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West Side Church of Christ    

Putting the Kingdom of God First and Church Attendance

                 We wish to consider the following two scriptural statements in conjunction with one another.  The Lord Jesus Christ declared in the Sermon on the Mount, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33).  The writer of the book of Hebrews admonished, “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” (Heb. 10:25).

The word “church” means assembly, and the church is the kingdom of God.  Therefore, a Christian's faithfulness in church attendance is a good indicator as to whether he or she is really seeking first the kingdom of God.  One’s priority’s and values are made evident here.  If Christ is first in our lives, we will meet on the first day of every week to remember the Lord’s death in the Lord’s Supper (Lk. 22:19,20; Acts 20:7).  If we are indeed disciples of Christ, disciples meaning learners, we will meet with other disciples (learners) of Christ to learn all that we can about Christ and his teachings (about God’s Word, the Bible).  Remember Acts 2:42.  Recall that “the disciples (learners) were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26) in connection with being assembled for that very purpose, learning.  We are not to forsake the assembly.  It is the church of Christ.  To forsake the assembly is to forsake Christ.  And if we find ourselves in a situation locally where there is no faithful New Testament church, we therewith are that church and should begin assembling as such.

Let us further scrutinize ourselves in reference to the assembly and its teaching program (and it indeed should involve real teaching, not just some little “devotionals” and meaningless sweet nothings).  Recognition of God and religion has been pushed out of our public schools by the secular humanist.  Consequently, young people, as they study and prepare themselves for life day after day, get the impression that God and religion are unimportant and have nothing to do with life.  It is sad to say, but many professing Christians subconsciously have absorbed this godless (and ungodly) way of thinking.  They would not think of their children being absent from public school, nor tolerate it, but when it comes to Bible study at church, any truancy is allowable (whether it be staying home to study for public school, sports, scouts, going to the beach, or whatever comes up).  Studying the Bible and Christianity are irrelevant to real life (that is what they in essence are saying, in spite of what the Lord said in Mt. 6:33).  God is not first, if at all, in their lives.  At other times visitors may come.  The assembly is missed.  Who comes first?  The assembly is missed again (especially on Sunday evenings and the midweek).  “Members” are seen absorbed in their watching of television or have gone to “take in” some worldly entertainment (or to be with their worldly friends).  What has taken first place in their lives?  In those “perilous times” of the last days that the apostle Paul said were coming, he states that people would be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2Tim. 3:1,4).  And he is talking about religious people too, for he said that they would be  “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (3:5).

We could go on with this little dissertation and even enlarge upon our thoughts derived from Mt. 6:33 and Heb. 10:25.  But church attendance is only the edge of the iceberg.  Faithfulness in this respect would lead us to believe that a person is likewise conscientiously trying to be faithful in other areas of his life.  Absence in church attendance indicates there are problems in a person’s life greater than missing church.  Considering everything, is God really first in our lives?  - James Gibbons 

Bibliolatry

      At first glance this word might seem like a good word. After all, any word containing the Bible as its root must be a good word, right? To the contrary, this word is defined as “excessive reverence for the Bible; extravagant devotion to or dependence upon books.” While the Bible should be revered, one who is guilty of bibliolatry has more reverence for the leather bound volume, its paper and ink, than he does for its contents. For him, the book itself holds more meaning than the commands it gives, the sentiments it conveys and the principles it teaches.

     I remember well studying the Scriptures with a man and his wife for an extended period of time. Throughout the course of that study the man refused to lick his finger and turn the page in his Bible. He was adamant about not wrinkling a page or otherwise doing any damage to the book itself. In due time, this man came to see the truth of what God’s word teaches. He saw such things as the uniqueness of Christ’s church, the essentiality of baptism and the requirements of approved worship. However, when called upon to leave his present religious affiliation and obey what the Bible teaches in order to be added to the Lord’s church, he decided he would stay where he was. This man thought more of the Bible (the ink and paper) than he did of the Scriptures. To him, the Bible was nothing more than an idol, a token, a symbol.

     What about us? Do we see the Bible as some mystical production that is better seen than studied? That is better possessed than proclaimed? That is better enshrined than examined? If we hold the product dearer than the Producer, the pages more precious than the proclamations, or the material more relevant than the message, we, too, are guilty of bibliolatry. If we count our Bible as dear to us, but then refuse to obey what it says, are we really an better off with it than without it? Remember the words of Jesus: “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15).

-Eddy

Scripturally-based Budgeting

(Part I)

The purpose of budgeting is to provide one with peace of mind and confidence in achieving financial goals.  God expects us to be actively involved in planning and managing our financial affairs.  “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9 NKJ).  Therefore, as we apply some practical concepts to managing our finances, God provides godly wisdom.  Following basic Biblical principles in financial matters can allow us freedom from the anxiety, worry, and tension which often accompany difficulties in this area of life.  So, what must we do according to God’s plan to achieve financial peace?

1) Acknowledge God’s Ownership.  A Christian must understand that ownership of every thing belongs to God.  This means money, time, family, material possessions, education, and even earning potential for the future.  This is essential to experience a joyful life in the area of finances (see Ps. 8:4-6).  There can be no substitute for this step.  If one believes that one is the owner of even a single possession, then the events affecting that possession are going to affect one’s attitude.  However, if one makes a total transfer of everything to God, He will demonstrate His ability.  This is one of those “easier said than done” philosophies but its’ implementation is vital.

2) Get Rid of Debt Overload.  A Christian must get out of overloaded debt as soon as possible.  This is defined as: payment is past due for money, goods, services that are owed to other people; your total unsecured liabilities exceed your total assets (negative net worth); your family’s basic needs are not being met, producing anxiety in the area of financial responsibility.

3) Develop a Written Plan.  A written plan is an absolute necessity for anyone who is struggling financially.  Such a plan should list all expenditures in order of importance.  This order is crucial because many struggling financially have lost the point of reference between needs, wants, and desires.  What does the Bible say about these: Needs- Purchases made to provide basic requirements of food, clothing, a job, home, medical coverage, etc.  I Tim. 6:8 states “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”  Wants- These involve choices about the quality of things we choose to acquire, such as dress clothes vs. work clothes, steak vs. hamburger.  These verses give a point of reference for determining wants “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Pet. 3:3-4).  Desires-  These are choices we make in keeping with God’s plan that can be made only out of surplus funds after all other obligations have been met.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (I Jn. 2:15-16)

4) Determine Your Necessities.  Society and the media work overtime to shape our minds into making things a “necessity”.  Prov. 21:17 states “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”  Christians need to honestly determine true necessities for their family.  Don’t let others influence us into making poor decisions about what are the true needs in our lives.

5) Think Before Spending.  A Christian who is in debt (and even those who are not) should think before every purchase (see Prov. 24:3; Luke 14:28).  Every purchase should be evaluated: Is this good/service a need, want, or desire?  Can I continue to rent/go to movies, subscribe to magazines, go to amusement parks, or buy a boat/sports car, while I still owe money to others? (to be continued…)

 (Adapted from ETSOP Lectures article by Greg Woodall)

The purpose of budgeting is to provide one with peace of mind and confidence in achieving financial goals.  God expects us to be actively involved in planning and managing our financial affairs.  “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9 NKJ).  Therefore, as we apply some practical concepts to managing our finances, God provides godly wisdom.  Following basic Biblical principles in financial matters can allow us freedom from the anxiety, worry, and tension which often accompany difficulties in this area of life.  So, what must we do according to God’s plan to achieve financial peace?

6) Stop Buying on Credit.  A Christian in debt should make purchases on a cash-only basis.  Continuing to add to one’s financial burden with continued purchases on credit only compounds and extends the problem.  Changing one’s habits to “pay-as-you-go” goes a long way towards achieving financial freedom.

7) Start Saving.  A Christian should practice saving money on a regular basis, including those who are in debt.  Even saving $5 a month develops the discipline of saving.  One need not love money and possessions (see Matt. 19:16-22; I Tim. 6:10) but God expects us to be prepared for the future, “There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” (Prov. 21:20).

8) Establish Your Weekly Contribution.  Every Christian should establish his or her contribution as a minimum acknowledgement of God’s ownership.  As mentioned previously, how can we say that we have given total ownership to God when we have never provided “evidence” to that fact?  I Cor. 16:2 shows our giving is to be planned, periodic, and proportional to our provisions from God.  In managing our finances, one cannot sacrifice God’s part; one must choose a portion of one’s own expenditures to sacrifice, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:6-7)

9) Accept God’s Provision.  To obtain financial peace, recognize and accept that God’s provision is used to direct each of our lives.  God never promised each of us to live in great abundance, rather He would allow us enough provision to live in this world, ““Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:31-33)  Keeping ourselves from being caught up in materialism requires discipline and planning and an acceptance of the sufficiency of the blessings God give us.

10) Avoid Indulgence.  To achieve financial freedom, every Christian must avoid the indulgences of life.  The range in which God’s Will can be found is between Luke 9:23 when Christ said “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” and Jn. 6:27 “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”  Does my lifestyle fit within this range?  Am I willing to trust God and deny myself some indulgences?  An honest assessment of our expenditures can often reveal areas in which we can reduce financial burdens by eliminated unneeded indulgences.

11) Develop a Budget.  Ah, the dreaded “B” word!  Too many of us avoid creating a budget because it causes us to really evaluate how we use our financial resources.  A budget helps us discipline our spending by keeping our “needs” as priorities and minimizing our “wants”.

A class is being planned for later this year that is designed to help anyone interested in developing and implementing a family/personal budget based on Biblical principles.  Stay tuned for more details.  – The Elders

The Psychology of Man
Part 2
Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

On March 16, 2001, a biology professor of the University of New Mexico, Randy Thornhill, delivered a lecture at Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre in Vancouver. His transcript stated that “rape is evolutionary, biological, and natural.” He further argued that “rape itself is an adaptation, a product of direct selection for rape in the past. Our male ancestors became ancestors in part because they conditionally used rape” (Thornhill, 2001). In his new book, A Natural History of Rape (coauthored by Craig T. Palmer), Thornhill characterized rape as an “adaptive reproductive strategy.” The authors contend that rape is a sexual act that has its origins in what could be called the “Darwinist imperative”—i.e., the desire to reproduce and pass on one’s genes.

This newfound “wisdom” regarding man and his ancestry has also been used to explain away the hideous actions of murder. In a now-famous (or infamous) article in the New York Times Magazine, MIT professor of psychology Steven Pinker argued that society should not treat mothers who kill their newborn children the same way it treats those who kill older children and adults. That’s because, in Pinker’s estimation, women who murder their newborn babies may not be mad or evil, but unconsciously obeying primeval instincts to sacrifice their children for the good of the tribe (1997). Charles Darwin declared: “There is no fundamental difference between man and the higher mammals in their mental faculties” (Darwin, 1898). And so now professors expound that murder, rape, and adultery are “natural responses” to our ancient evolutionary heritage.

Have we forgotten how to reason? If we allow these ludicrous seeds to be planted in the hearts of men, then responsibility for every abominable act will soon fall to our alleged animal ancestry. According to this new line of thinking, the psychology of man can only be understood by looking to the animal kingdom—–for it is there, according to evolutionists, that we have acquired all of our traits.  A lion is not plagued by guilt after killing a gazelle’s infant offspring for its noon meal. A dog does not experience remorse after stealing a bone from one of its peers. Without God there is no moral right or wrong. The psalmist penned these words: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1).

Should we seek wisdom? Most assuredly—but wisdom from God, not this foolish and pathetic composition of theories proposed by men. James told us: “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth” (Proverbs 17:24). Our knowledge and understanding of the psychology of man should come from God, Who has set forth what is right and wrong. God Himself is the unchanging standard of moral law. His perfectly holy nature is the ground or basis upon which “right” and “wrong,” “good” and “evil” are determined. Neither evolution-based psychology nor humanistic based psychology can explain the true nature of man. Only God’s word can do that.

The Psychology of Man

Part 1
Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

As medical dictionaries grow with newly recognized syndromes and diseases, our society routinely turns to science for an explanation. Individuals want to know what causes certain behaviors, and how we can protect ourselves from becoming the next medical statistic.  Researchers have upheld their end of the bargain, and have supplied society with new theories regarding the health, personalities, learning, perception, and motivation of humans. Aside from maybe common laboratory rodents, human beings are the most studied and analyzed creature on this planet. Psychology departments all across America have experienced a surge of enrollment, as students seek to study human behavior and development. However, this sudden wave of interest in the “psychology of man” has left horrible consequences in its wake. As our desire for knowledge has increased, the words of Almighty God have, for many people, become empty words that no longer hold any value. We have forgotten that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). Instead, freshman psychology classes are filled with young minds that learn the theories of Freud and Pavlov.

In an effort to learn the psychology of man, these young people are memorizing the pages of textbooks written by highly acclaimed scholars in the field—experts in this discipline that claim to hold the answers of why men act the way they do. I would suggest, however, that if people truly desired to learn about the thoughts and intentions of men, they should meditate and study the Bible. What better author to tell us about the mind and how it works than the One Who created it in the first place. The Old Testament is replete with examples of the actions and thoughts of men. However, the Bible is now the object of ridicule and scorn, as men set new parameters for what they consider true “wisdom.”

In an effort to teach and pass along the latest knowledge about the psychology of man, a new discipline now is being taught in many universities—a discipline formed specifically to combat the notion of God. When college freshman peruse course catalogs, they now find courses such as evolutionary psychology or sociobiology. Regardless of the name used to describe the class, the goal is still the same—to explain human behavior in Darwinian/evolutionary terms and remove any biblical implications. College students now sit at the feet of professors who attempt to address—using evolutionary presuppositions—why humans rape, murder, and commit adultery.

- continued next week

Man—No Longer Endowed by a Creator?
Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

“In the beginning was matter, which begat the amoeba, which begat the worm, which begat the fish, which begat the amphibian, which begat the reptile, which begat the lower mammal, which begat the lemur, which begat the monkey, which begat man, who imagined God.” This, according to atheist Charles Smith, is the genealogy of man. Sadly, he is far from being alone in his views of man’s origin. In fact, a vast majority of modern-day scientists cling vehemently to this Darwinist view of origins as “gospel” on the matter. It has become the light under which all new data is examined. It has become their religion—one for which they will fight in order to secure its place in academia. And it appears that they are winning.

While you may find the concept of men evolving from some primordial slime repulsive or sickening, the reality of the current politically climate is far worse. For in our country, the only theory about man’s origins allowed in the classroom is this fallacious concept of organic evolution: amoeba to man. And although our country declared its independence with these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (emp. added), we now live in a land where we can no longer discuss that Creator in the classroom. When Thomas Jefferson penned those famous words, he illustrated that from the very beginning, America recognized human rights as a gift of God, not something created by government.

This war to erase God has taken place in every form of media. If this movement had a special forces unit—such as the Navy Seals or Army Rangers—it would most surely be called evolution or neo-Darwinism. The belief of a special creation has been discounted in magazines, on the television, and has now fallen under attack within the Church. The atheists and agnostics of the world have been effective at casting doubt on the very first verse of the Bible, where it clearly states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1). These words are no longer viewed as the words of Almighty God, but rather as a nice introduction to a fable or myth. Day-after-day our children sit at the feet of professors who, using fancy words and scientific theories, teach that man’s origins are the result of some Big Bang or Punctuated Equilibrium. And thus we find ourselves in a nation that has outlawed God from the classroom, and who now believes their own origin can be explained by some cosmological accident.

But that is not the most heartrending part. The truly tragic part is that Christians are now clinging to this fictitious theory of how man arrived on the Earth. People who have confessed the name of Christ are suddenly giving more credence to a CNN news report, than to the inspired, God-breathed, Holy Bible. They, too, are willing to toss aside those powerful words—“In the beginning God created…”—in favor of man’s latest scientific theory. Sadly, in the process of discounting the first few chapters of Genesis, these Christians are undermining the very foundation of their own religion. If they question the way the Bible explains how man arrived on this Earth, then what makes them think they can believe what it says regarding salvation and the afterlife? If God did not do it the way He said He did, then why should we believe He sent His only Son to die for our sins? Have Christians not realized the embodiment of all that they are compromising when they buy into evolution and the idea of a six billion year old Earth? If we are to believe and protect the rest of the Bible, then we must be ready to believe and defend that God created the world around us the way He said He did—in six literal days.

Renew Your Mind
Brad Harrub, Ph.D. 

Is faith a “blind leap” or can one know the Bible holds all Truth? Consider a piece of evidence from the field of archaeology—the Moabite stone (also known as the Mesha Inscription). A missionary named F.A. Klein first discovered the stone in August of 1868. When he initially saw the black basalt stone, it measured approximately 3.5 feet high and 2 feet wide. Years later, Arabs decided to shatter it (possibly for profit or for retaliation) and the pieces ended up being scattered. But eventually, about two-thirds of the original stone ended up being relocated, and currently reside at the Louvre in Paris.

The written inscription on the stone provides a piece of outstanding evidence that verifies the Bible’s accuracy. Mesha, the king of Moab, had the stone cut in c. 850 B.C. to relate his numerous battle conquests. In the over 30-line text (composed of approximately 260 words), Mesha mentioned that Omri was the king of Israel, just as 1 Kings 16:21-28 indicates. Furthermore, it mentions Ahab, Omri’s son, in close connection with the Moabites, as does 2 Kings 3:4-6. In addition, both the stone and 2 Kings 3:4-6 list Mesha as King of Moab. Further down in the inscription, the stone records the Israelite tribe of Gad, and the Israelite God, Yahweh. Each word verifying the accuracy of the Bible!

Another important feature of the Moabite stone is the fact that it resolved a question that has remained unanswered for years. The biblical record chronicles the Moabite suppression under King David and King Solomon, and how the Moabites broke free at the beginning of the divided kingdom. However, the Bible also mentions (2 Kings 3:4) that Ahab was receiving tribute from Moab. As Alfred Hoerth has remarked: “Nowhere does the Bible state how or when Moab was reclaimed, for Ahab to be receiving such tribute. The Moabite Stone provides that information, telling, as it does, of Omri’s conquest from the Moabite point of view.” Taken as a whole, the Moabite stone remains one of the most impressive pieces of evidence verifying the historical accuracy of the Old Testament. We have the evidence—our faith should not be a “blind leap.”

Renew your Mind by Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

Evolutionary Hoaxes

“Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.” This phrase, often heard in freshman biology classes, was coined by 19^th century German biologist Ernst Haeckel to describe the idea that the human embryo replays the steps of evolution as it develops. Specifically, this theory says that human embryos pass through a progression of abbreviated stages in the womb that resembles primary evolutionary stages (e.g., fish, amphibian, reptile) during the course of development.

While Haeckel’s name might not sound familiar to you, one of the drawings he used to bolster his theory probably is. This now-familiar illustration of embryos of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals lined up side-by-side is a common staple in most biology and embryology textbooks. This single figure has altered the public consciousness and has become one of the best known “evidences” for evolution. Additionally, some individuals use this principle of “recapitulation” to justify abortion (they argue that after all, at various stages the human embryo is no different from a fish or reptile).

There is only one small problem. Haeckel’s illustration was a fake! He drew the human embryo to look just like the early embryo of the fish, amphibian, and reptile—but it doesn’t. Ironically, the fact that these drawings are a fraud is “old-hat” to biologists. History records that Haeckel was accused of scientific fraud by his peers. Recognition of his falsehoods still appears in scientific journals, as noted in a letter to the editor in the May 15, 1998 issue of Science.

We could ignore this pathetic chapter in the history of evolutionism—were it still so popularly used in American textbooks. Even Dr. Benjamin Spock saw fit to perpetuate Haeckel’s recapitulation myth in his well-known book, Baby and Child Care. Spock confidently assured expectant mothers that “each child as he develops is retracing the whole history of mankind, physically and spiritually, step by step. A baby starts off in the womb as a single tiny cell, just the way the first living thing appeared in the ocean. Weeks later, as he lies in the amniotic fluid of the womb, he has gills like a fish” (1998, p. 223).

Make sure your children and grandchildren know when they see these drawings that they are fakes. Human beings never look like a fish, amphibian or reptile when they are growing in the womb. We were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and we must make sure our young people know (and believe) this.

[Brad Harrub is a professional apologist who works with Focus Press. www.focuspress.org]
 

Yes, It Is Infanticide!

     The political arena is heating up now that the nearing election is in the home stretch. What was earlier touted as a more civil election based on policy instead of personality is showing itself to be typical “politics as usual.” Each side is hurling accusations at the other and penning each other with views not held and conclusions not necessarily warranted from the facts. 

  One conclusion that has been drawn and that is being vehemently denied is the accusation of infanticide. Though tragic, it is of interest to note how the liberal agenda pushes for abortion rights and yet does not want to be tagged with the conclusions such a stand warrants. They travel far and wide to deny that what they propose is in any way infanticide. For example, the Illinois Born Alive Infant Protection Act would have prevented babies that survived an abortion attempt (and were thus born alive) from being left to die. It would have afforded them the legal status of “person” and therefore provided them with the right to receive medical care to sustain their lives. It stated, “A live child born as a result of an abortion shall be fully recognized as a human person and accorded immediate protection under the law.”¹ One member of the Illinois state senate spoke out against this provision. That man was Barack Obama.² Mr. Obama now denies that he did such, but the evidence is clear that he did. It was from this that Alan Keyes originally charged Obama with favoring infanticide in their 2004 Illinois Senate race.

     An even greater point, however, is the fact that abortion itself is indeed infanticide. An infant in the womb is just as much a human being as one outside the womb (cf. Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139:13-16). To kill one inside is as much murder as killing one outside. Regardless of the attempts to avoid being tagged with the label “infanticide,” those who support abortion are practitioners of that very thing! And shame on anyone who calls himself a Christian who would support such- with his voice or with his vote! Yes, it is infanticide!

-Eddy

¹http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obama_and_infanticide.html

²http://article.nationalreview.com?q=ZTBkYTYzZDNjNDgyMWJmMzMxYzljYjYxNmEwMTdhYWE

Evidence, Evolution and the Existence of God

      Does God exist? Can we know He exists? Is evolution a fact that science has proven? Is evolution a viable alternative to how our world came into being? Is there evidence that proves the world was created? Can we really believe that the Bible (a document 2000 years old) tells us more about our origin than modern science with all its technology? Is the Bible in conflict with true science?

      These and a host of other similar questions are often proposed in the ongoing debate between “science” and religion (actually, there is no debate between true science and true religion). We need to examine these matters regularly and build up our faith often by studying the truthfulness of God’s word and its ability to stand up against the attacks of the world. We will be faced with such questions and objections and need to be prepared to answer them (I Pet. 3:15).

      In the coming weeks we will be examining some of these matters during our morning worship service. We will look at the subject of evil, pain and suffering and how it relates to this discussion. We will study the various areas that demonstrate evidence for the existence of God and the truthfulness of the Bible. We will look at numerous examples from the amazing world around us to prove the world was created (cf. Ps. 19:1). We will see numerous examples of Bible references to scientific matters, and how perfectly they fit into the orderly arrangement of the universe. We will see how design proves a designer. We will look at quotations from evolutionists themselves to show the fallacies of their contentions. We will take a look at the great flood of Noah, see what tremendous upheaval it caused and see the truthfulness of Peter’s statement: “Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished” (II Pet. 3:6).

      With the beginning of school we are reminded of many things, not the least of which is that our children will once again be exposed to the atheistic teachings of a secular society. Make your plans to be present for each of these lessons so that you can be better equipped to teach your children/grandchildren about these matters. And, you might want to bring the kids along as well. We hope to see you here.

-Eddy

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP 

              Adam grew up in the church. His parents were both Christians from the day he was born. He attended Sunday Bible class, his family went to worship God on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and then on Wednesday nights. They were a very happy Christian family. Then something happened. Adam started school and his mother started working. Homework, housework, cooking, sleeping, vacation, out-of-town visitors, television, and school activities all took over. It started with Adam and his parents missing Wednesday nights because “after all, the Bible doesn’t say we have to attend on Wednesday nights.”  Then when Adam entered Junior High, sports and homework took over and they missed an occasional Sunday night. Soon, they were missing every Sunday night. They were just too busy.

Adam’s mother had too much to do. She couldn’t get ready with all the kids to get ready also. Adam’s dad came up with hundreds of excuses of why he didn’t feel like going to worship God. “After all, Sunday morning is enough for anyone.” At least that’s what Adam’s parents thought.

Today Adam is in his 20’s and never even goes to church. He stays home and watches TV or sleeps. He works late on Wednesday night and has too many things going on Sunday. TODAY ADAM IS LOST! His parents will have to live with that throughout eternity!

-Mark Hammitt

BEFORE YOU BUY THAT BODY ART
Neal Pollard

 
While there are many matters that are much higher priorities than tattoos, I thought you might like to hear from Dr. Bernadine Healy, the first woman to direct the National Institute of Health, former president of the American Heart Association, and the person who led the American Red Cross response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  She contributed an article in a recent U.S. News and World Report magazine (August 4/August 11, 2008, p. 69) entitled, "The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo."  Let me say that I am eager to study, convert, and then value and consider as a brother or sister anyone who has tattoos-no matter how many or how big the "body art" is.  They are entitled to the same love and respect as any other member of God's family.
 
My target audience is those who may be considering getting one or another one.  Dr. Healy brings up some important issues in the article.  First is the matter of tattoo "remorse."  Healy reports that "upwards to 50 percent of those who get tattoos later wish they hadn't."  Interviews conducted by researchers at Texas Tech with those suffering such remorse cited "moving on from the past, problems wearing clothes, embarrassment, and concerns that tattoos could adversely affect job or career."
 
Healy's second concern should cause one to really take notice.  There are myriad health concerns associated with both getting tattoos and having them removed.  There is toxic release of low-level carcinogens associated with removal, which in itself is said to a long and very painful process.  There are allergic reactions and skin infections that can follow tattooing.  Healy writes, "The FDA warns about the risk of tattoo parlors transmitting viruses like HIV and the cancer-causing hepatitis C."  MRI scans can cause tattoos to swell or burn.  She says much more, and I would recommend your getting the article if you are interested in reading it.
 
Here is the relevant point.  Anything, whether drugs, tobacco, alcohol, fornication, "overuse" of food, or ink that hurts our bodies needs to be avoided.  May we never forget what Paul told Corinth.  "Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own” (1 Cor. 6:19).  We are stewards of all God's resources, which includes our bodies.  Let us make wise and God-honoring decisions concerning them, too!

Modest Apparel

                  In Florida there is much indecent and baring of human flesh.  Many seem to think that the way to beat the heat is to take off one’s clothes.  Such is a false idea.  People who live in the hottest climates know that clothing is needed to protect them from the heat and sun.  Consider those who live in and around deserts—they cover their heads and their whole bodies.  Not only is such indecent exposure not cooler but it also contrary to the teaching of God’s word.  Scantily clad female bodies arouse lusts in men which frequently leads to adultery being committed in the heart if not otherwise, and such is sin as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:27, 28.  The woman or the well developed teenage girl who by a lack of modest dress causes such lust — such sin, is guilty of sin herself.  In the list of the works of the flesh appears the term, “lasciviousness” which means “wanton, lewd, lust—tending to produce lewd emotions.”  Thus when a woman by her lack of modest dress or by her conduct is the cause of a man’s lusting after her she is guilty of a sin of which the Bible says, “...they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  (Gal. 5:19-21).  This is a most serious matter that should cause grave concern.

The Bible teaches, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (I Tim. 2:9).  Modest means, well arranged—decent—seemly.  Observing God’s teaching will please Him and will spare a lot of trouble and heartache for those who do.  Records show that the wearing of shorts, mini skirts, and other scanty apparel has led to an increase in rape, abuse, and in some cases murder.  Many young ladies and mothers seen to be completely unaware of the great temptation they put in the way of men by revealing so much of themselves in public.  Remember the great man David was tempted by the sight of a beautiful woman washing herself.  This led to the sin of adultery with her and the murder of her husband because he was not successful in covering his first sin. (II Sam. 11:2-17).  Her indiscreetness was the cause of the temptation that led to these sins of this great king.

Mothers should teach their daughters by example and by word to dress modestly.  Sound doctrine is “...The aged women likewise that they be in behavior as becometh holiness...That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” (Tit. 2:2-5).

You ladies who have any concern for God’s teaching, won’t you give serious thought to how you appear in public?  Be determined not to be the cause of evil thoughts in the hearts of men.  Heed the Lord’s teaching—be modest—dress in a modest becoming way—set good examples before others.

We plead with all our ladies, young and older, to reflect on Brother Gilpin’s recent sermon on this subject.

- Jeff & Charlie

Life on Mars?

(The main thought for this article was raised in a recent conversation with Jim Harrington.  To him goes the credit…and to God be the glory.)

     I was in elementary school when man first landed on the moon in 1969. I recall that in many science classes in those years space travel and moon landings topped the agenda. I recall making models of rockets, writing themes, and cutting and pasting hosts of pictures and articles about space exploration for school projects. This generation of elementary school students has witnessed a like phenomenon as the Phoenix Mars Lander touched down on the red planet on May 25.

     On June 19 Phoenix uncovered what were thought to be ice crystals. On July 31, the findings (through scientific experiments conducted by Phoenix) were proven to be just that. Scientists (especially evolutionary scientists) are elated. Why? Since water is crucial to life, if there was no water to be found on Mars it would be very difficult to make a case for life on Mars, or for going even further and determining a source for life. Since water has been found, many are now leaping to the unwarranted conclusion that life exists or has existed on Mars.

     Is it not amazing that these highly intelligent individuals can understand what it takes to determine life by looking at a soil sample from a robotic arm through a camera lens 200 million miles from earth, and yet they do not have the common sense to determine that there is life inside a mother’s womb? To some of them, the mere presence of a droplet of water proves life. But, the presence of a heartbeat, brain activity, legs, arms, fingers, toes, separate DNA and actual physical activity from a being inside a sac filled with water (amniotic fluid) does not. It kind of makes one wonder- if they were to find a creature possessing these same characteristics on Mars, would they still say it wasn’t a separate life? Food for thought indeed.

                                                                                              -Eddy

But, within the marriage relationship these troubles must be gotten through, lived with or overcome. With but one exception (Mt. 19:9), marriage is for life…including all the troubles it may bring.  These and a host of other things are what you do “when you get married.” 

Sadly, he just may be right about that. As Christians, we need to pray for our country and vote for those who uphold moral principles. The Biblical and historical definition of marriage being between a man and woman may well hang in the balance. This country cannot afford to let California, its supreme court or its homosexual activists set the tone for the nation. We had better wake up! -Eddy 

Nothing is more hotly debated than how God wants us to worship him. Download and read the free book "Richland Hills And Instrumental Music:

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