Don't Forget To Pray

With a few keystrokes, a message can be instantly sent anywhere in the world by way of the worldwide net. Telephone calls can be made to places thousands of miles away, oftentimes with the same kind of reception you would expect from a local call.
But as great as the preceding examples of modern communication, the marvel of prayer should continue to fascinate us. Anywhere in the world, without the aid of any special equipment, and at anytime of the day or night, we can pour out our hearts to our Father in Heaven. As we talk with our heavenly Father, we can express thanksgiving, ask for guidance, praise Him, ask for others to bless, and request and receive forgiveness of sins.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Living In The Real World

Some Thoughts From Psalm 37

Sometimes we may wish for a life with less stress, and more joy. Or from deep down within us, when the pressures of life are weighing heavily upon us, we may cry to the Lord, “Why?” Indeed, living in the real world can be a challenge at times. But no matter how difficult the burdens that come our way, God’s care and concern for us remains unchanged. When God’s people walk in His way, they are assured of victory in the real world.

Living in the real world demands that we place our total trust in the Lord. Notice the exhortation of verse 5, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." In describing the foundation of the person whose trust is in the Lord, David said, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way” (vs. 23). In His infinite wisdom, the Lord provides us with a way in which we can place our confidence. The Psalmist goes on to say, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (vs. 24). Resisting the temptation to make our way through life by ourselves, actually gives power to our lives. As we are assured in verses 39, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, He is their strength in the time of trouble.”

While we will never be able to control other people or the circumstances we encounter, the Lord provides us with an anchor to help us endure the storms of life. The assurance of the Lord’s help to those who are His can never be doubted. As David declared, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (vs. 25). Indeed, those who trust in the Lord always have an advantage when facing challenges. As the Psalmist said of the righteous, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (vs. 31).

Trying to ignore the difficulties is not the answer for living in the real world. But instead of allowing ourselves to be overcome by these things, we need to steadfastly look to the Lord. By placing our trust in Him, we are promised a victorious life.

What Can I Learn From This Section Of The Bible?

Perhaps you have had the experience of studying a section of the Bible, and wondering how it can benefit your life. To be sure, it is not because you doubt that it is inspired of God, but it just seems tedious to read and there seems to be no relation to our lives. Consider the first five chapters of the Old Testament book of Leviticus. The main subjects in this section of Scripture include the laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings that God gave to Moses for Israel. For example, God told Moses, “If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish” (Leviticus 1:3) Also, God told Moses concerning the peace offerings, “And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about” (Leviticus 3:2). Though the laws set forth here do not apply to us in the Christian age, there are some principles here we can glean that will profit us:

1. God Always Desires And Deserves Our Best. Notice again what God told Moses concerning offering a burnt sacrifice of the herd. He emphasized that it was to be a male without blemish. “Without blemish” means that it was to be from the best of the herd. Indeed, if one chose to offer a male with blemish, God would not accept it. Consider our service to God. What does God desire and deserve? Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). When reading from the book of Leviticus, let’s remember that we are to give God today our best. May our service and devotion to Him always be “without blemish.”

2. God Has Always Had A Pattern For Mankind. It is impressive to observe that God did not tell Moses that the people were to make certain sacrifices, but then fail to give appropriate instructions. For example, as seen in Leviticus 1:3, the burnt offering was to be a male without blemish. That was specific. A female without blemish or a male with blemish would not be acceptable, regardless of the attitude or intention of the person making the offering. When reading instructions like these from the book of Leviticus, we need to be impressed with how that our God has always been a God of pattern. Indeed, in the New Testament we find specific instructions for the way in which we are to live and worship. To violate God’s pattern in these matters, regardless of the intention or motive, is to ignore God’s will. As the apostle Paul stated to Christians, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

Ten Practical Suggestions To Help Us To Be More Soul Conscious

1. Remember that every person has an eternal soul.
2. Daily reflect on the beauties and glories that await the faithful of
God in heaven, and the horrors of hell that wait all people who do
not obey the gospel.
3. Pray daily for at least three people who have not obeyed gospel
Also, pray that you will be able to help them to learn and obey the
gospel of Christ.
4. Remember there are some people who may only become a New
Testament Christian, if you try to reach them with the gospel.
5. Be a true friend to people who are not New Testament Christians.
6. Seek opportunities to speak to others concerning spiritual matters.
7. Take advantage of opportunities to invite people to attend the
services of the church. While not everyone you invite will attend,
it is true that the more people you invite, the more who will accept
your invitation.
8. Remind yourself that some people will never have an interest in
spiritual matters. Therefore see your responsibility to influence
people who are open-minded to the Truth.
9. Never lose sight of the fact that for each person the length of their time on earth is uncertain.
10. See yourself as God’s instrument to help people who are lost. Willingly yield yourself in the Lord’s service.

Some Thoughts To Ponder About Change

We live in a changing world. A recent conversation with my daughter Hannah (she’s eleven years old) reminded me of this reality. She was shocked to learn that computers and cell phones are relatively recent fixtures in our daily lives. She thought it was absolutely funny that stamps at one time only cost eight cents (I remember this in the late 60’s) and gas was 32 cents per gallon.
But we need to also be reminded that some things do not change. Despite living in a changing world, the Bible is still God’s pattern and authority for our daily lives and service to God. The Lord’s church will never become a denomination or be a part of a denomination. Also, the saved are still added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47), and this will be God’s way until the end of time.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Is One Church Reasonable?

The month of September means the beginning of the college football season. We cheer our favorite teams, and anticipate winning seasons. Each college and university participating in intercollegiate football will have one varsity team. Only one group of players is authorized to wear the official uniform of the team and participate. In fact, penalties would be exacted if another group of players or even if a couple of players not listed on the official roster were to be dressed out for the game.
Is it narrow minded that each college or university has only one varsity team? After all, there are always young men on campus who played high school football players, and perhaps were star players. There are also young men enrolled as students who dreamed even in their youth of playing college football. Maybe there is an undiscovered football talent, who with some training could be a star player. If such a young man came to the dressing room on Saturday desiring to be given a uniform, he would be denied a uniform.
Simply put, each college and university has only one official varsity team. No one would seriously consider that close-minded or arrogant. It is accepted because of the rules of the governing athletic authorities.
The idea that the Lord has only one church is in the minds of many people very arrogant and narrow minded. As Jesus said in response to Peter’s confession that He was the Christ, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The apostle Paul emphasizes that the church is the body over which Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22,23), and he also stresses, “There is one body” (Ephesians 4:4). It is certainly significant that Acts 2:47 records, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” This is the church referred to as being “According to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11).
As set forth in the New Testament, the church is a unique and distinctive body. To accept as authentic other religious groups which are styled as “churches” is to accept that which does not have the Lord’s authority. The one church is a part of God’s plan for saving mankind. As the apostle Paul exclaimed in praise to God, “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:21).

A Good Chain Reaction

Driving in the rain can be dangerous. On Thursday morning of this past week there was a chain reaction kind of wreck in front of an area school involving approximately four vehicles. From my perspective, I probably missed being in the middle of it by just a couple of moments.

I wonder what caused this chain reaction wreck to occur? Was someone inattentive to his or her responsibility of safely driving? Had someone woke up “on the wrong side of the bed?” Or perhaps the cause was entirely due to the weather conditions of the moment.

The scene I saw on this rainy morning was a vivid reminder that our actions often impact the lives of others. The church is always benefited when there is always an increase of enthusiasm and dedication. Will you help to start this kind of “chain reaction”?

“Not lagging in spirit, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

"I Was Raised Church Of Christ"

Recently a woman related to me, “I was raised church of Christ.” But she quickly told me that she is now a member of a denominational group. I do not know if she ever obeyed the gospel, or the extent of her family’s involvement in the church.
During the past several days or so I have thought a great deal about this woman’s comment. Many of these thoughts relate to our young people. Here are some of these thoughts:
· Are we doing all we can to ground them in the truth of God’s Word? Do they understand the beauty and nature of pure New Testament Christianity as it relates to such issues as the exclusive nature of the Lord’s church, the New Testament pattern of acceptable worship, and the absolute nature of Truth?
· Are our young people learning that Christianity is more than a part of one’s life, but it is that which is to have a real impact in every area of their life?
· As adults, are we setting before them the right kind of example of New Testament Christianity? Do they vividly see Christian love and compassion in action? Are they daily observing from our lives the importance of real faith and trust in the Lord?
· Will any of our young people in years to come leave the Lord’s church for denominationalism, and make this comment I recently heard, “I was raised in the church of Christ?”
I remain convinced that the best natural resource we have in the Lord’s church today is our young people. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and attitudes can be inspiring. Their potential is probably greater than we often realize. Indeed, we owe them our very best efforts in teaching them the Lord’s will and way.

The Wonder Of Worship

Only mankind is given by God the privilege of worshipping Him. From the depths of our being we can express the longings of our hearts in praise and adoration to Him in whose image we have been created. Worship is an opportunity for us to magnify the Lord.
The priority we give to worship goes deeper than our attendance to worship services. It extends to the focus and concentration that characterizes our worship. A danger we must guard against is allowing ourselves to worship using a kind of “auto-pilot” approach. For example, when it’s time to sing, we sing. When someone begins to lead prayer, we may bow our heads and close our eyes. But our hearts may not be wholly involved.
Please notice the following the following texts from the Psalms that emphasize the wonder of worship:
“Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (29:2). Here we are reminded that the focus of worship is not about what I can gain. But rather worship is to involve giving glory to the Lord. Individually, our worship is an offering unto the Lord. Proper worship will be a reflection of the nature of God.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (95:6). Our worship is an acknowledgement of our need for the Lord. Therefore our worship needs to be an expression of our humility before the Lord.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (100:4). Worship provides us with an opportunity to express thanksgiving to the Lord from the depths of our being. Without the Lord, we would have and be nothing. Truly, we are thankful to the Lord for salvation, His Word, and the continual blessings we receive from Him.

“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (122:1). A keen sense of anticipation should characterize our worship. To be sure, we should never approach worship with a sense of drudgery. Worship is a precious privilege extended to us by our heavenly Father to express our love to the Lord, and to draw closer unto Him.