Bible Study

How Blessed We Are

2011-12-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

To whom much is given, much is required; and to whom much is given, much is expected. Luke 12:48 NIV New International VersionBut the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.We, who are blessed with spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, are required, first of God and then of men, to do much more than mere mortal men. Giving of ourselves is expected and required.Luke 12:48 BBE Bible in Basic EnglishBut he who, without knowledge, did things for which punishment is given, will get only a small number of blows. The man to whom much is given, will have to give much; if much is given into his care, of him more will be requested.We have been chastened by a few stripes, because we were without knowledge. We were children, stupid idiots, really. With the years came more knowledge. Experience administered to us our proper doses of strips, by hard knocks.A Message to Hard KnocksWe have all had our pleasures in this life. Our fall from grace and the Lord’s redemption is our story. It is the story of hard knocks and falls.To the Hard Knocks: In order to overcome past mistakes, take the advice of Paul, the apostle:Philippians 3:12-1412 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.First: We must recognize that we are not all perfect. The biggest room in the world is the room for self-improvement. It is too easy to revert back to old sins and old life-styles. Choose the path less chosen, by the few and the chosen.Second: Let go of the past. Forget, without forgetting from whence you came. We are no longer our old selves.Third: Keep “reaching” for perfection, keep getting up after each fall, keep march forward, until you meet the Sun. Stretch yourself beyond human measure to reach the finish line, and to hear the Lord say: WELL DONE.

On Second Thought

2011-09-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

People sometimes say things they do not mean. Some will later have second thoughts and regrets, while others never think twice. In the following parable, Jesus uses this scenario to teach a lesson about repentance.

A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, “Son, go work to-day in my vineyard”. He answered and said, “I will not”: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, “I go, sir”: and went not. (Matthew 21:28-30)

Then Jesus asked a simple question: “Whether of them twain did the will of his father?” (v. 31a)

The father gave each son the same command: Go work today in my vineyard. Therefore, both sons knew their father’s will, but the first son had no intention of doing it. Upon second thought, he regretted what he had said. The scriptures tell us that he repented. He went beyond feeling remorseful. He showed proof of his repentance by going to work in his father’s vineyard.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV)

Since we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we should give thought to what we are doing or not doing, repent, and do the will of our Father in Heaven.

Unfortunately, the second son, for whatever reason, never went into the vineyard to work as his father commanded him. We cannot assume that he had no intentions of going. Maybe he did have good intentions, and maybe he just procrastinated and wasted away the day and the opportunity to do his father’s will. Maybe, on the other hand, he wanted to find grace and favor in his father’s presence, but later had a change of heart. Maybe he was deceiving himself. Maybe he was trying to deceive the father. Maybe he felt that the empty promise was justification, in and of itself.

In any case, he did not obey his father’s commandment. He did not go and he did no work. But worse, he saw no reason to repent.

This is where people in the religious world make a critical mistake today, believing that good intentions are acceptable to God. When they fall short of doing His will, they make the excuse, “Well, God knows my heart”. Therefore, they see no cause for repentance.

But man’s heart can deceive him (1 John 1:8), and God is greater than our heart (1 John 3:20).

So, which of the two brothers did his father’s will? The answer should be obvious, even to a child. But the meaning of the parable was not so obvious to whom it was directed, mainly the chief priests and elders in Matthew 21:23. And, the answer might not be so obvious to whom it now applies.

Jesus explains, in verses 31-32, why sinners like publicans and the harlots would enter into the kingdom of God before the self-righteous priests and elders. Like the first son who initially refused to do his father’s will, the publicans and harlots heard the preaching of John the Baptist about the coming of the kingdom of God; they believed it and, more importantly, repented. But these religious leaders, who thought they were already in the grace of God, rejected the preaching of John, and refused to repent.

The important point of this lesson is not so much centered on what a person says. People can easily say things they do not mean. Rather, it is about what a person does, and not simply as a matter of good intentions. There is a saying: The road to hell is paved with good intentions. As the scripture says:

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:3 KJV

No, it is not about what people say. And, it is not a matter of doing things with good intentions. Remember Jesus asked the question: Which one did his father’s will? Therefore, the answer lies in doing the will of the God, according to His commandments.

The father in the parable commanded: Go work today in my vineyard. On the other hand, we feel that we can go wherever we wish and do whatever we want. But if we do not go into the Father’s vineyard and do His work, we cannot enter into His kingdom.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

Choosing a Mate - Part 2

2011-06-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

Praying for a spouse, here are some Biblical qualities that Christians should look for even when they’re dating. Remember the person you date, you could soon someday marry!

General Qualities

1. Marry a Christian. If a Christian marries a non-Christian, they do not share the common values in Christ. God does recognize a marriage to an unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:12-16; 1 Pet. 3:1-2), but such a relationship will present problems that could otherwise be avoided (1 Cor.7:39; 9:5; 1 Pet. 3:7).

2. Marry one who wants children (Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 31:28; Mal. 2:15; Gen. 9:1; 1 Tim. 2:15). Marriage is God’s way of multiplying the human race, but He wants Godly offspring. Before you marry, discuss this subject and…discuss how the children are to be raised. Such things should not be taken for granted, as it will seriously affect the marriage relationship.

3. Marry a virgin (Song of Solomon 4:12; Gen. 2:23-24). Examine Bible verses that stress virginity and see the implications. For example, a priest could only marry a virgin (Lev. 21:7-15). Lawful sex pertains to the marriage relationship, and outside of that relationship it is forbidden—including pre-marital sex (Song of Solomon 2:7; 8:4). Abstinence before marriage is the wise and godly choice. This does not mean that such sins cannot be forgiven and marriage is no longer an option.

4. Marry one who is honest (Prov. 11:1; 13:11). Honesty is a basic measure of character. If a person is not honest, that person cannot be depended upon in any area of life.

5. Marry one who will be faithful to the relationship (Prov. 2:16-19; 5:3-14; 6:24-33; 7:6-23). Marriage is a covenant relationship (Mal. 2:14-16) and must be respected. Question: Can marriage survive infidelity? Yes, but there has to be genuine repentance and forgiveness. There is a difference in having the right to divorce because of infidelity and divorce being required. We should work to keep marriages intact.

6. Marry one who isn’t lazy. This pertains to men and women (Prov. 24:30-34; 31:27; 2 Thess. 3:10). Laziness leads to poverty, dishonesty, and other bad traits.

7. Marry one who is a good listener. Good communication is a key to a happy marriage. One cannot consider the needs of others unless he/she is willing to listen (James 1:19). This is how we show that we care. Beware of those who desire only to hear themselves.

8. Marry one who exhibits love for others (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

9. Marry one whom you love and who loves you (Song of Solomon 8:6-7; Eph. 5:25-29, 33; Titus 2:4).

10. Marry one who is considerate. The opposite is to be crude and rude (1 Sam. 25:3, 25). This trait comes from an attitude of putting others ahead of self (Phil. 2:3).

11. Do not marry someone who is guilty of physical or mental abuse (Prov. 27:3-4). Ignoring such conduct does not solve the problem. Many wives who are married to abusive husbands become “codependent” and live in fear and misery.

12. Do not marry someone who has a temper problem (Prov. 19:19; 22:24-25; 27:3). There is no peace for those who associate with such a person.

13. Marry one who has a sense of humor (Prov. 17:22). Don’t take yourself so seriously that you lose your sense of humor. Godly humor is not designed to harm or put down others, but is designed to reduce tension, is appropriate to the occasion, and keeps sadness from becoming overwhelming.

14. Marry one with whom you share common backgrounds and interests. The more people have in common, the easier the adjustments will be in marriage.

15. Do not marry someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes people get married thinking that love conquers all, or that they will rescue or reform their mate. If such people will not change before marriage, what makes you think they will change after marriage?

16. Marry one who can forgive and accept forgiveness. This is part of what it means to love others.

17. Marry one who can accept correction or criticism (Prov. 12:1; 13:18). This requires humility and the ability to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

18. Marry a friend (Prov. 17:17; 18:24). Your mate should be someone with whom you can confide and open your heart; one who always has your best interest in mind (Song of Solomon 5:16).

19. Marry one who is financially responsible. Money issues are a leading reason for divorce.

20. Marry one who practices good hygiene. Cleanliness is something that we do for others and not just for ourselves. If one is sloppy in appearance, it will be reflected in other things as well.

21. Marry one who is an optimistic and joyful (Prov. 18:14; Phil. 4:4-7, 11-13).

22. Marry one who has good self-esteem (Song of Solomon 1:5; 2:1). The Bible teaches that we cannot love others if we do not love ourselves (Matt. 22:39; Eph. 5:28-30).

23. Marry one who shares the same moral and spiritual values. Someone who defends homosexuality or accepts the doctrines of humanism has no common ground with a Christian (2 Cor. 6:14-19).

24. Marry one who is a good example to others (1 Tim. 4:8-12). Good character should top any list.

25. Do not marry one simply for looks (Prov. 11:22; 31:30). To be good looking, a good athlete, a powerful king, or a good lover is no substitute for true love that lasts.

Submitted by,
Winston
Bro. A. D. Winston

Choosing a Mate

2011-02-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

(Part 1)

We have lost a lot of young people to the world, reflecting a failure on the part of the church and the home. I have posed the question to many Christians as to what training or preparation for marriage they have received. Better still, what were they taught as to the traits to look for in choosing a mate? Most replied that they received little or no instruction. If that is the case, why are we surprised when our young people make poor choices in marriage and often leave Christ? Should this not be a priority when we teach them, or do we simply leave it to chance or allow their hearts to be filled with wrong ideas about marriage?

The compiled lists are indeed idealistic in some respects but are designed to be practical as well. Some negative characteristics are to be avoided altogether and should immediately cause a “red flag” to go up in the mind. The purpose is to provide young people/singles with guidelines in choosing a mate rather than acting out of emotion or physical attraction.
There is no such thing as a “perfect” spouse nor am I suggesting that such can be found. My advice to young people/singles is this: take your time and do not rush into a premature decision. It is better not to marry than to marry the wrong person. Here are some qualities that a young man and woman should seek.

Qualities to be sought by a Christian Woman:

1. Chose a leader. This does not mean a domineering man. He needs to take into consideration his wife’s advice and needs, but is able to make final decisions and take responsibility for them. He understands that some matters need to be turned over to his wife (Prov.31:10ff). For example, a woman ought to have the right to make decisions that pertain to her domestic role in the home. The husband must understand that he must submit to his head—Christ. Male leadership in the church, for example, is first developed in the home (1 Tim. 3:2,5).

2. Chose a good provider (1 Tim.5:8; 2 Thess.3:10b). Since the man is the head of the family, he should be diligent in work (Gen.3:17b-19). Since marriage is a partnership, this does not fall exclusively upon the male (Prov.31:10ff). Special instructions given to widows imply that women are to be diligent also (1 Tim.5:14-16).

3. Chose a protector. He must be willing to lay down his life for you (Eph.5:25).

Qualities to be sought by a Christian Man:

1. Chose a good mother—a person who loves children (1 Tim.2:15; 5:14; Titus 2:4).

2. Chose a person of character. The way a woman dresses reflects her character. Does she put herself on display by showing an inordinate emphasis upon looks? God’s woman is to reflect modesty along with a meek and quite spirit.

3. Chose one who enjoys being a woman and rejoices in her God-given feminine traits.

Let’s prepare our children and encourage other singles to seek God in all decisions, especially dating.

To God be the Glory,
Winston
Bro. A. D. Winston

A Word about Christmas

2010-12-20T10:11:00.001-08:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, December 20, 2010

A word to the wise about the holiday of Christmas: “One man esteems one day above another: esteems every day alike” (Romans 14:5). “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday” (Colossians 2:16).

No one knows the exact day Jesus Christ was born. Therefore, we should avoid the unprofitable and vain act of entertaining “foolish questions, genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law”, as Paul says in Titus 3:9.

There was a indeed a night, esteemed above all other nights, when the angels and multitude in heaven appeared to shepherds keeping their flocks, and the glory of the Lord shone rounds about them. In heaven, they rejoiced, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

Unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. (Isaiah 9:6). The birth of Christ was the fulfillment of a long-awaited prophecy.

The celebration of the birth of Christ might be called the first Christmas were the day not corrupted by the imaginations and practices of men. Nevertheless, we can keep the celebration, any and every day, giving glory to God for sending His Son to take away our sins. Other than that, the day of Christmas holds no more meaning in significance than the Fourth of July.

Unraveling the Mystique of Watch Night

2010-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Watch Night was a spooky night for me when I was a child. It still holds a certain mystique for many white brothers and sisters in Christ, because it seems to originate from an old Negro tradition. They say upon that night, before Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect, slaves and freedmen around the country, gathered inside their places of worship. All night, they sang and prayed that the slave would be set free the next morning.

It was New Year’s Eve, 1862, some would say, the longest night in history.

Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” (Isaiah 21:11-12)

From that night in 1862, ever since, African-Americans have carried on this New Year’s Eve tradition in black churches.

For us, Watch Night may have had its roots in the Emancipation Proclamation, but we saw it as a special night of thanksgiving, prayer, and watching for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, a vigil we keep always. But what was frightening to me then, as a child, was that Christ’s return would mean Judgment Day, for the bible tells us of that Day to come.

There have been many Watch Nights throughout history, the first being the Passover. Upon that night, the Death Angel passed over the land of Egypt, while the captive children of Israel watched and prayed all night, that deliverance would come in the morning (Exodus 12:29).

After the Death Angel passed, freedom came, and the beginning of the New Year (Exodus 12:2). Hence, the time was divided. A New Year was declared by God.

Watch Night, New Year's Eve 1862, has always been patterned after the deliverance of the Israelites in the bible, during the time of Moses.

But our tradition in the Church began in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night that Jesus was betrayed to be crucified. Here, he tells his disciples to: “Watch and Pray” that they enter not into temptation (Matthew 26:41).

Fact is, we are always watching and praying without ceasing.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” says Jesus in Mark 13:31. “But of that day and that hour, no man knows, not even the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. So, take heed, watch and pray. For you know not when the time is” (13:32-33).

And, again, “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he comes shall find watching” (Luke 12:37).

As a final reminder, Peter writes: “But the end of all things is at hand; be ye sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7). And later, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And, if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (4:17-18)

I am no longer spoofed by Watch Night, but rather realize that it is a night of thanksgiving and prayer, waiting for the coming of the Lord, for we are assured that “this same Jesus” that was taken up into heaven, “shall so come in like manner” as he ascended (Acts 1:11).

For whatever reason men and women gather on New Year’s Eve, Christians should not be confused in the night, but rather sober as a people who know why we wait for the Day to dawn.

Are You Good without God?

2010-12-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

By Eddie Griffin

As I stated in my message to the church last night, I am troubled by the ideal chatter over bus signs that read: Millions of Americans are good without God.

Those of us who pray to God should also pray on behalf of those who “know not God”. As Corinthians 1:21 says: For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure, through the foolishness of preaching, to save those who believe.

Being good is one thing. Being saved is another. That is to say, as I said in my message last night, that a man can be good, even as good as Cornelius, the centurion in Acts 10, whose prayers and almsgiving came up as “a memorial before God”. He was a good man, devout, and a man that feared God. But he was not saved.

An angel appeared to him and told him to send to Joppa for one Simon, whose surname was Peter, and “he shall tell thee what thou ought to do”. (10:5-6)

Why didn’t the angel tell him to just secretly confess Jesus in his heart and say the sinner’s prayer, and just call on the name of the Lord?

No, he said, “Send to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, who will tell thee words, whereby thy and thy household shall be saved.” (Acts 11:13-14)

Being good, yet unsaved, is a common condition among “do-gooders”. Their case is pleaded in good works alone. “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22)

Wonderful works alone does not save.

Being right in one’s own heart is not a passport to salvation. It feels right, does not qualify as righteousness. Paul was misguided by his beliefs as a Pharisee. Concerning his zeal and his faith in persecuting the church, he was “blameless” (Philippians 3:6). Of himself, Paul writes: “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:8)

Sure, there are millions of Americans out there who believe they are good without God. The paradox is that even “without God”, they acknowledge His existence, and declare that they have the capabilities, within themselves, to do good without Him.

God have never condemned goodness. “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.” (Romans 2:14)

The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now command all men everywhere to repent. (Act 17:30)

The Table of the Lord

2010-09-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

While sheepishly reading through the bible for the seventh time, I came upon a long stretch of reading that I often dreaded. I used to hate reading chapter upon chapter line genealogy and hard names to pronounce and remember. But even more, I dreaded reading God’s measurement for his tabernacle and temple.

So, while dozing my way through Ezekiel 41, I was alerted to verse 22, which read: This is the table that is before the Lord.

I had to go back and do a re-read. Something dawned on me, in this my seventh reading.

Ezekiel was brought to a very high mountain and shown visions of God (40:2). And, in that vision, he sees the house of Israel (40:4-10). What struck me was the fact that the length, breath, and width were one, in terms of a reed's measurement, whereby one (times) one (times) one equaled one, and the house was of one measure, with each chamber also measuring one reed.

Ezekiel is then shown a vision of the temple. Here the temple is used interchangeably with the tabernacle (41:1). He is shown the measurement of the “most holy” place (41:4), the inner temple (41:15), the sanctuary (4:21), and the table of the Lord (4:22)

It was a vision, not an actual physiological building, because the tabernacle of Moses time was already gone, and the Temple of Solomon had been destroyed and not yet rebuilt.

So what did this vision mean, I wondered and pondered? Then it dawned on me that I had seen this pattern before, both in the tabernacle of Moses (Hebrews 8:5) and in the temple of Solomon (1 Chronicle 28:10-12). It also dawned on me that in both the tabernacle and the temple there was “the table before the Lord” (Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:6) and (1 Kings 7:48; 1 Chronicles 28:16). And, upon this table was a special kind of bread called “showbread” or “bread of the Presence”.

Although the pattern of the house of Israel was described by physical measurement, the vision was clearly a spiritual house, the pattern of which is replicated throughout the scriptures. And, everywhere the sanctuary of God is mentioned, so also is the table before the Presence of the Lord.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil. My cup runs over. (Psalms 23:5 HNV)

A Prepared Table for Prepared People

To his disciples, Jesus said: “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom” (Luke 22:29-30).

[To Be Continued]

What the Churches of Christ Believe

2010-08-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

There are five core beliefs that identify fundamental churches of Christ.

Churches of Christ Recognize Only the Bible as Their Authority

Jesus criticized Jewish leaders during his ministry for burdening Jews with man-made traditions and laws. The principle that the Bible should serve as a Christian's only creed is the basic foundation of the churches of Christ.

Alexander Campbell, had a motto "where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Batsell Barrett Baxter, a well-known twentieth century church of Christ preacher and Bible professor wrote that the Bible is the basic textbook of the church and is the basis of all preaching. Where there is a question of religious teaching, church of Christ members believe that the Bible, as God's inspired Word, is the only and final authority.

Churches of Christ are Autonomous

Churches of Christ believe that the New Testament dictates the autonomy of individual congregations. Based on the scriptural evidence, churches of Christ do not have a local, national or international hierarchy greater than each individual congregation and have no conventions or assemblies which set church theology.

Churches of Christ Believe that Baptism is Essential to Salvation

Churches of Christ believe that salvation is a gift from God through faith for repentant sinners but that baptism by immersion is an essential step in accepting that salvation. Here are the paths of salvation:

Hear the gospel: Sinners have to hear the gospel of Christ before they can call on him (Romans 10:14).

Believe: It is impossible to come to God without faith. (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent of past sins: Nobody can be saved without repenting of the their sins (Acts 17:30).

Confess Jesus as Lord: The New Testament teaches that salvation only comes through Jesus (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized for remission of sins: Peter admonished his listeners to be baptized in the name of Jesus for "the remission of your sins." (Acts 2:38).

Churches of Christ Use A Cappella Music

The Free Online Dictionary defines a cappella as "without instrumental accompaniment." Churches of Christ interpret scriptures found in 1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 as God's instructions to use only vocal singing in Christian gatherings.

Churches of Christ Commemorate the Lord's Supper Weekly

The Lord's Supper was established by Jesus as a way for Christians to commemorate his sacrificial death for the sins of all mankind (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). In recounting part of Paul's third missionary journey, Acts 20:7 states that "on the first day of the week we came together to break bread." Churches of Christ infer from this passage that the New Testament church commemorated the Lord's Supper every Sunday which is practiced weekly.

Summary of What the Churches of Christ Believe

Members of the churches of Christ believe that the Bible is their only creed, that congregations are autonomous, that baptism is an essential part of faith in accepting the gift of salvation, that a cappella singing is God's prescribed form of music, and that the Lord's Supper should be commemorated every Sunday. While other religious organizations share some or even most of these same views, the churches of Christ are distinct in their belief in all five components.

We speak where the Bible speak and is silent where the Bible is silent. If anything is said, done, or taught that you question, please see me, one of the elder, one of the deacons, or any faithful member and you will receive a biblical answer.

Contending for the faith,

Winston

Bro. A. D. Winston

About Ready to Die: Part 2

2010-08-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Backsliding Children

By Bro. Eddie Griffin

Friday, August 06, 2010

We looked at the church of Christ at Sardis in Revelation 3:1-2, and we saw a dying away among the saints. They had a reputation that they were alive, but from God’s perspective, they were dead. Jesus said: “We watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.”

The previous lesson examined those who were “ready to die”, spiritually and eternally. These were the early drop-outs, those who walked with Jesus for a while, then walked with him no more. A lack of understanding and a lack of faith caused many disciples in John 6:53-68, to stop following Jesus and turning back. They never completed the journey because they never got off to a good start, committed by faith to follow Jesus wherever he went. Alas, Peter recognized, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (6:68)

The second group “ready to die” can be identified into today’s bible reading from the Book of Jeremiah: The Backslider. [Ref. Jeremiah 3:6, 8, 11-14, 22; 8:5; 31:22: 49:4]

Jeremiah, known as “the weeping prophet” was sent by God to a backsliding people. I can understand why he laments:

My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. (4:19)

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. (20:9)

God knew that it was not going to be easy. It takes intestinal fortitude to call the backslidden to return. Therefore God commanded Jeremiah: Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. (1:17)

Jeremiah would carry God’s message, and if he wavered at all in his mission, God would confound him before their face. God would make him look and sound stupid.

The bottom line of God’s message was this: Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. (3:22)

Characteristics of the Backslider

• My people have forgotten me days without number (2:32)
• She played the harlot and committed adultery with false religions and served idol gods (3:6-8), thereby setting the bad example for her sister (3:10)
• They walk in the imagination of their evil heart (3:17) and lodge in vain thoughts (4:14)

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. (4:22)

• Their backsliding increases (5:6)
• They are in denial (5:12)
• Foolish people without understanding (5:21)

People with a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone (5:23)

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (5:31)

The backslider honors God with their lips, but their heart is far from Him. (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6)

About Ready to Die: Part 1

2010-08-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Where can I go but to the Lord?
By Bro. Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

This series of lessons are based upon Revelation 3:1-2 where Jesus speaks to the church at Sardis: “Strengthen the things which remain, that are Ready to Die…”

The first of those “ready to die” can be found in John 6:64-66

“But there are some of you that believe not”. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, “Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Among those that followed Jesus were non-believers (v.64) that walked with him for a while, but “walked no more with him” (v.66).

Point #1
For whatever reason, there are some people who do not believe the words of Jesus Christ. In John 6:53-68, they could not believe because they had no understanding. Jesus had said that except you eat of my flesh and drink of my blood, you have no life in you. This would be clear reference to the communion spoken of in 1 Corinthians 10:16. [The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?]

But the disciples had not received the communion until Matthew 26:26. Therefore, many disciples were confused as to the meaning, rather than putting their whole faith in the words of Jesus.

John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” In other words: Who can understand it?

Point #2
Some disciples may have been Offended. Jesus even asked: “Does this offend you?” (v.61) In any case, the main point is this:

They walk with Jesus up to a point. Then they walked with him no more. They were disciples that did not finish the walk, did not finish the race of life to receive the prize, the crown of life.

When Jesus looked around, he saw all but 12 disciples abandoned him. We might wonder: Where did they all go?

We might speculate, but the scriptures only tell us that they “went back” (v.66). Back to what, it does not say, but it implies that they went back to doing what they were doing before they met Christ. Maybe they went back fishing (John 21:3). Maybe they went back to business as usual. Maybe they went back to sleep. And if it were us, maybe it would be going back to football watching at church time on Sunday.

Maybe they just wanted to take a time-out to get some things straight, to set their house in order, to get themselves right, in order to come back to the Lord.

But first let me bury my father, one requested in Luke 9:59. Another requested to first let him say goodbye to family (Luke 9:60). Another bought a plot of ground and wished to go see it (Luke 14:18). And, there was one who bought five new yoke of oxen and wanted time out, in order to break the animals in (Luke 14:19). And, there was one who had just gotten married, and wanted time out for his honeymoon. (Luke 14:20)

I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come (Luke 14:20). In modern day terms: “Lord, I intended to get married, but I’m shaking up right now. As soon as I get things right on the home front, I will follow Jesus.”

Instead of walking with him, they backslid into apostasy, because the scripture concludes they "walked no more with him". Whether or not they wanted to come back to Christ, in the end, they never did.

Will you also go away?

Finding himself abandoned except for twelve disciples, Jesus turns and ask: Will you also go away?

Where could they go? They could go back like the others. They could make excuses for not following him and give themselves an out. We could do the same.

But Peter must have sensed the futility of being in a dark world, without the light of hope and without life. Where can I go but to the Lord?

Then Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”(John 6:68)

There are no other options. For those who start out as disciples of Christ, with the desire to fight to good fight and finish the course, we are told in Matthew 10:20: He that endureth to the end shall be save.

They which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

For The Rest of My Life

2010-07-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, July 19, 2010

There is a lesson in today’s reading that cautions us about how to live “the rest of our lives”. The word of the Lord came to King Hezekiah by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.” (Isaiah 38:1)

The message is timeless, not only to Hezekiah, but to all generations to come: Set your house in order, for you will die, if not today, then some day.

We know the story. King Hezekiah did not want to die. He was not ready to die. He, like everybody else, wanted to live. But like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said on the eve of his own death: “Longevity has its place.”

But King Hezekiah was so distraught that all he could do was turn his face to the wall and weep, and pray. He was on his sick bed, on the brink of death. Lord, remember me, he prayed. Remember me for my goodness, for my righteousness, and let me live.

Before the prophet Isaiah could get out of the courtyard, the Lord turned him around and sent him back to Hezekiah, with a message and a promise: “Thus says the LORD, the God of David, your father: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add unto your days fifteen years.” (Isaiah 38:5)

The king asked for a sign from heaven that he would rise up from his sick bed and once again be able to go up to the house of the Lord.

The sign God sent was this: He would turn back the hand of time.

“Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.” (Isaiah 38:8)

As the story goes, God raised Hezekiah up from his sick bed and overthrew the siege of the Assyrian. Hezekiah had a new lease on life, another 15 years to look forward to, in the land of the living.

What mistake did he make in Isaiah 39? And what lesson can be learned about how to live the rest of our lives?

[To Be Continued]

Icon of Jesus Destroyed by Lightening

2010-06-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A 62-foot statue of Jesus along I-75, just north of Cincinnati, Ohio, was struck by lightening and set ablaze in the middle of the night and destroyed. The “King of King” icon built in 2004 by Solid Rock Church, had become nicknamed “Touchdown Jesus”.

Lawrence Bishop and his wife were trying to “help people, not impress them, with the statue”. They wanted it to be a “beacon of hope and salvation”. Some people say that “America needs more symbols like it”.

Eddie Griffin disagrees, and here is why:

Lightening is not a random act of nature. Consider what was specifically stricken. It is called an Act of God. Some treat it as an act of nature. In either case, Touchdown Jesus was destroyed by lightning and fire.

Psalm 135:6-7 bear witness that God does as He pleases, that he makes the lightning for the rain and bring forth wind out of His treasuries.

Exodus 9:23 declares that the Lord sent thunder and hail and fire, and it rained hail on the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 7:25 instructs: You shall burn carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snare by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God.

Ionization of a Statue – No Matter the Name or Purpose for Which It Is Made

As soon as the graven image leaves the hands of its maker, the engraver iconize what he has made. It’s alive, but only in his mind. It is a symbol with a secret meaning, known only to heart of his maker.

How could this statue “made of plastic foam and fiberglass over a steel frame” become the “King of Kings” to a passer-by along I-75? No one has ever seen God, nor have they seen the Son of God, so how am I to assume that this image is, in any way, a representation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Is this not a play upon the imagination of man?

Finally, God speaks for Himself, through His Holy Word:

“To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal And compare Me, that we should be alike?

“They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship.

“They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move.

“Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble.

“Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'”

(Isaiah 46:10)

A Quality of Life Issue:

2010-05-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

MARVELOUS to see

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

In all of thy getting, get an understanding. There are exceptions in common understanding, so do not get confused. The Word of God has endured the test of time, where men and their ideas come and go like the grass.

I respect men’s options, but I do not give a hoot about their ideas. Consider this:

Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain – Psalm 127:1 KJV

What does a man profit when he builds in vain? What good does it do, for the watchman to wake up and sound the alarm, when the city is already lost, as for as God sees it?

Exceptions-Exceptions

Everybody has an exception with the way God builds the house; otherwise, the scriptures tell us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We admit as much when we say that no man is perfect.

We sin because we take exception to the Word of God, like the people who, “being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).

He builds in vain in self-righteousness.

Ye builders: Take heed how you build, so says the Paul the “wise master builder”, speaking to the church in 1 Corinthians 3:10.

There is an ancient idiom and proverb that we learned in elementary school by Alexander Pope (1734): As the twig is bent, so the tree inclines. It is a law of nature with trees and a sociological truth that as a child grows, so grows the child in his ways.

Whatever happened to the wisdom of the Old School? The old man have become drunks, standing on street corners, and in the square, giving drunken advice to children, not to be as they have become.

Except the LORD build the house

Children do not just accidently come into this world, and accidently grow up on their own, by their own power, and by their own volition.

That train wreck that you call your kid was put on the wrong track long before the crash.

Like I said before, some people take exception with how God builds the house. We want a margin for error. But Noah was instructed precisely as to how to build the ark (Genesis 6:14-16), and Moses was commanded to “do all things according to the pattern” (Hebrews 8:5).

The Foundation already Laid

Every generation comes in like gangbusters and tries to reinvent the wheel. But it pleased God, from the beginning, to lay the Foundation.

For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Okay, men have their Johnny-come-lately ideas and options. Like their forefathers, they reject the stone set for the foundation.

Matthew 21:42: Did you never read the scriptures? The stone which the builder rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Now, who can give us something better than MARVELOUS?

I Am a Soldier in the Army of God

2009-12-18T06:42:00.000-08:00

Everman, as we anticipate the entrance of year 2010 and make New Year’s Resolutions, let the words of this classic motivational poem sink into your thoughts and influence you to make a greater SPIRITUAL commitment to yourselves and the congregation. Be blessed!

Bro. A. D. Winston

I Am a Soldier in the Army of God

I am a soldier in the army of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my Code of Conduct. Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school, to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn, He can use me because I am there.

I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my need. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to Captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not run around. I am a soldier, marching heaven bound.

©B.J. Morbitzer

Thank You, Bible Class Teachers!

2009-11-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

EVERMAN EPISTLE

November 29, 2009

I want to commend Bible class teachers for the great job they do, especially those who teach our children. Teaching others is a very important responsibility in grounding our children, young people, and adults in the faith to help them to go to Heaven. The eternal destinies of many souls are involved. If we don’t teach our children the truth while they are under our guidance, they will be lost. This is very serious.

God wants His word to be taught diligently. We read in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Teaching God’s word is one of the most important things we can do. In 2 Timothy 3:15 Paul told Timothy, "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation." Timothy was taught as a child but what happens when God’s word is not studied and taught? God says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." If we fail to study and teach God’s word both our children and we will be destroyed for a lack of knowledge.

Why do people fall away? Hebrews 3:12 says, "Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God." How do we build our faith so we will not have "an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God"? Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." And as James 1:21 says, "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." Only by knowing God’s word can our children go to Heaven.

In addition to your home Bible studies, let’s take full advantage of the classes offered here on Sunday and Wednesdays. Today is our quarterly Show What You Know. If you had not planned to stay, please consider staying to support our children and our teachers.

Winston
Bro. A. D. Winston

Four Faces

2009-10-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

Why do the heathen rage?

Thursday, October 08, 2009

I face east. I face west. I face north. I face south. I am a passive activist, a night watchman, watching the world on my television set, like watching a cartoon in two dimensions. The characters are scripted, their behavior predictable, and the outcome is all but certain.

I return south, to meditate within, in continuing my study in Acts 4 and ask: Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? (4:25). Just the mere mention of the name of Jesus Christ sends the heathens into a rage.

It began during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus (November 16, 42 BC – March 16, 37 AD) and continues today. The heathen back then were, prominently, Herod, and Pontius Pilate (Acts 4:27; Luke 3:1); and the high priests Annas and Caiaphas (Acts 4:6; Luke 3:2).

It was rage that caused the heathers to stone Stephen to death (Acts 7:54-60). This is how the scriptures describe it: “they were cut to the heart and the gnashed on him with their teeth” (7:54). “They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (7:57). “They cast him out of the city, and stoned him” (7:58).

This is the reaction of people who cannot bear to hear the true Word of God. They stop their ears and attack the preacher or teacher, not realizing they fight against the Word, and hence they fight against God. This was the admission of Gamaliel, who sat upon the council, with the high priest (Acts 5:34-36).

Heathen characteristics: (1) Refusing to hear by stopping one’s ears; (2) Blind rage and violence; and (3) Fighting against God and God’s anointed and the saints.

Psalm 2:1-4 -Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

I made a New Friend

2009-09-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I am sad to reflect that I may loose a friend because of my religious belief, and sadder still that I may loose more… so much for a tolerant society that forces a man to silence his religious beliefs but be force to listen to others. I got religious advice from a friend but was forbidden to respond in kind. If I try to convert him to true Christianity, he threatens to terminate our friendship.

It motives me even more, to preach the word, and let chips fall where they may. I have nothing to loose, and everything to gain, and maybe even gain a friend.

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

On Sunday, I made a new friend.

I arrived at church early Sunday morning, before 8:00 am, to copy and fold the church bulletins, and write the scriptures on the board that I would use in Sunday school class. I had just finished the bulletin with about 30 minutes to spare, when suddenly a visitor showed up, long before the rest of the congregants arrived.

He wanted to know more about the church. I told him that he had come to the right place at the right time. So, we talked, and we talked, and we talked so long that I barely got one scripture written on the board by service time at 9 o’clock. Here I had 9 pages of notes, a two-page handout on Acts, and a two-page outline of the book.

I note that this was our guest’s fourth consecutive visit. He had sat in church and Sunday school the previous week, and even acknowledged him before the class. He was eager to come back. He wanted to know about The Church.

He quoted scripture: Jesus said, “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” (Matthew 16:18). This was the very text I was planning to use in class. In fact, the same scripture appeared in the minister’s sermon.

“My church” is the church that Jesus prophesied about. In our study of the Book of Acts, we verified that this prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:47), and 3,000 souls were baptized. So, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Therefore, the church is not manmade, and only the Lord adds to it. What was troubling our visitor was “This going on in this church, that going on in that church, and this church teaching this and that church teaching that.”

Many members of my class do a continual annual reading of the bible from Genesis to Revelation, and many have completed it 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 times. When elders, teachers, and leaders in the church have not acquainted themselves with the whole Word of God, the people will become scattered in their theologies by the imaginations of their heart.

SUMMARY OF OUR STUDY

Our study of the Book of Acts particularly focuses upon the history of the church, from its beginning. I also included a page from the Latin Twelve Caesars (De vita Caesarum) from Roman times to collaborate and confirm the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1), at the time when Jesus Christ was crucified by Pontus Pilate. The high priests mentioned in the next verse (3:2) were the same Annas and Caiaphas who conspired with Judas to put Jesus to death.

Caiaphas is the high priest who said that it was “expedient” that one man should die for a nation (John 11:50), and it was “From that day on, they plotted to put Him to death” (John 11:53). Satan enters into Judas (Luke 22:3) and Judas goes and communes with the chief priests how he might betray him (22:4).

Additional Text

John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.

But the grave could not hold Jesus. It was not possible (Acts 2:24).

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

(Revelation 1:18)

Lesson published at:
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-2-gates-of-hell-shall-not-prevail.html

Am I about to loose a friend?

2009-09-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

A friend wrote:

Eddie, I just decided to send you a brief straight message. First, your suggesting I am one of your "best friends" is very moving and appreciated. I tend to be a pretty shitty friend, though, so think it likely doesn't speak to well of some of your other friends...

Regarding the conversion ambitions, should you press too hard you will lose my friendship, and make no progress toward your objective. It is not required that I believe what you believe for your belief to be validated. You cannot successfully share that which I've already experienced and rejected. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I have been to the well, swam, waded and drank from it. Indeed, I was raised in the very water you find so refreshing, and I'm glad you find it refreshing and fulfilling. I bequeath my portion to you.

I will not cast aspersions on that which you've chosen to make part of your life, nor attempt to convert you to my spiritual philosophy. As a friend, I would ask that you show me the same respect …

[From 2nd Message] I won't under any circumstance consider conversion. God and I are very comfortable with our relationship, and have a rock solid agreement to not allow man to adversely affect it. But if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...

M

FRIENDSHIP ON THE LINE?

Has my preaching and teaching the gospel put our friendship on the line? This has never happened to me before. What shall I do? And, considering the fact that I will be teaching Sunday school, how can I keep my focus upon Acts 4, and deal with this challenges?

My friend gave me some advice. Listen:

… if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...

Does this suggest that my teaching from the Book of Acts would be invalidated by my friend’s proscription? “Follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ… And remember Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension.”

I cannot “tear those pages out” of my Bible. IT IS WRITTEN:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2Timothy 3:16).

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

(Revelation 22:18-19)

Therefore, I cannot tear those pages from the Bible.

Those who wrote after the death, resurrection and ascension: Luke, Mark, John [Books of John, 1st/2nd/3rd John, and Revelation], James [Book of James], and Peter [Books of 1st and 2nd Peter], among others disciples, besides Paul, an Apostle “born out of due season” [1 Corinthians 15:7]

NEVERTHELESS, I accept the challenge to follow the words of Jesus, from the red letter edition of the King James Version of the Bible, recognizing:

There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)

WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES?

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

(John 5:39)

And he said unto them,

These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures… (Luke 24:44-45)

Shall I reject the Books of Moses, the Books of Psalms, and the Books of the Prophets? He said:

"They are they which testify of me."

Shall I reject Paul, as an Apostle? And, what of his companions, Luke and Mark? Paul, writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:11, mentions: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(Matthew 16:18)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

(Matthew 28:19)

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20)

EDDIE GRIFFIN RESPONSE:

Clearly, the story does not end with the ascension of Jesus Christ. The apostles went forth and preached the gospel. This brings me back to our study of the Book of Acts, and the establishment of the Church which had been prophesied about throughout the ages.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-38)

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41,47)

As for our friendship, I am reminded of Acts 4:19: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

You judge.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

This leads to a study in Acts 5.

Part 2: The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail

2009-09-22T10:42:00.001-07:00

Jesus said: “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Mt 16:18

Part 1: Upon this rock I will build my church

We have seen how that Church was established upon the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Then in Acts 3, we see where Peter heals a lame man at the Miracle at the Gate called “Beautiful”.

Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Part 2: The gates of hell shall not prevail against it

Acts 4 begins the persecution of the church. The persecutors are the same religious leaders that crucified Jesus: Annas and Caiaphas (Acts 4:6)

Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

John 11:47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

Luke 22:1:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

ACTS 4 KJV

1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Obama & The Antichrist

2009-09-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. E. R. Bill

As shocking and demoralizing as your article in the Star-Telegram, I am even more troubled by this passage:

Many of my son’s classmates said Obama is the Antichrist, vaguely alluding to passages from the book of Revelation. I was shocked and wondered which local church fostered such inanity.

My heart and my prayers go out to you, your wife, and especially to your children, for having to endure this type of bigotry. Many people in the North, East, and West are literally shocked that these cavemen, irreligious, racial attitudes still existing in the South, and this doomsday hysteria.

Too many people have been watching Hollywood horror movies, and listening to their own delusions about antichrist. In the King James Version of the Holy Bible, there are only four passages of scripture referring to the antichrist, and none from the Book of Revelation:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1Jo 2:18)

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1Jo 4:3)

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2Jo 1:7)

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1Jo 2:22)

WHAT REVELATIONS DOES SAY

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Revelation 22:13-15)

Introduction to Acts 3

2009-09-10T08:27:00.001-07:00

Review

Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence”. (1:5) “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (1:8)

The Promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (2:2-4), when the room was filled with a sound like a rushing mighty wind from heaven, and cloven tongues like fire sat upon each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, “as the Spirit gave them utterance”.

Peter, having been foreordained, preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. (2:14-36).

The Commission of Peter

Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Upon this rock I will build my church

When Peter confessed that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, that confession became the Rock upon which the church was established.

Peter was not The Rock spoken of in Matthew 16:18.

For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? (2 Samuel 22:32; Psalm 18:31)

Moreover, brethren, I would not that that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ. (1 Cointhians 10:4)

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:6-8)

Peter and the other apostles were given the power “to bind” and “to loose”. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18-20: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

What does it mean To Bind and To Loose? [Read: Luke 13:10-17]

The woman healed by Jesus had been bound by Satan for 18 years. What loosed her from this bond? When Jesus gave his apostles special powers, by way of the Holy Ghost, he said:

In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

Clearly, the power “to loose” meant the power to lay hands on the sick and heal them. In the Miracle at the Gate called Beautiful, Peter looses a man from his infirmity for which he had been bound from birth (Acts 3:2)

Be Wise as Serpents

2009-08-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Monday, August 17, 2009

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

Being a sheep in the midst of wolves takes the wisdom of serpents, yet remaining harmless as doves. This is what I call the “protective custody” of God’s children, sent out to preach the gospel.

A woman walks out to her car on a parking lot, on a dark night, and a strange man following closely behind, should set off an alarm in her head… not panic, but caution. After all, something bad can happen to a woman on a dark parking. BE WISE AS SERPENTS.

Her first reaction is denial. She knows that the man is not following her, so she dismisses him from her mind.

When Jesus sent us into the world to preach the gospel, he realized that He was sending defenseless sheep into the midst of wolves. But who are the “wolves”? It’s a guessing game. But there is a precaution: BE WISE AS SERPENTS.

Baptized with the Water & the Spirit

2009-08-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Baptized with the Holy Spirit

Background
THE DAY of PENTECOST

Acts 1:4 Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Baptized with the Holy Spirit

There were only two baptisms by the Holy Spirit. The first baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred in Acts 2:1-4.

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

• A sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven
• What seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them
• Filled with the Holy Spirit
• Speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them

The second Baptism by the Holy Spirit occurred in Acts 10.

There was a man named Cornelius (10:1)
He and all his family were devout and God-fearing (10:2)
He gave generously to those in need (10:2)
He prayed to God regularly (10:2)

Could he be saved by his “goodness” alone?

He distinctly saw an angel of God.

The angel said: "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”

God had heard his prayer and received his offering as a memorial. Why can the sinner’s prayer not save Cornelius? Why must he send to Joppa for Simon Peter? (ANSWER: “To listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” (Acts 10:33)

Cornelius was speaking with an angel. The angel could have told him that he was saved because of his goodness and prayer. But the angel did not. Instead, the angel told him to send to for Simon Peter.

If ever there were a case that a man could be saved without hearing the gospel, the case of Cornelius would have fit the mold. Instead he sent for Peter to listen to everything the Lord had commanded him to tell them.

This set the stage for Peter to preach the gospel (Acts 10:36-43). The gospel is about Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, said Peter in verse 36. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power… he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him… They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify.

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE GENTILES

Acts 10: 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Confirmation of Water Baptism

Then Peter said in 10:47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (REF: Acts 11:12-18)

Baptized with Water

Why is water essential to Baptism?

1 Peter 3:20-21 … when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…

Example: Acts 8:34-40 (KJV)

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

The Message: Be Angry – But Let It Go

2009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Text - Ephesians 4:26: Be ye angry, and sin not…

Something happens when we get angry:
1. We say things we ought to not say.
2. We do things we ought to not do.
3. We desire revenge.
4. We seek to get even.

James 1:19-20: ...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak mean Shut Up & Listen

When people get angry and upset, it is hard for them to Shut Up & Listen. Whatever the other person has to say, we don’t want to hear it. But God has a say in the matter. We need to keep silent before Him and listen to His Word.

The Gates Arrest is a classic case of mismanaging anger.

When Pride is at stake

When we are offended, our feelings are hurt. And when we got a big chip on our shoulders, the more easily we are offended. Our feelings are hurt because PRIDE has set itself up in our hearts.

Obadiah describes the heart of prideful person.

Obadiah 1:3: The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'

• Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Pr 16:18
• A man's pride shall bring him low: Pr 29:23
• When pride cometh, then cometh shame… Pr 11:2

Pride sets us up to be brought down.

CASE EXAMPLE: Luke 9:51-55

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him.

But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?"

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of."

Sometimes we do not even know ourselves when we get angry.

The disciples who were sent as “messengers” to a village of the Samaritans were rejected. Their response was an angry and vengeful response.

"Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?"

What they wanted was gratification of revenge. They were shamed because they were REJECTED. Look at the rejection of Cain’s offering: Genesis 4:4-7.

... The LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

God warned Cain that because of his anger, SIN LIETH AT THE DOOR. But you do not have to give in to him. You can rule over your anger.

This is why we need Anger Management skills by the Word of God. We are at-risk to self-destruct because of our anger and thirst for revenge. We never realize that anger can be an entrapment by devil at the door of our hearts.

Ephesians 4:26-27
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

When the angry alarm bells go off inside my head, I simply lose it. I go all the way “postal”. I can't help it.

WARNING: Do not give a place for the devil to come into your heart.

Romans 12:14-21

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend F52 to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be Angry, but Sin Not

2009-07-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Thin skinned as we are, it is far too easy for us to get angry. We don’t get angry at God, just because he sends floods and rain and hurricane. No, we can angry at other people, and our first thought turns toward REVENGE. We want to get even, immediately. And, if not immediately, then make it happen as soon as possible.

We know that “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). But that still doesn’t stop us from wishing and hoping and praying that something BAD happens to our enemy… again, the sooner, the better, because, otherwise, we’ll take revenge into our own hands.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverb 14:29).

And, Paul teaches the Ephesians: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26). James also teaches: let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

It may not be a sin to get angry, but the thoughts that come afterwards must be restrained, as Proverb 14:29 indicates.

There is the story in Luke 9:51-56 when Jesus sent his disciples into a village of the Samaritans, and the people rejected them. They story tells me that they were so angry that they wanted the Lord to rain down fire upon the village like Elijah had done in the Old Testament.

Jesus rebuked them. “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of,” he says in verse 55.

Sometimes we can feel so self-righteous in our anger that revenge is justified, despite what the Lord said about Vengeance being His. Hallelujah, we are all too ready to give Him praise and honor with our lips. But we have no respect for His Word when it comes to our getting even with our enemy. The Lord has nothing to do with that relationship, because this is something we prefer to handle ourselves, in our own ways.

I think of how angry the 11 apostles must have been when Judas betrayed Christ. When Peter saw Jesus after his resurrection, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21)

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

What is that to you?

(Romans 12:14-21 KJV)

Bless them which persecute you:
Bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
And weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
But rather give place unto wrath:
For it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him;
If he thirst, give him drink:
For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Sweet Revenge

2009-07-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

By Bro. Eddie Griffin

Monday, July 27, 2009

Whenever someone offends us, there is nothing sweeter to our taste than revenge. We want it. We want it now. And, we want it our way. But the Lord said, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” (Romans 12:9)

A neighbor’s house had been burglarized, and the man came over and asked mother to pray that something happen to the person that broke into his house. I wondered about this request, because people every day are praying for something bad to happen to their enemy.

Romans 12:14-21 instructs: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is wrong to wish evil upon your enemy. When Jesus sent his the disciples into a Samaritan village, the people of rejected them.

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:54) They were angry enough to ask the Lord to destroy the village by calling down fire from the sky, like Elijah had done in 2 Kings 1:9-15.

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” (Luke 9:55)

I see in this a spirit of anger and vengefulness within man that man cannot see himself. Like a drunken man, he is not conscious enough to discern his own spirit. He cannot see the evil spirit within. All he sees is self-justification.

We are not ignorant of the Word: For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (Hebrews 10:30)

Probably no man is more hated than Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. The very name of Judas has become synonymous with treachery and betrayal. If ever somebody was worthy of death by revenge, it would have been Judas, we would think. But note what Jesus says about Judas in this exchange (John 21:20-23) when Peter asked: “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (v. 22)

Revenge: What is that to you? Vengeance belongs to the Lord.

The Seamless Word

2009-07-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Let me put to rest this notion that the bible is a hodgepodge compilation of ancient books, without a common theme, thread, or purpose. The whole bible is about Jesus.

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” Jesus said in John 5:39. All of the scriptures testify of Jesus Christ.

Written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms

After his resurrection, he reminds his apostles in Luke 24:44-47:

These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

A Starting Point

Acts 8:32-33
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

The eunuch wondered: Does the prophet speak of himself or of some other man?

Acts 8:35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Starting at the same scripture, he preached Jesus. Here is a sample:

• Jesus in the Beginning (John 1:1-3; 14; Genesis 1:26)
• Jesus, the Rock in the Wilderness with Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
• Jesus, in the fiery furnace with the three Hebrew children (Daniel 3:24-3)

Ending Point

Starting anywhere in the scriptures, we can preach Jesus. But at the end of preaching Jesus, there must be a response on the part of the hearer.

Returning to Philip and the eunuch:

Acts 8:36-39
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

The Hidden Talent

2009-07-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, July 06, 2009

When I begin teaching Vacation Bible School next week, I will be looking for “hidden talent” among my teenagers. The first lesson is about the Parable of the Talents. Young people have a tendency of giving only a mediocre effort to their pursuits, without aim or purpose, not realizing what they squander.

The test is taken from Matthew 25:14-30.

Some things to note: This is a parable. Jesus used this technique to tell a physical story in order to teach a deeper spiritual meaning.

The “talent” mentioned in the text has a double connotation: One, being a weight of money: Two, being the amount of innate skills and abilities one possesses. Both meanings will come into play in this parable.

The backdrop is on the man who hid his talent. It is no wonder why our youth pretend to be helpless, when they are so full of talent. Their talents are a blessing. But they treat it as a curse because using it usually means assuming responsibilities and performing required duties. That is not the regime on their agenda. They would rather use all their talents on X-Box.

We will use this lesson to probe the under layer motivation to bury their skill and the serious spiritual consequences.

After reading the text, we will take inventory of gifts and talents. Then, we will go into our lesson and found out how many of those gifts and talents are being used for the glory of God.

By what criteria did each servant receive his talent?

What did they have of their own besides what had been given to them by their master?

To whom did the Master have the most confidence? How does he show this confidence?

What did each servant prove, with respect to the confidence placed in them?

The NKJV version of the parable says that the man given one talent “went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money”. Why would he hide the talent the Lord blessed him with?

To be a good and faithful servant, the servant must meet whose expectations?

How did each servant measure up?

Did every servant enter into the Joy of the Lord? If not, why?

Discuss the dialogue between the one talent servant and the Lord.

What will become of the unprofitable servant?

EXPLAIN
Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. (25:28-29)

It must be remembered that we are looking at a parabolic representation of “the kingdom of heaven”, the master being God. (v.14)

Matthew 25

25:14 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
25:15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
25:16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
25:17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
25:18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.
25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
25:20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
25:21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
25:22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'
25:23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
25:24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
25:26 But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
25:27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
25:28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
25:29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
25:30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Study War No More

2009-07-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

I am at peace, period. I promised that, after the elections, I would study war no more. As I pondered this new state of peace within, I wondered where I had read that passage in the Bible: “Study War No More”. I searched all morning and found it, and more to go with it.

Isaiah 2:2-5 NIV

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.

Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

What does this tell Bro. Eddie Griffin?

First, it is a reminder that it is my next time to teach Sunday school, and it had been my intent to teach from the Book of Acts and the history of The Church.

In case there is a misunderstanding of Isaiah’s prophecy, we have Micah 4:1: In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.

Jeremiah 50:5 says: They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

Jesus says in Luke 24:44: “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Beginning in verse 45, he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

He told them in Luke 24:46-47: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

ACTS ONE:
Objective 1:
Focus on Fulfillment of Prophecy in the Establishment of the Church

For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).

In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus issued a commandment to his disciples. Obedience to that commandment was essential to God’s plan, as had been prophesied in the Old Testament about His House being exalted above the mountains.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The commandment was to “Wait in Jerusalem… for the gift my Father promised… you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Oprah Winfrey uses Celebrity Status to Challenge God

2009-06-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Friday, June 26, 2009

We have been seeing more and more of TV Talk Show Host Oprah Winfrey and her religious views. More recently, I notice this passage in an article:

During the video, viewers are shown a clip of a previous show where Oprah blatantly denies Jesus as the only way to God. "How can there be only one way to heaven or to God?" Oprah asked the audience. When asked by a woman in the audience, "What about Jesus?" Oprah responded, "What about Jesus? There couldn't possibly be one way."

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE, Oprah or the Word of God?

Oprah explains how her view of God and the spiritual teachings of Christianity changed in her late 20's after hearing a preacher describe God as a 'jealous' God. She said that by opening her mind to the "hugeness" of God, she was able to accept the notion that God is not jealous, but rather a "God of love."

• Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God… Ex 20:5.
• For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God… Ex 34:14.
• For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God… De 4:24
• Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God… De 5:9.
• (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth… De 6:15.
• And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins… Jos 24:19.
• God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies… Na 1:2

GODLY JEALOUSY

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 2Co 11:2

The scriptures are quite clear about God’s jealousy over his chosen saints. (He may not be as jealous over Oprah’s religious followers).

If you are His bride, and commit spiritual fornication with other gods, He is Jealous, as any husband would be over his wife.

Ms. Winfrey doesn’t have a husband, does she?

I do not know what happened to her mate, Stedman Graham, with whom she was engaged to be married in November 1992. All I know is they had agreed to a “spiritual union”, which is more like what man and woman has joined together, without God and his blessings.

To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband… 1Co 7:2

There was a woman in Revelation 2:20 named Jezebel, who claimed to be a prophetess. She was a teacher in the church of Thyatira. She “seduce my servants to commit fornication,” says the Word of God.

Cohabitating in fornication and adultery is the physical manifestation of what goes on in the heart. To those who engage in it, of course it is impossible to comprehend God being a Jealousy God, like a cheating wife cannot believe a faithful husband will never get angry and will always forgive her of her infidelities.

“God is not jealous, but rather a God of love,” says Ms. Winfrey.

But just because a faithful husband may tell an unfaithful wife how much he loves her, this does not mean he will not get angry. This does not mean he will condone or continue to tolerate it.

The last thing a no good, guilty, cheating, fornicating, and adulterous wife can say is: “God is not jealous, but rather a God of love.” That's arrogance that reaches heaven.

From Father-to-Daughter: Let the Dead bury the Dead

2009-06-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Lessons in Life by Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Even with all your youthful idiosyncrasies, you are still my daughter and some day you may have to bear the burden of having to bury your father. Therefore, it is imperative that I pass on to you all that I have and all that I have learned in this lifetime.

This one has taken all of my sixty-two-plus years to learn and one that troubled me most of my life. When Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead,” the child in me could not understand how one dead person could bury another dead person. It was inconceivable because I only understood the meaning of death in a physiological sense.

The next lesson was even more troubling, because this was Jesus response to, what seemed to me like a reasonable request from the Luke 9:59. When he told the man to follow him, the man was willing. “But let me first go and bury my father,” he requested. That’s when Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their dead” in verse 60.

What troubled me was: Who is the dead burying the dead and who is the dead being buried? One is dead, for certain, and the other is dead, it seemed, while he was yet alive. How could this be, that a live person be as dead as the dead person? In 1 Timothy 5:6, Paul speaks of a woman who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives?

If a woman can be dead while she yet lives in pleasure, so, it seems that a man also had much to consider that there are those who are deader than dead. “Twice dead,” Jude 1:12 calls them, “trees who fruit dies on it branches”, “clouds without water carried by the wind”, without purpose and direction, content within themselves that they can feast with you, thinking they can fit it; when, in fact, they are a spots in your feast, somebody who should be too shamefaced to sit at the table. But they are not.

But Jesus was not judgmental in Luke 9:59-60, and this is why I could not understand this lesson until I cut all my hair off my head and my face and saw an old man in the mirror. He said, “Let the dead bury their dead,” because there is something more important to do.

Look at the text in verse 60.

Jesus said unto him, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Old Soldier to Young Soldier

2009-06-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 12, 2009

When my fellow inmates began calling me "Old Soldier", I took leave from day-to-day gladiator hand-to-hand combat. Nobody messed with me anymore. They all seemed to just leave me alone like a crazy old men reading his bible at the door of his cell. And, even the warden gave me my space and was very picky about who he chose as my cellmate. I was incompatible and intolerant, and I had earned the stripes on my reputation on the battlefield and in the pit. It was then I swore that I would study war no more.

Now, some 25 years since my return, I am beginning to feel my age. I am beginning to feel like an old soldier all over again, still trying to fight a good fight, finish up my course, and keep the faith, as Paul would tell Timothy.

The teacher Paul had told Timothy earlier, in so many words, what you learned from me give it to faith men “who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Then he said, “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

But I thought Christians were supposed to have it easy, that their road to heaven would be paved with gold and silver, and wealth, and a stream of continuous blessings. How can a marshmallow like me endure hardness? I am not made for hardness. I am made for easy street… so went my thinking.

But Paul knew the meaning of hardness as a good soldier of Christ. Hardness meant being immune to pain. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NIV) Paul describes his training as a Christian soldier.

Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.

I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

A Forsaken Hour: Time to Walk Alone

2009-06-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

I saw an old friend this morning and asked him how he was doing. He replied, “One day at a time.”

At the time, I had just gotten the sad news of Mrs. Marie Brooks’ passing away. And, right after that, my daughter-in-law called and informed me that my nine-year old grandson will start radiation therapy for cancer of the colon and lower intestine on Tuesday.

The friend had said that he was doing one day at a time. It made me think that on this one day, my cup runs over. It seems like a time for me to walk alone in deep contrition and meditation and look at the footprints in the sands of time.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
Other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
When I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
That if I followed you, you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
There has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “
The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child,
Is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

An Epiphany on Sunday

2009-05-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I got an epiphany from Titus on Sunday.

Webster defines “Epiphany” as (1) A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi; (2) A revelatory manifestation of a divine being; (3) A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; (4) A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization.

After last week’s contention, I have adopted a new mantra: Be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Sometimes I have too much to say to listen to anybody, especially when I get angry. The epiphany was this: As much as I love and itch for a good fight, I was thrown into a fight that I didn’t want to win but could not afford to lose. What Paul told Titus put me at odds with myself.

The first words that jumped out at me were “blameless”, “not accused of riot or unruly”, “not self-willed”, and “not soon angry”. These are not just words for a bishop, but they are words for men in general. So, I ask:

Brother Griffin, are you sure that you do not intentionally start fights like a Texas bar brawler?

Paul tells Titus, “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (Titus 2:12). “Speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (3:2)

Brother Griffin, you are not a very gentle man, neither are you very meek.

“Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (3:9)

I confess that I do not always avoid “foolish questions and contentions”. I realize now that it is “unprofitable and vain”.

Finally Paul instructs Titus: “Be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. (3:1), and “they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (3:8)

Strain at a Gnat and Swallow a Camel

2009-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Some things are more important than others. A lot of Christians believe that it is more important to give. They give to this or that charity or cause. They give their tithe on Sunday, and then go about their business feeling good about themselves, maybe even a little self-righteous.

But Jesus says of them in Matthew 23:24 that they “strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” In other words, they make a big to-do out of the little things and let the big things escape.

What about social justice? They are too pious to get involved. They feel that justice will run its natural course, according to God’s will.

When I look at the broader context of those who strain at a gnat and swallow a camel, I see a warning in the prior verse, Matthew 23:23:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Giving an offering is a good thing. We are told in the above scripture not to leave this deed undone. But there are more important things, weightier matters, which are ignored, such as matters of the law, judgment, and mercy and faith.

Matters of the law, judgment, and mercy

In this, I see matters of law, such as the criminal justice system, judgment in the courtroom, and mercy on the bench. I see law enforcement and how they treat their citizens, in the name of state authority.

Matters of faith

It seems that we are like a faithless generation in seeking justice, equality, and mercy for the oppressed and downtrodden. Instead, our society gloat in how they should be beaten down even more.

We increase the fines against them, knowing that they cannot pay the first. So, they wound up in debtor’s prisons, for things like child support.

We increase their time in jails and prisons for meager offenses to insure the jobs of jailers and wardens, and open doors of opportunities for the builders of prisons.

And, when we, the oppressed, beg and plead for mercy for those who have offended, we receive the cold hammer of the state, when the law provides for leniency.

A hypocrite is known, not by his name, though he professes to wear the name of Christ. He is not necessarily known by what he does. After all, he gives his tithing faithfully. He does the easy things to wear the label of "Christian".

But when it comes to the harder, weightier matters, it is no wonder the Word of God calls them "hypocrites".

Leaving Nothing Undone

2009-05-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Thursday, May 14, 2009

When I was told last night that my 9-year old grandson Little Ed had cancer, I became undone. I know God well enough not to ask why. There is a message here, somewhere, because I am so undone.

“Woe is me! for I am undone,” said the prophet Isaiah, "because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

Woe is me! I am undone by the pain of mortality and groaning for immortality, which can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Let those who can find salvation elsewhere, search.

My grandson and I cling together like father and son. He hasn’t had much in his life and there are times when he acts like a child afraid of losing his grandfather. He wants to go everywhere I go, and be involved with everything I am involved in, seven days a week, if he had his way.

But grandpa is old and his energy is fleeting.

Lord, What is a man’s life? It is even as a vapor that appears for a little time and vanishes away.

Now the tables are turned upon me by this terrible woe. Oh Lord, Woe is me. I cling to my grandson with all I have with the same fear of losing him. I want him everywhere I go, and be involved with everything I am involved in, all the time, until we are separated by the Lord.

I have prayed the grandfather’s prayer: “Lord, take me instead. I have had a full life.”

O Foolish grandpa, God will take us all in due time. We all belong to him. It is He that created us, and not we ourselves. I feel so undone and helpless.

I read in the bible of King Hezekiah to whom the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah with a message:

“Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.”

Isn’t this what God is telling us all: To set our house in order, because we are not going to live long upon this earth?

Fighting The War Within

2009-04-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)

Why does it seem like my head is always in the lion’s mouth? It seems so unfair to always be in the process of being devoured. What did Job do wrong to have his hedge removed? (Job 1:8-12) Resist stedfast in the faith. (1 Peter 5:9 KJV)

So called prayer warriors cannot force God to hear their prayers, let alone answer them. Who can make the Great God of Heaven do anything? Excuse me, to the prayer warriors that ask amiss just to consume it upon their own lust. (James 4:3)

How can any man pray upon anything, except that Christ intercedes on his behalf? (Roman 8:34)

When has a sinner ever been able to pray himself or anyone else into heavenly redemption? A sinner who sees no wrong in his own eyes is deceived by himself. How does praying a sinner’s prayer compares to the scripture John 9:31, which says, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

Everybody is trying to get a prayer in edgewise. To who is the ear of heaven open, and to whom is it closed? For those who can get a prayer through, please prayer for President Barack Obama in accordance with his request for godly wisdom to deal with the issues of the day.

Presidential Prayer Request, Thursday, April 30, 2009
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/

As President Obama moves past his first 100 days and into the next chapter of his presidency, pray for God’s grace and wisdom to intersect and impact his plans and goals and his very being, that he will seek God’s will daily for every part of his presidency. Pray for his physical and spiritual protection every part of every day.

Pray for great and godly wisdom for President Obama as he works with the CDC, HHS and Homeland Security officials to manage and contain the H1N1 “swine flu” situation. Pray for its quick containment, for minimal or no loss of life, for the mitigation of the economic impact on travel, entertainment, transportation and many areas of our nation…

What the Blind Men sees - Part 1

2009-04-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Mark 8:22-26 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

As I try to put on the shoes of the blind man, I am perplexed that I open my eyes and see “man as trees, walking”. There are many possible explanations. Some might think that Jesus made a mistake the first time, and that God makes no mistakes.

It was no mistake that the blind man saw “men as trees, walking”. By no stretch of the imagination, men might look like trees today, walking about, with a comparable IQs to match. Or maybe, the blind man was given an opportunity to see another dimension, a spirit world. In either case, the blind man was seeing what nobody else was seeing.

This is a mystery only God knows. But it provides me with a little understanding of why everybody doesn’t see the same things the same way.

The Word of the Day: A Better Choice

2009-04-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

A Better Choice

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Please add additional references to this lesson

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days…

References:

Luke 10:38a-42

…a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Lesson Objective: Making Good and Bad Choices

Worship in Spirit

2009-04-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

These words were spoken by Jesus to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well as He taught her the truth concerning worship to God. He taught that there would no longer be just one place to worship God but that from the “hour” of the establishment of the New Covenant, the true worshippers of God must worship in a definite way and according to a fixed pattern indicated by this statement of Jesus, "in spirit and in truth."

What does this mean? Understanding that worship is doing homage to God, what does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? Let us examine the subject of worship from this two-fold perspective, as we open the Bible and let it speak concerning what it truly means to worship God in spirit and in truth.

Worship In Spirit
The apostle Paul in Romans 12:11 urges us to be "fervent in spirit." This means we are to have an attitude of zeal. To worship God in spirit is to do so with the right attitude or from the heart. The Bible heart is our mind and includes our intellect, volition, conscience and emotions. One's whole heart must be engaged in worship for it to be acceptable to God. As the Psalmist sweetly sang, "I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" (Psalms 111:1).

Worship in spirit involves doing those acts which please God with the right attitude. It is possible for one to be physically present at a worship service and not be worshipping God because his attitude toward worship may not be correct. Thus, he is not worshipping God in spirit. So it is vitally important that we understand the characteristics of worship that is truly in spirit.

Worship in spirit must be with understanding. Paul taught this is 1 Corinthians 14:15: "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." To worship with understanding, we must be able to comprehend what is said and done. We must appreciate the significance of each act of worship and think about what we are doing as we worship. For instance, we cannot be talking, daydreaming, having a chip on your shoulder, ought against your brother or sleeping during a prayer, sermon or song and be worshipping with understanding.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "God is not the author of confusion..." and later in the same chapter, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). Order is right. It is commanded by God and therefore it is good.

Worship in spirit is reverent to God. The Psalmist wrote, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him" (Psalms 89:7). We are gathered to worship and praise God; therefore, we should bring the best before God and show the highest degree of respect for Him.

Worship in spirit is sincere and springs from a holy life. We should assemble out of love for God and a desire to praise Him and commune with Him. David expressed the right attitude in Psalms 122:1: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." The time of our worship should be an occasion of great happiness and joy. We should look forward to the moment when we can assemble with the saints and worship God. Also, our worship is not done to be seen of men, but is offered to please God (Matthew 6:1,5,16). Further, our worship should reflect a life of holiness. One cannot continue to live a life full of sin, ought against their brothers, hatred in their heart and at the same time offer holy worship to God.

Worship in spirit must be edifying. One major reason we assemble is to “provoke unto love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Paul wrote that in our assemblies, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Corinthians 14:26). Every act of worship in the assembly should be for praising and glorifying God, as well as edifying or building up the saints. Any act of worship which is not directed to God is misdirected and is not in spirit.

Next week, we will look at what it means to Worship in Spirit.

Bro. A. D. Winston

Night Comes

2009-03-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

I must work while it is day, because the night cometh when no man can work. The watchman said, “The morning cometh, and also the night.”

Watchman, What of the night?

No one is ready to face the night, though we live in a dark, corrupt world. But the morning is coming and, the night cometh also.

A Fig Tree with No Fruit

2009-03-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, “For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?”

“Sir,” the man replied, “Leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”

Luke 13:6-9 NIV

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Matthew 21:19 KJV

Christian State of Readiness

2009-01-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Night Bible Class, January 14, 2009

TRUMPET CALL: Christian State of Readiness

On last week we reviewed the Call of the Trumpet and examined a Christian’s state of Readiness.

Mt 24:44 -
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Lu 12:40 -
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The Readiness of Paul as an Example

Ac 21:13 - Show Context
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

A Review from Sunday’s Sermon- The Readiness of the Man with One Talent

In Sunday’s sermon, Bro. Winston looked at the condition of those to whom talents were given. (Mt. 25:14-30). To one gave 5, to another he gave 2, and to another 1. Now let’s look at the final accounting when the Lord returned.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

The Lord points out some important things about the wicked and slothful servant. The wickedness was evident in the servant’s “thinking”. Lord, I knew that you are a “hard man”. You reap where you don’t sow, and you gather where you have not straw.

I’m scared of you. I held on to it. So, here is that talent back that you gave me.

God could have said: “I am not a hard man. I am merciful and forgiving.” Instead, God said: “You knew… and you ought…”.

Jas 4:17 -
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

The Trumpet of the Conscious

Jeremiah 4:19 My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. 21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?

Thou hast heard, O my soul, the Sound of the Trumpet.

The Trumpet should sound in our souls every Lord’s Day… every Wednesday at Bible Class time when it is time to study the word of God… every morning when we wake up (Ps 5:3 )… every night when we go to bed.

The Call of the Trumpet & State of Readiness

Mt 24:44 -
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Mark 13:28-37
28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

1Co 15:52 -
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:16 -
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

THE BURDEN OF THE WATCHMAN

Watchman, what of the night?

Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

The Watchman’s first response: The morning cometh. What morning?

Ps 5:3 -
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Ps 55:17 -
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Ps 130:6 -
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Ps 30:5 -
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Morning is coming, but also the night

Isaiah 21:3 At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor; I am staggered by what I hear, I am bewildered by what I see. 4 My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me. 5 They set the tables, they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers, oil the shields! 6 This is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. 7 When he sees chariots with teams of horses, riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him be alert, fully alert." 8 And the lookout shouted, "Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post. 9 Look, here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses. And he gives back the answer: 'Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!'" 10 O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the Lord Almighty, from the God of Israel.
11 An oracle concerning Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?" 12 The watchman replies, "Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again."

Be Ready – Be Prepared

Put on the whole armour of God

Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

THE CALL OF THE TRUMPET

2009-01-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Night

THE CALL OF THE TRUMPET

From Sunday’s Sermon

Jud 7:16 -
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.

Jud 7:18 -
When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

The Watchman

Eze 33:3 -
If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

Eze 33:4 -
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

Eze 33:5 -
He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

Eze 33:6 -
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

Heb 13:17 -
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Jer 6:17 -
Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Heb 10:25 -
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Sounding the Trumpet

Isa 58:1 -
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

1Co 14:8 -
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

How can we determine if the Trumpet makes an uncertain sound?

Ac 17:11 -
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

We have a responsibility to watch for our own souls.

Mr 13:33 -
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mt 24:42 -
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Mt 24:43 -
But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Luke 12:32-37
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Matthew 25:1-13
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. F48 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

When the Trumpet sounds, what do you hear?

2008-12-10T09:57:00.002-08:00

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

On last week, we began with a scripture quoted by President-elect Barack Obama from which we drew these studies. (See: INTRODUCTION)

1 Corinthians 14:8: For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Last week, we focused upon the “Uncertain Sound”. This week we will focus upon the Certain Sound and the Uncertain Hearing. We concluded the Trumpet to be the Word of God. Therefore, the trumpet itself is not defective. It is in perfect working order. It makes a “distinct” sound in accordance with 1 Corinthians 4:7.

Then we looked at The Watchman whose responsibility it was to “blow the trumpet” in Ezekiel 33:1-20.

Now suppose the Watchman blows the trumpet, and the trumpet makes a “certain” sound, as opposed to an “uncertain” sound: Where is the hearing?

The Bottom Line Question is This: Whether the Watchman blows the trumpet or not, whether the trumpet makes a certain sound or an uncertain sound, Who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Is it our responsibility that The Watchman did not give us warning? (Ref. Ezekiel 33:6)

ANSWER: The Watchman will be held accountable before God, but the one who perishes dies in his own sin. (Re-read the scripture) That people’s souls are lost because the Watchman did not sound the trumpet does not absolve a man of his sins.

Even if the trumpet makes an “uncertain” sound, that man will perish in his sins. (Jesus says, “Nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish)

WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS… What do I hear?

When the Trumpet sounds… What do you hear? What do I hear?

When the trumpet sounds, I get a headache like Jeremiah. (READ: Jeremiah 4:19 NIV)
Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry.

In KJV, it is disguised as a stomachache
My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.
Jeremiah says, “I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry.” OMG! The Sound of the Trumpet, it is the Alarm of War.

Jeremiah’s physiological reaction when the Word of God came to him like the Sound of the Trumpet: “Destruction upon destruction”, “Disaster follows disaster”. In the eyes of Jeremiah 4:21-28 NIV, it may have looked like the End of the World.

Jeremiah was given marching orders to go up and down the streets of Jerusalem in search of an honest person that seeks the truth. (Jeremiah 5:1)

God would forgive the city if Jeremiah found how many righteous people? (See also Genesis 18:23-33)

Jeremiah 5:21-22

Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear: Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jeremiah 5:23-29

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'

Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good.

"Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch men. Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor.

Should I not punish them for this?" declares the Lord. "Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

What will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 5:30-31

A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?

A PROBLEM in the Hearing – Not the Trumpet – Not the Watchman

Jeremiah 6: 16-17

This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'

But you said, 'We will not listen.'

The Sound went out into all the earth… What did they hear? (Romans 10:14-18)

MY DEAR GRANDSON:

2008-12-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Punishment according to age and comprehension- My grandson, Little Ed, is eight years old, goes to church with me every Sunday, invites me to all his school activities, and whatever other activity he can get me into. He is my youngest understudy... good kid. But in this case, he makes a mistake of faulting others for his shortcomings.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Dear Little Ed,

I found your bible this morning in the church building annex, just where you last laid it when you went to song practice. But you swore up and down that you last saw your bible when you gave it to me to keep. You falsely accused grandpa and it hurt my feelings. Keeping up with your bible is your responsibility, not grandpa.

Until you learn to take responsibility for your own mistakes, you are hereby put on punishment.

This letter is enclosed in your bible, as I return it to you. Please keep this letter in your bible and never lose it.

Your little sister, Dee-Dee, is trying to learn how to read. Teach her how to pronounce each word in this letter. That is your new responsibility.

Sincerely,
G- Grandpa

If the Trumpet gives an Uncertain Sound... Part 2

2008-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION

President-elect Barack Obama chose a scripture from the bible to make a point on World AIDS Day. He quoted 1 Corinthians 14:8 (NIV):

If the trumpet does not sound a clear call who will get ready for battle?

The King James Version reads:

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

NOTICE the Question: Who will prepare himself for the battle?

In Wednesday Night Bible Class, we began here to examine The Trumpet. And, we concluded that with or without the warning of the trumpet, a Christian soldier must always be prepared for battle.

Some would fault the trumpeter for blowing an “uncertain sound”. But it cannot bring the dead back to life. Even if the watchman “does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin”

Eze 33:6 -
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.'

It is obvious that the watchman has a responsibility to watch out for the spiritual souls of those taken in their iniquity. If he does not sound the trumpet, people will perish and die in their sins. No doubt, the watchman will be beaten with many stripes in the Judgment.

Who’s fault is it?

Jer 6:17 - I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But you said, 'We will not listen.'

The Agony of the Watchman

Jer 4:19 Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry.

Jer 4:21 -
How long must I see the battle standard and hear the sound of the trumpet?

Sassy Children

Jeremiah 6:9-17
This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Let them glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine; pass your hand over the branches again, like one gathering grapes."

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me?

Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

But I am full of the wrath of the Lord, and I cannot hold it in.

Their houses will be turned over to others, together with their fields and their wives, when I stretch out my hand against those who live in the land," declares the Lord.

"From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace.

Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.

So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them," says the Lord.

This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But you said, 'We will not listen.'

They heed not The Trumpet of the Lord.

A Fixture in Time

2008-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

By Eddie Griffin

Thursday, December 04, 2008

My better mind keeps telling me: Sit down and shut up. It isn’t worth the hassle. There are better things to do with my time, than to continually beat my head against the wall. People don’t listen anymore. They are stuck in time in their cognitive state. There is no vision. The people perish.

If the Trumpet gives an Uncertain Sound...

2008-12-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION

On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama chose a scripture from the bible to make a point on World AIDS Day. He quoted 1 Corinthians 14:8 (NIV):

If the trumpet does not sound a clear call who will get ready for battle?

The King James Version reads:

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

We know what a trumpet is supposed to sound like to our ears. It registers a “certain” familiar sound. But suppose the trumpet makes an “uncertain” sound, a sound unfamiliar to our ears. Suppose, instead of “Reveille”, the trumpet is sounding “Taps”.

Is it the trumpet’s fault? Or, is it the man who blows the trumpet?

Suppose the trumpet sounds altogether like a different instrument, such as like a piano. Is the trumpet defective? Or, is it the expectation of an inner-ear listening for one thing and confounded by hearing something else?

For the next quarter, we will be exploring this subject.

Section One: The Uncertainty of the Sound coming from the Trumpet

CONTEXT: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12 (NIV)

Now, brothers:

If I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?

Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

ALTERNATIVE CONTEXT: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12 (KJV)

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

So, it is with whom?

* To whom is Paul writing? And what scripture leads you to believe that he is speaking to Christians in the Church?

* In what part is he speaking about the Church? In what part is he speaking about the world?

* Is it possible for Christians to make an “uncertain” sound? Can Christians send out a confusing mixed message?

Paul associates trumpet blowing as speaking by voice, clear and certain in its purpose to edify or build up the Church. The trumpet is supposed to be the Word of God (which we shall prove in the next part of our lesson). But the blowing of the trumpet, signified as “voices in the world”, sends “an UNCERTAIN sound”.

There is nothing Uncertain about the Word of God, as the Trumpet of the Lord.

Consider Ezekiel 33:1-7 (NIV)

The word of the LORD came to me:

"Son of man, speak to your countrymen and say to them:

'When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not take warning and the sword comes and takes his life, his blood will be on his own head.

Since he heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning, his blood will be on his own head.

If he had taken warning, he would have saved himself.

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.'

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.

But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.

In these Times

2008-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I am optimistic and looking forward to good times ahead. As I read the book of Ecclesiastes with rose colored glass, I look for passages that describe the best of times from the words of King Solomon, the wisest man ever to live. He writes:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

I thank God for the political season being over. It served its constitutional purpose. Nevertheless, I hate politics, because it sometimes brings out my bad side, and I must repent and ask for forgiveness of those I have wrongly offended. (Of course, someone is going to be offended anyway, and some will never forgive me no matter how much I repent).

Sorry, anyway.

Solomon then goes on to write: A Time to be born. These are the times into which to be born. It is a new day in America.

It is a Time to plant, and a Time to sow… a Time to gather stones together, and a Time to build… a Time to embrace and a Time to heal… a Time to love and a Time of peace… and, not least of these, a Time to keep silence and a Time to speak.

A Prayer for a Nation

2008-11-03T07:21:00.001-08:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, November 03, 2008

Someone sent me a special prayer request for this day. It is not an unusual request of those who pray without ceasing.

Ever Tuesday morning, brothers of the church, come together to pray for the many people who ask for prayers. We call it out “Prayer Breakfast”.

We daily look over a long list of prayer request from members of the body, from family and friends. I am there to look over the state of condition of the church and the condition of the world. Besides praying for the sick, we pray for our World Leaders and Our Troops in harms way, for victims of natural disasters, and for the bereaved.

But prayer request doesn’t just begin and end on Tuesday morning. It is a list we look over and pray over every day.

In order to pray in faith for World Leaders, a man cannot pray a curse upon them, nor to their destruction. We come to seek and to save the Lost in the World.

But I will consider this special day before a national election to pray for a nation divided against itself and praying that we, as a people, will be able to stand.

In Jesus name,
AMEN

Above My Pay Grade

2008-08-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

True, I could care less for a politician’s answer to a religious question. Politics and religion don’t mix. Church and state are two different domains.

But when a politician answers that a religious question is above his “pay grade”, I must take notice and give respect to his answer. Some things are above a man’s understanding, and the best answer is, “I don’t know.”

Truer words were never spoken by a politician than the words of Senator Barack Obama, in responding to the question: When does life begin?

We, the true churches of Christ, do not bring politics into the pulpit. Sometimes the Spirit of God overrules the wisdom of men.

I don’t care what the American people wanted to hear. Hear God first, when he says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts; and neither your ways my ways.”

I don’t know where life begins. It was an humble admission by Senator Barack Obama, that wisdom is above “my pay grade”.

Now listen to the murmurs among the “gotcha” people, who entrap to condemn: “He doesn’t know. That is a weak answer.” Mr. Knowitall knows it all.

When does live begin. “At conception,” quipped Senator John McCain. Cheers!

One man can learn. The other man cannot. Yes, he is programmed not to learn. For consider this:

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew thee; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Now, you tell me: When does life begin? If you know it all, it is not above your pay rate.

Judgment Day - Part 2

2008-08-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

SHEEPS & GOATS

Written by Bro. Eddie Griffin

Monday, August 11, 2008

[Editors Notes: I must pluralize sheep as sheeps, because there are sheep that look like sheep, but are not. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.]

Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17).

Those who obey not the gospel of God don’t even stand a chance, because the righteous will scarcely be saved, which means salvation is selective... no spot, no blemish, and no wrinkle.

2 Peter 3:12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, herein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved…” 2 Peter 3:14 warns “be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

By the washing of the water by the word, that Jesus might present to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27)

Only those who have kept themselves “unspotted from the world” have hope of eternal salvation.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (Matthew 25:31-33)

SHEEPS & GOATS

It is easier to separate the sheep from the goats, in the house of God, than it is to eliminate the spots. Jude 12-13 calls these “spots in your feasts of charity”… “feeding themselves without fear”… clouds without water… trees with withered fruit… twice dead… and plucked up by the roots… foaming out their own shame… “wandering stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

There is a prepared place for the blessed and the cursed.

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Matthew 25:33-34)

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)

Those who are blessed of the Father will inherit the kingdom and be rewarded with eternal life, which was prepared from the foundation of the world. The kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was “prepared from the foundation of the world”.

Jesus said: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”(John 14: 2-3)

God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. (2 Peter 2:4)

Judgment Day - Part 1

2008-07-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Written by Bro. Eddie Griffin

Thursday, July 31, 2008

People are fascinated with the thought of Judgment Day, but they never want to talk about it. It’s a frightening thing to consider, standing before the judgment seat of God.

But it is appointed unto men once to die; and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). And, we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ in order that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10).

There is no getting away from it or getting around it. Judgment Day is coming.

I remember, when I was young, a picture or a cartoon about a man walking around on the busy streets of a big city with a sign on his back, which read: The World is coming to an End. And, as I recall, the man became the object of public ridicule and the subject of lampoon and laughter.

Some men, on the other hand, try to elude the thought of death and judgment by declaring that God is dead. This reminds me of a joke told by a preacher about what the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote.

“God is dead... signed Nietzsche.” Many years later, someone wrote: “Nietzsche is dead… signed God.”

I suppose the moral is that man cannot outlive God, and in the end, God will have the last say. God said: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13)

No human being knows exactly when the end of the world will come to an end. Jesus said: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).

We may not know exactly when the Day of Judgment will come, but we do know WHERE JUDGMENT BEGINS:

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17).

Answer this question: What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:18)

The Posthumous Voice

2008-07-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, July 28, 2008

It’s too late. When a man dies, it is too late to go back and correct mistakes in life. I think about the rich man who died and went to hell and wished that he could go back and correct his mistakes. Being tormented in hell, he was in anguish.

I died once or twice and was in anguish. I wished, hoped, and prayed that I could return to life and correct my mistakes and tell of my experience. How can it be, then, that I have lived long enough to begin writing?

Some people presuppose that I write my memoirs for money or fame. But I could care less even to see my writings published, because I could care less about people’s judgment. This why I promised my old college professor and mentor, Dr. Allen Saxe, that I would write my memoirs for history sake and have them published posthumously. He asked why, and I told him that, plain and simply, I didn’t want to hear the backtalk.

I remembered the anguish of dying a slow death, my eye glazed over with frost, in a prison strip cell, praying for one more chance at life.

“If I had to do it all over again, Lord,” I cried out in my semi-comatose delirium, “I would warn people how tormented I am, in this place. I would warn them not to come here.”

As the rich man would have gone back to warn his brothers of hell, I wanted desperately to go back and warn people of what it’s like living in hell-on-earth, behind prison bars. But I soon realized that people don’t listen, not even of one who returns from the dead. So, I delayed my writing until my official retirement birthday, August 3, 2008, at age 62. I still cannot believe that I am alive.

Last night, I preached my first sermon from the pulpit. I preached about Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, who was threatened, assaulted, put in prison, and later dumped into a dungeon, full of muck and mire. As he wept, I wept.

Why would they put a man in a cesspool of human excrement? Why did they hate Jeremiah so much? I thought, for the very reason people are going to hate me for my memoirs. But I don’t want to hear it.

[To be continued]

Me & the Assassin

2008-07-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Writing is therapeutic for me. It is a means of indulgence into the subjective reaches of my mind. There I find solace, entertainment, and release.

Hollywood cannot create a movie more entertaining and thrilling than the life I have lived. I would rather close my eyes and reminisce the most thrilling moments of my life, than to watch a Hollywood blockbuster.

And, in between mental adventurous excursions, I read and studied the Book of Life.

I REMEMBER the young 21-year old assassin, standing before me with a pipe in his hand, ready to crush my skull. He must have wondered: “Why is this fool smiling?”

The answer is simple: I always smile in life and death situations. I want to have a smile on my face when I meet Death. The kid with the pipe didn’t get it.

Prison life taught me how to face my weakness and my mortality. Twelve years of hand-to-hand combat makes a man humble.

I don’t know how many times I put myself in a suicidal situation, only to cry out in prayer, “Lord, save me.” And, the Lord came to my rescue.

No, you don’t understand.

Not even a fool would step right into a man welding a pipe. That’s why I was smiling. I was going to prove, once and for all, I did not fear Death. The kid was planning to club me to death with a pipe, to add me to the mortality statistics of the fallen in prison violence.

He never expected me to bum rush him head on. That why I was smiling, laughing in my heart. I figured that I had an unfair advantage. I knew what I was going to do, but my adversary didn’t. I had three things going for me. I had the element of surprise. I was better trained in the marshal arts and he was a "fish". I was overly confident that God was on my side.

In prison, I backed down from nothing and nobody, because there were men in prison who thought themselves tough guys. But those who met men head on, in hand-to-hand, life-and-death combat, they were few and far between. Most men were cowards, at the sight of Death at the door.

The Lord had saved me from some pretty rough situations in the past. But this one confrontation I relied more on my martial arts skills, and suddenly found myself bleeding from the skill, wrestling for the pipe, praying not to faint, praying for the Lord to save me, just this one more time.

I remember the anguish and desperation in my mind. "Lord, please don't let me die like this. Save me, just this one more time."

This was the closest I had ever come to death. The only other time maybe closer was the time when Texas Ranger sharpshooter Tom Arnold held a machine gun at the top of my head, March 9, 1972.

But that’s a different story for a different time.

The Last Word: The End

2008-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Monday, July 21, 2008

The end of the world and the end of time are fascinating subjects. People are spoofed at the mention of it. They don’t want to talk about Judgment Day, because people don’t want to be judged.

So, the world is full of opinions. Most people believe, within their own hearts, that their opinions are right, and that everybody should follow suit.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; and Luke 21:33).

Opinions come and go, but the Word of God change not. Often overlooked is the fact that heaven and earth shall pass away. This is prophecy, out of the mouth of Jesus Christ.

A Word Search: Judgment Day

Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Hebrew 9:27 ...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Psalms 9:7-9 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

1Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Romans 1:20-32
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God, nor gave thanks to him; but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless.

Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Revelation 22:10-16
Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

Revelation 21:3-8
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

The End thereof:

2008-07-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Of all the senses that man inherits, none is more abused that his sense of purpose. He is like a bird that cannot find his north bearing.

But what sense can a man have outside of himself. He has five physiological senses: Hear See, Touch, Taste, and Smell. The other senses are dull, none duller than our sense of danger. We are as oblivious to danger as a grasshopper is of winter.

Most other mammals can smell danger. But man walks headlong into it… blind as a bat. We are blinded by the noonday sun, because we are a people who prefer to walk in darkness, with no sense of purpose.

A sense of purpose is the arrow that points the way through life. But we refuse to yield the right-of-way to the right way. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

The end thereof: Life or Death?

Memoirs of a Spiritual Gladiator

2008-06-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Today, I greet the world with joy… no hangovers from the night before… no leftover emotions. Today is a new slate.

You will be afraid of heights and of falling, white-haired and withered, dragging along without any sexual desire. You will be standing at death's door. And as you near your everlasting home, the mourners will walk along the streets… Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well… For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:5-7 (New Living Translation)

I am merely dust on planet earth. Today, I am endued with a spirit, because I live. Tomorrow will come when my spirit must leave this planet and return to God, the Creator.

Today is just another day in spiritual gladiator school, Ole School style, in the Army of the Lord. Nothing could be a more exciting challenge... to meet the battle of Today... head-on... and carry the Good News to the world.

Lesson Six: Teaching and Learning by Example

2008-05-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH – Series 6

Lesson Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Review Texts: James 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Isaiah 28:9-13

Rejecting the Messenger

Paul says to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth.” Why would they despise him? And, is it because he is young?

Some people say that a young person cannot teach me anything… He’s too young… He’s still wet behind the ears.

Let’s look closer

Paul forewarns that the Holy Spirit expressly reveals that “in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1); and that the time would come when they would no longer heed sound doctrine, but would “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3).

They reject the messenger in order to reject the message

Look back at the drunkards of Ephraim in Isaiah 28:3, 7-13 (NLT, GNT). It seems like the rejected the messenger; but in actuality, they rejected God. (See a similar rejection in 1 Samuel 8:7).

Fault-Finders

Some people reject God’s Word because they find fault with the messenger, or they find fault with God’s people in the church… The people in the Church of Christ are not perfect. They can find every little fault in any and everybody as an excuse to reject the truth.

Remember the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes in Mark 7:1-2 who found fault in the disciples because they ate bread with unwashed hands. They literally declared it a sin. Remember Pilot found no fault with Jesus, but the chief priests said “Crucify him” anyway. (John 19:4-6)

Imperfect Men with a Perfect Message

Paul says: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (See 1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV). But surely someone is going to point out Paul’s imperfections, a man torn betwixt and between doing right and doing wrong. (See Romans 7:14-21)
Notice how much we are like children. When a child does something wrong and we ask them why they did it, they say, “I don’t know”. Some people say, “The devil made me do it.” But is this what Paul is say? No, he is describing a principle about the tug-of-war between the flesh and the spirit.

The problem is not the Word of God. The problem is us. But does that give us an excuse to ignore the preaching of Paul? Can we look at the flaws and faults of the imperfect messenger and reject the message? Can we reject the Word of God because he can find nobody perfect enough to preach it and practice what they preach?

Do as I say- Not as I do

Is it correct to teach: Do as I say and not as I do? It depends on what I say.
Jesus handled this dilemma in Matthew 23:2-8. Do as the scribes and Pharisees say, but don’t follow their example.

Follow the Word of God and ignore the imperfections of the man proclaiming the word

Paul recognized his imperfections, but gave us a guiding principle in Philippians 3:11-16. If we are going to reach perfection, then we must continue to press towards the mark for the prize that God has promised us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Paul’s Teaching to Timothy

Paul warns Timothy not to give people an excuse to look down on him, when he says, “Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Timothy 4:11-16). He says, “Be an example, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in morality.

Teaching & Learning Through Meditation & Prayer

2008-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH – Series 5

Lesson Text: James 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:13-16
Review Texts: 1 Corinthians 2:13, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Isaiah 28:9-13
Review Colossians 3:16

The word of Christ should dwell in us richly in ALL WISDOM. We need wisdom in our everyday lives. Some troublesome situations require wisdom to solve. But how do we get this wisdom? What does James 1:5 say?

God gives Wisdom to those who ask. Jesus says: “Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). He says: “Whatsoever, you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)

The Spiritual Gift of God’s Wisdom:
CONTRAST: God’s wisdom to the wisdom of man (1 Corinthians 1:19-24; 3:19; James 3:15, 17)

Spiritual Gifts
Paul said: “I will not have you ignorant of spiritual gifts” (See 1 Corinthians 12:1)

Sometimes when we are beset by problems, we seek the advice of friends and family. Sometimes they feel sorry for you and want to lay their hands on you and pray for you, if they have some miraculously gift of healing.

Let’s look as some of these spiritual gifts. Paul is very specific in this teaching. Concerning spiritual gifts, he says that one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit is the Word of Wisdom. (1 Corinthians 12:8)
Study the expanded text: 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-14, 25-31

Different Gifts for Different People
Paul says to desire the best gift suited to you. In 1 Corinthians 7:7, God gives each of us our “proper” gift. (See also Matthew 7:7)
Do we all have the same gifts? Are we all prophets? Can we all work miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Can we all just lay our hands upon someone and pray for them and their problems be solved?

A Spiritual Gift Not Meant for One and Meant for Another
The case of Simon the Sorcerer (Read: Acts 8:14-23)
Simon had neither part nor lot in the matter of the laying on of hands and giving the gift of the Holy Ghost (verse 21).

The case of Timothy (Read Timothy 4:13-16)
Timothy received a special gift of the Spirit by the laying on of hands of the elders, so why was it necessary for him to “study to show himself above of God”? (Ref. 2 Timothy 2:15) Why couldn’t he have received knowledge and wisdom by divine revelation, as Paul had?

The King James Version (Authorized)
1 Corinthians 1
1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1:20
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1:21
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1:22
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
The Good News Translation
1:19
The scripture says, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars."
1:20
So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!
1:21
For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called "foolish" message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.
1:22
Jews want miracles for proof, and Greeks look for wisdom.
1:23
As for us, we proclaim the crucified Christ, a message that is offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles;
1:24
but for those whom God has called, both Jews and Gentiles, this message is Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The King James Version (Authorized)
1 Corinthians 7
7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
New International Version
7:7
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
The New Living Translation
7:7
I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of marriage, and to others he gives the gift of singleness.

The King James Version (Authorized)

1 Corinthians 12
12:1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
12:5
And there are differences of administrations, F42 but the same Lord.

12:6
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, F43 whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
12:14
For the body is not one member, but many.
12:25
That there should be no schism F45 in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
12:26
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
12:27
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities F46 of tongues.
12:29
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
12:30
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
12:31
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

The King James Version (Authorized)
1 Timothy 4
4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
The American Standard Version
4:13
Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15
Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
4:16
Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
The New King James Version
4:13
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
4:15
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
4:16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
New International Version
4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
4:14
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
4:15
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Teaching and Learning by Comparing Spiritual Things with Spiritual

2008-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH – Series 4
Teaching and Learning by Comparing Spiritual Things with Spiritual

Lesson Text: 1 Corinthians 2:13
Review Texts: Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Isaiah 28:9-13

Question: Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? (Isaiah 28:9 KJV)

Milk and Meat: Here a Little and There a Little

Question: Why milk and not meat? And if precept must be upon precept and line upon line, what does milk represent in terms of precepts? Hint: Hebrews 5:12 NIV

Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (KJV)

And I, brethren, could not speak unto as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (Read: Hebrews 5:12-14)

Question: Strong meat and solid food belongs to whom? The answer: Them that are full age, mature, with exercised (trained) senses, and the power of discernment to distinguish good from evil.

SUMMARY: Desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Study. Teach and admonish in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The theme has been up to this point: Growing up on the milk of the word and moving on to maturity (perfection)

Read Hebrews 6:1-3 and Discuss The Elementary Truths Of God's Word (NIV)

Prelude: There are some things we cannot understand with the carnal mind. They must be spiritually discerned. This lesson is about spiritual discernment.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)
… which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (See also NIV, ESV, HCS, NLT, RSV, D-R translations)

Who is the teacher (teacher’s teacher)? Who is being taught? How does he teach?

Read Full Text: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (KJV)

1. Who knows the mind of God?
2. Who among man knows the mind of man?
3. What have we received of God to help us understand what He gives us?
4. Our vision of heaven comes to us by what means?
5. Contrast the human wisdom with that which is taught by the Spirit?
6. Why does the man without the Spirit reject that which comes from the Spirit of God?
7. What capability is missing in the man without the Spirit that causes him to not understand the will of God?
8. Why does the mind of Christians readily absorb God’s Word?

The King James Version (Authorized)
Hebrews 5
5:12
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
5:13
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
New International Version
5:12
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!
5:13
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
English Standard Version
5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
5:13
for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.
5:14
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

The King James Version (Authorized)
Hebrews 6
6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
6:3
And this will we do, if God permit.
New International Version
6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,
6:2
instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
6:3
And God permitting, we will do so.
English Standard Version
6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
6:2
and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
6:3
And this we will do if God permits.

The King James Version (Authorized)
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

English Standard Version
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

The New Living Translation
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
When we tell you this, we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths.

The Revised Standard Version
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit.
The Douay-Rheims Bible
1 Corinthians 2
2:13
Which things also we speak: not in the learned words of human wisdom, but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
New International Version
1 Corinthians 2
2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"--
2:10
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
2:11
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
2:12
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
2:13
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2:15
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"
2:16
But we have the mind of Christ.

The Issue: Pro-Choice Abortion

2008-04-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Griffin

Friday, April 18, 2008

Not that I wish to offend anyone with the word of truth, which is the Word of God. But someone wrote to me:

We can quote all the scripture we want, but in the end, we all have a choice.

What does that say to me? Does it mean that no matter if I quote the entire Bible, people are going to make their own choices. EXACTLY!

And, then the writer gives me this scenario:

A young girl decides to give her heart and her body to a boy who can't handle her gift with love and respect. She conceives a baby.

Woe! Let’s not put the chart before the horse. A young girl gives her body to an irresponsible young man. Nobody asks why the young man is irresponsible. Or, what have we not taught him? And why would a young girl give herself to a fool, and then turn around a call it a "gift"?

Am I confused? Remember, this is the scenario presented to me in order for the writer to rationalize this conclusion:

I can only imagine how difficult it will be for that young girl to raise a child on her own. If she decides to terminate her pregnancy, I will not preach at her or lecture her about the Bible. I will put my arms around her, cry with her, and love her unconditionally.

The keyword above is the writer’s “imagination”. Given: From the writer’s imagination, she builds a “straw dog” argument. The writer vows “I will not preach… or lecture about the Bible” when a young girl comes to her contemplating terminating the pregnancy. Instead of the Word of God to comfort and guide those who have sinned by defiling the bed, she chooses the weep with the young girl and put her arms around her and allow her to correct her mistake at the Abortion Clinic.

So, I accept the challenge to “quote all the scripture I want” as it relate to choices. First, I agree that God gave man and woman a free will to choose. But not all choices are good, prudent, or expedient. Discretion precedes a man’s words and contemplation before his action.

Consider this unholy mess that our society is in.

One-in-Two Black Teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease (STD)… highest HIV and AIDS rate… highest infant mortality rate… highest abortion rate.

The writer is essentially saying: “I will put my arms around her, cry with her, and love her unconditionally”, after throwing out the Word of God.

Isn’t there a Beginning here? Where is the starting point? Surely, an unwanted pregnancy was the end point, the after-the-fact product of a "mistake". But why must I begin at the end of the problem when I know that there are preventive solutions and post-solutions. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If you reject the teachings on the preventive side, you will certainly not like the post-solution, because both require obeying the Word of Truth.

When I read: “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge”, I see the word “marriage” first and then the word “bed”. (I know some people see the “bed” first). Then I see the word “Undefiled”, which suggest that “the bed” can be defiled.

As to the question of splitting hairs on “when does life begin”: I believe life begins at the spirit level.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NAS)

God knew the spirit of the child Jeremiah before he was formed in the womb and had set before him a purpose in life. In the Spirit-to-spirit world: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)

For those who believe this: That what goes on behind closed doors is strictly private business between a man and a woman, should consider the condition of the bed. Whether it is undefiled or defiled, this is something only God can see.

We should teach marriage before sex. We should teach that marriage is honorable, that it is not good for man to be alone, that man needs a helpmate in life, and childbearing is a gift of God. Otherwise, we teach that the bed is defiled by fornication and adultery.

We must teach that premarital sex is not only risky but unwise and a sin in the sight of God. It is He that said, in the above scripture, whoremongers and adulterers God will judge... So simple even a caveman can understand.

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH – Series 3

2008-04-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Lesson Three: Teaching and Learning by:
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Text: Colossians 3:16
Review Text 2: 2 Timothy 2:15
Review Text 1: Isaiah 28:9-13

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. At what age should we begin to teach?
2. What two gifts does the teacher have to give to the learner?
4. What method do we use to teach babies?
5. Why do you think God uses repetition to teach us?
6. Describe the building process of the foundation of Knowledge and Doctrine.
7. How does a workman show himself approved of God?
8. Where does a workman get skills to “rightly divide” the Word of Truth?
9. Why should a workman not be ashamed of his work? (HINT: Whose approval does he seek?)

COMPARE Text Translations:

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 GNT
Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.

…handling aright the word of truth (ASV)
…correctly teaching the word of truth. (HCSB)

Teaching and Learning by Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Colosians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (See Full Text)

Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (See Full Text & Examples)

Teaching, Admonishing, and Singing

Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

CONSIDER the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 31:30-32:4 (KJV)

1. Compare “the congregation” in Deut. 31:30 to “the church in the wilderness” in Acts 7:38. What can we conclude about Singing in the Church?
2. In this song, why does God command the heavens to listen and the earth to hear? (Deuteronomy 31:28)
3. God’s doctrine will descend like what? How?
4. Discuss the “small rain” and the “big rain”.
5. In this song, how do we know that Moses is describing Jesus? (Deuteronomy 32:4; 18:15; Hebrews 12:23-24)

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH - Series 2

2008-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Lesson Two: Teaching and Learning by Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Text: 2 Timothy 2:15
Review Text: Isaiah 28:9-13

“Teach” and “Understand”
“Knowledge” and “Doctrine”
“Weaned” and “Drawn from”
“Milk” and “Word of the Lord”

Theme: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

COMPARE Text:

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

…handling aright the word of truth (ASV)

…correctly teaching the word of truth. (HCSB)

2 Timothy 2:15 GNT
Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.

QUESTIONS

1. How does the NIV read?
2. How does a workman, approved of God, get the skills to “rightly divide” the Word of Truth?
3. According to some translations, the word “study” is omitted. What is the importance of “study”?
4. Why should a workman not be ashamed of his work? (HINT: Whose approval does he seek?)
5. Explaining how the different translations bring better clarity to the phrase “rightly dividing the word of truth”. (KJV)

CONCLUSION:

We should be able to “rightly divide the word of truth” because we are well-studied workmen of God. We are commanded to “study” and “correctly teach the message of God’s truth”. Therefore, teaching in the church begins with study.

Barack Obama: Not Done Yet

2008-04-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

In response to the article, Barack Obama Would Back Daughters' Abortion, "Don't Punish Them With a Baby",

Pastor Kyev Tatum writes:

I find his comment very disheartening. As the product of an unwed, unplanned pregnancy, I know first hand the Blessings of a Love Child… God said in his word that Children are a Blessing from Him, not punishment. To say that his creation is a punishment is wrong thinking and alarming… My Children were not punishment for my sins. Don't blame the baby for the mistakes of the parents. Abortion is a self fish self serving way out. Not to mention against God's law.

I am getting a little concerned by Obama's open support for abortions and gay rights. This slaps our faith right between the eyes.

Eddie Griffin response:

We recognized from the beginning the imperfections of Barack Obama. I never considered him a finished product. Therefore, I am not taken aback by the mote that the media find in the young man’s eye.

There are two things wrong here: (1) The emotional feelings of a young father; and (2) incorrect spiritual teaching.

What young father with 9- and 6-year old daughters would not consider shooting the first boy that touches one? But 10 years later, he will have modified his thinking. An elder is wiser than a younger father.

As for the religious indoctrination on the Right-to-Life issue, let me be very clear about what I learned at an old age from Jeremiah (not Jeremiah Wright).

Jeremiah 1:4-5 says: The LORD came unto me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

The expectant mother has a relationship with God, just as Mary had a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Her husband-to-be, Joseph, wanted to terminate his proposed marriage. Would it have been better if she had terminated her pregnancy so Joseph would not find out? Suppose Mary’s father felt like Barack Obama.

Whether pregnancy is unwanted or not, the Holy Spirit has a say in the matter, before husband-father. The woman has to answer to God.

Genesis 3:16 says: To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”

A woman cannot simply abolish this Word because it is undesirable. Pregnancy and the pain of childbearing are not a right of human discretion. This was Eve’s punishment for sin. This is a punitive consequence of teen sex.

Surely, bringing new life into the world is a miracle and a blessing. But bringing life into the world through fornication and adultery brings with it problems.

I’m sure this is something Obama will see as he grows older and learns better.

In Conclusion: It is better to deal with a young man who knows his own imperfection, rather than an old warhorse who cannot change.

TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE CHURCH

2008-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Lesson One: Teaching and Learning by Repetition
Text: Isaiah 28:9-13

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Highlight the words: “Teach” and “Understand” in verse 9.
2. Highlight the words: “Knowledge” and “Doctrine” in verse 9.
3. Highlight the words: “Weaned” and “Drawn from” in verse 9.

QUESTIONS

1. At what age should we begin to teach?
2. What two gifts does the teacher have to give to the learner?
3. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get what?
4. What method do we use to teach babies?
5. Why do you think God uses repetition to teach us?
6. Describe the building blocks of Knowledge in verse 10.
7. How is Doctrine to be taught?
8. How is Doctrine in verse 9 connected to “the word of God” in verse 13?
9. What was the problem with the learning process in the above passage of scriptures?
10. Why do you think the learners, once they got past milk, rejected the word of God?

REFERENCES

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Jeremiah Wright’s Controversial Sermon

2008-03-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Full Context of Jeremiah Wright’s Sermon (Audio)

Wright's original scriptural focus was Luke 19:37-44.

Included in the sermon is this controversial statement:

"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three strike law and then wants us to sing God Bless America. Naw, naw, naw. Not God Bless America. God Damn America! That's in the Bible. For killing innocent people. God Damn America for treating us citizens as less than human. God Damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and she is Supreme."

THE STARTING POINT:

Luke 19 (KJV)

19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

QUESTIONS:

How did the preacher proceed from the scripture to the controversial statement of "God Damn America"? Does Pastor Wright imply fulfillment of prophecy? Or is it a false teaching?

These are questions that should be considered.

A Good Friday

2008-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 21, 2008

V writes:
Folk in the temple got mad at Jesus when he turned over the tables. They objected to his 'preaching' to the money changers. They also objected to his healing on the Sabbath.

The Bible confirms:

Mark 11:15-18 KJV
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

V advocates:

Embrace the truth of what Rev. Wright said.

The Bible says:

Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Who do I obey? Is Rev. Wright a God or is he a man? Who should you obey? God or man?

V writes:

Before Jesus went to the cross, he said we would do even greater works than He.

The Bible says:

John 14:12-14
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

(NOTE: Not everybody is blessed with a relationship with God to ask and it shall be given.)

John 14:15-17
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:

(NOTE: Not everybody is blessed to receive the Spirit. As the scripture clearly says, “The world cannot receive it because the world cannot see it”. Is it hard to understand that there are people in the world who cannot receive the Holy Spirit because they cannot see him.

V writes:

Why do we bring people to Christ if we won't exhort them to change the world. The crucifixion was not just for a personal relationship with Christ, but for a better communion with our sisters and brothers. This communion is not always obtained passively with euphemistic expressions.

The Bible says that there are two different types of communions:

1 Corinthians 10:15-16, 21-22
I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

You Have The Power!

2008-03-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Many things in life intimidate people. Some people are intimidated when speaking in front of an audience. Others are intimidated when competing against others. For some, visiting a hospital, nursing home, or funeral home is very intimidating. The Great Commission intimidates far too many Christians.

There are many underlying reasons why some are intimidated by the idea of teaching the good news to others. Some lack confidence because of a lack of biblical knowledge (Hosea 4:6) or a lack of practical experience. Some are intimidated because of the fear of failure (Matthew 25:4-25). Some feel intimidated by evangelism because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing.

In 2 Timothy 1, Paul encourages Timothy to overcome the spirit of fear. He encourages him to stir up the ability that God has given him (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul admonishes him not to be ashamed of the gospel and those that proclaim it (2 Timothy 1:8 & 12). He further exhorts him to hold fast to the gospel (2 Timothy 1:13). In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told not to be intimidated to do the Lord¢s work.

First, God has given us the spirit of power. The power comes from the WORD of God. (Romans
1:16). The WORD teaches us to overcome the fear of death (Matt. 10:28). God¢s WORD teaches us to be a positive influence in the world (Matt 5:16). His WORD prepares us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The WORD assures us of God¢s presence (Hebrews 13:5-6). When armed with the WORD of God, we should not be intimidated by the world.

Secondly, God has given us the spirit of love. Love is the antidote of fear (1 John 4:19). This love is not to be centered on the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17), but rather on Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). This love is not to be centered on self, but on others (Phil 2:3-4). This love has been demonstrated, to many, by the gift of Jesus (Romans 5:8). When we love as God loves, we should not be intimidated by the world.

Third, God has given us a sound mind. A sound mind is one that is in control and is healthy. Self-control is one of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A healthy mind is a disciplined mind. A disciplined mind is one that is filled with the things of God (1 Timothy 4:15). When our minds are sound, we are not intimidated by the world.

We should be confident in the power and love of God and can speak His WORD with boldness (Acts 4:31). We should not be intimidated by the thought of teaching others, but we should be ready always to teach others (Romans 1:15; 1 Peter 3:15).

If we truly recognized and possessed the spirit of power, we wouldn¢t have to solicit Bible class teachers, but have a rotation, where every child would be able to receive teaching, at every given opportunity. You have the power, what are you going to do with it?

A. D. Winston, Sr

Biblical facts worth Remembering

2008-03-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

Recently, we were watching a trivia show that consisted of several biblical questions, and it amazed me of how many incorrect answered were given by people who “considered” themselves religious and/or knowledgeable of the Bible. Here are some facts worth remembering:

1. How many books are in the Bible? 66
2. How many books are in the Old Testament? 39
3. How many books are in the New Testament? 27
4. What does "testament" mean? "Covenant" or "contract."
5. Who wrote the most books of the Old Testament? Moses - he wrote the first five books of the Bible
6. Who wrote the most books of the New Testament? The Apostle Paul, who wrote 14 books (over half) of the New Testament.
7. What is the longest book in the Bible? The book of Psalms.
8. What is the shortest book in the Bible? 2 John.
9. What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 119
10. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 117
11. What is the longest verse in the Bible? Esther 8:9
12. What is the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35
13. Which book in the Bible does not mention the word "God?" The book of Esther.
14. Who was the oldest man that ever lived? Methuselah who lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27).
15. Who were the two men in the Bible who never died but were caught up to heaven? Enoch, who walked with God and was no more (Genesis 5:22- 24); Elijah, who was caught up by a whirlwind into heaven (II Kings 2:11).
16. Who does the Bible say was the meekest man in the Bible (not including Jesus)? Moses (Numbers 12:3).
17. Is the Bible still the best-selling book in the world? Yes, of course!

Now, you just might be ready for biblical trivia.

Submitted by,

Winston
A. D. Winston, Sr.

ONE - Seven Times

2007-11-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

In Ephesians 4:4-6 we read of seven ones. “There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.” Notice there is only ONE of each.

There is ONE body. Ephesians 1:21-22 says that Christ is the “head over all things to the church, which is His body.” So the one body is the one blood bought church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Romans 16:16). This is the only church that Christ is going to save (Ephesians 5:23).

There is ONE Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to the apostles and other inspired writers of the New Testament to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Since the New Testament has been once and for all delivered to us (Jude 3), we no longer need further revelations as some falsely claim.

The ONE hope of our calling for salvation in Heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4) and Jesus is the author of salvation unto all that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). This ONE hope is not to live here on a renewed earth for eternity as some falsely teach. This earth is going to be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).

There is only ONE Lord Jesus Christ, not Mohammed or anyone else. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus asks, “why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

There is only ONE faith, not the hundreds of different faiths that have been established by men today. This one faith has once and for all been delivered to us in the New Testament (Jude 3). All of the other faiths by men are vain.

There is only ONE baptism which is a burial in water (Romans 6:4) of those who are capable of believing and repenting. It is for the forgiveness of sins so we can be saved (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16). All other baptisms that man has come up with are vain.

And there is only ONE God.

Submitted by,
Winston
A. D. Winston, Sr.

Wednesday Night Bible Class Study

2007-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

November 07, 2007

Subject: The Second Coming

1. What promise did Jesus make? (John 14:2-3)

2. Is it possible to know when the Lord will return? (Matthew 24:42-43)

3. How will we learn of Christ’s return? (Revelation 1:7)

4. What will happen to us, physically, when Jesus comes? (Philippians 3:20-21)

5. What will happen to the earth when He returns? (2 Peter 3:10-11)

6. What will happen to those who are already dead? (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

7. What will happen to those still alive? (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

8. What example does Peter use for those who scoff at the teachings of Jesus’ second coming? (2 Peter 3:3-9)

9. What will happen at Jesus’ second coming according to:
a. John 5:28-29
b. Matthew 25:31-46
c. Revelation 6:16
d. 2 Thessalonians 2:8

10. What will happen to the Kingdom (Church)? (1 Corinthians 15:24)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSION

1. Would it be good for us to know when Christ will return?

2. Why don’t people give up on false forecasters of Christ’s return?

3. What harm is done when a forecaster fail in his predictions?

Denominationalism is a Sin

2007-11-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I was speaking with a sister, discussing how so many people are falling away from the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST – due to denominationalism. I guess one could ask how could you know the truth and then leave. The answer is easy - a lack of continual study, ignorance and the submission to sin.

The word "denomination" comes from the same root word as denominator in fractions, which means to divide. DIVISION IS SINFUL! "Now I plead with you…that there be no divisions among you…Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:10 & 13) The doctrines of men caused division in the first century and they continue to divide men today. The gospel of Christ brings unity and eliminates denominationalism.

There is no salvation in denominationalism! Salvation is only in the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23) which is HIS “one church” (Ephesians 1:22-23). "There are some that trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ…if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:7 & 9) To get into a denomination one has to leave the teaching of the New Testament and do something different. Many people are going to be lost because of denominationalism (Matthew 7:22-23).

Every denomination has prostituted God’s plan of salvation with such things as "faith only" and "once saved always saved". They have also perverted the worship with instrumental music, speaking in tongues, fake healing, etc. "And many will follow the destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed." (2 Peter 2:2) We are warned in Colossians 2:18 "Let no man cheat you of your reward."

People want to do things their way! 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 states, "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they may all be damned who believe not the truth."

As Christians, we must not fellowship with religious denominations in their errors. "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God’s speed: for he that bids him God’s speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 10-11) We sin if we fellowship with religious denominations and those who error from the truth by becoming a partaker of their evil deeds and teachings. To support this, the Bible states in Ephesians 5:11 states, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them."

I’m sure you’re thinking that this is a “hard” position, especially when you have family members that might be part of denomination, but it can be done! I have family members and/or co-workers that have left the faith or are part of a denomination; when they ask me to support their barbecue dinners, musicals, fundraisers, car washes or whatever, I decline because I’m not going to bid false doctrine “God’s speed”. If we as Christians do not take a stand where the Bible speaks, we will be guilty of compromising the Church.

Humble servant,
Winston
A. D. Winston, Sr.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2Timothy 4:1-8

God Supplies

2007-10-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

Have you ever felt so down-and-out that you had to "look up to see the bottom"? It's hard to have faith during such times, when you are filled with despair. Yet it is during times of discouragement when it is most important to exercise your faith. It is in moments of despair that we need to sit back and consider what we really believe.

Do you want the devil to gain the victory, simply because you don't feel like resisting him? Satan is no dummy. Just when you are in the greatest need of God, the devil will put forth his utmost effort to separate you from God. If Satan can keep you away from your source of strength (GOD), he knows you will walk in darkness and follow him. There is no sin greater than unbelief.

When your heart ceases to believe, you are in serious danger of expressing your unbelief. By expressing your doubt and discouragement, you dampen the spirits of others and place yourself on a downward spiral and into the arms of the devil; that is why we must be careful about expressing our lack of and fading faith.

When you believe in God, you take hold of His strength. You can walk and talk with Him, as if He were right by your side. God has given us the privilege to resist doubt--and carry the credentials of faith--which are love, joy, and peace. When you walk with God, your life will be changed; you will be able to walk by faith--not feeling. When you put your faith in God, you will receive help from him just when you need it, and His peace will fill your soul.

Enoch walked with God. If we learn to have the faith, of a child, like Enoch we may also have the same testimony of Enoch--that he pleased God. God's hand is not short, and His promises do not fail, but you must have faith, believe in him, believe HIS WORD and obey HIM.

A. D. Winston, Sr.

The Hadean Realm

2007-10-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

1. Research the following in a Bible Dictionary of a Commentary:
a. Paradise
b. Tartarus
c. Gehenna
d. Hades

2. What is one reason the we do not know more about the hadean realm? (1 Corinthians 12:2-4)

3. What happens to our soul at death? (Genesis 35:18)

4. Give proof that people do not go directly to heaven at death:
a. Acts 2:32-34
b. 2 Timothy 4:8

5. According to the following scriptures, when will we go to heaven?
a. Luke 14:12-14
b. John 14:1-2

6. What must come before the dead go to their eternal abode? (Matthew 25:31-33; Hebrews 9:27)

7. Where are the dead between death and the Judgment?
a. Save: (Luke 23:43)
b. Lost: (Luke 16:19-31)

8. After the Judgment, what is the eternal abode of the…
a. Saved? (Matthew 25:34, 46)
b. Lost? (Matthew 25:41, 46)

9. After death, can our destination be changed? (Luke 16:26) Why?

10. Are we conscious after death? (Luke 16:23-28)

11. Who will be raised and judged (John 5:28-29)

12. What will be the Standard of Judgment? (John 12:48)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

A. Why didn’t God tell us more about the hadean realms?
B. Do you think being wrong about this will condemn our souls?
C. What is (or has been) you concept of the hadean world?

Lying in the name of God

2007-10-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee. 2 Chronicles 18:4-27

A lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets: Consider this latest revelation from a renowned contemporary prophet:

And God said, build me a university, build it on my authority, and build it on the Holy Spirit.

Build me a university? Where did that come from? Build it by my authority? Where, in the Bible, did it say that? So said Oral Roberts, who will confirm or deny it?

If God had commanded the building of a university by his authority, it would last forever. It would be a holy sanctuary of righteousness, with Christ being the head. But Oral Roberts University is not what it was prophesied to be.

Now, his son, Oral Roberts University President Richard Roberts, says God is speaking again, telling him to deny lurid allegations in a lawsuit that threatens to engulf this 44-year-old Bible Belt college in scandal. (Star-Telegram, “Scandal brewing at Oral Roberts”, Sat, Oct. 06, 2007)

Notice that God is speaking to Richard Roberts in private, telling him to deny these allegations:

That he was living lavishly and throwing around God’s money in local politics, that he used God’s jet to fly his daughter to her senior trip to the Bahamas, and spending God’s money on lavish clothes and fancy cars for his wife.

Therefore, God must have also said build a dynasty for your children so they can plunder charities in my name. Either God spoke or He did not speak. Let what is done in darkness come to light and we shall see who speaks for God.

The Dispensations

2007-09-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

I. Patriarchal Dispensation:

1. When did this period start? (Genesis 1:1)

2. How many years did this period last? (Exodus 20)

3. Through whom did God speak to the people? (Genesis 2:16; 6:13; 12:1)

4. Who were the priests? (Genesis 14:18)

5. Who is the principal character of the period? (Genesis 12:1)

6. The great institution of this period? (Genesis 8:20)

7. What part of the Bible deals with this period?

II. Mosaic Dispensation:

1. When did this period start? (Exodus 20) (Deuteronomy 5:1-5)

2. How many years did this period last? (Colossians 2:14)

3. Through whom did God speak to his people? (Hebrews 1:1)

4. Who were the priests? (Leviticus 1:5)

5. Who is the principal character of the period? (Exodus 3:1)

6. The great institution of this period? (Exodus 27:21)

7. What part of the Bible deals with this period?

III. Christian Dispensation:

1. When did this period start? (Acts 2)

2. How many years did it last (1 Corinthians 15:20-26)

3. Through whom did God speak to his people? (Hebrews 1:2) (Matthew 28:16-20)

4. Who were the priests? (1 Peter 2:5)

5. Who is the principal character? (Matthew 17:1-7)

6. The great institution of this period? (Matthew 16:18)

7. What part of the Bible deals with this period?

8. Will there be other dispensations? (Acts 2:27)

The Sabbath

2007-08-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 29 2007

QUESTIONS:

1. What day is the Sabbath? (Exodus 20:10).

2. When did God give it? (Nehemiah 9:13-14).

3. To whom did God give it? (Exodus 31:13)?

4. Did any keep it till Moses commanded it? (Deuteronomy 5:1-14)

5. Why was the Sabbath given? (Deuteronomy 5:15)

6. Are we to keep the Sabbath today? (Colossians 2:14-17)

7. Upon what day did Christians worship? (Acts 20:7) (1 Corinthians 16:2)

8. Why were the Galatians reproved by Paul? (Galatians 4:10-11)

9. What would we be required if the Sabbath was still binding? (Exodus 20:9-20) (Exodus 35:3) (Exodus 16:23) (Jeremiah 17:21-22) (Numbers 28:9-10) (Acts 1:12)

10. Answer the following objections by Sabbath-keepers:

A. “Jesus kept the Sabbath” (Galatians 4:4-5)
B. “Paul kept the Sabbath” (Acts 18:4)
C. “If the Ten Commandment are abolished man can lie, steal, etc. (Revelation 21:8)
D. “Jesus said He came not to destroy the law” (Matthew 5:17a) (Colossians 2:14)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

A. Do Sabbath-keepers keep it like commanded by the Law of Moses?
B. What makes men hesitant to give up the Sabbath and its customs?
C. Is the Lord’s Day to be celebrated the same way as the Sabbath?

Wednesday Night Bible Class
August 29, 2007: 7:00 pm
Church of Christ in Everman
1020 Townley Dr.
Everman, TX 76140

Tongues Speaking

2007-08-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

QUESTIONS:

1. In the list of Spiritual Gifts given by Paul, where does this Gift of Tongues appear? (1 Corinthians 12:7-10).

2. When did the Gift of Tongues originate? (Acts 2:1-4)

3. What confounded the hearers on that occasion? (Acts 2:6-8)

4. Why did God give this Gift? (1 Corinthians 12:7)

5. Why is “unknown” in italics in the King James Version? (1 Corinthians 14:2)

6. What did Paul say about the future of Tongues? (1 Corinthians 13:8)

7. What is that “perfect” thing? (James 1:21-25)

8. When there is no interpreter present, who benefits from the Tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:14)

9. What must one do if there is no interpreter? (1 Corinthians 14:28)

10. Could one control his Gift? (1 Corinthians 14:32)

11. What resulted if those who spoke in Tongues had no one to interpret? (1 Corinthians 14:11, 23)

12. Who is author of this modern jabbering called tongues? (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

13. Is God the author of confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33; John 17:20)

14. Paul said five works spoken, which teach, were more desirable than how many spoken in tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:19)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

A. List those of the nine Gifts listed that some still claim to have?
B. Do you think these people really think they speak in Bible tongues?
C. How would you convince someone he did not have these tongues?

Wednesday Night Bible Class
August 15, 2007: 7:00 pm
Church of Christ in Everman
1020 Townley Dr.
Everman, TX 76140

COMING SOON: Gospel Meeting

2007-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Spreading the Good News

Church of Christ in Everman
Gospel Meeting
Sunday, August 19 – Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Sunday, August 19, 2007
9:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Jack Evans, Jr.
Lake Como Church of Christ
“Jesus Saves”

Monday, August 20, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Clifton Douglas
West Mansfield Church of Christ
“Jesus, The Eye of the Storm”

Tuesday, August 21, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Victor Norris, Sr.
Church of Christ on Richmond Avenue
“Jesus, The Anchor”

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Joe D. Gibbs, Sr.
Stop Six Church of Christ
“Jesus, The Lighthouse”

Free Dinner on Sunday: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Church of Christ in Everman
1020 Townley Drive
(behind the water tower)
Everman, Texas 76140

Is Christ Divided?

2007-08-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Lesson Text: 1 Corinthians 1:13

You were baptized into what name? Peter? Paul? John? or Christ?

Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [NOTE: This is not Optional]

Into whose name were we baptized?

Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

WE DID NOT GET IT- THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST: WHY?

There were 12 apostles who received the gift of the Holy Ghost baptism on the Day of Pentecost. But there were 12 disciples that were baptized by John, the Baptist, that DIDN’T GET IT? See Acts 19:1-7

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.

Baptism for Remission of Sins

2007-07-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

An eight-year old boy came forward in church to be baptized, but he knew no sin. He had no concept of sin. So, why should I allow him to be baptized?

During my life in the church, I have had to baptize some people a second time, simply because they did not understand why they were baptized the first time.

Did Philip baptize the eunuch simply because the man expressed a desire to be baptized. “See, here is water. Why doeth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36) Philip had to ask the eunuch a question. So did we, as elders and teachers, have to also ask the lad some questions.

What is sin? Clearly, the lad did not know. Therefore, he would not know why he was being baptized, because the purpose of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the “remission of sin”. Without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)

But what of John the Baptism, didn’t he also baptize for the remission of sin. What’s missing?

They knew only the baptism of John (Acts 19:1-7)

Christian Music Video: Sunday Morning

2007-07-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Contributed by Bro. Donald Mooney

A Realistic Look at the War on Poverty

2007-07-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good…

The poor we will have with us always- what a depressing thought.

This scripture has always troubled me because it seems that the War on Poverty is a hopeless and idealistic endeavor. It made me despondent to think that there would always be poor people in the world, that we would never be able to eradicate poverty. But would it be fruitless to try?

I re-read the scripture and noticed the phrase “whensoever ye will ye may do them good”. Essentially it says that we can do the poor some good, but we must first have the will to do it.

LESSON LEARNED: God allows poverty to exist in order that we might quench the pain of those impoverished.

QUESTION: Does anyone read otherwise?

Spiritual Gifts

2007-07-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

QUESTIONS:

1. List the Spiritual Gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.

2. What was the purpose of Spiritual Gifts? (Mk 16:20)(1 Cor. 12:7)

3. How were these special Gifts bestowed upon Christians? (Acts 8:18)

a. Could they be passed to another by one who had them?(Acts 6:5-6; 8:5-14)
b. Could they be sent “long distance” to someone? (Rom. 1:11)

4. Did all Christians receive these Gifts when they were converted? (Rom. 1:11)

5. What was a danger one with a Spiritual Gift had to avoid? (1 Cor. 13:1-3)

6. Whose responsibility was it to control the use of Spiritual Gifts? (1 Cor. 14:32)

7. Were these Gifts intended to last for the life of the church? (1 Cor. 13:9-11)

8. Is it possible to counterfeit Spiritual Gifts? (1 Jn. 4:1)

a. What happened to some who tried? (Acts 19:13-16)
b. Are there some who are sincere in the fraud? (Matthew 7:22-23)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

A. Why were supernatural gifts needed in the first century?
B. Would the church be better if we had spiritual gifts today?
C. Which gift would you prefer if they were available? Why?

Wednesday Night Bible Class
August 1, 2007: 7:00 pm
Church of Christ in Everman
1020 Townley Dr.
Everman, TX 76140