I just came from my local bank and drove to Kroger’s gas station to fill-up my car’s tank. It was a beautiful day, Tuesday, 2 December 2008. I like to take care of my chores early; it was 10:00 a.m. The gas station was not crowded. I opened my car door and heard a very angry, screaming voice near the gas pump next to me. A large middle-aged woman was outside her car on a cell phone. She was loudly blaring in rage to the one on the other end of the cell phone. I turned my back to her and started to process the gas pump. The outrageous screaming went on and on. I would not give any attention to such shameful behavior. I know how easy it is for such a person to turn anger onto innocent bystanders. In a flash, her car drove away. Possible trouble was avoided, and peace prevailed at the gas station. As a Christian gentleman I pondered this experience. I could not think of anyone of my friends, family or strangers that I would ever address in such an uncivilized manner. Such type of conduct as described above is too common. With that said, you don’t expect it in such a place as a public gas station, in a very nice part of town. You expect such behavior outside or inside a bar or around unruly, intoxicated individuals. The woman demonstrating this uncivilized, boisterous behavior could not be a Christian. Such violent types

It was 6:20 p.m. as my wife and I started toward the church building for Wednesday Night Bible Study, 23 July 2008. We like to take the old country road toward the church building. The road is little traveled, especially at that time of night. We made a hard right turn on the small road, and the beginning of a straight stretch for about 400 yards. Suddenly, at that point we got into a lot of broken glass on the road. Dodging the huge amount of glass we noticed two boys about 300 yards away, breaking glass. The entire road was littered with broken glass. I blew my car horn at them. One ran and hid in the soybean field next to the road. The other froze and waited for us to get to him. With adult authority we said, “Why have you done this? We are going to notify the police. We see you out in that field!” “He did it!” the other boy said, pointing to the soybean field. Shirley, my wife, being somewhat angry said, “You better start picking up this glass! We are on our way to the police.” We drove to the police station and reported the problem. This old country road was now very dangerous for motorists as well as others that jog/walk this quiet road. Why did these boys play in such a mischievous way? Surely they knew better! Surely they knew it was wrong! Did they not care? Why was this fun

My mind was thousands of miles away because of something that just happened. A friend in passing spoke to me. Understanding what he said, yet, I was preoccupied with this unpleasant thought. I acknowledged his comment with a wave of my hand. Within a few minutes, my conscience bothered me. I felt that I was impolite because I did not answer him. I tried to call him a few times to apologize, but was unable to get him. A few days later, I got a chance to see him in person. I apologized to him, explaining my mindset. He, being a fine Christian man, understood and all is well between us. Our conscience is a gift from God. It behooves us to continue to improve its capacity as we study God’s Word and comply with His Will. We need to continue to get a conscience tune up. Our dictionary defines conscience in part as: “The awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one’s conduct together with the urge to prefer right over wrong. A source of moral or ethical judgment or pronouncement” (The Free Dictionary by Farlex). According to Farlex’s Thesaurus, “Tune up, means to alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard; to adjust, correct or set.” Our hatred for evil, and our love for moral goodness keeps pace with our service to mankind, and our service keeps pace with our growth in knowledge of what is right and wrong. Our conscience does not bother

People in general believe what they have been taught to believe. The radical orthodox Islamic believer blows himself up, killing many innocent people with the belief he is doing Allah’s will. With this act of brutal violence, he believes he will enter a heavenly paradise. There are folks that believe they have had an extraterrestrial encounter with beings from other worlds. Further, they believe that life on this earth was started by these outer space beings. Some believe that all life started from non-life, from a slime pit, the big bang or the like. Cultism and an array of extreme and outrageous beliefs run amuck in our world. Examples of such beliefs can be presented over and over again. These belief systems have neither firm foundations nor logic. Yet, people believe what they believe. What I Believe and Why I Believe It I believe in the God of the Bible, because, the Bible, the Word of God, is the only sacred book that carries within it internal and external evidences. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” (Genesis 1:1). “All Scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the

The year was 1967 when I purchased a book titled “Sermons Delivered in Louisville, Kentucky, by J.W. McGarvey.” One sermon was simply titled “Baptism,” and it was preached on the evening of July 2, 1893 by brother McGarvey. As I started to read the introduction to the sermon, a few remarks caught my eye such as, “Why another sermon on that old hackneyed theme?” McGarvey then proceeded with an interesting suggestion. He stated, “If you want to investigate any question without bias of mind, it is a good thing to throw out of your mind by an effort of the imagination, all you know or ever have heard about it… I propose then, that before we begin reading we shall each one imagine that we have never heard the word ‘baptism’ pronounced in our lives.” What an interesting approach to a study! Brother McGarvey wanted all to see what the Bible said about this strange and unknown word “baptism.” His sermon continued, “Now we begin at the first chapter of Matthew, and after reading that long list of names, and that account of the birth of the Lord, and his childhood, in the third chapter, the writer introduces John the Baptist; and in verses five and six we read thus: ‘Then went out unto Jerusalem and all Judea, and the region round about the Jordan, and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.’ Why, there is a word I never saw before; I never heard

Do you get the feeling that people are not as polite as in times past? Showing appreciation by saying, “Thank you,” seems rare among many today. Do I think that people do not appreciate receiving a kind word, or you doing something for them? No, I do not! I believe people welcome such things and that has not changed. As I see it, the problem is a lack of good manners. What has happened?Good Propriety and Politeness Is Needed Simply put, many have not been taught good manners. Teaching decent civil demeanor must start at a young age. By schooling those that are youngsters, the aim is to show respect as a normal reaction in our interaction with people. The term, “Yes sir,” and the like are unknown for too many. Instead of “Yes sir,” you may get a grunt or something like that. For many, this is normal speech. It matters not to whom one is speaking. Be it Mother or Father, the schoolteacher or a policeman, impoliteness is the usual response for many. It is sad to observe those who have never been taught good manners. Sadder is to view those who know politeness is needed in our society; however, they have chosen to be ill-mannered rascals. “To present a good impression, you must act like you weren’t raised in a barn! It is difficult dealing with those having no manners or concern for others. A huge societal issue is a general lack of respect for what has

It was my turn to present the Wednesday night devotional, Bible study at the Mayfield church. Since we are blessed with many young folks and teenagers at the Mayfield congregation, I thought a lesson on evolution vs. creation would be interesting. I started off discussing the complexity of our universe and the wonders of our created earth. How wonderfully made we humans are. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14). To illustrate how it would be impossible that order could come from disorder and chaos via the theory of the big bang, I showed the audience a 3 x 5 inch index card. I tore it in half and asked, “How long would it take, if I dropped the two halves on the floor to meet in completeness?” I dropped the two pieces, and of course, they were still divided. Picking the pieces up, I said, “Now with very little intelligence.” I got a good laugh at this point; I put the two pieces together. Next, I presented a plastic zip-lock bag filled with small pieces of a cut up 3 x 5 index card. I explained that since our universe, our earth and the whole of living beings, the animal kingdom and plant life, are beyond complexity, I asked the same question. “How long would it take, if you toss the pieces on the ground, for them to come together as an

P.T. Barnum (1810-1891) has been credited with the following statement: “The public likes to be humbugged.” He was a showman of early circus fame here in America. He also is known as the “19th century American huckster.” Barnum created the “Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, and Caravan & Hippodrome.” This traveling circus was billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Webster’s Dictionary defines “humbugged” in part as: “Something made or done to cheat or deceive; fraud; sham; hoax; misleading; dishonest; or empty talk. A dishonest person; person who does not live up to his claims; impostor. A spirit of trickery, deception, etc.” Further, Webster defines huckster in part as: “A hawker of wares; a mean, haggling tradesman; tricky, mercenary peddler; an advertising man, etc.” P.T. Barnum was after folk’s money. Entertainment was his ways and means to get into the pockets of the public. For the most part, folks came away from his shows highly entertained. Did they know that the master of humbugger humbugged them? I would suggest they knew or they didn’t care. They enjoyed the show! In the late 1930’s, my father took my younger sister, Kathleen and me to Manhattan to see the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. I remember seeing “Gargantuan the Great” (1929-1949). He was a low land gorilla, but I understand he wasn’t that terrible. Another sideshow favorite was the giant of a man, very tall. He dressed like a cowboy and was selling cheap rings. He would take them off and sell them.

In the year of 1964, a young lady known, as Kitty Genovese was brutally stabbed to death near her home in Queens, New York. It gained national recognition because of the nature of this terrible murder. You see, although the neighbors were fully aware of the killing, no one responded to help Kitty. The neighbors were non-responsive to Kitty’s screaming and crying for help, allowing the killer to continue his act of violence. An investigation was conducted to try to find out why citizens refused to help this young lady. The homicide case and the investigation went into the social, psychological phenomenon that now is known as the bystander effect. This phenomenon is also known as diffusion of responsibility. This behavior is sometimes called the Genovese Syndrome. This account of terror and detachment reminds me that human conduct has its highs and lows. I am further reminded of The Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. In this portion of Scripture, we find a lawyer trying to justify himself, who asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Verse 29). Jesus relates the parable of how one “fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Verse 30). The priest and then the Levite failed to render aid; they “passed on the other side” (Verse 31-32.) Did these uncaring two mumble or think within themselves, “This is none of my business?” “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and had compassion

Maybe some of us older folks have seen the dismantling of America’s Christian heritage to a sharper degree than younger people. Some of us older Americans have observed over the years a great change in our citizens and government concerning our Christian heritage. Some of our younger folks have little or no knowledge of the founding of the new world – America – and the influence that Christianity had on this new land. To deny the history of our Christian heritage is to deny verifiable facts. I have open and before me an old book entitled, The World’s Book of Knowledge and Universal Education, published by Columbia Publishing House, Chicago, Illinois. Further information on this volume states, “Entered According to Act of Congress, in the year 1901 by D.Z. Howell in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D.C., U.S.A.” On pages 179-183 there is a chapter on “International Law” with subject matter “Origin of International Law – Influence of Christianity – International Conventions and What they Accomplished – Mediation and Arbitration.” Sprinkled throughout this chapter, it is obvious that a general practice of Christian ethics/morals played a great role in the civilization of peoples and their governments. I would like to share with you from the chapter on “International Law” a few excerpts. “When nations first began to evolve from wandering bands of nomadic savages the main idea with each king was to subdue his neighbor. Thus warfare and barbarism were rampant for centuries. With the growth of

Do we believe what the Word of God teaches? Most of us would answer in the affirmative, with a hardy, “Yes.” For many, the New Testament subject of baptism has caused the most study and misunderstanding. The proposition “Is baptism necessary in order to be saved?” has been debated many times over the years. Denominational creeds have been very conflicting on this biblical subject. Throughout the centuries, denominations have added or changed what they believe concerning the doctrine of baptism. Is the problem with the Word of God or is it with man? Let me suggest that we allow the Bible to answer the question, “Is baptism necessary?” Or, we could rephrase by asking, “Is baptism part of God’s plan of salvation for sinful man?” Hopefully, you have taken the time to search the Scriptures in our brief study of baptism. Is it not time to lay aside our preconceived ideas concerning this important biblical subject? NOTE: Daniel Coe, evangelist for the Trail Creek church of Christ, Shawnee, Kansas, furnished the twenty summary remarks concerning our study of baptism. See: https://trailcreekcoc.us/index.html

Basically, the public was introduced to television during the 1939-1940 World’s Fair in New York. World War II hindered and delayed television production until after the war. My generation enjoyed the radio. Radio had all sorts of programming from music, news and all kinds of shows: comedy, drama and the like. One of the favorites was “The Shadow,” a mystery show. The weekly program would start off with an eerie voice exclaiming, “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” followed by a weird laugh. Generally, we do not use the word lurking too much; even the sound of the word is creepy, is it not? Our English dictionary defines lurks and lurking in part as “To lie in wait, as in ambush. To exist unobserved or unsuspected as danger lurking around every bend” (The Free Dictionary by Farlex). Further, “Lurk implies a waiting in concealment or in the background, especially with sinister or menacing intentions” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, College Edition). Frequently, we are unaware of the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. We see the outward man and we can be fooled to the true nature of his makeup. For a biblical example, we ask ourselves and ponder, why would Cain hate his brother Abel? What caused Cain to possess an unobserved or unsuspected evil hidden within his being? God rejected Cain’s offering. Cain was wroth, that is, he was blazed up in anger, he was jealous of Abel. In his heated

All believers of the Word of God, the Bible, must consider the need to use the sum of truth on any biblical subject. “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:17). With the biblical principle of using the sum of truth, let us study and consider the examples of conversion in the Book of Acts. Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). (1) There was preaching. (2) People believed or were “pricked in their heart” (verse 37). (3) Repentance is mentioned (verses 37-38). (4) Confession is not mentioned. (5) Baptism is mentioned (verses 38-41). (6) Remission of sins appears (verses 38-47). Samaria (Acts 8:5-13) (1) People believed (verse 12-13). (2) There is no mention of repentance or confession. (3) They were baptized (verse 12-13). Eunuch (Acts 8:35-39). (1) He believed (verses 36-37). (2) There is no mention of repentance. (3) He confessed Christ (verse 37). (4) The eunuch was baptized (verse 38). (5) He rejoiced (verse 39). Saul (Acts 9:17-18). (1) No mention of belief, repentance or confession appears here. (2) Saul was baptized (verse 18). (3) His sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). Cornelius (Acts 10:34-46) (1) He believed (verse 43). (2) No mention of repentance or confession appears. (3) Cornelius was baptized (verse 48). (4) Remission of sins was promised (verse 43). The Jailer (Acts 16:31-34). (1) He believed (verse 31). (2) No mention of repentance or confession appears. (3) The jailer was baptized (verse 33). Lydia (Acts 16:13-15). (1) Belief and an open heart appear here (verse

What if you read about a subject that you do not understand or even grasp a small aspect of the topic? You could try to study the subject if you are interested enough. It may be that the study field is so deep and because of one’s lack of formal education, it may be beyond one’s capabilities. Recently, I read about such a complex topic. It is in denial of “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This complex theory I read about is another hypothesis concocted by men who reject God and His creation. With this short introduction, let us ponder another speculation that denies God Almighty and His creation. Some background may help! I noticed a full-page advertisement entitled, “Chaos Made Clear,” in the Popular Science magazine (February 2010 issue, page 31). The theory is called “Chaos” and is taught by Professor Steven Strogatz of Cornell University. Professor Strogatz claims to solve problems such as the origin of life and our consciousness coupled with a vast number of other areas that are encompassed by the theory of Chaos. It was very apparent that this philosophy was in complete opposition to what we believe about God Almighty and Genesis 1:1. Have we ever observed that chaos, disorder and explosions created order? “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). As I pondered this multifaceted subject, it was obvious to me that it was beyond

I would suppose that our present generation does not know “Fibber McGee and Molly.” James “Jim” Jordan (16 November 1896–1 April 1988) and Marian Driscoll (15 April 1898–7 April 1961) played the parts of Fibber and Molly. In real life they were married in 1918. They were very poplar on ole time radio and movies. The reason I thought of these ole performers was because of Fibber McGee’s name. To be a fibber is to fib or lie. Have you ever known a person that always embellished this and that? To embellish is to over state and exaggerate a story even though it may be based on the truth. Such type of folks because of their constant fibbing begins to believe their embroidered stories. Now that is sad! As I write this, I have one person in mind. He was basically a good person, but he sure could fib and embellish whatever he was talking about. It does not take too long to recognize a fibber. I have known too many fibbers over the years. How can one put full trust in one that fibs? The Word of God Condemns Lying “A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh lies shall not escape” (Proverbs 19:5). “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:9). The very sad part about fibbing is that it is so widespread. It is bad enough when everyday average folks are fibbers. What

I guess this idea, that one has the right to do wrong, has been around a long time. It is possible that the great magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini (1874-1926), may have popularized this idea. He wrote a book entitled, The Right Way to Do Wrong: An Exposé of Successful Criminals. However, there is an even better-known quotation from Abraham Lincoln that presents the truth concerning this idea—that one has the right to do wrong. Lincoln said in his debate with Douglas, “When Judge Douglas says that whoever, or whatever community, wants slaves, they have a right to have them, he is perfectly logical if there is nothing wrong in the institution; but if you admit that it is wrong, he cannot logically say that anybody has the right to do wrong” (October 13, 1858 Debate at Quincy, Illinois). Yes, Abraham Lincoln was logically and biblically correct, it is never right to do wrong. I believe the misunderstanding concerning this idea is that one has the power to do wrong. As free moral agents, we can choose to do whatever we want to do. With that choice, however, comes the consequence of our actions. One can plot a premeditated murder, but he never has the right to murder. One can steal, but he never has the right to steal. “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void they law” (Psalm 119:126). Question: Does one have the right to make the law of God void? You

A dispute, to quarrel, wrangle I guess it’s pretty common for siblings to squabble. When our two daughters were young, they never seemed to enjoy a vacation. As we drove through some of the most beautiful parts of America, they occupied themselves by squabbling. While I was stationed in Germany and before my wife Shirley was ready to return home to the USA, we were able to tour some of Europe. We drove through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, returning via a different route, and you guessed it! The two girls squabbled. Now, I don’t want you to think they quarreled all the time, but enough times that, as their parents, we should have a degree in fight management and counseling. Squabbling is not limited to children; adults participate in such things all too often. Martha and Mary It seems that Martha was absorbed and cumbered with much serving. Maybe she fretted somewhat. This could lead to irritation and annoyance. Just like all of us, too many times we are guilty of the same. “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help

Are you satisfied? As for me, I have been blessed beyond measure throughout my life. Yet, with all honesty, I cannot say, I am completely satisfied. I have so many flaws in my makeup. I sin and sometimes do and say stupid things. I am not satisfied with myself in too many ways. On a daily basis, I fight against “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Do worldly allurements entice us sometimes? The apostle Paul wrote, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:14-20). How often do we do what we “would not”? Peace and Satisfaction Is in Christ Jesus “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver

The following quote may be shocking and disturbing to some, “One of the greatest enemies Christianity now has or has ever had is organized religion” (F.D Srygley, Biographies and Sermons, 7). The quote is taken from the first sentence of a sermon, entitled “Organized Religion vs. Christianity” by F.D. Srygley (1856-1900). Another quote from the same sermon will explain this seemly shocking statement. Religious people have committed nearly every crime in the catalogue of iniquity to build up, strengthen, and maintain organizations Christ never authorized. All denominational organizations use the power of organization against men and doctrine whenever the interests of organized religion demand it. They have to do this in self-defense. “Self-preservation is the first law of nature,” and no organization can maintain itself with opposing men and doctrine that antagonize it. This explains why there is now, has always been, and always will be a conflict between Christianity and every form of ecclesiastical organization. (F.D. Srygley, Biographies and Sermons, 8) The source of Christianity and the church of Christ is readily available to all. The New Testament of Jesus Christ is that source document. “The church of to-day could not disregard the government of the New Testament church and still be the same church. Its congregations are not bound in the coils of an ecclesiasticism as merciless as it is unscriptural. …The destruction of the unity of the church was the work of the apostasy; hence when the church is reclaimed from apostasy it will be freed from the disunion”

I am thankful for aids such as Webster’s Dictionary of English words. I am a terrible speller; I have to look up the same words over and over again. I marvel at those youngsters that participate in these national spelling bees. The judges in our national spelling bees need a standard, and that standard is our English dictionary. We understand that some of our English words can be spelled differently. Some words are considered archaic. Archaic words belong to an earlier English-speaking period. Our dictionary is the standard for the proper spelling, usage, definition and pronunciation of our English words. Have you ever heard of one denying the fact that the English dictionary is a standard? We all understand alike our English alphabet, do we not? Further, we have “Tables of Weights and Measures,” and these also are considered a standard. Who in his right mind would deny that 12 inches equals one foot? Cautionary Note: “Good dictionaries or encyclopedias will accurately describe all of the ways an English word is used today. But our English dictionaries can fail miserably to inform us about the message in our English Bibles. Why? Translators select English words to accurately convey an idea from the original languages of the Bible into English. Unfortunately, many times our English words carry additional meanings foreign to what the biblical word meant. It is these additional English meanings which can create havoc” (Barry Newton. “Please, Not Webster’s Again.” Forthright Magazine, November 18, 2009. https://www.forthright.net/). Using the dictionary as an example of a

I do not know of any perfect people, do you? The narcissistic personalities may think they are perfect, but they are so mistaken. Most normal folks understand that we all have flaws, shortcomings. Some of us are painfully aware of our flaws and try to overcome and correct these character shortcomings. It is sad to realize that some folks will not or cannot recognize their negative character traits. I always chuckle at one of the Cheerios cereal TV commercials. Paraphrasing, the husband is reading from the Cheerios box, that the cereal will help one lose weight. His wife standing near and eating a bowl of Cheerios states, “Do I need to lose weight?” giving him one of those looks. The husband, flustered, says, “No, no the box.” With that look his wife asks, “What else does the box say?” Looking defeated, he quickly says, “Shut up, Steve.” With that wifely smile, his wife wins one again. I like both of them! Steve quickly recognized that he was misunderstood and better shut up. Way to go, Steve! We all need to watch our words. Words convey thoughts! When one is speaking to a stranger or one that does not know him too well, exercise caution. Further, we need to be aware that some people are always ready to jump on our mistakes and flaws. Some have hidden agendas coupled with their own character flaws. It should also be understood that our words and deeds should be pointed and accurate when we

“The New York City blackout of 1977 came at a low point in New York history, at a time when the city was facing a financial crisis. It lasted only one night, but by the time it was over, a record 3,776 people had been arrested, and looting, vandalism, and arson had caused an estimated $300 million worth of damage.” “In all, 1,616 stores were damaged in looting and rioting.” “Thirty-five blocks of Broadway were destroyed: 134 stores looted, 45 of them set ablaze.” “1,037 fires were responded to, including 14 multiple-alarm fires. In the largest mass arrest in city history, 3,776 people were arrested. Many had to be stuffed into overcrowded cells, precinct basements and other makeshift holding pens.” (Reference: This Day in History, 13 July 2009) The opposite of blackness is light. It is more common for crimes and evil workers to engage in their sin under the cover of darkness. Although crimes are committed in the daytime, honest, hard working people are more apprehensive of evildoers in the night. Statistics state that crimes such as DUI—Driving Under the Influence, DWI—Driving While Intoxicated, PI—Public Intoxication, Assault, Burglary and Sex crimes are greatest at night. We understand that these crimes are not only the heaviest at night, but also on holidays and full moons. Any law enforcement agency can bear witness to this fact. Christians Are to Walk in the Light of the Gospel “Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their

Don’t we all get discouraged sometimes? With the negative feeling of discouragement, one feels disheartened, dispirited and downhearted. No one likes the feeling of discouragement, yet it happens too often for many of us. Discouragements come our way through an assortment of human events. These dealings can be very personal in nature such as sickness, death, household economic problems and a variety of family troubles to include broken homes, divorce and the like. Events that are general in nature such as overall lawlessness, terrorism and social ethical/moral decay will also bring negative feelings that depress us. Children Are the Most Vulnerable Our English word discourage is used only one time in the New Testament, and it is found in Colossians 3:21, which reads: “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Young folks can be very easily disheartened and dispirited. This type of demoralizing can be so instilled in young people as to warp their maturity growth. When a youngster is so negatively discouraged, it seems very likely this hindrance can cause a damaged adulthood. Of a truth, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Oh, the great need for Christian parents that will nurture their children to be stable and to cling to high moral standards. Civil government also has the obligation to govern in such a way as to create an atmosphere of rightness and order. Youngsters need strong

Many of us remember the funny and clean TV sitcom, “Gilligan’s Island,” running from September 1964 to September 1967, with the Skipper and Gilligan as the crew of the charter boat S.S. Minnow and the five passengers. It was supposed to be a three-hour tour, but a storm shipwrecked all of them on an uncharted, uninhabited island. They were lost somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The above reminds me of an illustration I heard years ago that helped me understand pre-denominational Christianity. I imagine that many of you who read the following may chuckle and remember also. Let’s say that several or more people are shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. All survived the terrible storm. The people marooned are just average folks. They had one thing in common, however, and that was that they had absolutely no interest in religion up to this point in their lives. They were totally ignorant, completely unaware of all religions of this world. As they recovered items from the wrecked ship, they found a Bible. No other literature, radio or the like was on the ship. As the days, weeks and months passed, they started to read the Bible as a group. The Word of God was wholly new to them. They read Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” They could grasp that this world and all creation did not come from a huge big-bang explosion. Their common sense understood that from nothing comes nothing. Disorder never creates

My wife and I were looking for a tool the other day. We knew or we thought we knew exactly where it was. As we climbed over much clutter in our storage shed, we both came to the conclusion that we’ve got to get rid of this clutter. No, we never found what we were looking for! Maybe, it’s lost in the mess of disorganized stuff, most of which needs to be thrown out. As I thought about clutter in my shed, my mind started to dwell on, how Christianity, through the centuries has become cluttered with doctrines of men. What a challenge, to remove manmade clutter from churches that desire to follow the teaching of the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Question: Can today’s churches be uncluttered from creeds written by men? With this observation, some people will become very uncomfortable and maybe just plain angry. Why should the idea of removing creed clutter from Christianity make folks uncomfortable? I guess it’s the idea that creeds would have to be removed; maybe that’s the problem. We will allow these questions to lie dormant and unanswered. The reader will be his/her own judge concerning the proposal of removing ecclesiastical clutter from Christianity. Since Man Is Responsible for EcclesiasticalClutter, Let Us Consider the Points Below. The Bible gives the answer from whence came the clutter. Notice Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,

“Oh, the drums go bang and the cymbals clang and the horns they blaze away” as the band plays on with vigor. Singers of the chorus and the musicians are at par with trained professionals. The worshipers, with arms raised, are swinging to the beat of the music. No doubt, all are enjoying themselves! Most of the congregation is participating with the enthusiasm and ecstasy of the moment. There is a flood of so-called Community churches in our neighborhoods. These churches entertain folks; they will grow in number; this is certain. In researching Community churches, it seems that they have a statement of beliefs that covers many denominational creeds and doctrines. There are also affiliations with movements such as the “Consultation on Church Union (COCU), the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.” One in this movement is, “The International Christian Community Churches.” In their statement, they say that they “celebrate the diversity of God’s people and their mission to bring others to Christ. All of our churches are open.” Local Community churches are diversified in beliefs with the approach, come as you are. Their dress code may be of a casual nature. Those attending these type worship services are not pressed to be obedient to any code, creed or doctrine. Again the idea seems to be, “We accept you no matter what you believe.” “We are tolerant, and we judge not, so come and worship with us.” It is very common to have this tolerant and

Bart D. Ehrman is an agnostic. He is highly critical of the Word of God and believes that the Bible is a work of mere men and not the revealed will of God. In believing this, he rejects and belittles the Bible. He has authored twenty plus books that advance his agnostic beliefs. “He joked that atheists think agnostics are wimpy atheists and that agnostics think atheists are arrogant agnostics.” It is my opinion that Mr. Ehrman is an arrogant agnostic. I noticed in the 30th of March 2009 edition of Newsweek magazine a very short article that publicized Mr. Ehrman’s latest book, “Jesus, Interrupted.” Found on page 16, the article is entitled, “Dear Lord, Let’s Agree To Disagree” by Adam B. Kushner. Under the subtitled, “The Evidence,” Mr. Kushner writes in part concerning the New Testament, “Most of the 27 books were written long after Christ’s death, and only eight of them were actually written by the people initially credited as authors. When the New Testament became canonical, there were lots of Gospels floating around. Why did some endure but not others? ‘Unclear’ Ehrman writes, but it surely reflected contemporary biases.” The Bible “did not descend from on high,” he writes. “It was created, down here on earth.” All of Mr. Ehrman’s critical remarks have been answered over and over again by true biblical scholars. Concerning his claim, “there were lots of Gospels floating around,” this is not true! Notice following evidence, “Though a few of the Apocryphal Gospels are of

I guess this idea, that one has the right to do wrong, has been around a long time. The great magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini (1874-1926), may have popularized this idea. He wrote a book entitled, The Right Way to Do Wrong: An Exposé of Successful Criminals. However, there is an even better known quotation from Abraham Lincoln that presents the truth concerning this idea whether one has the right to do wrong. Lincoln said in his debate with Douglas, “When Judge Douglas says that whoever, or whatever community, wants slaves, they have a right to have them, he is perfectly logical if there is nothing wrong in the institution; but if you admit that it is wrong, he cannot logically say that anybody has the right to do wrong” (October 13, 1858 debate at Quincy, Illinois). Yes, Abraham Lincoln was logically and biblically correct; it is never right to do wrong. I believe the misunderstanding concerning this idea is that one has the power to do wrong. As free moral agents, we can choose to do whatever we want to do. With that choice, however, comes the consequence of our actions. One can plot a premeditated murder, but he never has the right to murder. One can steal, but he never has the right to steal. “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void they law” (Psalm 119:126). Question: Does one have the right to make the law of God void? You see, man

The expression “better felt than told” has been sprinkled throughout literature and has been a common idiom for a long time. I have heard this type of statement many times, and mostly it is associated with religious emotions. If you have been around some religious folks, you may hear some say, “I know I am saved, it’s a better felt than told experience.” I have heard some say, “I wouldn’t take a stack of Bibles for how I feel.” You may have heard such type remarks worded in a different fashion. The idea is that their faith and belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord is an arousing and emotional one. They feel like they are saved! Along with this type of poignant, moving hyper, such like people feel that the Bible is also a very mysterious book that cannot be understood. The conclusion for them is that their unexplained and mysterious sensation is better felt than told. Further, with these emotions comes the belief that one can be saved by a miraculous work performed upon them by God. Their personal inner emotions are the sum and total of their evidence that they are saved. The denial of easily understood biblical teaching is part of their lot. With this rejection, they deny “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Do I doubt their sincerity? No, I do not! Yet, with this form of emotional self-salvation, they are rejecting the Word of God.

The word judgment is a word with a variety of coupled meanings. For our brief study, I would like to focus on just one aspect of this word. As an example to set up our study, your wife wants to put a fresh coat of paint on the living room walls. She asks, “What color do you think would be nice?” You respond, “Use your own judgment, you have good taste.” In the work area, you assign a person or a group to do a job. You turn the job over to the worker(s). The supervisor does not look at every twist and turn; he has turned the task over to their judgment. The only guidance was, “Get the job done and do it right.” As we pursue this line of study, it would be good to allow Webster to define judgment as pertains to our illustrations. Webster defines judgment in part as “the ability to come to opinions of things; power of comparing and deciding; understanding; good sense.” Have you noticed per our illustrations and Webster’s definition that there must be a known and tested standard? There must be good sense and the power of comparing and deciding what is right and good. We must come to the conclusion that there are some things that are good and some effects that are bad. Do we understand that which is good as we are comparing and deciding? Pressing the issue, there are fixed rights and known wrongs. Question: Where has

Where has common sense gone? Yes, I am older now and because of my age I remember with fondness a time not too many years ago that common sense was common. Common sense means that a person has sound practical judgment with synonyms such as good sense and horse sense. It’s sad that so many people have found their way into very important leadership positions, politically or otherwise, without a lick of sound practical judgment. A higher educational achievement does not mean one has common sense. A good education coupled with sound practical common sense is a great asset. “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” (C. E. Stowe) It is my personal view and judgment that many of our elected politicians are void of common sense. When solutions to problems are available and they sidestep the solution because of an agenda, we ask what has happened to common sense. According to all reports, we have within the boundaries of the USA vast amounts of untapped oil. Yet, our elected officials will not approve the drilling of known oil deposits. Now, that doesn’t make sense, but what if a common sense solution was recognized and rejected for something more costly and/or complicated? Leaders need backbone to seek out and accomplish their assigned duties with vigor. Two of my personal heroes of the WW2 era are Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) and Winston Churchill (1874-1965). What leaders and what strong personalities

Change, change, we hear a lot about it. Change in what direction? For a gentleman that is very close to seventy-six years old, with over thirty-six years of service in the US Army, I can truthfully say, “I have seen too much change in the USA.” Much is said about climate change and what we have to do to get green, et cetera and ad nauseam; yet, most just yawn at our morality changes over the years. To boil it down: We are more involved with secular things and are asleep at the steady deterioration of our basic moral fiber that was once the true strength of our nation. Change, you bet, but we are going in the wrong direction. Time to wake up and change our course. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine” (Psalm 33:18-19). “The blessings which He bestows upon those who acknowledge Him to be their God—blessings of care, protection, and deliverance in danger (Psalm 33:12-19). The psalm is thus one that is appropriate to the people of all lands and times, and will be better appreciated in proportion as people become more and more acquainted with God in the wisdom, the power and the skill which He has shown in the works of

Most of us take for granted that our over-the-counter medicine and our food products are safe, protected from tampering. We see labels such as tamper-proof and sealed for your protection. Not too many years ago, we could buy milk in a bottle with only a cardboard lid to cover the container. All sorts of medicines and foodstuffs were sold without tamper-proofing devices. This was common for many of us in years past. We have always known that we live in a sin-sick world. The Scriptures teach that “…evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Evil men are prone, inclined, to conjure up and conceive wickedness. Such is their free-will, brutish, negative behavior. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Always remember that our God is fair and just. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). “Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive” (Ezekiel 18:27). “…Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). As a Christian, I am truly thankful that our God has made provisions for all that desire to do His Will. In that sense, we are tamper proof from a sin sick, wicked world. “If

From 1987 until 1992, I was employed as a counselor for the State of Mississippi, Region Three Chemical Dependence Program. An interesting period of my life! Part of my duties was to conduct group-counseling sessions. I remember one such session very well. I was teaching/leading the group in the discussion of Step Four of the 12 Step Program, “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Some of the clients did not understand what moral meant. After giving a definition of the word moral, the group started to ask questions concerning a principle that pertains to right and wrong. Pursuing this line of discussion, I made the point that there are fixed standards of right and wrong. A few of the men challenged me on this affirmation. With chalk and blackboard, I illustrated a 12” inch ruler. I stated, “Have we not been taught, and is it not true that one foot has twelve inches in it, according to Tables of Weights and Measures?” All answered, “Yes.” I continued, “What if you wanted to build a house. You selected a building contractor and a blueprint with all measurements and specifications on it. Both you and your contractor sign a contract to build per the specifications of the blueprint. You were scheduled to take a trip away from home for six months. Your contractor assured you that your house would be completed when you came home per your building contract.” Continuing with the illustration, I stated, “You come home and your house

At one time, I thought that little innocent children did not bear any burden, but this is not true in a complete sense. For some time now, my wife and I have been supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This hospital is known far and wide as a ray of hope with medical breakthroughs, the caring for and the curing of many children. We know that even the most innocent of children and some of them just infants must bear the burden of life threatening sickness and the accompanying pain. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). It is comforting to know that young people, because they have not reached the age of accountability, are safe in the arms of our Lord.     Beyond doubt, burdens are part of life. The word burden means: anything that is carried or endured; a load of material things or a duty, work or sorrow, etc. To shirk ones duties and responsibilities is shameful. We have seen many avoid and dodge their duties both in the workforce and on a personal basis. Such types of people are generally easy to notice. Some are just lazy, allowing others or their government to take care of them. To be direct in speech, some are just, as the saying goes, sorry folks. Concerning people of this sort, “…that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).