

Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2008 Cold Harbor Lectureship!

r2

20 Ways To Simplify

Most of us think we are pretty busy. Most of us are right. While busy can mean productivity, busy can also mean a life that is “out-of-whack” in terms of priority.

Yes, work begets more work, hobbies beget more hobbies, stuff begets more stuff until the point where we step back in the one free moment we might have during a week and realize…. “It’s time to simplify!!"

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The more “stuff” we have crowding our lives, the more danger we put ourselves in of dividing our loyalty that rightly belongs to the Lord.

Here is an excellent list of 20 ways to simplify, compiled by Dr. Steve Stephens:

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on T.V.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say “no” at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.

12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
16. If you don’t have time, don’t do it.
17. Have a plan for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

r2

Brotherly Love Conquers All

Tomorrow night (Friday, September 28th) at 8:00 p.m., the West Virginia Mountaineers will take the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. They will line up against the South Florida Bulls in what is being hyped as one of the biggest games in all of college football this season, and as one of the biggest games in the history of the Big East conference.

The University of South Florida is an institution comprised of more than 40,000 undergraduate students in Tampa. It also happens to be the university my wife, Kelly, and I attended. We have been devoted fans of the Bulls (especially football and men's basketball) since our time there in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Obviously, Kelly and I are "pumped" for Friday night's showdown on ESPN. We are in the middle of ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) country here, but we have at least two WVU Mountaineer fans that I know of here at Cold Harbor. I have been preparing both of these brothers for their defeat over the past two or three weeks, but I am not convinced they are ready to handle the deep depression that will set in when the clock reads 0:00 and the point total under "Bulls" is higher than that under "Mountaineers" (sorry guys, had to say it!).

I write all that to say this: No matter how passionate we may be about a sports team or any other interest in life, there ought to be nothing that supercedes these two things:

1. Our love for God
2. Our love for our fellow man

While we should be good and kind to everyone about us, our Christian brothers and sisters should occupy a unique reservation in the love we bestow (Galatians 6:10). Would you believe churches have been split and preachers have lost their jobs due to arguments about football games?!?! 'Tis true! What a tragedy when brethren place greater value on their allegiance to a sports teams (or anything else) than on their relationship in Christ.

It is so rewarding to have Christian brothers like Joe and Steve. We can enjoy the rivalry on the field, all the while maintaining our love for and commitment to Christ and one another.

Friend, never allow anything this world has to offer come between you and your Lord, nor you and your brother!

ps -- be sure to turn on ESPN2 tomorrow night @ 8:00 p.m. to see the Bulls stampede!!

r2

A Balanced Life

These days, we hear about the importance of balance on a regular basis. Balanced diet, balanced bank account, balancing one's time wisely, balance beams........okay, that's one too many.

Truly, balance is a virtue. You and I should be striving for spiritual balance. The Bible says,

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left...
Joshua 23:6, ESV

The people of God ought to avoid extremes. We should be committed to being Biblical -- ignoring terms such as "conservative," or "liberal." Can we not simply strive to be "Biblical?" Consider a handful of practical suggestions on creating and maintaining balance:

God's people ought to be...



SELF-RELIANT, but not Self-sufficient


STEADFAST, but not Stubborn


TACTFUL, but not Timid


SERIOUS, but not Sullen


UNMOVABLE, but not Stationary


GENTLE, but not Hypersensitive


TENDERHEARTED, but not Touchy


CONSCIENTIOUS, but not Perfectionistic

r2