12/29/13

From Gary... Birds, rainbows and faith



Birds blocking a rainbow; wouldn't you know??? People are like that too, some people just can stand others being happy- they have to do everything in their power to wreck things.  Paul encountered this and overcame it- here is how...

Philippians, Chapter 1
 12  Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;  13 so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;  14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.  16 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News. 

The Good News is just that- GOOD NEWS!!! If we have our eye on the prize of heaven, then it really does not matter what others do.  We don't have to have our reward at the end of the rainbow, our reward is already with us because of faith.  Birds just fly- it is what they do and Haters gotta hate, likewise it is what THEY DO!!! Things work out in the end; we just have to be faithful!!! I just wish the birds would get out of the way once in awhile- that's all!!!

ps. Thanks to my granddaughter, Elizabeth, for allowing me to use her picture!!!

From Gary... Birds, rainbows and faith

















Birds blocking a rainbow; wouldn't you know??? People are like that too, some people just can stand others being happy- they have to do everything in their power to wreck things.  Paul encountered this and overcame it- here is how...

Philippians, Chapter 1
 12  Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;  13 so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;  14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.  16 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News. 

The Good News is just that- GOOD NEWS!!! If we have our eye on the prize of heaven, then it really does not matter what others do.  We don't have to have our reward at the end of the rainbow, our reward is already with us because of faith.  Birds just fly- it is what they do and Haters gotta hate, likewise it is what THEY DO!!! Things work out in the end; we just have to be faithful!!! I just wish the birds would get out of the way once in awhile- that's all!!!

ps. Thanks to my granddaughter, Elizabeth, for allowing me to use her picture!!!



From Mark Copeland... The Work And Qualifications Of Bishops 1 Timothy (3:1-7)


                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

             The Work And Qualifications Of Bishops (3:1-7)

INTRODUCTION

1. Instructing Timothy as to proper conduct in house of God (1Ti 3:15),
   Paul discusses the work and qualifications of those who would serve
   as 'bishops' - 1Ti 3:1-7

2. The word 'bishop' comes from the Greek word episkopos...
   a. Translated 'bishop' in four passages - Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:1,2; Tit 1:7
   b. Translated 'overseer' in three passages - Ac 20:28; 1Pe 2:25; 5:2

3. Paul describes the position (office, KJV, ASV, NASB) as "a good work"
   - 1Ti 3:1
   a. What exactly was the 'work' of a bishop in the New Testament
      church?
   b. How did the required 'qualifications' prepare them for this work?

[Consider first...]

I. THE WORK OF BISHOPS

   A. IN THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
      1. A congregation that was completely and scripturally organized
         - e.g., Php 1:1
         a. Contained a plurality of qualified men serving as bishops
         b. They were assisted by qualified men serving as deacons
      2. The bishops were also known as
         a. Elders (Grk., "presbuteros", presbyter) for they were older
            men - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1Pe 5:1-2
         b. Pastors (Grk. "poimen", shepherd) for their task was to
            shepherd and feed the flock of God - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
      3. Bishop, elder, and pastor were not three distinct offices, but
         different ways to describe the men and their work - cf.
         Easton's Bible Dictionary, Moody Handbook of Theology

   B. IN THE SERVICE OF NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES...
      1. Bishops were 'shepherds' (pastors) of the flock (congregation)
         a. Taking heed to themselves - Ac 20:28a
         b. Taking heed to the flock of God among them - Ac 20:28b; 1 Pe 5:2
         c. Leading by example - 1Pe 5:3
         d. Watching out for trouble - Ac 20:29-31
         e. Depending upon God and His Word - Ac 20:32
      2. Bishops were to be 'teachers' and 'rulers' of the flock
         a. Able to teach - 1Ti 3:2
         b. Able to rule others well - 1Ti 3:4-5; 5:17
         c. Holding fast what they were taught - Tit 1:9
         d. Able to use the word to exhort and convict - Tit 1:9

[The work of bishops (elders, pastors) was to oversee the flock, leading
and guarding the sheep. This helps us to understand why Paul calls it 'a
good work'.  Such a work required qualified men.  The qualifications are
found in two places (1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9)...]

II. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF BISHOPS

   A. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. They describe what an bishop 'must be' - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7
      2. A bishop must be 'a man' - 1Ti 3:1-2; Tit 1:6
         cf. 1 Ti 2:11,12; 1Co 14:34-37
      3. A bishop must be 'blameless'- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:6,7
         a. One against whom no evil charge can be sustained
         b. Free from accusations that can be rightly proven - cf. 1 Ti 5:19-20

   B. FAMILIAL QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. The husband of one wife (i.e., married) - 1Ti 3:1; Tit 1:6
      2. Ruling his own house well - 1Ti 3:4-5
      3. Having faithful children, not accused of dissipation or
         insubordination - Tit 1:6

   C. SPECIFIC POSITIVE QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. Temperate (vigilant) - 1Ti 3:2
      2. Sober-minded (prudent, sensible) - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8
      3. Good behavior (orderly, respectable) - 1Ti 3:2
      4. Hospitable (given to hospitality) - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8
      5. Able to teach, exhort, convict - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:9
      6. Gentle (patient) - 1Ti 3:3
      7. Good testimony from without (well thought of) - 1Ti 3:7
      8. Lover of what is good (of good men, of goodness) - Tit 1:8
      9. Just (upright) - Tit 1:8
     10. Holy (devout) - Tit 1:8
     11. Self-controlled (temperate) - Tit 1:8

   D. SPECIFIC NEGATIVE QUALIFICATIONS...
      1. Not given to wine (not a brawler) - 1Ti 3:3; Tit 1:7
      2. Not violent (no striker, not pugnacious) - 1Ti 3:3; Tit 1:7
      3. Not greedy for money (not fond of sordid gain) - 1Ti 3:3; Ti
         1:7
      4. Not quarrelsome (not contentious) - 1Ti 3:3
      5. Not covetous (no lover of money) - 1Ti 3:3
      6. Not a novice (not a new convert) - 1Ti 3:6
      7. Not self-willed (must not be arrogant) - Tit 1:7
      8. Not quick-tempered (not soon angry) - Tit 1:7

CONCLUSION

1. The list of qualifications can be revealing about the work of
   bishops...
   a. Their work involves teaching, patiently guiding and leading the
      family of God
   b. Their work try one's patience (when there is murmuring,
      discontent, or apathy among brethren)
   c. It can place one in volatile situations (e.g., that faced by the
      apostles, cf. Ac 6:1-2)
   d. It can be tempting for those attracted by money (e.g., Judas, the
      Pharisees)

2. For the flock of God to be well-fed and well-led, it requires men who
   meet both...
   a. The positive qualifications (what a bishop must be)
   b. The negative qualifications (what a bishop must not be)

It is certainly a 'good work' for one to desire (1Ti 3:1).  May the
Lord raise up men to serve His flock in this way; for the need is
certainly great...!

Note:  For a detailed series of outlines on the work and qualifications
of bishops (elders, pastors), please see my series entitled "Shepherds
Of The Flock".

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Jim McGuiggan... Booze and AIDS

Booze and AIDS

Now the booze industry is issuing warning to "binge" drinkers. And on the online news this morning (1/12/04) we heard they were particularly addressing "Jekkyl and Hyde" women that "binge" drink. This is another one of the buzz words. The booze problem is always laid at the feet of someone else—never the booze industry that makes the stuff that "binge" drinkers are made of. You understand that they’re not talking about the girls and fellas who stagger home quietly several times a week over the weekend, drunk but not troublesome. They’re talking about those that stagger home drunk and on the way create problems, beat the blood out of one another in the street, lie in the gutter or smash up things.

The booze people don’t mind how often you get drunk just so long as you don’t bring their reputation as sellers of poison into question. If you do that they call you names, like "binger" or "Jekkyl & Hyde". The most abused drug in the world—alcohol! The first thing the booze hits is your power to discriminate—but the booze-makers hold you responsible for not discriminating. Everybody is to be blamed for the havoc in society in general and in the home in particular—everybody, that is, except the booze industry! I had a man tell me that the problem lay in those who couldn’t and wouldn’t control their booze intake. I had a woman tell me the same thing about cocaine. So the booze people feverishly sell the poison and the government spends multiplied millions of dollars/stirling trying to keep up with the social carnage.


In light of the deaths, maiming, abuse, deprivation, crime, destruction of families and the rest that comes with booze isn’t it almost laughable to hear the ranting and raving about passive smoking here in the UK?

People are being hurt by others smoking? And we can pass laws against smoking because it hurts non-smokers? And say nothing about the millions hurt by booze? Obviously it isn't only booze that takes away our discrimination.

Do you know what keeps this from being humorous? It’s the tragedy that those in power are serious!

And we’ve just heard that the UK is going to put £300 million into fighting sexually transmitted diseases and at the top of their list is HIV-AIDS.


No one anywhere has proved that the (alleged) HIV virus causes any disease of any kind much less the "marker diseases" of what’s called AIDS. (The 
"marker" diseases are old problems that have been around long before AIDS was invented.) People in thousands, who are HIV negative, are contracting these alleged marker diseases and not a word about it. Let one be found to be HIV (antibody—not virus) positive and the drums of doom are beaten again and with the fervor of a tent-preacher they talk of "catastrophe on a global scale". It was Zambia a while back and now WHO and their cohorts have interviewed Botswana bosses to lament the AIDS plague.

Meanwhile people die of malnutrition, lack of sanitation, clean water, devoted medical staff, antibiotics and the like. People drone out the stuff and nonsense they’ve been handed by an upper echelon medical fraternity that knows the case hasn’t been established for the HIV-AIDS theory while precious resources are diverted. War-mongering gangs hold little nations to ransom and Western governments keep talking of "sexually transmitted" AIDS. Do take a look at duesberg.com and the links there.
Spending Time with Jim McGuiggan

From Ben Fronczek... James – Part 1 - Introduction

James  – Part 1 - Introduction

(By Ben Fronczek)


Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live under the same roof as the greatest man who ever lived? Under the same roof as Jesus, the Son of God.

Would it be interesting, or frustrating, humbling, or would it be an amazingly happy household?  What I find interesting is that we actually have two letters in our New Testament Bibles, that were written by two different family members who were raised with Jesus. We have the letter written by Jesus’ step-brothers James and Judas, also known as Jude so that we do not confuse him with Judas Iscariot .
Actually we read that Jesus had four step-brothers and an undisclosed number of step-sisters. 

In Matthew 13:54-56 we read 

54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”    Also Mark 6:1-6

What do you think Jesus’ brothers and sisters though about Jesus when He left home, gained a following, heard rumors about Him teaching, doing miracles, and people claiming that He was the Messiah that was to come.

Yes we know that His mom Mary and stepdad Joseph heard some amazing things from the angel prior to His birth. And then they head the intriguing words old Anna and Simeon when they presented baby Jesus at the Temple, but Jesus’ brothers and sisters probably did not personally see or hear any of that. Yes Mary may have told them that Jesus was very special, but they may have also heard the rumors that Mary and Joseph had to get married because Jesus was well on the way before they got married.

In John 7:5, it comes right and says that, 

“even His brothers did not believe in Him.”

And at one point we read and get the impression that His brothers may have thought Jesus was losing touch with all reality and needed help. 

In Mark 3:20-21 we read, 

20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When His family heard about this, they went to take charge of Him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

I mean what would you think if all of a sudden a family member started saying things like, 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”(John 14:6) Or 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. (John 6:54)  I admit I would have my doubts.

But after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, we see that His brothers and sisters change their opinion about Him. After Jesus gave His final instructions to His disciples and then rose and disappeared behind the clouds we read in Acts 1 starting in verse 12 that…

“12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

Wow, if the events of those past few weeks hadn’t changed His brothers hearts and minds I don’t believe anything would. Now they had proof as to who Jesus really was. They knew that He died on that cross. I’m sure they saw His dead body. They know that He was buried. But then they saw Him alive in the flesh after He rose… He was not some kind of ghost. They probably heard His final words and probably saw Him ascend into heaven.

Yes He was their brother, but Jesus was also the Son of God, and now their Messiah, savior, and Lord.

In the opening verse of their letters listen to how they describe themselves in relation to their brother Jesus. In Jude 1 he wrote, 

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,”  

And the opening verse in James he writes, 

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,”

Both men humbly describe themselves as servants, and not as a brother of the Lord.

Over the up and coming weeks I would like to bring you lessons from James’ epistle.  It is not only earliest or first book or letter penned in the New Testament, the letter is a treasure of very practical lessons on how to live as a genuine Christian. I’m sure after James connected all the dots and realized who Jesus really was, and is, I can’t help but believe that his eyes were opened and he recalled some things that were really important to His brother, Jesus in light of the times.

I believe that’s why this letter is so practical, moving, and loved by so many to this day. James wrote from a unique perspective.

At times it may seem like I am doing more of a Bible study than a sermon. But in many ways both styles are meant to teach, edify, and encourage you to be the best Christian that you can be.

Originally the letter was written to Jewish Christian who were scattered everywhere. At this early date there may not have been very many Gentile Christians yet, and so we see some unique feature in James’ letter.
- Writing to a Jewish audience, James also alluded to over 20 Old Testament books. He also referred to many Old Testament characters including   .
     Abraham, Rahab, Job, and Elijah as well as the Ten Commandments and
     the Law of Moses.

- There are many descriptive figures of speech and analogies, probably more
     than in all of Paul’s epistles.

- There are many references to nature which was a common characteristic of how the Jewish rabbis’ taught in James’ day. It was also how Jesus taught.

- There are also many allusions to Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on theMount.  Yet there are only two references to Jesus  (1:1; 2:1)

The purpose of this potent letter was to encourage those early believers to grow up and mature as a Christian and live a holy life.

This letter deals more with the practice of the Christian faith than with its precepts. James told his readers how to achieve spiritual maturity through a confident stand, compassionate service, careful speech, contrite submission, and concerned sharing.

The chief aim of the Epistle is to strengthen the faith and loyalty of the Jewish Christians in the face of persecution from rich and overbearing Jews who were defrauding and oppressing them.

The Text: Let’s start by looking at James 1:1-4

    “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I cannot help but wonder if James learned this important lesson by observing his big brother Jesus, especially knowing who He really was. From the day He was born in Bethlehem He experience one trial after another. His life was not an easy one. Yet thru the years what did James see in his brother? Strength, conviction, a growing maturity and devotion to God even though the trials became even more difficult and trying as time passed.

So the first thing James talks about is the value of trials to encourage his readers who are obviously suffering for one reason or another. Even though trials are not fun they do not come without merit, and they may be a tool of God to shape people into those who will glorify Him.

What kinds of trials was James talking about? Did he mean troubles such as running out of money, having to stay up all night with a sick child, or trouble at work: everyday troubles? Yes.

The Greek word translated “trial” here means a “proving,” specifically, “the trial of a man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy an faith . . . also to enticement to sin, and temptation.”  Various temptations to depart from the will of God are in view. The context supports this conclusion. Verse 3 restates these trials as “the testing of your faith.”

But if you think about it, a trial is only passing experience! It has been said that, “The trials of our pilgrimage only last ‘for a season.. Times of heaviness do visit us but they do not come to stay.”

Trials open our eyes to some truths about our self. They can even polish and bring out the best in us.  As the patriarch Job once said as he was speaking to his friends, 

“But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10).

Sometimes there is a need for trials to get us to open our eyes, or grow.

Enduring trials makes you what you are. I hear people say that they hope their children don’t have to experience the hardships they went through. I don’t agree with that statement. Those hardships made you what you are.
Every trial that finds its way into our life came with intentional purpose.


A young Christian was attempting to get into the peach growing business. He had worked hard and invested everything he had in a peach orchard which had blossomed beautifully, but then came a frost, and it destroyed his entire crop. He did not go to church the next Sunday nor the next. So his preacher went to see him to find out why. The young fellow said, “I’m not coming to church any more. Do you think I can worship a God who cares so little for me that He would let a frost kill all of my peaches?”

The preacher looked at him for a few moments in silence, and then said so kindly, “Son, God loves you better than He loves your peaches. You see God understands that while peaches can grow without frost, men cannot grow without trials. God is not in the business of growing peaches. He’s in the business of growing Christians.”

It takes a trial to test our faith and then hopefully help it to grow and mature. Trials / test are the very soil in which we grow!

Most of those who make up our little church have experienced some difficult trials in their life, probably more than most, but less than some.

But I have to say that those trials have helped them become some of the most loving, sensitive, generous people I know. When others hurt, they can empathize with them, and I see how they rush to their side to help them.

That’s what coming thru personal trails can do for us; they tenderize our heart and soul. They help us become better people. They have helped you become a very humble, loving group of people

They have also motivated other to change their circumstances, modify their life and behavior, and even invent ways to improve the quality of life. So don’t take a negative view of those hard times, they may be preparing you for the next great step in life.

Conclusion:
A preacher was delivering a sermon before a large congregation. He pointed out that believers aren’t exempt from trouble. In fact, some Christians are surrounded by trouble — trouble to the right, trouble to the left, trouble in front, and trouble behind. At this, a man who had served the Lord for many years, shouted,“Glory to God, it’s always open at the top!”


To improve your outlook in trials, try the looking up.

I believe that’s what James saw His big Brother Jesus doing more and more often as the day grew more difficult…. He kept looking up!

May we always be looking to the Lord as we journey through this life with its trials and test.

For more lessons click on the following link:http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566