A Book Of Unique Ability

Jesus said...

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32, ESV

While praying to the Father, Jesus declared God's word to be truth (John 17:17) -- that is, the objective and absolute standard of life and Godliness. His statement above from the eighth chapter of John's gospel account makes the point that any man or woman who abides in his word will know "the truth." In so stating, Christ makes a powerful and unmistakable claim of deity.

Yes, the word of God the Father and God the Son are one and the same. The word of the Father that sanctifies the soul (John 17:17) is the same word of the Son that sets a soul free from the bondage and condemnation of sin (John 8:31-32).

There exists no other single volume nor collection of volumes that can truthfully make the same assertion. Great literary masterpieces and best sellers have prompted men and women the world over to change their world views and ways of living. Yet, every letter of every word on every page of every copy of every other book ever sold in the history of the world is utterly powerless to set free a soul condemned by sin to die.

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12, ESV

If you don't have a Bible, GET ONE.
If you've got a Bible, READ IT.
If you read the Bible, BELIEVE IT.
If you believe the Bible, LIVE IT.

r2

Steak Knife Salvation

In a city synonymous with great steaks, one man is grateful for the steak knife that helped spare his life. Steve Wilder, of Omaha, Nebraska, used a steak knife to perform an at-home tracheotomy. He took this drastic measure because he thought he was going to die one night last week after awakening and being unable to breathe.

Wilder said he didn't call 911 because he didn't think help would arrive in time. So, the 55-year-old says, he got a steak knife from the kitchen and made a small hole in his throat, allowing air to gush in.

As someone who is about as squeamish as any human being can be, this story churns my stomach. I cannot imagine performing my own tracheotomy! However, in addition to being completely "grossed out," it also helps me to reflect on the value of life.

What some people have done in an effort to spare their own lives is astounding. The stories you have, no doubt, heard of men amputating trapped limbs with small, dull utility knives should further serve to illustrate just how far human beings will go to preserve life.

Mr. Wilder was saved from death by his own courage and determination to live. How far will you go to be saved from "the second death" (Revelation 2:11), that is, eternal condemnation and separation from God? The wonderful news is that God's grace has provided the sacrifice we needed, but could not ourselves supply (Titus 2:11) in Christ. God requires only our faith (Hebrews 11:6), loving obedience (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9), and a humble attitude of self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).

How important is your own life? God has instilled within man an innate desire to live -- both physically and spiritually. When a man loses his desire to live (physically), this indicates a problem...perhaps mental illness. And when a man does not possess a desire to save his own soul, this too indicates a problem...a spirit that needs to be awakened and revived!

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16, ESV

r2

The New Slavery?

This morning's edition of NBC's Today show featured an interview with V. Gene Robinson, the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (better known as simply the "Episcopal Church"). You may remember the copious amounts of air time his story received back in 2003 when he was elected to this position. The controversy surrounded his open admissions of homosexual behavior.

In the years that followed these events, numerous congregations within the Episcopal denomination have broken their ties with the governing body and have since aligned themselves with other groups. The reason for Mr. Robinson's appearance on the Today show was the release of his new book, In The Eye Of The Storm: Swept To The Center By God. Robinson also appeared in the film, For The Bible Tells Me So, a documentary promoted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival (scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the video box to see the trailer for this film).

While listening to the interview this morning, I took a pen and a sheet of paper and jotted down a few of the more notable statements made by Mr. Robinson. Here are just a few:

• Robinson compared himself to the prophets of the Bible, citing the persecution he feels.
• He likened the "discrimination" against gays to the subjugation of women and slavery.
• Mr. Robinson said he knows many people who are "unashamedly gay and unashamedly Christian."
• He said there is a need to "re-interpret the Scriptures."
• Robinson claims that God has called him into the lifestyle of homosexuality so that he can fulfill the role he is now playing.

Where does one begin in answering these statements? Let's briefly take them one by one, shall we?

• The prophets of the Bible were persecuted for their unwavering support and defense of God's word; Mr. Robinson is being criticized for his blatant disregard for that same word.

• The opposition Mr. Robinson receives from Bible believers is not to be compared with social disasters like slavery and racism. Individuals who supported slavery in the past, and individuals who harbor racist attitudes today violate the word of God in so doing. Those who lovingly teach the truth about the sin of homosexuality as it is revealed in Scripture are following in the footsteps of the Lord. Does anyone else find Mr. Robinson's comparison to slavery offensive?

• There is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. The two terms contradict one another. A Christian is one who follows the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If there are "gay Christians," as Mr. Robinson claims, there must also be adulterous Christians, fornicator Christians, thief Christians, and the like. The truth of the matter is that no man or woman who continues in a lifestyle of sin and rebellion to God's word will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

• The need is not in "re-interpreting the Scriptures." The need is for more people to show genuine love for Christ by humbly obeying Him (John 14:15).

• God does not call men to a lifestyle of sin. He does not compel anyone to practice that which will leave their soul in peril. On the contrary, the Lord calls men out of darkness and into the light of truth by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

It should be noted that we should never support any effort that would attack another human being, be it by words or physical violence. Anyone who spews venomous, hateful words in the direction of another also violates the law of God.

This being said, it is truly unfortunate that the propaganda machine used by many so-called "gay rights" groups paints with such a broad brush. Those of us who defend the truth and purity if the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality are often lumped in with the screaming, red-faced radicals hurling profanity-laced insults. Truly unfortunate.

It can only be hoped that those who have honest and sincere hearts can step back from the useless political debates to see the difference between those who hate homosexuals and those who love them enough to tell the truth. Gene Robinson would have you believe a loving attitude and teaching the sinfulness of homosexuality are mutually exclusive. That's a claim that will sell books...maybe even get him on a bestseller's list or two. But it is a claim that cannot be backed up by the word of God.

Let's speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

r2

The Lord's Merciful Offer

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isaiah 1:18, ESV

It is remarkable to me that the same God that the same God who declared unto us the transcendence of his ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) makes this offer to such a feeble minded people -- an offer to reason with us! His offer of sin-cleansing grace -- sufficiently powerful to remove any trace of iniquity -- is given when we humbly accept the offer to come and reason with him.

The Lord of heaven is a God who desires our service from unabridged minds, devoting conscience, emotion, volition, and intellect to his purposes. In so doing, we benefit our own souls while glorifying God in the process. It is, after all, "for his name's sake" that he "leads us in right paths" (Psalm 23:3).

Can you think of anything more important that accepting the Lord's merciful offer yourself? The only thing that can even compete is telling others of that same offer once you have accepted it yourself.

r2

Life Without The Letter "J"

For the past three days, I have been typing on my laptop computer without the use of the "j" key. The small mechanism that is pushed down when a finger strikes the "j" key is still intact, so I am able to type j's when needed (though it must be done far more deliberately).

How did I lose my "j" key, you ask? I was sitting on the couch at home doing some work on Monday evening when Louis, our 105-pound Yellow Lab decided he wanted to sit on top of me (Louis thinks he's an eight-pound lap dog). Since the laptop was resting on my lap (hence the name), one of Louis' rather large paws raked across the keyboard, taking out the "j" key in the process.

Looking on the bright side, if Louis absolutely had to take out one letter, "j" was a good choice. I have been surprised how infrequently the letter "j" is used when compared to other letters in the alphabet. Still, I got to thinking about some of the words we couldn't say or write without the use of the great letter "j."

Here are just a few to consider:



Joy
The inexpressible result of salvation in Christ

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace..." (Galatians 5:22, ESV)

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with JOYthat is inexpressible and filled with glory..." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)


Justified
To be regarded as innocent

"Therefore, since we have been JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)

"Since, therefore, we have now been JUSTIFIED by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:9, ESV)

"You see that a person is JUSTIFIED by works and not by faith alone." (James 2:24, ESV)


Jesus
King of kings, Lord of lords; the Son of God and Savior of mankind

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this JESUS whom you crucified." (Acts 2:36, ESV)

"But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely JESUS, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:9-10, ESV)

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, JESUS Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2, ESV)



Aren't you glad we have the letter "j"?

r2

Isaiah: A Pattern For Soul Winners

Isaiah was one of the most evangelistic prophets of the Old Testament. The God-breathed message he composed is comprised of 66 chapters. Many familiar hymns have been written based on certain sections of Isaiah's prophecy.

For example:

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet, by Fanny J. Crosby; cf. Isaiah 1:18)

And another:

"O Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm." (Shelter In The Time Of Storm, by Vernon Charlesworth; cf. Isaiah 32:2)

And perhaps one of our most well known "evangelistic" songs:

"Here am I, Lord, send me; Here am I, ready at thy bidding, Lord, send me." (There Is Much To Do, by M.W. Spencer; cf. Isaiah 6:8).

When Isaiah responded to the Lord's request for a messenger by saying, "Here am I! Send me," it was the result of a process designed by God to show Isaiah the proper mindset in soul winning. Observe...

• Isaiah saw himself as God saw him (Isaiah 6:5a)
• Isaiah saw his own need (Isaiah 6:7)
• Isaiah saw the needs of others (Isaiah 6:5b)
• Isaiah was given the call to teach others (Isaiah 6:8a)
• Isaiah willingly responded to this call (Isaiah 6:8b)

The message preached by Isaiah is encapsulated by these words:

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV

Backing up to verse one in this same chapter, we find this invitation issued by Isaiah to anyone who would hear:

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 55:1, ESV

My friend, let's get our own lives in order that we may, like the prophet Isaiah, be used by the Lord in rescuing souls in peril.

"Here am I! Send me."

r2

Strengthening The Souls Of The Disciples

The 13th and 14th chapters of the book of Acts details the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they made their way preaching the gospel throughout Asia Minor. They had preached to and converted a notable number of individuals in cities throughout the region, including Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Persecution of the saints of God was fierce at that time. A mob of Jews that had followed Paul and his fellow laborers from Antioch and Iconium persuaded some of the citizens of Lystra to aid them in stoning the evangelists. There, they dragged Paul out of the city and left him for dead (Acts 14:19-20).

After departing from Lystra, Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Derbe (v. 20-21a). The gospel was preached to the people of Derbe, and many obeyed the Lord and became His disciples. From Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they had previously preached -- Iconium, Antioch, and Lystra (v.21b). Yes, the same Lystra where Paul had been stoned within an inch of his life!

What was the purpose? What could have been so important that it called for such a risky move on the part of this apostle? Verse 22 gives us the answer:

...strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22, ESV

Paul realized how crucial following up with recently converted disciples was in doing the work of an evangelist. Truthfully, at what point can we say a disciple of Christ is no longer in need of such encouragement? Does the need cease after one has been a Christian for five years? Ten years? No, my friend. We all need to be strengthened on a regular basis -- whether we have been a child of God for one year or 50 years!

A handful of observations here:

1. We sometimes place all the emphasis on how many baptisms a preacher, missionary, or congregation has to their credit. No doubt, baptisms are important; but what are we doing to keep them "encouraged and in the faith"?
2. I have heard of preachers who say something to the effect of, "I'm tired of preaching to the saved." To one who has such a mindset, I would simply say that the saved need to hear the gospel every bit as much as the unsaved!
3. Life has peaks and valleys. If we will immerse ourselves in the word of God before we get to those valleys, we will be more likely to "continue in the faith." It may be too late to encourage someone with the gospel by the time they are standing in the midst of that valley.

Let us never lightly regard the importance of teaching the gospel -- to the unsaved so they can be saved, and to the saved so that they can remain saved!

r2

Wolves In Wool

The following article was provided by Ben Galloway. He is a close friend of mine, primarily because he is married to my sister! Ben works with the West Fayetteville church of Christ (Fayetteville, TN). Although he is just embarking on his life as an evangelist, he is a very capable speaker and writer. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking for a speaker for a youth event, as he has a background in counseling young folks. This piece follows up the previous article (immediately below this entry) that examined the beliefs and teachings of Robert H. Schuller. Ben came across a brief video that shows Schuller interviewing Billy Graham. Neither of these pieces contain personal attacks on an individual, nor is any malicious intent contained therein. That being said, no apology is necessary for contrasting what these two men espouse with the words of Christ. The statements made by both parties in this brief conversation are eye-opening.

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Robert Schuller and Billy Graham (shown in a 1951 photo at right) are two of the most well known evangelicals in this nation. Through Schuller’s “Hour of Power” television program and Graham’s countless “crusades” they have entered the living rooms of millions throughout their careers. No doubt, they are two of the more respected “preachers” the denominational world has to offer.

Based on their sterling (and undeserved) reputations as men of God’s Word, the following conversation (on Schuller’s television program) between these men should come as a surprise to many…

Schuller: “What is the future of Christianity?”

Graham: “I think that everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they are conscious of it or not, they are members of the body of Christ. And that's what God is doing today. He's calling people out of the world, for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they have been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their heart that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved and they are going to be with us in Heaven.”

Schuller: “Fantastic. I’m so thrilled to hear you say this. You’re saying there is a wideness to God’s mercy!”

(You may see and hear this conversation for yourself in the video posted at the bottom of this article.)

Startling theory espoused by Mr. Graham, isn’t it. While I’d gladly break down the errors in the teachings of Mr. Graham, Jesus Christ says it far more succinctly and eloquently than I could ever manage.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Jesus clearly states that the wide path is the path to destruction. In the New Testament there is no mention of salvation for those who deny that Christ is the Son of God (Muslims) or for those who are idolaters (Buddhists) or those who deny the existence of our Heavenly Father (non-believers). That is the wide path to destruction that Jesus warns us of. Graham’s doctrine of universal salvation is in direct defiance of the teachings of Jesus Himself!

Isn’t it interesting that Christ follows that warning with this…

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15, ESV

Indeed, Robert Schuller and Billy Graham are those wolves in sheep’s clothing of which Jesus warned us. When they lack the courage to stand up for Christ -- to declare Him as the one path to the Father -- they become false prophets. Their doctrine would mean Christ hung on the cross in vain, and His teachings were false.

Sadly, many good intentioned souls have been lead down the wide path to destruction by these men. As Christians we must have a ready answer when presented with false doctrine and a willingness to teach, in love, those who lack the knowledge or understanding of what must be done to be saved!

-- Ben Galloway
BenGalloway@gmail.com

Christ Is Optional?

You may be familiar with some individuals and groups who profess to be followers of Christ that teach universal salvation. With the increasing pressure to be "politically correct," and pluralistic worldviews shaping the minds of upcoming generations, this comes as no real surprise.

However, most of these groups and individuals have traditionally been on "the fringe" of what the world sees as Christianity (as opposed to the New Testament). Most "mainstream" personalities and groups would never consider Christ to be optional -- take Him or leave Him.

One of the most prominent figures in the "mainstream" of denominational religion who has taught the supposed non-compulsory nature of Christ is Robert H. Schuller (pictured at right). You may know Schuller from his long-running nationally televised program, The Hour Of Power. Schuller and his son, Robert A. Schuller, preach at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California -- although the elder Schuller officially retired back in 2006.

Approximately five years ago, I watched Robert H. Schuller (the father) as he was interviewed on a news magazine program. Although I cannot give you his exact words (I am still trying to locate the transcript for that program), Schuller made several statements that indicated people of all faiths (i.e. Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.) would receive the grace of God and an entry into heaven. Certainly, this is nothing new. However, for individuals such as Schuller who most consider to be an "evangelical" or in the "mainstream," this is considerably more noteworthy.

Clearly, Mr. Schuller does not teach the divinely given method of redemption, nor does he teach the singularity of the Lord's church (i.e. "one body," Ephesians 4:4). Therefore, diligent students of the Bible know that Schuller is a false prophet -- not a Christian as that term is used in God's own word.

That fact notwithstanding, the world in general recognizes Mr. Schuller as a "Christian," and so do millions of individuals who comprise the multitude of denominations in existence today. What should we say to men like Schuller and those who agree with this false, pluralistic corruption of the gospel?

Say nothing -- only allow the word of the Lord to be heard. Jesus said...

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6, ESV

Without the WAY, you cannot go.
Without the TRUTH, you cannot know.
Without the LIFE, you cannot grow.

Friend, if "life" is what you desire, "truth" is what you must obey, and "the way" is what you must travel to attain it. There is no such thing as salvation outside of Christ...no matter who teaches anything to the contrary.

r2

Do Words Have Meaning?

I sometimes wonder if words have lost all meaning.

Today on my lunch hour, I went by the Comcast customer service center to return our cable and internet equipment. Without even intending to do so, I noticed a very large sign on the door that read, "NO SOLICITING."

As I walked up to the window to turn in the equipment, I overheard the customer at the adjacent window say, "I'm not soliciting, but..." In my experience, when someone begins a statement by saying, "I'm not __________, but...," that generally means they are about to do or say exactly that which they just said they are not doing or saying.

This woman wanted to drop off coupons for her business. The sole purpose of her presence in that office was to direct increased traffic to her business...also known as SOLICITING. Despite the obvious flagrant disregard for the company's rule, the Comcast employee accepted the coupons.

So I ask, do words even have meaning anymore?

Much of our society has fallen into intellectual laziness -- the kind that bristles at the use of simple logic or proper use of terms. This has spilled over mightily into the spiritual realm.



For example, when the Bible says...

He who believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16),

The world says, "Baptism isn't necessary to be saved."

When the Bible says...

There is one body (Ephesians 4:4), the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23),

The world says, "There are many churches, and one is as good as another."

When the Bible says...

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24),

The world says, "There is no right way and wrong way to worship God."




My friends, there can be no doubt that when it comes to certain matters, for some, words have lost all meaning. Seeing that the method by which God has revealed His will to mankind is through the written and spoken word, this is a genuine tragedy.

The Holy Spirit guided inspired men to write "all the truth" (John 16:13). The truth has been conveyed by words, and it is these truths alone that have the ability to set the soul of every man free from the grips of sin and death (John 8:32).

It is time to renew our appreciation for words and their meaning -- especially when it comes to the words of the Almighty God.

r2

You Say, God Says

You say: It's impossible
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)


You say: I'm too tired
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: "I am able" (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: It's not worth it
God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: "I give you wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)

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A Spiritual Barometer

Heaven. It's a place that has become a fairy tale to much of our world's population. Yet for the fruit-bearing child of God, heaven is a place one thinks about every day.

Truly, there is much we do not presently know about this place called heaven. I am not sure it would be possible for our finite minds that are so transfixed on an earthly existence to grasp the entirety of heaven's contents. The Lord does, however, utilize what might be termed "accomodative language" in helping us attain just a glimpse of what heaven is like.

Thus, many of these descriptions should not be taken literally. Rather, understand them as they are intended -- physical descriptions of a spiritual realm. God is Spirit in a spirit world (John 4:24). These pictures should motivate us to set our sights on making heaven our eternal home.

Heaven is...

• A place where God dwells (Matthew 7:21)


• Where Jesus has gone to prepare (John 14:1-3)


• A city, a country (Hebrews 10:34; 11:14-16)


• A place of glory, peace, and rest (Romans 2:1-22; Hebrews 4:9)


• A place of righteousness (1 Peter 3:10-14)


• A place of indescribable joy and happiness (Matthew 25:21-23)


• A vast, huge place (Revelation 21:16)


• A city made of pure gold (Revelation 21:18)

Now, that sounds like a wonderful place! Just consider the fact that these terms and phrases cannot begin to describe what awaits the redeemed (2 Corinthians 12:4).

How often does heaven "cross your mind"? Once per month? Maybe once every week on Sundays? To be certain, there is no formula or quota on our heavenly thoughts. However, the extent to which your mind is"set on things above" (Colossians 3:2) may be an effective barometer for gauging your spiritual condition.

r2

G.R.A.C.E.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people...
Titus 2:11, ESV

The grace of God Brings:

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense


Thus, the grace of God ought to be...

...training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age...
Titus 2:12, ESV

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Discovering He Was Dead Could Have Killed Him

Gheorghe Stirbu, a 61-year-old Romanian retiree, went to authorities last week to have his identity card reissued because the old one had expired. His request was denied by virtue of the fact that he was dead. That's right...dead.

He was handed a death certificate showing that Stirbu himself had expired on March 3, 1999, from breathing difficulties, and been buried the same month.

"When I saw it I couldn't believe it," Stirbu said. "How can someone who is fully alive be declared dead?"

Stirbu's daughter said the shock of hearing that he was officially dead could have killed him.

"At first I laughed because I though it was a joke and then I realized how serious it was," she said. "He could have had a heart attack. He didn't sleep for days when he found out the news."

Stirbu has prepared papers to prove he is still alive.

I do not suppose this sort of thing happens all that often -- someone finding out he or she has been dead for eight years. Quite simply, it is a physical impossibility to read one's own legitimate death certificate.

However, it is quite common throughout the world for men and women to learn that they are dead on another plane, while yet they live. If a man lives in sin and apart from Christ, he is dead in those sins. He is a spiritual corpse...a dead man walking, if you will.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh...
Colossians 2:13a, ESV

When a person finds out a vital part -- yea, the everlasting part -- of his or her being is lifeless and doomed to destruction, it may very well result in a period of shock and denial. But friend, the souls who are dead in their trespasses need to know!

They need to know the bad news before they can accept the good news.

...God made alive together with him [Christ], having forgiven us all our trespasses.
Colossians 2:13b, ESV

In what action was this resurrection with Christ accomplished? Back up one verse...

...having been buried with him [Christ] in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12, ESV

Rescue the perishing! Preach Christ to all the lost, boldly proclaiming the truth about the inseperability of salvation and baptism.

The so-called "Sinner's Prayer" has never saved a single soul, nor will it ever. The world needs to know!

r2

Why You And I Need Christ

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and he life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6, ESV


Without the WAY you cannot go.
Without the TRUTH you cannot know.
Without the LIFE you cannot grow.

r2

Ehh....Close Enough

A bank teller in South Carolina refused to open a new checking account for a man after he handed her a $1-million bill (a photo of which is at right). Alexander Smith of Augusta, Georgia was arrested on forgery charges for attempting to pass off this counterfeit bill as legal U.S. tender.

By the way, the United States Treasury has never printed a $1-million bill.

Despite the fact that this case involved a somewhat obvious counterfeit bill, it still amazes me how precise many counterfeiters can be in their attempts at duplicating genuine notes. Add to that the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of counterfeit merchandise sold every year (such as footwear, clothing, watches, electronics, DVDs, pharmaceuticals, etc), and this country has an epidemic.

There is something for you and I to consider here relative to matters of faith: You and I need to be on guard for counterfeit Christianity.

The Bible speaks of the danger of joining oneself to such a group:

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, ESV

Friend, be very cautious when it comes to your inner man -- the part of you that will exist throughout all eternity. Pay close attention to how the church you attend compares to the Scriptures. Are there any conflicts? Perhaps only small ones?

Let's go back to the counterfeit bill for a moment. The difference between the best "fakes" and the genuine article is minute -- undetectable by most! But go into a bank and try to open an account with counterfeit bills and see if they say, "Well, these bills do not match authentic currency....they cannot be real....but hey, they are VERY close. So we are going to accept them and open your account." Not going to happen, folks!!

Under the inspiration of God, one true apostle of Christ wrote to God's people regarding false apostles of Christ:

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15, ESV

Here is a fact: Some people know very well they are deceiving souls, and some do not. The ones who do not know they are teaching falsely are themselves deceived. Now, whether one deceives another intentionally or unintentionally, the problem remains. The only solution is to expose them to truth and hope the heart is soft enough to be receptive thereto.

Let every last one of us always keep these questions before us:

1. Why do I believe what I believe?
2. Why do I worship in such a way?
3. Why am I a member of _______________ church?

If the answers ever become something other than, "Thus says the Lord," we can be certain that our source of authority has become something other than God's word; and any source of authority outside of that word will be woefully insufficient as we plead our case before the judgment seat of Christ.

Friend, let's get back to God's way of doing things.

r2

Just One Way

Among the most quoted and recognizable words from the life of Christ are the following, found in the fourteenth chapter of John's account of the gospel:

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

Christ declares himself to be the solution to the fundamental problem of the human race: sin and the consequences thereof. Have you given thought to the words in contrast to what we hear from other "authorities?"

Philosophy says THINK your way out.

Science says INVENT your way out.

Legislators say LEGISLATE your way out.

Politicians say SPEND your way out.

The liquor industry says DRINK your way out.

Psychiatry says TALK your way out.

Banks and lenders say BUY your way out.

Demonstrators say SHOUT your way out.

Rioters say FIGHT your way out.

Industry says WORK your way out.

False religion says FEEL your way out.

Satan says THERE IS NO WAY out.

Jesus says I AM the way out!

As the beloved old hymn declares, "There is just one way to the pearly gate!"

Are you going that way?

r2

The Christian And The World

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14, ESV

On a Sunday evening earlier this month, I preached a sermon based upon Isaac Watts' classic hymn, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross. In that study, we noted how many of the thoughts expressed in that beloved hymn center around that God-breathed statement Paul made to the church of Christ in Galatia (see Galatians 6:14 above).

When I make the commitment to follow Christ, thereby sacrificing "all the vain things that charm me most," I am presented with indescribable blessings and riches eternal. At the same time, I am presented with a great challenge: To strike a balance of living in the world while, at the same time, not partaking in the evil deeds thereof.

Consider a handful of ways the Bible describes the Christian's relationship to this world (or age):

1. Delivered from it (Galatians 1:4)
2. Crucified to it (Galatians 6:14)
3. Dead to its elemental spirits (Colossians 2:20)
4. Not conformed to it (Romans 12:2)
5. Unknown by it (1 John 3:1)
6. Hated by it (John 17:14a)
7. Not of it (John 17:14b)
8. Loves it not (1 John 2:15-17)
9. Unstained by it (James 1:27)
10. Shuns its friendship (James 4:4)
11. Messengers to it (John 17:18)
12. Victorious over it (1 John 4:4; 5:4-5)

r2

What Breaks When Brakes Break?

A motorist in Longview, Washington whose brakes were "acting strange" and wanted them checked drove through the front window of a tire store when the brakes failed as he was pulling into a parking spot. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the cost of repairs to the store will be in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $5,000.

The driver of the Cadillac DeVille was finally able to stop by throwing the transmission into park once the vehicle was inside the store. The car was towed to another shop for repair. The manager of the tire store recalled at least two other times this same incident had occurred -- both of which happened in the very same spot!

After reading this story, I was not able to determine how long this driver had been experiencing brake problems. If the brakes had begun to "act strange" in previous days, this is a case of procrastination. If the driver is like many drivers (including myself), sometimes it seems wise to drive around for a while to see if the problem will desist on its own. Let this be a reminder not to take any chances! This motorist was just a wee bit late, but look at the result.

What happens when we put off our obedience to the Lord -- either as one who has never been immersed into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), or as an unfaithful child of God who has fallen back into sin? Every moment that passes is dangerous by reason of being in a lost condition. Every day we choose to delay our obedience brings us that much closer to the end of life, which would bring us to the end of all hope.

If you find yourself without Christ as your advocate before the judgment seat of the Almighty, what will you say? Will you say you were just about to get around to obeying the Lord, but time ran out? Do you think this plea will stand?

Perhaps we need to take another look at Jesus' parable about the wise and foolish virgins. There will be many on that day begging and desperately pleading for entry into the eternal kingdom who will hear the Lord say, "I do not know you." Will you?

Think about it!

r2

What Would You Do For $647?

One family in Menomonie, Wisconsin had their wills and stomachs put to the test recently. Take a look at this story from the Associated Press:

Debbie Hulleman's dog Pepper has been known to gnaw on lipstick, munch on shampoo bottles and chew on toothpaste. But Pepper got Hulleman into a real mess after gobbling nearly $750.

"This is probably the worst," Hulleman said Thursday, recalling how she poked through vomit and dog piles left in the yard to recover the cash.

Hulleman had asked her mother in Oakdale, Minn., to take care of Pepper and Zach, the family's other dog last month while she and husband went on vacation.

Pepper, an 8-year-old black Labrador-German shorthair, got into a purse belonging to her mother's friend and chewed the cash from an envelope.

Hulleman's mother recovered some of the money that Pepper spit out, thinking she had it all. But when Hulleman returned from the trip and went to clean up her dogs' mess outside, she noticed a $50 bill hanging from one pile.

The chore of sorting through dog feces netted about $400, the 50-year-old dog lover said. Between that and other bills that Pepper had either vomited or simply chewed on, the family recovered $647.

The family swapped the soiled money for fresh currency at a bank.

"It wasn't that bad. I soaked it and strained it and rinsed it. I just kept rinsing it and rinsing it. I had rubber gloves on of course," Hulleman said.

"Everyone said, 'I can't believe you did that.' Well, for $400, yeah, I would do that," she said.

So, would you do what the Hulleman family did for $647? That sure is a lot of money, but that sure is a gut-turning method of recovery!

I wonder how many would go through that process to retrieve a few hundred bucks, yet will not accept God's kind and loving offer of salvation by grace through faith. We are wholly unable to redeem ourselves from the grip of Satan and into the loving embrace of the Savior.

Thankfully, if we will submit ourselves as loving children and obey the gospel, calling on his name through obedience to His will (see Acts 22:16), we will be saved! Furthermore, if we will remain devoted and faithful throughout our time on this earth, He will give us "the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).

Jesus challenged the world thus: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?" (Matthew 16:26, ESV)

r2