41 Sermon Illustrations on Christian Living

Henry Drummond, that great Scottish professor, told how the Infidel Club was started in Glasgow. Some men were standing at the corner of a street when a very prosperous looking man went past. One of the men said, "That is the founder of the Infidel Club in Glasgow." "What do you mean by that?" said another of the men. "Why, that man is an elder of the church." "Elder or no elder," replied the man, "he is the founder of Glasgow's Infidel Club." Then he told how the man's inconsistent life had been bearing for years a false witness to Christ. So false, in fact, that it had undermined the faith of several young men who joined together to form the Infidel Club.

A proud Indian nabob, going along the streets one day, was attracted by the sounds proceeding from a mission-school, and he drew near to listen. The boys were reading the fifth chapter of Matthew. The eyes of the prince flashed with unwonted fire; and, when they had finished their lesson, he exclaimed, "Well, if you only live that chapter as well as you read it, I will never say another word against Christianity."

I've taught the Book of Revelation many times in my decades of ministry,

but never as realistically as the last time around.

We were in the famous "thousand year" verses in chapter 20.

About 9 o'clock that Tuesday might, I was reading to my adult students the

account of Satan's rampage when he and his cohorts are unchained at the end of

the thousand years.

"They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's

people, the city he loves." John wrote, "But fire came down from heaven and

devoured them."

Just as I intoned the Scripture about heavenly fire, the smell of; burning

wood wafted down from the air conditioner grates above our heads.

"Does anybody else smell what I smell?" I asked. They did. A quick check

verified that none of the neighbor's house was ablaze. (Why, I wonder, do we

always look at the other fellow's house first?)

By now the smoke smell was stronger, so we put Revelation on hold and got

serious about seeking its source. A quick peek into the church attic, let us

know we were close. It was filled with acrid smoke.

Three minutes later our church building was invaded by a small army of

firemen in protective yellow coats with oxygen bottles strapped to their

backs. Thus the study of Revelation ended that night. Memorably.

I don't suppose I need to confess that not even with my most grandiose

efforts could I have arranged for the bird's nest in that light fixture to

ignite on cue to provide special effects for a Bible lesson on fire and

brimstone.

But I can't keep from wondering about us church folk, when the scent of a

charred two-by-four galvanizes us to urgent action while the promise of

eternal flames evokes hardly a yawn these days.

#4101

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My Source:

NORTH MARSHALL MESSENGER

Vol 3, #1, November 1, 1998

… … … … … …

Author: David Lemmons

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PHILIPPIANS 4:8–EPA for the HEART

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the federal government. It was established in 1970 to protect the nation’ s environment from pollution. When the agency was created, it brought under its management the work previously done by 15 federal programs dealing with pollution. The idea behind this agency, of course, is to protect the environment in which we live from pollutants. Whether or not you think that many have carried this good idea to an extreme, its basic purpose seems quite good and praiseworthy. There have been some outstanding accomplishments in the improvement of the quality of water and air in our land. It is amazing what a little bit of attention to fighting pollution can accomplish.

We can thank God that in His great wisdom and in through the work of the Holy Spirit, there has been provided something similar to the EPA, only with regard to the mind of the Christian. In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul writes: Philippians 4:8–”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Can we not and should we not allow this verse to GUIDE us toward unpolluted living?

Whenever we find ourselves in some situation or environment that causes our minds to dwell on some matter which contradicts things that are: TRUE; HONEST; JUST; PURE; LOVELY; OF GOOD REPORT; VIRTUOUS; and PRAISE-WORTHY, then we would be wise immediately to remove ourselves from that environment or situation to avoid pollution. It could be VITAL to our souls.

Perhaps it might be some PLACE that we have allowed ourselves to visit. Such places as where worldly and lustful activities are being pursued: a gambling casino; a dance hall; a movie theater; a dark “parking place,” etc. If we are concerned to have an unpolluted mind, we will do whatever has to be done to remove ourselves from that PLACE.

Perhaps it might be simply WORDS that we allow to enter our minds. Words from such things as: CD’s; TV; movies; magazines; the mouths of “friends,” religious error, etc. Using Philippians 4:8 as an EPA for the heart, we will recognize that allowing these words into our hearts pollutes our hearts. We will be repulsed by the prospect and will determine not to allow these pollutions to do their damage. And, by the way, there is such a thing as a “rating system” for Hollywood’s product. I have never understood how it is possible for Christians to think that there is some age we reach at which it becomes OK to take pollution into our hearts. We need to use as our rating standard, Matthew 18:3. In doing so, we will greatly limit our list of available movies.

Brethren, these matters that pollute our minds need to be a matter of much greater alarm and concern than the things which the governmental agency, EPA, watches after. I would like to urge that each one of us study carefully and apply diligently the EPA of the heart made available to each of us in Philippians 4:8. How much more influence we will have for good whenever we do. The consequences of our actions in this matter are ETERNAL in nature!

Know this, Christ is not to be put on like a hat but rather as a parka.

Application: A hat may be removed as a courtesy to people we meet; but the cold of this world demands Christ be worn in the same way an Eskimo wears his parka, "all the time."

Daily spiritual living is different than man’s work or man’s war or man’s recreation. We put on uniforms to work, to play, and to go to war … but when the war, the work, or the play is through we lay aside that clothing and go back to our usual apparel.

This is spiritual warfare, the work of the Lord, and it is not a game. We are to take up the whole armor of God, and never take it off.

Just as the word for atonement means "covering," we’re to see the atoning One as our "covering." Because of our fallen condition, we must be covered!

Source/Attribution: John Gillmartin

99-0827, EGHhelps

From: "Darrell Broking"

COWS AND CHRISTIANS

A city dweller moved to a farm and bought a cow. Shortly after he did, the cow

went dry. When he reported this fact to a neighbor farmer, the farmer expressed

surprise. The city man said he was surprised too. "I can't understand it either, for

if ever a person was considerate of an animal, I was of that cow. If I didn't need

any milk, I didn't milk her. If I only needed a quart, I only took a quart." The farmer

tried to explain that the only way to keep milk flowing is not to take as little as

possible from the cow, but to take as much as possible.

Is that not in a sense also true of the Christian life? Christians like cows must

keep giving to keep the flow of Christianity alive. God’s people are a people who

give of their time, money, resources and abilities. Those who only turn to God in

need miss the real joy that flows from a daily life of commitment to Christ and his

word. Friends, this commitment is also to his church. Those who turn their backs

on the church turn their backs on Christ. Many in religion think that all of the

needs and demands of Christianity are fulfilled on Sunday mornings between 10

and 11 a.m.. I can’t think of a quicker way to dry up the flow and glow of a

Christian life, can you? Was Amos referring to dried up cows when he called

some unfaithful Israelites kine (cows) of Bashan (Amos 4:1)?

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My Source:

WORDS OF LIFE

Volume 5, #21, May 30, 1999

Author: Joe Malone

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GUILTY--But He Didn't Do a Thing

Ben Putinoff was once a faithful member of the New Testament church, but he allowed his interest in his secular employment to gain first place in his heart. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24).

In his indifference to the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ, he dreamed a dream. He dreamed he was arrested and charged with attempting to put the church out of business. He always paid his obligations to his creditors as they came due. He was very prompt in paying his taxes. He did physical harm to nobody. However, when he came to trial, he confessed.

"Ben Putinoff, you are charged with attempting to put the church for which Christ died out of business. Are you guilty or not guilty?"

"Not guilty," pleaded Ben Putinoff. "I didn't do a thing!"

"Guilty as charged," ruled the judge. "He has confessed to the most effective way ever devised to terminate the work of the church. He confessed that he didn't do a thing."

Ben Putinoff was thus found guilty of forestalling the gospel, of discouraging the worshiping of God and the study of the Bible, and the proper spiritual development of the home. How? Ben Putinoff just didn't do a thing.

Ben Putinoff was guilty of the blight of backsliding, of infecting the people around him, including his own family, with that abominable influence. He didn't do anything bad--he just didn't do a thing.

Ben Putinoff went to the judgment hoping to get by on the basis that he had done nothing bad. He had intended to do good things, but he had been just too busy making a living and resting on Sunday from a week's work. He just put it off.

He is a very dangerous type of offender. He is dangerous to his own soul, to the soul of his wife and the souls of his children, and he endangers the life of the church and the well being of the community.

Beware of following the course of Ben Putinoff. Jesus taught that "he that is not with me is against me" (Matthew 12:30). Also, "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

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| My Source:

| GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS

| Volume 4, March 5, 1998

|------------------------------

| Author: Ross Mitchell

EXCEEDING THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE PHARISEES

Remember the MAINE? The MAINE was the United States battleship that got

us into the Spanish-American War. Not by the damage it did, but by the

damage that was done to it. When the news screamed that a Spanish mine

had sunk our ship in Havana Harbor, the now-famous war cry began that

would hurl us into war with Spain: "Remember the MAINE!"

At 9:40 P.M. on February 15, 1898, the American battleship MAINE exploded

in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. There were 354 officers and men aboard;

266 lost their lives. The 300-foot vessel had been anchored at the same

spot since late January. Her puspose had been to defend American interest

during the civil war that Cuba was fighting against Spain.

There were three separate examinations of the wreckage. One was performed

in connection with the 1898 United States court of inquiry. A second was

performed by Spanish divers, also in 1898. And a third was performed in

connection with the 1911 Board of Inspection and Survey. The first two

inspections did little to shed light on what had happened.

The third probe in 1911 proved to be significant. A cofferdam was built.

The MAINE was dewatered. Every bit of the wreckage was accurately

identified. The displacements were measured. And photographs were taken.

The data was properly and carefully studied by experts.

When you hear the conclusion of this report, you will understand why we

have been so careful to document this study. For when experts observe the

photographs of the wreckage, with hull sides and whole deck structures

peeled back, it leaves no doubt. The explosion that sank our ship and

catapulted us into the Spanish-American War was caused by a blast from

twenty thousand pounds of powder . . . from the INSIDE.

It is convenient for us to attribute our shortcomings to outside

influences. It is much easier to point a finger at others than it is to

look inside your own life. Jesus said, "For I say unto you, That except

your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and

Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).

During the earthly ministry of Christ, the religious leaders thought they

were exactly what God wanted them to be. They had the right form and the

right appearance. But Jesus called them hypocrites. In order to exceed

the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, we must allow God to

occupy the throne of our hearts. When we allow Him to come INSIDE, then

the OUTSIDE will take care of itself.

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| My Source:

| THE INFORMER

| Volume VIII, #IV, April 1996

| Munford church of Christ

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| Author: John G. Shaver

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GRUDGES

by John G. Shaver

The area assigned for this particular article is the ungodly subject of "grudges." I, for years have thought, and still do, that the Bible is its own best commentary. And, in most cases, if one has a problem understanding what God has said, I have told those folks, "Read on." With this suggestion in mind, let us go to God's infallible, plenary, and verbally-inspired word concerning this subject.

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bare any GRUDGE

against the children of thy people, but thou shalt

LOVE thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord"

(Leviticus 19:18).

"Let them wander up and down for meat, and

GRUDGE if they be not satisfied" (Psalms 59:15).

"GRUDGE not one against another, brethren,

lest ye be condemned; behold, the judge standeth

before the door" (James 5:9).

"Every man according as he purposeth in his

heart, so let him give; not GRUDGINGLY, or

of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver"

(2 Corinthians 9:7).

"Use hospitality one to another without

GRUDGING" (1 Peter 4:9).

In his NEW WORLD DICTIONARY, Webster states concerning the word "grudge"...

1) To envy and resent (someone) because

of his possession or enjoyment of (something);

begrudge (to grudge a person his success).

2) To give with reluctance (the miser grudged

his dog food).

3) A strong, continued feeling of hostility or

ill will against someone over a real or

fancied grievance.

Why would a Christian feel hostility toward another Christian? To this question, a myriad of replies might be made. But I have found in many cases one reason with more than a few underlying issues. In my estimation, the outstanding reason is MALICE! As the astute reader understands, the word "malice" can branch off to other sinful areas. Concerning "malice," Webster gives this definition...

1) Active ill will; desire to harm another or

to do mischief.

2) Evil intent; state of mind shown by

intention to do, or intentional doing of,

something unlawful (malice afterthought);

a deliberate intention and plan to do

something unlawful, as murder.

Malice implies a deep-seated animosity that delights in causing others to suffer or in seeing them suffer; ill will and the more formal "malevolence" imply hostile or unfriendly feelings such as depose one to wish evil to others; "spite" suggests a mean desire to hurt, annoy, or frustrate others, usually as displayed in petty, vindictive acts; "rancor" implies an intensely bitter ill will that rankles; "malignity" suggests extreme and virulent malevolence that is relentless in expressing itself; "grudge" implies ill will inspired by resentment over a grievance.

The idea of "grudges" and the aforementioned words in most cases are the results of matters of opinion rather than matters of doctrine. Every one of those matters of opinion can be resolved by the Master's instructions in Matthew 18:15-17. All that is needed is two honest and sincere hearts, believing and obeying the teaching of our precious Jesus. In my experience as a gospel preacher, I have never seen the second step in the Lord's instructions taken when the brethren meet together with honest and sincere hearts concerning the first.

The existence of "grudges" and the terrible cost of the attitudes of some brethren have one deep-seated problem attached to them; a far-reaching and devastating problem--the loss of souls by hindering God's word! Paul states that he suffered all things lest "the gospel of Christ be hindered" (1 Corinthians 9:12). In the immediate context he has reference to his not accepting the financial support from the Corinthians. The reason for this --"lest the gospel be hindered." He states to the Galatians that they had run well, but asked, "...who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth" (Galatians 5:7)? Once again, this is a reference to the truth's (the gospel's) being hindered. Thus, it should be obvious to all that the truth can be hindered and that there are Biblical examples of God's work being hindered in all ages. As an illustration of this, consider the events recorded in the book of Ezra.

King Cyrus issued a decree that the people of Judah could return and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1). But God's adversaries attempted to "hinder" the building by their interference (Ezra 4). This they sought to do in three ways. FIRST, they tried to deceive the Jews into compromise (Ezra 4:2). SECOND, they "hindered the hands of the people" (Ezra 4:4). THIRD, they misrepresented Israel (Ezra 4:5). The work was halted until Darius issued his decree allowing the work to resume (Ezra 6). In like fashion, the work of rebuilding the walls was also hindered (Nehemiah).

From these and other examples it can easily be seen that the work of the Lord can and often is hindered in every generation. The work of the church is being hindered today. Division is one of the greatest hindrances to the work. As the Lord's church, we ought to be a people firmly united upon God's word (John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 4:3-6). Where division begins, unity, of course, ceases. We should have the strong desire to resolve problems that cause division (Isaiah 1:18). We need to search God's word and allow it to solve any problems which exist among us (Isaiah 1:18; 2 Peter 1:3). Division causes separation in God's family, the church (1 Timothy 3:15), just as it causes division in our own families. Congregations that pull against one another cannot work together.

The church will never grow as God intends until she corrects the division within. If we refuse to do so, we will lose the respect of the communities of which we are a part. Would that it could be said of us as Paul said to the Philippians, our brethren of old, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). Dearest beloved brethren, we need to be united upon God's word, and not be divided by grudges, malice, malevolence, malignity, rancor, or spite; for division is displeasing to God and, therefore, it is sinful (Psalms 133:1; Proverbs 6:16-19).

Many other factors tend to hinder the work and influence of the church today as well. Many of the problems can be traced to elderships. Power struggles, unqualified men serving, the lack of concern for godly living among members, and other such matters among the elders themselves hinders greatly the work of the church. However, when good and godly men are doing the work of the Lord in the capacity of elders and are not esteemed nor respected as they should be, the work of the church is hindered, though through no fault of their own. The lack of spiritual growth by Christians is another great hindrance to the work. Hypocrites and backsliders greatly hinder the cause of Christ and the work the Lord's people are trying to accomplish. The failure to obey the commands of church discipline concerning such members is also a hindrance (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,2 Thessalonians 3:14,2 Thessalonians 3:15). Too, the lack of "holding fast the faithful word" (Titus 1:9) and the lack of teaching of sound doctrine are grievous hindrances to the Lord's church today. Many problems can also be traced to preachers. God demands doctrinal preaching, edifying preaching, benevolent preaching, and that preaching be done with love and compassion (2 Timothy 4:1-8; Ephesians 4:15).

So many of these areas upon which we have touched (and others as well) often lead to grudges. Grudges carry us away from the Lord and the work He would have us to accomplish Grudges, and their many companions, are sinful. Let us respect and "hold fast the faithful word."

5201 Saks Rd.

Anniston, AL 36206

My Source:

TRUTH, Volume 5, #18

April 30, 1999

Author: Roger Campbell

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ARE YOU AND I A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHERS?

by Roger D. Campbell

To the saints in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul wrote, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8). These brothers and sisters in Christ had made a great change in their lives. They forsook their idols to become servants of the true and living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). After making that change, they had become a great example for others to imitate. They were strong in faith, and because of this they had preached the word of God in their own area (Macedonia) and in other places as well (1:8).

Each day others see our conduct and hear our speech. What kind of example are we showing them, a good one or a bad one? The Holy Spirit says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves . . .” (2 Corinthians 13:5). It is important for each child of God to regularly evaluate himself. This requires honesty and courage to see and admit the truth. When our brethren, friends and family members see our behavior, just what do they see? Can we honestly say that we would be glad for others to imitate our example? Maybe it is time for some self-evaluation.

Surely none of us would doubt the need to be a good example for others. Living a holy life is part of what a Christian must do, for the Lord God tells us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15,1 Peter 1:16). Being a good example is part of following Jesus Christ, for we must imitate Him, and His example was always good. “For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus said that His disciples are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13,Matthew 5:14). So what is a disciple’s responsibility? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (5:16). Does this not show that those who truly follow Christ must be a good example for others? We read in 1 Peter 2:12: “Having your conversation (conduct, RDC) honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

The apostle Paul charged two evangelists to be a pattern or good example for others to imitate. He wrote to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). To Titus he also wrote, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works . . .” (Titus 2:7). Yes, these passages were originally written to gospel preachers, but in principle the command to be a pattern for others would apply to all Christians. Just what kind of example are you and I demonstrating before our friends, family members and other followers of Christ?

What happens when others observe a child of God who is not acting like he ought to? Just what are some consequences of a member of the church being a bad example? First of all, if we do not conduct ourselves in a godly manner, then others will probably lose their respect for us or lose confidence in us. If we lie to them, will they believe us the next time we tell them something? Probably not. If we tell dirty stories, will they believe that our heart is pure? Surely not! Another consequence of being a poor example is that we become a stumblingblock to others. Woe unto him through whom offenses come (Luke 17:1). If our friends see us acting in an ungodly way, perhaps they will say, “If that is the way true Christians act, then I do not want to become a Christian.” If our children see us, their parents, acting like a child of the devil, then they will probably act the same way. The bad example of a Christian often costs him the opportunity to teach others the gospel. Why? Because most people will not sit down and listen to one who does not support what he teaches with a good example. No one respects a hypocrite, and the world sees us as hypocrites when we preach the truth, but do not live according to it ourselves. When members of the church live in an ungodly manner, the world says to them, “Thou therefore which teaches another, teachest thou not thyself . . .” (Romans 2:21).

Another horrible consequence of being a bad example is that God’s name is blasphemed. Of the Jews who acted as hypocrites the apostle Paul wrote this very thing: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written” (Romans 2:24). Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10), so when the world sees that we are living immorally, then its reaction is often to speak against the Lord God. How tragic, and all simply because some members of the church do not show the world the pattern of godliness that it needs. Jesus wants His church to be glorious, without spot, wrinkle or blemish, and holy (Ephesians 5:27). Christ s name and His church suffer reproach when disciples fail to be good examples. Yet another unfortunate consequence of the bad example of members of the church is that it causes other Christians, especially new brothers and sisters, to become discouraged or lose hope. When the twelve spies whom Moses sent to the land of Canaan returned and gave a report to the children of Israel, what was the result of their message? Of the ten (Caleb and Joshua were not in this number) who said that Israel could not conquer Canaan, Moses later said, “ ... they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the Lord had given them” (Numbers 32:9). Yes, it is possible that a poor example among God’s people can work like leaven. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

Since our conversion to Christ, have you and I really changed that much? Is our conduct really different now from what it was before we were baptized into Christ? In the church at Corinth there were those who lived wickedly before they obeyed the gospel. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). If we committed fornication before our baptism, have we ceased doing that? If we were drunkards before we came to Christ, have we forsaken this sin, or do we still hide a bottle of liquor in our house? If we stole before we entered Christ, have we repented, or do we still take what does not really belong to us? “Let him that stole steal no more . . .” (Ephesians 4:28). Before we became Christians, most of us probably did not willingly forgive others. Do we now? “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Again, we ask: has our conduct really changed since our conversion? If not, then what kind of example are you and I showing the world?

What about our thinking? Do we now think differently than we did before we obeyed the gospel? Is our heart still filled with pride, like it was before we came to Christ? “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Do we always see and point out the faults of others, while at the same time we are blind to our own mistakes and weaknesses? If so, it is time to change! “ ... for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1). In the past we loved the world, its lusts and its pleasures. What about now? Do we regret that we became a Christian and in the process sacrificed the things of the world? Do we still have a desire to fulfill the lusts of the flesh? If so, then it is time to change! “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Before our conversion most of us thought only about ourselves. Has our attitude really changed? God tells His children: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4). If we used to become angry easily, do we still (Ephesians 4:26)? If we used to hate others, do we still (Titus 3:3)? If we used to rebel against God s authority, do we still (Hebrews 12:28,Hebrews 12:29)?

And what about our speech? Do we speak differently than we did when we were still in Satan s kingdom? If we used to lie and deceive, do we still do so, or have we changed? “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour; for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25). Many of us in the past spoke evil of others. Have we changed? Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings (1 Peter 2:1). Before their conversion to Christ, many, especially men, told dirty stories. What about you and I, do we still do this, or have we changed? “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying . . .” (Ephesians 4:29). Christians are to be courteous, speaking to bless and not curse, and with meekness (1 Peter 3:8,1 Peter 3:9,1 Peter 3:15). What kind of example are we showing others by our speech?

Are you and I a good example to others? We have asked many questions in this article, but not with the idea of accusing any specific person of wrongdoing. Rather we have asked them to help all of us seriously evaluate ourselves. What about the example that we are showing others by our conduct, speech and attitude? If others would imitate our pattern, would they be pleasing to the Lord? If not, then it is time for us to make some changes! May God bless all of His children who truly strive to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.

30 APRIL 1999

CHURCH OF CHRIST, P.O. BOX 828, KIEV 252067, UKRAINE

My Source:

THE GOSPEL REMINDER

June 27, 1999

Bay church of Christ

Author: Marvin Rickett

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DOES EVERYONE HAVE HIS PRICE?

by Marvin Rickett

P.O. Box 159

Bay, AR 72411

Does everyone have his price? Will every person sell out his integrity and faith if the price is right? Many people think so. THEY would. So they judge others by the way they think. The devil thinks so, too. He challenged God concerning Job: "Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him? ... put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face" (Job 1:9-11). The devil caused Job to lose all his earthly goods and his children. When this failed to "buy" Job, the devil upped the ante: "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face" (Job 2:4,Job 2:5). Cause him pain and suffering and he will compromise his integrity: That is his price, declared the devil.

Many people can be bought if the price is right. For some, the price is wealth. Dangle before them the prospects of money and property and many people will sell their integrity and faith. Give them the wealth and their greed and love for money will displace their love for God (1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows"). Coming into money changes people. The first thing to go is their spiritual trust. The mere pursuit of a career has caused many to compromise their dedication and service to the Lord. Money can indeed buy the souls of many people.

Some folks can be bought off with power and prestige. It has happened numerous times, that when one has climbed the social lader of success and has obtained above-average power, recognition, prestige, and position, that he drifted away from God and the church. He has come to despise small things, such as his association with that little group of Christians who are the lowly children of God. Some quit the church and join a big prestigious denomination where he can circulate in the prestigious social circles. More often, he just quits and neglects spiritual things altogether.

Others can be purchased with sensual gratification. Multitudes have sold their integrity when they were presented with an opportunity to let their lust overcome their integrity. They sought out physical gratification. Perhaps they thought they wouldn't get caught. They wanted to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25, Moses chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season"). In reality, they have sold their souls for a mess of pottage.

Then there is price presented to Job by the devil's second try: Avoid pain. Many people can be bought off with the threat of pain, suffering, discomfort, ridicule, embarrassment. In the early church, multitudes of Christians renounced their faith when they were threatened with persecution and death. Probably the most powerful motivation is applied when one's family is threatened. Some would sell out to this type of coercion when nothing else would move them.

But the devil is wrong! One who says "everyone has his price" is wrong! Thee are a few good men and women who have yielded themselves to Jesus Christ. They cannot be bought. The most precious possession they have is their faith and their integrity, given to them by Jesus Christ. They stand on principle and ideal which they will not compromise. They are offered fantastic prices, but they will never sell. Neither wealth nor power, nor lust, nor pain will cause them to "make a deal." Instead of folding, they are merely tempered by temptation and trial.

You be one of those who will not sell out his integrity and faith for any price.

My Source:

HURST STREET HERALD

Volume XX, #33, August 22, 1999

Author: Larry DeLong

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IS JESUS A PART OF YOUR LIFE?

by Larry DeLong

Many people have accepted Jesus Christ as A PART of their life. They have decided they're not going to give 100% of their existence to the world any longer. This sounds wonderful and exciting, doesn't it? But is it really? Let's consider what it means to have Jesus Christ as A PART of your life.

To have Jesus as A PART of your life means you will only be in the worship services PART of the time. Of course, you come pretty faithfully on Sunday morning, and you may even boast to everyone about how spiritual you are. Yet when Sunday evening or Wednesday evening comes around you are nowhere to be seen. When asked where you were, the only answers given are excuses rather than reasons. I wonder, if a door prize of $100 were given each Sunday & Wednesday night, would some be a little more regular in their attendance? The Hebrews writer said we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, Hebrews 10:25; and he did not specify that to be Sunday morning only. The consequences of not doing so are found in the next verse, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," Hebrews 10:26. If you forsake the assembling of the saints, it is a SIN that will cost you your soul. But, that's what happens when Jesus is only A PART of your life.

When Jesus is A PART of your life, you will never feel the tremendous need to tell others about the saving Gospel of Christ. Oh, you may tell someone a little about it when they ask you, but the effort to TAKE it to the lost will never be there. The Great Commission is given unto all of us, not just to the preacher, the elders, or a few prominent individuals in the church. The command Jesus gave was to "GO YE into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," Mark 16:15. Notice it does not say wait for the prospects, but for YOU to go! Sadly, those who have Jesus as A PART of their life are content to wait or maybe send the prospect to someone else.

When Jesus is A PART of your life, the desire to support the work of the church will never be there; neither by monetary support nor by voluntary help. Oh, you may drop a couple of bucks in the collection plate just because it looks bad if you don't, but no one gives as they should to something they don't have a major interest in. If Jesus is A PART of your life, there are always more important things in your life than doing the Lord's work! Paul tells those who truly love Jesus to "lay by him in store, AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM," 1 Corinthians 16:2 and that we are to be "WORKERS together with Him," 2 Corinthians 6:1. There doesn't seem to be any instructions on how to be PART-time Christians!

When Jesus is A PART of your life, you won't continue to grow in Christ. You'll be completely satisfied with the talents that you possess now and will never have the desire to gain more knowledge or talents to increase your usefulness to God. You will be satisfied to sit on the pew, listen to the message, shake a few hands, and then go home till the next time. Yet, the Bible says we are to, "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," 2 Peter 3:18. Would you be concerned if your child just stopped growing? A lack of physical growth usually points to a serious HEALTH problem. When we stop growing spiritually, there is definitely a HEART problem.

This list could go on and on when Jesus is A PART of your life. The only thing you can become is indifferent and lukewarm--which is sickening to the Lord, Revelation 3:16.

Jesus made it very plain that one cannot serve both God and mammon, Matthew 6:24. Jesus is to have the preeminence, He is to be in frst place in your life, Colossians 1:18. JESUS IS NOT TO BE A PART OF YOUR LIFE, HE IS TO BE YOUR LIFE, Colossians 3:4. This is the only way to guarantee a home in Heaven. Consider this, meditate upon it and involve Jesus in EVERY aspect of your life.

--Larry DeLong

110 Hurst Street

Center, TX 75935

My Source:

HURST STREET HERALD

Hurst Street church of Christ

Center, TX 75935

Volume XX, #40, October 10, 1999

Author: Owen Cosgrove

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NEUTRAL?

by Owen Cosgrove

Several years ago the Carl Mosser family was traveling in Oklahoma when a gunman commandeered their car and held them hostage for several days as they drove around over the countryside.

Their kidnapper had a strange eye that never quite closed, and the family could not tell when he was asleep. They were afraid for their lives and so they were held hostage through the long and tedious ordeal. Finally, they stopped at a little station/grocery store out in the country. Mr. Mosser saw his chance and he grabbed his abductor and begged the station owner to call the sheriff. "Please," he cried, "Please call the law."

The owner got his own gun and told them all to leave. "I do not want any trouble around here," he said. "Just all of you leave." The terrified family drove away with their captor. The next day the couple and their two children were found murdered. Their bodies had been thrown into an abandoned well.

Their killer was finally brought to trial and convicted. Later the state tried the station owner and convicted him for his failure to notify authorities and perhaps to save the family's life.

Most of the time, we would like to be neutral, and often this is the wisest course to take. Shakespeare warned about jumping into other people's quarrels, and Solomon said that "He that passeth by, and meddles with strife not belonging to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears" (Proverbs 26:17).

But there are times when being neutral can be criminal. The old saying is that silence is golden, but sometimes silence is just plain yellow.

Pontius Pilate wanted to be neutral. Oh, how he wanted to be neutral. He wanted to be the leader but then did not want to show leadership. The Jewish leaders were bothering him with thinly veiled threats to report him to Caesar. The surging mob was calling for the release of Public Enemy Number One, Barabbas, while they clamored for the death of Jesus, a man in whom Pilate could find no fault. His wife begged him to have nothing to do with Christ's death. But politics prevailed, the leader "washed his hands" of the matter, and when he had scourged Jesus he delivered Him to be crucified" (Matthew 27:24).

Sometimes we just cannot be neutral and still be right with the Lord. May God help us to have the courage to stand for truth and right. "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters abroad" (Matthew 12:30).

My Source:

HOW TO PAPERS, p. 70

1996 F-HU Christian Training Series

Author: Danny Jones

File Under: Christian Living

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HOW TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE

by Danny Jones

To many of us memorizing Scripture is like plowing without a mule, let alone a tractor. And that's a pretty tough row to hoe. If that's the case with you, here are some tips to make it easier...

>> Choose a time and place where you can be

free from distractions.

>> Set aside an adequate slice of time to tackle

the task, say, fifteen to forty-five minutes.

>> Check the context very carefully to make

sure the verse should be applied to believers

today.

>> Read the text aloud. Read it slowly, over and

over, until you can repeat it confidently and

without error.

>> Break the passage down into a natural cadence

of phrases or thoughts in order to capture its

rhythm.

>> Repeat the reference often to help orient

yourself to the verse's biblical neighborhood.

If you ever get a little turned around, it's

always nice to have an address handy to

help you find your way home.

>> Underline the words or phrases you stumble

over to help you walk securely through the

passage.

>> Record in a notebook at the end of the day

what you have learned from the passage

and how the Lord has used it in your life.

PERSONALIZING THE WORD

Another technique in equipping yourself with God's word is to personalize His message to you. An effective way to do this is to substitute appropriate personal pronouns into the biblical text, for example: I, me, my, or mine. In John 3:16, for instance, you would say, "God so loved me" instead of "God so loved the world."

ANALYZING THE WORD

Finally, use the passage you've memorized as a magnifying glass to analyze how the Word relates to your life. How does the verse affect your view of God? Of yourself? Your mate? Your children? Your friendships? What changes does the verse challenge you to make?

Planting the Word in your heart, personalizing it, and analyzing it for application will enable you to reap bushels of benefits.

>>>>> It will help you gain control of your thought life.

>>>>> It will make you more alert to the needs of others

and more sensitive to their wisdom.

>>>>> It will give your counsel the edge of truth that

comes from God rather than limited human

wisdom.

>>>>> It will sharpen your teaching skills and as a

result, your effectiveness and confidence will

increase.

Such a bountiful harvest! Won't you begin uprooting the weeds of mediocrity and planting the seeds of God's truth in the fertile soil of your mind today?

==================================================

________________________ end of article _______________________

DRL NOTE: I hope this encouragement to memorize the word of God will be taken as a fruitful challenge by each reader of this post. How important is it to have God's word as a guide for our daily living!

A friend has asked that I mention a survey he is taking regarding how the preacher should spend his time. If you would like to participate in this survey, you may go to \webpage{http://www.hcis.net/users/dlemmons/Survey-PreacherTime.htm} You will need to copy and paste the survey into an Email message and return it to the address given at the site. Thank you.

<> My Source: POWER, March 2000

<>

<> Author: David Sain

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WHAT IF PREACHERS PREACHED

WHAT YOU PRACTICE?

by David Sain

"Practice what you preach" is an old, familiar saying. It remains a timely encouragement for everyone, and it is Biblical. "...You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?..." (Romans 2:21-22 NKJV.

Notwithstanding this teaching, there is a "practice gap" in the church. Our actions are not in harmony with our words. Many of us do not practice what we preach. And the world sees the difference!

Well, I wonder how the church might react if preachers closed the "practice gap," by changing what we preach. What if we were to preach what most people practice?

(1) Think how you might react if preachers said,

"Now we want you to worship Sunday, but

if company comes in, or if you don't get

enough rest Saturday night, just stay home."

(2) How would it sound if preachers told you

that reading the Bible daily is not important?

(3) How would you feel if preachers told you

that it is all right to skip Bible class when

you are sleepy?

(4) Imagine the preacher proclaiming, "Now God

wants you to talk to your friends about

Jesus, but you might offend someone, so

just keep the gospel to yourself."

(5) And how would it sound if the preacher told

you that drinking, gambling, pornography,

etc., are all right if you do them in

moderation?

How long would the church permit preachers to preach what the church practices? Brethren, remember that what we practice is "heard" a lot more than what we preach!

There are three grades of Christian life. There is, first of all, the dissatisfied life-the life that knows there is something which it does not possess; the life that is perpetually discontented, and rightly so, with itself. There is, second, the life that is half and half, that now and then rises up to the Mount of Transfiguration, and then paces for long seasons over weary wastes of whitened ashes. There is a third life of satisfaction and contentment, of peace and power and rest; the life that has made Jesus Christ its one object; the life that every man lives who is able to say, in the fine phrase of Ignatius, "O Christ, thou art 'my inseparable life.'" The soul that has made Christ its one object has entered into rest, and has entered into power; it has entered into a life of activity which no foe can withstand, and of contentment which no storm can ruffle; for over all the seas where it voyages speaks that Voice which quieted the turbulent waves of the Tiberian sea: "Peace, be still." Nothing can overcome or disturb the soul that is hid with Christ in God and has made Christ the one object of its life.

There is no room for broad-mindedness in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. The slightest deviation from that formula is forbidden.

There is no room for broad-mindedness in music. The skilled director will not permit his first violin to play even so much as one-half note off the written note, chord, and key.

There is no room for broad-mindedness in the mathematics classroom. Neither geometry, calculus, nor trigonometry allows any variation from exact accuracy, even for old time's sake. The solution of the problem is either right or it is wrong (no tolerance there).

There is no room for broad-mindedness in biology. One varying result out of a thousand experiments will invalidate an entire theory.

There is no room for broad-mindedness on the athletic field. The game is to be played according to the rules with no favors shown for "charity's sake."

There is no room for broad-mindedness in the garage. The mechanic there says the piston rings must fit the cylinder walls within one-thousandth part of an inch. Even between friends there cannot be any variation if the motor is to run smoothly.

How then shall we expect that broad-mindedness shall rule in the realm of Christianity and morals? He that forsakes the truth of God, forsakes the God of truth.

There is something about a ghost town that captures the imagination. As you walk the streets you can almost hear the echoes of the past. But the buildings stand empty as mute reminders of life that is gone. With every passing season more buildings collapse, more weeds grow up, more animals take over the ruins where a thriving town once stood. A ghost town is nature's testimony that once something has been emptied, destruction and death follow, unless the void is filled.

Some people are like ghost towns-shallow, hollow, empty. They are like hollow shells-voids looking to be filled-aimless, meaningless, hopeless.

In the parable of the empty house, Jesus tells us that it is not enough for a man to be freed from the power of Satan. He must come under the rule of God or Satan will get hold of him again. No one walks around empty for long. If his life is not filled with Jesus, it will be filled with something-or someone-else. Like the ghost town, if a person is not filled with life in Christ, there's nothing left but decay and death.

-Dale Wells

This very minute-do you know what time it is?

Charles Dowd, a schoolteacher from Connecticut, proposed the time zone plan currently in use in the United States. It was on this day in 1883 that it was first implemented.

If you were to give an answer to the opening question, your answer would be relative. What is 9 a.m. Saturday morning for one person, may be 8 a.m. Sunday morning for someone else on another continent. A half-a-century ago, Albert Einstein made us aware of the relativity of time. As we have gained more scientific knowledge, we have also learned that if one travels at the speed of light, time essentially stands still.

Time is a relative measurement that was created by God to assist the human race. However, he is timeless. That is why we have these inspired words: "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (2 Peter 3:8 NIV. When your "time" on earth is over, unmeasured time will begin. You will either spend it with your Creator or with Satan. God wants you to know that "NOW" is the time to choose him. If you delay, your choices may be very limited.

Remember: How you spend your measured time determines where you'll spend your unmeasured time.

Reflections

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches" (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:32 NASB. Christ's reference to birds can be interpreted either positively or negatively. >From the former perspective, the kingdom provides a place of shelter, a place to nest and call home, a source of food and nourishment. From the latter perspective, these birds may represent that undesirable element in the world which flocks to the kingdom merely to rob it of its fruit, peck holes in its structure, or drive away those who genuinely seek a place to nest. Such foul fowl do more damage than good, and need to be driven away. Consider carefully the following feathered felons. Are any nesting among our branches?

The Parrot-This bird has a talent for repeating what someone else has said. One must exercise great caution around a parrot, for what you say may be repeated when you least expect it. "Don't tell anyone, but have you heard...." is a phrase that can lead to "fruit and seed robbing" in the kingdom.

The Fan-Tail Pigeon-This is a strutting bird, one which loves to show off. This "church bird" must always be the center of attention. When denied the spotlight it will generally fly to another tree where it is more greatly appreciated.

The Hawk-This bird has an extremely sharp eye. It can spot a flaw a mile away. He can list every error the preacher made in a sermon, every song incorrectly pitched or led, every failing of every member. The hawk is a bird of prey which looks for weaknesses...and then swoops in for the kill.

The Jay Bird-Often called the fussing bird, they feel the "divine call" to sound the alarm and raise a ruckus whenever they spot something that doesn't suit them. Most of their time is spent squawking over matters of little or no consequence.

The Bat-Though not really a bird, from a distance it may appear to be one. Viewed up close it can be seen to be another species: "A rat with wings!" A pretender, a hypocrite.

The Crow-This bird is a thief. It slips into a field another has planted and cultivated, and steals the grain, thus robbing another of the fruit of his labor. It always squawks loudly when caught.

The Swan-This is a very beautiful bird, but very flighty. It calls no particular pond home, but wanders from pond to pond. Never satisfied with where it's at, it searches ceaselessly for that perfect pond...never finding it!

See Isaiah 40:30, Isaiah 40:31 for the typ e of bird God would want us to be.

-Al Maxey

Bowing before the "god of open-mindedness," this generation has been slow to admit that what we believe determines how we act. PBS film critic and columnist Michael Medved recently shared this anecdote out of his Jewish heritage:

"A few years ago, the illustrious Rabbi Jacob Kamenetzky made a trip to Israel accompanied by his teenage grandson. Ironically, these two deeply religious people had been seated in the airplane next to a prominent Israeli socialist leader and outspoken atheist, who had spent his whole life fighting against Orthodox values.

"After the plane reached its cruising altitude, the cynical atheist traveler couldn't help noticing the way the teenage boy attended to the needs of his aged, bearded grandfather. He got up to get the old man a glass of water, helped him remove his shoes and put on some slippers, and otherwise demonstrated that the rabbi's comfort represented his primary concern.

"At one point, as the boy got up for yet another errand on behalf of the old man, the skeptical stranger could contain himself no longer. 'Tell me something,' he asked the rabbi. 'Why does your grandson treat you like some kind of a king? I have a grandson, too, but he wouldn't give me the time of day.'

" 'It's very simple,' the old man replied. 'My grandson and I both believe in a God who rules the universe and created all things, including the first man. That means that in the boy's eyes, I'm two generations closer to the hand of God Himself. But in the eyes of your grandson, you're just two generations closer to a monkey.'"

Medved told this story as if it were true. I can't vouch for that. But it certainly reflects truth. A person's theology (what they think about God) determines what they think, and therefore what they do, about everything else. It should not surprise us that the behavior of people who don't believe in God is so often ungodly. Could it be that to make our streets safe again, we need to be building more churches instead of more jails?

-Gene Shelburne