Updates from May, 2012 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Eugene Adkins 9:34 pm on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Bible Ignorance, ,   

    They Rattle their Tail for a Reason! 

    It’s a shame really, but it’s happened again! Some poor soul’s ignorance concerning the scriptures has cost them their life by “handling serpents.” One of the most amazing things to me about it is that this man should have known better. “Why’s that?”, you may ask. Well, other than the obvious, it’s because his father died doing the same thing almost 30 years ago! It goes to show the validity of my last post.

    Of course the story quoted that the man, along with the church he belonged to, believed in a literal translation of Mark 16:17-18. The crazy thing about it all is that I believe in a literal translation of Mark 16:17-18 too! But believing in a literal translation doesn’t mean I believe Christians reveal their faith today by handling snakes! I believe if one attempts to do such a thing they are revealing their ignorance in no less than three ways.

    One – People need to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). People must realize that what Mark 16:17-18 speaks of is as true as when Paul brought Eutychus back to life through God’s power after he took his deadly second story flight out a window. But the reality is that the days of handling snakes is over as much as people being miraculously brought back to life. Christians are called to crush the snake through our faith in the gospel – not handle a snake to prove our faith!

    Two – People need to realize that the protection of God’s Spirit that was given to the early Christians was not meant to be a circus sideshow. It was given to those whom God desired according to His will. It was not given to those whom desired it according to their will.

    Three – People need to understand what the scriptures mean when they say, “do not tempt the Lord your God.” People who do such things today, as they have for many generations now, abuse the fact that Mark 16:17-18 says what it says. These people need to read Matthew 4:5-7 again! Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan when Satan challenged Jesus to prove who He was by setting Him up on the highest point of the temple and telling Him to JUMP! One may very well say that Satan was challenging Jesus’ faith in the scriptures by quoting scripture that said Jesus would be okay if He jumped. Jesus responded by saying, “It is written again, “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” What was Jesus saying? He was saying a person doesn’t intentionally put themselves in harm’s way and then say, “Okay God, it’s your responsibility to save me; after all Lord, you know Mark 16:17-18 says….” That’s putting God to the test – not putting one’s faith to the test.

    A rattler has a rattle for a reason and we’d be wise to recognize it for such!

    To be honest, I care very little for the site’s religious section, but I provided the link to where I found the story incase someone wants to read the details for themselves.

     

  • Richard Hill 6:20 am on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture – Day 5 

    Day 5

    John 9 & 10

    http://stoneofcompetence.blogspot.com/

    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another site for reading and study: 

    https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 9 

    1. The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth and, not believing it, makes a trip to Jerusalem. She comes away much impressed (9:1-12). As the queen of Sheba came away impressed, a great many other empires were also impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth (9:13-24). For forty years Solomon was king over Israel (9:25-31).
    2. Application: Chronicles does not really give a bad report of Solomon. In fact, if one were to know Solomon only from Chronicles, then the picture painted would be one-sided. This is often the problem to the potential solutions that might be brought forth in other circumstances. There are always two sides when problems arise with people, and when we only hear one side we hear an unbalanced report. With regard to Solomon, let us consider one other point: it was the Lord who brought Solomon all his wealth, but it was Solomon who chose to do with it what he wanted. What is it that we are doing with what the Lord gave each of us?
     

  • TFRStaff 9:21 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    An Unexpected Teaching 

    Most would think that a wife would not need to be taught to love their husband. After all, is it not implied by the relationship of wife to husband that love would naturally be involved? Of course love is involved in a marriage but love the way God intended it to be is not a natural reaction that two people would necessarily have toward one another.

    That a particular type of love must be taught is most likely an unexpected teaching from God. However, turning to the scriptures, we find that in fact God has decreed that love needs to be taught. In Titus 2:3-4 we read “that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” (Tit 2:3-4). Notice that the older women are instructed to “train the young women to love their husbands.”

    Love obviously involves more than just emotion. What this “love” entails is not spelled out for us but most likely means supporting the husband in taking care of the home and his physical needs. The love that God expects a wife to have for her husband is a learned response from years spent together. It is right and good then for those who have managed several years with a spouse to share their expertise with those that have just begun a marriage.

    In Christ, Steve Preston

    Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages from God’s word, by sending an email to bibletalk-subscribe@associate.com or on the web at http://www.freegroups.net/groups/bibletalk.

     

  • Ed Boggess 8:56 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Pentacostal   

    The nation’s oldest Pentecostal denomination is the Church of God based in Cleveland, TN. A few years ago it updated its church laws to say that movie-going and wearing jewelry are no longer dis¬pleasing to God. My friends, this illustrates the very thing wrong with creeds and codes. They have to be revised and changed, but the Word of God doesn’t change. So why not scrap the creeds and use the Bible alone. When creeds change, it makes it appear that God can’t make up his mind, but the truth is God’s word still reads the same. Moreover, conventions with clergyman voting to decide what the church believes smacks of Romanism. While the Pentecostals met in Cleveland to decide whether to watch movies, the Episcopals were gathered in Detroit to decide whether to recognize homosexual marriages. It seems to me if we would just speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent, these matters would be already settled by God. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

    • Ken 10:22 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Good and to the point. But I did notice your “tag” had “Pentacostal ” and the article correctly had the “e” version of Pentecostal! I teaches math and luv spelin. :)

  • Richard Hill 7:27 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture – Day 4 

    100 Days of Scripture 2012

    Day 4

    John 7 & 8

    http://stoneofcompetence.blogspot.com/

    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another site for reading and study: 

    https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:13 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Stumbling Block   

    Me? 

    Do you know what’s going to get in between you and Heaven more than anything else?

    Your spouse? Your parents? Your job? Your children? Your hobbies? Your addiction? Your anger? Your apathy? Your ignorance? Your culture? Maybe the Devil? What’s the answer?

    Take a look in the mirror for the real answer!

    We may not like what we see, but the mirror doesn’t lie.

    “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27 - NKJV)

     ”If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3 - NKJV)

    “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25 - NKJV)

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 9:22 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      We’re good excuse-makers, aren’t we?

      • Eugene Adkins 4:51 pm on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Who, me? I don’t know. Well maybe, BUT Randal you don’t understand… :) Thanks for the like. I’m glad you got it. Hmm, you must have a little experience???

  • Ron Thomas 5:32 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Buddhism,   

    Recently I have finished two extended outlines on assignments I have for a preacher’s retreat in southern Illinois. Those extended outlines amount to about 30 pages in total (for both). If you are interested in receiving them via email attachments from me, please let me know and I will send them to you. The outline are on Catholicism and Buddhism. I will need your email address to do this.

     

    • James 6:47 pm on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Please send me the outlines on Catholicism and Buddhism.
      Thank You

    • Morris G. Monkus 4:48 am on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Please send me the outlines.

    • Robert McCurdy 2:04 pm on May 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Ron.
      Your articles and studies are always interesting and helpful. Please send study material on Catholicism and Buddhism. Thanks much and may God continue to bless you richly.

      • Ron Thomas 12:29 am on June 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        You are very kind, Robert. Thank you.

        • Royce Pendergrass 7:58 am on June 1, 2012 Permalink

          Please send me your two outlines you have graciously offered.

          Thanks

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 7 and 8 

    1. At the dedicatory prayer’s closing the Lord heard that prayer and responded (7:1-6). The sacrificial worship setting for Solomon and Israel was quantitatively fantastic (7:7-11). The Lord appears to Solomon again with a word of encouragement and exhortation or warning (7:12-22). After Solomon built the Temple he built his own house and brought his wife (the daughter of Pharaoh) from Jerusalem to live in another location (it’s unknown where, but thought to be with Hiram). His organizational skills were of note, and those who were still residential alien were called upon to be the “blue collar” workers on the temple (8:1-18).
    2. Application: In heart-felt devotion the nation of Israel worked together to build the great Temple, and the Lord was willing to allow it to happen. That He approved of it is clearly the case as one reads the chapter, but His emphasis was not on something physical, material, but always on the heart of the individual. No matter how much “stock” the Israelites put into the site pleasing to the eyes, it was always the case that the Lord looked (and looks) on the heart and desired to see that which was pleasing to His eyes. Sometimes we miss this point. While we like things of a particular beauty, the Lord will see beauty only on the inside. Solomon was not even arrayed like the lilies of the filed, but his splendor was great as far as man was concerned. How well do we look in the eyes of the Lord?
     

  • Ron Thomas 10:00 am on May 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Romans 7   

    A Few Thoughts From Romans 7 

    Paul begins to break this down further. As one chooses to obey a particular one (including the doctrine) that one whom he chose he becomes a slave or servant to (6:16-17). Under the authority of the Law of Moses, Paul illustrates with regard to marriage (7:1-4). The law (Law of Moses) is no longer alive; it no longer has power (sway, influence) over a person (in our case, a Christian) – all because one the law is dead (cf. Colossians 2:11-17), and one chooses to no longer serve a “dead law”, but a living Christ. Those who were under the law were bound to that law of sin and death (7:4-6). Since the Law of Moses had brought death, what could resurrect? Jesus. As one chooses between two options (life in Christ, or not), with the proper choice made, there is servitude toward righteousness which brings life.

    The Law of Moses fulfilled its purpose, and that purpose was to make sin known to the person who lived under its authority (7:7-12). Was that all that the law was supposed to do? No, it was to promise life (7:10, ESV). How could it promise life when Peter (Paul) made clear that it could not justify anyone (Acts 15:10, cf. 13:39). Since sin destroys and the Law of Moses was not given to destroy (cf. Lard) it can be said that the law promised life by steering those under its authority from sin. Some try to argue that the law, if obeyed perfectly, would have given one eternal life. I am not of that opinion because of what Paul said in Acts 13:39. However, we read that it promised life, so what of this? I suggest that it corresponds to Leviticus 18:5, Psalm 19:7-11, and even Romans 10:5; in other words, as one lived under its authority and obeyed the Lord from the heart (cf. Deuteronomy 10:12-13), then that one who so obeyed would be pleasing to the Lord.

    Paul illustrates how the law worked in his (or any other’s life). Sin was now alive since the Law of Moses was given to the nation, and the sin that people have in their lives is continually at odds with the Lord’s spiritual law (Law of Moses). Thus, sin (personified) made every effort to prevent one from meeting the demands of the law which was to steer one from sin. This failing brought one to the point of recognizing the good and just standard of God’s spiritual law. Even under God’s spiritual law (7:14) sin brought one into bondage; it is evident, then, that the law could not release one from that bondage. What can? Jesus (7:24-25)!

     

  • Ed Boggess 8:07 am on May 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    John Harrison advertised in the Knoxville Journal for a husband for his daughter. The ad said, “Needed: son-in-law. Hunting and fishing a must. Must be willing to wash dishes on hunting trips.” Harrison says his daughter was dating too many men who weren’t outdoorsy. For years many have thought that compatibility was the most important ingredient in a successful marriage. However recent studies show that commitment and communication are far more important. Commitment is the determination to make it work. And communication is the ability to understand another’s viewpoint. It is not fighting, nagging, insulting or arguing. At the root of communication is unselfishness. Real communication desires to understand what the other thinks and feels. Each should be seeking the happiness of the other. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • TFRStaff 7:33 am on May 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Hugh’s News and Views 

    VETOING GOD

    I marvel at some folk’s use of the Bible.  I am amazed at the way some people go about reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible. Apparently, they get a notion in mind, and then go to the Bible to find the proof of what they already have made up their mind to believe. Consider a few examples of such.

    The Bible teaches that sinners are saved by faith. Any number of passages can be presented showing that such is the case (John 3:16, 18, 36; John 8:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1; et al).  But there are other passages that attribute salvation to repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30-31; et al).  The passages affirming that salvation is by faith do not veto the passages showing the necessity of repentance.

    There are any number of passages that attribute salvation to baptism, often connecting faith and baptism as well as repentance and baptism to salvation, but in some instances mentioning only baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27; I Peter 3:21; et al).  The passages showing that one is saved by faith do not veto those that attribute salvation to baptism, just as those that attribute salvation to God’s grace do not veto those that attribute salvation to man’s obedience to the gospel (Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:16-18; II Thessalonians 1:6-10; Hebrews 5:8-9; Revelation 22:14; et al).  The preaching of that which is of first importance (I Corinthians 15:1-11) does not veto the necessity of also preaching the God-ordained response to that which is of first importance (Acts 2:37-38).

    It is a strange system of hermeneutics (interpretation) that takes only a part of what the Scriptures say about a matter and concludes that such is the totality of Bible teaching on the subject.  One of the several questions that the diligent student of the Scriptures asks is, “What else does the Bible say on this subject?”  When Satan tempted Christ, he quoted scripture by saying “It is written,” and proceeded to cite Psalms 91:11-12 (Matthew 4:6).  But Jesus reminded the devil that he had not taken into consideration everything God had said on that subject, and went on to point out what else God had said about the matter (Matthew 4:7).  Therefore, in order to understand what the Bible teaches on any subject, we must take into consideration all that the Bible says on that subject!

    A certain preacher was dismayed at the thought that people who had not been baptized/immersed might be lost.  He was equally dismayed to think that all the good, pious people who were aligned with religious parties not sanctioned by the word of God might also be lost.  He announced to his wife that he was going to the woods and staying until he found the “answer” he was looking for.  She asked him, “How do you expect to get an answer.”  He said, “I don’t have the slightest idea.  Any way God sees fit to reveal it—through the Bible, by sending someone to talk to me, by a word from heaven, or by an inner understanding.  That is up to him.”

    The man drove some twenty miles from his home to a wooded area and spent the next few hours praying in every position he could think of—walking, kneeling, lying on the ground, crying and pleading with God to “reveal” His will to him.  Getting no immediate answer, he returned to a picnic table at the edge of the woods where he had left his Bible, stood it on its spine, and let it fall open to where it would.  It fell open to Psalms 115, and in verse three he read: “But God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”  Voila!  He had his answer!  For some “reason” this verse vetoed everything the New Testament says about the conditions upon which God forgives the alien of his sins; everything the New Testament says about the singularity of the body of Christ, the church; everything the New Testament says in condemnation of doctrines originating with men; everything the New Testament says about the sin of religious division; everything the New Testament says about how God is to be worshiped; everything the New Testament says about the cessation of the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit; everything the New Testament says about the everlasting punishment of the wicked!

    I marvel at this man’s hermeneutic! “Bizarre” does not begin to describe his approach to discerning the will of the Lord.  But it is a glaring example of how when a person has his mind already made up as to what he wants (and is determined!) to believe, there is no end to which he will not go to vindicate his preconceived notions.

    Hugh Fulford (May 29, 2012)

    June speaking schedule:

    June 10: Leeville Church of Christ, Lebanon, TN (all services)

    June 20: Portland Church of Christ, Portland, TN

    June 27: Hartsville Pike Church of Christ, Gallatin, TN

     


     

  • Richard Hill 7:07 am on May 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture – Day 3 

    100 Days of Scripture 2012

    Day 3

    John 5 & 6

    http://stoneofcompetence.blogspot.com/

    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another site for reading and study: 

    https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

    I’m still looking for a format that works well on the 3 sites where I post.  Just hang on while I play with it!

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 6 

    1. Solomon reflects on the occasion when the temple was completed, how he was instrumental in getting it built – though his father David originated the idea for its building (6:1-11). As the nation gathered together Solomon led them in a dedication prayer (6:12-21). The particulars of that prayer are identified in the remainder of the chapter (6:22-42).
    2. Application: In Solomon’s prayerful and reverential position, he bowed his knees to the Father in heaven, and he opened up his arms toward heaven. I think this is symbolic of two things: first, he humbled himself before the Almighty in a physical position. As Solomon was king over the nation and his subjects would bow before him. The king of the nation is subject to Him who rules over all. Second, the arms opened up and spread toward heaven is indicative of the willingness to receive from heaven not only the blessings of the Almighty, but also the instructions in righteousness.
     

  • Eugene Adkins 2:41 pm on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    The God of My Forefathers 

    “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,” (2 Timothy 1:1-3 - NKJV – emp. mine)

    Have you ever caught what Paul said right there before? Contrary to what so many critics today say about Paul “making up Christianity and following after a different God” Paul tells the young Christian preacher, who was raised by a Jewish mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1), that the God he served is the exact same God that his forefathers served. He had no doubt about it, his conscience was clear, and he encouraged Timothy to carry on in the family tradition of placing his faith in the God of his own forefathers as well.

    Paul preached and partook of the fruition of the seeds that God had planted before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9-10). He was following in the line of faithful men and women who responded to the call of God positively. He was following after and placing his faith in the promise that God made to Abraham, his forefather, to bless all the nations through his seed (2 Timothy 1:11-12; Galatians 3:8-9, 16, 26-29).

    The God one reads about in the New Testament is not a different God from the one we read about in the Law, Psalms and Prophets (Luke 24:44-47). The New Testament purchased through the blood of Jesus the Christ (Matthew 26:28) is the fulfillment of God’s word and promise made to Abraham (Titus 1:1-4). To say that Paul served any other God than the one we read about in the Old Testament letters is to (1) have a lack of understanding about the hope of salvation that Paul’s forefathers had and (2) have a lack of understanding concerning the purpose of the scriptures in leading one to the salvation of Jesus through faith (2 Timothy 3:15).      

    “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.  And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?…Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come – that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”(Acts 26:4-8; 22-23 – NKJV – emp. mine)

     

  • Richard Hill 7:31 am on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Day 2 John 2 & 3 

    100 Days of Scripture
    Day 2    John 2 & 3

    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another site for reading and study: 

    https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 5 

    1. The children of Israel, led by the king (Solomon) brought the Tabernacle and the furnishing of the Tabernacle to the newly fabricated temple. In accordance with the Lord’s way the Ark of the Covenant was carried by the Levites and placed in its final resting place, in the Holy of Holies. With mechanical instruments the Levites played and sang praises to God. The Lord was pleased with this occasion.
    2. Application: The Levites both played and sang: “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (5:13). Wouldn’t it be good for each Christian to reflect and repeat these words in their own lives?
     

    • Eugene Adkins 7:48 am on May 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      It’s amazing how many times the phrase “His [God's] mercy endures forever” is used in the scriptures (particularly the OT, check out Psalm 136 for one huge example).

      God’s grace has always been amazing! Great thoughts, Ron.

  • Richard Hill 6:24 pm on May 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture 

    Today's the day to start the summer off right.

    Your reading today is John 1 & 2.

    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another highly recommended spot for reading and study is https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

     

  • Richard Hill 6:21 pm on May 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    100 Days of Scripture Day 1 

    John 1 & 2
    Read or listen at:

    http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Another highly recommended spot for reading and study is https://net.bible.org/#!bible/John+1

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 2:58 pm on May 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Thomas Paine   

    Memory, writing, politics, moderation, etc. 

    People forget as a matter of routine. We need reminders. So we use agendas, calendars, to-do lists, and, like me, I married Mrs. Memory. And we establish Memorial Days. Except that leisure and entertainment trump the task of honoring the members of the military who served to preserve peace. Such is our society of soft bodies and lazy minds which leaches Memorial Day of its meaning.

    • Mike Brooks has just written his 400th article for Forthright Magazine. Richard Mansel will have written 374 consecutive articles, also, as of next Tuesday. I should be so dedicated. Thanks to brothers like Mike and Richard, Forthright carries on in a marvelous way.

    • I’m thankful that the American president came out last week fully in favor of same-sex marriages. Not that we agree with him on the issue, by any stretch of the imagination. But his statement makes clear that morality is at the center of politics, at least, in the upcoming presidential election, and that the incumbent has taken, both publicly and in policy, the position to undermine biblical teaching.

    • Thomas Paine wrote, “Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle, is a species of vice.” That’s an important distinction, valid also in matters of faith. Principle requires zeal and full devotion, else it becomes a principle of convenience.

     

  • TFRStaff 10:46 am on May 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    What is wrong with the Old Testament? 

    Many people today think that the Old Testament (OT), and specifically the Ten Commandments, is a law that we should be following today. Some have gone as far as to post them in their yard believing they are honoring God and His word by doing so. However, scripture tells us that the OT is no longer in force and in fact is inferior to the New Testament (Hebrews 8:13).

    So what is wrong with the OT? The main problem with the Old Testament is that it did not remove sin. Hebrews 10:1-4 tells us that it “…can never with these same sacrifices make…make those who approach perfect…For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin.”

    Also people do not realize that the OT was given only to the nation of Israel and served as a “wall of separation” between them and everyone else (Eph. 2:14-15).

    The Bible also tells us that when Jesus died on the cross, He “wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us” taking “it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:14).

    Even though the OT has been done away with it is still valuable to us today. The Bible tells us that the “things written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

    From the OT we learn about the creation of the world. We learn how our heavenly Father takes care of His people and keeps His promises to them. Perhaps most importantly we read of the coming of the Christ and the beginning of the church (Deut. 18:15; Isaiah 2:2-3).

    Even though we are “free from the law of sin and death” by “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:2) there is still much to learn from the OT. Try to incorporate as much as the OT as possible when studying the Bible. You will find that your understanding of the New Testament greatly increases.

    In Christ, Steve Preston

    Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages from

    God’s word, by sending an email to bibletalk-subscribe@freegroups.net or on the web at http://www.freegroups.net/groups/bibletalk.

     

    • Robert Floyd 12:39 pm on May 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Please don’t confuse the OT in our Bilble’s table of contents with the old covenant, which is contained in Exodus, Leviticus, part of Numbers and Deuteronomy. What we call the Old Testament are the Scriptures that Paul told Timothy were able to make him wise unto salvation. Let’s not let a man-made division of Scripture cause us not to divide rightly the Word of Truth.

  • Richard Hill 8:58 am on May 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Another 100 Days of Scripture! 

    Jon Warnes has put together another opportunity for us to be in the Word.  This time we're reading the New Testament 2 to 4 chapters a day starting tomorrow, May 27th.  Are you up for the challenge?  I'm hoping many of you will accept. Once I figure out how I had worked Posterous (gonna need some help Randal) I'll try to sent out daily reminders. See more about it at  http://stoneofcompetence.blogspot.com/.
     

  • Don Ruhl 4:43 pm on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    The crucifixion of Jesus Christ began at 9:00 a.m. and He died at 3:00 p.m.

    A long time ago, someone told me that is when the two daily lamb sacrifices were made. Exodus 29.39 does make reference to a daily lamb sacrifice in the morning and in the evening, but I cannot find out the times.

    I can see how 9:00 a.m. could qualify as the morning sacrifice, but I am having a hard time with 3:00 p.m. being evening, although the Keil and Delitzsch commentary does refer the reader to their comments on Exodus 12.6 and how some have argued that 3:00 p.m. is when the sun begins its decline toward the evening, where a similar issue of timing is involved.

    Anyway, if Jesus began to die and died at the times of those daily lamb sacrifices, that would be very significant.

    Has anyone done any study on this?

     

  • Ron Thomas 10:00 am on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Romans 6   

    A Few Thoughts on Romans 6 

    Because of what our Lord Jesus did, Paul assumes a counter reply that might be thrust in his direction (6:1). “Surely, it is the case that as one sins the glory (grace) of God is manifested all the more.” Paul rejects such thinking by helping them to understand the significance of their baptism (6:2-7). Coming up out of the watery grave of baptism one now walks “in newness of life”; thus, they have died to the old way, and they are not to continue to live that way (6:10, 12). When one makes a conscience decision to walk in a certain direction, the one who leads us in that direction is the one to whom we have become slaves, Paul said (6:16-17). This can be in the direction of the Son of righteousness or this can be in the direction of sin. Paul will amplify this in the next chapter.

    Baptism into Christ is a “cardinal” doctrine of the New Testament. Why so many dismiss the significance as the Lord actually stated it is tremendously unfortunate. A Christian, on the other hand, must insist on what the New Testament says, not compromising even for a second. Let us, however, never fall into the trap, as many have, of saying exactly that which the Jews did, “Has he been circumcised”? In time, the circumcision became an imprint apart from faith (2:28-29). The same can happen with baptism: “Has he been baptized?” This is not an inappropriate question, but it has become an end-all in conversation for many. It might be better to ask, “Has he been converted to the Lord, or born again? (John 3:3-5). At least with that question there is an equal emphasis on all that the Lord demands.

     

    • Russ McCullough 12:19 am on May 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Perhaps Satan’s most effective lie is “you can be saved without baptism, after all it’s a work of man and you know you are saved by grace alone.”

  • TFRStaff 8:11 am on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    1970 Interview with V.E.Howard 

    From Roy Davison:

    Recently I learned of a 1970 interview of V.E.Howard that is part of the Oral History Library at Harding University. With their kind permission it has now been added to the Old Paths Archive section of material by brother Howard:

    http://www.vehoward.net/interview/

    I would encourage you again to listen to brother Howard’s radio sermons. He sounds forth the gospel clearly in areas
    where some congregations have become wobbly.

    May the Lord bless you.
    Roy Davison

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 3 and 4 

    1. Chapter 3 details for us things pertaining to the building of the Temple by Solomon. David made plans for the structure, and Solomon saw to it that it was completed. It is worth noting that the location of the Temple was the same location where David offered his sacrifice to the Lord for his sin as recorded in 2 Samuel 24. Chapter 4 continues detailing some of the items within the Temple.
    2. Application: It is difficult to conjure up an image of precisely what all this might have looked like. For instance, can you imagine a “Sea of bronze” that amounted to the size of a basin (caldron) that could contain over 17,000 gallons of water? This set upon pedestals that had to be heavy enough to support the weight; if one were to measure 7 pounds to each gallon, and if the basin was full, that weight would be around 200,000 lbs. (about 600 tons)! Rather heavy by any standard. Yet the weight of our sin (which does not even register of a physical scale) crushes the soul.
     

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:49 pm on May 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Fill in the blank 

    We enjoyed the warm hospitality of Texas saints, now blessed with the generosity of Central Arkansas brethren. Tomorrow, back to Tennessee for the grandson.

    • If you’ve enjoyed BrotherhoodNews, Forthright Mag, Fellowship Room or our pubs, how about clicking Like on the Forthright Press’ Facebook page. Or click Like in the right column.

    • Coming through Texas, every town had the ubiquitous ______. Fill in the blank. I know what you’re thinking, but you’d be wrong. Answer below.

    • Eugene tells us we ought to act like a kid. So I did several of the things on his list today.

    • Doug Kashorek wrote today on his weekly devotional thought about King Josiah,

    What excuses he would have had to just be another mediocre to wicked king of Judah!  But Josiah [chose] to live differently than others of his generation.  Josiah determined to use his position of influence as an example of godly obedience.  How about you?

    • And what’s ubiquitous in all the towns? No, not McDonalds. Doughnut shops. (But spelled badly as “donuts”.) I saw bunches. Is it just a Texas thang?

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    • Mike Riley 10:17 pm on May 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, on top of donuts, Texas has quite a few nuts as well…… LOL!

      • J. Randal Matheny 8:08 am on May 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        True, Mike, but if I were a betting man, I’d wager that, in percentage of nutcases per population, California had the Lone Star state beat by a country mile.

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 2 

    1. As Solomon prepared to build the Temple he sought after the counsel and skill of the king of Tyre. The king of Tyre was impressed and granted Solomon that which he needed. Solomon conscripted over 150,000 men for the task, all of them were “aliens” (or foreigners) to the nation of Israel. In C-1 Solomon took note of the separation that existed between the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. The former was in Jerusalem, and the latter was in Gibeon. The production of the Temple would bring the two together again.
    2. Application: Solomon had much wisdom, but having wisdom and knowing best how to use it are not the same. It appears, however, that on this occasion Solomon did use it well. He not only sought the counsel of another better informed than himself, but he also brought together two sacred items pertaining to God’s worship together with this massive project of his. As Solomon asked, what could he build that could contain the Lord (2:5-6)? Since there was and is nothing, then the wisdom of God is to reign in God’s creation: man’s heart.
     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:03 pm on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Praying Together as a Body 

    Lessons upon lessons have been given over the importance of personal prayer; and rightly so. For one, the New Testament places a great emphasis upon the importance of it (Luke 11:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 & James 5:16-18). For another, despite the clear teaching, we often neglect it because of various reasons which sadly, more often than not, are really just excuses or doubt (Matthew 26:26-43 & James 1:5-8). We cannot say enough good things about the importance of prayer in our personal life, but one lesson concerning prayer that is often overlooked is the importance of praying as a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14 & Colossians 1:18,24).

    Early in the book of Acts we find that the church made a habit of praying together! After Jesus returned to Heaven the Bible records concerning the apostles, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and   supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14) When the church exploded after Pentecost, so did the habit of church prayer (Acts 2:42). They prayed together for boldness (Acts 4:23-31).  They prayed together in the face of persecution (Acts 12:5,12). The point is simply that the church had a desire to pray together (Acts 20:36).

    Today, when the church gathers together for worship, Bible study, times of sickness, fellowship meals, etc. our prayer as a body should not be neglected, ignored or underestimated! Gatherings are a prime opportunity for powerful body prayer. But for this to be true we must actually pray as a body. Please keep the following suggestions in mind:

    (1) Gatherings are an opportunity to make our concerns and anxieties known to each other and God. Do not be afraid to speak up.

    (2) The prayer leader must not forget about himself, but he must also keep in mind that for that moment he is representing a congregation sized prayer. A prayer of the body must be for the body. Leading prayer is not a time to preach – it is a time to pray.

    (3) Body prayer is meant to be done with respect and order just as any other form of worship found in the New Testament is meant to be. A chaotic group prayer is just that – chaotic! (1 Corinthians 14:14-19) Listen to the prayer leader as carefully as possible. Our “amen” must be said truthfully. If we do not listen to it then how can we say “amen” with it?

    (4) Remember who we are praying to! The Creator and Sustainer of our life and the church cares for us (1 Peter 5:7 & Matthew 18:18-20). We would not be taught to pray together if it did not work (1 Thessalonians 5:25). God was there for His church in the past and He is here for us today.

    A praying body is a strong body, a listening body, a loving body and a closer body. Powerful prayerful can come from a body that prays like a body should – together!

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:42 pm on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    States in common 

    At the moment, the TFR site has reached the top number of hits ever. Let’s see how far it gets at day’s end.

    • Beautiful day in Denton TX and a blessed time with the Weylan Deaver family. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a moment with the Sherman Drive congregation and share updates (video link) on our work.

    • Thanks to the Deaver’s for providing me time and space to write the first draft of the article, “Being a Family in a Strange Land,” for The Jenkins Institute’s magazine, Hope and Expectation.

    • What do Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida have in common? They all have churches regularly supporting our GoSpeak/Forthright ministry. God bless them all!

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  • Richard Mansel 5:11 pm on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Abortion Attitudes are Changing 

    The Gallup Organization is reporting that the attitudes of Americans on abortion are changing dramatically.

    The 41% of Americans who now identify themselves as “pro-choice” is down from 47% last July and is one percentage point below the previous record low in Gallup trends, recorded in May 2009. Fifty percent now call themselves “pro-life,” one point shy of the record high, also from May 2009.

    Among independent voters, they report that pro-lifers outnumber those who espouse the pro-choice position.

    Technologies such as advanced ultrasound machines are a significant factor in changing attitudes. It is more difficult to see the fetus as a “viable tissue mass” when it is on the screen so clearly alive. We pray that Americans will continue to move towards life on this most important issue.

     

     

  • TFRStaff 9:30 am on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    It Can’t Be Helped 

    Sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. You may become “all things to all men” in order to “by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22) but still many will not listen. Try as you might to get along, there will be people that just will not like you. They have no reason except that you teach the truth.

    It is important not to let this type of person get to you. Don’t let them cause you to lose enthusiasm for the work of God. John says that we should “Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you” (1John 3:13).

    In similar words, our Lord tells us the same thing: “If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

    Never stop teaching the gospel. It is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

    There will always be people that don’t like you. As long as you are faithful to the word of God, it can’t be helped.

    In Christ, Steve Preston

    Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages fromGod’s word, by sending an email to bibletalk-subscribe@freegroups.net or on the web at http://www.freegroups.net/groups/bibletalk

     

  • Ed Boggess 7:49 am on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Marital conflict is a fact of life. Disagreement of one degree or another is sure to come. I once had a lady say, “We’ve been married 40 years and have never had a cross word.” I don’t trust a person like that. I figure if they lie about that, they’ll lie about other things too. Some marriages have occasional skirmishes, others have all-out-war. One man referred to his wife as “The War Department”. I’ve stood at the Southern tip of Illinois, and have watched the great Ohio and Mississippi rivers converge. Where they come together there is a lot of turbulence, but 20 miles downstream the two have become one. When two people marry, it takes a while to blend two wills into one. Conflict is sure to happen. The question is how to handle it? Is it resolved? or Is it kept and nursed until it explodes some day? Paul said, Be ye angry (that is express it) and sin not (that is control it) and let not the sun go down on your wrath (bury it). Express it, control it, and bury it. . This is “Just-a-Minute” with Ed Boggess

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    2 Chronicles 1 

    1. Solomon is chosen as king over Israel, and while he was in the position of not knowing best how to judge he calls upon the Lord to help him in this endeavor. The Lord does so by granting him wisdom more than any other who lived, or will live after him. While in position of authority over Israel, the Lord also grants him to have wealth greater than any of the other kingdoms; this resulted in Israel becoming an economic and military might in the region.
    2. Application: Having wisdom and knowing how to apply it is one of the great blessings in the world. There is a difference, however, between the wisdom that is of this world and the wisdom that comes from God. The wisdom that came from God brought many questions to Solomon’s mind, questions he could not answer. This resulted in the book of Ecclesiastes being written. Unfortunately, there are some who will take the wisdom they have individually accumulated and use that to direct life away from God. Solomon did the same, but in the end he came back to where he knew he should be (at least, that is what I want to think). Wisdom is not just knowledge but the proper using of that knowledge.
     

  • Richard Mansel 10:51 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Christ is in you 

    Scripture is filled with passages teaching that the Lord dwells with His followers. This bond is sacred.

    Salvation is described in the New Testament is existing in Christ and only there can we find spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). We are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and added to the Church, his body (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23).

    Burton Coffman sums it up succinctly in his commentary on Galatians.

    God is in Christians.
    Christians are in God.
    Christ is in Christians.
    Christians are in Christ.
    The Holy Spirit is in Christians.
    Christians are in the Holy Spirit.
    The mind of Christ is in Christians.
    The word of Christ is in Christians.

    From this, we can clearly see why transformation is so important (Romans 12:1-2). We have a very high calling as God’s people and that brings a lot of responsibility (Ephesians 4:1). Yet, it will all be worth it in the end! Praise be the Lord!

     

    • Abel nghuushi 7:57 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I would like to receive this book.( teachers bible) I am a christian in Namibia. and I need to study more about the words of God.

  • Ron Thomas 10:00 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Romans 5   

    A Few Thoughts on Romans 5 

    The Law of Moses could not justify (4:15; cf. Acts 13:39); rather, peace with God comes through faith, and Abraham is an illustration of this. The importance of this is seen in the actions (love) of God. We understand the virtue in giving ourselves up for another, but this is generally done toward those we know and like. God, on the other hand, did this for all those who were (are) enemies of His.

    Two men came into this world, Paul says. The first, Adam, sinned and brought death into the world because of his sin; consequently, death passed to all men. The sting of sin is death because all have sinned. Until the time of the Lord’s anointed the only way to address the sin that man was guilty of was through sacrifice. Man, however, was not held to account like the Law of Moses held him accountable, and this was only applied to the Jewish man.  To say it differently, God did not impute sin against those who lived previous to God revealing His law through Moses (5:13). When man died he died as a result of his sin, but that sin was not held against him like it came to be (cf. Acts 17:30-31).

    The Law of Moses’ intent, Paul noted, was to point out the seriousness of sin (3:20), to bring wrath (4:15), and to testify to the “law of faith” (3:21-22, 27).  The second man, Jesus, came into this world and brought life (5:15, 17b). Let me say it a little differently, a summary of the point in 5:13-17:

    1. By virtue of what Adam did he brought death and condemnation to all.
    2. The Law of Moses made sin known and the condemnation real (3:20; 4:15).
    3. Jesus lived under the law to redeem those who could not redeem themselves with the giving up of His own life (Galatians 4:4-5).
    4. By virtue of what Jesus did He brought life and justification to all.

    What the Law could not do, Jesus did. The life He lived and died dealt with sin adequately (perfectly); the victory in Jesus removes one from this world’s thinking and prepares him for the next (cf. Colossians 3:1-12). Each man brought something into the world, but only one Man was able to take one from this world victorious (2 Timothy 1:10).

    Old Testament animal sacrifices had an unfortunate quality: they were inadequate to achieve what was desired – sin’s ultimate removal. The sting of death still existed; who can take this sting away, but the Lord (cf. 5:1)?

    John 3:16 is a well-known verse, but Romans 5:6-8 gives us a better sense of John 3:16. God’s love was shown in His own action for the benefit of His creation, especially man.

     

     

    • Mike Riley 11:32 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Good thoughts, Ron! Romans 5:6-8 just about sums up God’s undying love for mankind. It’s a love I certainly don’t understand or fathom, but am thankful and rejoice in the blessings bestowed because of that love.

      • Ron Thomas 5:14 am on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks, Mike. I have struggled with 5:12ff for a good while; I worked and worked to get a handle on it. I think I have it now.

  • Ed Boggess 8:36 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , marriagedivorce   

    Have you ever heard of a beef stew marriage? That’s a marriage where the wife is always “beefing” and the husband is always “stewed”. Too many marriages resemble a battlefield rather than a happy home. At many weddings the flower girl would do better dropping hand grenades than rose pedals. But why must this be? Every couple comes together expecting their marriage to be their dream come true. Why must it turn into their worst nightmare? The reason so many marriages end in divorce is one or both did not bring the right ingredients into the marriage and then work to make it work. The right ingredients are not sucker punches and rolling pens. The ingredients that make a happy home are a determination to make it work, a self-giving love that seeks to please the other in every way, a kind, pleasant and thoughtful disposition, and an open, honest communication. Marriage is never a 50-50 proposition. It is a whatever-it-takes proposition: 60-40, 70-30, whatever. This is “Just-a-Minute” with Ed Boggess

     

    • Gary Greene 9:21 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I believe most marriages have spells when the giving percentage needs to be 60-60! Both partners going more than halfway.

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:33 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Appearances 

    We’ve changed the heading to honor Texas while we’re here in the Lone Star State. The server, however, won’t let us change the background at the moment. It’s stuck in some reset mode.

    Be sure to read Mike Glenn’s Joshua Generation thought that was posted here today. Some people think it’s unspiritual to plan. But if God did it, maybe we ought to consider it as well.

    We hit the road again today. Prayers for safety and speed are always appreciated.

     

  • TFRStaff 8:25 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Time to plan 

    Humanity, for the most part, is very predictable. For example, most of humanity would acknowledge that they could live better lives—-if they would. Those who believe in God will acknowledge that it is far better to talk and act as Jesus would—-yet they do not. Most would acknowledge that their life or things in their life would be easier if they were more organized—-but they never quite get around to becoming organized. Many would admit that they could use their time more effectively—-still they live in a rush while wasting so much precious time.

    Many who receive and enjoy these Joshua Generation e-bulletin see some of the benefits in adding these Christian and leadership characteristics to their life—-but few ever try to formulate a plan to become more Christlike in these areas. The most common excuse for not improving ourselves is “I don’t have the time.” We say it different ways: I’m so busy; I wish I could; I will tomorrow; I will when things slow down; I’ll have to rearrange my schedule.

    A singing group called the “Byrds” released a song written in 1959 by Bob Seeger and titled it, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” They made an adapted lyrics out of the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. In the text of Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon points out that there is a time for every purpose upon the earth. As I read the list of things which Solomon includes in man’s purposes under the sun, I am struck that there is only one purpose that really make a difference. It is not listed, but it is implied in verse 17 of the third chapter. There is a time of judgment by God. Brothers and sisters we need to have a plan for eternity. That means we need to have a plan in life for becoming like Christ as we walk upon this earth (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21). Let’s make our plan specific. Let’s plan for spirituality. Let’s plan to obey God.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:54 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    A Verse of Encouragement 

    Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (NKJV)

    How often did David encourage the people to trust God? Sometimes? Every once in a while? When they had no other choice? What about at all times?

    He encouraged them to pour out their heart to God. That’s not something that we can trust just anyone with! Ever poured your heart out to someone only to have them soak it all up and pour it back out to someone else? God won’t do that.

    David encouraged those who are looking for a refuge to stop looking, to start trusting, to start hoping and to start resting in the God of their salvation (vs. 1-2, 6-7).

    What other verses of encouragement (personal or congregational) from the Old Testament or the New Testament can you think of? Feel free to share what you think of.

     

    • D.H. Parker 8:55 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Deuteronomy 33:26-27a “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

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