Updates from TFRStaff RSS Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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

    An Unexpected Teaching 

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

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

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

    In Christ, Steve Preston

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

     

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

    Hugh’s News and Views 

    VETOING GOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Hugh Fulford (May 29, 2012)

    June speaking schedule:

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

    June 20: Portland Church of Christ, Portland, TN

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

     


     

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

    What is wrong with the Old Testament? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In Christ, Steve Preston

    Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages from

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

     

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

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

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

    1970 Interview with V.E.Howard 

    From Roy Davison:

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

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

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

    May the Lord bless you.
    Roy Davison

     

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

    It Can’t Be Helped 

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

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

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

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

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

    In Christ, Steve Preston

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

     

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

    Time to plan 

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

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

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

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 9:53 am on May 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Solomon Builds the Temple 

    I pray that every day and every week you are “planning to obey God.” In our JG month on “purposeful planning,” we cannot overlook Solomon’s building of the temple. The record of this event is found in 1 Kings 5-7. Let’s notice a few points about this process from the wise man, Solomon.

    ·First, there was a goal, a vision. Leaders need a vision, an idea in their mind of future things that are important to accomplish for the Lord. Parents need a vision, a picture in their mind of the spirituality and workers that their children will become for the Lord. Individuals need a vision of what they want to become in knowledge, in personality, in character, in work for the Lord. Without a vision, most of us just drift along and deal with what life brings us instead of bringing to life what we believe the Lord would want.

    ·Second, there was a commitment. In 1 Kings 5:5, Solomon said, “I have purposed to build a house unto the name of the Lord…” A vision becomes just a ‘pipe dream,’ a whim, if there is no purpose to accomplish it. Many times we might wish we were something more or wish we would do something more, but do not form the commitment to follow through. Let’s make commitments to ourselves and to God to make our dreams visions we will accomplish.

    ·Third, there was a plan. We can set a goal and make a plan to reach it. Solomon’s plan was specific. It included the dimensions (1 Kings 6:3-17), the materials (1 Kgs. 5:6-7, 17-18), the workers (5:7-16) and more. Brothers and sisters, if our plan is too vague to put on paper with the details, it is too vague to carry out.

    ·Fourth, there was a beginning and an ending. They knew when the project was finished. That means there was a specific goal that was reachable and progress was measurable. If the goal is clear in our mind, we can measure our progress along the way. Our ultimate goal is heaven. Yet, with the Bible in hand, we can measure our progress in things like the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5), the Christian graces (2 Pet. 1), our knowledge growth (1 Pet. 2:2), even our self-control (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

    Folks, let’s plan to obey God.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 8:53 am on May 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Job’s Covenant With His Eyes 

    Have you ever made a plan for your daily conduct? Have you considered ahead of time how you would react to the various temptations that will come to you?

    For example, have you already planned that you would be in services on Sunday evening whether or not company comes by, the couch feels comfortable, or the Super Bowl is on?

    Have you already planned that even though you are late to work, you are going to obey the speed limit?

    Have you planned, that even as the hot summer approaches, you will not wear immodest clothing, but that you will dress as you believe Jesus would if he were in your place?

    Have you already decided that today, if you meet someone, do you immediately start thinking of a way to bring up a study of the gospel with him or her?

    These are just some of the myriad of questions that could be considered as implying situations that are part of our daily life.

    Our text today has an outstanding lesson in this regard. Men understand the temptation to lust. Our society with all of its advertising in print and electronics can put that temptation before us everywhere. Brothers and sisters, there is nothing new under the sun. The form may be different, but the same temptations existed for the ancient world.

    Job, knowing this made a plan to remain godly (Job 31:1). He determined not to let his eyes dwell on the temptation, but to look away. He determined not to tempt himself by considering what he ought not to think about. It was his plan to avoid mental or physical fornication.

    Brothers and sisters, what plans have you made to flee from the devil? God has provided a way of escape from every temptation. Let’s make a plan to know the escape and take it. Paul determined to die for the cause of Christ rather than recant or remain silent. It was a good plan that would take him to heaven. Make a plan to grow, to study, to pray, to resist temptation.

    Plan to obey God.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 2:00 pm on May 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Survey for youth workers by Dale Jenkins 

    This from Dale Jenkins:

    I am doing a little 10 question survey of youth workers. Trying to figure out ways to encourage them. If it is appropriate could you post the link inviting ONLY youth workers/ministers to complete it?

    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C6BJQMK

     

  • TFRStaff 5:20 am on May 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    T h e G o s p e l : G o d ’ s S a v i n g M e s s a g e 

    “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

    God chose a message of love, hope, forgiveness, and grace to save mankind. God chose the gospel to teach people of the cross and the saving blood of Christ. The gospel is not merely good news; it is the best news of all time. Nothing is more urgent or more needed.

    The gospel is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16). It is the imperishable seed by which we are born again into the family of God (1 Peter 1:23-25). In humility we must “receive the word implanted, which is able to save” our souls (James 1:21). The gospel is unalterably connected to our salvation. “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Timothy 2:3-4). God gave us the gospel out of an overwhelming love as part of His eternal plan for saving mankind from sin.

    The Lord’s marching orders are, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). These marching orders are our orders.

    Our hearts beat with a consciousness of a lost and dying world needing the gospel message to rescue them from sin. We realize the power is not in us but in the gospel message. It is the treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7). The gospel is God’s message of eternal life (John 6:63).

    We are committed at SEARCH to preaching the true and pure gospel of Christ, because we love the Lord and love the lost souls of men. The Lord has entrusted us with this great task, and we must do our best to glorify God’s Word.

    Your support and prayers for us help us to fulfill the great commission, the most urgent task in the world.  We need your help month in and month out to reach into millions of homes with the gospel message. Please, please help us. We need your support.

    The Lord be with you, Phil Sanders (May 2012)

     

  • TFRStaff 6:33 am on May 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Our shield and reward 

    God is our shield arming us for conflict, protecting us from harm, insuring our safety, security, and success. God is our reward, the Lord of our lives, the crown of our efforts, the end of our existence, the joy of our fellowship, exceeding great and good and glorifying on earth and in heaven.

    Why should we fear, even for one dark moment or in one distressful hour? His hand is always upon us for good and His hand is on the helm of this universe. So fear not!

    (Gen 15:1) After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

    “Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn, Mercedes and Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • TFRStaff 5:29 pm on May 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Audio and text lessons on grace and the Lord 

    Roy Davison, creator and webmaster of OldPaths.com, with which the GoSpeak/Forthright is associated, sent this:

    Dear brethren, written and audio lessons have been added on these topics:

    “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”

    http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/042-continuenotinsin.html

    The Lord is our Judge, Lawgiver and King!

    http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/043-JudgeLawgiverKing.html

    Here are the same lessons in Dutch:

    http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/042-nietblijvenzondigen.html

    http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/043-RechterWetgeverKoning.html

    May the Lord bless you.

    Roy Davison

     

  • TFRStaff 9:00 am on May 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Hugh’s News & Views 

    THE BIBLE ON ONE PAGE

    It is one thing to “curse the darkness” of Bible ignorance, as we did in our last “News & Views”; it is another thing to “light a candle” that hopefully will help people to better understand the Bible, as we seek to do in today’s “News & Views.”

    An overview of the Bible can be summarized on a single page of paper. Fifteen historical periods make up the Bible.  With a knowledge of these fifteen periods, one can turn to any book of the Bible and have a general idea of what it is about.  These fifteen periods are listed below, with the Bible books and chapters in blue that provide the continuing story line of the Bible and the books and chapters in orange that cover corollary and supplementary matters occurring during that period.  The earnest student of the Bible should reduce these fifteen periods of Bible history to a single page of paper and attach it to the inside cover of his or her Bible as a quick reference to the Bible’s contents.

    1. Creation and Early Civilization (Genesis 1-5).

    2. Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6-11).

    3. Lives of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph)   (Genesis 12 -15).  (The Book of Job likely belongs to this period).

    4. Israelites in Egypt and the Wilderness (Exodus – Deuteronomy).

    5. Israelites Enter the Land of Canaan (Joshua).

    6. Israelites Ruled by Judges (Judges; I Samuel 1-8; Ruth).

    7. Israelites Constitute One United Kingdom under Saul, David, and  Solomon (I Samuel 9 – II Samuel 24; I Kings 1-11; I Chronicles  1 – II Chronicles 9).  (The Books of Psalms [for the most part], Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon belong to this period).

    8. Israelites Divide into Two Kingdoms: Israel/Northern Kingdom(10 Tribes, with Capital at Samaria); Judah/Southern Kingdom (2 Tribes, with Capital at Jerusalem) (I Kings 12 – II Kings 25; II Chronicles 10-36). (Elijah and Elisha were two of the major oral prophets during this period. The following books of the literary prophets [in the likely order of each prophet's ministry] belong to this period: Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Lamentations).

    9. Israelites into Captivity: (Israel into Assyrian Captivity in 722 B.C.;Judah into Babylonian Captivity in 606 B. C.) (Ezekiel; Daniel deal withJudah’s captivity and promised return to Canaan).

    10. Judah Returns from Babylon to Canaan (Ezra; Nehemiah;Esther).  (The following books of the literary prophets belong to this period: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi).  (Note: Chronologically,   the Old Testament ends with the book of Nehemiah; every book coming after it can be taken back and placed  somewhere in the framework of events covered from Genesis  through Nehemiah, as we have attempted to do above).

    11. The 430 Years Between the Old and New Testaments.

    12. The Earthly Life and Ministry of Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

    13. Beginning and Growth of the Church (Acts)

    14. Christianity Applied: Individually and Congregationally (Romans – Jude).

    15. The Ultimate Victory of the Church (Revelation).

    May Speaking Schedule:

    May 6-9: Center Hill Church of Christ, Florence, AL

    May 20: Nashville Road Church of Christ, Gallatin, TN (all services)

    May 23: Nashville Road Church of Christ, Gallatin, TN

    May 27: Portland Church of Christ, Portland, TN (all services)

    Hugh Fulford

    May 1, 2012

     

  • TFRStaff 1:18 pm on April 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: contributors, ,   

    Welcome to Eugene Adkins as the newest TFR Fellow 

    He’s already become a regular, since we’ve not properly introduced him, but you may still welcome Eugene Adkins to TFR. Shortly, we hope to have his bio up on the Fellows page. Eugene does a great job on his blog, and we’ve been delighted with the great contributions he’s made already to TFR.

     

  • TFRStaff 11:55 am on April 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Worry 

    WORRY gives a small thing a big shadow –Swedish Proverb

    Philippians 4:5-6 – Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

    “Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn, Mercedes and Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • TFRStaff 7:54 am on April 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    God’s simple wisdom 

    Brothers and sisters, wisdom is the principle thing. Let’s all be diligent to get wisdom. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. This particular passage is about two main concepts: the way man receives instruction about salvation and the nature of God’s wisdom in comparison to ours.

    We would generally consider foolishness to be the opposite of wisdom. But verse 25 of our text says that God’s foolishness is wiser than any wisdom which man might believe he had captured.

    Of course, God is never foolish. But that which God has done to provide our salvation, which seems foolish to man, is wiser than all the wisdom which the ages of man has been able to concoct.

    Consider that the “sages” like Aristotle, Socrates, Plato constantly tried to explain the meaning of man and were never able to even come to consensus, let alone correctness. The “great” religious leaders of centuries past have only confused mankind about the right way to heaven by the establishment of multiple religions. Believing that they were capable of helping God’s plan, multiple new creeds and commandments have been written causing many to turn away from religion altogether and millions others to assure themselves even though they are outside the salvation of God.

    God’s simple wisdom is: Salvation is through obedience to the Savior. The plan is disseminated to the world through preaching.

    Brothers and sisters, let’s preach (spread the gospel). But let’s preach the simple message. Let’s not believe that we must embellish it in order to make it palatable to man. An embellished gospel cannot save. Let’s not ignore parts of it. The violation of even one point constitutes breaking the law of God (James 2:10). And, let’s not fail to preach it. That is the wisdom of God.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 6:48 am on April 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Hugh Fulford: Biblical Illiteracy 

    A number of years ago I was teaching an adult Bible class and made the passing remark that many people think that the forbidden fruit of which Eve ate was an apple but that the Bible does not actually identify the fruit.An elderly lady from the back of the class spoke up and said that the Bible did say it was an apple.I kindly suggested that we turn to Genesis 3 and read the account.Of course, when we did so, it was easy to see that the kind of fruit of which Eve (and, later, Adam) ate is not identified.Not to be outdone, the good lady said, “Well, it could have been an apple!”We all had a good laugh, but the point was made that many people often think the Bible says a certain thing, teaches a certain doctrine, or authorizes a certain practice when, upon investigation, many of the things frequently attributed to the Bible are not actually found in the Scriptures.

    Tradition says that three wise men came to visit the child Jesus, yet when the biblical record is consulted one does not find the number of the wise men given (Matthew 2:1-12).The title “Reverend” is commonly applied to preachers, yet the word appears but once in our English translations (Psalms 111:9), and there it is applied to God.And while it is true that the root from which the word comes is found in many places in scripture to refer to holy and sacred things, Jesus forbade the wearing of religious titles of distinction (Matthew 23:8-9).

    When I was a very young preacher I was conducting a meeting in a southern state and staying in the home of one of the leaders of the church.He was a good man, loved the church, and had raised a good family of faithful Christian children.How shocked I was when one evening after the services he asked, “Hugh, how old was Jesus when He joined the church?”Since I thought he was being facetious, I came within a gnat’s whisker of laughing in his face.I caught myself just in time to realize that he was dead serious.Now, it is certainly true that Christ and the church enjoy an intimate relationship.The church is the body of which Christ is the head.For an understanding of Christ’s relationship to the church one needs to read and digest the first three chapters of Ephesians.But the church did not exist in historical reality during the earthly ministry of Christ, and Jesus never “joined” the church in the sense in which people today talk about “joining” the church.In fact, the whole concept of “joining” the church is deserving of deeper study, for the Bible speaks more in terms of a person being saved from his or her sins and being “added” to the church than it does of “joining” the church (Acts 2:41, 47).

    In a certain city where I once lived a preacher of a particular denomination conducted a daily radio program designed to spread the beliefs of his church.His knowledge of both the Scriptures and basic grammar was highly suspect.On one occasion he cited Paul’s admonition, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).He then observed, “Yes, the Bible says the devil is wild, and he is getting wilder ever’ day!”While his observation likely was true, there is a vast difference between the “wiles” of the devil and the fact that the devil may also be “wild.”

    We need to be diligent students of the Bible.People sometimes show their ignorance of the Bible by speaking against things the Bible clearly endorses.Desiring to appear to know more than they do, they oppose things the Bible commends.At the same time, not everything that is said to be taught in the Scriptures is actually taught in the Scriptures.Of the Bereans it is said: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).Paul exhorted: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21).We need to be diligently engaged in such today.

    Hugh Fulford

    Hugh’s news and Views

    April 24, 2012

     

    • Russ McCullough 7:31 am on April 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      We have a brother here that very ably points our that Saul was not saved “on the road to Damascus” (rather only after he heard the Word from Ananias) and he was not “thrown from his beast of burden.” The Bible never says whether Saul was walking or riding. “IF” he was riding, the Bible never indicates what it was he was riding. Good observations, Hugh.

  • TFRStaff 10:46 am on April 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Dog loyalty 

    A story in the news all over the television the past two days concerns two dogs that had gotten away from their owner and were in the street. One of the dogs was hit by a car and killed. The other dog stood by his dead friend even though the traffic continued to present great danger to him. Finally, assistance came and the living dog was taken to safety and the dead dog taken care of. The pictures that have been shown have been very moving to millions of people who have seen them and appreciated the loyalty of one dog to another.

    This reminds me of a section of scripture that encourages Christians to have great care and concern for others. It is found in PHILLPIANS 2: 3-4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

    Life is not all about “ME” is it? As a Christian I am to be concerned about the welfare of my fellowman and especially my family, friends, and fellow Christians. I am not to be so consumed with my life and making it better that I overlook the needs of others. It is a mark of greed and selfishness if I ignore others simply to promote self. Look at Jesus and the life that He lived. We are encouraged by the apostle Peter to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and that includes being concerned about the interests of others. Selfishness has a way of coming back to cause us problems whereas selflessness has a way of bringing rewards. Jesus was completely stripped of Himself in order to save us and we surely need to have that same kind of mind in us. PHILLIPIANS 2:5: “Let this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

    May God bless you this week. We love and miss you very much.

    With Much Love,

    Ted & Barbara

    If you know of others who might like to receive it, send us their address and we will add them to the list.

    THE EDIFIER
    I Corinthians 14:26
    “Let all things be done unto edifying”
    An E-Letter from Ted and Barbara Knight to EDIFY our Brothers and Sisters in Romania

    April 17, 2012

     

  • TFRStaff 8:56 am on April 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Keep On 

    Day by day, I see you,
    Walking in the Light.
    Standing up for Jesus,
    Doing what is right.

    It gives me new assurance
    That I can win the race,
    So don’t give up; keep right on,
    We’ll make it by His grace.

    —Dot Harston

    From Glenn Hitchcock

     

  • TFRStaff 7:31 am on April 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Wisdom from Jesus 

    by Mike Glenn

    Someone once said, “A word to the wise is sufficient.” As Christians, we are tasked with the challenge of trying to persuade people in the world to listen to the gospel. If the love of Christ constrains us, as it did Paul, to be urgent in trying to teach everyone we know the gospel, we might be discouraged if we fail to reach some of our own family or friends. Jesus offers some sage advice to keep us encouraged in the face of such difficulty when he said, “A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house. In Matthew 13:53-58, we see the reaction of his own people to him. They were more amazed that he had education they could not justify than they were about the truths he tried to teach them. On one occasion they became offended enough to try to throw him off a cliff (Lk. 4:16-30). His own brothers did not believe him, even in the week before his death (John 7:5).This statement of Jesus and subsequent events give us much encouraging, yet realistic wisdom.

    ·We should give effort to the salvation of those we know and those who are family. Sometimes folks shy away from a serious attempt to save friends and family on the basis that they will be rejected. That is certainly a possibility. Jesus knew that from the start and yet made the efforts.

    ·Be aware that our first efforts might be rejected. Do not be discouraged as though the fault is in your approach or method. Even the Lord was rejected by his own.

    ·We also learn to not give up. The week before his death, Jesus brothers were disbelievers. In a short time after his death, they were numbered with the believers (Acts 1:14) and it is certain that two became preachers of the gospel, perhaps all of them (1 Cor. 9:2).

    ·Do not be discouraged with immediate results. Hundreds of times, some faithful Christian has laid the foundation in the heart of a prospect without reaping a soul at that time. But, some other faithful Christian later builds on that foundation (which you laid) and a soul is saved (1 Cor. 3:10).

    Brothers and sisters, he who wins souls is wise (Prov. 11:30). No need to quit because of rejection. If we keep on, God will give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). Wisdom is the principle thing. Therefore get wisdom. In all thy getting, get wisdom.

     

  • TFRStaff 9:18 am on April 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    A wise people 

    by Mike Glenn

    Our study about wisdom today is taken from Deuteronomy 4. In Deuteronomy 4:6, Moses anticipates that the possible attitude of the nations around Israel could be one that says, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Moses explains the reason they would say such a thing, “For what nation is there so great, who has God so near them as the Lord our God is in all the things we call upon him for? By the way, this was a great nation. They had all seen their fathers and mothers die in the wilderness. They had seen the amazing miracles of God in bringing them out of the land of Egypt and taking care of them for forty years in the desert. Of this generation and their children, it would be said that they remained faithful to the Lord during the days of Joshua and of the elders that outlived Joshua (Joshua 24:14-31).

    The particular event which Moses recalls to the mind of the children of Israel and which is the epitome of wisdom in fulfilling their responsibility was the making of the covenant with God. There are many lessons in Deut. 4:13-40, but the sum of wisdom could be found in v. 9 where they were to teach their children and their grandchildren to remember and keep the covenant they made with God. Some points could be gleaned:

    ·A covenant is an agreement between at least two people. In a covenant with the Lord, each party make some promises, commitments (4:12-14).

    ·Our covenant with God (thus our promises and commitments) takes priority over every other, from something as trivial as a ball team to something as important as marriage. Actually, our covenant with God puts all other covenants in their proper perspective (4:10).

    ·It is the parents responsibility to pass on this covenant relationship to their children and grandchildren (4:25). It stands to reason that parents must live the covenant in order to show the kids how important the covenant is to keep.

    ·We will be a wise people if we keep the covenant we have made with God.

    Get wisdom because it is the principal thing.

     

  • TFRStaff 2:05 pm on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Russ McCullough: Growing Papal Influence Within Emerging Churches of Christ 

    Russ offers these thoughts “for your prayerful and studious consideration.” Would you agree that this hints at papal influence, or is this being filtered through Protestant groups who are influencing our people, since they too have begun such celebrations?

     

  • TFRStaff 5:56 am on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Webinar: Energize your preaching 

    From Dale Jenkins:

    We are excited to announce the next webinar from The Jenkins Institute. It will be “8 Secrets that Will Energize Your Preaching.” We will share some essential tools and tips that could rejuvenate your preaching. This webinar will be live on May 8 at 10am CST. The cost is $30. Click HERE to register. If you have any questions please send us an email to jeffajenkins@gmail.com or dale@edge.net.

     

  • TFRStaff 1:10 pm on April 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Encourage a young preacher who is ill 

    Brothers, I hope this finds you well.

    Shawn Slone is a young preacher (my age, about 34) who preaches for the Mike’s Branch church of Christ, Pikeville, KY.

    My dad preached there in the late 80′s, and I went to school w/ Shawn then. I recall Shawn giving himself insulin shots at school in those years.

    Shawn became a Christian some years ago, and even attended ETSOPM for a little while, but his health condition did not permit him to continue. Nevertheless, he has continued to do a good work for the congregation.

    Recently, in addition to his diabetic condition, Shawn was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (I’ll let you look it up). He remarked on his Facebook page March 14:

    This week I have been told that I am now in the stages of Multiple System Atrophy, (Autonomic Neuropathy Failure), Lord willing the remainder of this week and a week in May will determine how far advanced the condition is, and were I go from here.

    Thank you to everyone who has offered a word of encouragement and your prayers. To everyone whom I have ever met, I thank you for being a part of my life, and I hope is some small way I have been a good part of yours.

    Shawn and his wife Heather have one son, Shane, who is about 13-14. I am asking for your help in encouraging Shawn and his family.

    Will you help us send a flood of encouragement their way?

    Will you pass their names and situation on to your congregation for prayers?

    Will you stop by his/his wife’s Facebook wall and drop a note of encouragement?

    Will you give their mailing address out to your congregation to send cards (2517 Long Fork Road, Kimper, KY 41539)?

    Will you forward this email to other congregations in the brotherhood?

    God bless,

    Rick Kelley

     

  • TFRStaff 6:48 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Ted Knight’s The Edifier, on religious holidays 

    Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends,

    There are some things about ‘Easter’ and ‘Christmas’ that I really like and at the same time there are things that bring sorrow to me. The family gatherings are always good and the spirit of love and friendship shine in a world where those two qualities are often forgotten.

    However, I regret that there are so many people throughout the world who will think about Jesus during this time but forget Him for the rest of the year. Real Christians remember Jesus every day and on the Lord’s Day we remember His death for us as we assemble to eat the Lord’s Supper. If people are ever going to be saved they are going to have to come to Calvary and meet Jesus there. It is there that He shed his blood for our redemption and it is there where our only hope is found. The opportunity to come to Calvary and meet the Son of God is available every moment of every day and not just on these holidays which man has created.

    So, with all the family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and other activities, don’t forget to worship God and celebrate the death of Jesus and the hope that it brought to a dark and lost world. We must not allow the celebrations which man has created to rob us of the opportunity to worship and serve God which were provided by Jesus through His death on the cross.

    May God bless you this week. We love and miss you very much.

    With Much Love,

    Ted & Barbara

    THE EDIFIER

    I Corinthians 14:26

    “Let all things be done unto edifying”

    An E-Letter from Ted and Barbara Knight to EDIFY our Brothers and Sisters in RomaniaApril 7, 2012

     

  • TFRStaff 6:35 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Server down for FPress, FMag &c. 

    The server for Forthright Press, Forthright Magazine, BrotherhoodNews.com, Believing Prayer, and others appears to be down. At least, we can’t access it from here. Anybody else getting in? It could be routine maintenance, but from the time lapse, one wonders.

     

    • Larry Miles 7:45 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Randal — I can access Brotherhood News– have not tried the others.

      • J. Randal Matheny 7:55 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks, Larry. Ron tells me he can access as well. It appears the server is blocking my IP again.

    • Don Ruhl 8:57 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I can connect to all four that you mentioned.

      • J. Randal Matheny 9:00 am on April 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Good! I’m glad to know i was the only one affected. I’m working in the FPress site now, so maybe it’s good for the day.

  • TFRStaff 1:15 pm on April 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Southern Illinois Preacher’s Retreat, June 4-6 

    We’re pasting the information below, from Justin Odom.

    2012 Southern Illinois Preachers Retreat

    Topic: Denominational Doctrines

    Schedule:

    Monday-

    1:15-2:00 – Why Study Denominational Doctrines? – Justin Odom

    2:15-3:00 – Judaism – Nick Genter

    3:15-4:00 – Christian Church – Stephen Bradd

    4:00-6:00 – Supper

    6:00-6:45 – Catholicism: Origin, History, and Papacy – John Polk

    7:00-7:45 – Catholicism: Sacraments, Salvation, and Worship – Ron Thomas

    7:45-8:15 – Devotional

    Tuesday-

    7:30-8:30 – Breakfast

    8:30-9:00 – Devotional

    9:00-9:45 – Jehovah’s Witnesses – Jason Adams

    10:00-10:45 – Mormonism – Bill Dillon

    11:00-11:45 – Seventh Day Adventism – Justin Odom

    12:00-1:00 – Lunch

    1:15-2:00 – Open Discussion

    2:15-3:00 – Baptist Church – Curtis Graves

    3:15-4:00 – Methodist Church – Joshua Hartwigsen

    4:15-5:00 – Assembly of God – Mike Kiser

    5:00-7:00 – Supper

    7:00-7:45 – Presbyterian Church – Terry Mabery

    7:45-8:15 – Devotional

    Wednesday-

    7:30-8:30 – Breakfast

    8:30-9:00 – Devotional

    9:00-9:45 – Salvation Army – Justin Odom

    10:00-10:45 – Zen Buddhism – Ron Thomas

    11:00- Lunch and Dismiss

    Contact info:

    Justin Odom

    ffchurchofchrist@gmail.com

    618-218-7919

     

  • TFRStaff 7:04 pm on April 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Wisdom is the principal thing 

    by Mike Glenn

    Our Joshua Generation characteristic is Wisdom. Our slogan: “Wisdom is the principal thing.”This week’s memory verse is James 3:17. Our study for today comes from the context for the memory verse, James 3:13-18.

    Brothers and sisters, I tell our young people that wisdom accumulates. Wisdom is based on sound knowledge. One cannot reject knowledge of God and His word most of his life and grow in spiritual wisdom. The time to start gaining wisdom is when you are a child through the sound advice of parents. All true wisdom harmonizes with the revealed will of God. Whatever your age, if you have not been growing in knowledge and wisdom, now is a good time to start. Our study text for today teaches us the following concepts:

    • A wise man is one with knowledge. No wonder the Bibles urges us to be diligent to rightly handle the word of God (2 Timothy 2;15)
    • A wise man shows his wisdom by his conduct. We show that we can discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).
    • A wise man does not envy or strive against others. Rather, we, in meekness, instruct those who are in opposition (2 Timothy 2:24-6).
    • Earthly wisdom has envy and strife and is sensual and devilish.
    • The wisdom from above is pure. Blessed are the pure in heart (Matt. 5:8). Let’s be children of God in whom there is no guile.
    • Heavenly wisdom is peaceable and gentle. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).
    • The wisdom from above is open to reason. Come, let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18).
    • Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy and good work. It is because the love of God dwells in the wise (1 John 3:17-18).
    • The wisdom from above is impartial and sincere.
    • Righteousness is the result of spiritual wisdom.

    Brothers and sisters, get wisdom.

     

  • TFRStaff 5:07 am on April 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: divine mercy, ,   

    God’s great mercy 

    GOD’S GREAT MERCY

    Two men sat on a wharf where sacks of grain were being loaded on a ship bound for European markets. One was a Christian, and he had been talking to his sailor companion about the better life.

    The young sailor turned and said, “If all my sins were grains of wheat, and if allthe ships on all the oceans were loaded with them, my sins would fill them and there would still be piles left over!”

    His friend replied, “If all the sailing ships were to sink to the depths of the sea, there would be plenty of room for them at the bottom—isn’t that true? Like­wise, so is God’s mercy greater than all our sins.”

    —20th Century Christian

    Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

    “Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn, Mercedes and Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • TFRStaff 9:03 am on March 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , J.D. Tant, sincerity   

    Story about J.D. Tant 

    Be sure to read on the second page of “The Southwesterner” an interesting story about J.D. Tant.

    SW 3-25-12.pdf

     

  • TFRStaff 6:42 am on March 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , first day,   

    A blessing on all God’s saints today 

    May all of the members of Christ’s body be blessed today through their mutual edification and strengthened for the task always at hand, that of proclaiming the Good News to all. No greater work has been given us than this. No greater glory is ours than to belong to Christ and to see the Creator up close. May his Spirit inhabit in every soul, to the glory of God.

     

  • TFRStaff 4:44 am on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Obstacles or Opportunities 

    By Kevin Moore (Missionary in New Zealand)

    What do you do when you’re working your dream job (teaching Bible and missions at Freed-Hardeman University) but your heart is pulling you back to the mission field? Why not ask for a leave of absence? You’d be surprised at how little resistance the administration raises and how happy they are to not pay your salary for the next couple of years!

    A mission team is formed. A mission field is targeted. A plan is developed for establishing the Lord’s church in a city where it does not exist. A departure date is set. Fund-raising commences. Our house is prepared for renting, and renters are secured who sign a lease and agree that if they move out before our return, suitable replacements will be found. One-way airline tickets are purchased. We are on the proverbial fast-moving train, and there is no stopping it, no getting off, and no turning back. Then come the challenges.

    Due to the economic recession, after eight grueling months on the fund-raising trail and only four months from our departure date and final pay check, zero support has been committed. But we press on. The other members of our mission team start dropping out until all that is left is our family. But we press on. After our departure, in less than a week the renters had moved out of our house without finding replacements to pay the rent and cover our mortgage. Then my wife falls and breaks her ankle in three places, requiring surgery, eleven days in the hospital, and months of rehabilitation. Our vehicle is rear-ended and written off. The cost of living is higher than we anticipated, and the currency exchange rate consistently moves in the wrong direction, decreasing our monthly income. Is this God’s way of telling us that what we’re attempting to do is not His will? Or could it be something else trying to hinder us? It can’t be the former, because we know what the divine will is – go, preach, make disciples. So we press on.

    Despite the financial struggles everyone is facing, the support that we need eventually comes through. New renters move into the house we left behind and cover our mortgage payments. Without the original team of co-workers, we solicit the involvement of nearby Christians who prove to be an even greater asset to this new work. My wife recovers. Our vehicle is replaced. The budget is tightened and the family does not go hungry. More importantly, souls are reached, and in just over a year the church of Christ has been planted and is growing where it had never been known before. God has blessed us and this work beyond anything we could have ever imagined!

    In recent years I have heard a lot of “church bashing,” but most of it seems to be coming from those who have never stepped out in faith and seen the Lord working through His church nor opened their eyes to witness the generosity and faithfulness of God’s people. It’s easy to sit around and complain about what’s wrong with the church. But if we present ourselves as willing instruments in our Father’s capable hands and persistently go about His business, we will experience first-hand all that is right with the church.

    “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

    Special to TFR

     

    • diasolifeontheborder 9:29 am on March 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      When we step out in faith and serve the Lord we often face opposition. I’ve found that many missionaries aren’t Repaired for the spiritual battle they will face. Great to hear that you are moving forward, and that God is blessing. Stand firm and pray against the attacks of the evil one.

  • TFRStaff 6:51 am on March 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: intercession, , prayer needs,   

    Share your prayer requests or thanksgivings 

    Do you need prayers? Click on Reply (upper right of this post; in emails, hit the Comment button) and share your requests for prayer, your thanksgivings, or a prayer of yours addressed to the Father.

    If you pray over one or more requests, please acknowledge with a quick reply of “Done” or “Prayed” or something similar, so the person who requested prayer will know.

    If a prayer requester wants to get an email when someone has prayed and replied, click the option “Notify me of follow-up comments via email.”

    This would be a very workable system, if we’ll use it. Perhaps a separate site might be best, however, so we’re studying that possibility.

     

    • Larry Miles 6:32 am on March 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      (From Yesterday) PRAYER for my Aunt, Laverne Collins. Got call this morning from Davita (Dialysis) that she had been taken to ER at Norton’s- the port for the dialysis treatments had come loose– I went up to ER and they transferred her to a room– She is in 5R5. I am going back at about 6pm– I think she’ll be there a few days and that they will probably do the procedures they were going to do later in week earlier. Please keep her in your prayers–more updates later–

    • Wayne 5:33 pm on April 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Pray that God will soon break every stronghold that the enemy has over Carolyn and my life, So that we will be able to receive the blessings of God in our lives very soon. Thank you for your prayers, Wayne

  • TFRStaff 9:06 am on March 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Christian literature, Roger Dickson, South Africa   

    The AIM Farm: Roger Dickson 

    AFRICA INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
    P.O. Box 1919
    Bellville 7535, South Africa
    0027 21 987 3332

    WORKING THE MISSION FARM

    Working kingdom business is as farming. One has to be managing and working many fields and all the livestock at the same time. So here’s what happening on the AIM Farm here in Cape Town:

    1. Organizing a pallet shipment of 140 Teacher’s Bibles to Liberia. (This should go out next week.)

    2. Organizing two pallet shipments of Teacher’s Bibles (280 copies) to Cameroon. (This should go out in the next two weeks.

    3. Just sent a small container of Teacher’s Bibles to the northern region of South Africa called Venda.

    4. Working on future shipments of the Teacher’s Bible to the following destinations:

    Namibia

    Australia

    (After these shipments, we will have only about 900 Teacher’s Bibles remaining, which copies we will hold for our Restoration Seminars.)

    5. Labeling and sending out issue 54 of the African Chronicle (100,000 readership) (This will go out next week.)

    6. Printing issues 55 & 56 of the African Chronicle next week.

    7. Label and send out Chronicle 55 in two weeks, and 56 in four weeks.

    8. Printing 50,000 Gospel Charts next week for distribution during Restoration Seminars.

    9. Receiving from printer 10,000 of the 2,000 page Biblical Research Library (45 tons of material)

    10. We have conducted three Restoration Seminars in the last three weeks. Planning three more for the next four weeks.

    11. Completing the final revisions for the next printing of the Teacher’s Bible, which we hope to be able to send to the press within a month if the funds are available.

    12. Continuing to programme more books for the Biblical Research Library DVD, which has now doubled in size since the last edition.

    13. We have sent out about 10,000 BRL DVDs in the last three months.

    14. I will be traveling for the first two weeks of April, traveling for seminars and lectureships.

    15. I have completed the EBOOK: The Religious Sectarian, and will send it out in about a month.

    16. Advice for future African evangelists: I just corrected the misalignment of the Land Cruiser two days ago. I went to have the front aligned for the 2,000 mile trip I am about to make. The shop said the back differential was out of alignment, and thus, I needed to take the vehicle to a specialty shop that would charge me about $1,000 to correct it. (Didn’t tell him that I had pulled out at least 50 trees with the Land Cruiser throughout the years.) Problem was, the pulling chain attachment was on the left side of the chassis, so that side lagged a little in alignment. Now I knew I could use that $1,000 for something better. So to correct the problem, it just took a little Kansas farm boy ingenuity. I found a relatively large tree stump, chained the right side of the chassis to the stump. With a few sturdy jerks on the chain, problem solved! Now I have $1,000 saved to go out to eat. Right?

    (Mike and Mary Nowland from the Eastwood church in Hutchinson, Kansas will be arriving on Friday for two weeks of labor on the AIM Farm. They have no idea what they are getting themselves into.)

    Roger & Martha Dickson

    Related articles
    Enhanced by Zemanta
     

  • TFRStaff 7:17 am on March 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Cooperating to do evil 

    Cooperation is a virtue of every faithful Christian and Christian leader. But, cooperation in that which is good is not the only kind of cooperation possible. It is also possible to cooperate in that which is evil.

    • Judas cooperated to do evil in betraying Christ (Matt. 26:14-26).
    • Ananias and Sapphira conspired together to do evil (Acts 5:1-12).
    • Felix cooperated with the Jews when he kept Paul bound after determining there was no reason (Acts 24:27).
    • The Jewish council cooperated to do evil in trying to suppress the preaching of the gospel by arresting, beating and threatening the disciples (Acts 4:16-17, 5:28, 40).

    You might be thinking that you would never do as these above did. You would not cooperate to do evil. But, it might be that Satan calls upon us to do evil with more subtlety than we know.

    • For example, did you ever stop to think that when you listen to gossip, you are cooperating to do evil?
    • When you hear a man teach truth that proves to be unpopular and you either support others who speak against him (Acts 26:10) or try to remain neutral, you are cooperating to do evil.
    • Consider the attempted neutrality of the parents of the blind man (Jn. 9:19-23).
    • When some unrepentant sin in your life persists (forsaking the assembly, foul language, lying, bitterness, backbiting, etc), you are cooperating with Satan to do evil (1 Tim. 5:13; 2 Pet. 2:2; 1 Tim. 5:14).

    We must be careful not to cooperate to do evil (1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Jn. 11).

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 7:16 am on March 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Second-coming date-setter apologizes 

    According to an AP story by Garance Burke bearing a San Francisco dateline and appearing in the March 10, 2012 edition of The (Nashville) Tennessean, Harold Camping has conceded that he was wrong when he set the date for the second coming of Christ to take place last May 21 (and subsequently revised to occur five months later).

    Hooray for Mr. Camping! Less than a year ago Camping’s followers were “absolutely sure that Camping’s predictions [were] right.” They were confidently claiming “It is a certainty” . . . “It’s a matter of simple math.” But, of course, it turned out to be another rapture rupture and end-time date “bust.” After spending millions of dollars to publicize his message and to play on the gullibility of his naïve followers (many of whom quit their jobs or sold their businesses), Camping has acknowledged that his apocalyptic prophecy was wrong. In a letter to his followers he now says he has “no evidence the world will end anytime soon, and he isn’t interested in considering further dates.” “God has humbled us through the events of May 21,” he wrote. He went on to openly acknowledge that “we have no new evidence pointing to another date for the end of the world.”

    He is but one of many self-proclaimed students of prophecy who have “figured it out,” only to be proved time after time after time to not know what they are talking about. To his credit, Mr. Camping has informed his followers that he has “stopped looking for new dates, and [will] concentrate on deepening his faith through rereading the Scriptures.” Good for him! Hopefully others of his ilk will follow suit. There is so much in the Scriptures that we all need to read, study, and know (and can know): God’s eternal purpose to save man through Christ; the wondrous and gradual unfolding of that scheme of redemption through the ages of the Old Testament; the fruition of that great purpose in the birth, earthly life, ministry, atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; the thrilling story of the proclamation of the gospel and the obedient response one is to make to that gospel as set forth in the New Testament; the establishment of the church as the community of Christ’s blood-redeemed disciples; and the life one is to live in the church in humble and dedicated service to God. All of these (and more) need to capture our attention as we read, study and reflect on God’s wonderful revelation to us in Scripture.

    For one to become fixated on and consumed with looking for hidden “keys” that supposedly provide information on the exact time of Christ’s second coming is to rob oneself of the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). There are so many rich, wide vistas of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation to be derived from a full and thorough investigation of God’s revelation to us through the Scriptures. What a shame to deprive oneself of these by becoming totally obsessed with something that God has not revealed!

    In His Olivet discourse to His disciples (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21), Jesus plainly stated with reference to His second coming: “But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels in heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). To make it clear which day He was talking about, Jesus went on to say: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (verse 42). Still a moment later, He admonished: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect Him” (verse 44). Continuing into Matthew’s next chapter, in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, Jesus exhorted: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming (25:13). Question: If Christ had wanted to stress that the day and the hour of His second coming are not known by anyone other than the Father in heaven, what more could He have said than He did say in the above passages?

    One’s study of the Bible will be much more profitably spent on the things that have been revealed, rather than looking for “signs” and weaving speculative theories concerning the time of an event that God has chosen to retain within the counsels of His own mind.

    Hugh Fulford

    March 13, 2012

    hugh’s news & Views

     

    • John Henson 7:41 am on March 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Wonder what they did with all the buses, campers, trailers and other vehicles that were all painted up with his logo?

  • TFRStaff 6:33 am on March 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Jesus feeds the 5000 

    The text for our Joshua Generation study today is Matt. 14:13-33. Its companion texts are Mark 6:32-52, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:5-21. I hope that you will take the time to read all four accounts. There are so many lessons to be gained from the events surrounding the miraculous feeding of the five thousand that I cannot know them all. I would like to look at a few touching our characteristic of cooperation and also a few extra. When God sees fit to include an event in all four accounts of the work of Jesus’ life, that event is surely worth considering deeply.

    Jesus had gone by boat to a desert place after hearing about the death of John the Baptist (Mt. 5:12-13; Mk. 6:29-30). Perhaps, it was to grieve and pray himself, but also to give the disciples (who had been disciples of John also) a rest from the constant work and crowds (Mk. 6:31). But a great multitude followed him by traveling around the lake on foot. When he saw them, his compassion for them moved him to spend the day teaching and healing (Mt. 14:14; Mk. 6:34). When the evening came, neither the disciples nor the multitude had eaten. This circumstantial fast occasioned the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000. It was after this miracle that Jesus knew the people wanted to make him king (Jn. 6:15). These events along with his subsequent ‘walking on the water’ became a pivotal point in the thinking of the disciples that led to the confession “Of a truth, thou art the son of God” (Mt. 14:33) Let’s consider some lessons.

    • Cooperation requires leadership. Leadership provides focus and goals. The goal in this case was feeding the people.The disciples cooperated with Jesus because he was their leader. People follow leaders they believe in, even if they have doubt about the plan as these disciples did. One of the great omissions among God’s people is the growing and training of leaders. Congregations are dying because of lack of leadership. When we find ourselves diminishing in a community that is populating, it is usually a leadership problem. We need leadership if we are to cooperate with each other and with God.
    • Cooperation requires leadership to have, not only a goal, but a plan. It is not sufficient to say, Let’s grow, or, let’s increase our attendance, or, let’s convert 30 people this year. There must be a plan. Even the disciples knew a plan for feeding the 5000 was needed, if nothing more than sending the people into the surrounding cities to get food. Jesus had a plan.
    • Cooperation requires organization. Even two men handling one of the old two man saws to cut a tree needed organization. They could not both pull at the same time or the tree would never be cut. Jesus gave the disciples the responsibility to sit the 5000 down in groups of 50 which they did and put two groups in proximity to one another for groups of 100. If people do not know what to do to help a particular project, they cannot cooperate. It takes a plan that coordinates the ability and energy of each member of the group.
    • Cooperation requires division of labor. Not everyone can do everything. Not everyone can do the same thing. Once a goal is conceived and a plan is devised, people (our most important resource) must be fitted into the plan. Jesus used the disciples as organizers and servers. No doubt, others helped within the fifties to pass the food and keep order.

    If we can learn these points alone of points, we will be far ahead in carrying out God’s will. Together we are more.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 10:19 am on March 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Christian Worker for March studies Lord’s Supper 

    It is always good to consider that most important element in the Christians’ worship on the first day of the week. These brethren write in this periodical from the Southwest church in Austin TX.

    CW 3-12.pdf

     

  • TFRStaff 8:28 am on March 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Fishing for men 

    The Southwesterner bulletin highlights fishing for men in its latest issue. Although both articles use figures of angling, which isn’t a New Testament concept, they do well to emphasize what we ought to do as part and parcel of the gospel. Here’s a quote:

    As Christians we are all fishers of men. That is, our main job is to catch people for God. Evangelism cannot be separated from Christianity.

    SW 3-11-12.pdf

     

  • TFRStaff 7:46 am on March 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Jonathan’s Armor-bearer 

    Hello everyone. Our lesson today is taken from 1 Samuel 14:1-14. Jonathan and his armor bearer defeat the Philistine garrison of 20 men in this account. For our study on cooperation today, I particular want to focus on the matters involving the armor bearer.

    • Jonathan sought the armor bearer’s cooperation. Many leaders simply announce what they plan to do with request, persuasion or explanation of why they chose it. Then they become irritated or despondent if they do not get cooperation. God touches on this principle of seeking the cooperation of people when he says that elders are not to be “lords over God’s heritage” (1 Pet. 5:3). Leaders who dictate may receive obedience, but little cooperation.
    • Jonathan gave the armor bearer an explanation of why he thought the project should be undertaken. The armor bearer knew they were at war with the Philistines. But why this particular battle? Because the Lord could deliver even in these circumstances. If we want people to be willing and devoted to a project or cause, they must have reason. Action without reason is mob action. Purpose and explanation gives direction and perseverance to a plan of action.
    • Closely connected to the above, Jonathan did not tell the armor bearer that his skill in battle would give them victory. Rather, he turned the armor bearer’s confidence to the One who never fails. If we count on ourselves, we may accomplish much (Gen. 11:6), but it will not be good (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). But if we count on God, no one can be successful standing in our way (Rom. 8:31; Eph. 3:20).
    • The armor bearer was willing to cooperate, “…I am with thee…” Don’t we wish that all activities planned to move the church forward received that kind of full cooperation. Do you give such cooperation. Even when you are not convinced an idea is worthwhile, do you give it you best cooperation for successful accomplishment.
    • The armor bearer is never named. He is a supporting actor in this drama, but one without which the play would have failed. Many will not cooperate if they cannot be a star. Many stop cooperating if they do not receive continual praise and recognition. It certainly is good to give and receive recognition (Rom. 13:7), but it ought not to be a necessity for our cooperation.

    I imagine you may realize other points about cooperation from this event. But it does teach us that together, we are more. Mike

    Mike Glenn

     

← Older posts

c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
l
go to login
h
show/hide help
shift + esc
cancel
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 3,603 other followers