6/4/18

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" An Exhortation To Walk In Diligence (4:11-12) by Mark Copeland


               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

             An Exhortation To Walk In Diligence (4:11-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. In his "apostolic instructions", we have seen Paul exhort the church
   at Thessalonica...
   a. To walk in holiness - 1Th 4:1-8
   b. To walk in love - 1Th 4:9-10

2. His next instruction (1Th 4:11-12) is an exhortation to "diligence",
   to ensure that...
   a. They walk properly toward those who are outside - cf. 1Pe 2:12
   b. They lack nothing - cf. Ro 13:8

3. That this requires diligence is evident from the word "aspire"
   (study, KJV) in verse 11...
   a. A word meaning "to be ambitious"
   b. As translated in the NASB (to make it your ambition)

[In three particular areas does Paul want them to be ambitious, the
first being...]

I. TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE

   A. AN APPARENT PARADOX...
      1. For the phrase "quiet life" suggests a calmness, a serenity
      2. Yet for this we are to be "ambitious", apply diligent effort, 
         which seems to be contrary to the idea of quietness, calm
      -- The "quiet life", like many good things, does not come without
         concerted effort

   B. AN ADMIRABLE GOAL...
      1. As much as possible, to live peaceably with all men - Ro 12:18;
         14:19; He 12:14
         a. Though such is not always the case
         b. As Paul found out even in Thessalonica - cf. Ac 17:1-6
      2. For which we are to diligently pray - 1Ti 2:1-2
         a. That we might live quiet and peaceful lives
         b. That we might live such in all godliness and honesty
      3. A quiet and peaceful life is more likely if we:
         a. Seek first the kingdom of God - Mt 6:25-34
            1) Which requires setting our priorities
            2) Which requires saying no to many distractions
         b. Learn contentment in Christ - Php 4:11-13; 1Ti 6:6-10
         c. Overcome anxiety through prayer - Php 4:6-7   
      -- The search for "simplicity" is a popular trend today; for the
         Christian, it is to be more than just a trend, but a way of
         life conducive to godliness and honesty

[As we "aspire" to lead a quiet life, we cannot do so unless we also
give diligence...]

II. TO MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS

   A. THERE IS A PLACE FOR LOVING CONCERN...
      1. As we watch out for one another's welfare - Php 2:4
      2. As we seek to help each other overcome our weaknesses - Ga 6:
         1-2
      -- Therefore we should not construe the words in our text to mean 
         that we should not seek to reprove, rebuke, or to restore an 
         erring brother - cf. Jm 5:19-20

   B. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR NOSY INTERFERENCE...
      1. Paul is warning against becoming "busybodies", people who have
         nothing to do but interfere in the affairs of others
      2. A problem that often existed in the early church
         a. Even at Thessalonica - 2Th 3:11-12
         b. Which Peter lumped together with murderers, thieves, etc. 
            - 1Pe 4:15
      3. A danger especially when one is not focused on their own 
         business
         a. Which is why Paul refused to let churches support younger 
            widows - 1Ti 5:11-14
         b. Which is why Paul instructed the older women to properly 
            teach the younger women their responsibilities - Tit 2:3-5
      -- The peace and quiet we desire in our lives and in our churches
         cannot exist unless we maintain a proper distinction between
         brotherly concern and becoming "busybodies"

[It certainly helps to maintain that distinction if we "aspire"...]

III. TO WORK WITH OUR OWN HANDS

   A. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMAND...
      1. To provide for our families - cf. 1Ti 5:8
      2. To help the less fortunate - Ep 4:28; Ac 20:34-35
      -- Through example and precept, Paul taught the early Christians 
         to support themselves and not be dependent upon others

   B. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND...
      1. Failing to provide for our families makes us worse than 
         unbelievers - 1Ti 5:8
      2. Refusing to work was grounds for church discipline, just like
         adultery, extortion, etc. - 2Th 3:10-14; 1Co 5:11
      -- While we may occasionally need assistance from our brethren 
         (even our government), we are not to make it a practice to 
         "live off welfare"

CONCLUSION

1. With diligence, therefore, we are to "aspire"...
   a. To lead a quiet life
   b. To mind our own business
   c. To work with our own hands

2. Again, the purpose behind these instructions is two-fold...
   a. That we might walk properly toward those who are outside - 1 Th 4:12a
   b. That we might lack nothing - 1Th 4:12b

For the sake of our reputation as Christians, as well as for own well-
being while we sojourn here on earth, we must heed this exhortation to
walk in diligence!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Church of England Votes to Ordain Women Bishops by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=5010

Church of England Votes to Ordain Women Bishops

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.


On Monday, July 14, 2014, the General Synod of the Church of England voted to allow females to be appointed as bishops in their denomination by an overall count of 351 in favor and 72 opposed (Kaleem, 2014). This vote is a result of a two-decade controversy within the denomination regarding the issue. The proposition was defeated two years earlier in 2012, because it did not gain the necessary two-thirds majority vote it needed to pass. What does such a decision say about the religious climate of western civilization?
This pronouncement manifests the fact that many religious groups no longer care what the Bible has to say on a given subject. It is a simple matter of fact that the Bible very clearly, in no ambiguous terms, states that bishops are to be males, and each one is to be “the husband of one wife” who “rules his own house well” (1 Timothy 3:2,4). In addition to this verse, each instance in the New Testament in which a bishop is mentioned refers to the person as a male (e.g., Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1). In fact, as Albert Mohler, stated, “virtually every major media outlet in Britain acknowledged, at least, that the vote reversed 2,000 years of Christian tradition. They also tended to note that the vote came after 20 years of controversy. Evidently, 2,000 of years of tradition was no match for 20 years of controversy” (2014).
This approach to religion is what Jesus had in mind when He accosted the religious leaders of His day by saying: “These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). What kind of religion allows the culture, instead of the God it professes to worship, to dictate the beliefs and regulations that it will uphold? Is it the case that if our culture no longer views homosexuality as a sin, those branches of Christianity should “take another vote” to see if they will accept the lifestyle or not? Some have already done this. And is it not the case that to insist that Jesus Christ is God’s Son is a controversial topic? If enough “Christian” leaders vote to soften that teaching or abandon it altogether, would that represent the mind of God? Did God’s attitude toward the ordination of women bishops change at the precise moment that a two-thirds majority was achieved by the Church of England?
In reality, those who claim to be Christians must ask themselves who they are going to follow. Will they accept God’s Word, as found in the inspired Bible, to be authoritative? Or will they put their fingers in the wind and move whichever way the cultural wind happens to be blowing at the time? Let us all consider Peter’s words to the Jewish leaders of the first century: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge” (Acts 4:19).

REFERENCES

Kaleem, Jaweed (2014), “Women Bishops Approved by Church of England,” Huffington Posthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/14/women-bishops-church-of-england-_n_5584266.html.
Mohler, Albert (2014), “‘Get with the Program’—Church of England Votes to Ordain Women Bishops,” http://www.albertmohler.com/2014/07/15/get-with-the-program-the-church-of-england-votes-to-ordain-women-bishops/.


Chronology and the Bible's Arrangement by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=441

Chronology and the Bible's Arrangement

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.


Since the Bible begins at the Creation with Genesis—the book of beginnings—and ends with the book of Revelation (which many scholars believe was the last recorded book of the Bible), students of the Scriptures often assume that the Bible was compiled chronologically. Many students approach their reading of the Bible with the mindset that everything in Scripture is arranged “from A to Z.” Since Genesis records what took place at the beginning of time, and it is the first book of the Bible, then the rest of the Bible follows suit, right? Actually, what the diligent student eventually finds is that the Bible is not a book of strict chronology. All sixty-six books of the Bible are not arranged in the order in which they were written. Furthermore, all of the events contained within each book also are not recorded chronologically.
Consider the following arrangement of books in the Bible:
Although the books of Haggai and Zechariah have been placed near the end of the Old Testament, these men prophesied while the events in the book of Ezra were taking place (cf. Ezra 5:1; 6:14). Twenty books separate Haggai and Zechariah from the book of Ezra, yet the events recorded in each book were occurring at the same time. Obviously, these books are not arranged in chronological order.
Even though 2 Chronicles appears before the book of Job, the events recorded in Job took place long before those that are recorded in 2 Chronicles. In fact, if the Bible were a book of strict chronology, the events recorded in Job likely would be placed somewhere within the book of Genesis, after Genesis 6 (since Job 22:15-16 is more than likely a reference to the Flood).
In the New Testament, one might assume that since 1 Thessalonians comes after the book of Acts, that Luke penned Acts earlier than Paul penned his first letter to the church at Thessalonica. The truth is, however, 1 Thessalonians was written years before the book of Acts was completed.
In addition to the books of the Bible not being arranged chronologically, inspired writers did not always record information in a strictly chronological sequence. Making the assumption that the entire Bible was written chronologically hinders a proper understanding of the text. For example, Genesis 2:5-25 does not pick up where Genesis one left off; rather, it provides more detailed information about some of the events mentioned in the first chapter of the Bible. (Whereas Genesis 1 is arranged chronologically, Genesis 2 is organized topically.) The differences in the arrangement of the temptations of Jesus recorded by Matthew (4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13) are resolved when we realize that at least one of them is not reporting the facts in sequential order. Some also question whether Jesus cursed the tree before or after He cleansed the temple. Since Matthew records this event before the cursing of the fig tree (21:12-19), and since Mark places the cleansing of the temple after Jesus cursed the tree (11:15-19), it is supposed that one of the two writers was mistaken. The truth is, however, Matthew’s account is more of a summary, whereas Mark’s narrative is more detailed and orderly. Mark’s more specific account reveals that Jesus actually made two trips to the temple. Thus, as Albert Barnes noted: “Mark has stated the order more particularly, and has ‘divided’ what Matthew mentions together” (1997). Obviously, the gospel accounts were not arranged to be a strict chronology of Jesus’ life.
When studying with those who know very little about the Bible, it is helpful for them to understand the arrangement of Scriptures. By recognizing that many books of the Bible (as well as the events contained therein) are not in a sequential order, one will have fewer problems digesting Scripture.

REFERENCE

Barnes, Albert (1997), Barnes’ Notes (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).

Christ at the Door of Your Heart? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1184
Christ at the Door of Your Heart?
by Dave Miller, Ph.D.


One of the most familiar expressions uttered within Christendom is: “Christ stands at the door of your heart.” Many have been the preachers who have urged their hearers to “invite Jesus into their hearts” in order to be forgiven of sin and made a Christian. Someone said if you repeat a statement enough times, people will come to accept it on the basis of sheer repetition and familiarity. The admonition that “Christ stands at the door of your heart” has been repeated so frequently that, for many, to question it is unthinkable. One would think that since this approach to salvation is so widespread, and the expression is so predominant, that surely the statement can be found in Scripture—even if only in so many words. How disturbing to realize that the statement is not found in Scripture and that the Bible simply does not teach this doctrine!
The phraseology is reminiscent of Revelation 3:20—the passage usually quoted to support the idea of Christ standing at the door of one’s heart. But observe the context. Revelation chapters two and three consist of seven specific mini-letters directed to the seven churches of Christ in Asia Minor near the end of the first century. At the outset, one must recognize that Revelation 3:20 is addressed to Christians—not non-Christians on the verge of conversion.
Second, the verse is found among Christ’s remarks to the church in Laodicea. Jesus made clear that the church had moved into an unfaithful condition. They were lost. They were unacceptable to God since they were “lukewarm” (3:16). They had become unsaved since their spiritual condition was “wretched and miserable and poor” (3:17). Thus, in a very real sense, Jesus had abandoned them by removing His presence from their midst. Now He was on the outside looking in. He still wanted to be among them, but the decision was up to them. They had to recognize His absence, hear Him knocking for admission, and open the door—all of which is figurative language to say that they must repent (3:19). They would have to return to the obedient lifestyle so essential to receiving God’s favor (John 14:21,23).
This means that Revelation 3:20 in no way supports the idea that non-Christians merely have to “open the door of their heart” and “invite Jesus in” with the assurance that the moment they mentally/verbally do so, Jesus will come into their heart and they will be simultaneously saved from all past sin and counted as Christians! The context of Revelation 3:20 shows that Jesus was seeking readmission into an apostate church.
“But doesn’t the Bible teach that Christ does come into a person’s heart?” Yes. But not the way the religious world suggests. Ephesians 3:17 states that Christ dwells in the heart through faith. Faith can be acquired only by hearing biblical truth (Romans 10:17). When that biblical truth is obeyed, the individual is “saved by faith” (Hebrews 5:9; James 2:22; 1 Peter 1:22; et al.). So Christ enters our lives when we “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience [i.e., when we repent of our sins] and our bodies washed with pure water [i.e., when we are baptized in water]” (Hebrews 10:22). Here is the New Testament (i.e., non-denominational) way to accept Christ.

“I, Not the Lord, Say...” by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=2075

“I, Not the Lord, Say...”

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.
Q.
What did the apostle Paul mean by the statement, “But to the rest I, not the Lord, say...” (1 Corinthians 7:12)? Does this phrase indicate that what Paul subsequently wrote was uninspired?

A.

Considering how many times Paul claimed to write and preach by inspiration of God, it is irresponsible to conclude that he was denying inspiration when addressing marriages between Christians and non-Christians (1 Corinthians 7:12-16). Earlier in this letter, Paul noted that while in Corinth, his preaching was “not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (2:4-5). Paul contrasted human wisdom with the wisdom and power of God, and declared that he had the latter. Later, in this same epistle, Paul wrote: “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (14:37, emp. added; cf. 7:40). Paul also claimed inspiration in his other epistles (Galatians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:8,15). Even Peter alluded to Paul’s writings as being a part of Scripture, and thus inspired (2 Peter 3:15-16).
When Paul wrote that he (rather than the Lord) was addressing a particular marriage relationship, he did not mean that he was speaking without authority from God. He simply meant that he was making application of marital truths that the Lord did not specifically expound upon while on Earth. Jesus most certainly was the Master Teacher (cf. Matthew 7:28-29; John 7:46), but He obviously did not specifically address every subject under the Sun. Thankfully, through His inspired apostles and prophets, more specific truths and applications eventually were revealed. Christians have every reason to believe that such truths originated with “the Spirit of truth,” Who guided Paul and the rest of the Bible writers “into all truth” (John 16:13).

Does God Exist? by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/god.html

Does God Exist?

Introduction

As students in search of truth, the first issue that must be resolved is the question of God's existence.  The search for the existence of a supreme being transcends all cultures, races, ages, genders, and backgrounds.  No matter what our station in life, we eventually form some conclusion to this question that confronts our unified existence.  This is the beginning point for all religions and philosophies because our outlook on everything else is built upon the foundation laid by this answer.  Therefore, before we can even investiagate objective truth and the Bible, we must first answer this fundamental question.

Going Where Science Dare Not Tread

One point must be understood before we continue any farther:  Some basic similarities do exist between the realm of science and the realm of religion and philosophy.  Both depend on observant, unbiased reasoning skills.  However, the two are diametrically opposed in purpose.   Science is not flawed, but it seeks another purpose, to explain phenomenon through formation of hypothesis and experimentation.  It deals in the realm of the demonstrable.  It has no power, or usefulness in explaining anything that can neither be observed, tested, or demonstrated.
Yet, philosophy and religion are concerned with the questions of origin: "Where did we come from?"  The point that must be clear before we continues is this:  Any answer to this question cannot be scientifically proven!   If we accept either theories about evolution or ideas about God, we must understand that none of these solutions can be observed, tested, or demonstrated!
So, if the rules of science do not apply to this question, then how will we find the answer?  We must consider the evidence, weigh it, and based upon it, determine which choice is the most compelling and rational.  This cannot be emphasized enough:  if any one seeks to prove his or her answer, then will they have vainly set out to complete an unfinishable task.  Judgment can only be made upon the most compelling evidence.  Within this realm, science is powerless, and the honest open mind reigns as king.

Simple Answers

The Bible never addresses the question of God's existence directly.  It is indirectly referenced in a few passages, but no formal defense is set forth.  However, it does speak harshly against the one who "says in their heart, 'Their is noGod." (Psalm14:1).  But, why does God's Word make such a strong condemnation?  How does the Bible expect us to make a conclusion to a problem that philosophers have argued for hundreds of years? 
The Bible teaches that the truth, the answer is evident to all.  So, what is this testimony that speaks so clearly?  We have already stated that no experiment exists to test the existence of God.  Science cannot help us detect something that is undetectable.  The location of the answer is found in this psalm, or song, of praise to God:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4)
The answer surrounds all of us, regardless of our nationality, language, or location.  The very existence of such a magnificent and awesome universe demands the existence of a Creator.  Something cannot come from nothing.  This is the only the argument that the Bible offers in response to those who would debate this question.  We all understand that nothing breeds more nothing, order cannot arise from disorder, every effect had a cause.  Any variation from this is forced by a cause outside the system.  As we push back through time, searching for the cause of each effect, we eventually must come to a "first cause", a cause outside the universe.  What then is the rational, compelling choice to the identity of this "first cause"?  Did an eternal, intelligent mind bring order and substance out of nothing, or did inanimate substance pull itself out of nothing to produce an intelligent mind?

"What Are the Alternatives?"

Considering the origin of the universe and humanity is probably the most compelling argument for God's existence.  But, it becomes even more compelling when we consider the plausibility of the alternatives:
  1. The universe spontaneously created itself.
  2. The universe always existed - Matter is eternal.
Let's consider the first alternative.  All that we know and understand compels that nothing is spontaneously generated or created.  Pasteur debunked this myth many years ago.  No person would believe that a house, or a tree, or a person, just spontaneously popped up out of thin air.  Why then would it be reasonable to believe that the universe, countless orders of magnitude larger in mass, spontaneously popped up out of absolute nothing with a precharged energy potential to accomplish work, not to mention purposeful and intelligent work?  Believing this first alternative requires not just faith, but blind faith!  There is no evidence to support this view whatsoever, and all that we know and understand defies the very principles upon which it is founded.
Now, please consider the second alternative.  It also defies all that we know and understand.  All of science and common sense teaches that life, the world, and the universe is "running down".  Thermodynamics teaches that the universe has a fixed amount of energy (considering all mass translated into energy), and the entire system is proceeding from a state of higher order to a more disordered state.  Eventually, it will climax into a motionless state of complete disorder.  In effect, the universe is one gigantic alarm clock, which is running down.  No one would deny this phenomenon.  Houses dilapidate, people grow old and die, machines rust, stars burn out, etc. If matter has always existed, and it is always digressing to a more disorderly state, then why has the universe not "run down"?  It would have already expired, and we would not be here.  Our very existence disprove the plausibility of this alternative.  The very fact that it is "running down" demands that it must have had a beginning, a time when it was "wound up" and "the alarm set."  So, who set the alarm?

Conclusion

Over the centuries, several arguments have been proposed that illustrated evidence for the existence of God.  The most powerful evidence is the very world that surrounds us.  The apostle Paul also spoke of this:
"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." Romans 1:20
This creation not only tells us of God's existence, but it also demonstrates His great and "eternal power" that is part of His divine nature as member of the "Godhead".  Through the visible world we are able to see something of these otherwise "invisible attributes."  Even though it cannot be "scientifically proven", this passage teaches the evidence is so compelling that if one fails to acknowledge His Creator, he is left "without excuse."
Yet, the magnitude of creation can only demonstrate the existence and power of this supreme being.  It cannot teach us what He asks of us.  In fact, without revelation from Him, we cannot know anything more about Him or His will for us.  It is this need that the Bible fulfills, and it is to this purpose we now direct our focus, establishing the Bible as God's will for us today.

Trevor Bowen

Fasting that Pleases God by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=575

Fasting that Pleases God

Fasting That Pleases God
In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus said,  “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,  so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In our study of Matthew 6, so far we learned that Jesus wanted His disciples to understand how important it is to take our religion serious and not to act like the Pharisees and teachers of old who seem more interested in showing off. As He raises the righteousness bar, in this lesson we are going to look at something that most Christians have little experience with, and that is fasting.
In all my years of being a Christian I am not sure if I ever heard a lesson preached on fasting. Many of us do not understand or or appreciation its significance.  Fasting done properly can be very powerful and life changing!
I hear frustrated Christians asking questions related to their faith and religion and walking the walk of a Christian. I believe that by fasting that practice could help them get some answers and solutions.
For example; some say, ‘I have been praying about this thing so long and I just can’t seem to get an answer. Or, I have been struggling with this sin so long – How many times am I going to have to go around and around and deal with the cycle of sin, having to confess, repent, sin again, confess, repent and not moving forward?  Or, I’ve been just so discouraged. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I should be the happiest person in the world but I’m not.’
I personally believe that fasting is a tool that God has given us to help us find some answers to such questions and so much more.And I believe it just may be the missing ingredient in your life. I believe it is a lost discipline that Christians should be re-examining and taking full advantage of today.
A survey of 100 Christians (take by James MacDonald) was taken and these people were asked the following question:  What is it that personally frustrates you as a Christians in your own life, in you own walk as a Christian? Here are the top five answers which given which Christian personally frustrated over in their life :
#5 –  The Inconsistency of their quiet time. ‘I know I should walk with God.    I know I should read the Bible. I want to do it. Sometimes I try to use a study guide. Sometimes I make myself do it. But the fact of the matter is, a week goes by and I don’t do it at all. It’s been like that more than weeks or months at time. In all honesty it’s been like that for years. I know the right, I want the right, but I don’t choose the right. And it’s frustrating me.’
#4 –  I don’t sense God’s presence with me‘I sense it at church. I sense it occasionally in other places, but mostly my life is relatively secular.  I don’t think about God all the time. I don’t sense God at work. I don’t sense God in my home very much. Sometimes I wonder if we are really any different than our neighbors. Why don’t I sense God’s presences more when I love Him as I do?’     This is frustrating to many people.
#3 – I feel like I don’t measure up‘I have nagging areas of secret sin and attitudes I can’t shake. I have anger inside. I have bitterness inside. I Lust, I struggle with fear and anxiety and depression. I have secret sins that trip me up. In a lot of ways God has helped me grow, but in some certain areas I wonder if I’ve progressed at all.’
#2 – Where’s the miracles? ‘Where’s the answered prayers? The Bible is filled with stories of them. How about just one God? You know I hear about other Christians that have had miraculous things happen; answered prayer, break troughs with specific things that they’ve prayed about. But I feel like I prayed for a lot of things a lot of times and I am just not seeing that much happening.’     And that frustrates many Christians.
So  far the things that frustrate Christians:   – Inconsistent quiet time  – Not sensing His presence like I want.  – Feeling like we don’t measure up. Having certain areas we struggle with. – Not seeing the answer to prayers and the breakthroughs we long for
– And the  #1 thing that frustrates Christians is quality of their own their prayer time  ‘I said that I want to pray more and what happens, I didn’t do it. I want to, I know that it is right to do but just don’t seem to do it as much as I should. And that frustrates me and I feel guilty about it.’
Some people would say, “Well you don’t change because you don’t want to.”  That is not correct.  The problem is not that we don’t want to; the problem is that even though you feel you like you want to, you want other things more.
So what can I do when the things that I want the most don’t become my reality. The problem is that I am not getting from knowing what’s best to doing what’s best and so I feel stuck and frustrated.
Now God has given us some tools to break these cycles of frustration, but even some of the tools He has given us require us wanting to use them. Study of God’s word can help break these patterns. Memorizing scripture reading God’s word can help. But what has God given me to break the pattern of not doing the thing I want to do most? Answer, FASTING.
If you don’t believe me I would challenge you to take a concordance and look up the word fasting and how much it is used in your Bible. You will be shocked how frequently the subject of fasting comes up in scripture. It’s in the OT and it’s in the NT. It’s in the Gospels and it’s in the epistles. Jesus fasted regularly. He even fasted for 40 day and nights before he launched out into His three year ministry.
So what is the definition of fasting for a Christian: It is  “Abstaining from foods (or something else) for measured periods of time in order to heighten one’s hunger for the things of God.”    
I declare that fasting can ignite your hunger for God. If we do it for the right reason, as you yearn and hunger for food or whatever you have give up, it can help you turn to the Lord. When you turn your hunger to Him and give it to Him as a sacrifice to be closer to Him, it helps clears your mind to receive His will.
Unfortunately, whether we realize it or not, one problem that most of us have is that we are addicted and enslaved to food. We think we can’t go without it even for a day.   But again that’s not true.
We can be enslaved even to good things, things that are good for us, whether it be food, or sex, or exercise, rest or a bunch of other things. Anything that can empower you can be set aside for a time to break it’s potential enslavement.  When we fast that enslavement is broken and we are able to focus on our hunger for what we really want.
Listen to what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 6:12-13, “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.“Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
Anything that I have to have can enslave me. Paul said I am not going to let anything, anything enslave me.  Fasting also can reveal the things that control us. It also humbles us and shows us our true selves.
As Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mt. He show that our Fasting can be misplaced. We can do it for a bunch of reasons other than trying to draw to God.  In Zechariah 7:5 God ask the Jews that very question. He Asked, “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?  And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?”   
That’s what the Pharisees were doing in Jesus’ time. And we can do the same thing fasting for reasons other than to drawing closer to God.
Read Isaiah. 58:1-5        As you read thsi you see how displeased the Lord was with their fasting, but then in the following verses 6-12 we not only see the importance of fasting properly, but also the actions and attitudes one should have that please the Lord.  Read Isaiah 58:6- 12 (Click on verse to read)  
There are some indications as to why we should fast here:
#1) In verses 6 it indicates that proprer fasting will helo when we have a heavy burdens to deal with. If you have been carrying a heavy burden and you’ve been carrying it for a long time and you are not seeing the changes you need to see, it time to fast.  I challenge you to skip lunch for a whole week and rather than eating give that time to God praying about this. Let the gnawing in your stomach heighten your hunger for God
Maybe you are burdened because someone, maybe in your family, is not walking with God and you’ve prayed and prayed for them. Have you fasted? Have you fasted and prayed that God may break the yoke that enslaves them?
#2 Vs 7 seems to indicate we may need to fast in order to get the right attitude about giving, sharing and helping others.
#3 In Vs 8 it seems to me that we may need to fast when we need direction and the Lord’s encouragement and support.
#4 And in Vs 9 we need to fast when I need an answer to prayer vs 9
#5 Vs 9b -10 Seems to indicate that it will help us get back on the right track.
#6 Vs 11 seems to indicate that if we fast the Lord will guide us and satisfy our needs. He said you will be like a well watered garden.
Does something has a hold on you? You want to do the right thing, but can’t seem to do it? You wish you could move from knowing to doing. When you are in a sinful pattern, when you have a heavy burden, when you need direction — anytime you need more of what only God can provide — you need to develop the discipline of fasting. Let this practice ignite your hunger for God and increase your capacity to choose that which truly satisfies; and that is living in obedience to your Heavenly Father.
Based on a sermon by Dr. James MacDonald   
For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

THE BIBLE IS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/04/

THE BIBLE IS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE

In a fast moving, high paced world, one almost has to schedule time to breathe. Yet, the bible is available in every stage of our lives. We can have it at the mall, in the car, in our homes, and any place imaginable. From the highest mountain peak to the lowest valley, and in every language, the bible is there. There is not a valid excuse under the sun that anyone can say, that they don’t have time for God’s Word. The Bible is for everyone, everywhere, and at anytime. Read it, study it, obey it, and live it.
Isa 34:16; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 2:15; Acts 17:11; Jn 14:15

Think on These Things by J. C. Bailey

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Bailey/John/Carlos/1903/Articles/thinkon.html

Think on These Things

The apostle Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit, said “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Two people within the same congregation may tell about the same event, and leave very different impressions of what happened.
One is a pessimist. One is an optimist. The one man paints a gloomy picture. The optimist paints a rosy picture. This text that we have used, suggests that a Christian should be an optimist. We need to be careful that we do not carry our optimism too far, but we do need to be optimists.
If we obey the command given here, we shall be optimists. We must have faith that truth shall eventually triumph. Christ reigns until He has put all his enemies under his feet (I Corinthians 15:25). If we are to succeed we must do as Paul did. He forgot the things that were behind and he pressed forward to the things that are ahead. We press on to the mark of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13,14). Let us be assured that He who rides the white horse is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).
True, we may fall by the wayside. We may fail, but He will not fail. His cause will prevail. We may refuse to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (II Timothy 2:3). There are many preachers today who make me wonder if this command has any part in their thinking. However, my concern along this line will not make me a pessimist. I shall rather think about those who are enduring hardship as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.
God is no respecter of persons. To some people it is no marvel when a preacher in this country refuses to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus, but they are the first to criticize the citizen of another country who does not endure the same hardship. We need to learn the validity of what Peter said by the power of the Holy Spirit, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). If it is wrong for a man overseas to make Christianity a way of gain, then it is wrong here. Why do we expect a different standard from a preacher in a foreign land than we do from preachers here? We sometimes demand more of them, at least in some respects. 
Let me give you a concrete example. I was talking to a young man who had been overseas and he mentioned a certain native preacher whom we both knew.
He told me how this native preacher had interpreted for him and another young preacher. Any one would know that it is a harder job to interpret than it is to preach. (Many times I have used two interpreters during a series of meetings.) Yet, this very young man took part in the dismissing of this native preacher for failure to work. Another native preacher was let go who was one of the most diligent men I have ever met. It seems that he had paid too much for one bundle of paper that he bought. We would be enraged in this country if a man of the world dismissed someone for a thing like that. Why do we not protest when a brother in Christ is used that way: Why? Think on these things.
A man who had never been overseas at that time said at a workshop where I was one of the speakers, that things looked different overseas than they do here. I think I have been overseas long enough to assess the value of that statement. I do not believe that is the difference. I think there are restraints here that we do not have overseas. When McHenry was asked why he turned to the Seventh Day Adventists after he went to India, it is reported that his was, “I never did believe in eternal punishment.” In all probability, if he had stayed in the U.S.A. he would have died in the church; that is, to all outside appearances he would have continued as a member of the church. The Lord knoweth them that are His.
Let me assure you that there is no doctrine that looks different to me in India than it looks here. I oppose instrumental music the same there as I do here. I oppose pre-millennialism the same there as I do here. Let me state further that I oppose denominationalism the same there as I do here. A preacher may go overseas and fraternize with the sects in a way that the church would not permit here. Why is this permitted? Is it true that God is no respecter of persons? I do not believe that God has one law in a foreign country, but another law here. Think on these things.
At one time there were many people in this country who believed that a preacher should not receive any regular support. In fact, when I was editor of the Gospel Herald, I had more than one article submitted along this line. This idea has pretty well died down as far as supporting preachers in this country is concerned. It is now considered right to support a preacher if he is a Canadian or an American any place in the world. Let us suppose that a man goes from Canada or the United States to some foreign country to labor. He has a native helper who can do more work in that country than he can. (This is not to disparage the work that is done by the Canadian or the United States citizen.) This helper makes his work possible. The man from America can be paid. He can be paid every month. According to some, that native cannot be paid with funds from overseas. I ask: Where is the golden rule? If this teaching be true then God is a respecter of persons. Think on these things.
A young Indian got acquainted with a church in this country. The church sent him to a Christian school. Then they sent him back to India. He told the congregation that you could not convert the Indian just by preaching. You had to have a project of some kind. The favorite project of the Indian is an orphan home. What has been the result? This Indian obtained seven acres of good agricultural land. There is no orphan home and no one was ever converted to Christ. The young Indian has gone back to his denomination. Tens of thousands of dollars of the Lord's money have been squandered. Should we not expect such a result when neither the preacher nor the congregation believed that the gospel was God's power to save? Think on these things.
Would you accuse me of a pessimistic attitude? I admit that some of what I have said would seem to point that way, but I have not finished. Despite our failures, think of what has happened in the world in this generation. Think of the hundreds of thousands who have obeyed the gospel in the various countries of the world. Think of the host of native preachers who now carry the gospel to their own people. At the end of World War II we probably had no more than 5,000 members of the church who were not in the United States. Today that number would be nearly half a million souls. It is growing daily.
So while we look at our mistakes, we shall not let them overshadow the great work that is being done. We shall accentuate the positive. Yes, I believe with all my heart that He who rides the white horse is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. I believe that He who is with us is greater than he who is against us. The church is growing. It has foes within and without, but it is growing. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all true believers (Romans 1:16).
J. C. Bailey, 1979

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

THE NEWS by Gary Rose










Every single day I read the news; both on the internet and the television. I like to access different websites and different TV channels to get a proper perspective of THE NEWS.  

This morning I thought: What about an overview of this life and the life to follow? Now, that's NEWS!!! This picture sums up the possibilities for everyone. At the left there is a choice- believe the Gospel or not. All will die: Those who believe and obey the Gospel are destined for eternal life, those who do not will die eternally.


Consider the following overview...


1 Corinthians, Chapter 15 (WEB)
 1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News    (emphasis added)   which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,  2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,   (emphasis added)  5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.  7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,  8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.  

Christ's death, burial and resurrection: God's answer to humanity's problem of sin!!! 

Our response to this GOOD NEWS!!!

Romans, Chapter 1 (World English Bible)
 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, (emphasis added)     2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,  3 concerning his Son, who was born of the offspring  of David according to the flesh,  4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,  5 through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations   (emphasis added)     for his name’s sake;


16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ (emphasis added)   because it is the power of God for salvation   (emphasis added)   for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.



Romans, Chapter 3 (WEB)

21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed,   (emphasis added)    being testified by the law and the prophets;  22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,  23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 


Romans, Chapter 6 (WEB)

 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?    (emphasis added)2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?  3 Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;    (emphasis added)  6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.  7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.  8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him;  9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over him!  10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.  11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 


Christians are people who have decided to  follow Jesus. People who have determined to put away sin in their lives and follow God in all things here and now, that by the mercy of God they may life forever with HIM!

Why wouldn't everyone want to live? Because some people love to sin more than they love God. To exchange the momentary pleasures of sin for an eternal death sounds foolish to me, but its up to each one of us to choose for ourselves.

I think I would love to live forever with God who loves me to die for me- how about you?