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  • Eugene Adkins 6:50 am on April 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heart, , , , Spiritual Analogies   

    Only the Outside??? 

    This morning I’m going to wash my daughter’s sippi-cups (or however you spell those things). But it may be that I’m going to be as good a dishwasher as I am a speller!

    dirty dishes

    (Photo credit: .imelda)

    Why’s that? Because I’m only going to wash the outside her cups. After all, it’s the outside that has all of the pictures that she likes to look at. And no one else can see the inside so they’ll think I did a good job. And it’s only the outside that I have to touch so why would I bother with the inside??? Maybe because the inside is what she’s actually going to be drinking from!!!

    What if we treated our lives the way I talked about treating my daughter’s dirty dishes? What if we only spent time cleaning up ourselves on the outside spiritually speaking? What if we made sure that we appeared to be spotless to the eyes of others but the inside of our heart acted, reacted and thought in a completely opposite way? If we did that then we’d hear:

    “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” (Matthew 23:25-26)

    If it makes no sense to only wash the outside of dirty dishes then why would it make any sense to only have a desire to appear righteous? After all, isn’t it the inside that holds what’s important?

    “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:19-22)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:20 am on April 23, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , head knowledge, heart, heart feelings, , , Matters of the Faith,   

    Feelings Don’t Tell the Whole Story 

    Many people rely solely upon how they feel when it comes to their relationship with God and the salvation that is offered through Jesus. Feelings alone work no better than faith alone! One may say that’s not true, but I ask have you not read:

    “So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.” (Genesis 27:22-23 – NKJV)

    What did Isaac rely upon in this situation? He relied upon his feelings! He knew the voice didn’t match, but he chose to rely upon the sense that could be tricked instead of the sense that knew better.

    I don’t know about you but I’ve sat in Isaac’s shoes before. I still find myself in Isaac’s shoes from time to time when it comes to making an important decision. I may want to do this, but I know that. I want to have hope in something or someone, but I find that the facts get in the way. Feelings and facts don’t have to be opposed, but when we choose feelings over facts we choose the opposite of what we should.

    In matters of the faith it matters what we rely upon. Doing what’s right in our eyes doesn’t always equate to doing what’s right in the eyes of God. If we were more willing to allow the facts of the faith to shape our feelings about faith then maybe our feelings about the faith wouldn’t try to change the facts (Romans 1:16-17, Galatians 1:6-9, Jude 3).

    Why do we have the word of God to read? It’s because feelings don’t tell the whole story – the gospel does!

    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 – NKJV)

    Related Article:

     

  • Eugene Adkins 5:51 pm on April 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart, ,   

    Why Does God Care About Your Money? 

    In no small part thanks to charlatans on TV and to thieves of the church treasury, finances stands large among the spiritual subjects that the world misunderstands. Some in the world view the church as a money hungry institution that has hypocritical stances concerning finances. They often confuse money itself being a root of all kinds of evil with the love of money being a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). And they confuse works being done with the aid of money with works done being done through money alone. One thing the world, and maybe even the church, must come to understand is that God doesn’t need our money. The God who created the heavens and the earth is the same God who purchased man’s salvation - and He did both without spending one penny! God doesn’t need our money, but He does want our heart, and the reason that God is concerned about money when it comes to His people is because of the possible negative effects that one’s material wealth can have one’s spiritual health. One can deny it all they want, but the fact that purse-strings and heart-strings are tied together is too obvious to miss. Even Ebenezer Scrooge figured that one out! So if anyone is convinced that an individual can show a heart full of gratitude toward God while carrying a full wallet and purse that doesn’t know how to properly give then that person cares more about money than they do finding out about why God cares so much about the topic. Praise God for the people who own their money without their money owning them.

    “Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

    (2 Corinthians 9:5-11 – NKJV)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:29 am on March 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart,   

    Poem: A Smile 

    Here’s a poem that’s been all over the internet for quite some time. It took me a second or two to find the author’s name because the vast majority of time credit is given to “unknown.” If you haven’t read or heard it, it’s worth the time.

    A Smile

    Smiling is infectious,

    you catch it like the flu,

    When someone smiled at me today,

    I started smiling too.

    I passed around the corner

    and someone saw my grin

    When he smiled, I realized

    I’d passed it on to him.

    I thought about that smile

    then I realized its worth,

    A single smile, just like mine

    could travel round the earth.

    So, if you feel a smile begin,

    don’t leave it undetected

    Let’s start an epidemic quick,

    and get the world infected!

    (written by Matthew John Fraser)

    I guess there’s such a thing as a healthy infection after all :)

     

  • TFRStaff 6:24 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart,   

    What’s in your bucket? 

    If you were walking back from a well carrying a bucket of water and someone jostled you, there could be spilled from that bucket only that which it contained.

    As you walk along life’s way, people are constantly bumping you. If your heart is full of ill will, bad temper and ugly disposition, only those things will be spilled. However, if you are full of life, joy and happiness, then you will spill a smile or pleasant remark.

    You can spill from your bucket only that which it contains. I heard a Gospel preacher say, “Whatever is in the well of your hearts will come up in the bucket of your lives.” That statement is very true.

    Matt 5:43-45 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

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

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:01 am on March 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , heart, , ,   

    Psalm 119 Daleth 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Daleth Psalm 119:25-32                        Receiving New Life

    Verse 25 shows how low we fall on our own;

    Verses 26-29 give the determination it will take to change;

    Verses 30-32 give the will to live.

    Verse 25: When our life (“soul”) bottoms out (“clings to the dust”), if we are looking for a remedy, we should look up to God’s “word” (instruction, explanation). Sinners who try every way but God’s way either end up in prison, rehab, court, suicide, or slavery, and eventually—Hell! But that’s what it takes before we hurt so much we can’t take it anymore. How many people, and how often, have their lives turned around that have “crashed” first. It’s those who realize they have a “soul” who know their lives must be changed, not only for life here but hereafter. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:17-18). “Revival” occurs only by a sinner’s acceptance of the Word of God, as Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

    Verses 26-29: (Verse 26) To “declare my ways” is prayerful confession of the life-style that brought one down to dirt, morally, but God’s answers were in His Bible all along. Such a person becomes “teachable” to God’s “statutes” (lines marking limits).  (Verse 27) “Make me” is not asking God to force faith into a person’s heart, for He never has, but is an expression that shows the determination in the person’s heart to “understand” God’s “precepts” (things to notice). Since it is from “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34), there is little difference in “meditating” or “speaking” about God’s “wonderful works” recorded in the Bible. (Verse 28) The Gospel of Christ is God’s invitation to all who would be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29), and the “melting” process stems from “heaviness,” as life fills with “sorrows” (Job 14:1), then we need the “strength” that can only come from faith produced by and with the Word of God. (Verse 29) God truthfully speaks, and so must someone who would learn from God’s “law.” Lying to ourselves, others, or especially to God, fools no one, but destroys ourselves now and forever (Ephesians 4:20-25).

    Verses 30-32: Notice the will to live: “I have chosen;” “I cling to;” “I will run;” AND notice the new rules that will make it so: “the way of truth;” “Your judgments;” “Your testimonies;” “Your commandments.” AND notice how much better the servant of God becomes, “You shall enlarge my heart.” People whose heart has become embittered, hateful, spiteful, twisted, deceitful, perverse, and coldly calculating have so shrunk their heart’s capacity that it cannot live life to the fullest. As one obeys God, that stretching sound may be scary, but when love for God tumbles in, the poison is driven out. No one ever died from this kind of “enlarged heart” (2 Corinthians 6:11). “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:53 am on February 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart, , , , ,   

    I’ll Tell You What To Give Up For “Lent” 

    I’m no protestant, but has the ”protestant” world all but completely forgotten what and who they originally protested??? It seems like more and more I see signs in churchyards and hear people talking about what they’re going to do (or not do) for “Lent.” Sadly, even members of the Lord’s church have gotten caught up in this outward display of religious ignorance!

    The Bible doesn’t have much to say about “Lent” but it does say enough to be clear:

    “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations – “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20-23)

    Do we get it? Outward restrictions don’t correct inward sins! “Lent” is the first thing I think of when I read Colossians 2:20-23 and then think of the religious world today. There is no biblical principle for this manmade doctrine. You don’t live it up on “Fat Tuesday” to give it up on “Ash Wednesday!” Sackcloth and ashes never changed a heart! Forty days of neglecting our self is not the same as forty days in the wilderness. Biblical prayer and fasting and “Lent” are not the same thing. One is about devotion to God and the other is about devotion to values that have no true value against wicked and sinful indulgences. It’s not what does or doesn’t go into the mouth that affects a person’s relationship with God – it’s what does or doesn’t come out of the heart that affects one’s relationship with God (Matthew 15:1-20). Depriving the body doesn’t equal feeding the soul! Never has, never will.

    If something is not sinful it does not have to be given up to improve our relationship with God – but if something is sinful we best not wait for a time of self-imposed religion to correct something that needs to be addressed immediately. In other words, don’t wait for the “preparation of the Holy Week” to start living a Holy Life (1 Peter 1:13-16).

    If you’re still looking for something to give up, my answer would be that the best thing to give up for “Lent” is “Lent” itself!

     

    • John T. Polk II 7:28 am on February 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Excellent reply! Widespread ignorance doesn’t prove that it’s true. The former “Protestants” have become major proponents of what they formerly protested. How confusing that must be. Preach the word.

    • John Henson 11:34 am on February 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      The bodies observing Lent have flipped it upside down. It used to be an avoidance of certain foods (which is itself unscriptural) and is now an opportunity for indulgence including the use of alcohol in some places. This is what happens when the doctrines of men are observed. They go haywire.

  • Eugene Adkins 6:43 am on February 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart, , , ,   

    Head Knowledge VS Heart Feelings? 

    To justify their beliefs people try to make the mind and the heart get into a spiritual fight. You begin to talk to them about what the word of God teaches concerning salvation and other issues but when they don’t like what they hear or see, they quickly turn and say, “You are teaching that God’s word is written only in biblical text and can only be known through reading of that text” or something else to that effect. They attempt to say that one’s heart (which can be thoroughly confused) knows better than what one plainly reads with the eyes (which can be rightly divided through study – 2 Timothy 2:15).

    Now I will be first to say that God’s word simply memorized does an individual no good! The devil quoted scripture to Jesus after all. And Jesus quoted previously recorded scripture when He condemned those who were near to God with words on the lip but far away in the heart in Mark 7:6-8. So, God’s word must be planted within our heart just as the parable of the sower teaches in Luke 8. But what people who rely upon the “heart overruling the mind” miss in that parable (and the rest of God’s word) is that it is the word of God that stirs/begins the growth process in the heart. The heart can have good soil, which is essential, but good soil doesn’t produce seed or a crop by itself - it allows the seed to grow to produce the crop. In Mark 7 it was the emotions of the people in their hard hearts that steered them away from keeping God’s word in their heart. If we want to please God we must do so by allowing His word to get our hearts and minds on the same page.

    People who rely solely upon emotions for a right relationship with God are trusting the weight of their soul to an undependable structure. Paul said in Romans 10:1-3, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (emphasis mine). The Jewish people had a heart for God, but their heart lacked a proper knowledge of God! Now how were they missing God’s righteousness? They were missing God’s righteousness because they rejected the knowledge of Jesus and His Gospel. In the same letter to the church at Rome, Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 – emphasis mine). If you, through faith, desire to do God’s righteousness in the heart, it will be because you have been exposed to it through His word (Romans 10:17).

    Topics like this are frustrating because when a person reads about God putting His law into our hearts (Hebrews 8:10) they try to use that as a justification to avoid what the word teaches and that just simply is not true. God desires that we allow His law to grow continually in our hearts, but sadly, what people miss is that before that can happen we must learn what the law says to begin with! That’s why the very next verse (8:11) in Hebrews says, “And there will be no need at all for each one to teach his countryman or each one to teach his brother saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ since they will all know me, from the least to the greatest” meaning that, unlike the previous covenant that people were a part of simply by being born (Hebrews 8:9), God’s law and covenant with the church is entered into when a person is born again into it through the new birth that comes from hearing the gospel, believing the gospel and obeying the gospel (John 3:3-5, Acts 18:8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

    When one rejects the knowledge of God’s word for the “knowledge/emotions” of one’s own heart they are following the same path that God warned His people about in Hosea 4:6 when He said, ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

    Head knowledge and heart feelings are not meant to be enemies when it comes to God’s word. There is no way to be saved other than by believing the gospel with our heart (Romans 10:9-10), but our heart must be taught what to believe (Romans 10:14-15). Salvation isn’t about a fight between our heart and mind, it’s about stopping our fight against God and submitting to His revealed will so we can reveal His will in us (Romans 12:1-2).

    “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)       

     

  • Eugene Adkins 2:42 pm on January 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Gennesaret, Gospel according to Mark, heart, , Lessons for the church, , Nazareth   

    There Was No Love at Home for Jesus! 

    Mark 6 begins and ends in an interesting way. These verses are like polar opposites of each other in their description of the reaction and feelings people had toward Jesus. Think about these verses with me for a moment.

    The chapter begins with Jesus only being able to heal a few people in his own neck-of-the-woods in Nazareth. This wasn’t due to a lack of interest or ability on Jesus’ part. It was due to a lack of interest on the people’s part. The people had heard about what Jesus was doing, and they had even heard his teaching with their own ears in their own synagogue, but all they could see was a carpenter, a son of Mary and a brother to siblings who, no doubt in their opinion, were no better than Jesus, religiously speaking. They were offended by this blue-collar preacher! To describe their reaction, the Bible in Basic English translates the commonly used word ”offended” as ”bitter.” They were bitter toward Jesus because this small town man had no proper right to be such a big deal throughout all Judea. They had no love for Jesus, and Jesus’ response to this is interesting. He summed up their treatment of him by saying:

    “…A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4 – NKJV)

    The chapter ends with Jesus coming ashore in a different “section of the woods.” It only took a trip of about 15 miles down the road to Gennesaret for Jesus to be received with a different type of reaction from the people. Jesus was treated like an outcast in his hometown of Nazareth, but while Jesus was in Gennesaret he was treated as if he “had never left.” Instead of being bitter toward Jesus these people were beside themselves in a good way. In Nazareth, no one knew Jesus for who he really was, but in Gennesaret the people recognized Jesus as soon as he got out of the boat. In Nazareth, the hot topic was derogatory rumors, while in Gennesaret the exciting word about Jesus’ arrival spread like wildfire. Jesus got nothing but grief in the synagogues in Nazareth, but in Gennesaret people were joyfully eager to meet him in the marketplaces. In Nazareth, people ran from Jesus, but in Gennesaret people ran to Jesus. Only a few people were healed by Jesus’ hands in Nazareth due to unbelief, but in Gennesaret there were people being healed simply by touching the hem of his robe. Listen to how the scene throughout Gennesaret was described:

    “Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.” (Mark 6:56 - NKJV)

    Jesus was the same person at the end of the chapter that he was in the beginning of the chapter, so what gives? What gave was love. There was no love in the ole’ hometown of Nazareth. There was no heart at home for Jesus. The people he grew up around and the people who grew older around him took Jesus for granted, and there are some big lessons in that for the church! I don’t want to make a stretch out of the application, but I must ask, “Is it possible for people outside of the church to have a stronger desire to meet Jesus than people inside of the church?” I must ask, “Is it possible that those who have grown older in the church have failed to grow up in the church?” I must ask, “Is it possible to neglect the “touch of Jesus” while others are more than happy to touch the “border of his garments”?” I must ask, “Is it possible for the church to have no love at home for Jesus?” I could ask more questions, but I think the answers to these should suffice! And lest you think that people in the church can’t be guilty of these things, I would encourage you to read Revelation 2:1-5.

    Let us learn the lesson of how Nazareth and Gennesaret treated Jesus. Let us not be guilty of thinking that we know Jesus in a way that keeps us from knowing Jesus in his way. Let us not be guilty of ignoring his word or the help he can offer. Let us not be guilty of having no love for Jesus in the place where love for him should be found the most – at home in his church.

    “Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.“” (Mark 3:31-35)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:35 am on September 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, , ,   

    Another Snippet from the Repentance Sermon 

    Whether it was God’s command to John the Baptist, Jesus’ command during his earthly ministry or his command in the great commission - there is no salvation, relationship with God or spiritual growth without repentance. Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Luke 24:46-47, Acts 2:37-38 all agree with this principle.

    You’ll never find God’s people being promised a new anything worth having unless their willing to get rid of an old something that’s not worth keeping.

    The reason so many Christians never grow up/mature/learn how feed from meat of God’s word or teach others is because their minds aren’t made up. It’s because they may be converted to the seat on Sunday morning, but they’re not converted in their heart throughout the rest of the week (Acts 3:19).

    Repentance is essential because it begins in the heart, stays in the heart, changes the heart and keeps the heart yearning to please God.

     

    • robertebarger 6:59 am on September 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      No man comes to Jesus Christ unless the Father draws him.
      The reason that the bible is put togrther the way it is, is because the fear of God must be the driving force behind the person.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. If a person is told that all you have to do to go to Heaven is accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, you have taken away the fear of not making it into the Kingdom. As many as recieve Him gave He POWER TO “”"BECOME”"”" A son of God, not already is saved. The only thing that will make you free is the Word of God. If there is no fear of the Lord, the person will not study their bible, and will not be set free. If a person does not understand why he is a sinner, and does not see that the plan of God is a growing proscess starting with being a babe in Christ, moving up in the Spirit through repentance in the babe stage to a child in Christ, next is the young man stage, than going on to be a father in perfection. We have lost the way through mans understanding. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof is death!

  • Eugene Adkins 6:41 am on September 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Elvis, heart, ,   

    Hebrews 4:12: The Scriptures, Elvis and our Heart 

    Hebrews 4:12 is one of my favorite scriptures. It can be comforting or it can be chilling. It depends on us.

    “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

    I saw the other day where someone at an auction recently paid $94,600 for Elvis’ personal copy of the scriptures! It left me wondering whether that person was more interested in owning a Bible or in owning the Word of God. It left me wondering who was “king” in that person’s life. It left me wondering if they knew that one “king” is dead while the other King still lives and reigns. It left me wondering because I cannot see the thoughts and intents of that person’s heart…but I know what can whether they do or not.

     

  • TFRStaff 5:11 am on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

     

    • Loy 6:10 am on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      What is the meaning of “overrated” in the above? “Heart” as used in more than 100 verses in Scripture, means much more that just emotions.

    • J. Randal Matheny 6:32 am on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The limits of the tweet made it difficult to be clear. People put much emphasis on the heart as the seat of the emotions. You’re exactly right, which is the point of the tweet as well. Thanks!

  • Eugene Adkins 6:34 am on July 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart, , , ,   

    It’s Not Just PETA Who Doesn’t Understand 

    Have you ever wondered why God would ask his people for an animal sacrifice even though he knew it wouldn’t remove sin? You’re probably not the only one. I would suspect that there are plenty of people who do not understand why, or maybe the thought had never occurred before now. Either way, it’s a question worth asking because the answer is worth knowing!

    If you would like to read an article that revolves around answering that question, then click here: “Why Did God Require Animals to be Sacrificed?“

    The article revolves around blood, the human heart, sin, sacrifice and the grace of God. For you fellas who preach, it’s basically a written sermon; take what you find useful. For any one else who would just enjoy the question leading to a deeper study on a personal level or the gathering of notes on the topic, there are plenty of places to do both.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:16 am on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, ,   

    A Cricket in New York City 

    Here’s a link to an article by Brett Pertillo from the Bear Valley congregation in Colorado with an excellent sermon illustration about our heart’s focus called, “A Cricket in New York City.“

    In my little ole’ opinion it’s the best illustration I’ve heard in quite a while. Easy to remember with an excellent and easy to understand point too. I used it this past Wednesday night for the invitation along with the song “Who at the Door is Standing” with an emphasis of listening for the knock at our heart. Thought some of you could use it too.

    Have a blessed day.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 10:15 pm on April 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart, ,   

    Where is instrumental music authorized? 

    I have a friend whose dad has become a practicing Jew in recent years. He is now essentially a song leader in synagogue. The dad mentioned that the Jews do not use instrumental music in synagogue because it was only authorized by God for TEMPLE use.

    I found this interesting. I know (per 2 Chron 29:25) that the Israelites were authorized to use mechanical instruments under the Mosaic regime, but I had never thought much about the LOCATION of such use. Not just anywhere, evidently–ONLY the temple (that is, only where God dwells).

    If this is correct (and if you can think of counter examples, please share them), then it would suggest something intriguing for Eph 5:19 & 1 Cor 6:19,20. Today, God dwells in us (Christians). And, thus one could reason that God has STILL authorized “instrumental music” today in His “temple” in the sense that we are to make melody to the Lord IN OUR HEARTS (i.e., His dwelling place)!

    I don’t know if this is of any value, but it was a “new thought” for me at least. Feel free to help me ascertain if it is correct or not! :)

     

    • Russ McCullough 10:45 pm on April 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      You are dead on. The instrument was always associated with the act of animal sacrifice at the tabernacle / temple. Since Christ was the perfect sacrifice, once and for all….no more sacrifice…not more instrumental music. The synagogue model was endorsed and embraced by Christ Himself and served as a worship model in the NT. That model (pattern) is still in effect today. In reality, the addition of the instrument today calls into question the finality of Christ’s sacrifice. Pretty scary….

    • Terry 10:48 pm on April 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I’m not advocating instrumental music, but to answer your question, in 2 Samuel 6, specifically verse 5, the ark was being brought up to Jerusalem; the procession was accompanied by cymbals, harps, castanets, etc. even though it is not yet installed in the temple. (It’s probably worth noting the ark was being conveyed in a way that was not authorized by God; however, God doesn’t condemn the music, only the manner in which Uzzah reached out to keep it from falling.) Coincidentally, I recently blogged on this topic and the upshot for me anyway is that I just don’t think we can “prove” our point with OT or NT commands. I love a cappella singing, and it is certainly not condemned by God but I choose to not argue this particular point with those who worship where instruments are used. I think we have bigger things to talk about :-)

      • Stephen R. Bradd 3:08 pm on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Interesting point about 2 Sam 6. The touching of the ark was when Uzzah was punished; that we know for certain. We know the transporting on the cart was unauthorized (and the musical accompaniment may have been also). God tolerated certain things under the OT (cf. Acts 17:30); other things He did not tolerate.

        Regarding your closing comments, I suspect Uzzah, Nadab, Abihu, Cain, etc. might think they had bigger things to talk about, too, than simply doing things in a way that cannot be wrong (in this discussion–a capella singing). Someone might argue that we have bigger things to talk about than immersion (“after all, the Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn sprinkling”–they might affirm). Let us not open the floodgates of human opinion. Let’s just strive to be fully pleasing the Lord always (Col. 1:10). Congregational singing (in spirit & truth) is pleasing to God. No one can know today if God is pleased when a piano is added; they may presume to know, but they cannot have any certainty about it (cf. Isa. 55:8,9). More significantly (in my view) is the fact that the brother who forces his presumptuous behavior into the assembly (which is what happened over 100 years ago) needlessly divides the body of Christ. Division is a sin condemned throughout Scripture; unity is commanded (1 Cor. 1:10). God is the judge, but I sure wouldn’t want to stand before Him (as our Christian church friends will) as one who initiated [or MAINTAINED] division over something they view as a matter of OPINION.

    • Ron Thomas 5:08 am on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      FWIW, Stephen, in the Jewish commentary I have there is no mention of an instrument authorized in one place and not another.

      • Stephen R. Bradd 12:17 pm on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I understand Ron. I was relaying the perspective of at least one modern Jew, however (Nick’s father). There are some in the brotherhood who question whether instrumental music was EVER authorized under the OT. They believe David was an innovator and God merely tolerated such for the time being (like He did polygamy). But, I don’t believe those who argue such can deal properly with 2 Chr 29:25. That verse provides clear OT authority for instrumental accompaniment IN the temple. I know of no other verses that provide clear authority for the appropriateness of their use in any other location, however. There may be other examples of their use, but a record in the Bible of an account of action doesn’t intrinsically convey divine approval (e.g., OT polygamy)–though it does imply some level of tolerance on God’s part (cf. Acts 17:30).

        Bottom line–this thread was something of interest to me. It doesn’t change anything regarding what we are authorized to do today in Christian worship. And that leads me now to reply to Terry…

    • Eugene Adkins 6:14 am on April 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I had heard the samething about synagouge worship. Although I had never actually talked to a Jew about it. The only other thing that I can think of that someone may bring up would be the worship found in the Psalms. I know from time to time in the discussion of instrumental music/rock-n-roll during worship, some bring up the example of the Psalms.

    • Terry 9:05 am on April 11, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Stephen, we’re mostly in agreement. However, it is evident – to us today anyway – that those you mentioned clearly violated a mandate set out by God and likewise God also gives us clear examples of baptism, from the manner in which Christ was baptized (albeit for different reasons) to the multitude of examples of immersion in Acts.. My point on instrumental music is that we can’t “prove” this point with scripture. We can certainly make the case for a capella being pleasing to God and conforming to passages that refer to singing. But I believe we start down the slippery slope of human opinion into a quagmire of legalism when we try to make scripture’s silence say something it doesn’t. If an acquaintance or friend worships where mechanical instruments are present, I’d rather use my influence to explore issues such as obedience to the will of God and how to worship Him in spirit and truth and let them wrestle with their conscience on whether they can do that with mechanical musical accompaniment. I agree I don’t want to stand in judgment for causing any division. Members of our own brotherhood have divided over issues such as one-cup communion, eating in the church building, using modern music, supporting orphanages, etc. All of them felt their position was grounded in scripture too. Thanks for an interesting discussion, and I hope you have a blessed week.

    • John Henson 11:05 pm on April 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      For the last two weeks, I’ve been studying this and cannot find any proof that God authorized instruments. There is some evidence that the use of stringed instruments was a custom in idol temples. I’m wondering if David added the practice since idolaters were doing it and he wanted his worship to be like the other nations.

      • Stephen R. Bradd 6:06 am on April 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Hi John. Admittedly, many passages seem to suggest they may have been an innovation of David. But, 2 Chronicles 29:25 removes all doubt, I think, about their divine authorization (at least in the tabernacle/temple)–”And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for THUS WAS THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD [emp. added] by His prophets.”

  • John Henson 10:09 am on February 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, ,   

    Create in Me a Clean Heart, Oh God 

    “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:6-10 ASV).

    King David had sinned. He had sinned by taking Bathsheba after lust found conception in his heart (James 1:14-15). He added sin to sin when he had Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, killed on the battlefield (2 Samuel 11). Then, King David lied and attempted to keep the sins concealed.

    He could not, however, conceal his sins from his own mind, neither could he conceal his sins from the people, and he certainly could not hide them from God. The text of Psalm 51 shows in graphic detail how the king’s sins had made him feel foul and loathsome because that’s what sin does.

    David asked God for a clean heart and a right spirit. Sin destroys any cleanness of a person’s conscience. As demonstrated in David’s life, sin stamps out a right spirit and, instead, replicates itself until the entire mind is enslaved to it.

    The only cure for sin is to turn from it in repentance and, as the king did in 2 Samuel 12, admit its existence in confession.

    Unless we take steps to stop it, sin will continue to create more sins, just like bacteria reproduce and infect the body until an antibiotic is found to stop the process. The antibiotic for sin is obedience to the gospel of Christ.

    The king was broken by sin, yet he was forgiven. The words of a hymn tell us, “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin. He will create a new, make whole again.” This was precisely what David requested: “Create in me a clean heart, oh God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:57 pm on September 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, , inner man,   

    Without a heart 

    The fervent march, the hymn of praise,
    The echoed chant in hallowed halls,
    Without a heart to launch the phrase,
    Will only bounce off deadened walls.

    The soul that finds in God his rest,
    His manly strength and glorious weight,
    Will sing with words that from the breast
    Spring lively up to heaven’s gate.

    —JRM, on this quiet evening of thanksgiving

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:40 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heart,   

    Balaam’s “Confession” 

    Throughout the history of man, the individual man has had to contend with authority. He submits to his own authority or to someone else’s. This struggle for man’s mind (heart) is the great battle ground between the forces of evil (Satan) and the Lord God. This is very well illustrated (described) for us in Job, chapters 1 and 2. Who will win?

    Balaam confessed, and he confessed the same problem that plagues people today. “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me” (22:34). Exactly the problem today – all because of: 1) there is no knowledge of the Lord, 2) even if there is knowledge, one’s desire to gain something is strong enough that the Lord’s way if set to the side. In this struggle over one’s desire to love and serve the Lord with the wealth of this world, spiritual blindness and powerlessness is exposed.

    The battle ground between two opposite forces is our heart. It is a struggle that each person has to engage in – there is no choice. To determine one’s loyalty a decision has to be made. Will that loyalty be to the Lord or to what attracts the eyes and ears of a person? It is as simple as that.

     

    • Stephen R. Bradd 7:18 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Sadly, Balaam confessed but didn’t seem to repent (at least not long-term). May we never follow his “error” (Jude 11).

      • Ron 7:20 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        The interesting thing to me about this is that his confession is exactly like the confession/sentiment of many today. They think the Lord is with them, yet they know not that He opposes them. Balaam was fortunate in that his donkey was wise.

    • Richard Hill 7:30 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Excellent points, Ron. Thanks!

      • Ron 7:36 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Richard, you are very kind.

        On another note, do you think you would be interested in receiving booklets from “In Search of the Lord’s Way?” Phil asked me about it, and we received five cases (about 1500 booklets – sermons for a respective month). There is more to receive, but I fear with us the cost is prohibitive. The cost is only the cost of shipping. It is a cheap price, but with EE coming up, I have to move slower than what I thought was involved.

        • Richard Hill 7:41 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink

          Are you talking about Eureka church or State Fair or both? Is the 1500 one sermon or are there multiple sermons that total 1500?

        • Ron 7:45 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink

          State fair is what I was thinking. I opened one box and it is sermons from Oct 2007). Of the six boxes we have each box represents a different month.

        • Richard Hill 8:05 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink

          So we’re talking 4 to 5 sermons per box and 6 boxes. That should cover a lot of topics. Why don’t you give a variety of these to…not J.E…one of the responsible sisters…so I can have a look at them next time we get together.

        • Ron 8:07 am on June 12, 2011 Permalink

          No, Richard. It is more than that. Each box represents a month (I suspect), and each box (case) has over 300 booklets (sermons) for that month. I did take 15 of them and placed them in the foyer for others to pick up and take home, passing them, or doing what they would like to.

  • John Henson 7:24 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, ,   

    Protect Your Mind 

    My mother once told me it was not a good idea to walk through life with my “heart on my sleeve.” She meant that if live my life easily offended, I’d never be happy.

    When Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 10 about having your heart in your right hand, he didn’t mean the same thing my mother meant.

    Solomon wrote, “A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left,” (Ecclesiastes 10:2 NKJV). Solomon had been making a contrast between the actions of the spiritually foolish and the wise. Most warriors hold a sword in the right hand. The right hand, therefore, was a symbol of power and defense.

    A spiritually wise man remembers to protect his heart (or mind). The fool doesn’t care what takes possession of his thinking.

    The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV).

    “Taking every thought captive to obey Christ” is a good way to protect our minds from the onslaught of all the evil philosophies and wicked things in the world. A.W. Tozer wrote, “America has lost its ability to blush.” A drought of Bible thinking and conduct has caused many to lose sight of spiritually important things and adopted evil as the way. We must not allow ourselves to be swept along with it.

    Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” (Romans 12:2 ESV). Don’t allow the world to force you into its mold. Protect your mind.

     

    • Glenda Williams 11:26 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      John, I forwarded your article link on to our two children this morning. Though they are grown and on their own, your article was something I wanted to share with them. Thanks. Job well done.

  • Chad Dollahite 12:25 pm on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, , ,   

    We Are Back… 

    Had a good trip to Memphis, although tiring.  It is always hard to pick a favorite sermon from the week, but a couple stick out in my mind.  There were so many other good ones, but these 2 alone pretty much made the trip worthwhile for me.

    1.)  Dan Winkler – “We Need Heart Surgery!” (Mon. night)
    Chad’s comments:  It’s a biology lesson, it’s a sermon.  In a word…”Wow!”

    http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2011/FHMSOP110328Winkler.asx  (video)
    ftp://ftp.oabs.org/LECTURESHIPS/msop2011/FHMSOP110328Winkler.wma (audio)

    2.)  Wesley Simons – “Their Hearts Are Far From Me”
    Chad’s comments:  Wesley is director of the Tri-Cities School of Preaching, & he is both a friend & hero to me.  Their local radio program has converted over 100 people (just that they know of) & FIVE denominational preachers.  Simply put, this man knows how to preach plainly & yet with such sincerity that people end up obeying the truth.  That is a rarity, & this sermon is a classic Wesley Simons jewel.

    http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2011/FHMSOP110329Simons.asx (video)
    ftp://ftp.oabs.org/LECTURESHIPS/msop2011/FHMSOP110329Simons.wma (audio)

     

  • Mike Riley 8:33 am on March 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , charm, describe, fleeting, heart, meek, , submissive, superficial, , term, translate,   

    What Is Beauty? 

    Solomon described outward beauty as being vain (Proverbs 31:30). The NIV translates the term vain as “fleeting.” Both charm and beauty are superficial and temporary. Real beauty originates from the heart (1 Peter 3:1-4) when a woman displays (1) reverence towards God (Proverbs 31:30), (2) a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), (3) being submissive toward her husband (1 Peter 3:5-6).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:59 pm on March 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart   

    “Feelings are important in many areas, but completely unreliable in matters of faith.”

    Eugene Peterson
     

  • Ron Thomas 5:28 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , deceitful, heart,   

    Atheism Described 

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds’” (Jeremiah 17:9-10, ESV). The context of these words pertains to a religious people, but it is just as aptly applied to the one who describes himself as an atheist. Atheism is only an ideology of this world and, as has been said, there are no dead atheists. Atheism likes to promote itself as a “rational” ideology and disparage theism as irrational. However, debate after debates shows just how irrational and entirely hopeless atheism actually is. The heart is deceitful above all things, the Lord said. We can be sure the atheist will not allow his heart, in so far as he is able, to be exposed to show his hopelessness. However, how about you as a Christian, have you allowed your heart to deceive you? Measure your heart in relation to God and His word. It is a challenge for us each day. RT

     

    • NotAScientist 7:03 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      “Atheism is only an ideology”

      It actually isn’t an ideology. It’s a position on a single question.

      Speak to some Buddhists who are also atheists and ask them about their ideology if you don’t believe me.

      • Ron 7:12 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Yes, it might be true about Buddahism, but it is an ideology just the same. Buddahism might have a particular approach to the question of God, but there is a large portion of the population that subscribe to atheism as a positive way of thinking – this is an ideology. Thanks for reading and the remark.

        • NotAScientist 8:16 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink

          Define the word ‘ideology’ for me. I want to know what you think it means.

        • Ron 8:20 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink

          I use it as the dictionary defines it, It is a system of beliefs that outlines one’s world view. Buddhism has a system of beliefs that outline their world view.

    • NotAScientist 8:47 am on February 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      “I use it as the dictionary defines it, It is a system of beliefs that outlines one’s world view. Buddhism has a system of beliefs that outline their world view.”

      Correct. Buddhism is an ideology. Atheism is not. Atheism is a single belief/position that is a part of any number of ideologies. But it isn’t an ideology by itself.

      • Ron 3:50 am on February 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Just having retunred to the office after coming in from out of town yesterdeay, I offer my remarks.

        Yes, I concede tha atheism as a singular belief is not an ideologyt. However, atheism is the foundation of a system of belief that prompts a person to go in a particular direction. The same as you said for atheism, it could be said for theism. It would be a mistaken view to suggest that either one of these singular beliefs (atheism, theism) has no bearing on an ideology followed, to whatever degree that it might be followed.

  • Ron Thomas 5:21 am on December 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

    Evil in the Heart 

    Why do you think evil in your hearts? That was the question Jesus asked those who knew well what He did, but refused to accept His testimony (Matthew 9:4). Evil in this context is refusing to act on the Lord’s word. How often are we guilty of the same? The Lord clearly expressed His will, and yet many are guilty of thinking evil because there is a refusal to accept His testimony. The challenge for us is to accept what the Lord said and implement these words into our lives. If we do not, are we not thinking evil? Whether we believe this or not, the Lord makes it clear we are. If you say you do not understand it, then will you pay special attention to the words of Jesus in order to try and understand (Matthew 13:19)? It is a challenge for each of us.

     

  • Mike Riley 10:07 am on December 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , gladness, , heart, , , , produce, , , , , ,   

    An Example Of Bible Weather 

    In Acts 14:17, Luke records that God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (cf. Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 28:12; Job 5:10; Psalm 65:10; Psalm 68:9; Psalm 147:8; Jeremiah 14:22).

    God “did good” by providing the weather needed to produce (1) rain; (2) fruitful seasons; (3) food. Without the changing weather patterns which produce the “fruitful seasons” (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) none of this would be possible.

     

  • Ron Thomas 9:08 am on October 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

    The Sown Word 

    Had the word of God been sown into your heart? Is that word that was sown any longer present? If it is not, why is that? It is because Satan took it away, and how did “he” do that? “He” did it this way: your lack of understanding produced in you no desire to hear further because it was too hard (John 6:60, 66). It is not any more complicated than this.

    Had the word of God been sown into your heart? When you heard it, did you embrace it with enthusiasm, desiring to learn more? Now, however, you no longer have an interest – why is that? The answer lies in the fact that you had no “root in” yourself; that is, you were (are) selfish, self-interested, and you tripped (stumbled) over that which others mocked. You were (are) weak spiritually.

    Had the word of God been sown into your heart? Indeed it had, but the interests, the other things of life pulled you away because they demanded your attention. The result of this is that whatever desire you have (or had) to produce the fruit that lasts for eternity was never able to take root because it was choked by all the weeds that grew (grows) up around it.

    Had the word of God been sown into your heart? What was the produce?

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 10:20 pm on September 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: conservative, heart,   

    Is it better to be a conservative or liberal at heart? 

    Eccl. 10:2 (ESV) – “A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” :)

     

  • Ron Thomas 9:35 am on August 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: exposure, heart   

    Judgment 

    Two passages continualy come to mind when I think on the word. Numbers 32:23 and 1 Kings 8:38.

    We all know the depths of our heart (to a greater or lesser degress) and that when our heart is exposed, much pain is experienced. The Holy Spirit said we are to protect our heart (Prov. 4:23), but that does not mean we are not to allow others to see us as we are; it means that our best protection is when the word is laid up in the heart (Col. 3:16). Thus, when (if) the heart is exposed, what will be seen?

     

  • Daniel Haynes 11:06 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , heart,   

    We don’t care if you’re wearing a suit or a T-shirt and jeans. What we care about is the condition of the heart.

    Gary Davis
     

    • larry Miles 11:11 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Amen, to that brother– but I do know some who look down on the way people dress– we must reach them first– not judge thier choice of attire

      • Laura 11:13 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Unless their attire is immodest, which is sinful.

    • Mike Riley 11:20 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      My grandmother used to tell me, “Mike, cleanliness is next to godliness. Make sure your body is clean and your clothes are clean, but most important, make sure your heart is clean before you go and worship the Lord.”

  • Mike Riley 3:39 am on May 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bottom, heart, , , ,   

    Every man, at the bottom of his heart, wants to do right. But only he can do right who knows right; only he knows right who thinks right; only he thinks right who believes right.

    Tiorio
     

  • John Henson 7:10 pm on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart   

    What’s on my heart, today? I’m filled with gratitude for Phil Sanders whose speech at OVC gave me a slam-bang finish. His “Fellowship of the Unashamed” was the best stuff for us this morning. It struck such a positive chord, you could hear it striking people’s hearts, filling their eyes with tears of joy that there was someone who understood how they felt and wanted those words so, so badly. Thanks, Phil! I owe you big time, brother!

     

    • John Henson 7:11 pm on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Oh, and thanks to Randal for making the speech available to us.

      • J. Randal Matheny 11:13 pm on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Glad to be of service. Glad also to hear that the church there appreciate the reading of the piece.

        • John Henson 12:39 am on April 19, 2010 Permalink

          Several people have asked for copies. I’m not surprised at the interest it has generated.

    • Phil Sanders 1:28 pm on April 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, Randal, thanks for your kind words.

  • Larry Miles 10:43 am on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

    What’s on my heart at this time as I prepare for Bible Study and worship is that I, along with my fellow believers at Cherry Street will draw near to the Lord Jesus. I pray that we can worship in spirit and truth. I look forward to the Bible lessons in Sunday School and the message by Bro. Nick. I thank God for dedicated men who love the Lord and teach and preach His Word so that all can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Jesus! Keep looking up! Jesus may come today!!!!

     

  • Mike Riley 7:26 pm on April 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , heart, ,   

    Belief is truth held in the mind; faith is a fire in the heart.

    Joseph Fort Newton
     

  • Mike Riley 12:12 pm on March 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart, monday, , smile,   

    How do I face Mondays? Like every other day, with a smile on my face, and a song in my heart, that God has granted me another day to serve Him and my fellow man.

    Watch this video, and then be thankful and inspired! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc

     

  • Mike Riley 12:55 pm on March 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , buried, , , heart, , , , , , slaves,   

    There are two verses about obedience in Romans 6:17-18-NKJV that are significant:

    “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

    We must obey “from the heart” that form [pattern] of doctrine that Paul preached and taught (1 Cor. 2:1-2; cf. Gal. 6:14; Philippians 3:7-10). What was the pattern? The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4). We die to sin, we are buried in the watery grave of baptism, and then we rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4).

    What a beautiful picture of salvation!

     

  • Ron Thomas 10:59 am on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

    Favorites 

    I have only a few favorites when it comes to various thoughts in Scripture. One favorite would be the Lord’s question to the disciples and Peter’s response in John 6. In relation to proverbs, I think the one that continually comes to mind is Proverbs 4:23, Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life (ESV). It means much to me because, knowing something about the nature of man, the facade man presents is so easily detected. He presents this facade because, in many cases, he is tired of the pain of letting others in.

    This is NOT what the proverb teaches, but since I saw it for the first time, I have always given thought to this idea. A challenge for me, then, is to be able to penetrate the facade of a man. I can think of no better way of doing this than: 1) live the life of Christ, 2) speak the words of Christ. The defense mechanism of a person can be mighty hard to overcome, but if there is an opportunity to overcome it, why not use the Lord’s power to do so (Rom. 1:16-17).

    These are some of my thoughts.

     

  • Mike Riley 2:01 pm on February 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , commanded, contrite, heart, , , , self-centered,   

    Share a verse from your Bible reading today: 1 Samuel 13:14; cf. Acts 13:21-22.

    “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

    The difference between David and Saul, was simply their attitude of heart – David’s heart was humble and contrite, whereas Saul’s heart was a self-centered heart, never thinking about anyone but self. We too can be a man or woman after God’s own heart, if we will display an humble and contrite heart, desirous of being fully obedient to His will (Psalm 51:17; Matthew 7:21).

     

  • Daniel Haynes 4:29 pm on February 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , heart,   

    Daily Meditation 

    For out of the heart come evil ideas, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are the things that defile a person; it is not eating with unwashed hands that defiles a person. Matthew 15:19-20, NET

     

  • John Henson 5:32 pm on February 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, ,   

    Heart disease is a killer 

                Heart disease is the leading cause of  the death of adults in the United States.

                According to statistics compiled by the American Heart Association, the disease kills more than 425,000 people in the U.S. annually and there are more than 1.25 million new cases of the disease diagnosed each year.

                There is a heart disease that is deadlier, and its effects are longer lasting. That disease is the hardening of the heart or soul. It’s a disease that can be eternally deadly, and the afflicted may not know they’ve  a problem.

                It only took the writer of Hebrews three chapters before he broadcasts a specific warning: watch out for your heart!”

                “Harden not your hearts,” the writer says in Hebrews 3:8. In verse 12, he says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” He repeats the warning in verse 8 in verse 15 and says in verse 19, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

                The people this writer addresses may not have even known they were about to descend into a fatal heart disease, but they were. The hardened heart and the evil heart of unbelief are the same thing. Here’s what it does.

                The evil heart of unbelief tells a person, “It doesn’t matter which church you belong to.” It matters quite a bit to God, because his son only shed his blood for one church, not for a smattering of denominations (Ephesians 4:4-6). But, people believe men and not God and are stricken with an evil heart of unbelief.

                The evil heart of unbelief tells a person, “Baptism is only a sign of conversion. A person is saved well before baptism.” The Spirit of truth doesn’t agree. In 1 Peter 3:21, the apostle wrote, “The like figure whereunto baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” But, people believe men and not God and are stricken with an evil heart of unbelief.

                The evil heart of unbelief tells a person, “You don’t have to do anything after you’ve been baptized. You can’t be lost.” This very passage in Hebrews refutes that idea. It tells these brethren that if it was impossible for the Israelites to enter Canaan because of their unbelief and disobedience, it is likewise impossible for them to enter into God’s rest of heaven for the same reason.

                Watch out for your soul’s heart. A hardened heart of unbelief can be deadly.

     

    • Mike Riley 9:36 pm on February 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      “Watch out for your soul’s heart. A hardened heart of unbelief can be deadly.”

      Great wisdom and advice here, John! Thanks for posting!

      • John Henson 10:07 pm on February 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks for your kindness, brother! To God be the glory!

  • John Henson 7:22 pm on January 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: heart, ,   

    A brother came this morning 

    The man who headed up the Lord’s Supper responded to the invitation today because he had made a few mistakes.

                This brother has such a pure, loving, giving heart. He is the epitome of the kind of heart King David wrote about in Psalm 51. According to the superscription of the Psalm, David wrote it after Nathan the prophet had come to him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband.

                Toward the end of the Psalm, David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,” (Psalm 51:17 NASB). We can engage in a religion for show if we want, but God isn’t pleased with that. He wants our hearts and minds open and tender, ready to accept instruction even if it temporarily stings.

                The brother came in response to the invitation this morning because his heart was open and tender and was ready to accept instruction. May we all have hearts and minds like that, to the glory of Almighty God.

     

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