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  • Richard Mansel 7:33 pm on May 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Six Things Young Preachers Need to Know 

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    When young men go into the ministry, they are ambitious and hopeful. They dream of saving countless souls and inspiring brethren immediately to become passionate and obedient.

    However, reality soon sets in, and they learn that working with humans is more complicated than they realized. These aspiring preachers learn some harsh lessons in the meantime and struggle until they gain some experience.

    When we embark into a new career, we need copious amounts of guidance, patience and grace until we know what we are doing. With that in mind, here are six lessons that young preachers may not be told in school or when they are in training.

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    • Ron Thomas 7:49 pm on May 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I am assuming, Richard, you have in mind “lessons learned and that should be known as a form of guidance” during hard times, and not really anything else concerning the work?

    • Ron Thomas 7:56 pm on May 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      With that in mind, I will offer a couple of thoughts. First, don’t contribute to the solution unless invited. Second, you don’t always know what needs to be done. When that is understood, then one is able to move slower and easier. These are two things I have learned through the years – among others.

    • Rick 8:01 pm on May 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Great, practical article. I heard, just last week, one brother discouraging his son from attending a brotherhood “preaching school.” Said that the brethren from years gone by didn’t need it, and they don’t need it now (I did kindly point out the untruthfulness of that argument, btw). As a graduate of one of them, If preaching schools were good for only one thing (and they ubiquitously have positives and negatives), the experience and influence of seasoned preachers would be it. Congregations and preachers (especially young ones) have expectations, and it takes a while to figure out what those are, and if each party will be willing and/or able to meet them. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, forgiveness and humility to endure the relationship, which I view to be as near to marriage as any other relationship. Again, good thoughts, Richard; and Ron Thomas, nice meeting you a week ago :)

  • Richard Mansel 8:54 pm on May 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: awareness, fibro, ,   

    Fibromyalgia Awareness: Pray for a Cure 

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  • Richard Mansel 10:18 pm on May 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: circumcision, custom, , word study   

    Custom or Law? 

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    One of our men was teaching Acts 15 on Wednesday night. I noticed something that I wanted to share with you, to get your feedback.

    “And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, NKJV).

    “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, ESV).

    “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, KJV).

    “And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, ASV).

    “While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers[a]: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, NLT).

    The word for “custom” in Acts 15:1 means “habit or law.”  

    Circumcision was more than custom under the Old Covenant (Genesis 17:7-14; Leviticus 12:3; Joshua 5:2-8; Romans 4:11). And we know that law is much stronger than custom.

    To us, custom means something that became common over time like Sunday night worship or a family having pizza on Friday night. Law, however, is something commanded by God. In Acts 15:1, the Judaizing teachers were false teachers but they believed that circumcision was still law.

    • Why do you think custom is used in this context?
    • Do you see a difference between “law” and “custom.”
    • If the word means “habit” or “law,” what clue would translators use to make the determination?

     

     

     

     

    • Ron Thomas 3:33 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I think you are correct with the word “custom,” but I have always understood it in relation to “law” in this context. Thus, I see “custom” as a “practice” (habit), even though it was part of the LM.

    • Eugene Adkins 6:12 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      The English word “custom” is probably used in the context because of its relation to governing actions (think of a government’s customs department). Some supporting definitions according to Webster’s is: “Law, such usage as by common consent and long-established, uniform practice has taken on the force of law” and “a social convention carried on by tradition and enforced by social disapproval of any violation” and “a usual practice or habitual way of behaving; habit“.

      In the context of Luke 1:9 (Zacharias and the “custom” of the priest’s office) and Luke 4:16 (Jesus’ custom of going to synagogue on the Sabbath) the word custom is in direct connection to the guidance of God’s Law. It was their personal custom (because we know others ignored it) and it was due to the rules and directions that they found in the Law.

      In connection to Luke 15 I’d say it has to do with the distinction that’s meant to be made for the readers. In other words, we have to remember why the Judaizers were teaching what they were teaching (the Law of Moses’ expectations), but at the same time the readers must remember the relationship between the Law of Moses and the Law of faith in Jesus.

      I guess like always it goes back to context, context, context and having a good grounding in the meaning of a word and not just what we’re used to thinking it means. Hope that helps.

    • Scott Wiley 7:47 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      OK, not thought on this before, but here’s a strange thought that jumps into my head, so it 90% likely to be a dead end… but just maaayyyyyybbeeeee….. Young’s and Darby’s translations both have the term ‘custom’ and both from the mid-late 1800′s. Barnes and Gill, both old timey commentaries, speak of ‘custom’. So the term ‘custom’ is not a recent translational choice. Looked up ‘custom’ in my 1828 Webster’s (available via E-Sword) and among the meanings of ‘custom’ is the idea of ‘duties imposed by law’ – more in the idea of taxes and tariffs though – but maybe when the term ‘custom’ was chosen by the 1800′s translators it carried in their minds more the weight of law than just habit, and moves into the ‘mores’ or, ‘expression of law’ kinda thing. When the ‘custom’ is associated with Moses, a Jew would likely see little difference between saying the ‘law of Moses’, the ‘manner of Moses’ or the ‘custom of Moses’. To many Jews of the time they might be likely to view the differences in the words (as many folk today say)… “Oh, that’s just semantics…. “Moses” would grant a virtual legal status to anything the Jews of Jesus time would associate it with.

      Now, here’s where my mind takes an odd turn… Even before the ascension, Jesus took the apostles through a 40 day seminar on the kingdom and had opened their minds to the scriptures… They’d know more after the Outpouring of the HS at Pentecost, but they were no longer as ignorant as they had been about the Kingdom. With the outpouring and their now miraculous ability to tap into the words of Christ via the Comforter, they gotta understand pretty well the Old Cov is gone and done. They wouldn’t have kept this a secret, too much of the doctrine of Christ depends on a change of covenant (Priest and King at the same time, and etc). The men of Acts 15 don’t seem to be ignorant, and they’d have likely had to work through some of the things that would have to change covenant-wise for Christianity to be valid.

      Soooo….. is it possible, that on some level they knew the Covenant of Moses was no longer in effect, but viewed the customs – duties imposed & carrying the weight of Moses’ name – into the semi-legal area of ‘mores’? Backed by a lifetime of practice, and nearly 2 millienia of enforcement, their heart / gut reactions have not caught up to their head knowledge, and to them, though no longer covenant law, it’d be ‘virtual law’ because it came from Moses.

      OK, wild conjecture and speculation on my part, so take it with a pound of salt. Likely after I let it percolate over night, I’ll see the flaws in it myself. But perhaps this will be helpful, much as Edison’s first few thousand tries at finding a proper filament for the light bulb were helpful. 8-)

      Yours in the Great Hope
      Scott P. Wiley

    • Don Ruhl 10:03 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      A law becomes a custom by long term use. Circumcision was of the Law of Moses, and that became the custom of the Jews.

    • John Henson 11:04 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      According to Robertson, “The associative instrumental case (tōi ethei) is customary.” Of course, he’s not infallible.

    • Don Ruhl 5:01 pm on May 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Also, notice that Luke 2.27 speaks of “the custom of the Law.” All the major translations have this wording, including NKJV, KJV, ASV, NIV, NASB, and the ESV.

  • Richard Mansel 9:09 pm on May 2, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Dear Government… 

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    What if you spent as much time working on the economy as you did promoting homosexuality….

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:12 pm on April 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Is Adultery Covenant Breaking? 

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    by Richard Mansel

    A growing belief is that the traditional definition of “adultery” is erroneous. Instead of being sexual sin, it refers to the breaking of the marriage covenant. Truman Scott admits that the heart of our differences lies in the definition of “adultery.”

    He admits,

    “Up front let me tell you that every publication, I mean Bible dictionary, commentary, Greek Lexicon, Greek word study, specific treatises on divorce and remarriage, I mean everything that has been written or translated within the last 350 to 400 years, define adultery as follows: ‘Sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse.’ That settles it. With such an array of scholarship, who would dare to think anything otherwise?’” [i]

    He goes on to justify challenging the traditional definition of adultery. [ii] First, the restoration movement only succeeded because we questioned denominational beliefs on such things as baptism, music in worship and church organization. Second, the traditional definition leaves too much ambiguity. Third, these sources have failed to give the root meaning of the Greek word for adultery. Fourth, the fallacies of Bible translations. Fifth, the study of the Hebrew and the Septuagint point to  the legitimacy of the concept of covenant breaking. Sixth, a proper reading of the Old Testament will prove undeniable proof.

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  • Richard Mansel 1:01 pm on April 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , natural   

    Is Homosexuality Natural? 

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    by Richard Mansel

    The homosexual influence in America has spread to theological circles and gay ministers and scholars have begun to re-evaluate Scripture in the light of a “homosexual hermeneutic.” Chief among these is John Boswell’s work, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality (1980).

    In his exegesis of Romans 1:26-27 Boswell uses three arguments to trivialize the sexual aspect of these verses. (1) One, that idolatry (which he associates with temple prostitution) is not the point of this passage. Secondly, that Paul simply rebukes Gentile behavior. They could have seen evidences of God in the powers of nature, yet, they turned to idols (1:19-23). Therefore, Boswell posits, “the reference to homosexuality is simply a mundane analogy to this theological sin.” (2) Thirdly, Boswell argues that Paul is condemning “homosexual acts by apparently heterosexual persons.” (3)

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    • Morris 1:13 pm on April 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      They can try to change the word of God, but it will be to their own destruction – The word of God is forever settled in Heaven.

    • preachercarter 1:14 pm on April 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      This is a well written essay and lends some credibility to the academic world. At the same time, while I certainly enjoy academics, it is evident that some seek to dig too deeply into areas that simple hermeneutics present as truths. You have done well to point out such discrepancies. In that I dare not trespass on an excellent article accept to say thank you for pointing out and standing on the truths as presented in God’s Word.

  • Richard Mansel 9:55 am on February 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: basil overton, , , foy wallace, , jane mocwhorter, wilson wallace   

    So Much Tragedy 

    The Lord’s Church has been ravaged by death this week.  Basil Overton, Perry Cotham, Jane McWhorter and Wilson Wallace, son of Foy Wallace have all passed away this week.

    However, great warriors of the faith never truly leave us. They live and inspire those of us who are left behind to keep the faith.

    “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

    Amen.

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:13 pm on January 23, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , reference, resource, , sailing, voyage   

    Research on Paul’s Voyage to Rome 

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    I wanted to share with you some online books that are valuable in the study of Acts 27 and Paul’s voyage to Rome.

    The first carries the unwieldy title, “The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul with Dissertations on the Life and Writings of St. Luke and the ships and navigation of the Antients” by James Smith, published in London in 1856.

    Since it was written so long ago, he cites works that you may not find elsewhere. This is the second edition because he talked to some sea captains and decided to update his book based on their experiences in sailing the same route. You have to respect that attention to detail.

    You can find it here for free and I hope you gain as much value from his work as I am.

    Update: Here is another lengthy study on the voyage from William Falconer.

     

  • Richard Mansel 8:06 pm on December 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: banning religion, , , , , utopia   

    The Root of Far Left Beliefs 

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    People believe that man can be perfect if only the cultural climate can be made perfect. If we remove religion, opinions, rigid standards, war and guns, all of which divide people, then mankind can finally be perfect.

    It is the utopia of the godless intellectual. They believe that if they can enact the right social legislation, then all crime and hate will disappear and all will be love and joy. John Lennon’s “Imagine” is the pantheon of this delusional dream.

    However, we know that Satan will do everything he can to destroy what man builds (Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-18, 23). Therefore, we know how naive these Utopian beliefs are.

    We wish everyone would do right all the time but we know it will never happen. Humanity will always make bad decisions and act with greed, malice, anger and hate.

    All we can do is to live transformed lives (Romans 12:1-2) and keep teaching Biblical truth and pray it spreads (Matthew 28:18-20).

    We must pray for our society that truth and godliness can become the hallmarks of American society and God’s truth can be our guiding light.

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 3:18 pm on December 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , prolife   

    Guess it Depends on Who is Killing Kids 

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  • Richard Mansel 3:27 pm on December 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Archaeological Evidence for the Flood? 

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    Fox News is reporting that some archaeologists think they have found proof that the Biblical flood did exist.

    Through carbon dating of shells found on an ancient shoreline 400 feet beneath the surface of the Black Sea, they have established a timeline for that catastrophic event that happened around 5,000 B.C., he estimated. Some experts believe this was around the time when Noah’s flood could have occurred, ABC said.

    Some archaeologists have supported the story of Noah, citing similar details passed along in narratives from Mesopotamian times, notably “the Epic of Gilgamesh.”

    “The earlier Mesopotamian stories are very similar where the gods are sending a flood to wipe out humans,” said biblical archaeologist Eric Cline. “There’s one man they choose to survive. He builds a boat and brings on animals and lands on a mountain and lives happily ever after? I would argue that it’s the same story.”

    Of course, we know the flood did exist by faith and because we know the Bible is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We read of the flood in Genesis 6-9.

    It would be nice, however, for archaeologists to find something that would prove the veracity of God’s Word.

    Are you doubtful or hopeful about the prospects of archaeology proving the truth of the Biblical flood?

     

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:54 pm on December 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    A Conflict in Compassion 

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    God tells us to take care of the poor. Meanwhile, most Christians equate poverty with welfare and think that they deserve what they get. We stereotype the poor and therefore we don’t help anyone.

    Somehow, we have to get past these stereotypes and realize that some people are legitimately in need and we are commanded to do what we can to help them.

    “The generous soul will be made rich” (Proverbs 11:25).

    “They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do” (Galatians 2:10).

     

     

     

    • EWELL 6:41 pm on December 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      “WE” is a word to use cautiously. “WE” apply it to people we do not even know, and seem to assume NO ONE ever does any benevolent work.

      • Richard Mansel 6:45 pm on December 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I know. “We” when used in a collective sense doesn’t mean everyone. Thanks for the comment!

  • Richard Mansel 12:31 pm on December 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: britain, , england, , uk   

    Pray for the UK 

    The Christian Post reports:

    There has been a huge 13 percent drop in the number of people in Britain identifying themselves as Christian, according to new data released from the 2011 Census.

    The shocking statistics reveal that the number of Christians has fallen from 37 million to 33 million since 2001. Christians now make up only 59 percent of the population, as opposed to 72 percent in 2001.

    Meanwhile, the number of Muslims has risen from 1.5 million to 2.7 million – or 5 percent of the population – while the number of people describing themselves as having no religion rose by 10 percent to 25 percent of the population.

    Britain and Europe needs our prayers  that they will have a spiritual revival!

     

     

    • Jon Galloway 3:55 am on December 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks for pointing this out Richard. As someone who lives in the UK, this is accurate. Up here in Scotland it is even worse – something like 33% (or higher) claim no religion.

  • Richard Mansel 6:11 pm on December 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    What is Prayer? 

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    In 2013, my preaching emphasis will be on helping the congregation grow in prayer. My prayer is that this will promote spiritual and numerical growth. I plan to preach two sermons a month and try to keep the necessity of prayer before the congregation by emphasizing it in the bulletin.

    I will be deciding over the next few weeks which sermons to preach but I wanted to get your feedback.

    • How do you define prayer?
    • What does prayer mean to you in a personal way?
    • How would a greater emphasis on prayer change you spiritually?

    I look forward to your answers!

     

     

    • preachercarter 2:04 pm on December 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Prayer is nothing more than communication with God. it is often intimate yet always requires utmost respect of His Majesty. With this we learn more of Him and grow all the more.

      http://thechristianperspective.intuitwebsites.com/

    • Eugene Adkins 5:43 pm on December 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Definition: A plea/request spoken with words of hope (and desire) of being heard and answered. Also an expression from the heart based upon gratitude, honor, sadness, joy etc. that seeks to be closer to God.

      Personal meaning: A measure of awareness of God working in and with my life, and an expressed measure of dependance upon God’s will for my life.

      Change: More self-awareness (forgiving others when asking for forgiveness, how my life aligns with God’s will – 1 John 5:13-15) and and awareness of the needs of others, etc.. A better acknowledgment of blessings both “great” and “small.”

  • Richard Mansel 1:47 pm on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Which Country Produces the Most Bibles? 

    Sometimes you come across an article that truly shocks you. This one certainly gave me pause.

    When one thinks of China, Christianity and the Bible are likely two of the furthest things that come to mind. “Communism,” “forced abortions,” one-child policy” and other terms are, more generally, what’s the nation is known for. But now, a shocking new development has come to the forefront: China, a country that makes many products consumed in the U.S. and abroad, is now also the world’s largest Bible producer.

    I hope the Bible actually impacts the lives of Chinese citizens and truth is obeyed. The world would be a much safer place if it did.

    Then again, Christianity is supposedly pervasive in the United States and we are on the verge of complete moral collapse. The presence of a Bible is immaterial if it is not read and lived (Romans 12:1-2).

    We all have Bibles. But are we being changed daily by its message?

    Do we love the Bible, God’s Word?

     

    • sacredstruggler 2:16 pm on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Shocking and new? Really. When did that article come out? Hehe.

      • J. Randal Matheny 9:06 am on November 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Just recently, I believe, as they hit the 100 million mark on number of Bibles printed. You think this is old news?

        • sacredstruggler 9:08 am on November 17, 2012 Permalink

          Quite. I think pretty much everything we buy has a Made in China stamp on it, has for at least this century, I love that I can say that right now!

    • Eugene Adkins 6:15 pm on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I wonder how many of the Bibles are printed in English, and how many of the workers can read English?

      • J. Randal Matheny 2:31 pm on November 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Printers these days are provided with a PDF or PS file, so they don’t set type or concern themselves with the content, just with running the press.

        • Eugene Adkins 2:42 pm on November 17, 2012 Permalink

          So the answer would be a “blue-million” Bibles are printed but none of the eyes are able to understand them?

        • J. Randal Matheny 3:15 pm on November 17, 2012 Permalink

          They print Bibles in many languages, including English and Chinese, and ship them around the world. In China, as I understand it, the Bible are sold only through government-approved outlets.

  • Richard Mansel 8:55 pm on November 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Sermon Starter from Ecclesiastes 

    “Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8). 

    Introduction:

    A. Lay out the purpose of Ecclesiastes.

    B. Trace the role of the sun in Ecclesiastes.

    Three Points:

    1. Christians should value the blessings of walking in the light (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 1:3).

    2. Christians should remember the lessons of the darkness [when we have sinned & come through challenges by God's grace and mercy] (Romans 12:1-2).

    3. Christians should be preparing for the future and be ready for judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

    I will leave the rest to you.

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 4:12 am on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Our brother Jorge has been preaching at SJCampos on Ecclesiastes recently, and he’s done a fine job. It’s a book that deserves more attention. Thanks for this starter.

    • Richard Mansel 10:53 am on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks, Randal. It’s just something that came to me right before I had to do the invitation last night. Glad you found it helpful.

  • Richard Mansel 8:09 pm on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Faith Must be in the Right Things 

    Sometimes things happen that are perfect illustrations of what you have just preached. Tonight was one of those times.

    Today, I preached twice on faith and how we must trust God in prayer and walk in faith like Abraham. As we were leaving the parking lot, we were startled by a sudden appearance.

    Our Church building is on a highway, which is lined on both sides by sidewalks. The road is straight for many miles and people walk and ride bicycles down the sidewalks.

    However,  when we were leaving, it was dark. As we were almost at the entrance and about to pull out into the highway, we saw a blur and a man zipped by on a bicycle. It scared all of us in the car!

    Be clear on the situation here: We have a black man wearing dark gray clothes on a black bicycle riding fast down a sidewalk at night. He saw my white car and didn’t slow down because he had faith that I would see him. Instead, he should have asked HOW I was supposed to see him!

    We must have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6) because God is all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17) and all-knowing (1 John 3:20). He is loving, gentle and compassionate and has created heaven for us to stay for all eternity (John 14:1-6), if we are His children (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4).

    Faith in fallible human beings is nothing like God. We can love and trust certain people in our lives, knowing they can let us down despite their best intentions (Romans 3:23). We must give them the latitude to be human without allowing their inherent weaknesses to destroy our faith in them.

    Faith in people who don’t know or care anything about us is foolish.

    The man on the bicycle had a misguided faith that could have ended his life. Accordingly, it was a faith that was in vain. As he zoomed past driveways and businesses, was his faith such that he refused to stop, no matter what? That would be absurdly reckless!

    Be aware that God is always worthy of our faith. However, faith in man is often a dangerous proposition. This is why we do not allow children to make these kinds of decisions because they do not understand the evils and dangers that exist in the world. When we are adults and we still don’t understand, we are a danger to ourselves and others.

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 3:34 pm on October 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Different Way of Looking at Job 

    In the future, I plan on teaching Job in a different way. I’ve taught the book twice using a verse-by-verse study and enjoyed it both times. The book is a towering masterpiece full of deep thoughts to meditate upon. However, I just wonder if you can lose sight of some of the over-arching themes in the book with such a study.

    I have thought that another way to examine the book would be to look at the introductory passages and then look at each speech as a whole to extract the main points and lessons from each of them. Finally, we would look at the conclusion to tie it all up.

    I hope to embark on this study some day. I think it would be an edifying and fulfilling time

    Have you ever studied the book this way?

     

     

     

    • Jon Galloway 5:35 pm on October 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hello Richard

      Greetings from Scotland! I’ve taught Job twice and both times approached it by speeches. The over-arching themes come out well and at the end the class seemed to be able to relate well to what the book was about.

      Jon Galloway
      East Kilbride, Scotland

    • Ron Thomas 5:42 am on October 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Yes I have and I think that is the best way to approach it. If there are particulars within the chapter that needs to be addressed or that another wants to talk about, then we take time to look at it.

    • J. Randal Matheny 2:23 pm on October 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, Mike Brooks does something similar to this, treating the book thematically in his tome. http://forthrightpress.com/store/products/studies-from-job/

  • Richard Mansel 2:06 pm on October 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , facts, , , rabbi   

    I was listening to an audiobook by Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” about the book of Job and I learned some strange Bible “facts.”

    1. There are two books of Job. The first book is the Fable of Job which is found in Job chapters 1,2,42. It’s simply a parable to teach us about suffering. The second book of Job is the poetry section that constitutes the remainder of the book.

    2. When James referenced Job in James 5:11, he was referring to the fable. He claimed that James was dated near the end of the first century and wasn’t considered part of the canon then.

    3. Since Abraham and Sarah were so old when Isaac was born, Isaac was a special needs child. Therefore, he is the only person in Scripture who had to have his parents arrange his marriage for him because of his diminished mental abilities.

    If only everyone believed in the power of inspiration.

    Needless to say, I’m no longer listening to this book. I figured a Christian-themed Western was much more entertaining and less maddening.

     

    • Barbara A Oliver 2:39 pm on October 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Since Abraham and Sarah were so old when Cain was born ? Did he actually say, Cain, not Isaac?

    • Richard Mansel 2:48 pm on October 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Supposed to be Isaac. Whoops

  • Richard Mansel 1:50 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    Question about Benevolence 

    Does the congregation where you serve pay electric bills for people in the community?

     

    • Ron Thomas 2:02 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      We have, but we have been very discriminating concerning this. In fact, the last time we did so has been long enough that I can’t remember.

    • Loy Pressley 3:54 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Sometimes…in specific circumstances.

    • Eugene Adkins 5:29 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      We have, but there is a questioner of sorts they must answer. Kids also influence the situation. We are more apt to help with groceries than utilities. And when utilities are paid, the bill (or at least the amount) is given to us and we pay the bill in person at the utility instead of handing over money.

  • Richard Mansel 12:02 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: budget, , , , ,   

    Faith and the Church Budget 

    When a congregation plans a budget for the upcoming year, they work with cold, hard numbers based on the expected contribution and the needs of the congregation.

    If this budget is seen as a business document alone, does it fit with the Lord’s work?

    If we step away from the business model, we ask: What role does faith and prayer have in the construction of a church budget? If we work on our budget in October and November, should we not begin praying for the budget months before?

    The sobering reality is that the terrible economy has been savage to church budgets causing cuts everywhere.

    • Does God stop working during difficult financial times?
    • Do we not redouble our prayer and maintain our faith during these trials?
    • Does God give us a pass when we have less money?
    • Does He expect us to give all the time regardless of the situation?

    I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.

     

    • robertebarger 2:57 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      No where in the New Testament does it tell us to build builtings. It also tells them that preach the gospel to “work with your hands to give to the poor”. And do not take money to preach. We are to look to Paul the apostle as our example in this. He was a tent maker and suported himself and them that were with him. The early church met in believers homes, and as many as the Lord called shared what they owned with the rest of the body of Christ. The business of “Church” is not of God but of men.and the Devil. A preacher of the gospel does not need approval from any man, but is called of God and does not have to go to a collage, school, or commitly but he does have to wait on his ministry. Our calling is to feed the poor, care for the widows and fatherless and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. We are not to give to the rich, and when we give we are not to let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. And we are to give expecting nothing in return.

      • Eugene Adkins 5:35 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        You’re wrong about the New Testament saying that preachers are not to be paid by the church.

        Read 1 Corinthians 9:8-10, 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

  • Richard Mansel 9:19 pm on October 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Sermon on the Apostles 

    In August, I preached on a lectureship in Hinesville, Georgia on the subject of, “What is an Apostle?” I covered the meaning of the Greek term, looked at Jesus as an apostle and made application to us today in the Great Commission.

    The Hinesville congregation has been so kind to put our lessons online. If you have any interest in hearing me preach, you can follow this link and hear my lesson. I pray you are edified, as a result.

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:20 am on September 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , presidency, , ,   

    Does Our Political Passion Hurt Evangelism? 


    People believe what they have been taught in their world. If someone is raised to be conservative or liberal, that is usually the path they will take. Someone will need to be educated to how to think and see things in the right perspective.

    God’s Word allows us to change worldviews and to see things in a different way. We cannot expect that to happen to everyone by osmosis.

    When someone does not have any interest in Christianity and never opens a Bible, they will have beliefs based on their past and knowledge.

    People grow up in a tribe that practices cannibalism and then later learn a better way and change. If they were so suspicious of the missionaries who visited them that they would never listen, they would remain savages all of their lives.

    If we are not careful of how we express our political beliefs, we can close doors that can never be opened again. People can legitimately be believers in a political party and what it stands for because it fits the way they were raised.

    If we will show a better way with love, gentleness and empathy, we may be able to approach them with the gospel as well.  We use Scripture to address moral and ethical issues rather than attacking the candidate we disagree with.

    In this current presidential climate, considering the President is a different race than many voters, this is especially important. The more people attack the man, the more hardened his supporters become. Their belief that people hate Obama because of his race is rooted in generations of prejudice and racism. Seen in that light, this attitude is more understandable.

    Unless people wake up to this  reality, they will always be confused by the hostility of others.

    My article today is about respecting the office of the Presidency regardless of who is in office. It is extremely important that Christians lead the way on on this issue. We are commanded to honor and pray for the President. I hope you will read the article and share your thoughts on this matter, as well as my article.

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 6:48 am on September 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Great Quote on Prayer and Preaching 

    “Praying keeps my focus on God’s approval rather than the applause of people.”

    • Charles Swindoll, “Saying it Well” page 151.
     

  • Richard Mansel 9:06 am on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , great physician, , , ,   

    If the message in this photo is correct, what’s the point in going on? Where is hope? Where is peace? Depression would be the only logical answer.

    Thankfully, it is a lie straight from Satan’s blackened heart (John 8:44). We can help ourselves in minor ways, but we must depend on God when we do so.

    “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). 

     

    • Eugene Adkins 10:04 pm on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hard to pull your self up by the bootstraps if you don’t have any boots, huh?

  • Richard Mansel 1:53 pm on September 2, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Confused about the Hatred 

    I was told that if I didn’t like homosexuality, then I hated homosexuals and wanted them to die.

    So, I went to a restaurant with a buffet and selected the foods I liked, then took my plate back to my table. Returning to the buffet,  I screamed, “I hate you! I hope you die!” to all the foods I didn’t like. The owners quickly called the police.

    Guess I’m confused about this concept of hatred.

     

    • Linda 8:19 pm on September 2, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, guess I am not the brightest bulb today as I find this hard to equate.

      • Richard Mansel 8:25 pm on September 2, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Linda, thanks for the question. It shows that in no other area of life do we we allow such silly logic to be true. Yet, in the area of homosexuality, we are suddenly supposed to suspend all logic.

  • Richard Mansel 9:57 am on August 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Misunderstanding the Hatred Concept 

    I was told that if I didn’t like homosexuality, then I hated homosexuals and wanted them to die.

    So, I went to a restaurant with a buffet and selected the foods I liked and put my plate back at my table.

    I went back to the buffet and screamed, “I hate you! I hope you die!” at all the foods I didn’t like. The owners quickly called the police.

    I guess I don’t understand the entire hatred concept after all.

     

  • Richard Mansel 11:43 am on August 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , broccoli, ,   

    Illustration About Listening and Emotions 

    Years ago a radio talk show host was reacting to President G.H.W. Bush’s refusal to eat broccoli. A caller criticized the President for being a bad example. The host said that he didn’t like broccoli and didn’t see why he should have to eat it, either.

    After the angry caller hung up, the host said, “Do you realize that everyone who ate Broccoli in the 18th Century died?”

    A flood of angry callers lined up to yell at the host and defend the healthy qualities of broccoli. This is what happens when we don’t listen and allow our emotions to take over our reason.

    Of course, everyone who ate anything in the 18th century died! It was an excellent social experiment to show how irrational we can become.

    Quite often we allow this kind of ridiculous behavior to destroy our relationships. When we are talking to people we love, we must never forget who they are and , if we must, remove ourselves from the situation to settle down so that we do not say something that cannot be remedied.

    True love means that we always focus on the other person, instead of ourselves (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Otherwise, we get wrapped up in our emotions and can burn up everything around us.

    “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6).

    We must never lose ourselves to anger or we might lose our souls, in the process.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:57 am on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: acts 2. pentecost, , ,   

    The Church started before Pentecost? 

    I was doing research for a Bible class and came across this startling article. I thought would share.

    The author claims that the church did not start in Acts 2. When I read his theory, I was reminded of Wayne Jackson calling something, “results-oriented dogma.”

    His purpose in the article is to explain the origin of the Baptist Church. Naturally, he finds a way to rationalize his conclusion.

    When did the church begin? Let’s read his explanation:

    (More …)

     

    • EWELL 1:13 pm on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The Baptist church is then NOT Christ’s blood-bought institution, which we already knew from their view of the non-essentiality of baptism.

    • Eugene Adkins 6:07 pm on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      When John referred to himself decreasing and Jesus increasing I guarentee he had more on his mind than what kind of a sign would appear on a church building. It’s ridiculous to try and justify the name “baptist church” because of the proposed theory presented. Plus, as any student of the Bible should know, baptist isn’t a correct understanding of the word in connection to John. He wasn’t a baptist; he was the baptizer. The word “baptist” today, like many other words from the past, has come to represent something completely different from its original meaning.

      Isaiah 2 definitely points to Acts 2 and all the points made above in the article. It alone makes enough of a point to me.

      John paved the way, but John didn’t build what the road led to (Acts 20:28).

    • Joe Slater 9:32 am on August 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The gentleman wrote, in part: ‘The Greek word for “build” means “build up” and does not refer to the initial beginning of the church.’

      There is just enough truth there to be dangerous. The Greek word can, indeed, mean “build up” as well as simply “build.” As we might expect, however, context makes the difference. Jesus’ illustration of building on a rock does not favor the meaning of “build up.” When He told the parable of the wise man building his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24, 25), was the wise man just strengthening something that was already there? The parallel account in Luke 6:48 shows such a notion to be impossible.

      To my knowledge, the word for build is never used in the future tense in the New Testament with the meaning “build up.” The foolish farmer in the parable said, “I will pull down my barns and will build greater” (Luke 12:18). Obviously he wasn’t going to leave his old barns standing and just build them up. Stephen quotes the Lord as asking “what house will you build for Me?” (Acts 7:49). When the temple was finally built, Solomon started from scratch — he didn’t build up an already-existing temple.

      Prior to Pentecost, the church is spoken of only in the future. At Pentecost and beyond, it is spoken of as a present reality.

      It’s worth noting that by the time Jesus promised “I will build My church,” John the immerser had already been murdered. One renders a disservice to the faithful and noteworthy John by claiming that he started the church or was even in the church that Jesus built.

  • Richard Mansel 4:02 pm on August 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Perfect Description of Evangelism 

    Few secular quotes could ever express the frustrations of evangelism better than this one. We try and spread the gospel but you cannot accept salvation if you will not believe you are lost. That is why we face so much anger and disinterest in the lives of those we meet. Somehow we have to help people see their need for Christ but it will always be an uphill battle.

    “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

    And there is nothing more heartbreaking than that.

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:29 pm on August 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Huge Stand Against Homosexual Marriage 

    Recently, the president of Chick-fil-A came out against President Obama’s support of homosexual marriage. Homosexual activists in the media unleashed a firestorm of criticism at the restaurant and America has responded in a day of support for the restaurant on August 1st.

    An explanation:

    “Two former Republican presidential candidates are encouraging people to eat at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday to show support for the chain restaurant as it weathers criticism for its president’s public opposition to same-sex marriage. Dubbing the effort “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” ex-candidates Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum said supporters would send a message about “traditional values” by eating a meal at one of the privately owned chain’s more than 1,600 locations. “The goal is simple: Let’s affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick-fil-A,” Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, said on his website.

    I am seeing reports all over the country where Chick-fil-A restaurants are flooded with customers. Traffic is so heavy in most places that the police are having to direct traffic to handle the congestion. Twenty million people joined Mike Huckabee’s page in support. 

    Huckabee’s Facebook page has photos of the huge crowds in various restaurants around the country. People are reporting their own stories of long lines at the restaurants around the nation.

    A series of tweets from supporters of Chick-fil-A

    My official statement on homosexuality

    As to whether any of this will translate to the ballot in November or in churches on Sunday is another story entirely.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:28 pm on July 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , free speech, , ,   

    Tolerance today means Hypocrisy 

     

    I am so very tired of seeing such hate leveled at me and my fellow Christians who are some of the best, most loving people on the planet. Yet, we are painted as monsters.

    It is so sad that people who talk the most about tolerance are some of the most intolerant people around. Moreover, these same folks are huge proponents of free speech but they will do whatever they can to get Christians to be quiet.

    How can anyone see and hear these people without seeing the work of Satan? They are being used in such a transparent way that it is pathetic.

    “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44, NKJV).

     

     

    • Charla 12:10 am on July 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      This is so true and it’s so sad. I, along with many others, are really worried about the direction that this country is taking. Free speech now no longer means free. People today are okay with what you believe, as long as you believe the same way they do or the way that’s popular. If you don’t, then you’re automatically branded with the label “Hate group” and what you said gets blown up way out of proportion and the smear campaign begins. The bible says that these things must happen but it’s also time for the church to stand up and not compromise.

    • David Kenney 10:37 am on August 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I sometimes comment to Christians that if you have not been called a narrow-minded bigot lately, then go around and quote Jesus’ words in the gospels. You soon will be. I like to use this one as an illustration–”Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, NKJV.)

  • Richard Mansel 5:13 pm on July 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: alexandria, ancient history, , , ,   

    You know you love history when… 

     

    Yeah, that would be me!

    What happened? 

    The loss of the ancient world’s single greatest archive of knowledge, the Library of Alexandria, has been lamented for ages. But how and why it was lost is still a mystery. The mystery exists not for lack of suspects but from an excess of them.

    Alexandria was founded in Egypt by Alexander the Great. His successor as Pharaoh, Ptolomy II Soter, founded the Museum or Royal Library of Alexandria in 283 BC. The Museum was a shrine of the Muses modeled after the Lyceum of Aristotle in Athens. The Museum was a place of study which included lecture areas, gardens, a zoo, and shrines for each of the nine muses as well as the Library itself. It has been estimated that at one time the Library of Alexandria held over half a million documents from Assyria, Greece, Persia, Egypt, India and many other nations. Over 100 scholars lived at the Museum full time to perform research, write, lecture or translate and copy documents. The library was so large it actually had another branch or “daughter” library at the Temple of Serapis.

    What a tragedy that was. The destruction of that library did inestimable damage to the pool of knowledge which we possess about the ancient world. Undoubtedly, we would  have a lot more knowledge about Bible times and manuscripts that would flesh out current knowledge.

    I saw the photo above on Pinterest and had to share. For someone who passionately loves history, books and libraries it is one of the greatest tragedies in recorded history.

     

  • Richard Mansel 11:56 am on July 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , james holmes, shooting   

    Perspectives on the Aurora Shootings 

    My current article at Forthright is about the tragic shooting at the theater in Aurora, Colorado by James Holmes. Like many others, I preached on the shootings on Sunday using the thoughts in today’s article.

    My Forthright articles every week are written to spur discussion. Accordingly, I am interested in your thoughts on the spiritual perspective on this case.

    Pundits and law enforcement experts are all over the American media trying to find answers to why the shootings occurred.

    Everyone wants to know:

    • Why did this happen?
    • Should we ban guns?
    • How can we prevent these kinds of crimes from happening?

    However, my premise is that they will never find the right answers because they persist in asking the wrong questions. If they were looking at the tragedy through spiritual eyes, they would find the answers they seek very clearly.

    Through your eyes as a student of Scripture, how would you answer those three questions?

     

    • Eugene Adkins 6:41 am on July 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Why did this happen? – Because of a lack of love toward his fellow man, and because of his lack of fear toward God (Luke 10:27; 1 Peter 2:17). I do not believe there is anything else that would be considered “unique” to his situation that could not be found in someone’s life that did not commit such evil.

      Should we ban guns? – No. I think we should ban mass killings! But would that work? I believe the issue isn’t the tool, but rather the one who used the tool.

      Multiple, multiple thousands are killed every year by drunk drivers. A friend from High School was hit and killed by a drunk driver a month ago…isn’t drunk driving illegal? What would happen if alcohol was banned? People would make another way to get drunk like they did in the past!

      What would happen if guns were banned and someone wanted to kill a multiple amount of people? They would find a way to accomplish it. Bombs, vehicles, knives, arson, planes, etc.

      Laws will not prevent law breakers! When it comes to the issue of owning a tool that is capable of being used for violence, I believe the Bible leaves the responsibility up to the person and not the tool (Luke 22:38).

      How can we prevent these kinds of crimes from happening? – I don’t know if prevention is the key; maybe deterrence would better fit in my mind. The despicable act seen in Colorado isn’t a new phenomia. People guilty of committing multiple murders (and the mindset(s) needed) have been around for millenia.

      As far as prevention goes, maybe getting back to teaching about the value of life from top to bottom would help. Look at what part of the target audience in that theatre included – children! The man had to know that there would be children present, but it sure doesn’t seem like that phased him. I don’t believe we will be able to ever make a person love another person against their own will. Particularly if the person has no love for God (1 John 4:20; Matthew 15:19; Mark 15:7; Romans 1:29-31).

      To me, this third question is the most difficult to answer; I agree with your premise about it. While thinking about these things and searching the scriptures, Mark 15:7 and the whole situation around it really caught my attention.

      Great questions, Richard. Hope you find these answers useful for your studies and thoughts.

  • Richard Mansel 8:00 am on July 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Guiding our Children to Maturity 

    As parents, we are charged with raising our children to be strong, healthy and ready for the world. We teach them all we can before they leave the nest. Our teaching license will not expire until death but our intensive instruction will be done while they are under our roof.

    I fear that parents are too busy to spend the time necessary to help their children mature mentally. We send them to school and Bible class and we may think that is sufficient. But we would be wrong.

    (More …)

     

    • Daniel 11:34 am on July 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Great post and lists of useful advice! Thanks Richard!

  • Richard Mansel 1:01 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Walking away from Politics 

    I am a recovering news addict. In times past, political news was one of my chief interests. However, I have left that life behind me and it has made me much happier and calmer. I needed it for my emotional, spiritual and physical health.

    God has promised us peace in Christ and all Christians should pursue it:

    “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:6-8, NKJV).

    Politics will divide friends, family and foment anger.

    In terms of political posts and discussions on Facebook, we must step back and ask the following questions:

    (More …)

     

    • Ron Thomas 1:08 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I won’t take, entirely, the same view as you, but mostly so. Regardless of entire or not, your words are quite useful to be heard.

      • Richard Mansel 1:10 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I just offer these thoughts for consideration. Christianity and politics have a very complex relationship.

    • John Henson 1:54 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Amen, brother! This idea that either one side or the other is perfect all the time is vexing and impossible to support. There’s no problem understanding objective truth, but trying to accept one party or the other no matter what they do? That’s maddening.

    • Don Ruhl 2:17 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Good article, Richard. And something that needed to be said, because the current atmosphere on politics is dividing America, and many Christians join in the ugliness.

    • Don Ruhl 2:21 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, can you send me the article by e-mail? I am having a hard time copying it off the web site, and I want to print it in our bulletin, if it will fit. My e-mail address is: Rdruhl@aol.com

    • Chris Gallagher 2:48 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Richard,

      You make some great points. As you have seen several of my posts on Facebook, I speak many times from a conservative point of view. In doing so, i try to make it clear it is not a church position, but at the same time, when it involves an issue of morality, I make it a moral position related to a Biblical guideline.

      In posting regarding certain topics which have a political basis, I have had some excellent converstaions with people outside of the church.

      Once again, great points.

    • Eugene Adkins 4:40 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      There are still moral issues out there that walk around in disguise as “political” issues that I wish some brothers and sisters would see, but for the most part I agree with you Richard. I grow weary of political topics long before religious ones.

      Great little post and conversation starter.

      • Richard Mansel 5:04 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Eugene, several people apparently read the article and all missed the same sentences. :)

        I said in the article that we must address these key moral issues from Scripture. As long as we remain in the Scriptures, we are safe.

        • Eugene Adkins 7:42 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink

          Wasn’t saying otherwise. Just making a statement about how some people confuse moral motivation with political motivation.

          Don’t know if you thought I was one of the “several” who missed it or not, but just in case you did, I wanted to clarify what I was saying…or trying to say :)

  • Richard Mansel 9:20 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , viral   

    Going Viral in the Fibro World 

    I’ve now experienced just a taste of the Internet Viral train and I like it. How could you not? Having something you created spread around the Internet like wildfire is a heady feeling.

    “Going Viral” is the most desirable thing on the Internet and people pursue it every day.

    I made a card for Pinterest and I shared it on a Fibromyalgia site on Facebook. You can see the card below.

    When my neurological problems began and I went to the Mayo Clinic and Brooks Pain Rehabilitation Center, I committed myself to helping others who suffer from chronic pain and after a later diagnosis, Fibromyalgia. This is part of that mission. I want to express things that I feel and hopefully do the same for others.

    As of this post, this card has been liked 2,729 times and shared 2,702 times! Of course, this is far from viral numbers but within a certain community, it is noteworthy [to me]. :)

    I had no idea it would resonate so much with people when I created this card. I was just experiencing several layers of exhaustion and wanted to express how I felt.

    My point in this post is this: Imagine if we could catch the Internet Viral Train with the gospel! How many souls could be touched?  Give it some thought.

    Within the brotherhood, and a group within that larger one, we all read and know the same people and read and study the same things. Having something go viral within that group would be good but somewhat redundant. What if we created something that went viral with a pointed Biblical truth that would cause people outside of our circle to come to Christ?

    What would it be? How would we do that? Figure that out and doors blow open.

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 9:26 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Great thoughts.

    • Weylan Deaver 9:41 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Happy for your success, Richard! If someone can offer a workable answer to your last two questions, more power to him. There is this huge difference: Satan is not working against Fibromyalgia like he is working against the gospel. The latter will always be met with more controversy and hate than just about anything else on the table.

    • Gary Greene 11:54 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I sadly agree with Weylan, but we need to see if we can’t discover that some part of the truth can be used as an introduction that won’t automatically turn people off. We have been successful in the physical world with targeted seminars, support groups, and such. What can we use in the virtual realm?

      • Richard Mansel 12:00 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I was just using my situation as an illustration to get us thinking. You never know, someone who reads this post may be inspired to do something that bears a lot of fruit.

    • Eugene Adkins 4:53 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I would almost imagine that it would have to be something along the lines of a video to go truly “viral.”

      Maybe something like doing good deeds…like letting our light shine in a way that causes someone else to spread the news. Just a guess.

    • harlansmummy 2:38 pm on July 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I shared this on Facebook :)

  • Richard Mansel 8:57 am on June 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    All Worry is Sin? 

    I was doing research for a sermon and came across a book by John Haggai called, “How to Win over Worry.”

    John Haggai says, “Worry is a sin. It is always a sin.”

    How can someone make such an unqualified statement? Blanket statements are often true and false. The former will benefit the reader while the latter will chase away the skeptic. We must be careful to delineate truth so we have a chance to win all of our readers.

    Worry is defined as uneasiness or anxiety. How can we say those two words are unqualified sins? Maybe Haggai has a different definition of worry. If so, he should have said so. In being precise, we must define terms so everyone understands the premise.

    John Haggai says, “Worry is distrust in the truthfulness of God and worry is detrimental to the temple of God.”

    Haggai is exactly correct. However, the definition above is more expansive than that. We must always realize that God is with us and that He is our Lord and Provider.

    “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

    If we see anyone or anything else as our source of safety, answers or salvation, we have violated God’s will.

    Uneasiness and anxiety, to an extent, are natural consequences of the human condition. A child will trust his father completely but will still tremble as he leaps off the pier into his father’s arms.

    We know that the Lord will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), but we are still frightened when our car breaks down in the woods or we find ourselves lost in the concrete jungle at night. It is impossible to banish all of this from our minds and hearts.

    It is dangerous to teach that ALL worry is sin because it places an impossible burden on the hearer. When the widow goes out that week and someone steals her car and she loses her job and can’t pay the utility bill or mortgage, would we all not feel uneasy or anxious if we were in her shoes?

    Faith in God is required (Hebrews 11:6). It is the only hope we have to survive in this cruel world. We must trust God completely. Yet, we retain our humanity and denying that is folly and to our listeners, disaster.

    Let us always take the time to qualify our statements and be as precise as possible so our readers or listeners will continue to listen.

     

    • Tim Archer 9:33 am on June 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I agree. There is a type of “worry” that isn’t sinful, like what Paul said: “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28) That type of concern is natural. At the same time, we need to teach a real dependence on God.

    • Richard Parsons 11:36 am on June 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      It is natural to be concerned or to “worry” about some of the situations that we must face. We get into trouble when the “worry” leads us to test God or it leads us away from Him. These situations should motivate us to move even closer to God.

    • Eugene Adkins 4:50 pm on June 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I do not believe that Paul sinned when he said, “I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.” (2 Corinthians 2:13).

      It sure sounds like he was worried to me.

  • Richard Mansel 9:22 am on June 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: amridge,   

    Interesting Fact or Not 

    For what it is worth, I thought you might be interested in this.

    Several years ago, I graduated from graduate school at Southern Christian University under Rex Turner Sr. My wife graduated with her bachelors degree from Regions under Rex Turner Jr. Recently, my wife graduated with her Masters degree from Amridge under Michael Turner.

    I have to wonder how many couples can say that between them they graduated from all three schools and all three Presidents. I think it is rather cool, actually.

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:37 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Question About the Holy Spirit 

    A question occurred to me recently that I had never considered before.

    The Holy Spirit has always been active in the realm of men. First mentioned in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit has been involved, faithfully doing the will of God in whatever way He was needed (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 51:11, et al).

    In addition, the Holy Spirit directed the Word of God to men so God’s will could be taught and obeyed (2 Peter 1:21). The Spirit has been active in various ways since before time began.

    With that in mind, Jesus teaches the Apostles in John 14-16 that the Holy Spirit would come as a Comforter (John 14:16) and as a Teacher (John 14:26). Later, He hastens the arrival of the Church (Acts).

    Jesus said:

    “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7, cf. 14:16).

    Considering the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture…

    • How is it that the Spirit could not come until Jesus left?
    • In what way had He not come, considering He had always been here working for God?
    • Why had He left in the first place?
    • In what way had He left?

    Had the Spirit not been a Comforter and Teacher already in His role as a carrier of God’s will and word?

    I find this an interesting thought question and I look forward to your answers.

     

    • Ron Thomas 2:50 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Not having given a lot of thought to the series of questions before this, I offer some initial thoughts. 1) The HS was present, but the capacity of His work only varied. Thus, He did not come in a particular way that He was to soon come. 2) I would suggest a two-fold way: Acts 2:38 and 5:32 (though there might be a dispute about the application of that verse), the passage you mentioned, and Hebrews 2:1-4. 3) Did He leave, or did He work only in a varied ways? I think the latter. 4) I don’t believe He did leave; His work is only different.

    • Kyle Massengale 3:54 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Considering the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture…

      How is it that the Spirit could not come until Jesus left? In what way had He not come, considering He had always been here working for God? Why had He left in the first place? In what way had He left?

      It is interesting to note that the apostles already had the power to perform miracles prior to Jesus’ words recorded by John. Also, it is recorded that Jesus said “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” and breathed on them after his resurrection and before the day of Pentecost (John 20:22). And of course, we have the events that took place in Acts 2. So the coming of the Spirit must mean something different than the ability to perform miracles, speak by the authority of Christ (which is what Jesus meant in John 20:22). Therefore, I would conclude that the mentioning of the Spirit in John 14-17 is connected with the delivering of the full revelation of the mystery of Christ – the complete story of redemption and salvation. When Peter and the apostles spoke to the crowd in Jerusalem, they were clear to say that what the people were hearing was from God -”with signs which you now see and HEAR.” Peter then stated that Christ is now seated at the right hand of God – the rest of the story. Such claim could not have been made or witnessed to without it becoming a reality and the Spirit relaying the full message to fleshly men. The Spirit could ‘come’ in this sense only after the promise became a reality and thus be able to draw along side of the witnesses to testify of the matter. The phrase “and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” I believe, should be read in this context – now trusting in Christ you will now know or receive the knowledge and reality regarding the full mystery of God’s eternal purpose.

      It would be in the absence of Christ on earth that the full revelation could take place. The medium to make this known had to be by the Spirit who occupied the spiritual realm and then spoke it to the witnesses.

      Jesus said before ascending to heaven “All Power has been given unto me in heaven and on earth…” Paul said “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for IT is the power of God unto salvation.” There are several different realms of power spoken of in scripture – creation power, miraculous power, providential power, etc. yet it has been expressed by the Spirit that the power toward the saving of my soul is the Gospel of Christ. Notice that the Gospel of Christ does not lead me to some other power that brings salvation. IT IS the power of God unto salvation. It is not the Spirit’s power but Gospel power. God has chosen the power of his character of morality – God has put the power to save man in his revelation of moral law and character. When man sees God’s full moral law as delivered by the Spirit, he makes a choice to obey it or deny it.

    • thebiblestudent 8:24 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I find it very interesting that the majority of times the Spirit is mentioned in the OT, miracles are the result. Read through Judges and just about every time you read “and the Spirit fell/came upon_____” something miraculous was about to happen. It was after the Spirit came upon Jesus after His baptism that Jesus began working miracles. When the Spirit came upon the apostles, the result was miracles. When the apostles laid hands on people, the Spirit was passed to them, and miracles were the result.

      Being able to perform miracles and have miraculous knowledge would be comfort to those apostles who were about to face amazing persecution and torment from the group that HAD been God’s people. The Spirit would come as a constant reminder to the apostles that Jesus IS who He said He was. The Spirit would come to confirm the words the apostles were preaching, thus bringing comfort to the hearers.

      Why wouldn’t the Spirit come if Jesus stayed? Because they had no need of the miraculous knowledge when Jesus Himself was in their midst. Also, it was prophesied that the Spirit would be poured out on all flesh (Joel 2), and that prophecy was fulfilled in the church, beginning with Pentecost. If Jesus was still on earth, certain prophecies about the Spirit could not yet be fulfilled.

    • Jim Eckerberg 10:05 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Years ago, Bro. Ruel Lemmons talked about this topic at a local Lectureship that I attended in K. C., MO. His teaching, that I fully agreed with after studying it, follows: The HS, as well as Christ, had been on the earth many times and had influenced lives many times before the coming of Chrfist. (Fiery furnace, meeting with Joshua before Jericho, etc.) Christ came for our salvation and died on Calvary which was his actual coming to earth. The promised HS then came on the day of Penecost, this being the baptism of the HS, which was to the whole world, just as Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for the whole world for all time. The HS had never been promised to anyone before as he was in Acts 2:38ff. Each Christian now has the individual dwelling of the HS, not a general presence in the world as HE was before. Of course the Spirit always speaks in a quiet voice to us if we listen (still small voice). This does not ,mean that he speaks directly to us but HE does show us the way to go in many ways. And we can follow HIS leading if we want to. The problem is we all have a “I want to do it my way” attitude about everything we do at home, at work and in the church also. I am 800 miles away from home having a good time in Branson with my wife, daughter, her husband and one of my grandchildren and her friend so this is just a quick answer to your thoughts. Maybe we can discuss this at a latr date. I won’t be home for about two weeks — family reunion vacation etc. Jim Eckerberg

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