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The Messenger                                        Vol. 7, No. 47 - November 16, 2008

This Week's Reading: 2-3 John & Jude & Daniel 1-12                                                                                                Next Week's Sermon: Jude 3

Where Do Elders Come From?

The scarcity of functioning elders (bishops, pastors) in local churches has led some Christians to conclude that they are a rare breed with rare qualities. Otherwise, they reason, why would they be so difficult to come by? Contrary to this rather discouraging view, elders do not have to be imported from outer space. They are generated from ordinary human beings from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation," and perhaps it will help identify the reason for their scarcity if we trace, step by step, where elders originate.

First of all, and elementally, elders come from strong Christians, men and women who by the power of God have been radically reborn (John 3:3-6). Now, here are some remarkable people. They have given up everything for the Lord's sake, claiming not even their breath as their own (I Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 2:1-2). Theirs is a life of utter trust in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20). Why should we be surprised that something special should arise in the characters of folk like this? They will love God supremely and care about others in a self-sacrificial way.

Secondly, elders (Greek presbuteroi, older men), by definition, originate from Christians who are men. There is nothing special or remarkable or difficult here. From the outset, men as well as women have been touched by the appeal of the gospel (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 8:12; 17:12,34) and we can logically anticipate that wherever the gospel is preached, this will continue to be so.

Thirdly, elders are to be taken from among Christian men who are mature in years (older) and in the faith ("not a novice," I Timothy 3:6). The bulk of the bishop's required qualities are no more than would be expected in any mature disciple: "... sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality ... no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money ... good testimony from them that are without... " (1 Timothy 3:7) "... not selfwilled, not soon angry ... a lover of good ... just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word ... " (Titus 1:6-9). Every Christian, without exception, is expected to grow and mature into "a full-grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . ." (Ephesians 4:13). There is nothing unusual about the Lord's servants becoming increasingly like Him. It is their failure to grow up that is considered aberrant (I Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14).

Fifthly, elders are to be taken from mature Christian men who are married and have children. His children are to be believers and those still hi his household are to be respectfully obedient (Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:4). There is nothing remarkable about a married man having children. Most married men are fathers, and from such a characteristic population new disciples were drawn hi the past and will be drawn today. Nor should it be thought unusual for a Christian father's children to be faithful disciples and obedient to him. Godly parents will, more often than not, lead then* children to serve the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). hi New Testament times, it was not uncommon for whole households to be converted (Acts 10:24; 11:14; 16:3133).

From among mature Christian family men with many different abilities there are bound to be some who arc effective teachers (1 Timothy 3:2), able to nurture and tram their brethren hi the righteous ways of the Savior and protect them from the deceptions of false teachers (Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-5).

Now, from all these qualifications of elders there is nothing so significant as the fact that they are devoted Christians. That they are men, married men, family men is not anything special. That they possess native skills as teachers gives them no distinction, either. Many men who have no faith hi Christ at all could say the same, hi the case of elders, it is the unqualified devotion that these men have to Christ that gives meaning to then" family relationships and to their God-given skills.

I cannot tell you how often I have heard complaints about the absence of elders hi local churches and the difficulty of finding qualified men to serve. It is not helpful merely to describe the problem and complain about it. We need to find the exact source of this critical shortage and formulate some godly solutions.

One thing we must face is that the Holy Spirit makes elders out of devoted Christians and churches that are filled with half-hearted and indifferent disciples don't have any material to work with. The answer to the shortage of every kind of worker in the kingdom of God is to get each child of God among us to be totally committed. If we can do that, the problem will take care of itself hi time. If not, we will keep on complaining about the shortage of elders today and assure an even greater shortage tomorrow. Until we are willing to deal with our own shortfall hi devotion, it is a little unrealistic to complain about the other fellow's. -Paul Earnhart

The Imitation of Christ: Of fleeing from vain hope and pride

Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust hi men or hi any created Thing. Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor hi this life. Rest not upon thyself, but build thy hope hi God. Do what lieth in thy power, and God will help thy good intent. Trust not in thy learning, nor hi the cleverness of any that lives, but rather trust hi the favour of God, who resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.

2.      Boast not thyself hi thy riches if thou hast them, nor hi thy friends if they be powerful, but in God, who
giveth all things, and in addition to all things desireth to give even Himself.  Be not lifted up because of thy
strength or beauty of body, for with only a slight sickness it will fail and wither away.  Be not vain of thy
skilfulness or ability, lest thou displease God, from whom cometh every good gift which we have.

3.      Count not thyself better than others, lest perchance thou appear worse hi the sight of God, who knoweth what
is hi man. Be not proud of thy good works, for God's judgments are of another sort than the judgments of man,
and what pleaseth man is ofttimes displeasing to Him. If thou hast any good, believe that others have more, and
so thou mayest preserve thy humility. It is no harm to thee if thou place thyself below all others; but it is great
harm if thou place thyself above even one. Peace is ever with the humble man, but hi the heart of the proud
there is envy and continual wrath. —Thomas a Kempis

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

'

Fourthly, elders are drawn from mature Christian men who are married. The Holy Spirit has indicated that the elder is to be "the husband of one wife" (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). Here, again, there is no special obstacle. As a matter of course, most men marry. (Continued on back page)

•         Sundays: Bible Reading Discussion @ 9am | Today: Service at Cherub's Nursing Home 2pm

•         The 3^rd Thursday of the Month Bible Study at the Hilfiker's has been cancelled for November.

class schedule

Nov 23 Ezekiel 36-48                                              Nov 19 - 2-3^rd John & Jude

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

Dec 7 Rev. 4-5: Pictures of God                             Dec 3 Hosea: The Sin of Israel

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Bible Studies on the Epistle of James in Starkville, MS

Joel will be leading six Bible studies on the book of James with the Northside Church in Starkville, MS next weekend.

Friday evening will be a general overview of the letter, its theme, structure, and practicality.

Saturday morning there will be two sessions on chapters one and two.

Sunday there will be three more studies at the church's regular times of assembly

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

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

Of the Imitation Of Christ     By: Thomas a Kempis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                       class schedule

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

Nov l6 1^st John                                                    Nov 12 - Ezekiel

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

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

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

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

IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

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

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

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

win Christ...

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

On Obstinacy In Belief (An Excerpt)

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

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

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

                                                   class schedule

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

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

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

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

"It's A Good Work!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                class schedule

                                   Oct 26 James 1 & 3                                                     Oct. 22 - Jeremiah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baptized Into Water

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

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

Baptized Into Death

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

Baptized Into the Name

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

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

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

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

Baptized Into the Body of Christ

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

                                                 class schedule

Oct 19 Hebrews 12                                                     Oct. 15 - Jeremiah

Oct 26 James 1 & 3                                                    Oct. 22 - Jeremiah

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

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

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

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

Our Utilitarian Approach to God

Let Us Preach Christ!

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

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

Good Days and Bad Days

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

(Ecclesiastes 3:1).

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

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

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

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

      A People Acceptable to God

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

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

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

What message was God communicating in this event? On the surface we can understand that the "strange fire" which was used by these young men in their version of "contemporary worship" directly violated God's specific choice of having the fire for then- censers come from the altar (Leviticus 16:12)." These young men had not just committed a single transgression; they had approached a living God that they never knew. When Aaron came upon this tragic scene and observed the dead bodies of his two sons, Moses gave a brief, but pointed, explanation of why this had occurred:

"And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the lord spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy: And before all the people I must be glorified."' So Aaron held his peace (Leviticus 10:3).

Do you understand how this truth applies to us today?

If you are a Christian, you are a priest who is to offer spiritual sacrifices to the same living God (1 Peter 2:5). When we approach Him, we must approach Him as a holy God with our sole motive being that of giving Him the glory. Do you really know God and how to approach Him?

When we seek to teach, to worship or to even think about God, we must limit ourselves to what God has revealed. "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:1 la). Christians have rightly quoted this verse to show how we should handle the Bible and how we should not assume to speak for God when He is silent. We would do well, however, to quote the rest of the verse and learn of the fruits of such an approach. "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11)".

We live in a time where a generation has arisen that does not know God. Those who point to staying within the authority of God by giving "book, chapter, and verse" for all that we do and teach (Colossians 3:17), are being labeled as "legalist," "divisive," and "dead" simply because they ask for Bible authority for all practices. The spirit of Nadab and Abihu lives on and abounds in this age.

As we try to serve God in this generation there are several questions we might ask. Should we use mechanical instruments of music in worship? Should worship become a performance for the talented and be centered upon the desires of men? Should local churches use the collection taken in the assembly and spend it for social meals, recreation, secular schools and even business arrangements? Does it really matter if we use speakers from various religious backgrounds to fill our pulpits?

The questions we might ask will vary from generation to generation, and from congregation to congregation, but the approach God wants us to take in finding these answers is the same for all. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2)."

What does God see when He looks into our hearts? There are many who will apply God's standards to outward matters but refuse to let the thoughts of their hearts be examined. How do you respond to one who has wronged you? "Pursue peace with ail people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Hebrews 12:14-15).

There is a service that is acceptable to God and a service that is not. Are you renewing your mind each day by testing your heart and your practices by proving the will of God? Is the local church of which you are a part glorifying God in this way, or do they close the Bible to examination by calling others names and appealing to outward things such as numbers and the things money can buy?

One day you and I will stand face to face with the God of heaven. It is my prayer that we together will stand in joy because through the grace of God bestowed upon us through the sacrifice of Christ, that we have, in turn, lived a life with the glory of God being our sole purpose. That is the sacrifice that alone will be acceptable to God.

-Larry Rouse (http://uvachurch.com)

HOW TO TELL WHEN YOU ARE GETTING WEAK

•         When you had rather stay home than assemble with the saints.

•         When you had rather watch TV than visit the sick (or weak) and teach the lost

•         When you had rather read a magazine or the daily paper than the Bible or religious material.

•         When you find a political speech inspiring but a gospel sermon boring.

•         When you pray for the preacher but sleep through his sermons.

•         When you thank God for the elders but refuse to cooperate with them.

•         When you talk long and loud about what the church should do, but never do your part in what
is being done now.

•         When you sing with your lips what you don't really mean in your heart.

•         When you look upon spiritual work as a chore rather than a privilege.

•         When you are offended by an article like this.

—Author Unknonm

Growing Callused to Evil

It is easy to tell if someone is experienced with hard physical labor. A simple look at their hands will show it. Those who work at such tasks develop thick calluses from the repeated exposure to their work environment. The things that once irritated them and produced sore blisters now no longer hurt them. They have grown accustomed to these abrasives, their bodies have adjusted to them, and there is no more adverse reaction.

Sadly, too many Christians have developed a kind of spiritual callousness to the wicked world we live in. We are constantly bombarded by evil of every kind. We see it in person, we read about it, we view it on television, we hear it on the radio. We have unlimited access to it via the Internet and other media. Our neighbors are involved in it. Officials in high office are engaged in it.

Initially all of this evil irritates us. We are upset and disgusted by it. But gradually, by long exposure to these things, we become hardened. We've grown accustomed to the evil, and it no longer bothers us. We have adjusted to it all and there is no more adverse reaction. We can view the immorality and not be shocked by it. We can hear of the perverted deeds and not be repulsed. We are "street-wise." We know about illicit sex, drug abuse, and every sort of wickedness. We talk about them with ease. We have become callused.

The Lord does not want us to be this way. He desires us to live "in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom" (2 Cor. 1:12). He urges us to "be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil" (Rom. 16:19). He commands us to think on things that are "pure, lovely, and of good report" (Phil 4:8). Christian, are you keeping yourself "unspotted from the world?" (James 1:27)

Greg Gwin

Order of Worship for AM Assembly

Announcements delivered by David Frye

                 Opening Prayer

Congregational Singing led by Jerry Green

Biblical Preaching on Lord's Supper by Ben Williamson

        observance of lord's supper

          Contribution of Funds by Members (Visitors are not asked to give)

                         Congregational Song led by Jerry Green

                       Exhortation and Invitation by Ben Williamson

                         Congregational Song led by Jerry Green

                                          Closing Prayer

Notes on PM Sermon: Proverbs 30:5-6

1) The Word of God is Pure (5a)

a.  What God Has Said is Right

b.  Acceptance of God's Word

2) The Word of God is Protective (5b)

a.  What God Has Said is Good

b.  Trust in God's Word

3) The Word of God is Perfect (6)

        a.   What God Has Said is Complete

            b.   Contentment with God's Word