While Moses was addressing Israel, he used an opportunity to instruct them that the commandments of the Lord were for their "good" or benefit. Listen to him: "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

By preserving the Holy Scriptures, God continues to bless His people with His Word for our benefit and welfare. However, not only does He supply us with the Scriptures, there are a number of things God provides for us through the local congregation. Since these things are also "for our good" we will not want to abuse them. Please consider the following:

1.   Our Sunday worship services.  It is true that we observe the Lord's Supper, pray, sing, and listen to the preaching of God's Word in order to glorify and honor God.   However, it is also true that we are doing these things for our own profit and edification (see 1 Cor. 14:26).

2.   Our regularly scheduled Bible classes.   In my humble opinion, we have some very good Bible class teachers here at Westside. They take their duties seriously and work hard at being prepared for each study.    Involvement in these Sunday morning and Wednesday evening studies is vital to our spiritual growth.

3.   A men's training class.    Our young men and boys are receiving instruction concerning leading in worship.   Older men are coming to lend encouragement and instruction.  While we are having good participation, shouldn't all men make this a high priority in view of the potential for good that it affords?

4.   A ladies' Bible class.  Edwin Grazier's book on "Prayer" is being studied by the ladies twice a month while the men are participating in their class.   I am hearing several positive comments about that study. I can't think of a more worthwhile study than that of prayer.

5.   Marriage classes wilt soon begin.   The "Marriage Built to Last" series is currently being previewed by the elders.  Marriages everywhere are in trouble.  Be listening for the availability of small group home studies on this very important subject.

6.   Our gospel meeting. Yes, I said OUR gospel meeting.  It has been planned by the elders for OUR good.   Bob Owen will be speaking July 7th thru 11th on the theme of "Christian Living." Every member needs to put forth their best effort to be present for every service.

Let us not neglect what God provides for our good.

1.   "Why pick on poor ole summer?" Simply because it provides many with excuses (and I mean excuses) for roiling over the teachings of Christ as though they do not exist.

2.   "Well, we went through this last year and the same ones are still planning vacations in disregard to God (responsibilities), still stripping off their clothes in public, still dragging the kids off to the lakes on Sunday, etc."   Tis probably true, but it seems to me I read something somewhere about "in season and out of season," and I take it seriously.

3.   "Well, I don't care what anybody says, my only time to have fun is on the weekends and especially in the summer months, and I'll do as I please." James 1:21.

4.   "I think we can get so strict that religion has no appeal."  Yes, and we can get so loose that there is no difference between us and the world (cf. Romans 12:1,2).

5.   "Why, I've been involved in mixed swimming all my life."   I know some folks who have been involved in profanity and thievery all their lives.   Length of practice has nothing to do with whether a thing is right or wrong.

6.   "If a man looks at me with some lustful intent, that is his problem and not mine."   1 Timothy 2:8ff!

7.   "When we're on vacation, nobody knows whether or not we worship or with whom." God does. Does that matter?

8.   "All kids need to learn to swim and to have fun while they can."  Yes, and all kids need to be brought up in the "chastening and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). They also deserve godly parents who will set examples before them that will assist in saving their souls.

John Gibbons said: "Ask devout Christians whether they believe that Christ died and rose again, and they will say that of course they do. Ask them for evidence, and they will be baffled by the question, it is not a matter of evidence, but of belief."

Many have a misunderstanding of Biblical faith. In their minds there is no evidence that Christ died and rose again, so therefore the resurrection must be accepted by blind faith. However, there is evidence that Christ rose from the dead and that evidence is what accounts for our faith! Faith is not accepting something in the absence of evidence. It is believing because of the evidence.

At times we say we "believe" something we aren't very confident about. Someone says, "I believe that the sun is 93 million miles away." But from the tone of his voice, he wouldn't be at all surprised to discover that he was wrong.

The basic idea of Biblical faith is confident trust.  For this belief to exist, three conditions must be met:

1.   We must understand WHAT we believe. We must have some understanding of who God is in order to express faith in Him.

2.   We must know WHY we believe what we believe.  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Peter said that while Christians should be ready to give a "defense" for their faith they ought to be able to give a "reason" for their hope in Christ.  Our faith is "reasonable".  It makes sense.  If someone asks you, "Why do you believe what you believe?" You need to be ready to say, "Let me tell you why!" To say "just because" is unacceptable.

3.   We must be committed to ACT in accordance with what we believe.    The Scriptures consistently tie faith and actions together.   James, speaking of the faith of Abraham, said: "Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?" (James 2:22).    How are you going to convince anyone that you have strong convictions when you are not led to act?

"Blind faith" is not Biblical faith. Blind faith is an irrational, unreasonable faith that is based on a whim rather than evidence.

Do you know what you believe and why you believe it? convictions? Do you have Biblical faith?

Are you always eager to act on yours?

A crucial time in our worship periods is that in which the preacher extends the invitation of Christ. The proper atmosphere is very important. During the invitation we are trying to get those whose lives are out of harmony with the gospel to make the emotional and intellectual response that is necessary to save their souls. We must do all that we can to eliminate every distraction from the serious business at hand. We dare not by thoughtless behavior discourage or distract a soul that is on the verge of responding.

He may never be that near to Christ again. In fact, our distracting behavior may cause him to die in sin and lose his soul. Everything the preacher, song leader, and every other member of the church does should aim at encouraging a response by those who need to respond. Please consider the following "invitation etiquette."

1.   Sing the invitation song enthusiastically.   It always saddens me to see so many who gaze around and make no effort at all to sing. They appear bored by it all. If you were thinking about responding to the invitation, think how such behavior would discourage you.

2.   Do not move around or allow your children to leave during the invitation unless there is some kind of emergency. Of course, if you need to respond, by all means move around sufficiently to do so! The devil can use even innocent little children to distract people from responding to the invitation, if parents do not properly control them.  I am sad when I see more people going out the back door than are coming to the front during the invitation.

3.   Wait until after the closing prayer to get ready to go home.   Some folks are more interested in putting on a coat or picking up a purse than they are in the salvation of souls during the invitation song.

4.   There should be no unnecessary talking or any other activity during the closing remarks of a gospel sermon or the invitation song.  It both breaks my heart and spurs my indignation to see this going on.  It is bad enough at any time while I am preaching, but I am especially dismayed by such while I am pleading for souls.

Try to put yourself in the position of someone who needs to respond to Christ. You are about ready to step out into the aisle when suddenly the lady next to you bumps you while struggling to get her coat on. Or, the folks in front of you are talking and laughing.

Now, how would you feel?

As I am writing this article Tracy, Cara, and myself are preparing to watch the season finale of a show that we have recorded for the past three years. Every Tuesday night we sit down and watch "The Biggest Loser." This, of itself, is not too quirky. This is a show that is supposed to inspire America to eat healthy and exercise, But, the joke around our house is that while we watch "The Biggest Loser" we are stuffing our faces with junk food! Sitting in our recliners and eating ice cream while watching the contestants change their eating habits and become physically active is not what the producers of the show had in mind. I know this behavior is a little odd and it caused me to think about some other things that make no sense at all:

1.   Coming to "worship" and becoming a "spectator." Worship is active, heart participation in singing, praying, hearing the Word of God, and observing the Lord's Supper. Coming to the place of worship and becoming a passive observer MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

2.   Analyzing others while ignoring self. We are involved in examining the lives of others due to our concern for their well-being. To do so, while failing to examine our own lives is inconsistent (see Matt. 7:1-5) and MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

3.   Arguing against instrumental music in worship and not singing. We argue that instrumental music is not part of God's pattern for worship, and we correctly pointing out that God desires singing (see Eph. 5:19). To insist that singing is part of the pattern and then not sing MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

4.   Talking to others about the power of prayer and seldom praying. Yes, we have urged those going through hard times to avail themselves of the power of prayer. Some of us have cited James 5:16: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." To do that and then to forget to implement prayer in our own lives MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

5.   Denying the "you can't fall" doctrine and then living in favor of it. We all stand against the doctrine and quote 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. "Urging others to "take heed" while we become sloppy in our attendance habits, live carelessly and flirt with temptation MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

6.   Affirming  "I love the Lord" and not obeying the Lord. Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). To talk about our love for Jesus while living in disobedience to Him MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

I'm not saying that we should quit: coming to worship, analyzing others, arguing against instrumental music, talking to others about the power of prayer, denying the once saved always saved doctrine, and verbally affirming our love for the Lord. I am saying that while doing those things we ought to practice a little consistency.

"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

"Repentance" is very much misunderstood. Many people believe that repentance is sorrow for sin or remorse for having done wrong. Sorrow is related to repentance, but it is not repentance. Paul reminded the Corinthians that their sorrow led to repentance. Sorrow was the cause, repentance was the effect.

Others think that repentance is reformation of life - a changed and improved lifestyle. The Word of God, however, shows a distinction between repentance and reformation of life. When the Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John, John would not baptize them until they produced "fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Repentance is therefore the cause and reformation of life is the effect.

What is repentance? The process of repentance is clearly stated by J.W. McGarvey, "Repentance is a change of the will produced by sorrow for sin and leading to reformation." Yes, repentance is a change of the will. Thayer notes that repentance has to do "especially with the change of mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds and have determined to enter upon a better style of life."

It is important to make the distinction between "godly sorrow" and "the sorrow of the world" as they are mentioned by Paul to the Corinthians. Worldly sorrow is a selfish sorrow ("I got caught and it made me look bad"). In worldly sorrow one is more concerned about self. Godly sorrow is directed toward God. It is sorrow for the sin itself and that the heart of God has been grieved. Godly sorrow is more concerned about God.

Repentance is the most difficult command because it requires that man overcome his stubbornness and pride. Repentance requires that we crucify the old man of sin and surrender our wills to Christ. It is not easy. God recognizes the difficulty of this requirement, so He provides in His Word the motivation: His goodness and His severity. Consider His severity: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in his body, according what he has done, whether it is good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (2 Cor. 5:10-11a). As to the goodness of God Paul asked: "Do you not know that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" (Rom. 2:4). Decide that you will cease sin and serve God today.
 

If the apostle Paul could write a letter of joy (Philippians) from a prison cell, and if he could sing praises to God after being beaten and thrown into jail at Philippi, then we should learn to have joy in the midst of suffering.

SALVATION SHOULD BE A SOURCE OF JOY. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation" (Isaiah 61:10). When Christ was preached in Samaria, "there was a great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). When the Ethiopian was baptized, "he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Past sins are forgiven and God, who cannot lie, has promised us a home with Him in eternity.

SEEING OTHERS SAVED BRINGS JOY. "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). Let's talk to others about their most urgent need. Let's try - I said try - to cause them to come into contact with the truth that can save their souls. Many of you have experienced the joy of seeing such efforts lead to the salvation of some soul. Why not increase our joy by increasing our efforts?

A SOURCE OF JOY IS SEEING YOUR CHILDREN WALK IN THE TRUTH. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4). John's greatest joy was to hear about his spiritual children doing what is right. Immeasurable is the satisfaction you get by watching your converts grow in faith and maturity.

EVEN OUR TRIALS CAN BE A SOURCE OF JOY. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). No, this doesn't mean that we should be overwhelmed with joy simply because we are going through difficult times. James goes on to explain that we can be joyful in the midst of trials knowing of the good which results from trials endured (James 1:3-4).

THE ANTICIPATION OF HEAVEN BRINGS JOY. How wonderful it will be to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matthew 25:23). We experience sorrow, but Christians can live joyfully as we look forward to the joys of heaven.

Jesus came in order to bring joy (John 15:11; 17:13). Do you have joy?

Following are some of the attitudes which brethren have expressed toward attendance:

1. "You can't prove to me that I have to go to church on Sunday night and Wednesday night."

2. "I don't have to participate in this (Wednesday evening Bible study) because we  got this from denominationalism."

3. "The only important thing is to eat the Lord's Supper." (Implication: There is no need to attend on Sunday evening and Wednesday evening).

4. "It is nobody's business whether I go or not."

5. "When do you meet and what are you studying? I want to be there!"

Now, let's take a look at each attitude toward attendance:

1. I can prove from the Scriptures that every Christian should WANT to attend on Sunday night and Wednesday night.

2. We do not participate in Wednesday evening Bible study because we are copying the denominations. Our participation in it is linked to our hunger for the Word of God and because we want to improve ourselves as His servants.

3. Where does the Bible say that "the only important thing is to eat the Lord's Supper"? Is singing praises to God important? What about prayer, studying the Word of God, and the mutual encouragement which is to be found in our public assemblies?

4. It is your brother's business whether you attend or not. Yes, I am my "brother's keeper."

5. Again, every Christian should want to be present for EVERY worship service and Bible class conducted by the local congregation.

Honestly, which is the best attitude to have? Which one most pleases God? Which one has the best affect upon our children and our weaker members?

Consider the following verses from the New Testament:

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6).
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..." (Heb. 10:25).

What attitude is being manifested by your own attendance habits?

A number of high schools across the land are participating in what is called "A day of silence." I know of one school in Northwest Arkansas which has been taking part in this activity for years. On a specified day out of every school year many students, and some teachers, refuse to say a word for the entire day.

Following is a note which participants have been encouraged to carry with them on that day: "Please understand my reason for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?" The note is signed: "Day of Silence Project."

Christians everywhere are speaking out against homosexuality. Does this mean that we are guilty of "harassment, prejudice, and discrimination"? The tolerant society in which we live accuses us being "intolerant." One time the citizens of Tulsa found a pamphlet in the envelope with their water bill which read, "Say No to Hate." The pamphlet was being published by gay rights activists.

We do not "hate" gays and lesbians. We DO hate the sin that they are committing. Yes, homosexuality is a sin which if not repented of will cause a person to be lost for an eternity in hell. It is clearly identified in the New Testament as being sinful (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Since the charge of "intolerance" and "hate" has been made against us, please consider two commandments of God as stated in the Book of Leviticus. First, in Leviticus 20:13, God's commandment was: "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death." Just one chapter earlier, in Leviticus 19:17-18, God's commandment was: "You shall not hate your brother in your heart...but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." According to the first command God said that homosexuality is "an abomination" and that the homosexual was to "be put to death." According to the other command God said that His people must not "hate" a brother but that they are to "love" him. Is there a contradiction?! Wasn't He, as a loving God, showing us the difference between hating sin and loving the sinner?

There seems to be a large number of people who either can't grasp or do not want to grasp the concept of hating the sin and loving the sinner. Nowhere is this more evident than in the controversy concerning the sin of homosexuality.

A billboard on Interstate 540 in Springdale poses the above question. The answer is then posted: "Millions are."

Thanks to an organized group of atheists, these billboards are popping up all over the country. Their stated purpose is to show nonbelievers that "they are not alone" in their unbelief.

It is time for Christians everywhere to become irate. No, we can't prevent atheists from trying to spread their message, but we can speak out against it. We must not stand idly by white God's existence is being denied. When it comes to such blasphemy, we ought to be an intolerant people living in the midst of a tolerant society. Let your voice be heard. After all, the Bible says that Christians ought to "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).

There have always been people on the earth who thought that they were "good without God.° Job's contemporaries who did not serve God brazenly said to God: "Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. Who is the Almighty that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?" (Job 21:14-15). They thought that they were good without God! Afterall, "the rod of God" was not upon them (v. 9), all of their material pursuits seemed to be working out alright (v. 10), and they were having a good old time without God in their lives (vv. 11-13).

I can't help but be reminded of Paul's description of the Gentiles who thought they were good without God. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools..."(Romans 1:20-22).

Think of a world without God. Without God we are without answers to the most important questions of life ("Where did I come from?" "Why am I here?" "Where am I going?"). Without God we are denied our dignity because instead of being the offspring of God we are the product of random chance, mere descendents of lower forms of life. Without God there is no standard of morality other than yourself. There is nothing to restrain man from performing the despicable sins listed in Romans 1:29-31 (Because the Gentiles "did not like to retain God in their knowledge" they were guilty of heinous acts such as sexual immorality, wickedness, murder, evil-mindedness, violence, inventing evil things, etc.). Without God there is no one to worship. Without God there is no hope. Without God there is no forgiveness. Without God there is no one to thank for the enormous blessings of life. Without God there is no one to Whom to pray, no strength to be gained from a Higher Being. Without God there is no reason to get up in the morning.

Are you good without God? Actually, millions aren't.

Overcoming adversity is part of the human predicament. Thus, to confront adversity and/or trials of any description is a spiritual exercise that will separate the weak from the strong.

Following the death of my beloved mother, this writer was struck with a debilitating disease called multiple sclerosis. Normalcy of life as I knew it was suddenly over. Thirty years as a gospel preacher had now come to a halt, and if that were not enough the death of my beautiful daughter via an automobile accident was a crushing blow.

Some Christians feel they are automatically immunized from adversity of any kind. Some have said "all these trials and hardships show that God is missing." Since the beginning of time the heroes of faith have always had to deal with adversity. This includes men like Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Peter, Paul and others. Beloved, are we any better than the aforementioned saints? Certainly not! We must not be immersed in self-pity or feel sorry for ourselves when confronted with life's hardships.

Those of us who have been thrust into the lion's den of adversity must come to grip with it and face it head-on. The apostle Paul declared, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21). Overcoming the trials and tribulations of life means we place our ultimate trust in God. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). This means we will depend on God via prayer (James 5:16). Daily praying and trusting in our eternal God will help immeasurably when coupled with a rich study of God's word (Psa. 119:105; Heb. 4:12). We must not underestimate the power resource that is available to us. Other than the aforementioned tools we must never forget the strength that is derived through family, friends and brethren. We must utilize these if we would overcome calamities in our lives.

Overcoming adversity comes with some positive blessings. Persevering and enduring hardship will certainly bring patience. As the scriptures tell us, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (James 1:3). Job, who faced adversity that we can only imagine, was a faithful patriarch that would not get sidetracked when hardships appeared at his door. As it is written, "you have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord..." (James 5:11). We must emulate Job and refuse to let adversity swallow us like the great fish swallowed Jonah. Overcoming adversity will give us a closer relationship with God that will ultimately lead us to our heavenly home (John 14:1-3).

Friend, we all face hardships and tribulations of various descriptions. Therefore giving up and abandoning God is no option. Overcoming adversity with good is the best policy.

Following are some questions formulated to stir us up about our various duties and privileges:

WHY IS IT people can work all week with sinus difficulties, a nagging backache, a hammer-tripping headache, a virus of some sort, denture sores, the pain of neuritis, neuralgia, or arthritic discomfort, even a common cold, then stump a toe slightly on Saturday night and have to miss three straight services?

WHY IS IT people understand clearly (even can quote, sometimes verbatim) the football rules for keeping both feet in bounds following the reception of a pass; the baseball rule governing a balk by the pitcher; what it means when a basketball player "palms the ball;" what constitutes "high sticking" in hockey; but can't even tell a close friend what one must do to be saved?

WHY IS IT people can spend hour after hour helping the PTA, FHA, FFA, CAA, CIA, MPA, The Heart Fund, Cancer drive, March of Dimes, MS Campaign, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Little League, Middle League, Big League, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Moral Majority, Leftists, Rightists, Middle-of-the-Roadists, even those who take no road at all, but just "can't find time" to pass out a few gospel meeting announcements?

WHY IS IT people can spend lots of money on pills, antibiotics, miracle minerals, tranquilizers (with and without mood elevators), magnetic shoe sales, wrist bands, air mattresses, food supplements to help you grow, weight machines to rearrange what they've grown, gadgets to cure baldness, flat feet, poochie stomachs, hearing aids, seeing aids, sleeping aids, talking aids, and antacids to stop the fiow of acid from buying all that stuff, but when it comes to purchasing items designed to aid their spiritual growth, "there just isn't enough money to go around"?

WHY IS IT people will try new products, new designs, new styles for hair, clothes, furniture, new procedures, new methods, new arrangements, new medications, new materials, but when it comes to trying the Christian way of living, they "just aren't interested in changing"?

WHY IS IT people don't wake up? It's time. Time we aligned our priorities, time to begin to consider our purpose for being here and the inevitable judgment that that argues. But WHY IS IT people will listen to almost everyone else before God?

(condensed from original)

My observation has been that people, sometimes unknowingly, say things that they don't really believe. When we hear a popular cliche repeated we may find ourselves repeating it. The problem is that we might repeat the saying without really questioning the truthfulness of it. Consider with me some things people say that they don't believe.

"One church is just as good as another." If I've heard it once I've heard it a hundred times, but who really believes it? Catholics do not believe that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is just as good as the Catholic Church. The Seventh Day Adventist's do not believe that the Catholic Church is just as good as the Seventh Day Adventist Church. What about a homosexual church? (Yes, there are a number of "gay" churches in the world). Is it good? What about the Church of Satan? People are all of the time saying that one church is as good as another, but they just don't believe it!

"It doesn't make any difference what one believes, just as long as he is honest and sincere."   The apostle Paul wrote of those who were condemned because they did not "believe the truth" but "believed the lie" (2 Thess. 2:11-12). Jesus taught, "And you shall know the truth, and truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Is there anybody who really believes that one can substitute error for truth and that everything will turn out ok?

"It is unchristian to judge." If I were to say that people who believe in the "once saved always saved" doctrine are correct in their belief, I would no doubt be applauded by many for making what they perceive to be a proper judgment. On the other hand, if I were to quote 1 Corinthians 10:12 and teach that people who believe in that doctrine are in error, I would no doubt be criticized by the same people for judging. The truth of the matter is that people are not really critical of judging per se. They are critical of being critical! People say that it is unchristian to judge, but they just don't believe it!

"It is wrong to mention denominational names from the pulpit." When it comes right down to it, nobody believes that it is wrong for a preacher to call denominations by name. Suppose I paused in the middle of my sermon and said, The Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches are good churches." Though I mentioned denominational names from the pulpit, no one in the audience from the aforementioned denominations would think anything negative about it. Pointing out error is what denominational friends are objecting to, not name calling. People do not REALLY believe that it is wrong to mention denominational names from the pulpit.

Quite often, the complaint is made that new members are not given work to do to keep them interested in the church, Is this really accurate? Is that what the church is to do - assign jobs and keep interest at a peak?

I have baptized people who were young and some who were aged. Among them, there have been all kinds of people. Some I have baptized were not completely dry from their baptism whey they started talking to a close friend or relative about their own need of salvation. These new members of the church are spiritual "self-starters." They require no detailed job assignment from the elders or the preacher. They simply do what truly converted people do: they lead someone else to Jesus.

Here is to be found the secret to real spiritual growth. The love of Christ should constrain us to speak for Him. This is what must interest us. If we are not interested in leading someone else to Christ, then being a Christian will not "hold our interest" no matter how many jobs and assignments we are given. Far too often, church members are more interested in "church work" than the simple work of making disciples.

Too many of us have a wrong-headed view of "church work" anyway. We are too narrow and limited in our view. For many Christians, "church work" is waiting on the Lord's table, ushering, counting the contribution, leading singing, leading prayer, or reading Scripture. Once we have done these things we have done our work for the Lord. So, if a member seems to become disinterested, our solution has been to assign him to the Table more often or to be sure he leads prayer more frequently! We have even been known to reward the disinterested Christian with a Bible class to teach! Can we not see the absurdity of this?

If you have been one to lose interest and complain that, "No one gave me a job to do", please be reminded that Jesus has assigned work for His disciples. "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for thee..." (Mark 5:19). That's some job assignment! And it's guaranteed to give you plenty to do until the Lord calls us home. Our problem is that most of us do not want the job we've been given. We would rather do anything except what we are supposed to do.

Take a long, hard look at yourself. Are you losing interest? It is impossible to lose interest in the church if you are interested in Jesus. Your lack of interest in the church of Christ may bespeak your lack of interest in the Christ of the church!

The "majority" sometimes impresses us too much. TV commercials point out that "Nine out of ten doctors recommend our brand over brand X." Advertising agencies understand that we pay attention to such statistics.

Satan knows it too. He convinces young people that most of their peers are partying and drinking so they just need to loosen their standards a bit. He tells brethren that "most churches use instrumental music in worship and very few of them are as strict as we are about the use of church finances." More and more of our people are listening to him. When the apostle Paul encouraged brethren to put on all of God's armor, he mentioned "the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Satan's "wiles" are the tricks and the schemes he uses to try to lead us astray. Impressing us with statistics is one of his tricks.

When the use of instrumental music and the church support of the missionary society caused division, the majority of the congregations accepted instrumental music and the missionary society. But that didn't make those things right. When a movement was underway to get the church support of human institutions and church sponsored recreation into the church budget, the majority of the congregations went along. But that didn't make those things right.

Where was the majority when God saved Noah and his family? Where was the majority when two courageous men, Joshua and Caleb, stood firm in their trust in God? Where was the majority when that one leper returned to Jesus in order to give thanks for his healing (Luke 17:17 - 'Where are the nine?")? Where was the majority when there were only a "few" in Sardis who had not defiled their garments with sin? And where will the majority be when Jesus says to the righteous: "Enter into the joy of your Lord"? Jesus answers that question in Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter in at the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Don't be overly impressed by the majority. Our attitude should be summed up in the words of Paul in Romans 3:4: "Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar." Let us learn to be content to stay within the confines of God's revelation of truth.

The pride condemned in the Bible is not to be confused with self-respect and dignity. The Bible clearly shows that we must love and respect ourselves (Matt. 22:39; Eph. 5:28).

Arrogance and too high of an opinion of oneself is a sin (Rom. 12:3). Proverbs 21:4 says, "A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin." When Solomon listed seven things which the Lord abhors, he mentioned "a proud look" first. Some suggest that it is put first because it is at the bottom of all disobedience. Not only is pride sinful, it leads to other sins.

PRIDE LEADS TO STUBBORNNESS AND REBELLION. Nowhere is this more evident than in the example of King Saul. Saul was plainly commanded by God to go and to utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites. Saul, in his stubbornness and rebellion, spared the Amalekite king and the best of the animals for sacrifice. When Samuel rebuked him for his error, he reminded King Saul of what it was that qualified him for the crown to begin with: "When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel?" (1 Sam. 15:17). While Saul was humble, things went well for him. Then, the power which went along with being king went to Saul's head. Samuel showed Saul that it was pride which led him to "do evil in the sight of the Lord" (1 Sam. 15:19). How much of our own disobedience is traceable to the pride which fills our hearts?

PRIDE LEADS TO A REFUSAL TO CONFESS OUR SINS. It is not difficult to say "we all sin", or "he sinned." But we find it hard sometimes to say "I have sinned." After David had committed adultery with Bathsheba he humbly confessed his sin by saying, "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Sam. 12:13). Confession is good for the soul, but hard on pride. Do you need to confess sin to God or to a brother whom you have wronged? Empty yourself of pride so that you may do the right thing.

PRIDE PREVENTS CONVERSION. Jesus taught, in Matthew 18:3-4, that in order to be converted one must humble himself as a little child. The problem with the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector...", was that he exalted himself and trusted in himself that he was righteous (Lk. 18:13). In order to be converted a person must be humble enough to admit that he is a poor, miserable, pathetic sinner.
God's kingdom is made up of people who have humble, submissive, ruleable spirits. Admit that "the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jer. 10:23). Willingly place yourself under the rule of Christ the King.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).

"...but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head - Christ" (Ephesians4;15).

What do all of the above verses have in common? tt is clear, isn't it, that they encourage Christians to grow. Are you growing? Let's think about some things which might be an indicator that you are growing up.

You are controlling your speech. "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect ("mature" - M.P.) man, able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2). What does it say about us when we go around gossiping, backbiting, tying, and speaking unkind words? Isn't it saying that we have some growing up to do?

You are eating solid food. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age... (Hebrews 5:12-14). It's ok to be "a babe." It's not ok to stay one. Progressing to meatier teachings of the word is a sign of growth.

You are becoming less gullible. "Till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect ("mature" -M.P.) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to a fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head- Christ" (Ephesians 4:13-15). We all need to get to the point where we can identify truth and error. We need to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and be searchers of the scriptures. We should be serious students of the Bible and not have to be spoon-fed the word of God.

You are acting more mature. You are not petty and selfish - you are thinking of the needs of others and of their feelings. You are not easily offended and vengeful. You do not lose control and throw temper tantrums.

Are you growing up?

The seven days involved in creation in Genesis one are sometimes explained to be long periods of time, even eons. Is this reasonable? The following six arguments are set forth as reasons for accepting "day" to mean what it normally means.

1. "Yom" (the word for day) is usually literal, though not always.
2. The days in Genesis one included evening and morning.    This is a description normally associated with a 24-hour day.
3. It is also stated in Genesis that the sun was to rule the day and the moon was to rule the night. Does not the word "day" in this statement identify which day is meant?
4. The statement of Genesis 1:11 definitely shows that 24-hour days were involved.
5. The word "day" used with "first","second", etc. means a 24-hour day.
6. Adam lived part of the sixth day and all of the seventh day. If long periods of time were meant by "day" in Genesis, then Adam lived for eons, even millions of years. The very people making this point also deny Scripture's information about many of the ancient Biblical characters living for a few hundred years of life but take a position demanding a life of a million years for Adam.

It is far more reasonable to accept the usual meaning of the "day" in Genesis. Why would God need millions of years to do the work of creation? It is the desire to eliminate the miraculous from Genesis and to make of man a mere elevated animal that is behind all such efforts. How unnecessary and unreasonable! These and other matters are dealt with in an outstanding treatment of these matters in the book Creation Compromises by Bert Thompson.

There are going to be some rough spots in every marriage. This being so, every married person should learn the attitudes and methods that are necessary to carry us through those stormy times so we can have stronger, happier marriages.

One of the keys to successful marriage is good communication. In Ephesians 4:25ff. we see some things which are vital to healthy communication in the church, the home, the office, or anywhere else we may interact with others.

Husbands and wives must be honest, truthful, and open with one another. "Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Eph. 4:25). Paul noted that all who are in Christ "are members of one another." While brethren in the Lord are close, married people are double close. How important, then, is it for them to honest with one another? Not only will lying get us into trouble with God (Acts 5:1-5) it will surely bring trouble to the marriage, for in the absence of honesty there is no trust.

Uncontrollable anger can kill a marriage. "Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down or your wrath, nor give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:26-27). Anger can be mishandled by blowing up. This kind of behavior brings embarrassment, accomplishes no good, and hurts everyone involved. Anger can also be mishandled by clamming up. Sometimes married people harbor resentment and keep an account of the wrongs done unto them. Then, bitterness sets in, providing for a tense and miserable situation for everyone in the home. A better alternative is the right kind of communication. It is possible (whether admitted or not) for married people to control their anger and calmly discuss their problems and needs. Husband and wives - do not attack each other! Attack the problem, quietly.

Gracious speech is a chief component of healthy communication. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Eph. 4:29). Speak wholesome words to each other which build up, rather than unwholesome words which tear down - and do it consciously. It is not enough to say: "Well, I don't ever talk bad to him/her, or cut him/her down." We need to speak words which build up.

All of us could probably stand to work harder on healthy communication. With the right attitudes and approach, we will have stronger marriages.

In Revelation 2:10, the Lord promised, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Although we are to be faithful until death, this passage emphasizes that we are to be faithful, even though it might cost us our physical life.

An outstanding example of being faithful unto death was in the life, and death, of Polycarp. According to reliable history, he was burned at the stake in 155 A.D. He had been asked to say, "Caesar is Lord," but he refused. When Polycarp was brought to the stadium, the proconsul urged him, "Swear, and I will set you at liberty; reproach Christ."

Polycarp answered, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury; how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?" When the proconsul again pressed him, the old man answered: "Since thou art vainly urgent that I should swear by the fortune of Caesar, and pretendest not to know who and what I am, hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian."

Then the proconsul said, "I have wild beasts at hand, to these will I cast thee, except thou repent." Again, "I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, seeing thou despiseth the wild beasts, if thou will not repent." Polycarp replied, "Thou threatenest me with fire which burneth for an hour, after a little is extinguished; but are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly."

Shortly thereafter, he was burned at the stake. In Matthew 10:28 the Lord said, "And fear not them will kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Thus we see that physical death is not to deter us from faithful service and devotion to Him.