The Messenger

The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 44 - November 2, 2008

This Week's Reading: Ezekiel 18-35 & 2?eter Next Week's Sermon: 2^nd Peter 1-3

Of the Imitation Of Christ By: Thomas a Kempis

Of the imitation of Christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities

He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, (John viii. 12) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ.

2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein
the hidden manna. (Revelations ii. 17) But there are many who, though they frequently hear
the Gospel, yet feel but little longing after it, because they have not the mind of Christ. He,
therefore, that will fully and with true wisdom understand the words of Christ, let him strive
to conform his whole life to that mind of Christ.

3. What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion concerning the Holy Trinity, if thou
lack humility, and be thus displeasing to the Trinity? For verily it is not deep words that make
a man holy and upright; it is a good life which maketh a man dear to God. I had rather feel
contrition than be skilful in the definition thereof. If thou knewest the whole Bible, and the
sayings of all the philosophers, what should all this profit thee without the love and grace of
God? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, save to love God, and Him only to serve. That is the
highest wisdom, to cast the world behind us, and to reach forward to the heavenly kingdom.

4. It is vanity then to seek after, and to trust in, the riches that shall perish. It is vanity, too, to
covet honours, and to lift up ourselves on high. It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh
and be led by them, for this shall bring misery at the last. It is vanity to deske a long life, and
to have little care for a good life. It is vanity to take thought only for the life which now is,
and not to look forward to the things which shall be hereafter. It is vanity to love that which
quickly passeth away, and not to hasten where eternal joy abideth.

5. Be ofttimes mindful of the saying, (Ecclesiastes i. 8) The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor
the ear with hearing. Strive, therefore, to turn away thy heart from the love of the things that
are seen, and to set it upon the things that are not seen. For they who follow after their own
fleshly lusts, defile the conscience, and destroy the grace of God.

(The Imitation of Christ. The First Book: Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life. Chapter I)

• Sundays: Bible Reading Discussion @ 9am | Monday: Bible Study @ Gary Murray's 7pm

• Saturday: Men's Bible Study @ Ranch House 6:30am

class schedule

Nov 9 2^nd Peter 1:3-l 1 Nov 5 - Ezekiel

Novl6 1^st John Nov 12 - Ezekiel

Nov 23 2-3^rd John & Jude Nov 19 - Ezekiel

Nov 30 Rev. 2-3: The Seven Churches Nov 26 - Daniel 1 -4

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 43 - October 26, 2008

This Week's Reading: Ezeldel 1-17; 1 Peter Next Week's Sermon: Joel Ellis

IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

There are two ways that earthly life can be lived: it can be lived as the "end", or "aim" of everything, and so all is focused on what we are feeling or doing at the moment - or how what we are doing or feeling at the moment will affect later tunes in our life here. Or, it can be lived as a "stage", or "phase" of a much longer existence, with a view to using it as a time to prepare for and obtain eternal life. Do not be deceived: we ALL are living one of these two ways! And it is not always easy to determine which. "Getting religion" is usually based on some concept of the future, and at least the desire to escape hell and live in heaven forever. Most "church people" talk of heaven, and are consoled by thinking that they probably have avoided eternal torment (not always a well-founded "hope")..

The tragedy for many is that the life they live is not always the life that gains eternity. Though thinking of heaven often, they still live as if this life were the "end" or "aim" of everything. Unless we have given up the earthly life NOW, there is no grounds for hoping for heaven LATER! The mindset of Moses in Heb 11:26 illustrates a fundamental approach to life. Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. To him, how he LIVED in the present was shaped by what he looked to in the future.

Phrased differently, in Phil 3:7, Paul said: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may

win Christ...

Bottom line? Only if I actually renounce the world in my life now do I have the mindset that leads to eternal life later. It makes all the difference in how we look at trials and troubles (and earthly JOYS too, for that matter). Even as Christ, our model did ("who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame.." - Heb 12:2), we embrace life's adversities as essential stepping stones to ultimate joy. Rather than expecting external pleasantries, we anticipate and accept persecution and suffering as more beneficial for the final good. Internal peace sustains us (Phil 4:6-7), and we "walk the walk". As with Paul, the "crown of righteousness" is seen as ours only if we "fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith.." (2 Tim 4:6-8). How I see my life makes all the difference! -AcBelue

On Obstinacy In Belief (An Excerpt)

"The saying "Blessed are those that have not seen and have believed" has nothing to do with our original assent to the Christian propositions. It was not addressed to a philosopher inquiring whether God exists. It was addressed to man who already believed that, who already had long acquaintance with a particular Person, and evidence that that Person could do very odd things, and who then refused to believe one odd thing more, often predicted by that person and vouched for by all his closest friends. It is a rebuke not to skepticism in the philosophic sense but to the psychological quality of being "suspicious". It says in effect, "You should have known me better." -C.S. Lewis

Sundays: Bible Reading Discussion @ 9am | PM Assembly: Singing and Scripture Reading

Monday: Young Adult Bible Study @ Lu & Katie Mcrary's

class schedule

Nov 2 1 Peter: Conduct in the World Oct. 29 - Jeremiah/Lamentations

Nov 9 2Peter 1:3-l 1 Nov. 5 - Ezekiel

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 42 - October 19, 2008

This Week's Reading: Lamentations & James Next Week's Sermon: Ben Williamson

"It's A Good Work!"

"It's a good work!" That is commendation enough for some to sponsor, finance, and extol. And, if some poor caution should question such a highly recommended project he is "against everything" -- especially "good works".

What is a "good" thing? Have we checked the use of this word in God's word, or even a "good" dictionary? By what standard, or whose, have we decided a thing is "good".

"Good" soil (LUK.8:8) like a "good" tree (MAT.7:17) refers to the character or constitution of a thing. In a moral sense, God alone is essentially, absolutely "good" (MAR. 10: 18).

"It is not good that man should live alone" refers not to immorality, but to "fitness"; and "good measure" means "in excess" "not deficient" (GEN.2:18; LUK.6:38). Paul said some, "by good words ~ deceive the hearts of the simple" (ROM. 16: 18). This refers to insincere flattery. One may speak of "good" whiskey, as compared with a poor quality "bootleg"; and have no reference whatsoever to the results of partaking. And everything created by God is "good" (1TL4:4) but this does not remove the necessity of keeping all things in place. Then there is the "good" (usually accompanied by the article in Greek) and this refers to that which is pleasing to God, and therefore beneficial (see Vine's NT Dictionary).

We are to prove the good, acceptable, perfect will of God; (ROM. 12:2) do the good; (ROM. 13:3) cleave to the good; (ROM.12:9) and overcome evil with the good; (ROM.12:21).

A thing is "good" for me as a Christian only if it has divine approval. It is a "good work" for the church, if it has divine authority. Christians are "bought with a price; we are servants of God (1CO.6:19). The church has Christ as its Head, and must be subject to Him (COL. 1:18).

We may think a thing is "good", or erroneously conclude that the intended end justifies the means (ROM 3:8); only to find we have presumptuously spoken where God was silent, and our "good work" is empty nothing. -Robert F. Turner

• Sundays: Bible Reading Discussion @ 9am | PM Sermon: Aubrey Belue

• Mike Cantrell will be preaching in the morning assembly; Ben is preaching in Meridian today.

• There will be a business meeting for the men of the congregation after the evening assembly.

There will not be a Bible study at the Pines tonight.

class schedule

Oct 26 James 1 & 3 Oct. 22 - Jeremiah

Nov 2 1 Peter: Conduct in the World Oct. 29 - Jeremiah/Lamentations

Nov 9 2Peter 1:3-11 Nov. 5 - Ezekiel

The Lure Of The Easy Way

"And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: if

this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart

of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall

kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah." (1 Kings 12:26, 27)

Whether or not Jeroboam's fears were well founded is uncertain. However, of one thing we can be sure. He was more concerned about the people's loyalty to him than to God. To accomplish his aims, he shrewdly baits his trap with something that entices most all men — the lure of the easy way. He told them, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem...". Little did it matter, apparently, that he gave them idols, pretended priests and pagan worship. The important thing was that he provided them with an easy religion — and that overshadowed all else. They became victims of the easy way.

Many are the mortals who have succumbed to the lure of the easy way, both spiritually and otherwise. Our advertising agencies have learned the devil's sales pitch well. They tell you how to lose weight - - the easy way. They offer easy ways to quit smoking, to achieve physical fitness or financial independence. People haven't changed much since Jeroboam's day. They still fall for the same old bait, "the easy way"; and in doing so have filled the prisons, swelled the welfare rolls and lengthened unemployment lines (Not to mention the irretrievable waste of time, talent and potential). And, as in Jeroboam's day, the easy way is still a popular way in religion. The prospects of having to "go up to Jerusalem" (or even across town) is still too much for too many. They would take the denying self out of following Christ; the giving diligence out of seeking approval; and the striving out of entering in at the strait gate. Such would have the benefits without the bother. As Jesus says of others, "They have their reward."

As might be expected, even the Lord's church has been touched by the lure of the easy way. It is felt in our teaching program when preachers and teachers find it "too much" to make adequate preparation of their lessons and when Bible class students find it "too much" to study and prepare assigned work. It affects our visitation program when members find it "too much" to leave their comfortable homes and TV programs to call on the sick or unfaithful. It affects our personal evangelism program when brethren think it "too much" to try and teach others the way of salvation. It affects the purity of the church when we think it "too much" to finally discipline the unruly among us. Of all things that contribute to the weakening of the church, none is more influential than taking the easy way.

The narrow way can never be the easy way. Not only are the ways different, they lead to different destinations (Matt. 7:14). "Going up to Jerusalem" may require self-denial, sacrifice and hard work but it's the way of the cross — and that leads home. - Dan S. Shipley

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 42 - October 12, 2008

This Week's Reading: Jeremiah 37-52; Hebrews 11-13 Next Week's Sermon: Hebrews 11

"Into What Were You Baptized?" By: Tom Hamilton

Paul met "certain disciples" at Ephesus in Acts 19. Paul knew that these men were "disciples" or followers of God, but he also knew that they were not Christians. Therefore, the question Paul put to them was, "Into what therefore were you baptized?" We, like Paul in this example, will not deny that others may believe in God, may have had a religious experience, or may have some attachment to God. But we must also ask the same question that Paul did. Into what were you baptized? Our answer to this question will determine the validity of our religious experience and our relationship to God, just as it did those many centuries ago.

Baptized Into Water

Jesus was himself baptized as an example for us to follow. In Mark 1:9, we read that "Jesus was baptized by John in (lit. 'into') the Jordan river." This expression does not make much sense unless we also understand that baptism means "immersion." Jesus was immersed into the waters of the Jordan River. That is why the next verse says, "When Jesus came up out of the water..." This example of Jesus set the pattern for all believers to follow. For example, in Acts 8:38 we read of the Ethiopian's baptism"... and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water . . ." The fact that Paul refers to baptism as a "burial" (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12) also indicates that baptism involves a complete covering over or a total submersion into water. Of course, our answer should agree with what the New Testament says that we are to be baptized into.

Therefore, we must not simply be baptized by water or with water, but into water. Have you been baptized into water?

Baptized Into Death

Paul says in Romans 6:3-4, "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." In the same way that Jesus physically died, was buried, and raised from the dead, we spiritually die to sin, are buried in baptism, and are raised again. Our old sinful self has been crucified and we have made a complete break with our sinful past, therefore we should not sin anymore, but rather live a new life (Rom. 6:5-6). Notice that our spiritual resurrection follows, not precedes, being baptized. The correct order death, burial, and then resurrection must be preserved if we are to be right with God. Spiritual resurrection and renewal can only take place after baptism.

Have you been baptized into death and then raised to eternal life?

Baptized Into the Name

Jesus commanded his disciples in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and disciple the nations, baptizing them in (lit. 'into') the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you." Acts 8:16 and 19:5 also speak of being baptized into the name of Jesus. While other passages speak of being baptized hi or by the name of Jesus, baptism into the name of Jesus carries a little different meaning. It is a figure of speech for ownership, indicating that one rightfully wears the name of his owner. Notice in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Paul says that nobody was baptized into Paul's name and, therefore, nobody could claim to "belong" to Paul. On the other hand, if we are baptized into Jesus' name, then we belong to him. It also makes it clear that we do not belong to Jesus and cannot rightfully wear his name as our owner until we are baptized.

Have you entered into the realm of Christ's ownership, having been baptized into his name? Baptized Into Forgiveness

Peter says in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized every one of you hi the name of Jesus Christ for (lit. 'into') the forgiveness of your sins." Here we find the answer to the very simple question, How does one enter into the forgiveness of one's sins? Peter says that we enter into forgiveness through baptism. This also means that until one is baptized, one has not entered into the forgiveness of his sins. This does not mean that we are saving ourselves. Peter explains elsewhere that baptism saves us, not of our own power, but simply because we are faithfully doing what God has said in order that we may have a clear conscience (I Pet. 3:21).

Therefore, we must be baptized in water out of obedience to God hi order to receive the forgiveness of our sins. Have you been baptized into the forgiveness of your sins?

Baptized Into the Body of Christ

Paul says hi 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." Paul pictures the church, the group of all the saved, as a body with its many members. But how does one get into Christ's body? While people will give many different answers to this question, there is only one Bible answer: baptized into the body! One does not enter into Christ's body and then afterwards get baptized. Also, this means that one is outside of Christ's body until baptized to enter into it.

Therefore, to be a member of Christ's body, we must be baptized. Have you been baptized into the body? Baptized Into Christ

Finally, the Bible tells us not once, but twice, that we are baptized into Christ. We have already quoted Romans 6:3-4 when noting the expression "baptized into death." Note also Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." How do we get into Christ? Again, while many give conflicting answers, there is only one biblical answer. If you want to agree with what the Bible says on the subject, you must agree that one can enter into Christ only by being baptized into Christ. This also means that one is not in Christ until one enters into Christ through baptism. It also means that one does not get into Christ and then get baptized afterwards, as many teach.

If you believe that you are now hi Christ, how did you get into him? At what point did you go from being outside of Christ to being hi Christ? Have you been baptized into Christ?

Conclusion

These are not, of course, six different baptisms that the Bible is talking about. The Bible is simply telling us the six things that we are baptized into when we are properly baptized out of obedience to God.

When we are immersed into the waters of baptism, we bury our dead previous life of sin, enter under Christ's ownership, receive the forgiveness of our sins, become members of the body of Christ, and enjoy all of the blessings of God that are to be had by those who are in Christ, having entered into him by baptism.

• Monday: Young Adult Bible Study @ L. McCrary's 7pm | Friday: Young Bible Scholars @ 5:30pm

• The 3^rd Thursday of the Month Bible Study will not be held in October.

• The West Point church (Hwy 45 A) has a Gospel Meeting Monday-Friday at 7pm (different speakers).
This is a great opportunity to visit our brethren there and encourage them. Make plans to attend.

class schedule

Oct 19 Hebrews 12 Oct. 15 - Jeremiah

Oct 26 James 1 & 3 Oct. 22 - Jeremiah

Nov 2 1 Peter: Conduct in the World Oct. 29 - Jeremiah

Nov 9 2Peter 1:3-l 1 Nov. 5 - Ezekiel

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 41 - October 5, 2008

This Week's Reading: Jeremiah 18-36; Hebrews 6-10 Next Week's Sermon: Jeremiah 23:9-40

Our Utilitarian Approach to God

So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a

shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. And the

Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head

to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. -Jonah 4:5,6

Although we understand the Scriptures to teach that we are God's "vessels," we sometimes look upon Him as a vessel for our own use. We tend to take a utilitarian approach to God, as if He were an instrument that exists to accomplish our purposes, rather than vice versa.

The degree to which we delight in God is too often determined by how "useful" He is to us. In our own minds, we have a concept of how we would like our lives to be, and to the extent that God helps us move toward having this sort of life, we are delighted with Him. We look for the "practical" benefits of the spiritual life, and if these are not found, then we tend to become angry with God. Perhaps we reject Him altogether. We might not say it in so many words, but we have little use for a God who doesn't come through for us in the clutch.

In the heat of the blazing Assyrian sun, Jonah was pleased when God prepared a plant that would provide welcome shade and "deliver him from his misery." He was not so pleased the next day when the plant was destroyed and he had no choice but to sit hi the sun again. "It is better," he said, "for me to die than to live" (Jonah 4:8). Just so, our estimate of how well God is doing often depends on how satisfactorily He is providing what we desire.

Yet if our relationship with God is based upon love, we can ill afford to let self-centered (though we would simply call them "practical") motives enter in. Our enjoyment of God cannot depend on whether some desired payoff is being received from Hun. Love does not calculate or bargain for personal benefit; it gives out of the sheer joy of giving to one who is beloved. "The only reward love seeks is someone to love" (Bernard of Clarivaux). And if there is any question of benefit, we exist for His benefit: our glory is to accomplish His purposes and to show forth His goodness.

That which cannot be explained or made useful tends to be rejected as contrary to our purpose. Under those

circumstances, we lose the ability to remain instruments of God's will We would rather inform God of our

needs in the hope that he will comply with our conceptions of what life ought to be. —Paul Ciholas

—Gary Henry (http://wordpoints.com)

• Sundays: Reading Discussion @ 9am | Monday: Bible Study @ G. Murray's 7pm

• Thurs.: Ladies' Bible Class @ Ellis's 6:30pm | Sat: Men's Bible Study @ Ranch House 6:30am

• Oct 13^th: Young Adult Bible Study @ L. McCrary's 7pm | Oct. 17^th: Young Bible Scholars @ 5:30pm

class schedule

Oct 12 Hebrews 9-10 Oct. 8 - Jeremiah: The Word of the Lord

Oct 19 Hebrews 12 Oct. 15 - Jeremiah: Knowledge of the Lord

Oct 26 James 1 & 3 Oct. 22 - Jeremiah: Returning to the Lord

Oct. 27 - Jeremiah: Enemies of the Lord

Let Us Preach Christ!

You [as preachers] have nothing else to employ as the means of good, except the salvation of Jesus and there is nothing else worth telling.

I heard of a congregation the other day that was so very small that hardly any one came to listen to the preacher. Instead of blaming himself, and preaching better, the minister said he thought he was not doing much good by sermons and prayer-meetings, and therefore he would found a club, and if the fellows came in, and played draughts, that might do them good. What a lot of that sort of thing is now being tried! We are going to convert souls on a new system, — are we? Are we also to have a substitute for bread? — and healthier drink than pure water? . . .

[T]o hope ever to bring sinners to holiness and heaven by any teaching but that which begins and ends in Jesus Christ is a sheer delusion. None other name is given among men whereby they can be saved. If you have to deal with highly learned and educated people, nothing is so good for them as preaching Jesus Christ; and if the people be ignorant and degraded, nothing is better for them than the preaching of Jesus.

A young man said to another the other day, "I am going down to preach at So-and-so, what sort of people are they there? What kind of doctrine will suit them?" Having heard of the question, I gave this advice,— -"You preach Jesus Christ, and that will suit them, I am sure, if they are learned people it will suit them; if they are ignorant it will suit them — God blessing it."

When the great Biblical critic, Bengel, was dying, he sent for a young theological student, to whom he said, "I am low in spirit; say something good to cheer me." "My dear Sir," said the student, "I am so insignificant a person, what can I say to a great man like yourself?" "But if you are a student of theology," said Bengel, "you ought to have a good word to say to a dying man; pray say it without fear." "Well, Sir," said he, "What can I say to you, but that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin?" Bengel said, "Give me your hand, young man; that is the very word I wanted."

A simple gospel text is the word which every man needs who is in fear of divine wrath, and he may be sitting next to you at this moment, or he is in the same house of business with you, and needs that you should tell him about Christ. Do that, and bless his soul. May you all understand the Scriptures in this way, and may God make you a great blessing to those around you. -Charles H. Spwgeon

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom

declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you

except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much

trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human

wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the

wisdom of men but in the power of God." (i^st Corinthians 2:1-5)

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 40 - September 28, 2008

This Week's Reading: Jeremiah 1-17; Hebrews 1-5 Next Week's Sermon: Ben Williamson

Slaves to Emotions

"People don't ask for facts in making up their minds. They would rather have one good, soul-satisfying

emotion than a dozen facts. " (Robert Leavitt)

Without a doubt, emotions do motivate the masses. Whatever their cause and whether they be good or bad these strong personal feelings are intensely powerful movers of men. Emotions have influenced all; dominated many. As strength is measured by its conquests, we see impressive evidence of just how strong emotions can be when such things as truth, right, justice, and good judgment are often made subordinate to their prompting. But perhaps nowhere is the narcotic- like effect of emotionalism more prominent or persuasive than in the spiritual realm. Even those who escape its inordinate influence elsewhere succumb to it here — and with the worst possible consequences. Truly, emotionalism is a popular and compelling power in religion; one that needs to be recognized and reckoned with.

But this is not to say that all emotion is wrong, or even that it is wrong in religion. What sincere person can read of the crucifixion of Christ and not be moved? Is not the Godly sorrow associated with repentance a strong feeling of remorse for having sinned against God? (2 Cor. 7: 10) Are we not to rejoice and weep with one another? (Rom. 12:15) This sort of emotion is altogether right and appropriate, being expressible within the bounds of Divine truth.

But there is a subtle and dangerous kind of emotionalism which leads many in the broad way that seemeth right (Prov. 14:12). These are the feelings that men come to trust and rely on, even above the word of God. This attitude is well-exemplified in the oft heart [felt] expression, "I wouldn't trade the feeling in my heart for all the Bibles in the world!" — which is just another way of saying that one has more confidence in his feelings than hi the word of God. The man who trusts anything more than what God says insults the veracity of God!

However, others honor their feelings in less obvious ways. While God promises to save only those who do His will (Matt. 7:21), many persist in feeling that sincerity and good intentions are sufficient. With many, the matter of eternal torment becomes another emotional issue in which the word of God is made subordinate to feelings. Questions dealing with the religion of parents, whether one is judging another, whether everyone is going to hell except your bunch, whether one church is as good as another, or whether the Lord's church can scripturally support an orphans home can easily become more emotional than scriptural issues - - and the big problem with this is that not everyone appreciates scriptural answers to emotional arguments.

All important decisions, especially those affecting ones standing with God, ought to be based on something more substantial than emotions. Feelings of the moment, no matter how strong, can never be more trustworthy than Gods word which will judge all. The slave to emotion cannot be the servant of Christ. -Dan S. Shipley

PLAIN TALK Vol.HINo.XI December 1966

Second Century Christians

Robert F. Turner

WE AGAIN QUOTE FROM PHILIP SCHAFF'S "HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH" Vol. 2, pp.9-10; where Schaff quotes a 2nd. Century description of Christians.
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"The Christians are not distinguished from other men by country, by language, nor by civil institutions. For they neither dwell in cities by themselves, nor use a peculiar tongue, nor lead a singular mode of life. They dwell in the Grecian or barbarian cities, as the case may be; they follow the usage of the country in dress, food, and the other affairs of life. Yet they present a wonderful and confessedly paradoxical conduct.

"They dwell hi their own native lands, but as strangers. They take part in all things, as citizens; and they suffer all things, as foreigners. Every foreign country is a fatherland to them, and every native land is a foreign. They marry, like all others; they have children; but they do not cast away their offspring. They have the table in common, but not wives. They are in the flesh, but do not live after the flesh. They live upon the earth, but are citizens of heaven. They obey the existing laws, and excel the laws by their lives.

"They love all, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown, and yet they are condemned. They are killed and are made alive. They are poor and make many rich. They lack all things, and in all things abound. They are reproached, and glory in their reproaches. They are calumniated, and are justified. They are cursed, and they bless. They receive scorn, and they give honor. They do good, and are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice, as being made alive. By the Jews they are attacked as aliens, and by the Greeks persecuted; and the cause of the enmity their enemies can not tell. In short, what the soul is in the body, the Christians are in the world. The soul is diffused through all the members of the body, and the Christians are spread through the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, but it is not of the body; so the Christians dwell in the world, but are not of the world. The soul, invisible, keeps watch in the visible body; so also the Christians are seen to live in the world, but their piety is invisible. The flesh hates and wars against the soul, suffering no wrong from it, but because it resists fleshly pleasures; and the world hates the Christian with no reason, but that they resist its pleasures.

"The soul loves the flesh and members, by which it is hated; so the Christians love their haters. The soul is inclosed in the body, but holds the body together; so the Christians are detained in the world as in a prison; but they contain the world. Immortal, the soul dwells in the mortal body; so the Christians dwell in the corruptible, but look for incorruption in heaven. The soul is the better for restriction in food and drink; and the Christians increase, though daily punished. This lot God has assigned to the Christians in the world; and it cannot be taken from them."

Does This Ancient Description Fit Us?

Sundays: Reading Discussion @ 9am | Tonight: Prayer Meeting @ 5:30pm; Preaching @ 6:00pm

Our Gospel Meeting starts today! Make your plans to be present at every assembly.

We will assemble tonight @ 6pm; Monday - Friday @ 7pm; Tuesday & Thursday @ 10:30am

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 39 - September 21, 2008

This Week's Reading: Isaiah 56-66; Titus Next Week's Sermon: Gospel Meeting

Good Days and Bad Days

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven"

(Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Life's like that. Just about the tune you think you have it all figured out, some new adventure disrupts your confidence and flies in the face of your conclusions. Nobody has life figured out.

I wrote in my journal recently: "I don't suppose it's possible to have any length of time where you are right with the world. I had 15 minutes one day where it just seemed everything was just right. Then the phone rang. Pfsst! Right out the window. But then I've had times when everything was all messed up, tangled, distorted, and disheveled. And right in the middle of my pity party the mail comes and there's a nice note-unexpected and joyful-and for the next 15 minutes things are right with the world again. That is, until the phone rang. Pfsst! Oh well, the mail comes again tomorrow. Maybe..." Trying to figure life out is a futile enterprise; one destined for sure failure.

Here are some suggestions for making life-all of it-more pleasurable and more useable:

• Don't run from trouble.

You can't go fast enough. Trouble will find you. Face it head-on and with determinate faith. There is no temptation bigger than you can bear if you put your confidence hi God (1 Cor. 10:13). And there's no problem that can't be solved if you keep in touch with your spirituality. Even the fear of death is conquerable if you have sufficient trust hi your Master (Heb. 2:14-16,1 Cor. 15:51-58).

Don't let discouragement rob you.

Discouragement is one of the Devil's most functional tools. It wrestles a man down by robbing him of his faith, and in doing so, saps his energy to keep on. It strikes every age, every spiritual level. It causes faith to flag and determination to become impotent. It's a power-grabber, discouragement is. But faith is still the answer. Trusting confidence in God will triumph over discouragement. But you have to engage it. You have to shove your faith hi front of the discouragement before it can conquer it. Listen to what God said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). Do you believe it?

Remember, down doesn't have to mean out.

Just because you lose a battle now and then doesn't mean you've lost the war. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back into the fracas again. There's work to be done, people to see, prayers to make, lessons to learn. Activity is the key to winning. Don't ever quit. Only the weak quit. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God hi Christ Jesus" (Paul, in Phil. 3:13-14). "I press," said Paul. You must do so too, for he closes the admonition with "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." Are you?

And remember, most of all, that you and God make a majority.

There is no force on earth strong enough to separate you from His love and to keep you out of His kingdom. Not even death itself can do it. Certainly, we may boldly say, "...the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me." Paul said, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Nay, hi all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us." Stay with God and you can't lose, folks.

And finally, remember that Solomon said, "hi the day of prosperity rejoice; hi the day of adversity consider, for God hath set the one over against the other..." (Eccles. 7:14). Don't try to second-guess Providence, or ask "why me?" Relax and let it happen. Don't ask, "Why has God allowed this?" Rather, ask, "What does He want me to do with this?" Allow the good days to cause rejoicing. Allow the bad ones to increase your learning.

Life is happy for those who love God and are keeping His commandments, no matter what comes along. After all, life is constructed of two things: good days and bad days. -Dee Bowman

Study Outline for Sunday AM Sermon: Isaiah 40:12-31

1) the mighty god (12-17)

a. Jehovah & Creation (12)

b. Jehovah & Knowledge (13-14)

c. Jehovah & Nations (15-17)

2) the matchless god (18-26)

a. Jehovah & Idolatry (18-20)

b. Jehovah & Rulers (21-24)

c. Jehovah & the Stars (25-26)

3) the merciful god: Jehovah & the Weary (27-31)

* Sundays: Reading Discussion @ 9am | Monday: Young Adult Bible Class @ Ellis's 7pm

* Willeen Murray was hospitalized Friday evening with an irregular heartbeat.

* Our Gospel Meeting starts next Sunday. Sunday evening at 6pm; Monday thru Friday at 7pm.

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The Messenger Vol. 7, No. 38 - September 14, 2008

This Week's Reading: Isaiah 40-55; 2Timothy Next Week's Sermon: Isaiah 52-53

A People Acceptable to God

Worldly men have always sought to turn their attention away from God to pursue their own lusts. One of the most obvious examples of this is found in the kinds of man-made religion that are centered upon the praise of men with no view of God and His pleasure. Men can be caught up in this kind of thinking to the point where they have a great confidence that God will be with them in anything they may do, just because they want to do it. The scriptures give us several examples of the tragedy that this approach will bring.

Aaron was one of the great men of the Old Testament, being the first High Priest of God and a close partner with Moses in his work. Aaron knew the character of the living God and was well prepared to stand before Him as the High priest. Unfortunately Aaron failed to teach two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, about the nature of the one true God, and as a consequence, these "2^nd generation" children thought they could treat God and His ways lightly. This attitude was reflected in their rejection of "traditional" worship which, in fact, was God's instructions on how they were to approach Him. They were sure, that because of their position and familiarity in the service of God, that these past rules were flexible to this new generation. God intervened in a way so that their generation and every succeeding generation might learn a valuable lesson.

"Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the lord and devoured them, and they died before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-2)."

What message was God communicating in this event? On the surface we can understand that the "strange fire" which was used by these young men in their version of "contemporary worship" directly violated God's specific choice of having the fire for then- censers come from the altar (Leviticus 16:12)." These young men had not just committed a single tra