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West Side Church of Christ    

The Reluctant Lover

             Once upon a time there was a young man who was in love with a certain young lady.  At least that’s what he told his friends, except maybe to criticize her occasionally.  Once a week, on his day off, he called on the young lady that is, if he didn’t have a headache, have company, feel tired, have anywhere else to go or an opportunity to work that day.  When he visited her about one hour of her presence was about all he could endure.  He was terribly restless and fidgety when around her.  She loved good music and great literature but he had no interest in either.  When she desired to sing or read together, he just wouldn’t do it unless he was really put on the spot.  Why could he not stay longer or come more often?  It seemed to her that one hour a week, and so poorly spent at that, was hardly an indication of love on his part.

The trouble with the young man was that he was still carrying a torch for an old sweetheart.  Though they had agreed to make a break, he was still spending several hours a week in her presence.  It seemed they had so much more in common.  They loved the same things and the same people and times together were always exciting.  And yet he would admit no rift between himself and the woman he supposedly loved.  When someone would cautiously inquire as to the propriety of the young man’s actions he would usually puff up with anger and accuse them of meddling or worse yet “judging”.

This study is a parable on the lukewarm and indifferent “Christian”.  Though he vows his love for the church, he spends time with her only reluctantly and sparingly.  He does not enjoy her company, her people, or her interest.  But that “old flame”, the world, still tugs at his heartstrings.  Much of his time is devoted to her and how they do enjoy their hours and days together.  Oh, it’s true that he, The Reluctant Lover, denies loving her, but his actions prove otherwise.

Leave the world alone!  Just “minor” flirtations could rekindle a blazing fire in your heart.  You just can’t play around with fire — without getting burned.

How strong is your love for the Lord and His church?  — the Elders

“But God…” (11)

     Of the 44 times the phrase “but God” appears in the King James Bible, 25 occur in the New Testament. As noted previously, it is a phrase of contrast showing that something was said, done or had occurred which was followed by something God said or did that changed the matter entirely.

     Luke 16 records a sermon by Jesus which concluded with the words, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Lk. 16:13). Present in the audience were some covetous Pharisees and they were heckling the Lord (Lk. 16:14). Jesus stated to them, “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Lk. 16:15).

     It was because of the fear of the Pharisees (and being put out of the synagogue) that many would not follow Christ, even though they believed on Him (Jn. 12:42, 43). The Pharisees were haters of truth and lovers of money (like so many today). They played the role of righteousness but were in actuality hypocrites. Jesus called attention to their wicked ways and exposed their lives as evil. His words to them remind us that “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Sam. 16:7; cf. Jer. 17:10). As they, we may fool the people about us with feigned spirituality, but God can not be so deceived.

     Since “the Lord knoweth the thoughts of man” (Ps. 94:11), we should all be concerned with how we live our lives. God knows our hearts. He knows our thoughts. He knows our actions, whether public or private. We may justify ourselves before men, “but God” knows what we are out of the light and behind closed doors. What does God see when He looks at your heart?

-Eddy

“All Dirty Uniforms Welcome”

Cindy Colley 

Question:  When ball games, work, or other activities in which our young people may participate require them to leave mid-game, mid-practice etc…in order to make it to the services of the church, is it a wrong thing for them to wear their uniforms to worship services or Bible classes?

Answer:  Are you kidding me? What better statement to the church, the world, the Lord and the devil can a young person make than the one he wears to that service! He says “I was involved in what many people consider to be the most important part of life: sports. But that’s not the most important thing to me.” She says “ I’ve had to make it clear to those on my team and to my coach that my participation in this activity is a distant second to my faithfulness to the assemblies of God’s people.” It is a statement that so many of our adults need to hear.

When our young people wear ball uniforms to worship, my husband stands from the pulpit and makes a very clear object lesson from the young people who sit there in that attire. He says something along these lines: “We are so blessed to have young people of faith who chose to be at the gospel meeting tonight. Look at these guys in their uniforms. They left the field at the bottom of the seventh inning. They don’t know whether their team has won or lost. But there is one victory they are determined to win and it is the most important one. We are privileged to have men (or women) in uniform in our midst. And it’s a blessing to get to clean up a little dirt if it falls from the cleats of these guys. I know you will tell them how proud you are of the choice they made tonight.”

I have, unfortunately, heard of those who have criticized these young people for wearing uniforms to services. How could any church member get his conscience’s consent to discourage a teen or child who has made such an extremely difficult decision by criticizing the wearing of the uniform? I would be afraid of the wrath of Deity who called a little child to him and said “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven…But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for Him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the sea.” (Matt. 18:4-6)

For every one of these children who shows up in uniform there are generally several adults who made conscious choices to be elsewhere that Wednesday night or during that particular service of the meeting. Perhaps our time would be better spent addressing the decisions of those who are failing to seek first the kingdom (lovingly helping them arrange priorities), than addressing whether or not the kids who made courageous decisions to fly in the face of negative peer pressure are spic and span when the first song begins. May their souls always be clean. May their lives always be unspotted. But let all dirty uniforms be welcome!

(Such a positive impact one is making when he/she puts into action Matt. 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” in this way.  We appreciate all those families willing to make such a stand.  The Elders)

“Don’t Bite Your Brother”

     In my formative years my mother kept children in our home in order to provide extra income for our family. There are several things I remember about those times and about some of those children. Once, she kept a family of three children. One was a “biter.” His reaction to just about everything that didn’t go his way was to bite whoever was getting theirs. He became such a problem that my mother finally had to stop keeping them. One day he bit his own brother. My mother disciplined him (as she was instructed to do by the child’s mother, and as you could in those days) and said, “Don’t bite your brother!”

     My mother did not originate this saying. Long ago the apostle Paul informed the Galatian church, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:15). In essence, Paul was saying, “Don’t bite your brother!” Through inspiration, he says the same thing to the church today. However, it remains a problem. There are far too many “biters” in the church.

     Don’t bite your brother…with your words. The Bible says a great deal about the tongue. James perhaps says more than any other New Testament writer. He stated, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (Jas. 3:5, 6). One doesn’t have to use his teeth in order to “bite” another. The tongue is just as effective at accomplishing the dastardly deed.

     Don’t bite your brother…with your ways. Actions, as the saying goes, speak louder than words. By our actions we can devour others. When we act in an un-Christian manner we bring reproach upon all who claim the name of Christ. We can be guilty of “devouring one another” by destroying any influence other members of the body might have. Let us take heed with our actions, for they define our lives.

     Don’t bite your brother…with your will. Paul speaks of imposing one’s will on another to his detriment (Rom. 14). Our Lord grew in favor with God and man (Lk. 2:52), as long as such was possible (cf. Rom. 12:18). Within the body of Christ especially, we should be willing to yield to others when matters of opinion are being considered. Doctrine, never, of course; but, when matters of indifference are being entertained, let’s treat others as we would want to be treated (Mt. 7:12). In other words, “don’t bite your brother!”

-Eddy

May I Have This Dance?

By Steve Higginbotham

With the Prom just around the corner many young people, as well as their parents, are asking the question of whether or not dancing is an activity in which they or their children ought to engage. Because there are many honest people who do not want to deliberately sin, I think it is imperative that we openly define sin, draw lines and expose activities that are at best questionable so that responsible decisions can be made.

In answer to the question, “Is dancing wrong?” I must first answer “No.” Dancing is not an intrinsic evil. There is no sin in moving one’s feet to the rhythm of music. Not all dancing involves indecent dress, unchaste contact or illicit movement. In fact, the Bible records instances when righteous men danced as an expression of their joy (1 Chronicles 15:25-29; Luke 15:11-32).

However, dancing that calls for close bodily contact between unmarried males and females is wrong. Dancing that involves indecent and suggestive bodily movements is wrong. And dancing that involves impure handling of a dance partner is wrong. The kind of dancing that God’s Word condemns is the kind of dancing that stirs one to have impure thoughts and act in impure ways. That is the problem with most of the dancing that takes place today. Its appeal is sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with sexual attraction. In fact, sexual attraction is a perfectly healthy matter that God created and put within us. However, that attraction must be kept within proper bounds. It should not be tantalized or it will very likely get out of hand. Unmarried people who have no legitimate means to fulfill their sexual desires need to be extremely careful to avoid any situation that could feed or flame such desires.

To be perfectly honest, I fear for those who go to a dance, spend all night with their date, come home the next morning (which happens to be the Lord’s day), and find themselves too exhausted, because of their carousing, to go to worship or to truly worship in spirit the one who shed his blood for their redemption. Do we really think that such actions will simply be pardoned or excused because, after all, “It’s the Prom”?

In years past, there was hardly any Christian who would openly defend dancing. The preachers of times past taught that it was sinful, and the congregations concurred with their sound doctrine. So, what has happened? Are things different today? Has dancing cleaned up its act? Were the preachers of yesterday all wrong about dancing? Have God’s moral standards changed some over the years?

Well, dancing certainly has not become any more moral over the years. If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was. Furthermore, preachers of the past were correct in preaching and warning against dancing (Galatians 5:19-21). And of course, God’s moral law has not changed (Matthew 24:35). What then has changed? What has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for his will. Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.

Young people, keep the commitment that you made to the Lord. Guard your heart and mind from the “fleshly lusts that war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). And parents, help your young son or daughter in making decisions that may affect his or her eternal destiny. Sometimes, because of the tremendous peer pressure they are under, your children need you to say “no” for them. Help them to make Christ-focused decisions that will bring honor God.

- the elders

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:

Go to www.RichlandHillsAndInstrumentalMusic.com