Many ancient cultures believed the earth was flat. There are still people today who believe this theory.

To prove the earth was round, Aristotle took his evidence from the Egyptians. His evidence was from seeing new constellations of stars. Eratosthenes was the first to calculate the circumference of the earth. Islamic scholars made additional calculations. The Europeans circled the earth to contribute to the proof of a round planet. Over many years, many have tried to disprove what educated men declared.

Strangely, the evangelical Christian church and religious fundamentalists are spreading the news once again that the earth is flat. They discount such things as pictures of earth from the moon.

The practice of bloodletting is considered one of the oldest medical treatments. It is said to have originated in Egypt. Erasistratus believed that all illnesses stemmed from an overabundance of blood. Hippocrates believed good health required the practice of bloodletting, and it was a common practice in the Roman Empire.

Barbers eventually began offering this service, and thus we have the reason for the red and white striped barber’s pole.

In Mesoamerica, Maya priests and rulers pierced their bodies in a variety of places. They used the blood in sacrifice to their gods. Marie-Antoinette was a patient of bloodletting during the birth of her first child. George Washington, suffering from a sore throat that continued to get worse, requested the procedure. He was drained of five to seven pints of blood in less than sixteen hours and died the next day.

Matthew Maury, a sailor, worked as a sailing master aboard a ship. He struggled to find the right course. It was his job to navigate the course, determine where to steer and what sails to use during the voyage. Maury soon discovered that important information to navigate a safe course was not readily available. At one point in his life, he became very ill. He asked one of his daughters to read to him from the Bible. The passage she read changed the course of his life.

From logbooks of sea captains travelling the North Atlantic, he acquired a wealth of information regarding speeds and directions of wind, currents, and patterns. He combined this information with other compiled data to prove God’s simplistic statement.

Maury gave God the credit by attesting that the world has order; the world is made for a purpose; it was planned according to design; it was arranged to make the world as we see it; it is a place for the habitation of man.

Maury was a lot smarter than Aristotle, Eratosthenes, the Islamic scholars, the Europeans, evangelical Christians, Erasistratus, Hippocrates, Marie-Antoinette, or even George Washington. He went to the most reliable source we have—the Bible.

If only the great minds of ancient times had read or listened to the words of Isaiah. “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in” (Isaiah 40:22 ESV). Had they or the skeptics of today read the words of Job, “He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7), they would surely know the placement of the earth in the solar system.

The medical geniuses of the past would surely have profited from the information God gave Moses to pass along to the Jews. It is a simple phrase found in Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…”.

 So, what did Matthew Maury learn from his daughter’s reading of the Scripture. It is a simple verse, but it provided him with just what he needed to do the work he was assigned to do. Psalm 8 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. It extols God’s wondrous gifts to mankind and praises Him for the creation of man, the universe, animals, birds, and fish. The writer then relates that man has dominion over all the works of God including, “the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas” (Psalm 8:8). Maury knew when he heard this verse that there were paths in the sea that could be studied and courses laid for the ships to be safe in their travels.

It was there all along. There was proof that the earth is round, life is in the blood, and there are paths in the seas. What else lies within the pages of Scripture that we could know, if only we would search?

Sandra Oliver

(physicsworld.com; history.com; adefenceofthebible.com).

Lately I’ve heard a couple of new nomenclatures for those of us who are searching the Scriptures daily and are attempting to apply their principles to the decisions of our personal moral lives. Apparently, that makes us members of “the extreme right subculture of the church.”

And it makes us serious textual Christians, rather than mere social Christians.

I mean if I should think that Matthew 5:18 paired with I Timothy 2:9,10 places any responsibility on women to personally enforce, in their own lives, some real standards of modest dress, I’m a part of the subculture. I am more than a social Christian. If I think about and quote verses when engaging in conversation about marriage and divorce, then I’m not what the world views as a “regular Christian.” If I believe that the implications of Philippians 4:8 would have a bearing on what I choose to view on my television or computer, I’ve crossed a line into radicalism. And it’s particularly egregious radicalism if I should ever attempt, in keeping with Titus 2:3-5, to teach another woman any particulars of discretion or chastity or keeping at home. As one man said to me a few days ago “But Cindy, you don’t need to examine passages. Most people don’t get that. Most people are social Christians and they don’t ‘get’ looking at words in the Bible.”

If looking at the text and trying to figure out how it applies to the very real crossroads to which I come daily in this arduous walk toward heaven is the extreme right subculture of the church (and I do not believe that’s always the belief in our congregations), may I suggest that the church has been absorbed into the larger culture—the world (Romans 12:1,2..see, there I go…trying to apply a text).

I know I shouldn’t be shocked when I’m described as the extreme right in a subculture. But, Biblically, there are two choices that determine all subsequent ones. The choices are succinctly outlined at the bottom of Matthew 7. It’s two regular men who are builders. One builds on the sand and one on the rock. The rock foundation has been claimed by those who hear the sayings of Jesus and do them. The “do them” part means something. If it doesn’t mean that the rock-builder takes seriously the words of Scripture and tries to apply them in situations (when the wind blows and the rains come), then I do not know what it means. Without application, Scripture is rendered meaningless.

Thanks, but I do not want to be a social Christian. I don’t want to be placed in a category of people who are along on the Christianity journey for the rewarding sense of belonging to a culture. I’ll take the subculture of people who believe Scripture’s Words are inspired, purposeful and directional in everyday situations. The Holy Spirit has worked for thousands of years to accomplish what you and I can open today and read with ease. I’m treasuring His work in every scenario.  The application of the reading is not as easy. It flies in the face of our world of relativism and non-judgmental tolerance of sin.

Put me down in the subculture column.

Cindy Colley

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Psalm 23.1-3

David, the author of this psalm, knew firsthand about being a shepherd. He had been a shepherd taking care of his father’s flock when Samuel went to anoint him to be the next king of Israel, 1 Samuel 16.11-12. The shepherd would lead the flock to pasture, to water, to safety. He was the one responsible for the well-being of the sheep. He protected them from wolves and other predators.

Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep by name. Each one that has become a part of his flock knows his voice. They follow him and receive abundant life, John 10.10.

Jesus laid down his life willingly so that you might have eternal salvation with God. Is he your shepherd?

by Vicki Matheny

Many of the suggestions regarding this topic involved our attitude.  Not your husband’s attitude, but ours.  We can’t make our husband repent.  We can’t make him start doing the right thing.  But we can control every bit of our attitude.  Compassion, humility, and goodness are powerful traits.  Our constancy in those areas will have a better chance of penetrating our husband’s heart than any rant or “punishment.”  Remember that the goal is to make sure we are doing our part to make it easier for him to go to Heaven.

9.  Rebuke gently.

If you’re like most people, you don’t enjoy confrontation, especially when it involves a friend.  When you do have to resolve an issue, you probably go out of your way to be careful and gentle.  You put a lot of thought into it.  You don’t want there to be any misunderstandings or hurt feelings and will treat it as tenderly as possible.  Make sure you’re no less gentle with your own husband.  Put as much forethought into it.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).  Gentleness goes far in reaching any heart.

10.  Keep Your Convictions

Perhaps your husband has quit attending worship.  Keep going anyway no matter how inconvenient and even if you have to go alone for years.  If your husband has engaged in a particular sin for any length of time, resist the temptation to accept it.  Never give in and engage in it with your husband.  You will demonstrate true faithfulness by putting God’s will first no matter what.  In She Hath Done What She Could, Jane McWhorter writes, “Your husband may test your convictions, but he will respect you for them if you are sincere and consistent.”

11.  Know the Difference Between Shaming and Humiliating

When God’s people no longer blushed at their sin it was because they were no longer ashamed of it (Jer. 6:15).  Shame is good because it can lead to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10,11).  It can turn a tender heart.  Humiliation is different.  A wife who humiliates her husband is trying to embarrass him and attack his dignity.  Look up the various definitions of what it means to humiliate someone.  It’s not pretty or Christlike.

12.  Dissolve Your Anger

A certain amount of anger is natural and righteous indignation is good.  But be careful about feeding your anger by brooding or repeating your husband’s offense(s) over and over in your mind.  You will only lead yourself to the boiling point.  In her book, Loving Your Husband, Patsy Loden writes, “Anger robs you of reason.  Without reasoning ability, you are not responsive to seeking a solution.  Anger enslaves.  You cannot act in a loving way when you are angry.  Anger dictates how you act, and it is always in a negative way.”

How can you dissolve your anger?

• Don’t focus on your rights (“That’s not fair. This isn’t what I deserve.”).
• Don’t start keeping score.
• Stay away from angry people–it’s contagious.
• Pray for release from the feelings of anger.

13.  Focus on His Good Qualities

If your husband picks up a sinful habit, it doesn’t mean he’s a bad man.  Paul said the evil he didn’t want to do was what he kept on doing because of the sin in him (Rom. 7:15-20).  His struggle with his flesh was ongoing.  A husband with a sin problem is battling the flesh and failing.

To help your husband strengthen his godly traits, focus on them.  Point them out.  Open your eyes to the good that your husband does or tried to do.  Acknowledge the good in a non-patronizing way.  I love what Ruth Hazel said in The Challenge of Being a Wife.  “You will find that the more you focus on the good qualities of others the farther their weaknesses will recede.  Anyone can do better when he believes he can do better, and this assurance may be based on the faith and confidence someone else has in us.”

14.  Turn Him Over to God

God is the One in the heart-changing business.  You know you can safely leave your husband in God’s hands.  You don’t have to carry the burden all alone.  You can turn your husband over to the One who died for him.

You can’t force your husband to repent but you can choose to still love him.  Love can motivate you to make sure your attitude and your example make it easier for your husband to be convicted to give up the sinful habit.

Kathy Pollard

It’s hard to believe there’s only two months left in 2021. The holidays always seem to fly by and before we know it, the new year will be upon us. This is when we usually start to decide on resolutions…things we want to try, give up, or finally accomplish. Many habits are hard to break and there’s something about a new year that gives us hope for a fresh start. When it comes to our spiritual lives, thankfully, we don’t need to wait (and really, shouldn’t!) for a new year to start a new habit.

I can think back to certain Bible studies and ladies’ classes I’ve been to and can remember listening to some ladies who I knew without a doubt had a strong faith and knowing that it didn’t happen by chance. I knew that they didn’t just wake up one day and have a strong prayer life and disciplined Bible study habits. My first thoughts tended to be, “They’re probably way more disciplined of a person than I am,” or “maybe one day I’ll be as strong as they are,” or “I don’t even know where to start to develop habits like they have,” and would be a little discouraged that a mountain was ahead of me that I really didn’t know how to climb. But what it is important after thoughts like those are to recognize that they are not true. Those are thoughts that Satan wants us to think so that we won’t even try. But as they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

As a southerner, I’m ashamed to admit that I really don’t like vegetables. Like, any of them. And I never have, especially as a kid. I mean, I will eat them and they’re not that bad but I would rather have cake. However, I know that to be healthy, I need to eat vegetables and the more I eat them, I find that I enjoy them a little more than I used to. If I want them to be part of my meals every day, would I start by cooking 5 different vegetables for every meal and expect to enjoy them? Probably not the best way to start. But, if I decided to have one vegetable a day for a week, and then add another the next week, while finding different ways to cook and season them, over time I would find that they’re much more enjoyable and would become a daily habit that is part of every meal.

If I expect to become a strong Christian overnight, but never work to add daily prayer and Bible study to my daily habits, I will be in for a disappointing reality. Small daily changes will lead to big, lifelong results. But, we must put in the effort to reap the benefits, now and eternally.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

2 Peter 3:18

By Janelle Pollard

to resume on November 8^th.  As we take this fall break, we encourage you to follow the new posts on a sister site, https://www.lordletmegrow.com

           OPEN YOUR EYES

My oldest grandson has always been attentive to everything around him. Even when he was very young, he would see things that most people miss. He noticed little things like a new set of keys on my husband’s key ring. He would immediately ask if we had a new car, or what that set of keys went to. He noticed when signs changed in stores or restaurants we visited regularly, and he would recognize changes in furniture arrangement in houses of people he visited. He did not miss much; and if we sent him for something, we knew he would find it. Never did we have to tell him to “open his eyes” because he had missed something right in front of him.

We use this expression, “open your eyes” when we are talking about situations that require immediate attention. We use it a lot of our politicians; why can’t they open their eyes and see what is going on? I agree that this question is appropriate, but I think there is another way in which we need to open our eyes.

In Second Kings 6, there is a story about an eye-opening experience that caught everyone by surprise. The king of Syria had declared war on Israel. The prophet, Elisha, discovered where the Syrian army was camped. He provided this information to the king of Israel and warned him to stay clear. The king of Syria discovered that the enemy knew where they were camping, and he assumed one of his own servants had betrayed him. The servants assured him that it was Elisha that had revealed their location.

The king of Syria located Elisha, and he sent his army to surround the city where Elisha was. Elisha’s servant was frightened when he saw the army, and he wanted to know how they were going to get out of this situation. He was sure that the Syrians would overtake them. Elisha reassured him. He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (Second Kings 6:16 ESV). Elisha then prayed to God, and this was his request. “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” God answered Elisha’s prayer and allowed the servant to see that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around the city.

When the Syrians attacked, Elisha prayed again; and this time he asked God to strike the Syrians with blindness. God again answered Elisha’s prayer, and the Syrians were blinded. Elisha then led them to Samaria, and there Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of the Syrians.

When the king of Israel saw the Syrians, his first thought was to kill them. Elisha instructed them to feed them and give them water. They did as God commanded; and when they had sufficient food, he sent them on their way.

In Ephesians 1, Paul addresses the church of Ephesus, praising them for their faith in Jesus and their love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. He tells them that he is praying for them that they will have the “Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” Then he says that he prays that their eyes will be opened. They were not, as the Syrians were, physically blind. He is praying not just for clearness in thinking but for the eyes of their hearts to open. He wants them to understand the heights they can reach when they totally commit to Christ.

We need to open our eyes, both the intellect and the heart. We need to study God’s Word, not just read it. We need to explore the power of prayer. Our hearts need to be totally committed to Christ. We need to take a long hard look at our attitude toward our fellowman, and we need to have a sincere determination to serve God no matter what army surrounds us.

There was an army that surrounded Stephen when he defended the faith in Acts 7. Remember that he said that, as he gazed into heaven, he saw the glory of God with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He was stoned to death, but His army surrounded him.

Our army surrounds us wherever we go. Our army is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. When all others fail us, they will be there for us. Like Elisha’s servant, we only need to open our eyes to see the army that surrounds us.

Sandra Oliver

Have you ever spent time around a couple or a family that ridiculed each other?  Whether it was under the guise of teasing or flat-out verbal lashing, you could feel the tension and contempt.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like it.  I don’t like being around couples that mock each other in such a way as to make a point.  It makes me uncomfortable.  I don’t like being around families that have nothing but scorn for one another.  It makes me want to run away.  And it’s just so sad.  Where’s the love and respect?  What have they experienced together that created such bitterness?  It makes me shake my head.

May Christians never treat each other in such a way that our non-Christian friends shake their head.  The church is the household of God (Eph. 2:19), and we’re to treat each other brotherly, sisterly, fatherly (1 Tim. 5:1,2).  We’re to “love one another with brotherly affection” and “outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).  These aren’t just words to read but actions to put into practice!  How does the world SEE us loving and honoring fellow Christians?

In an effort to keep from being seen as harsh and judgmental, we’ve gotten good at extending grace to the worldly.  Let’s not neglect to extend grace to our brothers and sisters in Christ as well.  Instead of being quick to publicly point out what Christians are doing wrong or how they’ve let us down, shouldn’t we be working hard to show the world that fellow Christians are our favorite (John 13:34,35)?

I just don’t think that “fighting the good fight” means fighting each other.  In the same chapter, Paul warns against those who have an “unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction” (1 Tim. 6:4,5).  In the same chapter, Paul encourages us to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (v. 11).  That’s how we “fight the good fight of faith” (v. 12).  That’s how we “keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14).

Because we have received grace, let’s freely extend grace to all, Christian and non-Christian alike.  Let’s draw the world to Christ by showing them something they’ll want to have for themselves.  I’m naturally drawn to couples and families that are kind and loving toward each other.  I want to be with them.  I want to learn from them and share in their joy.  What an opportunity we have as Christians to attract others to Christ by the way we honor, promote, love, and lift up each other!

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10, emphasis mine).

Kathy Pollard

On a previous Sunday, we had a beautiful worship assembly.  Gary’s lesson, “The Road to Rejoicing” was so encouraging (this can be viewed on our website below). Everything in the service went smoothly until at the close of the service my husband received a text from his sister. Understand, texting someone that you knew was in worship was unheard of in the Hampton family. Gary knew it must be urgent. His sister explained that we would soon hear something on the news about a shooting, and they were safe, unhurt.
She, her husband, and other Christians assembled to worship, just as they did every Lord’s Day. My brother-in-law and other men were quietly dispersing the Lord’s Supper trays. And then the unforeseen happened. Shots rang out, people were ducking under pews. In six seconds it was over. Two brothers in Christ were down, one injured, one deceased, and the shooter taken down with a fatal shot from an alert member of the security team.
Gary’s sister and her husband were not injured physically, but they and all the worshipers were emotionally in shock. Is this a bad dream? No, it is real. The injured Christian died at the hospital. Two godly men were gone in a flash.
Several things came to mind. First, death can come unexpectedly, and in the strangest settings. Places of worship are meant to be a safe refuge for the soul, a place where one can fully focus on praising our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
The truth is, we never know when death is at the door. The two appointments that everyone has and everyone will keep are death and judgment, And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). We must be prepared at all times, regardless of age. Are you ready?
Second, prayers should be offered for everyone, certainly the family of the two Christian men and prayers for the church family, but also for the member who was part of their security team and brought down the shooter so quickly! He, too, will emotionally deal with taking a life, even though it was necessary to save many lives. We should pray also for the family of the shooter.
Third, we have amazing words of comfort in God’s word for those who lose loved ones, But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Yes, we sorrow, but we have great hope in Christ our risen Savior. Paul wrote Timothy, Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him (2 Timothy 2:11).
Finally, the two men who lost their lives in this horrific event lived and labored daily for Jesus and for His Kingdom, the church. While we Christians all over the world are mourning this great loss, we must take heart when we read John’s letter, Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13). Sweet rest. Praise God!

Today’s Verses: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15), Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 By Teresa Hampton

Lesson by Gary Hampton, The Road to Rejoicing:   https://livestream.com/siwellroadcoc/events/8914415/videos/200278701