J. Randal Matheny
Richard Mansel
Barbara Ann Oliver
mtmcvb
Weylan Deaver
Mike Riley
philsanders
jajenkins5
Don Ruhl
jimnewy
Richard Hill
Laura
Ron Thomas
TFRStaff
cayawn1
Glenda Williams
John Henson
Stephen R. Bradd
Larry Miles
Ed Boggess
joyjensen
drkenney
paulaharington
Chad Dollahite
John T. Polk II
Richard S. Reinhardt, Jr.
The Old Cowboy - Roy Coffman
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Some of the best advice comes from the Book of Proverbs, and the best way to get that wisdom into you is to read the chapter that corresponds to the day. For example, for today, December 8, read chapter 8 and there you will hear wisdom saying to you, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors” (Pro 8.34). Right there, the Book of Proverbs tells you to read it daily!
From the word I post: Nehemiah 9.6 when the Levites confessed that our God alone is Yahweh, that He made heaven, the earth, and that He preserves them all. Therefore, the host of heaven worships Him, and so
From the heart I post: Praise our great God who looks upon us though so small in comparison to the heavens and the earth, and so
From the street I post: Let all the earth worship our God, even as the host of heaven does!
Acts 4.24 says in part, “they raised their voice to God with one accord and said…”
How did they do pray in one accord?
Did they all speak simultaneously?
If so, was the prayer written out beforehand?
Or did someone say a few words, and the others repeat it?
Or did Luke simply mean that one man uttered the prayer, and he spoke for all?
Or are there other options?
The Ephesian Church is most intriguing. What got me interested in this church is Bill Boverie’s book, “From Caves to Cathedrals,” published by Quality Publications. Watch the church start in the Book of Acts, then see where it ends up in Revelation 2, although Paul, Apollos, Timothy, and John had been preachers there!
Where would your congregation be today, if in the past forty years those men had been the preachers? The truth is, while preachers can do much to help congregations, individual members still must do their part.
So true…can’t you just imagine their “church history” they could’ve put together? You’re right, though, the lesson on individual members’ responsibility is spot on!
Yes, Chad, it would have been amazing to sit with those brethren and hear them talk of the history of their congregation.
Don
I have been persecuted numerous times, including from some in-laws who are atheistic and evolutionary in their beliefs. Every time I have stood up in public for what the Bible teaches in regard to homosexuality and abortion, people have persecuted me.
This past September we held a seminar on Islam with brother Burt Jones, and we advertised it heavily, and people persecuted us in the newspaper, through e-mail, answering machine messages, and protests during one of Burt’s speeches.
These people persecuted me in particular, but through it all, we responded as Jesus taught us, and praised God that He counted us worthy to suffering for His Son’s name and truth! Praise God!
I find it very interesting that people get “angry” at the preaching of the truth. If they actually thought their position was correct, one would think thet would try to convert you not persecute you. Keep up the good fight!
With God’s help, I shall continue the good fight.
I often contemplate what my life would be like without Christ. Would I have given in to some temptations that I resist now? I know that I would not be a preacher, but probably would have continued to operate a backhoe for my stepfather. What I would have been or not been, I do not know, but I do know that I would be headed for the fires of hell, but the holy brethren at the Longmont Church of Christ, Colorado, and the Lord working through many others changed all that. Praise God!
Hospitality…barely
Does anyone know of a Bible passage that refers to plants either as living or dying?
Best I can do is John 12:24: ” I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain.”
Thanks, Randal.
I asked because at a Creation Conference in Portland, Oregon last weekend, one of the speakers (Henry Morris III) said that the Bible never refers to plants as life, only humans and animals, because the life is in the blood. With the exception of the passage you had mentioned, I could not find anything to deny what he taught. The Bible does refer to plants as withering.
Don
I think the strongest case can be made from Gen 1. God made grass, herbs, trees, etc. that bring forth “according to [their] kind.” The other creatures mentioned in Gen. 1 (which are certainly alive) also bring forth “according to [their] kind.” Unless plants are an exception, the only things in Gen. 1 that bring forth according to their kind are living things. By implication that which lives can also die.
Thanks, Stephen.
Don
And there’s the comparison between plants and people, James 1, for example:
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
And 1 Pet 1:24-25 quoting Isa 40:6, 8.
Randal,
The only thing about those passages is that they do not use the words, “living,” “alive,” “life,” “dead,” “died,” or anything similar, which is what Henry Morris III was arguing.
Don
For me the most striking saying of Jesus is what He said on divorce and remarriage (Matt 19.9), and the disciples saw it as very striking (v. 10), and today it is still one of the most controversial issues.
Concerning Philippians 1.19–23, The Expositor’s Dictionary of Texts (p. 709), says, “Death parts two old friends (body and soul) but it joins two better friends, the soul and Christ.”
Welcome, John T. Polk II, to The Fellowship Room. We will enjoy cogitating on exegetical profundities with you.
Randal asked where the Bible says Jesus sat down.
Well, after I had my kidney transplant, I was too weak to stand and preach, so I would sit on a stool. When I was a guest speaker during that time, a brother—whether joking or serious, I do not know, the Lord knows—said that it was not scriptural to sit while preaching. I then referred him to Matthew 5.1 which shows Jesus delivering the greatest sermon ever while sitting down.
So, Randal, the passage that I thought of was Matthew 5.1. Did I get it right? Did I win something?
Applause. You win applause, my dear brother. Got it right, along with Larry, too. Several times it’s mentioned that Jesus sat.
Oh, I made a mistake. Revelation 1.17 had already been taken, and I did not realize it.
I guess great minds think alike! :-)
Dude! I agree!
Don
Here, forgiveness is easy.
Whew! (As I wipe my forehead).
Don
In Revelation 1.17, after John fell down from seeing the glorified Christ, Jesus then laid His right hand upon John, which hand had previously held seven stars, and told him not to be afraid. Wow! With the same hand that Jesus uses to hold stars, He can touch an old man in his nineties and tell him not to fear! Praise God!
I am like Ed Boggess, the KJV brought me the NKJV. I found this interesting and thought-provoking thought from C. S. Lewis on the King James Version, “We must sometimes get away from the Authorized Version, if for no other reason, simply because it is so beautiful and so solemn. Beauty exalts, but beauty also lulls. Early associations endear, but they also confuse. Through that beautiful solemnity, the transporting or horrifying realities of which the Book tells may come to us blunted and disarmed, and we may only sigh with tranquil veneration when we ought to be burning with shame, or struck dumb with terror, or carried out of ourselves by ravishing hopes and adorations…”
Barbara Ann is a woman after my own heart. I have wanted to collect swords for a long time, but my wife is not very excited about the idea. The only unusual knife that I have is a ulu knife.
However, I do have many copies of the Sword of the Spirit, which is my preference over just a spiritual pocket knife, such as carrying only a New Testament.
In my family tree is Darwin French (my great-great-grandfather), who was the physician on the team that explored Death Valley, California, and the town of Darwin, California is named after him. This is on my mother’s side.
In my tree are two that I will mention from the American Revolution — one infamous (acquitted) and the other regrets his hero status.
The first is Malcom McCown. He was one of the participants in the murder of Chief Cornstalks of the Shawnee People. Here is the newspaper account of the trial. “CORNSTALK MURDER From the VIRGINIA GAZETTE 3 April 1778 By HIS Excellency PATRICK HENRY Governor, or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of VIRGINIA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS a most barbarous murder was on the tenth day of November last committed by a number of persons belonging to a detachment of the militia of this state an Indian chief called CORNSTALK, his son, and two other Indians at Fort Randolph on the Ohio, although the said Indians had been convicted of no hostile act or purpose, and were at that time under the pl ghted (sic) protection of the garrison of the place, whereby a deep wound has been given to the honor and faith of this country, the laws of the state have been most flagrantly violated, and the vengeance of a cruel enemy provoked on the innocent inhabitants of the western frontiers, as well as a dangerous example given to licentious and bloodthirsty men wantonly to involve their country in the horrours of a savage war; and whereas it appears from sundry depositions transmitted to me that James Hall of the county of Rockbridqe, and Malcolm McCown of Augusta, Adam Barnes of Greenbrier, William Roane of Rockbridge and Hugh Galbreath of Rockbridge were deeply concerned in promoting and perpetrating the said outrage, I do by and with the advice of the Council of State issue this my proclamation strictly requiring the citizens of this commonwealth, more especially all officers civil and military, to use the most vigorous exertions to bring these seperate offenders to the punishment due their guilt. And as an encouragement thereto, as well as a proof of the public abhorrence of such detestable crimes, I do offer to such person or persons as shall secure any of the offenders so that they be brought to justice the following rewards that is for James Hall 200 dollars, for Malcolm McCown 150 dollars, for Adam Barnes, William Roane and Hugh Galbreath 100 dollars each.
Given under my hand at the Council Chamber in the city of Williamsburg this 27th day of March in the second year of the commonwealth, Annogue Dom 1778″
The second is Captain Oliver Brown of the Mass. Continental Army Artilery. You can read his biography here: http://tinyurl.com/4ogt7jt . He witnessed the Boston Tea Party as a teenager and enlisted when he was old enough. We served at the battle of Lexington and was in charge the night he and sailors took down the statue of King George III in New York (an event George Washington denounced and Capt Brown said he regretted later in life). Brown recalled being sent on special missions by General Washington.
Interesting. Thanks.
Don Ruhl
My favorite non-biblical quote is this one from Christopher J. H. Wright in “The Mission of God,” “God dwelling among his people should be the most attractive force field on earth” (page 339).
Randal, I wish that you had written that book on balance, for we need it badly. My Greek and Hermeneutics teacher, Troy Cummings, had started to write a book on Spiritual Balance, but he died before he could finish it.
Maybe somebody could pick his book up and finish it. How far did he get with it?
I have a few notes still from when I started mine, I think, but the idea would probably be cold by now.
That would be nice if someone could finish it, but I do not know of anyone who could actually do it. Have you heard of Troy Cummings?
His name sounds familiar, but I can’t say that I know him.
Yes, I have brand fidelity, and when Randal mentioned Apple, I could not resist! When Steve Jobs returned to Apple and turned the company around, it delighted me greatly. I have been using MacIntosh computers since 1991, and love them.
When I was a kid, my mother knew that I wanted Levi jeans and I was happy, and that is still true. I do not know that I have ever worn any other brand, and I am 53 years old!
I organize this way:
1. I used the Ready Record compiled by Jim Bill McInteer since 1980, but now they have changed the format so that I no longer find it useful for preaching. Therefore, I am switching to Action Day.
2. I use Palm Desktop for Mac even more than the old Ready Record.
3. I also use iCal.
What thought do I have about God?
Well, in 2010, I have preached eight sermons on the existence of God, and over two dozen on the attributes of God.
I conclude that He is the God of glorious beauty, shown magnificently in the glorified Christ in Revelation 1.10–18.
I have many movie favorites, including the six Star Wars movies, The Princess Bride, The Man From Snowy River, but the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie has to be the best (I like the other two also), and I like the first Pirates movie just simply because it is fun.
Ooh…I am a big fan of the Star Wars movies, too! Episode 3 was a bit depressing, though well made. I had to hurry and re-watch episodes 4-6 after seeing it, though!
A real man is whatever Jesus of Nazareth was. He could rebuke sternly, and yes, He could even cry. He could work with His hands, and He could work with people. He could speak, and He could listen. He could love the righteous, and He could love the sinner. Whatever He was as a man, I want to be as a man.
Amen to that, Don. I’ll probably never amount to much working with my hands (unless keyboarding falls under that), but I want to be the man he is.
Keyboarding can produce the greatest works in the world. Therefore, in my book, it counts as working with your hands.
Don
Whew! Just under then wire, then!
Yes, you just barely made it.
My favorite verse is this one, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls…” (2Co 12.15a). To me, that epitomizes the spirit of Christianity.
What is my favorite Bible book to teach? Whatever one I am teaching at the present! If I have to be forced into making a choice, I will say Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel According to John. Oh wait, that is plural and Mister Editor/Webmaster wants a singular choice. Okay, I will go with Ecclesiastes.
My favorite books of the Bible to teach are Esther and Matthew.
Well, those are great books also! My first written commentary will be on Esther.
Don
When did mortality hit home for me? It was in 1981, when I was 22 years old, and the doctor told me that I had an incurable kidney disease.
When is it OK to quit? Troy Cummings, my Greek and Hermeneutics teacher, said that you will know when it is time to move on. He was right. I knew when to leave the North Long Beach congregation in Long Beach, California, but it was not quite so obvious with the Nile Street Church in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
What book exceeded my expectations? Brother Steve Lloyd highly recommended, “The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative,” by Christopher J. H. Wright. Wow, it caused me to refocus my ministry entirely, starting with the year 2010! It reminded me of what I learned in a class in preaching school, the Scheme of Redemption, and I realized that I needed to redirect what I want to accomplish in my work as a preacher.
Don, who is Wright? What’s his background?
Randal,
I do not recall his background at the moment, but I believe he is Scottish, and I do not know his church affiliation.
Don
The latest book to disappoint me was, “The Seven Faith Tribes” by George Barna. The Preface and opening chapter were great, but then the rest of the book fell flat. I was told that his books can be that way, that is, he can identify a problem, but then his solution is not all that great. That was true of this book, but I cannot say anything about any of his other books. He has some appealing titles, so, I want to give him a couple more chances.
I just read Psalm 87 this morning and verse 7 makes a distinction between singing and playing that I had never noticed before. This is the New King James Version,
Both the singers and the players on instruments say,
“All my springs are in you.”
(Psa 87.7)
I thought you all would find that interesting.
Don Ruhl
I, too, read from the NKJV. As for you, it occurred to me as well!
Unfortunately, the e-mail that gets sent out did not retain the quoting that you can see on the web site so that it appears in the e- mail that the first line of Psalm 87.7 is mine rather than the psalmist’s words.
Don Ruhl
Caffeine! The other preacher who works with me has his master’s degree in nutrition, and he told that caffeine has a half life of eight hours. That means eight hours later you still have half the caffeine in your body. That makes me wonder how many other people have problems sleeping because they had caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
When I hear Christians say that we should not study the Old Testament or that we should have nothing to do with it, my eyes roll, because my first reaction is, “You are not even reading the New Testament, for if you were, you would know that we must know the Old Testament as the New Testament says in countless places.”
Kerri and I loved Bucerias, Mexico in November 2008. We just returned from Southern California and Ormond Beach, Florida and enjoyed both. We love to vacation in Colorado where we met each other, were baptized, and married there.
I have not posted anything in a while, because my wife and I were on vacation to California and Florida. Now we are back and ready to continue the Lord’s work in Oregon.
Welcome back, Don. Trust your vacation time was restful and pleasant.
Yes, it was. Thanks.
Don
What always gets me about the trial of Jesus, was when the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, but they would not enter the Praetorium lest they defile themselves, exempting themselves from eating the Passover that year. Let me see, I do not want to defile myself by entering a Gentile place, but I can defile myself by conspiring to kill an innocent man. Of course, they should have seen Jesus as the Son of God, but knowing that they had to find false witnesses to convict should have shown them that He was at least an innocent man.
Don, I’ve often thought the same thing, but have come to view it as human nature. I’ve even seen Christians willing to operate on the level of the end justifies the means. It happens when they are blindly determined to accomplish what they deem as good (though it’s often not!) all the while posing as upstanding Christians.
We must guard ourselves that we not succumb to the temptation.
Right.
Don
For the Daily Nudge on June 29, Randal asked how could Jesus, being the Son of God, wash feet. That has always amazed me that He could do that. Then, not too long ago, I realized that meant He also washed the feet of Judas Iscariot. How could Jesus wash the feet of the man Jesus knew within minutes or hours would betray Him, leading to the horrible brutality of a Roman crucifixion? Oh, God, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, please help me to become like your Son in every way, including in His humility to wash the feet of His creatures, and in His love to wash the feet of the man who would betray Him!
The latest non-gospel music that I have been listening to have been many. I recently discovered The Puppini Sisters through iTunes free weekly songs. Wow. It just fun music. I first heard “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and I think they are way better than the group in the 90s or 80s that did that song. Another recent favorite is Paul Schwartz. I have only listened to three of his CDs, State of Grace, State of Grace II, and State of Grace III. He writes some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard.
Revelation 4 is a magnificent scene, because John went into the throne room of God Almighty Himself. John saw the living creatures and he saw the 24 elders worshiping God. Wow!
News: we just had our banquet last night for the Fishers of Men class conducted by brother Timothy Wilkes. We had 94 Bible studies with 47 different people.
This is great news, Don! Wish we could see more positive news like this every day. Keep up the good work!
Bruce Ligon are discussing. 
J. Randal Matheny 12:55 pm on June 17, 2011 Permalink |
For those who are wondering what Don is doing, in place of the Daily Nudge that appears to the Fellows when logged in, I wrote this as a suggestion. “Post from the Word, the heart, the street.”