Across our nation there is turmoil. We see it in the protests in our streets, in road rage, and in senseless murders in our cities. Many are lost in the world of drugs and alcohol. Our courts are packed with divorce cases, lawsuits and custody battles. Many rebel against society seeking equality and human rights.

At the same time church pews sit empty each Sunday, Bible classrooms sit unused, and prayers have gone silent in our schools. Meanwhile, Christianity is attacked on the evening news and in the halls of congress. Yet, it is the Christianity they ridicule that can heal our nation. The Jesus they reject is the only one that can bring the peace they seek.

At his birth the angels announced, “And on earth peace among men” (Lk. 2:14). It was Jesus who taught us to love our neighbor, who gave us the golden rule, who had compassion on the poor, and taught lessons against discrimination. “In the world you have tribulation,” he said. But, “these things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace” (Jn. 16:33). Jesus is the answer, yet America has done as the Jews did, when, “those who were His own did not receive Him” (Jn. 1:11). The turmoil we see in our nation will not be healed by protests and government, but by God’s gift of His Son. This month, as His birth is celebrated by so many, our nation needs to again respect and follow His teachings.

-Dennis Doughty

Lately our world has been filled with bad news,

But even in the midst of trouble, God is still good.

Chaos and confusion has been swirling,

But the Lord is still the God of peace (1 Cor. 14:33)

Even when so many have been filled with hate,

Our Maker is still the Lord of love (1 John 4:8).

Arrests have taken place, some falsely, some justified,

But God is still good, offering spiritual freedom to all (Rom. 6:3-7).

The Supreme Court is pushing decisions they deem “right.”

But God is the only true, honest, and good Judge of the world (Acts 17:31-32).

Heated debates have occurred on these big issues,

But God was good enough to already provide the answers (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Cities have been filled with riots, trash, and destruction,

But the good Lord offers us an eternal home without such things (Rev. 21:4).

Despite all the sin, wickedness, and corruption,

The Lord is good enough to patiently wait for us to repent (2 Pet. 3:9).

It seems the only breaths of fresh air lately are those who have display godlike qualities of love, peace, and kindness (Eph. 4:31-32). It’s painful to watch all the heartache filling our world.  It’s discouraging to see so much pain, suffering, sin, and sadness.  But let’s not forget that these are mistakes of our own, not of God’s.  Despite all our pitfalls, God still offers hope (Hebrews 6:11).  God still offers peace (Philippians 4:6-7).  God still offers love (John 3:16).  God still offers salvation and forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).  Without a doubt, the Lord is still good.  And thankfully, He always was and always will be.

Brett Petrillo

“The right age” or “the right of passage”, as some might say.” But what is that age? Is it age five waiting to start school? Is it age ten so you can ride your bike to school? Or 16 when you can get a driver’s license? Maybe it is 25 when your auto insurance rates go down. Of course, we don’t want to overlook the age of 21, when you have reached the legal age to do just about anything you want.

A few weeks ago at the building, I even noticed a young boy waiting his turn at the water fountain. He could have gotten a drink from the lower fountain; I even ask him if it was working, and he said, “Yes it is, but I’ll wait.”

I left thinking, even being able to drink from the taller fountain in some way is a rite of passage. These few small things are really of no major consequence, it just means time is passing and we are growing older.

What is of vital importance is that we do not develop the habits of others we observe engaged in sinful activates. SIN IS NOT A RIGHT OF PASSAGE. You don’t reach a certain age, and thin, now I have reached the legal age to do the things you see others doing. It could be a friend, a relative, or even a parent.

Regardless of our age, we need to be an example to all young and old alike. Consider these few verses.

• II Timothy 2:22-23 “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”
• Mat. 5 16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
• I Timothy 4 12,”Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
• Romans 12:2,”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• Colossians 3:13, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

I am sure that you can think of many other verses that make the same point; that we should be an example to others at all times. We should be and examples to others, both Christians and non-Christians.

Of course, we don’t reach a certain age when sin should become a part of our life.  At the same time doing good and helping others is for all ages.

When you see a need do your best to meet that need and be helpful, or find someone who can provide the needed help.

SO AS YOU GROW OLDER , GROW IN SERVICE TO GOD

AND GROW AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

Dick Brant

The concept of ‘no rules’ seems initially appealing to many people.  Just think – you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want.  Wonderful!

But, wait, if I can do whatever, whenever, wherever, then so can everyone else.  That means that their actions may impact upon me.  They might decide to take my car, burn my house, or steal my children.  If there are ‘no rules,’ then they can do anything, and there is no basis to stop them.

Rules, we come to realize, are extremely necessary.  My rights, my property, in fact my very existence depend upon rules.  Without them, ‘civilization’ would come to an end.

Religion is no different.  Rules are clearly necessary.  If allowed to do whatever we want, there is no end to the chaos that results.  The confused and divided religious world of our day is a testimony against the misguided notion that man should do as he pleases when it comes to serving God.

How can we know what is right?  How can we be assured that God is pleased?  On what basis can we judge that certain religious deeds are proper and others are wrong?  Surely these matters cannot be left to the subjective feelings of men.  The ‘I’m OK, you’re OK’ approach is a proven failure. There must be something objective and certain that will direct us as we seek God.

The objective standard we seek is the inspired Word of God.  It is a “light to our path, and a lamp to our feet” (Ps. 119:105).  God’s word is the truth (Jn. 17:17) that can make us free (Jn. 8:32).

With the divinely delivered ‘rule book’ in hand, we must respect it and comply with its regulations.  This would include ‘speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent’ (1 Pet. 4:11), and demanding ‘book, chapter, and verse’ for everything we do (Col. 3:17).  Anything less will lead to the anarchy of ‘no rules.’

– by Greg Gwin

An interesting thought concerning the very character of God is made in Psalm 113: 5, 6.

“Who is like the Lord our God,

Who is enthroned on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

There are many people in the world, and perhaps within the church, who view the God of the Old Testament as One who is vindictive and mean-spirited.  The folks who hold to this view have not studied the Scriptures to see that “their” loving God of the New Testament, as embodied in Jesus, is the very same, unchangeable God of old. Perhaps the problem lies in our visual representation of God the Father and God the Son. If our visual representation is flawed then it is most likely that our overall view will be flawed as well.

The psalmist, in Psalm 113: 5, 6, reveals to the reader the fact that God does indeed lower Himself in His concern for those who dwell upon this earth.  One might even say that God is most comfortable with those who are His as evidenced by Isaiah’s notation of 57: 15

“For thus says the high and exalted One

Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,

I dwell on a high and holy place,

And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit

In order to revive the spirit of the lowly

And to revive the heart of the contrite.”

If we now understand that God dwells with the “lowly and contrite of spirit,” right here and now, then the next question is obvious. Have we placed ourselves in a position where God wants to be with us? Another question might be basic to the discussion and that is, “Do we really want God to be with us?”

Dave Chamberlin

In 2005, Troy Driscoll and Josh Long paddled out from the Sullivans Islands in South Carolina for a fun day of fishing.  They were looking for a good place to fish when they were caught in a riptide and pulled out to sea.  They did what they could to escape but were unsuccessful.  Soon, land was out of sight and they spent the night trying to keep warm while battling the waves and remaining wet.  The next day was blistering hot, so they jumped in the water to cool off, but this soon attracted sharks.  As thirst began to set in, it became almost unbearable to be surrounded by so much water but not be able to drink any of it.  Josh spoke about how the water was so clean and clear that it reminded them of blue Gatorade.  At one point Troy begged and pleaded for Josh to let him drink some of the water, but Josh simply replied, “If you drink it, you’ll die.”  The Coast Guard searched the ocean for days through helicopters, airplanes, and recreational boaters.  The boys had drifted 111 miles from where they originally pushed off.  After 6 days at sea without supplies, two fishermen finally spotted the boys in the distant water and they were rescued (People Magazine).

How ironic it must have been to be surrounded by water but not be able to drink any of it.  Many times people stranded at sea have resulted to drinking seawater and paid the consequences.  The negative effects of drinking seawater are well documented.  Some of these effects include (1) dehydration and excessive thirst, (2) a spike in blood pressure, (3) physical problems like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, (4) brain damage and (5) death.  Drinking seawater is never a safe option to quench thirst.

The similarities between our world and the sea are uncanny.  Everyone needs both physical and spiritual water to survive.  Unfortunately, our culture only offers spiritual salt water. We are surrounded with this worldly saltwater. While this water can look clear and clean, it can result in spiritual death.

It is ironic we live in a time of information and technology, and yet the true, fresh, water of life remains elusive to the vast majority.  So, how can we receive this water?  The Samaritan woman in John 4 asked the same question!  Notice Jesus’ response in vs. 13-14, “Everyone who drinks of this water [physical water] will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

When we become a Christian and live a life in service to the Lord, we receive the only water that can quench our spiritual thirst.  We live in a salty sea of sin and corruption.  Josh’s blunt words, “If you drink it, you’ll die,” apply to our situation as well.  Are you thirsty?  Come to Jesus for a safe, cool, clear, refreshing glass of spiritual water (John 7:37-38; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

Brett Petrillo

Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Bible can be understood if we will learn how to study. A few simple rules will help us as we study.

Read the Bible knowing that it is inspired of God.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are authoritative. Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When you read the Scriptures, ask, “Who is doing the speaking?”
In Genesis 3:4 we can read, “Ye shall not surely die.” If I know the Devil said this, then I will have no trouble understanding that this is not a true statement.

We need to know to whom the message is spoken when we read the Scriptures.
Sometimes the Bible speaks to the Jews as under the Law of Moses, sometimes to the man, sometimes to the woman, sometimes to elders of the church, or the deacons. Some passages have their application in the life of the individual, like in the story of the Good Samaritan, and some to the church as a group.

One must love the truth when he reads the Scriptures.
Paul said that some “perished because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Truth cannot be handled carelessly. If one loves the truth, he will study and accept the truth as it is without trying to pervert it.

When you read the Scriptures, read the context.
This simply means read the passage before and after the one you are trying to understand.

Read all on a given subject.
You will not understand the truth unless you read all that God has said about a given topic. For example, when you study the subject of faith, you should read every passage on the subject of faith. No passage contradicts another, but all Scriptures harmonize one with another.

John said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).

– by Johnie Edwards

Luke 17:11-19

In 1620 a group of religious separatists left Southampton, England with the hope of finding a better life and greater freedom to practice their beliefs in the New World. The ship, the Speedwell, proved to be unseaworthy, so they changed ships. At Plymouth, they boarded the Mayflower and made their way across the Atlantic.     They had initially planned to settle in the warm climate of Virginia, but winds blew them off course and they landed in Massachusetts. They named their landing place, Plymouth Rock. They built shelter and endured a tough winter in which more than half their number died.

In the spring, the survivors established friendly contact with the Indians, planted crops, and improved their homes. When they had been there a year, they decided to commemorate the first anniversary of their arrival. They were divided over whether to celebrate their survival…or to memorialize the dead. The majority held out for a thanksgiving observance.

We should choose to have an attitude of thanksgiving in our lives every day.

In our text we run across some people who made different choices under identical circumstances.

1. THE PLIGHT OF THE LEPERS

Among the ten lepers that Jesus encountered, at least one was a Samaritan. Racial and national barriers are broken by their common affliction. Leprosy kills the nerves. It rots the flesh, a little bit at a time.  People lose their fingers joint by joint, ears drop off, eyes fall out. It’s terrible to even think about. In addition to their suffering, the lepers were outcasts. (Leviticus 13:45-46)

Apart from divine intervention, there was no cure. For some reason the lepers believed that Jesus could do something for them! These were desperate men, but Jesus healed their affliction. Even though they had faith in Christ, we do not remember them for that. We don’t remember them for their obedience. We don’t remember them for the great things they did following their healing. We remember them because of their ingratitude. Only one came back to thank Jesus, a Samaritan.

2. WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THE LEPERS!

Many of us lack gratitude because we don’t see our blessings. We see that which we do not have. We are envious of those who do have. There was an immigrant shopkeeper. His son came to see him one day. He said, “Dad, I don’t know how you ever keep up with your profits. You keep your accounts payable in a cigar box. You keep your accounts receivable on a spindle. You keep all your cash in the register. You never know what your profits are. The old shopkeeper said, ‘Son, let me tell you something. When I came to this country, all I owned was the pants I was wearing. Now your sister is an art teacher. Your brother is a doctor. You are a CPA. Your mother and I own a house, a car and this little store. Add all that up and subtract the pants and there is your profit.'”

Only one…a Samaritan .. chose the response of gratitude. Ephesians 5:19-20 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why do Christians sing? Notice verses 15 and 16. “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  How do you deal with “days that are evil”. “Don’t get drunk with wine, Be filled with the Spirit.” How do Spirit filled people act? Spirit filled people living in the context of trouble, “Sing and make music in their hearts to the Lord.”  ” . . . always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“And in the evening, when I lie in bed and end my prayers with the words, “I thank you, God, for all that is good and clear and beautiful,” I am filled with joy…. I don’t think then of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains…. My advice is: “Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!” …I’ve found that there is always some beauty left–in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself: these can all help you. Look at these things, then you find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.  Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl   Tuesday, 7 March, 1941. “

In the midst of problems she found blessings. May we always choose to reflect the attitude of gratitude, found in the earliest settlers on our continent, in a single healed leper, and in outstanding people in history who made a difference because they were grateful.

Resources:

Articles in All About Families by Norman Bales.

Devotional by Mike Bondora

Please Don’t Confuse Me with the Facts

    Old Bill was quite a strange fellow who fell victim to a rare mental disorder, the Cotard Delusion — a condition in which the affected person holds the delusional belief that he or she is already dead. One morning he awoke thoroughly convinced that he was dead! His wife did her best to persuade him that he was still very much alive, but he clung to the delusion that he was dead. Bill’s children and grandchildren all had a go at convincing the old fellow that he was still in the land of the living, but he point-blank refused to believe it. He knew that he was dead and nobody would persuade him otherwise.

Eventually his family became so concerned that they took him to a psychiatrist. The doctor spent many hours with Bill over several weeks, but all his skills were of no avail as the stubborn old gentleman continued to insist that he was stone cold dead. After one particularly fruitless session the psychiatrist was ready to give up. But just then an idea struck him.

Taking down his medical books, he used them to illustrate the irrefutable scientific fact that dead people do not bleed. After about an hour he asked, “So Bill, do you agree that dead men don’t bleed?” “Of course,” agreed Bill, “everybody knows that!” “And do you still insist that you are dead?” “Doc, I’ve told you a thousand times, I’m as dead as a doornail.” At this point the psychiatrist took a pin and suddenly jammed it into Old Bill’s thumb. Immediately a trickle of blood leaked out. “So, what do you think now!” said the psychiatrist triumphantly. “Well, I’ll be a blue-nosed gopher,” Bill exclaimed, “dead men do bleed!”

At times I’ve been like Old Bill in the refusing to budge from my preconceived notions and foregone conclusions. The attitude exhibited was “I know what I believe—I’ve made up my mind, so don’t confuse me with the facts!”

Brothers and sisters, let’s fight against such tendencies—especially regarding spiritual truth—and be receptive to what God has clearly indicated in His Word; whether by declaration, command, example, or necessarily implication. When we ascertain what God has said about any matter, we may have confidence that what He says is accurate and true. As Jesus prayed for His disciples, He asked of His Father, “Sanctify them through the truth; your Word is truth” (John 17:17).

I love the attitude, “If God said it, that settles it.” This is the attitude every Christian should take when it comes to learning, loving and obeying God’s inspired and inspiring Word.

By Johnny Hester

A day of Thanksgiving was first ordered by our first President, George Washington.  He offered the following proclamation on October 3, 1789. (Take note of how often the President of the United States gave thanks to God.  We have not heard this from our presidents in recent years.)

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

As we enjoy our Thanksgiving feast, surrounded by loved ones, in our comfortable homes, let us remember; “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”(Jm.1:17).This Thanksgiving Day pray for our nation, give thanks for your blessings, and enjoy the day with family.

-Dennis Doughty

Shakey went to a psychiatrist.  “Doc,” he said, “I’ve got trouble.

Every time I get into bed, I think there’s somebody under it.  I get under the bed, I think there’s somebody on top of it.  Top, under, top, under …  you gotta help me, I’m going crazy!”

“Just put yourself in my hands for two years,” said the doctor.

“Come to me three times a week, and I’ll cure your fears.”

“How much do you charge?”

“A hundred dollars per visit.”

“I’ll think about it,” said Shakey.

Six months later the doctor met Shakey on the street.  “Why didn’t you ever come to see me again?” asked the psychiatrist.

“For a hundred bucks a visit?  A friend cured me for ten dollars.”

“Is that so!  How?”

“He told me to cut the legs off the bed!”

I suppose that’s one way to conquer your fears!  Most of us, though, have fears which are much more difficult to overcome — fear of failure, fear of dying, fear of letting others down, fear of living alone, just to name a few.

And, as you read through the Bible, you see that fear is not unique to those of us in the 21st century.  One phrase that reappears over and over throughout the Bible is the phrase, “Do not be afraid!”  In fact, if you’re looking for a good topic for a personal or small group Bible study, take the time to see just how often (and on what occasions) that phrase is spoken.

There is one positive attribute which is strongly contrasted to fear in the scriptures.  Jesus often told his apostles and others, “Do not be afraid, only believe.”  It is evident that growing in faith will cause us to have less fear, and that often fear is the direct result of a struggle with our faith.

If you are living in fear this day, may these words of Jesus spoken to his apostles serve as a comfort to you:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

May you know that peace he offers.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

The following story is told about a United Airlines gate agent in Denver, Colorado who was confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo:

During the final days at Denver’s old Stapleton airport, a crowded United flight was canceled.  A single agent was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.

Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk.  He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, “I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS.”

The agent replied, “I’m sorry sir.  I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these folks first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.”

The passenger was unimpressed.  He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, “Do you have any idea who I am?”

Without hesitating, the gate agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone.  “May I have your attention please?” she began, her voice bellowing throughout the terminal.  “We have a passenger here at the gate WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS.  If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to gate 17.”

The folks behind him in line began laughing hysterically.  Although the flight was canceled and people were late, they were no longer angry at United.

I grew up in a time when people spent a lot of time trying to “find themselves” (though I never quite figured out exactly what they were looking for).   Do we have any idea who we are?  Those of us who are Christians are children of God.  That doesn’t make us “special”, but it does give meaning to our lives.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

It is fairly easy for us to identify those of our families and friends who love us. If they really love us their love for us will be shown in many ways. Consider the following…

1. They will make efforts to spend time with us.
2. They are happy when with us.
3. They make sacrifices for us.
4. They sympathize with our pain.
5. They easily forgive us when we offend.
6. They listen to us talk about our problems.
7. They speak words of encouragement to us when we are down.
8. They are always there when we need them.
9. They do thoughtful things for us.

These are just a few ways in which we verify another’s love for us. Now consider these thoughts from God’s perspective. How can He identify those who love Him? How does He verify those who truly love Him?

1. They will make efforts to spend time with Him in worship.
2. They are happy when they are with Him in worship.
3. They make sacrifices for Him (e.g., time, offerings, etc.).
4. They allow Him to sympathize with their pain in life.
5. They get forgiveness from Him when they sin.
6. They take their problems to Him so He can help.
7. They hear His words of encouragement from His Word.
8. They always come to Him when they need Him.
9. They do thoughtful things for Him (e.g., help someone in need, teach someone about Jesus, do a good deed for others, etc.).

Are you showing your love for God? Can your love for God be verified by your actions? Think about it!

Kevin Williams

Where do you go for advice? Who do you listen to? When do you feel the greatest need for guidance?

You can find advice everywhere. Just ask your neighbor. Turn on any television channel. Walk into any bookstore or library. Websites abound with people telling you what to think or do or urging you how to feel.

But not all advice is good. Much of what people recommend you to do will actually get you into trouble.

The person is greatly blessed “who does not follow the advice of the wicked” Psalm 1.1. But seldom does the advice of the wicked sound wicked. It is couched in terms to make you think you are doing the best thing possible.

Proverbs is a book of great advice, even about listening to advice.

“The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who listens to advice is wise” Proverbs 12.15.

“Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life” Proverbs 19.12.

Great men have listened to good advice. The powerful Pharoah listened to Joseph’s good advice, Genesis 41.36-38. Moses, leader of Israel and the meekest man of all, listened to his father-in-law’s wise counsel, Exodus 18. Listening to good advice is strength, not weakness.

The Bible gives great advice to those who know how to listen.

What is the best advice of all?

It’s hard to pick a single text, but these words from the Lord Jesus Christ must figure near the top of the list.

“Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life—the food which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him” John 6.27.

There is so much here in this concise piece of advice.

One, don’t work for the wrong thing. Are you focused on material things? Do your efforts have only physical good attached to them? How foolish to work so hard for things that perish! How silly to worry with ephemeral things!

Two, work for the right thing: eternal life. This is what matters. When you and I face the portal of death, we will have a single concern: What lies beyond? What awaits us in the Afterlife? Are we prepared this very minute to step through that portal?

‘Tis but a step away, the door of death,
The heart will fail to beat, with loss of breath;
Then go we all to Hades’ dark abode,
Where we will face the hardest debt we’ve owed.

Three, you must work hard for it, but ultimately eternal life is the gift that Christ gives. It cannot be earned, but it must be sought, Hebrews 11.6. It cannot be bought, but all must be surrendered for it, Mark 8.34-38. Half-hearted effort is no effort at all. If we do not give all, we will gain nothing but grief.

Four, if you really want what matters, eternal life, you must go to the right person. Jesus is the only one who has God’s approval. He received it at his immersion and at the transfiguration. His resurrection was proof of the Father’s approval. Jesus said,

“For this is the will of my Father—for everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him to have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” John 6.40.

Only a fool spurns good advice. And only a fool’s fool ignores the sweet counsel of Christ to prepare for eternity.

—J. Randal Matheny

The Godhead?

Question: Are Jesus and God the same person?

Reply: No, they are two distinct beings. Both are members of the Godhead. It consists of three members – God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The Godhead Is mentioned three times In the New Testament – Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20 and Colossians 2:9.

It will help you to understand that the word GOD Is a family name. It means divinity, deity, or divine nature. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). In that verse, “God” Is plural (Elohim). This explains verse 26 where the Bible reads “let US make man In OUR Image.” Both Jesus (Col. 1:15-16) and the Holy Spirit (Psa. 104:30) helped in the creation.

Jesus is the only member of the Godhead who has taken on human form (Col. 2:9).

There are many passages where all three are mentioned as separate, distinct personalities. Read Matthew 28:19, John 14:26, John 15:26, Ephesians 4:4-6.

Additionally, note the prayer of Jesus In John 17:1-26. Jesus the Son was praying to God the Father. Read verse 21: “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I In You; that they also may be one In Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Was Jesus talking to Himself?

Why does Jesus say that “I and My Father are one?”  Because in many way they are – in unity, power, purpose, love, grace, divine nature and characteristics. But they are separate beings. A husband and wife are said to be “one” (Matt. 19:6). But they’ are still two distinct people. So It Is with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

– by Roger Hillis

It grieves God that myriads of people are lost. He paid the ultimate price for our sins, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, so that all might be saved (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; 2 Peter 3:9). What are some reasons, then, why multitudes remain in their sins and will be eternally lost (Mathew 7:13-14)?

Some have allowed the devil to snatch the Word out of their hearts (Matthew 13:19; Luke 8:12). He cunningly deceives them with his “thou shall not’s” as he did with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:4-5). He is called “the great dragon,” “that old serpent” and “the Devil and Satan who deceives the whole world” for good reason (Revelation 12:9).

Some, not loving truth, even to the point of despising it, have been deceived. Paul graphically described such a process along with its results (2 Thessalonians 2:3-15). They exchange the truth for the “pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

Some simply love sin (John 3:19). Our current culture reflects the words of the Lord, for we surely live in a time wherein people are thrilled by the “darkness” of sin rather than the “light” of truth! A large segment of the populace revel in unrighteousness.

Some diligently seek the praises of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). Many crave the praise of their peers. It has long been and continues to be the goal of a large segment of humanity. Trading God’s approval for the praise of man is not a smart decision (2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 16:24-26).

Some follow man’s religion instead of following Jesus (Matthew 10:37-38). It may be the religion one’s parents, as seen in the above text. It may be the religion of a favorite theologian or philosopher. Whoever it may be, there is no substitute for the Christ. In Him alone is salvation found and are all spiritual blessings enjoyed (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 1:3).

Some mistakenly trust in their personal morality to save them (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 5:23). The centurion Cornelius was of impeccable character and morality, and yet, it was necessary for him to hear, believe and obey the Gospel to be saved (Acts 10:1-4, 22, 33, 43, 47; 11:14).

Some just neglect salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Though of vital importance, religion is allowed to slide to the back burner – if not completely off the stove! Lots of folks talk about their “bucket list,” but when it comes to spiritual things, their buckets have no bottom! Sadly, this phenomenon is not just true of “worldlings,” but it is also true of many church members. The writer of Hebrews was, after all, writing to Christians!

Let us ever be on guard and never neglect the “great salvation” only realized and received in Christ!

Edward Anderson

We live in America, and so, naturally, that’s where most of our focus lies. We read news about our country, know about the leaders of our country and are concerned about the issues of it. Yet, if we’re serious about the Gospel – Jesus’ call to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19-20) –  shouldn’t we be concerned about the morality of other places on the globe as well as morality in our own country?

Specifically, shouldn’t we be concerned about the fact that 336,000,000 babies have been aborted over the last 42 years (as of 2013)? That’s 336 million. The 50 million or so babies aborted in the US during the same time frame disgusts us, and so, what should our reaction be to the multiplied problem in other countries?

To put that huge 336 million figure in perspective, the number of abortions in China over the last 42 years is more than:

• the entire population of the world during the Crusades (AD 1100)
• the combined deaths caused by the Bubonic Plague (100M), the Chinese famine (45M), the 1918 flu pandemic (40M), HIV/AIDS (25M), the Holocaust (13M) and the Civil War (.8M)
• the combined deaths of the 10 deadliest wars in human history
• the combined populations of the United States and Australia

Pretty scary, isn’t it? Now, no one is counting on government to overcome the great evil happening in that country (and the same is true for ours). The only thing that will halt the murder of innocent babies is the Gospel, and the responsibility for getting the Gospel to people who don’t have it lies heavily on the shoulders of the ones who do have the Gospel. That’s us! It’s our job to reach people around the world with God’s message of hope and truth. Only then might we see the staggering numbers from China decrease. They need the Gospel. Today, I hope you’ll take a moment to thank God for missionaries who give their lives to take the Gospel to distant places.

Chad Ezelle

I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of the Alabama Scenic River Trail this past Monday. I was amazed to find out that there are over 5,300 miles of accessible waterways in the State of Alabama. It was stated that this mileage is more than any other state except Alaska. The main portion of the River Trail runs 650 miles from the waterways of northeast Alabama to Fort Morgan in the Gulf of Mexico. It is amazing that this state has such a topography, from the mountains of the north to the beaches in the south.

One of the speakers at the meeting was a gentleman that my coworker and I guessed to be in his 70s. Earlier this year, he and a relative, in two kayaks, paddled the entire 650 miles of the main trail. It took them 34 days to complete it. It was amazing to hear him recount the trip. I cannot imagine paddling across a pond, much less paddling for 34 consecutive days. Some days, he said, they went maybe 3 or 4 miles, while some days they went 18 or more miles. It depended on conditions and weather. The point was, however, no matter what the conditions, they just kept paddling.

At one point, he was talking about the strong headwinds that they occasionally faced, especially as they neared the gulf and the final stretch. He said when those strong headwinds came, “You either paddle or you go backwards.” That phrase really struck me. I mentioned it to my wife, and her reaction was basically the same as mine: “That sounds like life to me.”

Sometimes in life, the going is not difficult. We can kind of put it in cruise control and do alright. The paddling is easy at that point with very little resistance. We still have to paddle, but it is just not as difficult. However, when difficulties come, when things are not easy or when we face the rough seas, that is when we have to make the concerted effort to keep on keeping on. Either we paddle or we go backwards.

John recorded these words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11.

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. (NKJV)

Paddle or go backwards. Stay faithful even in the face of persecution and difficulty. A good portion of the New Testament epistles are written to encourage Christians to stay the course or to be faithful no matter what comes their way. It was obvious from the words of the kayaker that sometimes the paddling was not taking him forward, but it took all of his strength to keep from going backward. There are times in life when we feel like we are paddling as hard as we can, and yet, we cannot see any progress at that moment. What we have to do is to keep on paddling. Eventually, with the help of God, we will begin to move through the problems and difficulties that blow against us like a heavy wind. We will see the victory if we just keep on paddling.

When the kayaker reached Fort Morgan, all of his efforts paid off. Every sore muscle was vindicated, and strong headwinds were overcome. He enjoyed the journey, but he was excited to reach his goal. Let’s enjoy the journey, despite the difficulties and hardships we may face. Let’s live life in service to God. Let’s decide that we are going to paddle instead of letting life take us backwards and away from God. Remember, paddle or go backwards!

Dean Kelly

“…the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness” (Titus 1:1)

I was a juror in a trial involving a man whose dog had attacked a bicyclist, injuring her enough that it required hospitalization.  He denied that it was his dog, and there wasn’t enough evidence to prove that it was his dog.  We let the guy go.  After the trial was over, the judge came in to thank us.  She also told us that this was the fourth time that man’s dog had attacked someone.  I was pretty upset!  That was the kind of information that we needed, but according to law, it was ‘inadmissible in court.’  We had made a decision that was based upon the information we had, but it wasn’t good enough or thorough enough.

Today people are making decisions about God that are not based on good information.  Their view of God is based upon their own feelings (terrible source), their family and friends (not a good source), or even their religious leaders (not always a reliable source).

If there is one area that we must absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt have good information, it is about God.  Our eternal life is dependent upon our knowing God.  Notice: God will “deal out retribution to those who do not know God” (2 Thessalonians 1:8; See also John 17:3).

When Paul wrote the letter to Titus, he described the work Titus had to do on the island of Crete, and it was wrapped around the idea of giving them “the knowledge of the truth.”  Without that knowledge, there is no way to be godly, and without godliness there is no hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2).  It was crucial that they receive good information, because there were lots of lies being spread (Titus 1:12).  Sounds like today, doesn’t it?

Bible study isn’t just a nice thing that Christians do.  It is an essential, life-saving activity.  The Bible is from God; therefore, it will never give us bad information or incomplete information.  What we believe and practice is based upon the Bible.  What we know about God is based upon His revelation of Himself in the Bible.

Point to Ponder

• What grade would you give yourself when it comes to Bible study?  An A? B? Or maybe even worse?
• As children of God, should we not devote ourselves to the study of His word?

Denny Petrillo

Some things just don’t mix. Oil and water. Orange juice and toothpaste. Forks and power outlets. Feet and LEGO’s.  Of all the bad combinations, one would think airplanes and lightning would be near the top. However, in this amazing age of technology, lightning poses very little threat to airplanes.  In fact, “It’s estimated that lightning strikes each plane in the U.S. commercial fleet about once a year without any serious consequences” (CNN).

According to William Voss, the president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, “Since the 1930s, it’s been clearly understood that aircraft will be subjected to lightning strikes, so they’re sort of designed to take it” (ibid). With modern technology and materials, today’s planes essentially act as an extension cord to the lightning. The lightning is channeled around the skin of the plane and then back out into the atmosphere through antenna-like devices. When lightning strikes a plane, the passengers usually don’t even realize it happened.

It’s hard to know just how much time, money, and research has gone into lightning protection for our aircraft. However, one thing is for certain —  airplanes need lightning protection. One strike without protection could be catastrophic.

A typical lightning flash is about 300 million Volts and about 30,000 Amps (most household outlets carry 120 Volts and 15 Amps). There is no doubt that lightning is powerful.  And yet, lightning is an effortless power for God!

As Jeremiah stated so eloquently, “It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses” (10:12-13).

Job said it this way, “Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thundering of His pavilion?  Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him, and He covers the depths of the sea…He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.  Its noise declares His presence…” (36:29-30, 32-33).

We serve an awesomely powerful God.  One who has created forces on this earth, like lightning, which are so powerful we need protection from them just to keep living!  No other is more deserving of our fear, honor, praise, and worship than the Lord.

Brett Petrillo