Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

God Says It Best

Posted on: December 15th, 2024

Listen to what God says about the Bible.
The Bible is God’s work, not man’s. Galatians 1:11-12
Scripture is God breathed. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every Word of God proves to be true. Proverbs 30:5
The Word of God stands forever. Isaiah 40:6-8
God’s Word will accomplish His purpose. Isaiah 55:8-11
God’s Word is understandable. Colossians 1:9-14
God’s Word motivates. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
God’s Word is the standard of judgment. John 12:47-48
Terry Starling

Be Careful Little Eyes….

Posted on: November 24th, 2024

A popular children’s song emphasizes the importance of being careful as to what our children see, hear and say. The point driven home in the song for such focus is that there is the Father up above looking down from heaven above. He is aware of all that we do, and we should desire to please him in every facet of our lives.

A recent Rand survey gives us another reason for paying attention to the words of this song. A total of 1, 762 adolescents between the years of 12-17 old were asked about their sexual experiences and their television viewing habits. One year later they were interviewed again. The results showed that those who saw the most sex on television were twice as likely to initiate sexual intercourse within the next year compared to those who saw the least sex on television.

The survey confirms what the Bible and our common sense tells us. We all, especially our children, are influenced by what we see. Emphasizing the horrors of hell, Jesus warns us that our eyes can cause us to stumble (Mark 9:47). Knowing that our eyes are the windows to our minds and the initial step to affecting our actions, Jesus says, “…every one that looketh upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). The committed will to engage in sex, even before the physical contact is possible, is firmly in place due to the lustful thoughts brought about initially by what we see. Job was careful as to what he allowed his eyes to look upon. He attests, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?” (Job 31:1).

The results also showed that “talk” about sex on television had “virtually the same effect on teen behavior as depictions of sexual activity.” Exposure to verbal expressions of sexual desires, planning for sex, or descriptions of past sexual encounters are just
as powerful in their effect upon sexual activity. In the context of saying that fornication, uncleanness and covetousness should not be part of our lives, Paul adds, “. . .nor foolish talking, or jesting which are not befitting. . .” (Ephesians 5:4). Do I sense the need to remind ourselves and our children to also “be careful little ears what you hear”?

One of the factors revealed in decreasing pre-marital sexual encounters of teens involved the role of parents. There was a decrease when two parents were in the home, who also disapproved of pre-marital sex; who were religious and monitored children’s viewing habits. The survey concluded: “Most of these characteristics were also related to how much sex teens saw on television; however, viewing sexual content on TV was related in advances in sexual behavior even after these other factors were taken into account” Parents, just because you are religious and your child knows you disapprove of teenage pre-marital sex, if you do not actually engage in governing what your children see and hear on television, these factors of who you are probably will not overcome the effects of what your children see and hear.

The devil approaches us through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life (I John 2:16). He approaches our teenage children regarding sexual relations through all three avenues. Be vigilant and proactive.
Jerry Fite

Drawing Strength from the Courage of Others

Posted on: September 1st, 2024

How thankful we should be for wonderful examples of courage that spur us on to greater strength in the Lord’s service.

Paul was just such an example: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Phil. 1:14). These brethren, formerly timid and reticent, were drawing strength from the courage of Paul.

Other examples abound. Stephen’s plea, ‘Lord, lay not this sin to their charge,” surely had for its source of strength the forgiving spirit of the Lord (Acts 7:60). The Thessalonian church found a source of strength in the example of the churches in Judea (1 Thess. 2:14). The Philippian church, a model of courage and conviction, could no doubt trace much of its strength back to the wonderful example of patience and equanimity demonstrated by Paul and Silas while in their midst. The Hebrew Christians were admonished to “remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

Christians of this generation are similarly drawing strength from the courage of others. Young men who refuse to miss services of the church to play on a ball team; young women who refuse to be seen in public in scanty attire; businessmen who would lose their jobs rather than compromise their convictions; women who continue to adorn themselves in “meek and quiet spirits” whatever the sophisticated world thinks or says of them; sick people who bear their afflictions with patience and faith; elderly people who continue to attend worship when they are hardly able to go anywhere else; dying people who demonstrate how Christians ought to die; all are sources of strength and courage for others as they face similar circumstances. These all share a common spirit with the great characters of the Bible: they see in their temptations, trials, afflictions, and persecutions a special opportunity to be like Christ, to demonstrate their fidelity to Him, and to provide a source of strength for those who might be weak and wavering around them. They seize the opportunity and stand, and all of us are stronger because of them. Of these courageous people this world truly is not worthy.

Are we, however, to be always on the receiving end of the strength of others? As we draw strength from the courage of others, we must in turn become sources of strength and courage. Others look to us. Each of us has a “charge to keep,” “God to glorify,” and “a present age to serve.”

by Bill Hall
Collegevue Church of Christ

Where Are You Building?

Posted on: August 18th, 2024

A common goal of new married couples is to build their dream home someday. However, not everyone has the ability or opportunity to accomplish this dream. Some will buy an existing home and others will rent their home. Not everyone will experience building their own home or physical abode, but every human being will, in fact, “build” their own house in a spiritual sense.

In the closing words of His masterpiece sermon on the mount, Jesus revealed that everyone builds their house.
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matt.7:24-27)
All people will build. The only question is simply, WHERE?

As we read these words, we have to take into account that Jesus is “preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (4:23) and finishing a powerful sermon that reveals a radically different character required in the kingdom citizens (5:3-12); A radically different perspective on the design, intent and goal of God’s instruction in the Law of Moses; A clear condemnation of religion merely to be seen by men – an outward religious form without love for God, neighbor or even enemy; A clear identification of the true, lasting treasure and the panacea of worry over temporal things; A proper perspective of ourselves, of God and of false prophets; And in the final admonition, He warns of calling Him Lord, but not obeying (7:21-23). What then, will the hearers of this great sermon do with the gospel that they just heard? Jesus forms the final words of His sermon into a simple parable that is directed toward this very consideration. Jesus squarely confronts them with only two options – hear this instruction and obey it or hear this instruction and do not obey it. I think that we all routinely experience this deliberation or consideration of what to do with the instruction that we have just heard after a sermon or bible study, but I’m not sure that we realize the significant consequence of our choice. Jesus is saying that every time we hear the truth, we are actively building our house by our obedience, rejection or even procrastination. This realization is vital to our ultimate success in attaining the eternal crown. Our response must be far more than simply saying “good sermon,” or “that was a great bible study.” Our response must be a transformation and imitation of the divine instruction that we have received.

It is important to note that “the wise man” is not “the man who hears these words” and understands them. For too many people, the great desire is hear instruction and understand difficult truths that they can instruct others. But there is no desire to genuinely break themselves down and transform into a reflection of the truth that they have discovered. Again, this is NOT the wise man.

The wise man is not even “the man who hears these words” and believes them. The final issue that Jesus addresses was not on understanding or believing. This indicates that many of the hearers understood to some degree and even believed. The question on which everything hinged was whether or not they would obey.

This strikes right at the heart of the idea that salvation by grace through faith means that there is nothing that we must do or even can do in order to be saved. Jesus said that the whole determination of our house standing or falling, turns on doing or not doing something! Jesus’ words here are not dealing with the basis of our salvation, which is the love, mercy, and grace of God. But rather with the nature of the faith that responds to His love, mercy, and grace. Faith coupled with obedience is living and life-giving, but faith without obedience is dead (Jas.2:24). Building on the Rock is accomplished by hearing the truth, believing it, and obeying it (Rom.10:13-16).

Our Rock is Christ. He gives gravity, substance and solid foundation to an earthly life that is filled with storms and trials. Many people want the security and stability of the Rock, but they are not willing to genuinely build their house on that rock by surrendering their will and being transformed through obedience to the faith. He is our precious cornerstone, a sure foundation (Isa.28:16).

Be sure that you are building your house every time that you hear the truth. Where are you building? There are only two choices, and it is a choice between eternal life or eternal ruin. Hear the words of Jesus and DO them!
Brett Hogland

Reflections of the Psalms 95

Posted on: May 12th, 2024

One of the great blessings God has given all people is the emotion – the experience – of overwhelming joy. How desolate this life would be without these jewels of happiness! At such times, people will rejoice over many different things: an unexpected visit from a loved one, a last minute score in a close sporting event, the first steps or words of a small child. Countless events can result in great joy and happiness.
At such times, who, or what, receives the attention and thanksgiving? Who is the hero of the moment? Immediate events can overshadow the real source of joy and happiness. In verse 1, the Psalmist wrote, “O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.” The source of all goodness, joy and happiness is the Lord. Yet, how many times do people stop and turn to the true source of their joy? Oh, how God has blessed His people!
Promises, that are truly eternal in nature, come from the Lord God. In Christ Jesus, every Christian can approach the Living God and Supreme Creator with complete confidence. Through Christ, and with Christ, every Christian can look forward to the future with genuine anticipation. Of all people, Christians should experience joy on a frequent basis, and the natural reaction to joy is – songs of joy and happiness!
The Psalmist wrote, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” When people are happy, they will often sing or hum a song to themselves. A natural consequence of happiness is singing. It’s easy to tell when a small child is happy and content, because that little one will make happy sounds.
Unfortunately, singing in services is seen as “necessary” but not enjoyed. Many people sit in silence when songs are sung. Young people, who have truly beautiful voices, do not sing in services. Why? Such an attitude ignores the MOTIVE behind singing. Christians are saved people. In Christ, every Christian has hope now, help now, and a promised home for eternity. Sing for joy and not duty!
Hope and joy do not simply rest on promises. The Lord God has the power and authority to carry them out. Look at the world! Who made the mountains, the sea, and the land? If God can do that, then faith and trust in him is justified. How amazing! The Great, Living Creator of the Universe has a deep love for all people, and a special, individual love for those He has accepted as His children in Christ Jesus! Knowing this should bring joy, deep devotion and worship for the Living God, who can be called Abba, Father by His children.
The Psalm ends with a warning for those who do not hear or respond to the voice and will of the Lord. “Do not harden your hearts, as at a place of strife, as in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tested Me, they tried Me, though they had seen My work. For forty years I loathed that generation, and said they are a people who err in their heart, and they do not know My ways. Therefore I swore in My anger, truly they shall not enter into My rest.”
It is not enough to say, “Oh yes, I am a Christian! I have a relationship with God.” The key element is a genuine, deep love for the Lord. A person in love will be filled with the object of that love. No action is too small; no sacrifice is too great for true, pure love. God demonstrated HIS love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What Father would allow his son to die in the place of one who deserved to die? The Lord God did that for every person – what love!
A person, who is a Christian, is a person who is in love with God. Jesus said that the first great commandment was, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” A person in love does not harden his, or her, heart, and a person in love does not try to “get by” with a minimal effort, A person in love WANTS to please the Lord, WANTS to serve Him and WANTS to share that treasure with others. “Have to” is not in the vocabulary of a person who is in love. Rather, that person will rejoice, sing for joy and bow down in worship to the King of kings and Lord or lords. A person in love will enter into the rest of God. (Jim Shelburn)

An Unexpectedly Empty Tomb

Posted on: October 29th, 2023

After resting on the Sabbath after Jesus’ death, the women return to the tomb to anoint His body (Luke 24:1-12). But there is no body! Confused (4), they are frightened by men (angels) who explain that Jesus told them all this. “Remember how He told you” (6)—and as they remember, they rush back t tell the others, who also don’t believe. Peter goes to check it out himself and leaves marveling (12). It is notable that every disciple here is caught off-guard. They are “perplexed” (4), “frightened” (5), “did not believe” 11), and are left “marveling” (12).

The empty tomb is not expected. There is no vigil, no sea of witnesses, no “told-you-so”s. They must be reminded of what Jesus said—and even then they struggle to believe.

There is comfort in this. It puts to rest the idea that they made this story up. Even the Jewish leaders have a better handle on it than the apostles (Matthew 27:63-66). It is a reminder that Jesus’ words don’t rely on our understanding to be true. Real is real—whether we see it or not.

The empty tomb is something we would not dare to hope for after such an awful death. Yet it is the ultimate statement that the ugliness of this world will not last forever—that there is a happy ending still in store after death.

Thy Word Is truth

Posted on: October 22nd, 2023

You’ll be disappointed in my not beginning this article with reference to Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (Jn.18: 38), but I’m not going to mention it. Instead I’ll let that remind you that there are devious ways to shade, warp, and avoid truth. As one country philosopher put it, “I’d tell the truth five or six different ways before I’d tell a lie.” There may be times when silence is more in order than speaking the truth (Jn.19: 9), if the silence itself is not deceptive. But when truth must be spoken, it should be forthright, plainly stated, the product of an honest heart. There are few things more needful in our present society than genuine honesty.
We have lied to ourselves, that we know the truth, until we have crippled our hope of learning truth. Or, we have convinced ourselves (another lie) that there is no certain truth, so that even faith becomes a leap in the dark, an essential to avoid despair. Or maybe truth (?) is treated subjectively, every man to himself. We know that truth in the material universe is not so vacillating: 2 + 2 = 4 to all men; but God is different.
Is He, as respects truth? His manifestations are history, occurrences in time and space. Jesus lived, “approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22). He died on a cross: attested by the same sort of records that tell us all past events. And the tomb was empty on the third day following, despite the Roman Empire’s efforts to seal it. His enemies could not produce the body on Pentecost, when to have done so would have cut the heart out of the message they despised. His followers did not deny His resurrection, though their steadfastness offered no earthly gain, and resulted in horrible deaths. They testified instead that HE LIVES. And their message was accompanied by many “signs, wonders, divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost” which, unlike “feel better” claims of our day, convinced experts of deception (Acts 8:9-24; 19:11-20).

We can not know God, but we believe as the result of an objective approach to evidence. We accept as TRUE the message of His ambassadors because they demonstrated the source of their news to be Divine. Yes, many professed followers have not determined these matters for themselves; their faith is not well founded. But it need not be so.

TRUTH is available for the seeker! “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

Reflection of the Psalms 92

Posted on: October 15th, 2023

One of the most dramatic ways of stirring people’s hearts is music. A song has mobilized nations for war. The National Anthem brings tears to people’s eyes. A song has also mobilized the Lord’s people for war against the schemes and evil of the Devil. There is nothing more stirring than a large group of Christians singing together. Years ago, Shirley and I attended a singing at a local auditorium. There were about 1,200 to 1,500 members of the church there. One person on the stage asked the audience to stand and sing along with him in old, standard hymns that almost everyone knew. The sound of several hundred sopranos, several hundred altos, tenors, and bases was truly awe inspiring. The very memory of such events will cause the heart to leap, and bring new resolve to move forward.
When people are happy, they often respond with music. Often, when a small child is happy or content, that contentment will be expressed through singing. Adults will do the same thing by humming, singing, or whistling a tune.
Singing can also be a source of strength and comfort in times of trial or adversity. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, they sang songs to God. That was not something unusual. It was a natural way of expressing confidence and faith. When the Communists took over in China, all congregations and worship was banned, and many church leaders were imprisoned. Records have stated that prison officials were frustrated, because those men would encourage other prisoners through the singing of hymns. It was a way of spiritually preparing for whatever lay ahead.
Psalm 92 begins by declaring, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High…” That statement is very powerful, because there are few more beautiful ways to praise God than through music. When a congregation sings together, it is a shared praise to the Lord. Singing stirs the soul and can transform the nature of a service. It is indeed good to praise the Lord in song and music.
Because of the hope and promise found in Christ Jesus, Christians should be known as people who sing out of joy. Who has greater reason to sing, than an individual who can call the Living God “Father”? May this activity never be diminished in the minds and actions of Christians!
In verse six, the psalmist shifts from praise of the Lord to a tragic side of life. “A senseless man has no knowledge, nor does a stupid man understand this:” What a contrast between two lifestyles! The first part of the psalm presents a joyful theme of praise to God, but there are also those who will have no part of a relationship with the Lord
There are many people in that category. They go through life like all people do. Yes, there are times of joy, sadness, excitement and all the other experiences of life. Many people flourish in this life without the Lord. However, if there is no relationship in Jesus Christ, there is no real hope of eternal life. What purpose is there to life? What expectation is there beyond the dwindling days of this life? Their heroes are just like them – people chasing after dreams and goals that are only temporary.
Without the Lord, what hope or guidance exists for those in the midst of trials, disappointments or personal tragedy? What comfort is there for those who find themselves alone? What answer can there be when a person feels unloved and unwanted? Without Jesus, there is only sadness and eventual destruction. Poor soul, poor senseless person, poor fool.
The hope and promise is real! “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” (12-13) Palm trees and cedars grow in areas where other plants will not grow. They handle the adversity of nature.
Problems and trials affect all people. Faithfulness does not automatically lead to wealth and security in this world. However, Christians have a hope, an assurance which cannot be affected by anything in this life. Each Christian has received power from God to achieve happiness and contentment in this life. Each Christian has been given a task of great and lasting importance – rescue those who are perishing. Being a Christian gives meaning to life NOW and confidence for life in the future. When a life in the Lord is compared to a life in the world, there is no comparison! “They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green,”
Each Christian, sing out! “For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4

The Humble And Contrite Spirit

Posted on: October 8th, 2023

Isaiah 66: 2 says: “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.” The same sentiment is echoed in the Psalms, where it says: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart-these O God You will not despise” (Psa. 51: 17). The contrite spirit is the brokenhearted person who is crushed beneath the weight of his sin. The humble spirit is the person who bows before God, and with a warm and tender heart, acknowledges his sinfulness and total dependence on Him.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said His kingdom would be composed to those with this disposition. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5: 3-4). “Poor in spirit” points to what a man IS, not what he HAS! It describes one who recognizes he is spiritually bankrupt, and knows within himself there is nothing to justify him before God. Understanding his condition, he MOURNS over his sin, and his only plea is “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18: 13). James 4: 7-10 is appropriate here. One must submit to God, which involves clean hands and a pure heart. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psa. 24: 3-4).

Only when we realize our own ignorance will we ask for God’s guidance. Only when we realize our own poverty in the things that really matter will we seek for the riches of God’s grace. Only when we realize our own spiritual weakness will we draw upon God’s strength. Only when we realize our own sin will we realize our need of a Savior, and of God’s forgiveness. So long as a person regards himself as independent of God he is on his way to ultimate collapse and defeat. Therefore, our prayer should be like that of David, who prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions…Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa. 51:1-3, 10).

The way to acceptance with God is through true humility and contriteness of spirit. This teaches us that the “way up to God is first down.” The road to genuine greatness is along the way to complete surrender. Those who turn to God in penitence and obedience, however great their sin, can be assured of full and complete pardon.
What about you, my friend? Is your heart humble and contrite? Do you tremble at His Word? Think on these things.

Dennis Abernathy—White Oak Church of Christ
P,O, Box 454
White Oak, TX 75693
(903) 736-1822
Dennis.abernathy845@gmail.com

The Humble And Contrite Spirit

Posted on: October 8th, 2023

Isaiah 66: 2 says: “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.” The same sentiment is echoed in the Psalms, where it says: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart-these O God You will not despise” (Psa. 51: 17). The contrite spirit is the brokenhearted person who is crushed beneath the weight of his sin. The humble spirit is the person who bows before God, and with a warm and tender heart, acknowledges his sinfulness and total dependence on Him.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said His kingdom would be composed to those with this disposition. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5: 3-4). “Poor in spirit” points to what a man IS, not what he HAS! It describes one who recognizes he is spiritually bankrupt, and knows within himself there is nothing to justify him before God. Understanding his condition, he MOURNS over his sin, and his only plea is “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18: 13). James 4: 7-10 is appropriate here. One must submit to God, which involves clean hands and a pure heart. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psa. 24: 3-4).

Only when we realize our own ignorance will we ask for God’s guidance. Only when we realize our own poverty in the things that really matter will we seek for the riches of God’s grace. Only when we realize our own spiritual weakness will we draw upon God’s strength. Only when we realize our own sin will we realize our need of a Savior, and of God’s forgiveness. So long as a person regards himself as independent of God he is on his way to ultimate collapse and defeat. Therefore, our prayer should be like that of David, who prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions…Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa. 51:1-3, 10).

The way to acceptance with God is through true humility and contriteness of spirit. This teaches us that the “way up to God is first down.” The road to genuine greatness is along the way to complete surrender. Those who turn to God in penitence and obedience, however great their sin, can be assured of full and complete pardon.

What about you, my friend? Is your heart humble and contrite? Do you tremble at His Word? Think on these things.

Dennis Abernathy—White Oak Church of Christ
P,O, Box 454
White Oak, TX 75693
(903) 736-1822
Dennis.abernathy845@gmail.com