More than just Ohio...

Stupidity, shortsightedness and inappropriateness characterize these laws. But, obedience is not an option, it is a necessity.  The only thing to do is to obey them AND work within our system to have them abolished.  Why would I say such a thing?  Read on and find out...

Romans, Chapter 13

  1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.  2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.  3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,  4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.  5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing.  7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.  8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 

It is not easy being a Christian at times, there are many instances where the life of a disbeliever actually seems easier, but it is not.  God's ways are the best ways, whether we can understand them all or not.  Even if we should ever have a leader who is abhorrent; one who tries to bring everything we hold dear to ashes, verse seven above STILL APPLIES.  Pray for our leaders, that they may remove the obvious wrongs and  legislate with justice, insight and GODLINESS.  May God bless them!!!

Bible Reading, Feb. 21

Feb. 21

Exodus 2

Exo 2:1 A man of the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi as his wife.

Exo 2:2 The woman conceived, and bore a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months.

Exo 2:3 When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket for him, and coated it with tar and with pitch. She put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank.

Exo 2:4 His sister stood far off, to see what would be done to him.

Exo 2:5 Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe at the river. Her maidens walked along by the riverside. She saw the basket among the reeds, and sent her handmaid to get it.

Exo 2:6 She opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children."

Exo 2:7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?"

Exo 2:8 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go." The maiden went and called the child's mother.

Exo 2:9 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages." The woman took the child, and nursed it.

Exo 2:10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, and said, "Because I drew him out of the water."

Exo 2:11 It happened in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brothers, and looked at their burdens. He saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his brothers.

Exo 2:12 He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

Exo 2:13 He went out the second day, and behold, two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. He said to him who did the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow?"

Exo 2:14 He said, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?" Moses was afraid, and said, "Surely this thing is known."

Exo 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

Exo 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Exo 2:17 The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Exo 2:18 When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, "How is it that you have returned so early today?"

Exo 2:19 They said, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock."

Exo 2:20 He said to his daughters, "Where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread."

Exo 2:21 Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.

Exo 2:22 She bore a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land."

Exo 2:23 It happened in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.

Exo 2:24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exo 2:25 God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them.

THE QUICK FIX by Gary Womack

THE QUICK FIX

In our society we have a pill for seemingly every ailment imaginable and many pills designed to help us cope with all sorts of things such as hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, etc. We even have pills to help us to overcome our addictions. We have pills to curb our appetite so we won't overeat. We have pills to help us to stop smoking. And now, surely the ultimate remedy of all times, there is a pill for those who are addicted to shopping. Can you believe it? Yes, I said -shopping. Surely I have heard everything now! However, I have serious doubts as to the effectiveness of such an addiction remedy.

These remedies for our poor choices in life are looked to for hope in correcting what we have let "get out of hand." They are the "quick fix" for a society who wants instant gratification. Some such remedies are merely a source of making money on those who are in desperation and don't know where to turn. While such pills may have some physiological effect, there is no substitute for will power in overcoming many habits that have been labeled as addictions.

Paul spoke of this novel remedy in 1 Cor. 9:27 when he said, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection..." This was an act of the will. Some call it "mind over matter." In these words, we find that he "took control" of his own body and, by his choice, made his body to submit to the will of his mind. Such an attitude contrasts those who give in to the cravings of the body and allow their body to rule their thinking. This is called a lack of will power, or as the scriptures put it, giving in to the "lusts of the flesh." For those of this less disciplined sort, the issue remains "mind over matter;" except in their case, if they don't mind, it doesn't matter. Self-discipline is not a matter for the faint of heart. It requires deliberate effort and its outcome is never the result of indifference.

The word "discipline" has with it the idea of "following" a particular line of thought so as to "learn" something. That is why those who followed Jesus to hear His teachings were called "disciples." Normally, we think of such a process of learning as that which requires both teacher and learner. It is most commonly thought of as a cooperative effort. However, when self discipline is considered, we find that it is a process involving ones own application of that which one knows to be true. Even the process of learning involves self discipline because it demands the focusing of ones attention to that which is to be learned as well as internalizing it and applying it in an appropriate response to what the conscience demands as right.

Therefore, the lack of self discipline is the failure to make application of what we know is right, even in defiance of what our conscience does not approve. An example of this is seen in the person who is tempted to light up that first cigarette. The conscience may say no, while the mind is weighing the alternatives and concludes that the desire to gain the approval of piers, or the dread of ridicule by them, outweighs the reasons not to do so. The will at this point kicks in and "gives in" to the temptation and the body takes over in "doing its own thing."

Does this not sound like what James said in regard to sin? "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (Jas. 1:14-15) In an effort to assume no responsibility in such matters, some like to blame God. The homosexual says he was "born that way" and so this excuses him or her from being responsible for what they call an "alternative lifestyle." However, God still calls it a sin, any way that you look at it. (See Rom. 1:24-32) The excuse that God is the cause for our addictions (sins) is the ground on which James based his argument; "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." (Jas. 1:13)

The best remedy for bad habits is not to engage in them in the first place. As Peter said, "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:11-12) James wisely advises us to "submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (Jas. 4:7)

But what about those who are "hooked" and want relief from that to which they are addicted? There are no magic pills that will remove temptation. However, God's word can be a powerful influence if we will study it and meditate on its message. Attitude is a major factor of the will. Consider; "...reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you." (Rom. 6:11-14)

There is comfort in the scriptures that reminds us that we are not alone in our battle over the flesh. Even exemplary men like Paul wrestled against the flesh; "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good." (Rom. 7:15-21) We can sympathize with his frustration; "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (vs. 24)

As for the addicted shopper - a dose of contentment may be in order; "Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have." (Heb. 13:5)

- Gary V. Womack -   

To stand speechless by Jim McGuiggan

To stand speechless

 I mentioned that former atheist Anthony Flew refused to speak to the moral nature of the Nazi camp commandants and their treatment of prisoners. I can’t help thinking that there’s something terribly out of whack in a worldview that leaves us speechless in the presence of profound evil. You’ll remember that Bertrand Russell openly lamented that he was unable to rationally justify his hatred for moral horrors.

This makes it clear to me that people like Russell who agonised at times over these matters would have preferred it to be otherwise. Russell would have been glad to be able to morally condemn such atrocities but it would have meant he had to say goodbye to his worldview and he could not do that. But let me say it again, it wasn’t a worldview that pleased the man. And how could it be? What kind of human is it that would feel no agony in this situation?

The morally awake non-believer should want there to be Someone that will right all wrongs. If the non-believer feels that he should care for the uncared for, shouldn’t he want there to be Someone that would say, “I will fulfil what your heart wishes for”? That’s why I find the sneering and arrogant non-believer such an offence. [No less an offence than the believer whose only concern is about “me and mine”.]

What the non-believer offers the countless victims of cruelty, torture, humiliation and pillage is nothing! To wish the punishment of the moral thugs and gangsters is not barbaric and vengeful. Punishment is the form that righteousnesstakes under certain circumstances. Whether we think it is productive or not is another question—we can argue that until the cows come home. But rightly administered punishment expresses the value we place on the victims.

But it’s no consolation to the victimised that the demonic thugs might be punished. What of the victims? Should the non-believer not want to believe that what the Hebrew prophet said was true of all the innocent and righteous dead. “This is what the Lord says, ‘I will restore to you the years that the locust have eaten’ ”? Ultimate justice cannot be simply about punishment but about restoration.

Yes, yes, but even if the non-believer would like to believe that such a thing would happen, he cannot, for he thinks it is a baseless hope.

I understand that, but I think it should curb the spirit and the language of those that jeer and sneer at the biblical doctrine of judgement. If non-believers care for people as much as they say they do, their emotional weight should be thrown into the hope that the biblical Story of judgement and the righting of all wrongs is true.

Ask a non-believer: “If you had the choice between no ultimate justice and the righting of all wrongs that included the righteous punishment and the restoration to abundant life of all the victims of the ages, which would you choose?” Which would he prefer to be true?

I confess that I find it intellectually satisfying and emotionally uplifting to be able to speak and condemn as immoral so much of what goes on in the world.

I confess that Jesus Christ has persuaded me that one day all wrongs will be righted and that those that have been victimised from the cradle to the grave will share in abundant life in a glorious resurection.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to Bro. Ed Healy for allowing me to post from his blog, The Abiding Word.com.

There's no God--so what? by Jim McGuiggan

There's no God--so what?

I have a single point to make! I don't wish to argue here that there is a God but I wish to say that anyone with a heart would surely wish there was a God worthy of worship and service; such a God that caring people would be happy to throw in with him "the stubborn ounces of their weight" in a glorious enterprise. 

Robert Wright asked outspoken atheist, Daniel Dennett, if he was an atheist. DD said he didn't particularly care for the term's connotations but, yes, he was an atheist though he didn't make a deal of it, he said. [He has written three books advocating it and is very involved in a movement for atheists "coming out of the closet," so to speak. I would say that's "making a deal out of it" but if Christians and other theists have a right to spread their views why wouldn't atheists?] Wright asked him, "Do you wish you could believe in God?" and Dennett immediately shot back, "No!" He misses nothing, you see, by not believing in God and feels no need of him. It isn't, he said, that he passionately denies there's a God, it's more like, he said, "Of course there's no God, but so what?"

Religious people can be incredibly self-centred and they rightly get a lot of stick for it, but atheists of the Dennett, Weinberg, Dawkins and Harris kind have no eye for others either. I don't know if Bob Geldof is an atheist but I do know that despite his social usefulness he's glad(he said) that death is nothing but an endless sleep. I don't know Dennett but his "so what?" makes it clear he hasn't thought with sufficient compassion about the teeming millions of innocents and defenceless who have gone down under the cruel hordes ancient and modern. I'm more disappointed in Bob Geldof who has seen the agony of the world right up close and has worked hard to do something about it. Having seen the cruelty and abuse that these peoples have been subjected to generation after generation I don't understand how Bob can be pleased with the story that life and all hope for justice and restitution ends at the grave. Nazis rape, rob, torture and butcher you and your end is the grave. The Nazi lives in extravagance and pleasure until old age and goes to a painless sleep.

That—that doesn't set our teeth on edge? Well, there's no God to right all wrongs but "so what?"

If you asked Dennett if he cared about justice for the oppressed nations and classes in human society he might be offended—doesn't everyone? He confessed he had done some things wrong but that he was pretty much a good man (and I don't doubt that) but how can a good man not wish there was someone who would one day bring justice to the forgotten poor of the world? I'm not saying, at this point, that there is such a one but how can we say we do not wish that there was such a one?

How could we not wish that even now the world was a place of righteousness, where nations worked together in the grand enterprise of abolishing disease and want and righting wrongs? Recognising our limitations and not living in ceaseless anguish about what we cannot do, still we must surely wish that some leader would rise up in the Middle East or in Zimbabwe or in Sudan and other centres of profound abuse and loss—we must wish at times for a leader to rise up and turn the whole damnable stream of abuse around and bring peace and prosperity and dignity to these places.

And if we wish that could be true via human hands for a long time to come how can we say we wouldn't wish it to be true via God on a permanent basis? Is Dennett so set against the idea that God is, that he wouldn't wish for humanity someone to make it up to the plundered poor?

If the Christian faith is true that there is a God who came to us in and as Jesus of Nazareth, revealing what his will would be on earth if we were to do it and calling Christians to keep the truth that Jesus is Lord and is coming to right all wrongs before the hearts and minds of the world, would that not be better than having to admit there is no justice or restitution for teeming millions? If that is true and Christians in their lives are to live out the purpose of God that will be completed when Jesus returns, would we not wish that were true for the crushed billions? I don't say we should pretend we believe it's true; only that if we care for more than our own satisfaction would we not wish there was someone who would make it all right for them?

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to Bro. Ed Healy for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

Matthew: The Challenge Of Following Jesus (8:18-22) by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

               The Challenge Of Following Jesus (8:18-22)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Jesus went about His earthly ministry, He was often followed by
   large multitudes...
   a. Drawn by His teachings - Mt 7:28-8:1
   b. Attracted by His miracles - Mt 8:16-18

2. Some of those who followed Him wanted to become His disciples...
   a. Willing to be taught by Jesus - e.g., Mt 5:1-2
   b. Wanting to follow Jesus as their Lord and Master - e.g., Mt 8:19

3. Jesus would later command His apostles to make disciples of all the
   nations...
   a. As found in The Great Commission - Mt 28:19-20
   b. Clearly Jesus wanted people to become His disciples

4. But Jesus never misled the multitudes...
   a. It would not be easy to be His disciple
   b. Following Him would be a challenge!

5. In our text for today's study (Mt 8:18-22), we find Jesus responding
   to two individuals regarding the matter of discipleship...
   a. "The hasty scribe" who wanted to become a disciple
   b. "The reluctant disciple" who needed to be reminded of what it
      meant to be a disciple

[This passage should remind us of "The Challenge Of Following Jesus",
taken seriously by all who would be His disciples.  For instance, in 
the case of "the hasty scribe" we learn...]

I. ONE MUST BE WILLING TO COUNT THE COST

   A. THE SCRIBE'S OFFER...
      1. He expressed a willingness to follow Jesus anywhere - Mt 8:19
      2. A commendable offer, but does he know what it means?

   B. THE MASTER'S REPLY...
      1. Jesus informed the scribe that He was homeless - Mt 8:20
         a. As an itinerant preacher, Jesus had no place to call home
         b. Many a night might be spent with no roof overhead
      2. To follow Jesus at that time would mean to leave all
         a. As was necessary for Peter, Andrew, James, and John - Mt 4:
            18-22
         b. As was encouraged of the rich young ruler - Mt 19:21

   C. ONE NEEDS TO COUNT THE COST BEFORE BECOMING A DISCIPLE...
      1. As Jesus told the multitudes who followed Him - Lk 14:25-33
      2. One does not have to become homeless to follow Jesus today, 
         but we must still:
         a. Love Him more than family and life
         b. Forsake all by making Him the Lord and Ruler of our lives
      3. In our zeal to win souls, do we neglect to tell people the 
         cost of becoming a disciple of Jesus?
         a. The cost of observing all that Jesus commands? - Mt 28:20
         b. A cost that might require a radical change in one's life?
            1) E.g., quitting jobs that interfere with holy living
            2) E.g., leaving friends who seek to lead one astray
            3) E.g., changing lifestyles, or getting out of unlawful
               marriages
         c. That one's repentance is fundamental to the gospel message? 
            - cf. Lk 24:46-47; Ac 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:20-21

[When a person wants to follow Jesus, that is wonderful!  But we should
remind people there is a cost involved, one they need to consider 
before they commit.

For those who are already disciples, we must not forget "The Challenge
Of Following Jesus".  In the case of "the reluctant disciple", we are
reminded that...]

II. WE MUST BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE

   A. THE DISCIPLE'S REQUEST...
      1. He desires to forego following Jesus in order to bury his
         father first - Mt 8:21
      2. Sounds like a devoted son, what harm is there in his request?

   B. THE MASTER'S RESPONSE...
      1. Jesus tells him to follow Him and let the dead bury their own
         dead - Mt 8:22
         a. I.e., let the spiritually dead bury the physical dead
         b. Others could handle such familial tasks, his responsibility
            was to answer to a higher calling
      2. Jesus often made it clear...to follow Him meant putting Him
         before family
         a. As we saw earlier - Lk 14:26
         b. As He taught His disciples in preparing them for The 
            Limited Commission - Mt 10:34-37
         c. As He set the pattern on one occasion when His family was
            seeking Him - cf. Mt 12:46-50

   C. WE NEED TO PAY THE PRICE OF BEING DISCIPLES...
      1. As disciples, we are taught there may be a price to pay to
         remain faithful
         a. As Paul taught the new disciples on his first journey 
            - Ac 14:21-22
         b. As Paul wrote to Timothy at the end of his life - 2Ti 3:
            10-12
      2. Far too often, disciples today want to first "bury the dead",
         such as:
         a. Putting family responsibilities before the Lord
            1) E.g., missing services to entertain visiting family or
               friends
            2) Did not Jesus tell Martha some things take precedent
               over the desire to be a gracious host? - Lk 10:38-42
         b. Accepting jobs when they know it will hinder their service
            to the Lord
            1) E.g., occupations that are so demanding, one has little
               time or energy left
            2) You might think them necessary to support family, but
               did not Jesus promise that God will provide if you put
               the kingdom first? - Mt 6:31-33
      3. In our zeal to provide for our families, do we forget that we
         are disciples of Christ?
         a. There are many good and noble things that can be done in
            relation to kin and occupation
         b. But as disciples of Christ, we have a higher and more noble
            calling - 1Pe 2:9-10
            1) As a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy 
               nation, God's own special people
            2) To proclaim the praises of God who called us out of
               darkness into His marvelous light
         c. If we can't "bury the dead" without neglecting our service
            to Jesus, then we must "let the dead bury the dead"!

CONCLUSION

1. In many places, the Lord's church suffers through neglect...
   a. Attendance is sporadic
   b. Service rendered is minimal
   c. Discipleship is practiced only when convenient

2. There may be many reasons for this, but I suspect two head the 
   list...
   a. Teaching the gospel without mention of the cost of discipleship
   b. Disciples who have forgotten there is a price to pay for 
      following Jesus

3. In an age of "easy believism", do not forget "The Challenge Of
   Following Jesus"...
   a. Let "the hasty scribe" remind you to count the cost of becoming a
      disciple
   b. Let "the reluctant disciple" remind you of the need to pay the
      price of being a follower of Jesus!

This is one of the paradoxes of Christianity:  the salvation that Jesus
offers is a free gift, but it comes at a high cost.  Jesus truly "paid
it all", so one cannot earn their salvation; but as our Savior and Lord
He requires that we have the servant mentality:

   "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you
   are commanded, say, `We are unprofitable servants. We have done
   what was our duty to do.'"  (Lk 17:10)

Have you counted the cost?  Are you willing to pay the price?  Both are
required to follow Jesus!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

Matthew: A Man Under Authority (8:5-13) by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                     A Man Under Authority (8:5-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Mt 8:5-13, we read of the healing of the centurion's servant...
   a. In which Jesus highly commends the centurion's faith
   b. Calling his faith greater than any He had found in Israel

2. This is not the only time we read of military personnel presented in
   a favorable light...
   a. There are several Biblical examples of soldiers
   b. Who were outstanding in their service to God

[In our text, I believe we find why soldiers were often such notable
examples of faith and service. Before we consider why, let's first
review the examples of...]

I. SOME NOTABLE SOLDIERS IN THE BIBLE

   A. JOSHUA AND CALEB...
      1. These two men were soldiers who stand out
         a. They tried to persuade Israel to trust in God, and were
            threatened with death - Num 14:6-10
         b. In the end, they were the only ones over twenty-one who
            left Egypt to enter the Promised Land - Num 14:26-32
      2. Caleb was highly praised by God
         a. At the time he stood fast for the Lord - Num 14:24
         b. At the time he received the land promised to him - Josh 14:6-14
         -- It is repeatedly emphasized that he "wholly followed the
            Lord God of Israel"
      3. Joshua was similarly remarkable
         a. In his farewell address (at age 110), he takes his stand
            for the Lord - Josh 24:14-15
         b. His influence over his family was great enough that he knew
            how they would choose

   B. CORNELIUS, THE FIRST GENTILE CONVERT...
      1. His piety was remembered by the Lord - Ac 10:1-6
      2. In responding to the vision...
         a. He immediately sent for Peter - Ac 10:7-8
         b. He prepared an audience for Peter by gathering relatives
            and close friends - Ac 10:24
         c. He was ready to hear whatever Peter had to say - Ac 10:33
      3. Cornelius and his family were obedient as implied in Ac 10:48

   C. THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER, THE FIRST EUROPEAN MALE CONVERT...
      1. Like Cornelius, his conversion was immediate - Ac 16:30-34
      2. His family likewise obeyed the gospel

[These four Biblical examples remind me of military men I have known;
men with similar dedication to the Lord, and success in influencing
their families to follow them in their service to the Lord.

Coincidence?  I think not.  What I see is a particular attitude toward
authority, one found in the centurion of our text (cf. Mt 8:8-9).
Consider what is involved with being...]

II. A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY

   A. THE MILITARY TEACHES THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHORITY...
      1. Without a respected line of authority, chaos would develop
         a. It is impossible for a large group of individuals to
            function efficiently without a chain of command that is
            respected
         b. Instead of united, coordinated forces, it would be every
            man for himself!
      2. Soldiers are taught to submit to authority immediately
         a. Delay can be disastrous on the battlefield, where speed can
            mean the difference between life or death, victory or
            defeat
         b. Questioning authority, balking at keeping commands, can
            easily result in one's own death and that of their comrades
      3. Thus the military teaches both:
         a. How to submit to authority
         b. How to exercise authority over others
         -- As expressed by the centurion - Mt 8:8-9

   B. KNOWING HOW TO "SUBMIT" TO AUTHORITY, MILITARY MEN...
      1. Often obey the will of the Lord immediately upon hearing the
         gospel
         a. They realize that delay can be disastrous
         b. They would not hesitate to follow orders if their lives
            were in danger, why hesitate when their souls are in
            jeopardy?
      2. Often follow the Lord with a "whole heart"
         a. They understand the need to submit to authority totally
         b. If it were just a game, one might be justified to be half-
            hearted, not taking things seriously
         c. But warfare, whether carnal or spiritual, requires complete
            devotion and total concentration to the task at hand! - cf.
            Ep 6:11-13
      3. Often influence their entire families for the Lord
         a. By such careful submission to the will of the Lord, they
            set a notable example for their children
         b. Their children see that serving the Lord is serious
            business for their father; there must be something to it

   C. KNOWING HOW TO "EXERCISE" AUTHORITY, MILITARY MEN...
      1. Often raise their children in subjection
         a. Obedient to their parents
         b. Eventually following parental in obedience to the Lord
      2. This is not to say they are necessarily strict martinets, but
         they exercise authority...
         a. With firmness, making it advisable for a child to obey
         b. With wisdom, making it natural for a child to obey
         c. With love, making it with willingness for a child to obey
      3. Often become elders to rule over the house of God - cf. 1 Ti 3:4-5
         a. Having demonstrated their ability to rule over the house of
            God
         b. By first exercising authority over their own household

CONCLUSION

1. My purpose is not encourage you to enlist in the military... 
   a. But to suggest we would do well to remember the examples of those
      in the military
   b. For we are to be a people under authority, the authority of Jesus
      Christ!
      1) An authority over all things in heaven and on earth - Mt 28:18
      2) An authority that demands that we do what He has commanded
         - Mt 28:19-20

2. In an aged marked by permissiveness, it behooves Christians to
   possess a military attitude regarding authority, for we are engaged
   in a spiritual warfare with Satan and his influences
   a. Not submitting to the authority of God with all haste...
      1) Could mean the damnation of our own soul
      2) And a bad example for our children
   b. Not exercising our authority as Christian parents...
      1) May lead to our children taking the broad way that leads to
         destruction!
      2) May result in delivering our children to Satan on a silver
         platter!

3. How much better...
   a. To be like Caleb, and "wholly serve the Lord God"
   b. To be like Joshua, and declare "as for me and my house, we will
      serve the Lord"
   -- Just as our nation says, "Uncle Sam Needs You!" so the Lord's
      church says, "The Lord Jesus Christ Needs You!"

Is your faith like that of the centurion, who recognized the power of
authority when he saw it?  If you have not yet obeyed the gospel of
Christ, or need to return to the Lord, follow the example of Cornelius
and the Philippian jailer and act immediately!  You might save not only
yourself, but your children and friends as well!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011