Posts

Bulletin for 7-23-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

7-26 Tommy Reames

7-29 Luis & Wendi Camacho

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Clayton Castle, friend of Steve and Dena, passed away, services Thursday.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Prayer: Awaken the church

Word of the Day, by David Binkley, Sr., Gospel Minister

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5 ESV)

Our Father in Heaven ~ thank you for your tender loving care for all people and especially those who follow your beloved Son in word and deeds. Help everyone who wears the name of Christ to examine our own thoughts and intentions of our hearts and refrain from judging the thoughts of others. Awaken the church to see the great harvest of souls who do not yet know about the promise of eternal life for those who trust and obey Jesus as Lord. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Today’s image from freebibleimages.org illustrates the work of the apostle Paul in the city of Corinth where he preached and baptized believers for at least 18 months.

link to original article

Bulletin for 7-16-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Clayton Castle, friend of Steve and Dena, not well. Pray for parents, Debbie and Pat.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Wisdom’s invitation

“Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?” (Proverbs 8:1, NASB).

How often have we heard someone say, “I can’t understand the Bible (or some other subject); I’m just not smart like some are”? Certainly not all minds have the same innate capabilities, nor do all people have the same learning opportunities. But to assume that this condemns some to ignorance or excuses them from attempting to increase their knowledge is false and destructive.

Solomon asserts that wisdom is not only available, but that “she” actively seeks to enlighten and guide us. In Proverbs 8 he depicts wisdom as a woman standing in prominent places proclaiming loudly, “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, discern prudence; and O fools, discern wisdom” (Proverbs 8:2-5). Even the untrained and foolish can learn and are encouraged to do so.

It is important to realize that wisdom is not synonymous with intelligence (i.e., smartness) or knowledge. As previously stated, not everyone has the same IQ, and one’s brain capacity will obviously impact the quality and quantity of the information which he or she is able to absorb and process.

Likewise, knowledge is simply the accumulation of information. It does not necessarily include the ability to apply the things learned to particular circumstances and needs. Knowledge and wisdom are distinct attributes, both essential to correct understanding.

Regardless of these distinctions, the key concept is that wisdom is not inherent in mankind; it is an acquired characteristic that is available to all (other than those who are mentally impaired). Trusting in our presumed “un-smartness” to excuse us from the need to study our Bibles and increase in knowledge of God and his will is a false refuge.

Christianity is a learned religion (Ephesians 4:20-24). One cannot come to faith in God and Christ without being taught (Romans 10:13-17). Nor can one progress spiritually without the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) and continuous learning “towards perfection” (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).

Paul’s letters often include exhortations and prayers for his readers to increase in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Colossians 1:9). All of this is to emphasize that Solomon’s assertion of wisdom’s availability is supported throughout the Bible. Regardless of our present knowledge or lack thereof, and of our state of perceived intelligence, we can learn more about God, Christ, the Church, and God’s will for us. And He expects us to do so and holds us accountable for our efforts.

Study is not easy. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). That this includes familiarity with God’s word is obvious in the text. In another place he commanded,

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

The preacher studies so that he can teach truth. His doing so provides the opportunity for salvation to his audience and furthers his own hope of pleasing God. This principle applies not only to those who fill the pulpits of churches or journey to mission fields — it applies to every Christian. Let us all “discern prudence and wisdom” that we may strengthen our own faith and assist others to do the same.

Michael Brooks, link to original article

Bulletin for 7-9-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

7-11 Bill Grubbs

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Clayton Castle, friend of Steve and Dena, not well. Pray for parents, Debbie and Pat.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Steadfast love

“Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1, ESV)

God’s complaint against ancient Israel sounds very relevant in modern culture. Like Israel, many moderns find love to be fleeting, circumstantial, and highly subjective. It is a matter of emotions – that is feelings – and therefore not subject to one’s will or control. They “fall in” and “fall out” of love regularly, based on moods, whims, or new attractions.

Biblical love on the other hand is not an emotion, though it produces much emotion. It is not a matter of how one feels. Feelings and emotions cannot be commanded, yet love can be and is (Matthew 22:32-40Ephesians 5:21-22). Love is a commitment and a decision. Paul commanded Christians in Philippi to “have the same love” and therefore to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:24).

True love is the commitment to assist in the well-being of others, even when that might conflict with one’s own convenience or desires (1 John 3:16-18). It is demonstrated (confirmed) by action, not just by statement.

And, perhaps even more importantly, love is a constant, not shifting or disappearing due to changing circumstances. Unlike Hosea’s audience, we are to show our love constantly and faithfully. Paul described this pre-eminent virtue as always abiding, in contrast to those things which are temporary (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). Other things pass away but “Love never ends.”

The prophet Hosea predicted harsh judgement against a people whose love for God was wavering, inconsistent, and fickle. In times of trouble, they remembered him and called for his help. But when problems disappeared so did their devotion to God. At those times they fell prey to the attractions of idolatry, immorality, and the lifestyles of their pagan neighbors.

It is in response to this confirmed pattern that the prophet asks, “What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away” (Hosea 6:4, ESV). The answer to this rhetorical question is provided by the prophet’s predictions of harsh punishment for their unfaithfulness and for the shallowness of their professed love.

We are well reminded today of the sentiment of traditional wedding vows: “In plenty or in want; in health or in illness; until death separates us . . . ” This level of commitment does not pertain only to the love between husband and wife, but to all bonds of love. When our love for others and for God is once proclaimed, we should recognize it as a lifelong promise defining who we are as well as our relationship to those to whom we have declared love. Israel did not recognize this and they suffered the consequences.

Michael Brooks, link to original article

Bulletin for 7-2-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Clayton Castle, friend of Steve and Dena, not well. Pray for parents, Debbie and Pat.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, some better

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. PT for knee.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sarah Ussery, Chris Girvin’s sister, in hospice care after long fight with cancer.

Always be ready

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NIV)

“The day of the Lord” is often thought of today as the end of the world, when Jesus will come in judgement and take his people home. Although there is an application to be made for us, throughout scripture this expression was not used to indicate the end of the world. Throughout the Old Testament we find this expression used when God was coming in judgement on a nation.

It very well could be that what Paul was warning those in Thessalonica about was not the end of the world but something that was about to happen. The phrases found in these verses are similar phrases Jesus used when talking about the destruction of Jerusalem (see Matthew 24:842-4450). We don’t realise the impact to the Roman world the fall of Jerusalem had, particularly on the Jews and the Christians. Paul was warning them that this would happen and that it would have in impact on them. They needed to be ready.

“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)

There is also a day of the Lord for which we still need to be ready. The application of these verses to our life is that Jesus will come one final time and this time it will be global. This is not something that should surprise us as we have been warned in scripture. Because of this we need to live like we believe that it is going to happen, that Jesus is coming to take us home with him. Now is the time to be active, to be telling others about Jesus, and to be making sure that we are ready.

We belong to the day not the night. Our lives must be full of faith, love, and hope. These not only characterise us but they protect us. The picture is of armour: faith and love are the breastplate, that which protects our vital organs; our hope of salvation is our helmet that protects our head. Rather than getting caught up in sin and the cares of this life we must be on guard and ready at all times.

We must not only look to ourselves but we must look out for each other, as well. We need to be encouraging each other to stay the course, to keep on going even when it is difficult. Only by remaining faithful will we each be ready to spend eternity with Jesus.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Jon Galloway, link to original article

 

Bulletin for 6-18-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

James Jones, friend of Steve’s, blood sugar issues seeming connected to covid.

Christ the means. God the doer.

“Jesus saves!” This exclamation is absolutely true. I have also come to realize that merely affirming “Jesus saves” is ambiguous and could promote misunderstanding.

In my reading of scripture, it is Jesus who has made our salvation possible while God is responsible for causing us to enter salvation. Such an understanding aids in interpreting at least one ambiguous text.

But first things first. Is this dichotomy of roles accurate?

A sample of scripture reveals a unified voice. God’s transformative power takes us from death to spiritual life.

  • “The immeasurable greatness of his (God’s) power toward us who believe. ….you were  dead in the trespasses and sins …. But God …made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 1:19;2:1,4,5
  • “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him (Christ), having forgiven us all our trespasses” Colossians 2:13.
  • “The Lord added to their number day by day those who  were being saved” Acts 2:47. In verse 39 the Lord is identified as being “the Lord our God.”
  • “He (God) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to  the kingdom of  his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” Colossians 1:13-14.
  • “When  the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,   according to his own mercy” Titus 3:4,5.
  • “He (God) is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus” 2 Timothy 1:9.

While it is God who makes us alive with Christ, salvation is possible because of Jesus. It is through Christ’s blood and death that salvation exists (Matthew 26:28Ephesians 1:7Romans 3:24-251 Peter 1:18-19). In other words, Jesus’ sacrificial death created atonement, adoption, being right with God, etc.

In view of the above, I would suggest that texts like John 3:1712:47 and 1 Timothy 1:15 teach us Jesus is the means making salvation possible, not that he will personally transform us from being dead in sin into being spiritually alive with himself.

If all of the foregoing reasoning is accurate, then we have a tool for understanding the ambiguous phrase, “the circumcision of Christ” in Colossians 2:11. What was Paul trying to communicate?

What is clear is Paul associates a spiritual circumcision somehow to Christ and the moment of baptism. But how? Who performs(ed) this surgery?

Some commentators propose Christ is the surgeon who performs a spiritual surgery upon us. Others assert God performs or has performed this surgery. Which is it?

If this surgery is upon us, then because scripture repeatedly touts God as being the one responsible for causing us to enter salvation this would identify God as the surgeon. This understanding is confirmed three verses later. Colossians 3:14 describes God as taking us from being dead in our trespasses and the uncircumcision of the flesh to making us alive together with Christ and forgiven. God is the surgeon who works on us.

This still doesn’t fully explain the phrase “circumcision of Christ.” How is Christ related to the surgery?

It would appear Paul is teaching us that it is Christ who has made this spiritual circumcision possible, hence it is the circumcision of Christ. Accordingly the apostle was reminding his readers that at baptism God performs a spiritual surgery upon us made possible by Christ.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 6-11-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

6-12 David Weeks

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Conflating judging with knowing

In my yard several trees reach for the skies. Some are taller. Others are shorter. Their leaves, bark and trunks differ as well as their branch growth patterns. 

Would anyone consider themselves judgmental or feel as though they were judging if they identified some trees as live oaks, crepe myrtles or Myer lemons? Nope. In fact, they would probably simply regard their assertions as knowledge!

So why does no one feel judgmental in making these determinations?

It’s simple.

When people apply a handbook’s information regarding the shapes of leaves,  characteristics of bark and flowers, the possible presence of fruit or nuts, as well as branch growth patterns to a particular tree, they can know what type of tree it is.

Here’s the thing. In his graciousness, God not only places people within the kingdom of his Son making them alive with Christ (Colossians 1:13,142:13), he also enables us to be confident that we have received this grace! We can know whether we are in Christ! 

How is this possible? God has revealed those conditions when he chooses to exert his power to transform and transfer someone from being dead in sin to becoming alive with Christ!

When people rely upon Christ and God’s power by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism, God performs a spiritual surgery upon them which Christ made possible. God cuts off their sin in order to make them alive with Christ forgiven of all wrongs (Colossians 2:12-13Ephesians 2:4-5,8Galatians 3:26-27Acts 22:16).

Accordingly, we can know whether God has added us to the body of Christ, the community of his saved (Acts 2:41,47). While being a disciple involves more than just faith and being baptized, we can know whether we have entered the kingdom. We can know whether we are in Christ or not. This is great news!

To my dismay, I’ve heard several people recently claim ignorance about who is in the body of Christ. They claimed to be ignorant about who were legitimate members of the Lord’s church.

This claim of ignorance was accompanied with “I don’t want to judge.” I assume they felt noble and justified. However, I don’t think they have thought this through. They are confusing judging with our ability to know what something is.

Scripture reveals the external expressions of faith called for by the gospel, namely confessing Christ and immersion. While we cannot know a person’s heart nor motives, we can observe the external expressions of faith commanded by the gospel. If someone has not yet been baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3), we do not have a biblical reason to consider that individual a member of the church over which Christ is head.

If these external expressions of faith are insufficient for knowing whether God has added others to the church, then we too cannot know whether God has added us! We cannot be both confident while claiming ignorance.

When we apply God’s word to specific situations, we promote the knowledge that God supplies. We have not jumped into God’s seat to render judgment. Rather, like someone identifying a live oak by using a handbook, we too are identifying God’s people by God’s word.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 5-28-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

5-22 Sam Pirozzo

5-25 Eleuterio & Lidia Oviedo

6-3 Julie Best

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Would My Dad Have Stayed Where You Worship?

During World War 2 in the South Pacific, a young man stood on the deck of the USS Appalachian, a disguised flagship, where he watched battleship shells pound island after island shredding their forests into organic debris. Then the marines would land. Eventually the most disgusting smell he had ever experienced would reach his nostrils ─ the burning of human corpses.

The heart of this young man told him that there must be more to life than what we experience. There must be more. Thus the seed was sown for my dad’s journey.

After the war ended, he found himself back in New England where he pursued his quest in earnest. He knew different churches taught competing and even contradictory ideas. Yet, they all agreed on one detail. The Bible was the word of God. This would be his starting point.

As a child his family had attended worship services only a few times each year. They were congregants from a particular high church tradition. As he devoured reading his Bible, he decided to return to these childhood roots. He became a member of his parents’ denomination. His Bible study continued.

As I understand it, it wasn’t long before he saw discrepancies between what they taught and practiced with what he saw in scripture. Being the person that he was, he asked the leadership why their church practices and doctrines differed from what he was reading in the Bible. Unsatisfied with their answer, he decided to move on.

He found another denomination whose teachings aligned with scripture where the first had failed. However, with time and more study once again he noticed divergences. And once again, their explanation for why they were not conforming to scripture left him cold.

This same process repeated a third time. He left a third denomination. His ravenous desire to understand God’s word remained unabated.

This time he discovered a denomination that immersed believers. He recognized this as being one additional step closer to what he read in scripture. After joining this church, his zeal led him to hand out their church flyers on the streets of New York City. If strangers were willing, he would talk to them about God.

Although this church conformed to biblical teachings and practices more than the previous ones, with time he became disillusioned. They too failed to align with what he saw prescribed in scripture. It was during this time that a friend who knew about my dad’s passion for following God’s word, insisted he should talk with a guy called E. J. Summerlin.

He was skeptical. He had been disappointed so many times already. He arrived at the meeting with a prepared list of questions. Those questions revolved around the points of divergence between what the Bible taught and what he had experienced in four denominations.

To every question, E.J. would respond, “Open your Bible to this text.  Read it and tell me what it says.” Upon explaining to E.J. what the text taught, E.J. would say, “Well, that’s your answer.” Regardless of the question, E.J.’s response remained the same. Read the text. Explain it. That’s your answer.

Cautious excitement emerged. More meetings with more questions occurred. No longer was he hearing well-intentioned and sophisticated reasoning that conflicted with scripture. Excitement and conviction grew until he finally exclaimed, “I have found the church described in the Bible!”

Whether his own study led him to conclude that God wants us to rely upon Christ with immersion for the purpose of remitting our sins to Christ or whether E. J. asked him to explain texts like Acts 2:38 and 22:16, he chose to be baptized for the remission of his sins. None of the previous churches had taught, practiced or required this for membership.

This story is not about glorifying my father. Hence, I’ve not shared his name. Likewise it is not about running down the four denominations he joined. They too remain nameless. Rather, this is a story about what can happen when people are driven to discover how to serve, live and worship God as God desires.

Dad wanted to anchor his life upon God and Christ. He wanted to worship, serve, congregate and live as God desired. He refused to lean on the good intentions of others or upon human religious authorities. Rather, he turned to scripture to learn how to please God and to rely upon Christ.

And now, for the end of the story. Upon visiting his hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts, he taught, baptized and planted a congregation displaying the shingle The Church of Christ. Although he was employed after the war as a dental technician in Flushing, New York, he now added on weekends the role of a self-educated circuit riding preacher in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey.

In Dover, New Jersey he met and married my mom, who was part of an Exodus Movement church plant from Lipscomb University. With time dad became a missionary in Australia as well as a preacher in several states.

My dad died convinced that if someone really wants to worship and serve God as described in the Bible, they will find what they seek. What God desires from us is knowable. It is a matter of what we value most.

Because the values and ideals of the Restoration Movement had spurred the Churches of Christ forward, I am not surprised that my dad did not need to move on to another church fellowship. The worship, practices and teachings he saw in her aligned with what he read in scripture. A question I might ask is, would my dad have stayed where you worship?

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 5-14-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care and not doing well

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Principles of restoration

“Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25 NKJV).

The effort to restore true Biblical Christianity is, as we discussed in last week’s article, an unending and never fully accomplished goal. In order to pursue it seriously, however, certain essential principles must be followed.

First, there is the principle of Biblical authority. In the text cited above Paul identifies the gospel and his preaching as inseparable and identical. What he preached was the gospel. The gospel was his only message (1 Corinthians 2:2). They are both also identical to and inseparable from God’s mystery which he had kept secret from the beginning of the world. That is to say, the gospel was God’s plan and purpose from the very beginning and the preaching of the apostles was the revelation of that purpose. Note the similar language and meaning in the introduction to Titus:

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested his word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior” (Titus 1:1-3).

Unless God has revealed his will for the church, we cannot hope to identify it. Unless there are authoritative commands or instructions defining the nature, purpose, and activities of the church there is no ideal for us to aspire towards. In the Old Testament God showed Moses a pattern for the tabernacle, which the faithful servant (Hebrews 3:5) followed “according to the pattern shown him on the mountain” (Hebrews 8:5) as he built the things he was instructed to by God. So, in the New Testament we are continually commanded to obey all the things which God has spoken to us (Matthew 4:47:2128:20). The Bible is God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16) and his truth (John 17:17).

A second essential principle of restoration is that division is an evil which is opposed to God’s nature and will. Jesus prayed that all disciples would be one, “as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21). There is only one church (Ephesians 4:4; compare 1:22-23). Division of any kind is expressly forbidden (1 Corinthians 1:10). Those who initiated the American Restoration Movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries were particularly motivated by the growing division and strife which they observed in contemporary churches. They appealed to their audiences to abandon all human names, creeds and confessions and unite on the simple truths of Scripture. Division was condemned as “un-natural, un-Biblical, and un-Godly.” Today’s religious world needs to relearn the Biblical truth about this evil and reject it on the same bases.

The contention and strife arising from a divided Christianity has impeached the loving message of salvation through Jesus. It has led to bitterness and much harm, not only within the church itself, but also to those who may have shown a willingness to hear the gospel had they not witnessed such ungodly behavior on the part of those claiming to follow it.

We must return to the appeal of the apostle Paul, “Fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Those who love each other find ways to agree. They seek harmony and peace, not contention. The Restoration plea is a plea for unity among all believers, therefore it is a plea for love between all brothers and sisters.

These two principles of Biblical authority and the necessity of unity are at the core of restoration. Until we embrace them we are not likely to succeed.

link to original article

Bulletin for 5-7-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Charlie Burda has another stint coming on 5-10.

Never Man So Spoke

Wayne Jackson
What made Jesus the greatest teacher of all time?

At the conclusion of the feast of the tabernacles, the Lord Jesus had stood and cried, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink” (Jn. 7:37).

What a controversial invitation that was! There is little wonder that it caused such a stir among the people.

In fact, a division arose among the multitude concerning Christ. Some affirmed that Jesus was “the prophet” (cf. Deut. 18:15-19). Others alleged that he was the Christ. And some denied both.

The chief priests and Pharisees sent a group of deputies to arrest the Lord, but they returned empty-handed. When these officials were pressed as to why they failed in their mission, they replied, amazingly, “Never man so spake.” (Jn. 7:46). Their answer deserves careful analysis.

“Never”

First, they acknowledged, Never man so spake.

Never is an awfully long time! These officers were undoubtedly sincere, and they told the truth as they felt it. But the fact is, they revealed far more than they knew.

Neither before Christ nor since, has any man spoken as he did.

Demosthenes is characterized as the greatest speaker of the ancient world, but can anyone quote one line from his famous speech, “On The Crown”?

Cicero was the most famous speaker of ancient Rome, but his orations lie buried in the dust of antiquity.

Daniel Webster has been called “the greatest orator that ever lived in the Western Hemisphere.” But can specifically cite any of his words? Probably not, and he has been dead for less than two centuries.

However, the words of Jesus’ great sermons roll from the tongues of king and commoners alike. And his words change the lives of multitudes. Truly, there was never another like him!

“Man”

Second, the officers stressed that never man spake so.”

There is meaning in that emphasis. These auditors of the Lord were in some way recognized that the words and manner of Jesus’ teaching was particularly unusual.

His words could not be explained in terms of mere human brilliance. His message pointed to a higher source!

The Master himself had repeatedly observed that one who is of the earth speaks like one of the earth, but one “from above” will speak as from above. So, “he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God”(cf. Jn. 3:31-35.)

When the Jews observed that he was not university educated, marveled at his teaching. The Lord replied, “My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.” (cf. Jn. 7:15, 16).

No man ever spoke as he, for he was more than man. He was deity in the flesh (Jn. 1:1, 14), speaking a message ordained in heaven!

“Spoke”

Third, it is interesting to note that the temple officers acknowledged that the power of the lord’s influence was in his speaking, that is, through his words.

How very different from those vain philosophies, both ancient and modern, that assert truth is found inside a man. This popular philosophy claims that each person discovers his own truth. This way, what may be “truth” for you, may be something entirely different for me.

No, Christ came to reveal the mind of God by means of those vehicles of communication that we call “words.” In the commencement of John’s gospel account, Jesus is called the divine “Word” (logos).

The Greek term suggests that Christ is “the representative and expression of what God has to say to the world, in whom and by whom God’s mind and purposes towards the world find their expression” (Cremer, 396.)

In former ages, the Father spoke to the patriarchs by the prophets in various ways, such as dreams and visions). But now, he has spoken through his Son. (Heb. 1:1, 2).

The Lord declared, “[T]the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life” (Jn. 6:63).

How very urgent it is to know those words which he spake!

“So”

Fourth, there is significance in that the officers announced that, “Never man, spake so.” The adverb hints of a uniqueness that set Christ’s teaching apart. Consider the following.

Jesus spoke with a unique perspective in time. Jesus was the only person to exist before his own conception (Jn. 1:1, 14; 8:58). He knew of the glory he shared with the Father before the world existed. (Jn. 17:5).

Again we are reminded that he claimed to be “from above” and thus his teaching was consistent with what he had both “seen and heard” before his birth (cf. Jn. 3:31, 32).

No one ever spake like that!

Next, his speaking was authoritative. The scribes of Jesus’ day could hardly say “boo” without quoting a dozen rabbis of the past to buttress their assertions. But the Savior employed no rabbinical crutches. In fact, he contradicted their legal interpretations and even dared to assert that his teaching went beyond Moses’ (cf. Mt. 5:21, 22; 27, 28; 31, 32; 33, 34; 38, 39; 43, 44).

So it is no surprise that when Christ had concluded his great “Sermon on the Mount” the multitudes “were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Mt. 7:28, 29.)

Then consider this. The Lord combined wisdom divine with both tenderness and firmness. Think about his dealings with honest sinners (Jn. 8:1ff) and hardened rebels (Mt. 23:13f). No teacher had ever been so fair in his teaching.

Finally, there is one more aspect to his unusual teaching style. In his discourses, Jesus was able to happily combine the most profound of spiritual truths with the simplest language of expression. His teaching was designed to be accessible to all, easy to understand.

His parables, for example, are masterpieces in conveying truth on a level where all can understand. Many who aspire to be teachers have failed to follow his sterling example in this regard.

Conclusion

Yes, those officers were quite accurate when they exclaimed, “Never man so spoke!”

SOURCES
  • Cremer, Hermann. 1962. Biblico-Theological Lexicon of New Testament Greek. Edinburgh, Scotland: T. & T. Clark.

Bulletin for 4-30-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

4-16 Maksim Camacho

Prayer requests:

Emma Reames new doctor, working it out

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez tests on stomach.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs recovering from back injury.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, recovering from a fall

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Charlie Burda has another stint coming on 5-10.

Article:

A message from God

Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The word translated “inspiration” literally means “God breathed.” The idea is that God spoke, since we exhale, or breathe out, through the vocal cords to speak.

Peter described the process of inspiration when he said “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The Hebrew writer often said God said a certain thing, when we know man did the actual writing (see Hebrews 1:585:5-6). Old and New Testament writers claimed inspiration (Isaiah 1:1-21024Jeremiah 1:1-22:1Ezekiel 1:1-31 Thessalonians 2:132 Peter 3:2).

Jesus considered Old Testament scriptures inspired and used them as authoritative (Matthew 4:4710). He came to earth to do God’s will by fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Matthew 5:7-18John 15:25). New Testament writers considered Old Testament writers inspired (Acts 1:15-164:2528:25-27Galatians 3:16-19). They also claimed inspiration for other New Testament writers (2 Peter 3:15-16). Jesus said the apostles would be guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-2616:12-13Hebrews 2:1-4).

These internal claims are supported by evidence. Scientific foreknowledge proves the Bible is from God. In Genesis 1:11-122124-25, we find the expression “after his kind” in reference to the grasses, trees, fish, birds, cattle, and other beasts. Knowledgeable men believed spontaneous generation produced life even centuries later. Recently some doctors think they have found special elements in the blood of a boy baby eight days old which help to heal, yet God set that as the time for circumcision in Moses’ day (Leviticus 12:3).

Long before doctors began putting people with highly contagious diseases in isolation, God instructed Israel to do it (Leviticus 13:45). Doctors in George Washington’s time believed “bleeding” a patient would rid the body of impurities. Everyone now knows life is in the blood, as Moses wrote (Genesis 9:4Leviticus 17:1114).

Specific prophecies about an event hundreds of years in the future could only come true if they were inspired of God. The prophecies about Jesus reveal things stated 400 to 700 years before the event. They contain details that are well beyond guess work. The place of his birth and his mother being a virgin are found in Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14. Matthew tells us he was born of a virgin in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:20-2:1). His triumphant entry into Jerusalem is foretold in Zechariah 9:9 and fulfilled in Matthew 21:1-5.

Miracles worked by God’s spokesmen prove they were delivering God’s message. God gave Moses certain miraculous signs to use in proving to the Israelites that he was from God (Exodus 4:1-5). The miracles worked in bringing the ten plagues upon the land of Egypt were done to prove there was one God in the world and He was with Moses and the people (Exodus 7:5178:10229:142910:211:713:314:14). Christ was raised from the dead to prove he was God’s spokesman (Romans 1:4). That the apostles were speaking by God’s direction is clear because of the signs they were able to work (Mark 16:14-20Hebrews 2:3-4).

The Bible is geographically correct. Someone going up is always going from a lower to a higher elevation, like the man in Jesus’ parable that was beaten by thieves (Luke 10:30). A simple glance at a topographical map reveals Jerusalem is in a mountainous area, with the Mt. of Olives being 2680 feet. Jericho, near the mouth to the Dead Sea, is below sea level, at approximately -500 feet.

Other areas of proof could be explored, such as the historical accuracy of the Bible; the unity of 66 books written by about 40 writers, in different languages, over 1600 years; geographic accuracy; and the greatness of the message.

However, I believe we can already see that the Bible claims to be “God-breathed” and there are undeniable proofs that it is.

Gary Hampton, link to original article