From Gary... chicken

We had chickens on the farm, but I do not recall ever seeing one like this!!!  But then, why not? Taken at face value then, there are black chickens.  As soon as I put these into the post, I thought of racism and how over the past half decade, the confrontation between black and white people in this country has become almost an obsession, but mostly a tool in the hands of black racists to denigrate whites. Can anyone of sound reasoning and observation NOT think that those who occupy the WHITE HOUSE ARE RACIST?  However, all this nonsense will come to an end within the next 50 years, as the Latino portion of population gradually becomes the majority in the United States. Looking beyond this, in the following 50 years or so, I predict an ease to racial tensions as the intermarriage of the various races produces a generic slightly darker than white race.  Beyond these things, I ask the question: Does race really matter at all?

The Bible provides the answer...

Galatians, Chapter 3 (WEB)

19  What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.  20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.  21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.  22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

No, race doesn't matter. If you are a Christian, race is really unimportant. We are to love our spiritual brethren. And they exist in every single race on this planet. America, get over being preoccupied with racial division. Instead, turn to Jesus and his word for answers!!! Or, are you to "chicken" to face spiritual truth!!!  

The Benevolent, "Leavening" Influence of Christianity by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=248

The Benevolent, "Leavening" Influence of Christianity

by	Wayne Jackson, M.A.

In one of his delightfully instructive parables, Jesus set forth the following concept regarding his approaching reign:

The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened (Matthew 13:33).

It is agreed among Bible expositors that the “leaven” of this parable signifies the pervasive and benevolent influence of the kingdom of Christ, as this leaven would make its presence felt from the first century onward. In his classic work on the parables, Trench noted that Christianity, “[w]orking from the centre to the circumference, by degrees...made itself felt, till at length the whole Roman world was, more or less, leavened by it” (1877, p. 121). In his important treatise on the parables, Taylor affirmed that the leaven represents “the good, wholesome, aggressive influence which Christ introduced into the world when he came to earth, and lived and died, and rose again, as the Savior of sinners” (1928, p. 60).

There is, perhaps, no more graphic portrait of the vileness of the Mediterranean world than that which is painted by Paul in the opening chapter of his epistle to the Romans. It is dismal indeed. William Barclay observed:

When we read Romans 1:26-32 it might seem that this passage is the work of some almost hysterical moralist who was exaggerating the contemporary situation and painting it in colours of rhetorical hyperbole. It describes a situation of degeneracy of morals almost without parallel in human history. But there is nothing that Paul said that the Greek and Roman writers of the age did not themselves say (1957, p. 23).

The Scottish scholar then proceeded to document his depiction with ample citations from ancient historians who commented upon this period of depraved history. It was into this hostile environment that the religion of Jesus was inaugurated, gradually but surely changing—much for the better—the moral climate of that world. If one is inclined to think that this appraisal is biased, perhaps we may appeal to the testimony of a writer who never could be accused of entertaining sympathy for Christianity.

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), an agnostic, has been characterized as the most influential philosopher of the twentieth century. In 1950, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. He was a militant opponent of the religion of Jesus Christ, even producing a popular essay titled, “Why I am not a Christian.” I mention this to argue that whatever testimony we elicit from him certainly will not arise from a heart that is disposed toward the Teacher from Nazareth. Be that as it may, Russell, oddly enough, became an unwitting witness to the truth of the “leavening” activity of the Christian system in the Roman world.

First, the philosopher commented concerning the barbarous practice of infanticide (i.e., the destruction of newborn infants)—a practice so common in the Roman world.

Infanticide, which might seem contrary to human nature, was almost universal before the rise of Christianity, and is recommended by Plato to prevent over-population (1950, p. 92; emp. added).

Second, Russell gave a nodding tribute to the influence of Christianity relative to the status of women in the Roman world.

In antiquity, when male supremacy was unquestioned and Christian ethics were still unknown, women were harmless but rather silly, and a man who took them seriously was somewhat despised (p. 101; emp. added).

Third, there is this comment regarding Christian benevolence in general.

Christianity, as soon as it conquered the state, put an end to gladiatorial shows, not because they were cruel, but because they were idolatrous. The result, however, was to diminish the widespread education in cruelty by which the populace of Roman towns were degraded. Christianity also did much to soften the lot of slaves. It established charity on a large scale, and inaugurated hospitals (p. 137; emp. added).

Our world may be thankful indeed for the lingering influence of Jesus’ life and teaching upon this Earth.

REFERENCES

Barclay, William (1957), The Letter to the Romans (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster).

Russell, Bertrand (1950), Unpopular Essays (New York: Simon & Schuster).

Taylor, William (1928), The Parables of Our Savior (New York: Doubleday).

Trench, R.C. (1877), Notes on the Parables (London: Macmillan).

From Mark Copeland... "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Factionalism

                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                              Factionalism

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
   a. Denominationalism
   b. Sectarianism

2. Both of these challenges have often by exacerbated by 

   factionalism...
   a. Leading to the rise of new denominations (38,000 and rising!)
   b. Contributing to many sectarian views of the church

[What is factionalism?  How is it often manifested?  How can it be avoided?  Let’s begin with...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF FACTION AND FACTIONALISM

   A. FACTION...
      1. A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious
         minority within a larger group
      2. Conflict within an organization or nation; internal dissension
      -- American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

   B. FACTIONALISM...
      1. The splitting of a group into factions - Wiktionary
      2. Factional: self-interested; partisan - Dictionary.com

   C. IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. The word translated "factions" is hairesis - cf. 1Co 11:19
         a. A division of people into different and opposing sets
            - ‘division, separate group.’ ‘for it is necessary that
            divisions exist among you’ or ‘the existence of divisions
            among you is inevitable’ 1Co 11:19 - Louw-Nida
         b. This Greek word is also translated as "heresies" - 2Pe 2:1
         c. Which is included among the works of the flesh - Ga 5:20
         d. Together with "dissensions" (dichostasia) - those who cause
            divisions - cf. Ro 16:17
      2. A derivative is hairetikon - cf. Tit 3:10
         a. Pertaining to causing divisions - ‘divisive, one who causes
            divisions.’ - Louw-Nida
         b. A divisive (factious) man is to be warned and then rejected
            if he does not repent!

[I would define factionalism as the tendency to split into factions,
prompted by a contentious, partisan spirit or disposition.  Let’s now consider some...]

II. MANIFESTATIONS OF FACTIONALISM

   A. WITHIN CHURCHES...
      1. The problem at Corinth - 1Co 1:10-12
         a. Symptomatic of spiritual immaturity and carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
         b. Manifested also in their observance of the Lord’s Supper
            - 1Co 11:17-20
      2. The problem today often exists due to:
         a. Generational, racial, cultural, or doctrinal issues
         b. The development of cliques, and then the formation of factions

   B. AMONG CHURCHES...
      1. The issue of circumcision in the early church - Ac 15:1-2
         a. Led by a faction from the church at Jerusalem
         b. Creating problems with churches in Syria and Galatia - Ga 2:11-13; 6:12
      2. Intra-church factions today often occur
         a. Where congregations often align themselves into a faction
         b. Usually the first step into sectarianism and denominationalism

   C. INFLUENCES OF FACTIONALISM...
      1. Undue allegiance - cf. 1Co 1:12
         a. To notable persons like a preacher, writer, editor
         b. To an institution such as a college, missionary or benevolent society
         c. To brotherhood magazines, lectureships, websites
      2. Compounded by the same spirit found at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:1-4
         a. Spiritual immaturity - 1Co 3:1
         b. Carnality - 1Co 3:2-4

[Factionalism needs to be taken seriously.  Here are some thoughts For...]

III. AVOIDING FACTIONALISM

   A. REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY...
      1. Jesus prayed for unity, He died to create unity - Jn 17:20-21; Ep 2:14-17
      2. Paul condemned division, it is a work of the flesh - 1Co 1:10-13; Ga 5:20

   B. DEVELOP SPIRITUAL MATURITY...
      1. Remember, division is often the result of carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
      2. We need the mind of Christ:  lowliness of mind and concern for others - Php 2:1-5
      3. We need to learn gentleness, longsuffering, forbearance, love, diligence - Ep 4:1-3

   C. CONTEND WITHOUT CONTENTIOUSNESS...
      1. Contending for the faith is essential - Jude 3; Php 1:27
      2. But we can contend without contentiousness, disagree without being disagreeable
      3. By displaying the gentleness and meekness of Christ, which
         together with truth are "weapons mighty in God" - 2Co 10:1-6

   D. AVOID A PARTISAN SPIRIT ...
      1. That is, being quick to align oneself with a party, faction, group
      2. Instead, strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ep 4:3-6
      3. Working toward unity if at all possible
      4. Being a part of the solution, not the problem

CONCLUSION

1. Factionalism is a terrible, destructive, work of the flesh - Ga 5:20; Tit 3:10
   a. Like denominationalism, it hinders unity
   b. Like sectarianism, it fosters division

2. Unity among brethren is a beautiful thing - Ps 133:1; Jn 17:21
   a. It is good and pleasant
   b. It helps the world to believe in Jesus

   Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one
   another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

   not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the
   contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you
   may inherit a blessing.

   For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain
   his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him
   turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

   For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are
   open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those
   who do evil."
                                                       - 1Pe 3:8-12

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Rejoice in your blessings!!!

I laughed when I saw this today. Why? Because it reminded me of my dogs and treat-time.  What started out with one dog, has now become a pack of four. And treat-time has changed as well.  The pack is more aggressive, with Hercules (AKA chicken) being the most zealous.  Yet, they still will sit for their treats and often the way they act causes me to laugh. To me, this is nothing less than a blessing from God...

Genesis, Chapter 21 (WEB)

5 Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him.  6 Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me.”  7 She said, “Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” 

Look, see God's blessings in your life- BE HAPPY!!!  And to be on the safe side- BUY PLENTY OF DOG TREATS!!!!

The Case of the Empty Tomb by Kyle Butt, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=896

The Case of the Empty Tomb

by	Kyle Butt, M.A.

Around the year A.D. 165, Justin Martyr penned his Dialogue with Trypho. At the beginning of chapter 108 of this work, he recorded a letter that the Jewish community had been circulating regarding the empty tomb of Christ:

[A] godless and lawless heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilaean deceiver, whom we crucified, but his disciples stole him by night from the tomb, where he was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that he has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven.

In approximately the sixth century, another caustic treatise written to defame Christ circulated among the Jewish community. In this narrative, known as Toledoth Yeshu, Jesus is described as the illegitimate son of a soldier named Joseph Pandera. He further is labeled as a disrespectful deceiver who led many away from the truth. Near the end of the treatise, under a discussion of His death, the following paragraph can be found:

Diligent search was made and he [Jesus—KB] was not found in the grave where he had been buried. A gardener had taken him from the grave and had brought him into his garden and buried him in the sand over which the waters flowed into the garden.

Upon reading Justin Martyr’s description of one Jewish theory regarding the tomb of Christ, and another theory from Toledoth Yeshu, it becomes clear that one common thread unites them both—the tomb of Christ had no body in it!

All parties involved recognized the fact that Christ’s tomb laid empty on the third day. Feeling compelled to give reasons for this unexpected vacancy, the Jewish authorities apparently concocted several different theories to explain the body’s disappearance. The most commonly accepted one seems to be that the disciples of Jesus stole His body away by night while the guards slept (Matthew 28:13). Yet, how could the soldiers identify any thieves while they slept? And why were the sentinels not punished by death for sleeping on the job and thereby losing their charge (cf. Acts 12:6.19)? And an even more pressing question comes to the mind—why did the soldiers need to explain anything if a body was still in the tomb?

When Peter stood up to preach on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, the crux of his sermon rested on the fact(s) that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. In order to silence Peter, and stop a mass conversion, the Jewish leaders needed simply to produce the body of Christ. Why did not the Jewish leaders take the short walk to the garden and produce the body? Simply because they could not! The tomb was empty. The Jews knew it and tried to explain it away, the apostles knew it and preached it boldly in the city of Jerusalem, and thousands of the inhabitants of Jerusalem knew it and converted to Christianity. John Warwick Montgomery accurately assessed the matter when he wrote: “It passes the bounds of credibility that the early Christians could have manufactured such a tale and then preached it among those who might easily have refuted it simply by producing the body of Jesus” (1964, p. 78). The tomb of Jesus was empty, and that is a fact.

REFERENCES

Montgomery, John Warwick (1964), History and Christianity (Downers Grover, IL: InterVarsity Press).

From Mark Copeland... "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Sectarianism

                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                              Sectarianism

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we examined the challenge of
   denominationalism...
   a. Which involves the organization of local churches under 

      various hierarchies
   b. Each denomination with its unique names, presenting a divided
      picture of church
   c. Contrary to the prayer of Jesus and the doctrine of Paul

      - Jn 17:20-23; 1Co 1:10-13

2. A similar challenge confronting the church is what I describe as sectarianism...
   a. Though I use the term in a rather unique and limited sense
   b. But as a problem I have seen arise even in opposition to denominationalism
   c. Leading to a perspective of the church that is akin to a
      denominational mindset

[What do I mean by sectarianism?  Let’s begin by considering some
dictionary definitions...]

I. DEFINING SECT AND SECTARIANISM

   A. WHAT IS A SECT....?
      1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group
         by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice
      2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a
         larger denomination
      3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs
      -- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

   B. WHAT IS SECTARIANISM...?
      1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
      2. Limited in character or scope: parochial
      -- Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary

   C. OBSERVATIONS...
      1. Sect and sectarianism are often used as synonyms for
         denomination and denominationalism
      2. In this study, I am limiting my use of the terms to these definitions:
         a. Sect:  a faction united by common interests or beliefs
         b. Sectarianism:  Limited in character or scope: parochial
      3. I am making what may be an arbitrary, but hopefully useful,distinction
         a. Denominationalism:  a mindset that sees nothing wrong with
            dividing up the body of Christ into various denominations
         b. Sectarianism:  a mindset that views the body of Christ as
            limited to a select group of churches identified by a
            particular and somewhat arbitrary set of doctrinal practices

[Using these two terms as such, perhaps I can clarify the distinction
further by reviewing two erroneous views of the church of Christ...]

II. MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE CHURCH

   A. THE DENOMINATIONAL MISCONCEPTION...
      1. The Church of Christ is made up of those churches with the name
         "Church of Christ"
      2. The "Church of Christ" (as such) is but one denomination among many
      3. Together with other denominations, they constitute the
         universal church, the Body of Christ
      4. Those who hold this view include:
         a. Those in other denominations, because of their
            denominational mindset in which they view their own church
            (denomination) as but a part of the Body of Christ
         b. Sadly, many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, who are
            increasingly accepting a denominational view of the church

   B. THE SECTARIAN MISCONCEPTION...
      1. The Church of Christ is made up only of those churches with the
         name "Church of Christ"
      2. Those churches (as such) constitute the one, true church, the
         Body of Christ
      3. People in any other congregations cannot possibly be members of
         the Body of Christ
      4. Those who hold this view include:
         a. Many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, especially those
            who view "Church of Christ" as the official and exclusive
            name for the Lord’s church
         b. Many in "non-mainstream" churches of Christ, including those
            tending to identify themselves on the basis of one
            particular issue

[With this peculiar distinction between denominationalism and
sectarianism hopefully made clear, let me suggest two...]

III. EXAMPLES OF SECTARIANISM

   A. INSISTING ON ONE EXCLUSIVE NAME...
      1. The Scriptures use a variety of terms describing the Lord’s
         church - e.g., Ro 16:16; 1Co 1:2
      2. But some insist there is only one scriptural name (e.g., Church of Christ)
      3. This limits one’s view of the church universal to only those
         churches with the "right name"
      4. When there could be other New Testament churches scriptural in
         every way, but who choose to use a scriptural designation other
         than "Church of Christ"

   B. IDENTIFYING FAITHFULNESS BY ONE PARTICULAR DOCTRINE...
      1. Churches are often judged by their stand on particular issues
         a. E.g., the issue of institutionalism
         b. E.g., the issue of divorce and remarriage
      2. This can lead to rather arbitrary standards of faithfulness
         a. For example, a church is deemed faithful if it is "non-institutional"
         b. While in fact it may engage in other unscriptural practices
            or be lacking in critical Christian attitudes (e.g., love)
      3. I often hear people asking:  "Can anyone recommend a NI Church of Christ?"
         a. Is this not reflecting a sectarian mindset, "limited in
            character or scope"?
         b. Why not ask for "...a Baptist Church of Christ?" or "...an
            Episcopal Church of Christ?"
      4. Is this not dangerously close to a denominational mindset?
         a. Inadvertently creating a new denomination?
         b. Perhaps leading to "The NI Church of Christ"?

[This is not to lessen the seriousness of erroneous doctrines and
practices, for Jesus clearly warned of the danger of false doctrine
among churches (Re 2-3).  But how can we avoid the sectarian mindset
that can easily lead to denominationalism...?]

IV. AVOIDING SECTARIANISM

   A. WITH A PROPER VIEW OF THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL...
      1. Remember what we covered in our first lesson on the universal church:
         a. Began on the day of Pentecost, composed of all Christians
         b. The Lord adds those who are being saved, He determines membership
         c. There is just one spiritual body, there is no earthly organization
      2. Thus the church universal is not composed solely of a select
         group of churches:
         a. Wearing one official name
         b. Defined by one particular issue
         c. Listed in a specialized directory of churches

   B. WITH A CAREFUL EVALUATION OF LOCAL CHURCHES...
      1. The faithfulness of local churches are determined ultimately by the Lord
         a. Jesus knows and judges His congregations - e.g., Re 2:2-3
         b. Congregations with false teachers might be tolerated for a time - Re 2:4-6
      2. Any evaluation we make is subject to our limited knowledge
         a. Certainly we should do our best to be faithful, and find
            faithful, churches
         b. But we must be careful in our judgment of other churches
            - cf. Jm 4:11-12
      3. Careful not to discount the possibility of other faithful
         churches unknown to us
         a. Scriptural in every way, but perhaps using a different
            scriptural name
         b. Though not listed in "our" directory of churches, or known
            by our association

CONCLUSION

1. Denominationalism and sectarianism can be distinguished by their
   views of the church...
   a. Denominationalism’s view of the church too broad
   b. Sectarianism’s view of the church is too narrow

2. Yet sectarianism often leads to denominationalism...
   b. By inadvertent use of denominational language ("NI Church of Christ")
   a. By a backlash to improper narrow-mindedness typical of sectarianism

My prayer is that we might avoid both denominationalism and sectarianism
with a proper view and understanding of the Lord’s church universal and
His churches local, while serving the Lord simply as Christians in
congregations faithful to His Word...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... "knowledge"

Knowledge is a transitory, inexact thing; it fluctuates in depth, meaning and relevancy over time and can distort truth.  Wisdom clarifies knowledge. It gives depth and meaning and purpose to understanding.  To truly comprehend life, first look within, then above for guidance. Ultimately, truth, wisdom, knowledge and insight is found from only one source...

1 Corinthians, Chapter 1 (WEB)

 20  Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.  22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,  23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,  24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;  27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;  28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:  29 that no flesh should boast before God.  30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:  31 that, according as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”

Think you are smart; there is always someone smarter!!!  Think you "know" something- think again!!! The depth of knowledge is not limited to a comprehension of something, it develops by a personal interaction of feelings and physical interplay.  Heady stuff!!! Simply put, know what you can know, to the depth you are capable of and THEN boast- not about yourself, but about God who gave you life in the first place.