On the Tuesday before His crucifixion, our Lord went into the temple for the last time. He denounced its inhabitants as being the “sons of those who murdered the prophets,” a “brood of vipers,” and those destined for the “condemnation of hell” (Matt 23:31–33). They would fill up the measure of their father’s guilt. By crucifying the Son of God and their continual rejection of the gospel message and its messengers, they would prove whose sons they were. Satan was truly their father and “like father, like son.”

In the seventh and final woe that Jesus pronounces on Jerusalem, He gives the death sentence for the city and says that generation of people would feel the wrath of God for their rejection and murder of the Son of God (Matt 23:34–39). The destruction of the temple would symbolize God’s repudiation of it. After this scathing rebuke, Jesus leaves the temple, never to return to it again.

As Jesus and His disciples were walking away from Herod’s Temple, He told them that the day was coming when “not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matt 24:2). Apparently, the disciples were stunned into silence by our Lord’s statement.

His disciples privately ask, “When will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matt 24:3). The destruction of the temple was such a remarkable event that the disciples could only think of it being accompanied by the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. Jesus clears up their misunderstandings and answers their questions in order. First, He tells them about the various signs that would be seen before the temple’s destruction. Second, Jesus explains there will be no signs given before His return and the end of the world.

Jesus called the destruction of Jerusalem “the days of vengeance” (Luke 21:22). The destruction of Jerusalem was an act of God’s vengeance and judgment, not Rome’s; these would be the days when people were punished for their sins. The destruction of the holy city was not a random or arbitrary act, but the just recompense of reward for those who rejected God’s Son.
David Padfield

We are pleased to offer a new book, Days Of Vengeance, by David Padfield. This book is a very detailed examination of Jerusalem’s destruction and a look at the events that followed.

Download the Days Of Vengeance now (32 pages; PDF file size: 737k).
https://www.padfield.com/acrobat/history/days-of-vengeance.pdf

“When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) And so, our Lord appointed messengers, and sent them to the people with news of a Shepherd and Saviour.

He told them, “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” (Matt. 10:23) There was URGENCY in this commission. So much so that when “he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” (Lu. 9:59-60) That’s URGENCY!

Yes, I know that Jesus foresaw his death, and fought against this deadline. But the death itself was an important part of His sacrifice for mankind. He died because of the great NEED of mankind for a Saviour; and I am persuaded this was the factor that gave such importance to all He did.

He tells us to WATCH: He says that MANY shall follow the way of destruction. Paul says, “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Rom.13)

We lack URGENCY: We live with a “don’t rock the boat” spirit — so far as religion is concerned. In fact, if one becomes very much concerned he is likely to be regarded as some sort of nut. It’s all right to get worked up over Vietnam, Civil Rights, or even “the great” Clay (not Henry); but millions may march toward Hell, Cod’s church may be ridiculed, His plan for its operation ignored, and we are supposed to “keep calm” “don’t get excited.” God’s saints LACK URGENCY:.’

Let me suggest WHY we LACK URGENCY: (1) We do not know the truth:: Many are unconcerned over the lost because they do not recognize the lost. Papa surely will go to heaven: My friends are good people — they are not lost:: And so, we excuse these and those untill there are not many going to Hell. We do not know the Saviour, as He is revealed in the Word. We do not know His gospel must be obeyed: We do not know of judgement, or of heaven, or hell. I mean it is not real, actual, meaningful to us.

But you say, “0 Yes brother Turner, we know all these things:” Then I say (2) we do not believe them:: How can we claim to truly believe the word of God, and remain so lacking in URGENCY? By URGENCY I do not mean wild irresponsibility, running off half-cocked. But I do mean deep concern, that will make each moment important; planning that says NOW is the time.

And if you contend that we do believe God’s word; then I will insist (3) we fail to recognize the value, the fleeting. nature of life. James says it is a “vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (Jas. 4:14) If we really believe the Word we know we must be ready at all times for the Lord’s coming. The faithful Christian is impelled by a feeling of URGENCY!!
Robert F. Turner

Revelation 2: 8-11. Four verses that can be read aloud in about 30 seconds is all Jesus needed to strengthen the suffering saints of Smyrna. And it seems to me his brief message can be distilled down into a single, powerful word: perspective.

Smyrna was called “The Crown City” not only because the hills that surrounded it resembled a crown but also because it was exceptionally prosperous and proud. This was in large part due to its loyalty to the Roman Empire. From the city’s worldly point of view, the Christians in Smyrna must have seemed awfully foolish for holding to a faith that fundamentally opposed Rome’s paganism.

Right away Jesus offered a higher perspective: “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” (v8). This introduction is so apt it’s almost comical. Smyrna imprinted some of its coins with “First of Asia in beauty and size.” Their arrogance must have seemed silly to the Alpha and the Omega of all things. And while Smyrna’s Roman overlords managed to conquer much of the known world, they were utterly insignificant compared to the one who conquered death itself. Only the Lord could provide perspective so effectively by merely stating who He is.

In verse 9, Jesus offered two more contrasts between earthly and spiritual perspectives: “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” With a simple parenthetical, almost as if a side note, Jesus assured them that even though they were materially poor, they were storing up eternal riches in Heaven (Matthew 6: 19-21). In the same breath, he declared that the Jews who tormented them were Israelites only physically, not spiritually (Romans 2: 28-29).

Verses 10-11: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”

The number ten throughout the Bible indicates completion, often in connection to a period of testing. So instead of a literal ten days, this likely signified that their suffering would continue until their time of testing was complete. “Be faithful unto death” was a not-so-subtle warning that, for many of the saints in Smyrna, this time of completion would only come when they had been killed for their faith.

From an earthly point of view, this would have seemed like a pretty miserable attempt at encouragement. But from a spiritual perspective, it was exactly what the saints in Smyrna needed to hear. What waited for those who would remain faithful was a glorious and eternal crown of life. Meanwhile, all that’s left of the so-called “Crown City” today is archaeological rubble.

I want to make just two applications for ourselves. First, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3: 2).

By all means, pray that God will protect the religious freedom we enjoy in this country. Pray that He will heal your physical infirmities and keep your loved ones safe. Pray that He will bless your career so you can provide for your family and perhaps even have enough to share with those in need. God absolutely has the power to grant these types of petitions, and He often does. After all, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5: 16).

However, never let your faith hinge on how God answers your earthly requests. Our hope in Christ is spiritual and eternal. It is so much greater than anything this physical world has to offer. Our prayers, our meditations, our goals, our activities, and the things we teach our children and grandchildren should always be primarily focused on this Heavenly perspective. 

Second, don’t quit until your “ten days” are up. It’s possible in this life to work hard enough and well enough to retire early, but that is not the case spiritually. There is never a time you can rest on your laurels. Paul commended the Thessalonians for their “work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1: 3), but he also urged them to “abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1).

I’m reminded of my grandfather, Derrel Starling. Lord willing, he will be 99 in January, and yet he preached a gospel sermon last Sunday. He doesn’t drive anymore, so he shows kindness to the workers who deliver his groceries. He told me the other day while laughing that he had been enjoying a song called “I Ain’t Dead Yet” by Charlie Parr. I can’t think of a better way to end this article than that.
Brandon Starling

It is truly possible for a person to know that he/she is saved and is ready to meet God. In fact, God intends and desires us to have this assurance.

First, Paul shows very clearly that the man outside of Christ cannot live the Christian life. He said, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish” (Romans 7:18 -19). It is essential for one to understand that it is not the condition of the Christian that is here described. A failure to understand this may lead to the repulsive error of Calvinism which contends that one may serve God with the spirit while at the same time practicing sin with his body. The condition Paul describes in these verses could never be true of the Christian. The Christian is not “carnal and sold under sin?”

Paul is describing the person outside of Christ who recognizes the value of God’s law but does not have the ability to do it because sin imposes its will on him. Sin is a usurper and tyrant bringing the sinner under its control. As a person outside of Christ he cries out “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). To that question comes the wonderful answer, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:25). Here is the summation after the ring of triumph which Paul couldn’t hold in; being unable to live up to what his mind freely recognizes and wants, he ends up sinning so judicially as well as practically he belongs to sin apart from Jesus Christ.

In chapter 8 which is a continuation of the previous chapter, Paul said, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God {did:} sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and {as an offering} for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-5). Through the law of faith, the law of the Spirit, one is made free from the law of sin and death and is now able to live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:16).

Since the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God there must be some way for one to know that he/she is walking after the Spirit. The word of the Spirit is what gives us our assurance we are God’s children. I know in my soul, in light of what the Spirit had written and
preached, that I have submitted to the Christ on His terms. It is crucial for people to base their assurance on the Scriptures and not on personal experiences. In writing to the young preacher Timothy, Paul said, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The only way one can know one is saved and is walking faithfully before God is by the Word of God because it provides all the information we need. Having been “born again,” as Jesus described (John 3:3-5), one can then claim all of the Bible’s precious promises of assurance regarding salvation:

● “You are My friends, if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).
● “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
● “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (I John 2:5).
● “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death” (I John 3:14).
● “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life” (I John 5:13).

These passages and others show that a person may rightly claim that he knows that he is saved, provided he has been born into a new life through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. The reality of this faith and his new life in Christ will be shown, both to him and to others, by his love and obedience to the Word of God, and by his love for his fellow Christians. This will be confirmed in his own heart by the witness of the Holy Spirit through the word of God (Romans 8:16).
Shawn Jeffries
Monte Vista church of Christ

Ever since the Bible was written there have been infidels and atheists who have attempted to disprove its histories, impugn its motives, and misrepresent its morals. Skeptics and unbelievers often make the following argument against the Bible:

“The Bible is filled with errors, obvious myths and self-contradictions. This proves that it is not a book written by divine guidance, but by fallible men. Therefore, the Bible must simply be viewed as an ancient book which, although containing wise sayings and valuable illustrations of certain moral principles, should not be exalted to the status of a divine production.”

Those who believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God formulate an argument such as: “If the Bible contains characteristics that are totally beyond the capabilities of human beings, then the Bible was authored by a Being far superior to man (i.e. God).”

The characteristics within the Bible that are presented as those which are totally beyond the capabilities of human beings are: prophecies made and fulfilled, scientific foreknowledge, its amazing unity and others. Since the Bible does contain characteristics that are totally beyond the capabilities of human beings, then a Being who is far superior to man that is God authored the Bible.

We have two diametrically opposite positions. Either the Bible contains prophecies, scientific foreknowledge and unity, or it contains inaccuracies, inconsistencies and contradictions. If the Bible is not inspired, then the evidence (prophecies, etc.) that is used in an attempt to prove it inspired is incorrect. On the other hand, if the Bible is inspired, then the evidence (contradictions, etc.) that is used in an attempt to prove it uninspired is erroneous.

It must be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scripture result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances, and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.

As historical and archaeological study proceed, new light is being shed on difficult portions of Scripture and many so-called “errors” have disappeared with the new understanding. We need a wait-and-see attitude on some problems.

While all Bible difficulties have not yet been cleared up, it is our conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible’s past, these problems will fade away also. The Bible has been verified enough that we have every reason to believe even those things not yet verified.

The Biblical conception of God is an all-knowing, all-powerful Being who does not contradict Himself, and so we feel that His Word, when properly understood, will not contradict itself either.

To charge that contradictions really exist in the Bible implies a number of other propositions one must accept: (1) God is a liar, (2) God has not revealed Himself, (3) the Bible’s claim of inspiration is false, (4) truth is not as powerful as contradictions and lies, and (5) man does not have the answers that have agitated human minds since the dawn of creation Who am I? From where did I come? What should I do while here on earth? Where am I going when I die?

As Christians we believe and teach that the Bible is the inspired Word of Almighty God. You are cordially invited to attend our services where the Word of God is presented rather than the wisdom men.
Shawn Jeffries

Many people are growing disenchanted with present religious forms which originated in the middle ages and have become meaningless. There is displeasure with denominational structures and dogma. Some, because of such views, have even decided that “Christianity” is not relevant today. We believe they have made that decision because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the Scriptures to be able to distinguish between the gospel of Christ and what men over the centuries have attempted to add to it.

If some of these things have troubled you and you have felt a yearning to return to the simple, uncomplicated religion of Christ, stripping away all the nonessential elements of religion and simply abiding by the truths of Christ, truths which transform the soul and bind it to God, let us suggest that it can and has been done.

The Bible, God’s word to man, presents Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He was foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament which God used to govern His people until Christ should come and establish the New (Jer. 31:31-33; Gal. 3:19, 23-24). That New Testament reveals the religion of Christ. By studying it we learn all there is to know of the way of Christ.

We learn that among the followers of Christ there existed no denominational organizations whatever. All began at a later time. In the New Testament we see people hearing the gospel and obeying the conditions of God’s grace. Being thus saved, they were added to the Lord’s people, the church (Acts 2:36-47). As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its own elders (Acts 14:23) and no one else on earth. These elders could not make laws and be masters. They were given the responsibility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock (Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet. 5:1-3). The only headquarters those disciples knew was heaven, where their head, Jesus Christ, was and is (Eph. 1:22-23).

Their worship was something in which to participate, not something to watch. On the first day of the week, for instance, they would eat the Lord’s supper and hear preaching (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29), they would all sing (Eph. 5:19), they would all pray with various ones leading (1 Cor. 14:15-16), and they would share in their mutual responsibilities by sharing their prosperity (1 Cor. 16:1-2). We find no contributions being collected on any other day than the first day of the week and no hierarchy taxing them or telling them how much to give. They had no organizations clamoring for their support. They gave as they individually purposed in their own hearts (2 Cor. 9:6-7). In all this they were all necessarily involved for each saved person was a priest (Rev. 1:5-6). No one could perform his service or worship for another.

They lived godly lives. They cared for their poor. They taught others. They sent out preachers to teach others in far communities. With simplicity of faith and fervor there was no need of centralization. Without organized machinery, the gospel was preached to the whole of civilization in a short time (Col. 1:23). These disciples of Christ were known as Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; I Pet. 4:16). They wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not materialistic or sensual. They did not seek to impress men with pious ceremony, rather, they sought to impress God with the only thing that has ever impressed Him contrite obedience (2 Sam. 15:22). Their appeal was not social or recreational. They offered the gospel, for they knew it was God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), and any other appeal was beneath them.

Many sigh, “Oh, if only such could be today.” But it is! Free men and women over the earth have despaired of denominationalism, seeing in it neither necessity nor relevance but only a cause of division. They desire the simplicity of what Christ authored, and their number is increasing. How many have taken such a stand? Who knows! They are related and connected only in Christ and not in some organization with machinery to keep a tally. We will not try to number them. What is important, though, is that a group of such people meet within minutes of where you live.

They are just Christians. They worship and serve God in the same way the early disciples did. Christ is their only creed and the Scriptures their only guide. They are not members of any human organization, they are simply a congregation, or church, of Christ. They, in turn, would like to share Christ with you and with all the world.

You too can be just a Christian and serve God without belonging to any denomination, bound by denominational laws or obligations. If such freedom appeals to you, please contact us.
Dale Smelser

     During the last four years, one could not help but notice at least one of the following signs in the windows, on the doors, even in neon:  HELP WANTED, NOW HIRING, ENQUIRE WITHIN.  Of a truth, Covid-19 was the initial cause for the job market, but the signs are still around, if not quite as prevalent. 

     This observation turned my thoughts toward the subject of a Wednesday evening lesson.  As I ruminated upon the content, my teaching background kicked in:  a picture tells a thousand words.  There are quite a few teachers who worship here at our local body of Christ, so I realize they know the power of good, applicable audio-visual aids. 

     Thus, I eagerly went to my area stores seeking those very signs mentioned above to really get my point across.  Ruefully, I found GARAGE SALE, BEWARE OF DOG, FOR RENT, KEEP OUT, even the ubiquitous OPEN-CLOSED flip signs, but not one of the ones I sought. 

     Eventually I went to a signature sign store which specialized in posters, banners, even t-shirts.  But when I made my request, I was told they did not have any!  I asked if this was because the demand was so great only to be told the manufacturers had to close because of the lack of workers! 

     As Christians, we can relate to these times.  Our Savior tells us the fields are ripe for harvesting:  John 4:35—”Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”  Jesus says again in Matt.9:37—”Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.’” Mark 4:29 tells us the harvest is at hand.  Saints, it is time we ask ourselves the question posed by the words of an old gospel song:  “Are you sewing the seeds of the Kingdom brother?”   

     When we look around today, we can see not only the aforementioned three signs but even omnipresent the signs of sadness, rage, grief, loneliness, desperation.  These are signs showing in the lives of people we have contact with every day—relatives, fellow employees, salespeople, secretaries, neighbors, old friends.   

     Another one from the hymn book comes to mind: “We’ll work til Jesus comes.”  Therefore, let us put our hands to the plow and never look back.  We can offer these sinful seekers assurance of peace here as well as that peace to come: “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life”–Rev. 21:27.  Keep in mind II Pet. 3:4—”The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  All means all.  God is no respecter of persons.  Acts 10:34— “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive  God shows no partiality.” 

     Christianity is a daily walk.  When we put on Christ, we then have a permanent job.  If we are still on the job as we should be when we shuffle off this mortal coil, heaven will be ours: “Because you have kept “my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who     dwell on earth.”—Rev. 2 10.  Jesus is NOW HIRING.  Open your bibles and ENQUIRE WITHIN. 
Larry Purkey

When a person is in love, that love is normally evident to many people. When someone enjoys what he does, or is enthusiastic over some event or work, that enthusiasm and pleasure is shared with others. When good things happen, it is an almost automatic reflex to share the good with friends, neighbors, family and even strangers.

At the same time, a person in love shares that feeling with the one he, or she, loves. Enjoyment and enthusiasm is put back into whatever caused that feeling. Mark Twain said that the secret to success is to make your hobby your work, and your work your hobby. Why? Because someone who is loved, or something that is enjoyed, is never a burden. Instead, of pulling down, it lifts up.

If individuals will happily share their lives and time with people and things of this life, how much more should this apply to the Lord? The Psalmist began, “Sing to the Lord…” A person in love with God will sing to the Lord. When one considers the incredible gift which has been given through Jesus Christ, the result may literally be an outpouring of song. In many instances in the Bible, people burst forth in song as they saw or considered the love and deeds of the Lord God.

A song to the Lord may also be that quiet, warm intimate song of love that is shared heart to heart – spirit to Spirit. Paul wrote that, at times, a Christian doesn’t know what to say to the Father, and the Holy Spirit becomes the spokesman for that person. In times of distress, it IS hard to put thoughts, emotions and feelings into words. But isn’t that also true when a Christian is so full of love for the Lord that the words can’t be found to express that love? “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Yes, such a song can be a personal song of love for a Savior and Lord.

Singing and declaration of God involves more than just love. It is also to be done, because the Lord God IS worthy of praise. Even today, there are many things that have become gods for people, and they may not be statues. A person’s god may be money, a house, land, a career or anything that becomes more important than God. But, unlike everything else in the world, the Lord God CREATED the universe. All other “gods” are nothing but idols that have no power to do anything. Therefore, it is fitting and proper to sing to Him and declare his glory among the nations.

In verse 10, the Psalmist’s words become a universal truth and fact: “Say among the nations, The Lord reigns.” Today, it is too easy to forget that point. No matter what happens, no matter how bad personal or world events seem to be, THE LORD REIGNS. Period. Trials, problems, persecution, major calamities occur, and people cry out in distress and despair, “Why did this happen?!” Some question or deny the existence, or power of God, however, none of that changes the fact that the Lord reigns!

He is involved in His creation, and all things will be resolved in Him; because He not only reigns, but He will also judge the world. The psalmist wrote, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.”

The Lord will judge the world with equity, righteousness and truth. Standing before God could be a fearful thing, but through Jesus Christ, that Day does not have to be a day of fear. On the contrary! For each Christian, Jesus Christ has promised that the bad will end, and the good will get even better. No words or imagination can describe the beauty and glory awaiting those who are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t that the best of reasons to be in love with the Lord? Isn’t that an excellent reason to raise your voice in song and praise to God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ?
James R. Shelburn

Stephen Hawkins, (now deceased) the theoretical physicist and cosmologist, and director of research at the University of Cambridge, and Leonard Mlodinow, physicist and screen writer, in their book “The Grand Design,” explored the questions: “When and how did the universe begin?” “Why are we here?” “Is the apparent grand design of our universe evidence of a benevolent creator who set things in motion-or does science offer another explanation?” Hawkins and Mlodinow come down on the side of science.

In their book “The Grand Design,” they argued that God isn’t necessary to explain the origins of the universe, that the “Big Bang” could be the consequences of physics alone. Of course, neither of these men can explain where matter and energy came from. Without matter and energy there is no physics. Hawkins and Mlodinow have the cart before the horse, so to speak, in that they have the laws of physics existing before there was any matter and energy.

A young skeptic said to an elderly lady: “I once believed in God, but since studying science I am convinced that God is but an empty word.” The lady replied: “Well, I have not studied science, but since you have, maybe you can tell me from whence came this egg.” “Why, of course from the hen” was the reply. “And where did the hen come from?” “Why, the egg.” “And perhaps,” said the lady, “You can tell me which existed first.” “The hen, of course,” rejoined the young man. “You mean that a hen existed without coming from an egg?” “Oh, no,” said the young man, “I should have said that the egg was first.” “Then you mean that an egg existed without having come from a hen?” The young man exclaimed: “You’ve got me all mixed up.” She drove home her point: “Young man, since you cannot explain the existence of even a hen or an egg, without God, you cannot expect me to believe that you can explain the existence of the whole world, without Him.”

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hence, according to Heb. 11: 3, the universe did not evolve out of existing matter, but was made from nothing! The One who created it all is that benevolent Creator. Think on these things.

Whenever a newcomer is making a choice of where to worship in a community, there are many factors to be considered. However, if I am the one making the choice, I am going to be looking at four traits:

Wholeheartedness
I want to worship with a congregation who is serving God with a whole heart. No half-hearted, going-through-the-routine, no-fire-in-the-bones work for me! I want to be with people who are really committed to the Lord. “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee” (Psalms 138:1). I want doers and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Singlemindedness
I want to know that the people with whom I worship have one place on their mind — going to heaven. Churches of our day focus on everything from politics to recreation to food. This is the social gospel not the gospel of Christ. I want to attend where people have their eyes set on the Bible. I want to hear sermons filled with Bible references and be a part of Bible classes that actually study the scriptures (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Peter 2:2).

Excellence
I want to serve God along with people who have a mind set on excellence. Everything we do “in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17) reflects upon that name in one way or another. We either praise or insult the Lord by the things we do. The Lord deserves our very best efforts. Whether it is singing, praying, teaching, or encouraging we should always think in terms of doing our best for the Lord (Luke 9:62).

Initiative
I suppose there will always be people who have the attitude, “Here am I, send somebody else” (cf. Isaiah 6:8). If I have my choice, I want to be with people who are willing to accept personal responsibility and show initiative (Acts 8:4). There is something good about a person who recognizes a duty and then faithfully goes about discharging rather than wait on someone else.
Inasmuch as we will grow in these areas, we will become an attractive alternative to the social gospel. These are traits that will please God. They will help us grow spiritually and numerically. Let your mind meditate on them!

Kyle Campbell