Reflections

Essentials in Evangelism

2008-07-14T15:43:00.015-05:00

Evangelsim Classes to begin on Monday nights

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

First Class: August 4th

Any biblical subject is worth studying, and evangelism is certainly a biblical study, but to have the opportunity to study the heart beat of the marching orders of our Lord is without doubt worth our time and effort. On the eve of His departure from this world, Jesus commissioned His apostles and by the phrase “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you”, Jesus commissions us yet today to take the soul-saving message of the gospel to every generation.

Our class will not only include the study of biblical principles but also of biblical practices that will aid the Christian in his personal quest to fulfill his responsibility within this great commission. We will discuss some of the more popular methods of evangelism. We will also be discussing vital questions, such as, “what makes a method scriptural?” This class will be a proactive class. Each week you will be asked to apply a particular method of evangelism. You will need to document these efforts in an email to me no later than Sunday at midnight before the next class. I hope that this class will be an exciting learning adventure for the both of us.

Required Reading:

Matthew-John (5 Times)
Acts (5 times)
Isaiah & Jeremiah (2 times)
Nehemiah & Ezra (2 times)
Jonah (2 times)

Suggested Reading:

Church Growth God’s Way, edited by Jack H. Williams
Seed for the Sower, LeRoy Brownlow (out of print)
You Can Do Personal Work, Otis Gatewood (out of print)
Studying Sin Seriously, Wendell Winkler
How Wars Are Won, Bevin Alexander (bevinalexander.com)
Field & Stream/Better Homes & Gardens, etc., (magazines )

Classes:

What is Evangelism? (Luke 19:10)
Parables of Evangelism (Luke 15)
Key to Evangelism -1 (Matthew 25)
Prerequisites to Evangelism -1 (1 & 2 Peter)
Prerequisites to Evangelism -2 (Proverbs 9:1-6)
Evangelism’s Knots -1 (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Evangelism’s Knots -2 (Luke 9:51-56)
Evangelistic Toolbox -1 (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Evangelistic Toolbox -2 (Romans 1:14-16)
Militant Evangelism (Old Testament)
Militant Evangelism (New Testament)
Gardening Tips (Matthew 13)
Building Tips (1 Corinthians 3)
Fishing Tips -1 (John 1:35-51)
Fishing Tips -1 (Matthew 10)
Deity & Evangelism (Scheme of Redemption)
Jesus & Evangelism (Gospel)
Apostles & Evangelism (Acts 1-12; Peter)
Apostles & Evangelism (Acts 13-28; Paul)
Various Roles -1 (Elders & Deacons)
Various Roles -2 (Members)
Willing Evangelist/Unwilling Community -1 (Isaiah)
Willing Evangelist/Unwilling Community -2 (Jeremiah)
Unwilling Evangelist/Willing Community (Jonah)
Willing Evangelist/Willing Community -1 (Nehemiah)
Willing Evangelist/Willing Community -2 (Ezra)
Cultural Difficulties -1 (John 4:4)
Cultural Difficulties -2 (Acts 25:11)
Local/Local -1 (2 Timothy 4:5)
Local/Local -2 (2 Timothy 2:2)
Local/World -1 (Matthew 28:18-20)
Local/World -2 (Acts 1:8)
Summation (Deuteronomy 34)
Exhortation (Joshua 1, 24)

It was Charles Spurgeon, who said the words, "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that." A Christian cannot be apathetic about the salvation of the world!

Enroll now by contacting Tom Bright at tlbright@oabs.org,

Ask for... Essentials in Evangelsim classes.

I hope that we can edify one another towards greater evangelistic efforts.

Cowtown Campaign

2008-06-03T00:20:00.004-05:00

Tent Meeting:

7:00 PM each night June 8-14, 2008

Forest Hill Shopping Center

6605 Forest Hill Drive

Fort Worth, Texas

Click here for map

Lessons:

One Blood (Acts 17)
Redemption and ethnicity

First Blood (Genesis 3)
Sin and redemption

Bad Blood (Hebrews 10)
What will NOT Save mankind

His Blood (Romans 5)
The efficiency of Jesus’ blood

Flesh & Blood (John 1)
When God dwelt in the flesh

Reaching the Blood (Acts 2)
God’s scheme of redemption

Honoring the Blood (Hebrews 11)
How to honor a sacrifice

Sponsored by:
the Highland Hills Church of Christ and the East Arlington Church of Christ

The Hebrew statesman, Moses wrote, “life is in the blood.”

HIS BL08D explores the depths of that spilt blood and the beauty of that sacrifice.

Reflections Seminar Video

2008-05-07T12:54:00.017-05:00

Video from the lectureship will be posted here as it becomes available. If you have a slow internet connection, lower resolution videos will be posted later. Please leave a comment on whether you can view the video seamlessly or not - I am trying to find a balance between video quality and the time it takes to buffer. If you have iTunes, you can download this video by clicking the email or embed button at the bottom of this player, selecting the subscribe tab, then clicking on the iTunes icon (the green one at the top).

Click on the middle button on the bottom right to go full screen. On some of the videos, the picture is intermittent, but all have audio the whole way through.

Enjoy,

Jeff

Jesus, a Man of Prayer - Jason Rollo

Part 1

Jesus, a Man of Prayer - Jason Rollo

Part 2

Jesus, a Man of Parables - Ben Bailey

Deliberating point by Michael Light - Worship

Jesus, a Man of Preeminence - Johnny Hinton (Part I)

Jesus, a Man of Preeminence - Johnny Hinton (Part II)

Jesus, our Prophet - Dalton Key

Jesus our Potentiate - Tom Bright

Deliberating point by Michael Light - The Kingdom

Reflections' Seminar

2008-04-21T09:46:00.007-05:00

How Does the Bible Authorize?

2008-03-12T21:46:00.002-05:00

I do not want to discuss how the Bible does not authorize. Liberals are real good at attacking command, example and necessary inference (CENI) but they never seem to get around to showing people just how the Bible authorizes. This is an open invitation to our liberal friends to give evidence of how they arrive at authority.

Schedule Updates

2008-02-22T13:04:00.005-06:00

Click on window and open viewable format of schedule updates. If you are in the area and would like to attend one of the events, please contact Rick or Brant at (405) 756.8629 or email us at biblereflections@hotmail.com.

Simple Silence

2008-02-08T11:04:00.000-06:00

The principle of silence is really quit simple and is a common occurrence in everyday life. This may be a part of the difficulty that people have with the principle; it’s too simple and too common that it is often overlooked. Much like the process of breathing in air, it is so natural that people often fail to give thanks to Almighty God for the air, the ability and the process of breathing it into our lungs - oh, and don't forget to exhale. Silence is as simple as walking into a restaurant and ordering your favorite meal off the menu. Mine happens to be breaded pork chops fried in bacon grease, covered in country gravy with a homemade biscuit of the side. If the waitress brought me everything on the menu including what I had ordered and the manager expected me to pay simply because the manager says, "Well Mr. Popejoy, you did fail to tell us not to bring everything on the menu. I don't know if you realize this or not but our other menu selections are very popular. So enjoy your meal, Mr. Popejoy."

Friends, silence is really that simple. The restaurant represents the religious world and the menu, all the choices of worship styles that are offered. God is the costumer and we are the waiter; the cook; and the manager. In John 4:23-24 Jesus said, "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." Who really wants to be the manager on the Day of Judgment expecting God to pay for the whole menu, when He only ordered breaded pork chops fried in bacon grease, covered in country gravy with a homemade biscuit of the side? Who wants to be the waitress that messed up the order or the cook that failed to speak up and say, “Wait one minute, this customer only ordered pork chops!”

It is the height of arrogance for Mark Henderson, or any other man, to tell God what He will get or not get. Humility allows God to decide. Seeing that God desired for men to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7) and that faith comes by the word of God (Rom. 10:17) the only way to walk/live that pleases God is to listen to His revealed will, the New Testament.

Consider another problem that we have with regards to this whole situation that Mark Henderson has brought on the churches in the Oklahoma City area. A manager at a local Wendy’s restaurant decides that he is going to start serving Big Mac’s, Quarter Ponders and McRibs on his menu. In reality he wants to be a McDonalds but he does not want to give up the Wendy’s franchise benefits. Is that local restaurant a Wendy’s or a McDonalds? Trying to be an instrumental church of Christ is like trying to be a Wendy’s selling Big Macs! Is Quail Springs a church of Christ or a Baptist Church? In reality the elders at Quail Spring are just like that manager that does not want to give up the Wendy’s franchise benefits. Its time to give up the benefits of the franchise! If you want to be the denomination known as “The Family of God at Quail Spring” have the courage to take down the sign out front that still says, “Quail Springs Church of Christ.”

Rick Popejoy

Changing God's Tune?

2008-02-06T09:43:00.000-06:00

Changing God's Tune? is the title of a response written by Rick Popejoy, Brant Stubblefield and Gil Yoder which will appear in tomorrow's religious edition in the Daily Oklahoman. Brother Jim Nash, preacher for the Lord's church in Marietta, Oklahoma provided his expertise in designing the layout of the article. Th entire staff of Reflections wishes to say, "Thank you" to each and every individual and congregation that sent immediate funds to assist in this worthwhile endeavor. Although some can't understand why actions like this are necessary, it remains imperative that such things are done as commanded in Scripture (Rom. 16:17). Hopefully, this article will serve as a teaching tool to the public as to why mechanical instruments in worship are sinful (1 Pet 4:11, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16-17). May this article also seek to rally those within the church to realize that there are still many of "us" that cling prayerfully to the old paths (Jer 6:16). Lastly, since Mr. Henderson made public these fatal false views that are "salvation issues" (inserting innovations into the worship) we regretfully mark him as a teacher of false doctrine. Let us all be in prayer that his return to the "apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42) might be soon. Again, we cannot thank our supporters enough. You are truly our "fellowhelpers" (3 John 9) and the "unsung heroes" of the day. Brethren, we must always teach, promote and defend the Christ and His one true church!

Rick and Brant

Quail Springs, Church of Christ?

2008-01-29T12:47:00.000-06:00

Emotions ranging from tears of disappointment to cheers of applause broke out when the announcement was made from the pulpit that Quail Spring (QS) would add mechanical instruments of music into the 9:00 am instrumental service. As we (Brant & Rick) viewed the list of elders of the QS online we noticed that many of them are affiliated with or came out of the Christian Church, while Mark Henderson’s background is Baptist through and through. We urge you to go to their website at http://www.quailchurch.com as well as the issue of the Daily Oklahoman http://www.newsok.com/article/keyword/3197304 for proof in black and white concerning this topic.

The elders of the QS assisted the entire congregation in committing spiritual suicide as these religious racketeers defiled the church of Christ by invading her with foreign innovations and unwarranted worship (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11). These so called elders have led the sheep to poisonous waters and shall be responsible to God on the Day of Judgment for such destruction (Heb. 13:17; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jho. 12:48). Rather than, “stopping the mouths of those who subvert whole houses” (Tit. 1:11), they decided to feed the beast of false doctrine with selfishness, pride and politics!

The church of Christ, planned by the Father (Eph. 3:10), purchased by the Son (Acts 20:28), and pattern perfected by the Holy Spirit (Jho. 16:13; Acts 2:42) is described by deity as a monogamous marriage to Christ our Lord (Eph. 5:23-25). Thus spiritual whoredom, adultery and fornication are words often used to describe those who would depart God’s covenant for another (cf. Hos. 9:1; Jas. 4:4). My friend, when God calls you a whore, you a whore!

Mark Henderson, who has referred to himself as a pastor is the prime leader in this modern day “love affair” with instrumental music! One might ask, “When did all this begin? The exact date would be hard to pinpoint, but we know that QS’s spiritual fornication began with fireworks (An annual joint fellowship between QS and QS Baptist on the 4th of July). This frolicking fornicator went much further and eventually became engaged to the Baptist denomination when they (QS) went in halves on and purchased a graven image to signify their adultery to all of society. By this point a once secretive affair was in full bloom even to the point of “glorying” (1 Cor. 5:1-2) in this spiritual sickness.

Leaders from far and near warned these brethren repeatedly (Tit. 3:9-10; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 4:2), yet to no avail. At the same time, Mark Henderson, was asked by Oklahoma Christian University to speak on their Annual Lectureship. During this time, a group of faithful preachers spearheaded by Monte Ginnings, Dave Dugan, and Mike Bentley organized a meeting of preachers, elders and concerned members at the 8th and Lee church of Christ in Lawton, Oklahoma in 2003. This issue among others was confronted publicly. Lynn McMillon (head of the Bible Department at Oklahoma Christian and an elder at Memorial Road) was silent and his silence was as loud as Texas Thunder that day!

The heated passion between Mark Henderson and Baptist doctrine continued to ignite further apostasy with each passing day. These two adulterers found it hard to even be apart one single day. This ongoing whorish activity by Mark and his followers resulted in illegitimate children. These twin demons known as Bootlegger and Innovator caused so much havoc at QS that many of the brethren called for his firing. The power of politics and cowardly leaders tolerated Mark, his spiritual affair, and his twins, to reside all the while despite brethren in and out of the congregation calling for his termination. Embarrassment swept over the entire brotherhood that a congregation would allow a so-called minister to have a spiritual affair and give him a pay raise for doing so. The denomination now known as The Family of God at Quail Springs has joined with Mark in this affair.

How tragic it is that dirty rendezvous has ended in the death the Quail Springs Church of Christ. Some sought to use the electric paddles repeatedly in hopes of shocking the life back into this church. After several attempts many recognized that the QS had indeed flat lined and no life was left. After a long and intense disease, the attending physician officially pronounced the QS dead. Today, we wear black, as we sit and mourn the loss of an entire congregation to death by spiritual suicide. One unnamed spectator reported that as the body lay in the emergency room grasping for any hopes of life that it was Mark Henderson, known spiritual adulterer that was grinning ear to ear, as he gently pressed his foot on the oxygen supply cord until the very end.

Funeral services for the Quail Springs Church of Christ are pending with Reflections Funeral Homes of Oklahoma. Gospel preachers around Oklahoma are asked to wear a black band as they preach throughout February as a symbolic reminder of the loss. Requests have been made, that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Reflections, 1205 W. Cherokee, Lindsay, Ok 73052, in hopes of finding a cure for this vicious disease.

In a related story, Mark Henderson, has been charged by the Holy Spirit for bootlegging Baptist doctrine and sneaking it into the church of Christ without permission. Evidently Mark has now fired his famous lawyer and will be representing himself at the Judgment (cf. 1 Jho. 2:1-2). His former lawyer wrote, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, [QS] because thou sufferest that [man, Henderson], which calleth [himself a pastor], to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave [him] space to repent of [his] fornication; and [he] repented not. Behold, I will cast [him] into a bed, and them that commit adultery with [him] into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill [his] children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Rev. 2:20-23).

Brant & Rick

Doctrinal Discourses

2008-01-25T11:27:00.000-06:00

Question: Is Matthew 19:9 a part of New Testament doctrine?

I suppose there is not a subject anymore misunderstood and twisted than the biblical doctrine of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage. Marriage, the oldest institution created by God and is the basic foundation of society (Gen. 2:22-24). This sacred union is described by the apostle Paul as "honourable" (Heb. 13:4). Words from the very lips of Jesus instruct us concerning our responsibility to this covenant when he declared, "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Mat. 19:9).

This inspired passage (2 Tim. 3:16-17) has come under much scrutiny by brethren, many of whom have even attempt to place this text back under the "law of Moses”! The reasoning goes something like this; since Jesus spoke these words while He was alive they must be part of the Old Testament since He had not died yet. This unwarranted doctrine causes much turmoil to her advancers. First, how do they deal with Matthew 18, wherein Jesus gives teaching regarding how to handle an offense between brethren within the church? The church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament, separate and apart from the mind of God (Eph. 3:10). It is obvious that Jesus was simply giving future inspired instruction to serve the church that was yet future in existence. Secondly, are we to conclude that all Bible passages that were spoken and or recorded before the death of Jesus belong under the Law of Moses? If so, that would cause insurmountable problems in proper hermeneutics of the Bible. If you have a comment on this subject we want to hear from you!

Brant

Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom

2008-01-15T11:28:00.000-06:00

I often hear people bemoan the fact that the church today is not growing “like it did in the 40’s and 50’s.” The question is then asked, “How can we restart the fire that once burned within our bosom?” Listen to the apostle Paul as he describes his passion in Ephesus: "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,... Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:20, 26-27).

Far too many spiritual farmers (1 Cor. 3:9) desire fruit without the cultivation (Jer. 1:10). Some curse the soil (Luke 8:12-14), others chastise the method of the sower (Luke 8:5), while others alter the seed (Luke 8:11). The sower, seed and soil must work in harmony if the fruit is to be brought to perfection.

Needed Principles:

An old-fashion work ethic applied to the church.
A strong sense of ethics and morality.
An aggressiveness with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saturation with the gospel.

This method of saturation was first brought to my attention by a missionary in Wyoming of whom I learned a great deal from regarding evangelism.

Reflections' Seminar 08

2008-01-14T15:33:00.000-06:00

A Point of Light in a Dark Night is the theme of the 2008 Reflections' Seminar. Each speaker will focus upon a particular aspect of the life and work of Jesus as recorded in the book of Matthew. More information to the forthcoming later.

Mark your calendars for May 2-3, 2008 for a great time of sweet fellowship with brethren from numerous states. If you are interested in attending and need accommodations, please call the Lindsay office at (405) 756.2366 or (405) 756.8629. We look forward to seeing you there.

For His Cause,
Brant & Rick

Time's Creator Gets Less & Less

2008-01-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

Average Person lives 77 years. That is 28,000 days, 670,000 hours and 40,000,000 minutes. How does he spend his time?

Telephone* (40 minutes each day, 20 hours per month, 10 days per year, 2 years in a lifetime).

Bathroom (1 hour each day, 20 hours per month, 15 days per year, 3 years in a lifetime).

Getting dressed (26 minutes each day, 13 hours per month, 7 days per year, 1 year in a lifetime).

Television (3 hours per day, 90 hours per month, 45 days per year, 9 years in a lifetime).

The great apostle Paul admonished his brethren in Ephesus to make sure that they were "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). Matthew Henry wrote, "redeeming the time (v. 16), literally, buying the opportunity. It is a metaphor taken from merchants and traders who diligently observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade." American merchants have created a mass frenzy starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and running well into January the next year. It is our hope to create that same frenzy among Christians in Fort Worth for June 8-14, 2007. Join us in redeeming the time.

Thanks,

Brant & Rick

* These numbers do no include teenage daughters.

Theme Announced

2008-01-11T14:02:00.000-06:00

His Blood '08 has been selected as our theme for the campaign in Fort Worth, Texas, June 8-14, 2008! This prominent Biblical subject will produce powerful soul-stirring messages on a wide variety of much needed topics including: morality, Christ, salvation, the church, racism, etc. As the popular song states, "There is Power in the Blood"! Hopefully you are as confident about the theme of this campaign as we are. All feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Rick & Brant

Cowtown Petition

2008-01-10T10:06:00.000-06:00

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).

Matthew Henry writes, “supplications for the averting of evil, prayers for the obtaining of good, intercessions for others, and thanksgivings for mercies already received.” A supplication or petition is “that which is asked with urgency based on presumed need.”

Need: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 The. 3:1-2).

For His Cause,
Brant & Rick

Stewart Calls Concerning Cowtown Campaign

2008-01-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

Longtime evangelist and well know campaign expert, Ivan Stewart called the Lindsay office this afternoon, January 8th, inquiring about the upcoming Cowtown Campaign in Fort Worth, Texas.

During this thirty minute phone conversation brother Stewart asked to see a copy of the campaign strategy in order that he might offer some suggestions. Evangelistic zeal is no stranger to brother Stewart who at 85 years young remains strong and active in the winning of souls (Pro. 11:30) Thanks, Ivan!

Cowtown Campaign scheduled for June 8-14, 2008 is exciting to say the least. We are currently in need of additional volunteers. Please call (405) 756-2366 or (405) 756-8629 to ask how you can join in with the campaign. As Nehemiah of old said, “let us rise up and build (2:17). Check this blog daily for breaking news about Cowtown Campaign!

Thanks to all,
Brant & Rick

Cowtown Campaign: Coming This Summer

2007-12-18T15:10:00.000-06:00

JUNE 6-14, 2008

Mark your calanders, "Cowtown" here we come!

Be sure and keep up with latebreaking news right here on the Refelctions' blog site.

The Grace of God That Brings Salvation

2007-12-14T15:32:00.000-06:00

When the Holy Spirit authored the letter to Titus, the instructions to Titus were to set things in order in the church on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). In this letter Titus was given the qualifications for elders to be "ordained in every city" (1:5). Also instructions were given for dealing with false teachers, and the importance of "Sound Doctrine" was stressed. He gave timeless instruction concerning the proper conduct of "aged men," "aged women," "young women," and "young men" (2:2-10). Then he declares; "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (2:11). We ask the question, what is this, and what does it mean?

In Acts 20:24, Paul through inspiration tells us WHAT it is. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." This gospel of the grace of God contains, commandments, words, and laws.

How does this "grace of God" bring salvation? The answer; through preaching. Paul said; "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom.1:16). The Holy Spirit also reveals to us that it is the responsibility of the church to proclaim this message. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Eph.3:10). This will include all religious instruction man needs for proper service to the Lord.

To whom has this "grace of God" appeared? The scripture says to "all men." It is no longer only for the Jews, but for all men. God does not want for anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9), but for everyone to come to repentance. This however does not negate man’s responsibility to be obedient to the Lord’s commands.

We are told that this "Grace of God that brings salvation" teaches things (Titus 2:12). "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" This will involve more than just "Grace only." The grace of God teaches us both negatively and positively.

Negatively, that we must deny: ungodliness, and worldly lusts. Meaning that even though we live in this world we cannot act like this world, for we, as obedient Christians, have been redeemed from all iniquity, and purified unto Christ, a peculiar people (Titus 2:14).
This grace of God that brings salvation teaches us positively that we must live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (2:13). We are then to be "Christlike" in our thinking and behavior as we influence others in this walk of life.

No doubt, we are saved by GRACE (Rom.8:24), but we are also saved by FAITH (Acts 16:30-31), and by MERCY (Titus 3:5), and by OBEDIENCE (Heb.5:8-9), as well as the WORD (James 1:21). Fact of the matter is that the "Grace of God that brings salvation" includes all of the above.

David Harris

Racism: A Sourge of Society

2007-12-04T10:14:00.000-06:00

Racism is a problem in the United States in 2007. But it doesn’t seem as bad now as it did in the past. From the 1600s until the mid-1800s, black people were owned—OWNED—by Americans of many colors, but mostly by whites.

Even after slavery ended, racism continued. It was institutionalized in the South with Jim Crow laws. Segregated businesses and schools in the first half of the 20th century reminded everyone that black Americans were considered second-class citizens.

America has come a long way since then, but racism still exists. And it probably always will, just like theft, murder and lying will always exist. Some people will always dislike others simply because of the color of their skin.

Unfortunately, sometimes even people who claim to follow Christ look down on those of a different color. But that’s nothing new. Part of the argument for slavery in the 1800s was that the Bible taught that black people were cursed descendants of Ham. Allegedly, the curse was that they would be slaves forever.

Pro-slavery ideology rested on the assumption of black inferiority. This legacy stayed with some Americans through the 20th century, and some still hold this view today.

Are some races inferior? If so, is it OK to treat them with less respect?

The Biblical answers are no, and no.

Genesis chapter one tells us that God created man in His image. If all humans descended from Adam and Eve, this means the entire world’s races have common ancestors. Paul affirms this in Acts 17:26 when he says that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”

God made all humans of one blood. We all trace our beginning to Adam and Eve. Since they were made in God’s image, all humans are made in the image of God. All people, all nationalities, all colors. We’re all made in the image of God.

This suggests that all people are entitled to equal treatment. IF the Bible tells us how to treat someone, that’s how we should treat everyone, since there’s no difference in value among different races.

Over and over we’re told to treat people with respect and kindness. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” We call it The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat other people the way you want to be treated—with kindness, dignity and compassion. Not just people of your race—everybody.

In James 2:1-9, James condemns showing partiality to the rich and mistreating the poor—what he calls showing “respect to persons” in verse 9. The same principle applies when dealing with people of your race and other races. All humans are worthy of equal treatment; we’re all made in God’s image.

Paul tells the Galatians in chapter 3, verses 26 through 28 of that book, that God doesn’t made distinctions among races if you are “in Christ.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, black or white, rich or poor; all are equal before God. But even if someone of a different color or race isn’t a Christian, he’s still made in God’s image and is worthy of respect and kind treatment.

People who claim to be Christians, but who discriminate against those of another race or color, give Christianity a bad name. But the Bible, specifically the New Testament, does not teach that whites are superior. It doesn’t sanction discrimination or racism. The religion of Jesus calls on His disciples to “do unto others.”

If you don’t treat all people, regardless of race, color or nationality, as worthy of your respect, you’re certainly not practicing the religion of Jesus. Christianity makes the world better, not worse. If Christianity were practiced the way Jesus and the apostles teach us to practice it through the pages of the New Testament, racism would end.

Landry Brewer

Lawton Preacher's Forum

2007-11-20T09:35:00.000-06:00

The Seven Churches of Asia

2007-10-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

(click on picture to enlarge)

God does not tolerate congregations who depart from the New Testament pattern. There is much apostasy today in the church and it is very plain according to the letters to the seven churches in Asia (Rev. 2-3) that their candelstick can be removed. Yet, at what point does this drastic and tragic event take place?

The Need to Answer Error

2007-10-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

by Tom Wacaster

Every child of God has the sacred obligation to "be ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). We are to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Our Lord told us to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Our responsibility is no less than those Christians of the first century who were told, "believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 Jno. 4:1). The past twenty years have seen an ever increasing defection of once-faithful, stalwart soldiers of the cross. Men who once stood in the gap and wielded the sword of the Spirit with skill and effectiveness have gone over to the enemy.

A once faithful brother wrote: "It is not possible to overemphasize the damage done by perverse preceptors. They not only cause division (a thing God hates), but the ultimate outcome of their treachery, whether that treachery be witting or unwitting, is eternal loss to all who are led astray by their influence." With regard to our Lord's admonition, "beware" is a forceful word. It is a warning. It says to us, "Look out, danger, peril, jeopardy, risk, hazard." It screams at us, "Pay attention. Be on guard."

We are locked in a battle with error. Truth will prevail, of that we are certain. But we must do our part to uphold that truth, moving neither to the left nor to the right. There is always the danger that a little compromise will eventually lead to wholesale apostasy. Hence the need to answer false doctrines forcefully, faithfully, and forthrightly. Time is of the essence; souls are at stake; the cause of Christ must not suffer! Unfortunately the ranks of those who will address the issues continue to diminish. But if we are to pass the torch to the next generation we dare not waver in our sacred duty to uphold the truth at all costs. The late F.B. Srygley was right on target:

"Fighting for the Truth is almost a lost art. Men who are enjoying the benefits of the Gospel unmixed with human error, are enjoying these benefits because our fathers fought for the Truth. Every inch of ground from that mysterious way of being saved, which was better felt than told, to the plain conditions of pardon as taught in the New Testament, was fought out for us by our fathers. If someone before us had not fought for the Truth, most of us might yet be in the fog of denominational teaching. This is not the time to temporize or make friends with error (F.B. Syrgley (Madisonville, KY: In Word and Doctrine, Oct-Dec, 1992), page 19; originally appeared in the Gospel Advocate, 1928)

False teachers have been tolerated, ignored, and in some instances embraced by unfaithful elders, preachers and members. Far too little has been done in answer to the false teachers presently assailing the walls of Zion. We only pray that it is not too late to take our stand and defend the truth.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

2007-09-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

The art of peacemaking is an international concern and depends a great deal upon the type of hostility which exists. Studies in peacemaking are offered on the campus of every major university throughout the world. Hostility reduction is an entire field of study itself and one that every child of God should major in. Peacemakers, secular or spiritual; individual, national or international; base their work upon a self-evident principle: you cannot reduce hostilities without an understanding of the nature and background of the hostilities themselves.

Disagreements concerning the method of peacemaking generally depends upon the accepted standard. The Blackstone tradition of law, for example, argues that every law must have its underpinning upon an eternal foundation. According to Blackstone “they are to be found only in holy scriptures.” Again, “Men do not make laws, they do but discover them. Laws must be justified by something more than the will of the majority. They must rest on the eternal foundation of righteousness.” (Calvin Coolidge).

The following is a list of several types of hostilities that exist between man and his fellow man or between man and his God. Although there may be similarities in the process there are important differences which shall be noted in this article.

Alien Hostilities (Mark 16:15-16)
This hostility exists because of the nature of the two kingdoms; the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light (Col. 1:13; Phi. 3:20; Eph. 2:1—3, 18-19). In fact, Ephesians chapter two is an inspired thesis on divine peacemaking. Within the kingdom of darkness are individuals that are not citizens in the kingdom of God. They have not obeyed the gospel plan of salvation. The blood of Jesus has not washed away their sins (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 1:7). Therefore the wrath of God is upon them (Rom. 5:8-10). If one desires to be translated from the devil’s kingdom to the kingdom of God dear Son, he must be willing to submit to the blessed and only Potentate, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:15). The will of Jesus must be preeminent (Col. 1:18).

Personal Hostilities (Mat. 18:15-17)
This hostility exists because one man has transgressed against another. The misapplication of this passage has made many a man skeptical about God’s pattern of peacemaking and going about to establish their own they have denied the beauty and majesty of God’s wonderful scheme of redeeming man to his former state with his fellowman. Even Eli of old understood the difference in an infraction between two men and one between a man and his God (cf. 1 Sam. 3:25).

Neglected Hostilities (Acts 6:1-8)
This hostility exists because of a carelessness or oversight of the Grecian widows in the church of Christ at Jerusalem. According to many Old Testament passages it is a serious breach of one’s compassion and his desire to be godly (Deu. 24:19-21; 26:12; Isa. 1:17; Mal. 3:5; Jas. 1:27).

Teaching Hostilities (Rom. 16:17-18)
This hostility exists because covetousness wherein teachers using feigned words would seek to make merchandise of the brethren (2 Pet. 2:1-3). Jesus is the first to describe the nature of the hostilities as deception; they are wolves who appear in sheep’s clothing (Mat. 7:15-20). Jude calls them “ungodly men turning the grace of God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 4).

Moral Hostilities (1 Cor. 5:1-13)
This hostility exists because of immorality accepted, tolerated or prided within the number of the disciples. It is the redefining iniquity in order to take pleasure in those things that God hates (Pro. 6:16; Isa. 5:20).

Disorderly Hostilities (1 The. 5:14; 2 The. 3:6, 11, 14-15)
This hostility exists because unruly men (cf. Acts 17:5; 19:21-34). Some of the Thessalonians were guilty of walking disorderly because they did not live nor govern themselves according to the principles of Christ (cf. Phi. 3:16; Gal. 6:16). Matthew Henry correctly observes, “It is required of those who have received the gospel, and who profess a subjection to it, that they live according to the gospel. If they do not, they are to be counted disorderly persons.”

Subverted Hostilities (Tit. 3:10-11)
This hostility exists because men would rather draw disciples away to themselves rather than converting men to Christ (cf. Acts 20:28-31). They would use whatever means at their disposal (good or evil) to accomplish this twisted plan to become leaders among men.

Understanding therefore the nature of the hostility is essential in dealing with the enmity that arises because of each.

Rick Popejoy

A Tree Fell in the Forest

2007-09-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

A tree fell in the forest, but no one heard it—at least no one who reads the Christian Chronicle.

The fallen tree was the decision by the Quail Springs Church of Christ elders in Oklahoma City to add mechanical instruments of music to their worship.

When the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas decided to add mechanical instruments in December, 2006 the Chronicle rushed into print with a full report of that decision. (www.christianchronicle.org). In that story, Chronicle reporter Bobby Ross, Jr. wrote,

The Richland Hills church in Texas — the largest of the nation’s 13,000 a cappella Churches of Christ — has decided to add an instrumental worship assembly with communion on Saturday nights. Jon Jones, an elder and former pulpit minister at the 6,400-member church, told the congregation Dec. 3 that Richland Hills’ elders "fully and completely" endorsed the decision (ibid, “Nation’s Largest Church of Christ Adding Instrumental Service”).

But when Quail Springs, which is in the Chronicle’s own back yard, followed Richland Hills’ lead in January, 2007, the paper’s silence was deafening. The Chronicle’s parent company, Oklahoma Christian University, had Quail Springs’ preacher, Mark Henderson, as a chapel speaker on Monday, February 2, 2007, less than a week after he and the Quail Springs elders made their announcement to add mechanical instruments to their worship (www.quailchurch.com) but there was nary a peep about mechanical instruments where Henderson preaches.

Neither Chronicle Editor, Lynn McMillon, nor Oklahoma Christian University President Mike O’Neal will take public issue with Quail Springs’ decision, which is, itself, public on the worldwide web, and although it’s been six months since Quail Springs made their announcement on January 28, 2007, Chronicle readers still haven’t heard that tree fall in the forest. Oh, by the way, Rick Atchley was also a chapel speaker at Oklahoma Christian University in the fall of 2006.

Jerry Brewer

Here is a very telling note from a Chronicle reader in response “Nation’s Largest Church of Christ Adding Instrumental Service”.

Here is a very telling note from Mike in response to the Richland Hills article:
“Way to go Richland Hills!!! We did this in Feb. of 2005. In 2006 we moved the service to Sunday nights.”

The Catholic Church is...

2007-07-14T18:12:00.000-05:00

RIGHT:

Jesus built and established but one church (Mat. 16:18; cf. Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23).
Denominations are not a part of the true church (Col. 1:18; 1 Cor. 1:10).

WRONG:

The Catholic Church is the result of an apostasy from the that one church (1 Tim. 4:1-4).
The Catholic Church is their own source of authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17).
The Catholic Church worships through Mary, Peter, etc., (Mat. 4:10; Acts 10:26).
The Catholic Church has a hierarchy system (Phi. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).
The Catholic Church baptizes babies (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
The Catholic Church teaches Adamic sin (Mat. 18:1-6; Eze. 18:4, 20).
The Catholic preist recieves confession in place of God (1 Jho. 1:7-10; Jas. 5:16).

"Marking the word of God of none effect thorugh your traditions, which ye have delivered:and many such like things do ye" - Mark 7:13