The Apostle Paul drives home keys for spiritual strength and prosperity in Ephesians 6:10-18. Here we read about the panoply of God – the Christian armor. Paul begins with a charge in Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in Lord and in power of His might.” The seed truth: God not only wants you to be a Christian; God wants you to be a STRONG Christian. Why? Because strong Christians lead to a strong church, a strong church is a growing church, a growing church means souls are being saved and God is glorified. But what exactly is a strong Christian? In this article we will examine six signs of spiritual strength.

Years ago a man bought a new radio, brought it home, placed it on the fridge, plugged it in and turned it to WSM-Nashville – the home of the Grand Ol’ Opry. He then stunned his family as he began pulling all the knobs off! You see, he had already tuned in to all he ever wanted to hear, so he limited his radio reception to one station. I trust that we’re not that set in our ways, but we’re willing to examine our lives in the light of God’s Word and are anxious to learn more and prepared to make changes where needed.

So, are you a Christian? If so, how strong are you? This sermons objective is 1) to help you understand what it means to be strong spiritually and 2) to motivate you to resolve to become strong in the Lord.

Acquiring more knowledge is the first step in acquiring spiritual strength. Some facts you must know to be strong. In Ephesians 6:11-12, the Spirit says we MUST recognize our enemy! “Put on whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The Devil is real and after your soul!

Paul continues the emphasis on knowledge in Ephesians 6:14 and 17: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…And take …the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” We MUST know the truth. Spiritual truth originates not with man, but with Scripture. This fact is further emphasized in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth…” Hence, the apostle’s plea in 1 Peter 2:2, “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby.” Knowledge is essential to spiritual strength.

In addition, the Christian needs to know certain behavior betrays spiritual infirmity. Hear the apostle Paul in I Timothy 3:15, “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” So are you on a regular, regimented, daily Bible reading plan? Are you diligent in studying God’s word? Do you do so with your family? Are you regular in church attendance?

Acquiring knowledge alone does not make one spiritually strong. The Holy Spirit makes it clear that the strong Christian will communicate knowledge–communicate truth. Ephesians 6:15, 19-20, “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace…and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, that…I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul does not direct this to preachers, but to Christians in general. Soldiers in the Lord’s army share the good news with others. The gospel saves no one until it is known! Jesus summarizes our marching orders in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded…”

Not just any communication will do. We must communicate effectively to effect change in others. Wisdom demands more than showing, “I’m right; you’re wrong!” The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” There’s no greater blow to the devil than stealing a lost soul from the kingdom of darkness. Let’s make that priority one!

Think about it! What is more crucial to spiritual strength than cultivating and increasing faith? According to 1 John 5:4, “Faith is the victory”. Our focal passage emphasizes the same truth in Ephesians 6:16, “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Paul adds in Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Strong Christians do not allow physical eyesight to determine their spiritual outlook. God’s people, we find in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “walk by faith, not by sight.” As one gospel song puts it, “God’s got bigger things goin’ on than what these little bitty eyes can see.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Matthew 17:20, “And, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” If we’re going to be strong, we must take God at His word! You and your loved ones will have health crises, financial crises, domestic crises, occupational crises. Your faith will sustain you.

What does Paul mean in Ephesians 6:14 by “putting on the breastplate of righteousness?” How does this relate to spiritual strength? What behaviors does this include?” Some translations render “alms” as “righteousnesses” in Matthew 6:1-2. Jesus says in Matthew 6:3-4, “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Under the umbrella of “righteousness,” serving through generosity is a sign of spiritual strength.

Jesus presents the widow giving her last two mites in Luke 21. He tells of the Good Samaritan who gave of his heart, time and money. Barnabas impresses us in Acts 4:37 when he, “having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at apostles’ feet.” But perhaps the most striking indication of how highly Jesus values generosity is found in His preview to the judgment in Matthew 25:34-36. A deciding factor for eternity is generosity. ”Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in (gave me lodging); I was naked and you clothed Me (gave me clothes); I was sick and you visited Me (gave of your time); I was in prison and you came to Me (gave me your attention).’ “ We are never more like God than when we give of ourselves. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” This is genuine spiritual strength.

We all know John 3:16, but do you know the other John 3:16 – 1 John 3:16? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” A willingness to sacrifice is another form of righteousness that shows spiritual strength. Think about it! Divorce is impossible when both husband and wife live sacrificial lives. Hear Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” That won’t fit with “this is my life, this is my body and I’ll do as I wish! We need look no further than Abraham’s willingness to offer His only son to see what God’s looking for in the “breastplate of righteousness.”

Article by: Brett Hickey

Paul states that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV). These words should thrill the Christian’s soul. When Paul wrote “All Scripture,” he just as easily could have said, “Our Bible.” In other words, “Our Bible” is inspired of God and it establishes doctrine. It rebukes our sins and corrects our mistakes. Our Bible instructs us in what is right, ensures our completeness, and thoroughly equips us as the saints of God.

The Poet wrote, “How Precious Is the Book Divine, By Inspiration Giv’n. Bright as a lamp its precepts shine, To Guide my soul to heav’n.” Though beautiful, these poetic words do not surpass the eloquence of King David in the 119th Psalm. There, David extolled the greatness of “Our Bible,” as the word of the Living God. In light of this sublimity, this article offers you some great truths to consider carefully:

Our Bible is inspired of God: No other book can rightly make that claim. More than a mere claim, however; the internal and external proofs show the claim to be undeniably true. From Old Testament prophecy to New Testament history, many evidences affirm the Bible’s representation as being inspired of God. First, note some of these references to inspiration:

1. Paul acknowledged having received the Spirit of God (lCor.2:9-13)
2. Paul certified the gospel is by divine revelation (Gal. 1:11)
3. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth (Jn.16: 13)
4. Peter affirmed that holy men of God spoke as they were directed by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet.1:21)

In effect, these writers attribute their message to a divine source and then validated that attribution by their own deaths. With the exception of John, each of the apostles reportedly died a very violent death. Jesus even alluded to Peter’s death in John 21:18,19. Would one insanely die to protect a fraud and a scheme? Perhaps, but not 10 more, especially when the other 10 are separated by such far distances – each dying independent of the others. Would all eleven maintain a conspiracy to lie and foist such a lie on the world in the name of dying? Highly unlikely – someone would have denounced it in order to spare themselves, yet all of them to the man sealed their testimony by their blood in dying at the hands of the Jews or Romans for their faith. Why? Because Our Bible is true. Jesus promised his followers “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). The first century Christians withstood unimaginable persecution aimed at dissuasion, and lived with the threat of death hanging over them. But, they staked their soul on Jesus’ promise of eternal life.

Beyond that subtle point, however, are several other bolder forms of evidence. Take for instance the facts of the Bible’s compilation. Our Bible was written over a period of 1,600 years by 40 different contributing writers, all of which were separated by time, distance, and some even by language and culture, yet one sees a continuous harmony from start to finish -continuity, without contradiction. How could such a remarkable feat be achieved without the aid of divine intervention? It could not. Even still, this book ranks among the world’s best-selling titles and more copies are distributed world-wide than any other. Why? Our Bible is inspired of God.

What is more, look to the scientific facts revealed in the Bible – facts that could have only been known by God at the time they were written. When I first read this next passage as a teenager, I recall taking a long pause and seeing goose bumps whelp my arms. It had a definite effect. The Bible declares in Job 26:7 “He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing.”

Only by confirmation of modern science have these amazing facts been shown to be true. With the naked eye, one cannot detect an empty space in the sky or determine upon what mechanism the world may be suspended. Even the ancient Greeks once believed that Atlas, a mythological god, held the world on his shoulders. Only within recent years has the world been able to see the absolute fallacy of that belief and the absolute accuracy of this bold statement in Job. Gravity! – the invisible force that holds the earth on its course. “He hangs the earth on nothing” – Find this passage’s equal in the Qu’ran. Do the works of Joseph Smith reveal anything so telling? Not in the least, and yet, such is found within what is said to be written by Him who is the “Ancient of Days.”

You cannot find anything in the entire literary world that compares to this grand ole book divine. Read Shakespeare. Ponder Philosophy. Look to antiquities. Search the shelves of libraries. Scour the internet to its end. You will be left to conclude as Peter did, “Lord, to whom shall we go, thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Time and space prevent a discussion of the many archaeological finds, the outside corroborations of secular history, or the many fascinating Biblical references to geology, astronomy, and oceanography. Volumes and volumes of works have set these evidences forth in great detail. I, then, can only assert their truthfulness with the hope that you will be like the Bereans of old and “search …whether those things are so.”

Suffice it to say, these evidences lie beyond question or reasonable contradiction for the fair minded man and for every sincere soul who seeks the truth of God. After all, His word is indeed the source of real truth. Jesus said, “…thy word is truth” (John 17:17), leaving little wonder as to why the Lord also says, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Our Bible is worthy of our respect, our time, and our consideration because it is inspired of God.

Our Bible is Authoritative: Paul said, “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor 14:37 NKJV). Our Bible could not be profitable for doctrine (2Tim.3:16) without also being authoritative in its declarations. Obviously then, our Bible reveals the commandments of God and the Lord admonishes us to take great care in our reading and application of the scripture:

1. “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).
2. “…stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15).
3. “Hold fast the form of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13).
4. “Be diligent to show yourself approved of God…rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim.2:15).
5. “…keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you” (1 Cor.11:2).

As being authoritative, our Bible permits and restricts. It allows and forbids, and it both legislates and regulates. Take, for instance, the familiar topic of the Lord’s Supper. Our Bible both legislates the observance of the Lord’s Supper and regulates the manner in which it is to be observed. Paul commanded the Church to observe the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11, and then offered as a pattern what Jesus did in instituting it as Paul set the matter in order at Corinth.

Our Bible provides instruction as to how and as to when the Lord’s Supper is to be observed. By implication, our Bible teaches the use of a single loaf of unleavened Bread as the communion of the body of Christ and a single cup of unfermented fruit of the vine as the communion of the blood of Christ. The historical record of Acts then also informs us that the disciples met on “The First Day of the Week” to “Break Bread” It says, “Upon the first day of the week, WHEN the disciples came together to break bread…”(Acts 20:7). In taking all that is written, we synthesize the day on which, the manner in how, and the reason for observing the Lord’s Supper. Now, my real point is this: Today very few can go as far to say “that is how it must be done.” Rather, the prevailing attitude states “that’s how we’ve traditionally done it” or “there’s nothing wrong in doing it that way.” Such a lack of certainty and such a lack of conviction demonstrate a fundamental disbelief in the authoritative nature of the Scripture – that the scripture can be exact, precise, and demanding. However, may I kindly say that a man only reveres the Lord to the degree that a man reveres the word of the Lord. God said, “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word” (Isa 66:2 NKJV). The authority of God and his word extend to all matters divine. Through his word, He controls the mission, function, purpose, and organization of the church. He directs worship. He establishes the qualifications of the church’s officers and overseers. He imposes duties upon us as parents, as saints, as workers, as employers and even as citizens of these United States; all the while, expecting faithful obedience to his word and to all of his commands.

Our Bible Comforts, Consoles, Leads and Guides: Where would we be without the influence of the Bible in our lives? As a nation? As a community? As a church? As a family? Nothing consoles; nothing comforts; and nothing admonishes like our beloved old’ Bibles. Paul said, “wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess.4:18). Peter asked, “Lord to whom shall we go, Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68)? I read the story a number of years ago about Robert Ingersoll touring this country of ours lecturing against the Bible. As it is told, one time on the Kansas’ plains in a small township he lectured to a rather large group of hearers. The infidel’s stinging words caused an elderly woman to become very upset as she listened to him rail, and rail, and rail against the Bible and faith toward God. The story says that she clenched her worn out Bible in her hands and began to softly sing, “Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus…” That Bible had been her everything. It had seen her through so many hard times – through the death of loved ones, and the parting of friends. It had consoled her grief and lightened her way. Oh, that every soul would simply read and understand the timeless message of the Bible. They could come to see the wonderful, wonderful blessings that are given through God’s living and abiding Word. May God bless you as you read “Your Bible.”

Article by: Douglas T. Hawkins

The idea of Mother’s Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe, the author of the stirring song, “The Battle Hymn of The Republic.”  Perhaps that was only fitting because good mothers understand that there are battles which must be fought in life and they know how to fight for what is important.  As the poem declares: “The bravest battle that ever was fought, shall I tell you where and when?  On the maps of the world you will find it not, it was fought by the mothers of men.”  That’s right!  It is said that by the time a youngster reaches 18 years of age, the mother has handled some 18,000 hours of child-generated housework, dealing with things that would not have been necessary had there been no child.  If there is anyone in this life who deserves our honor and respect, surely our mothers do.

This, of course, is a Bible topic and the word of God emphasizes the importance of motherhood to the home.  “I will therefore that the younger women marry, “ Paul wrote in 1 Tim. 5:14, “bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”  This shows that the home is, indeed, the woman’s domain (her main sphere of activity) and this is where she fulfills her destiny.  In fact, bearing children is a unique role of the woman and she has that feminine touch which helps to bring order and a sweetness to the home that would be lacking without her presence.  Although some are seeking to obliterate all distinctions between the sexes in our society, God created men and women differently.  Instead of looking upon that as a criticism or something to be viewed in a negative way, we need to possess an appreciation for those differences and see how they enrich our lives.  The truth is that both the woman’s femininity and the man’s masculinity are important, playing a vital role in balancing things out in the home (for the good of children and everyone involved).

One of the most beautiful tributes ever paid to womanhood is found in the last chapter of the Proverbs, where the section begins by affirming that you cannot put a price tag on a mother’s worth.  After declaring, “Who can find a virtuous woman?  for her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10), we learn in verse 28 that he is referring to both a wife and a mother, whose “children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”  Dear reader, why should a mother’s worth be something that we value so highly?  The answer to that question has to do with all the things a mother is and the different areas that motherhood involves.  As I deal with this topic from that standpoint, let’s notice the great value of a godly mother . . .

HER ROLE AS A TEACHER
Mothers need to understand and appreciate that up to a certain point in their child’s life, they are probably the most important and most effective teacher the child will ever have!  They teach their children lessons that are vital to their very existence here upon this earth, including things like how to eat properly, potty training, the need for good manners, honesty, integrity, morality, modesty, etc.  In many ways the mother is the “hub” on which everything else turns, and due to the multifaceted roles she plays in the home, everyone should see her importance.  All the members of a family depend upon mother more than they could ever imagine!

It’s really hard to understand the attitude of some women, sometimes even in the church, when you take all of these facts into account.  Instead of being content with their God-given role, some long for something more, perhaps wanting to be preachers (public proclaimers of God’s word) or having a “ministry” that operates outside the woman’s Biblical sphere of activity.  Do you know what that demonstrates?  It shows that some do not fully appreciate how important women and mothers are to the work of the church.  One man said that we need to appreciate what he called the “ministry of motherhood.” In other words, let’s don’t overlook the vital role of mothers in teaching their children and instructing them in the ways of the Lord!  However, some do because it is something that is done in a private, individual capacity (See 1 Cor. 14:34-35 & 1 Tim. 2:11-12).

It was Eunice and Lois in the long ago, a mother and grandmother to an evangelist in the early church, who helped their son/grandson to become the great man of faith that he was.  Paul wrote to Timothy, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5).  These dear women were so totally committed to living for the Lord that Timothy knew the joy of residing in a godly home.  Furthermore, by verbal instruction and a true example of righteousness, they instilled in Timothy the same kind of faith that they possessed.  Likewise, every mother in the church has that same responsibility today!  Take the time and initiative to teach your children about spiritual things– Tell them the story of Jesus (and other Bible characters), teach them how to pray, instill within them the godly principles of God’s word, and teach them that the Lord must come first in their lives.  One man put it like this: “Mothers write on the hearts of their children what the rough hand of the world cannot erase.”  Amen!

HER ROLE AS A NURSE
A nurse is someone who looks after patients with diligent care and is always at the beckoning call of the one in need.  Obviously, it takes a dedicated, unselfish person to always be taking care of someone else, even if it means that their own needs must be put on hold for the moment.  When you think about it, what an able description of a mother! When a child gets sick, for example, or has been injured in some way, who is the first person they think of and want to run to?  Generally speaking, it’s mother.  Although there is no medicinal value in a kiss or the touch of a gentle hand, somehow mothers have a way of always making it better and taking the pain away.

When the son of the Shunammite woman fell sick in the field, the father said, “Carry him to his mother” (2 Kings 4:18-20); then the Bible says that “he sat on her knees till noon, and he died.”  When we think of all the sacrifices our mothers have made on our behalf (seeing to it that we were safe, secure and happy), this is sufficient reason to honor them as we should.  One man said that he finally found a Mother’s Day card that expressed how he felt: “Now that we have a mature, adult relationship, there’s something I’d like to tell you.  You’re still the first person I think of when I fall down and get an ouchy.”

Godly mothers teach us about who God is, especially in the area of love.  God’s love is deep and rich, plentiful in mercy and forgiveness, and always seeking our good.  The closest thing to that kind of love in this life is probably the love of a mother.  After all, godly mothers always seek the best for their children, first and foremost in a spiritual sense, and they are long on mercy and slow to anger.  No wonder Abraham Lincoln once said: “No one is poor who has a godly mother.”

HER ROLE AS A COUNSELOR
Some of the best advice a young person will ever receive is from a godly mother.  While professional counselors are very expensive, her advice is “free” for the asking and, while no parent is infallible in word or deed, she would never knowingly steer you in the wrong direction.  Since godly parents are committed to bringing their children up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), they will always act in your best interest by pointing you to the Scriptures for guidance.  In that sense the words of Solomon are still applicable today: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Prov. 1:8).  What a blessing it is to be raised by parents who love God’s word!

Yes, godly mothers watch out for the souls of their children and will do what they can to provide them with the correction they need in their lives.  Napoleon once said: “Let France have great mothers, and France will have great sons.”  Likewise, with great, God-fearing mothers in the church, the church will be strong and stand on solid ground!

Article By: Bill D Dickinson

The word cancer causes our heart to quiver when a doctor affirms that it is in the body of one we love or in our own body. Little does it matter if assuring words are spoken in regard to its cure. Once treatment has allowed one to be cancer free, the ear is always attuned to the terrible pronouncement that it has returned and is alive again. And when that happens it remains disconcerting.

Cancer sometimes seems to run in families, as doctors are always interested in family history when checking for it. Also one’s work history, environment and even diet is a matter to be considered when looking for the disease. Yet, some contact cancer when these factors seem to have little effect when the disease shows up.

Cancer invades the bodies of the rich and famous, the poor and unknown, men and women and even little children, infidels and Christians, skin color is not protection against it, and while we cannot—must not—discount the power of prayer, it does not prevent it nor take it away. It is strange how people react to a cancer victim. I have heard people say, “well, if you must have cancer the kind you have (or place where you have it), is the best kind to have.” What (?), does that mean! I can tell you one thing that does not sound the same to a person who has contacted cancer, as it does to one who is cancer free. Others react as if you now have one foot in the grave, which is not too consoling to the person with the disease.

In discussing cancer some have long contended that a cure could be found, but the government keeps it a secret because of the money involved. Think about that—people in government get cancer too. Seems to me under such circumstances the “secret would get out.” The treatment for cancer is sometimes as physically painful and devastating as the disease. The mental anguish is often equally as terrible. Loved ones feel helpless trying to deal with a cancer victim, which heaps more pain upon the one afflicted with it, knowing the pain in the loved one’s heart has been brought about by the affliction he (she) has. Cancer seems to have the upper hand on its victims.

There is no doubt about it—cancer does cause life changes. Not only does it often change ones physical appearance it also changes what we can and what we cannot do. The very attitude about life is transformed in a person with cancer. In extreme cases one is told the number of weeks or months of life expectancy, in others every moment of life is lived by a clock, as the affliction must continually be cared for. People (even those close to the person with cancer) seldom understand just what is taking place on a daily basis. There is nothing good about cancer.

However, as all-consuming as cancer may be and as controlling as it can be over one’s life, there are some things that cancer cannot do, there are some places that it cannot invade, there are some attributes it cannot control. Cancer is like sin in many ways, therefore, as we consider these things about cancer think of these in regard to sin because there are some things that sin cannot do. Cancer and sin are limited in many (if not most) of the important things in life. What is it that cancer cannot do? I don’t know all of these, therefore, I cannot list them all, however, there are some things that we can know. Because these are important we should place them in our mind and hold them dear.

Cancer Cannot Erode Faith
Speaking of God’s power to save being in the Gospel, Paul adds “For therein (the Gospel,)is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17). The righteousness of God does not refer to the fact that God is righteous as it is not the purpose of the Gospel to reveal that fact. It was accomplished by the Old Testament particularly the Law. The Gospel, however, is the result of God’s revelation of His means to save mankind.

The way a person is made righteous is by submitting to the Gospel (see Rom. 6:17-18). A righteous person is a forgiven person, a justified person. If we had never sinner we would be justified by our own works, but having sinned we must be forgiven to be justified; the Gospel has the power to accomplish this for all. So, the Gospel revealed is “the faith” that we obey, the faith that we walk by (2 Cor. 5:7) and the faith that we contend for (Jude 3). It goes without saying that cancer cannot corrode the faith revealed by God. But, Paul goes on to tell us that our belief or faith in the Gospel—God’s power to save is necessary. It is “faith” God’s revelation unto “faith” obeyed. Diseases (including cancer) are often used by Satan to dissuade people from obeying the Gospel or to continue faithfully serving the Lord in trying times. Yes, the question does arise, “why me?” A person of faith soon comes to ask instead “why not me?”

Being a Christian does not exempt us from the ordinary trials of men as long as we live in a fleshly body. “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and he sendeth rain on the just and the unjust”(Mt. 5:45). While cancer gnaws away at the organs of the body it cannot corrode faith living in the heart that controls the thoughts, words and action of those who are in Christ.

Cancer Cannot Shatter Hope
Hope and faith are distinct, yet, they are intertwined. One is lacking in faith if he does not have hope. One is void of hope if he is without faith. The letter to the Hebrews declares, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.” (11:1). Substance is a compound word made up of stance with the prefix sub added. Stance means “the way a person stands.” Sub is to “go below, under or beneath.” Therefore faith is that which is under our standing in hope. Without God’s word we have nothing to stand on—we are left in a hopeless position. Thus from faith (God’s word) unto faith (what we have accepted by believing), we have hope.

It is true that people who trust in materialism and the things that pertain to this life are left hopeless when cancer strikes especially in its most devastating form. John declares, “the world passeth away and the lust thereof,” eternity holds out no hope for the people of this mindset. But he that “doeth the will of God abideth forever” (I Jn. 2:17). When cancer strikes, one of the most powerful and a precious weapon of the Christian is hope. Immediately it comes to the forefront. Before the extent of the cancer’s effect is known, before the diagnosis is decided, while the physical man trembles in the shadow of the disease, hope lifts the spirit.

There are blessings that belong to the Christian in this life (something that unbelievers fail to grasp and understand). Christianity is about eternal things. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to the abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (ASV living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (I Pet. 1:3). Christians have a “living hope.” Notice we have been begotten again to this hope by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This reminds us of man being placed in Eden with the promise of living forever by being able to eat of the tree of life. However, by eating of the forbidden tree that promise was stalemated. Death came upon the human race. Jesus’ resurrection renewed the ability of man to live forever in bliss. We again have that hope through the new birth. Thanks be to God for this “living hope” which cancer has no power to shatter.

Cancer Cannot Cripple Love
This is not about emotional love that is dependent upon circumstances, nor is it flittering love that is hot one day and cool the next. It is about the love that is constant and is without condition. The kind of love a normal parent has for his children, love that grows as good and bad times are shared, love that exhibits itself under trying circumstances, love that demonstrated itself and is easily seen and detected, love that can be learned, love that has no boundaries that limit it, love that is dependable and unwavering.

Love has everything to do with the Christian and the life that is embraced. A person who learns about the love that God has for him as a sinner requites that love through obedience. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16). “So loved” exemplifies the degree of God’s love. The Apostle to the Gentiles reminds us of the same truth. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom.5:8).

It has been said, (I think rightly), that “God loved us when we were unlovable.” Once that is realized we willingly love God in return. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (I Jn. 4:19). When circumstances are such that we suffer, there is no flinching from the tasks before us. Cancer (or other ailments) cannot—do not, keep us from doing to the best of our ability to serve and glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ. The Christian continues to march himself to the assembly when the saints gather in worship and praise.

The Holy Scriptures remain a constant reminder of heavenly bliss and solace. Thanking God in prayer for the blessings enjoyed is practiced daily. Why? Love propels us onward. More than ever before the importance of living a life that prepares us for the prepared place takes control of our heart driving us to be what we are to be according to God’s word. A prepared people for a prepared place is Biblical. Cancer is weak compared to the love of God in the heart and life of believers.  Cancer cannot cripple love.

Cancer Cannot Reduce Eternal Life
Cancer has shortened the prospective years of many upon the earth. Families have been heartbroken, churches have been anguished, and communities have been driven to mourning and building monuments. Hospitals and medical facilities have been erected for the singular purpose of caring for cancer patients. Charitable organizations feverishly work soliciting funds for research to eradicate cancer from the face of the earth. Much to our chagrin it has taken the life of too many children. Sometimes it appears that the well wishing and work of everyone ends in a dead end street. All that being said, cancer cannot take away nor diminish by a single moment eternal life.

Jesus promised, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (Jn. 11:25). Can cancer destroy the body? Absolutely. Can cancer destroy the soul? Absolutely not! Although Jesus was not speaking directly of cancer, His words are applicable. “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt. 10:28). Believers have the thrilling promise, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” (Rom. 6:22). We all know that cancer can take our physical life, but it can take nothing from the life we have in Christ.

Article by: Barney Owens

Because of Jesus Christ
Every person, religious or not, must decide what to do with Jesus. This was the predicament Pilate found himself in when Jesus stood trial. Pilate had tried to be upright in his dealings with Jesus and reached the conclusion He was faultless. However, the crowd demanded, “Crucify him!” (Mk. 15:14).  After the crowd chose the release of the murderer and robber Barabbas, Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Mt. 27:22). This very question must be dealt with by every individual alive today, however, the consequences of the answer are much more serious for us.

If it can be proven historically that Jesus is who He claims to be, then He is the meaning of everything. If He is not who He claims to be, then we have been duped into believing an elaborate hoax. The questions now before us are: (1) who did Jesus claim to be, and (2) is there evidence to validate His claims?

Who Did Jesus Claim to Be?
In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes several “I am” statements to identify who He claimed to be. He tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 4:6). He also asserts, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (Jn. 11:25). Both of these statements provide excellent insight into the nature of Jesus. They are statements signifying that life, eternal life, is only found in Him. It is such exclusive claims that cause so such controversy today.

Jesus makes an even bolder claim than His claim to be the only way to eternal life! In John 8:58, Jesus affirms, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” Let there be no doubt or confusion—Jesus Christ claims to be God! The Jews revered Abraham as the father of their nation. However, when Jesus states, “Before Abraham was, I am,” He is saying He was in existence before Abraham. It is the last part of the statement that infuriates the Jews, Jesus simply said, “I am.” There is no doubt Jesus claimed to be God. When Moses asked God Who He was, Moses was told, “I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exod. 3:14). This passage was so well engrained in the minds of the Jews they understood completely and immediately that Jesus was claiming to be Deity.

There are other passages of Scripture where Jesus, in a similar fashion, claims to be God. Instead of referencing them let us get to the heart of the matter, can we know if the claims of Jesus are true? If so, what credible evidences are available to prove such? In a concise manner, let us examine a few.

The prophets of old set forth many Messianic prophecies. Such predictions concerning the Christ, the Son of God laid out many specific and minute details. Jesus Christ fulfilled over 300 prophecies to confirm He is who He claimed to be. A complete and detailed list would be rather lengthy, however here are a few for your consideration.

• Born in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2, Mt. 2:1
• The Preaching of John the Baptizer – Isa. 40:3, Mt. 3:1-6
• He would be mocked – Psa. 22:7,8; Mt. 27:39-44
• He would be hit and spit upon – Isa. 50:6, Mk. 14:65
• Not a bone would be broken – Psa. 34:20, Jn. 19:33
• Betrayed by a friend – Psa. 41:9, Mt. 27:3
• Buried with the rich – Isa. 53:9, Mt. 27:60
• Body would not decay (resurrection) – Psa. 16:10, Acts 2:31

Despite the obvious and overwhelming fulfilled Messianic prophecies there are still those who refuse to accept Jesus. Some claim He is an imposter. They believe Jesus designed to live His life to give the appearance that He fulfilled the prophecies. This ridiculous claim is easily refuted by Eric Lyons and Kyle Butt in 5 Reasons to Believe in Jesus:

Such a contention cannot be reasonably maintained in light of the fact that many of the prophecies were far beyond His control. Obviously, it would be impossible for a person to arrange who his ancestors were or where he would be born. Furthermore, it would be near impossible to coordinate events so that He could make sure that He was crucified among thieves, while also buried in the tomb of a rich man. How could the betrayal price of Judas be manipulated by Jesus? And how, pray tell, would Jesus have managed to arrange it so that soldiers cast lots for His clothing? The idea that Jesus manipulated all of these events to make it appear as if He was the Messiah not only is indefensible, but it also speaks to the fact that Jesus obviously was the fulfillment of the Old Testament, Messianic prophecies (pg 8-9).

It is absurd that one would turn a blind eye to such powerful evidence. Jesus, in fulfilling the Messianic prophecies, provides ample evidence of His claims. Any honest heart desiring to know the truth about Jesus clearly sees the connection.

The Resurrection

The focal point of the gospel of Christ is His resurrection. Paul speaks of the importance of this event, he said, “if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). Thus, the resurrection is essential to our faith. Josh McDowell writes of the historical evidences for the resurrection. In A Ready Defense, he speaks of a rationalistic lawyer by the name of Frank Morrison. He writes,

Dr. Frank Morrison, a lawyer who had been brought up in a rationalistic environment, had come to the opinion that the resurrection was nothing but a fairy-tale happy ending…He felt that he owed it to himself, and to others, to write a book that would present the truth about Jesus and dispel the myth of the resurrection. Upon studying the facts, however, he, too, came to a different conclusion. The sheet weight of the evidence compelled him to conclude that Jesus actually did rise from the dead. Morrison wrote his book – but not the one he had planned. It is titled, Who Moved the Stone? The first chapter, very significantly, is called, “The Book That Refused To Be Written.””  (pg. 217).

If it can be proven historically the resurrection was an actual event, then Jesus is who He claimed to be. So what historical points can be offered to prove His bodily resurrection? Allow me to propose five.

• Jesus died by means of Crucifixion.
• The tomb was empty.
• The disciples believed and proclaimed the resurrection.
• The conversion of the skeptic James.
• The conversion of the church persecutor Saul of Tarsus.
• All five of these points are proven both Biblically and historically. Regardless of how any person feels about Jesus, they cannot deny any of these five. It is our intent in another article titled “By Many Infallible Proofs” to explain each point in light of Scripture and history.

Conclusion
We have barely scratched the surface in looking at the abundant evidence establishing the claims of Jesus Christ. However, I am hopeful this small treatise establishes your faith or prompts you to dig deeper into analyzing the claims of Jesus Christ. Lyons and Butt write,

“Fulfilling hundreds of ancient, inspired prophecies and working all manner of miracles, all the while claiming equality with God, makes Jesus different than any other person who ever walked the Earth. When we examine the evidence, like the apostle Thomas, we can come to the logical conclusion that Jesus is “Lord” and “God.”” (pg. 26)

It was the purpose of the New Testament writers to affirm the truth of Jesus, John exclaims, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” (1 Jn. 1:1-2)

Article by: Brad Shockley

Faith in God, in recent time, has been under attack.  It is not uncommon to hear people openly speak against and mock God.  Our children, especially as they reach the teenage years, are being attacked from all sides.  It is surprising the arguments used against God.  It is our intent to provide a list of reasons for believing in God which counter the modern atheist movement.

It’s The Intellectual Road
A false accusation, which is becoming increasingly popular, is that Christians cannot believe in God and be intellectual. It is based on the assumption that Christians reject true science and cling tightly to a “fairy tale faith” instilled in them by their parents and grandparents. It is common to hear agnostics and the New Atheist claim, “Christians check their brains at the door of the church building. They take everything the old time preacher says by faith with no substantial proof.” Such philosophy is a gross misrepresentation, but if accepted it will undermine the faith of our youth. It is ironic, but the truth is, faith in God is the intellectual road.

Faith in God is not for the weak minded. God never has asked humanity to accept Him blindly without substantial evidence. Instead God expects each person to use their brain to intellectually embrace Him. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment He replied, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mk. 12:30). The greatest desire our Creator has for us is to love Him with all of our being—this includes our mind! Thayer defines the “mind” as, “the faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring.” Thus, it is clear God expects us to become intellectually engaged in our life of service for Him. Following the definition of the word mind, R. T. France states it, “…suggest a deliberate extension of the familiar text to emphasize the intellectual faculty as a key element in God’s service.”

The affirmation of Jesus to be engaged with our mental capacities is not a new revelation for it is has been God’s yearning for humanity for millennia. J.P. Moreland, in his outstanding work Love Your God With All You Mind, wrote,

The Old Testament proclaims that the same rational God who reveals Himself to the prophets also created the world as an orderly, understandable cosmos. And the Old Testament assures us that this God made our minds to be apt for gaining knowledge and understanding so as to avoid foolish living and ignorant beliefs. For those willing to pay the price of exercising their minds and studying diligently, there is knowledge and wisdom to be found in Scripture (Psalm 119); in the natural world and its operations (Isaiah 28:23-29); and in the accumulated insights embedded in the art, literature and science of the different cultures of the world (Isaiah 19:11-13; Jeremiah 49:7, Daniel 2:12-13; 5:7). 

Thus, blind faith in God and His creation is contradictory to God’s expectations of us.

Solomon declares, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Prov. 14:15). In today’s society, this outstanding advice, should be heeded. Some people are so gullible they will believe nearly everything they hear. Please allow me to offer another nugget of guidance—not everything you read on the internet or watch on Youtube is true. One must still discern the message and decipher truth. Before accepting outlandish claims against God spend some time analyzing the truthfulness of the message. A prudent person will “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21).

The Scriptures were written to provide an ample body of evidence for the believer. The Hebrew author states they were, “confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (2:3). Peter declares he was, “a witness of the sufferings of Christ” (1 Pet. 5:1) and affirms “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). Consider the purpose of Luke’s account of the life of Christ:

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed (Lk. 1:1-4).

Notice carefully that Luke, who is considered a top notch historian, declared these truths as an “eyewitness” and wanted Theophilus to “know the certainty of those things.”

God never asked us to embrace Him blindly with no thought. Instead, the true intellectual examines the evidence and makes a reasonable and logical decision. It is the fool who disregards the truth. The psalmist said, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” (Psa. 14:1).

It Gives Life Meaning
One of the most perplexing questions of life is simply, well, life! In other words, “Why am I here?” or “What is the meaning of life?” Philosophers and humanists from time immemorial have discussed and debated these questions. Yet for all the reams of writing generated, they have failed miserably in comparison to God’s wisdom.  Paul spoke of the Gentiles and their reputed knowledge: “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Cor. 1:19-20). The point is simple: God gives meaning to life. Without God life has no true purpose. An attentive study of Scripture will demonstrate the significance that God gives to life.

Let us, however, first look at the other side of the equation. If one rejects God, which by definition is an atheist, then what is the purpose of life? Why are we here? If, after all, we are just a random bag of molecules or an accident from natural causes (which, by the way, is scientifically impossible) then life has no meaning. Through this worldview we were not supposed to be here. If we were an accident, then there is no God. Nothing in the physical realm matters. When we die we simply cease to exist.  Thus, when one faces difficult and trying times, even the sorrowful events of life, there is no true comfort. How tragic! Ravi Zacharias in his book Can Man Live Without God sums up this position well:

“For many in our high-paced world, despair is not a moment; it is a way of life. Momentary lapses into disconsolation or even purposelessness are not uncommon, and we all at some time experience these moments. But the resigned posture that deems life to be completely devoid of ultimate purpose and bereft of meaning can hardly be touted as a rationally comforting dogma.”

Our very purpose for existence is to praise God. Jesus, when asked about the greatest commandment, stated, “…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind…” (Lk. 10:27). Our purpose in this life is to serve God with every fiber of our being. Modern men often look at servant-hood—any kind of servant-hood—as a curse. But serving God is a blessing. The very nature of God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). As an all-loving God it is His desire to care for us. The nature of love, by definition, is sacrificial (1 Cor. 13, Jn. 3:16). God’s greatest display of love for us is seen in the passion of Christ at Calvary. Through this gracious act, one which we can never repay, a means of forgiveness and salvation was made available. Of course, it is understood, we are still responsible for accepting God’s offer through our obedience to the gospel (Rom. 1:16; 6:3-6; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). As a Christian, our service to God results in eternal blessing. Thus, the ultimate meaning for life is realized by conforming to God’s plan for our lives.

Solomon, one to ponder the meaning of life, wrote, “He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end” (Eccl. 3:11). In a similar vein, Paul says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33). God’s ways are so masterful and beyond earthly comprehension that it will only be in eternity that we fully grasp the “big picture.” Though much about understanding God’s will is challenging, discovering our purpose in this life is quite simple. Solomon pursued insight into the meaning of life and he wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).

The materialist pursues riches, but finds no peace, happiness or fulfillment. The one who dies with the most toys, money, possessions, etc., still dies. He will face his Creator in the judgment. The Bible reminds us of the follies of heaping up riches: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). Jesus follows this statement with parable of the self-reliant rich man who made profit and plans without considering God’s will. Jesus reveals what the man forgot: “But God said unto him, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’ So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Lk. 12:20-21). Paul also reminds, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Tim. 6:7). We come into this life with nothing and leave with the same, thus the true purpose must reside in how we live our life—that is the cause for which we live.

The psalmist, in reflection of God’s powerful design, says, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” (Psa. 8:3-4).  It is amazing, in all of God’s power, that He is mindful of us. Considering who God is and what He has done, only He can reveal the true path for a joyful, satisfied life. Ravi Zacharias says, “I say to you with emphasis that the older you get, the more it takes to fill your heart with wonder, and only God is big enough to do that.” Thus, God provides the answer to all of life’s negatives—all the struggles, sorrows, and misfortunes; as well as its positives—joy, satisfaction, and happiness.  It is only through an understanding of God that life has meaning.

 Article by: Brad Shockley

While visiting with my dad recently I heard him say something that I do not recall hearing anyone else say, at least not in the same words.  Dad is ninety one and he was reminiscing about his life and he said, “I have really enjoyed being a Christian!  I have enjoyed going to gospel meetings, attending the New Year and Fourth of July meetings, participating in the preacher’s studies, and debating and discussing the scriptures.  I have enjoyed being a member of the church!”  I do not think I have ever heard anyone say it just like that.   Looking back over his life he could say, “I have really enjoyed being a Christian!”  My dad did not obey the gospel until he was about thirty years old and when he did, he made a drastic change of lifestyle.  It was a total about face for him and sixty years later he could look back and declare how glad he was that he chose to live for Jesus.  Here is how David expressed it:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not whither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)  The word delight means “to give great joy or pleasure.”  Can you say you delight in the law of the Lord?  Does being a Christian bring you great joy and pleasure?  There is nothing that brings greater joy and satisfaction than serving our Lord.  It is of more value than silver and gold!  This is the consistent testimony of God’s word.  Notice some things that are “better than gold.”

WISDOM
“How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”  (Proverbs 16:16)  “Happy is the man who finds wisdom . . . for her proceeds are better than silver and gold.  And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”  (Proverbs 3:13-15)  Job declares that wisdom and understanding cannot be purchased with silver and gold.  (Job 28:12-15)  If wisdom and understanding are of such exceeding value and they cannot be purchased with money, how can we acquire it?  “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him.”  (James 1:5)  God will never reproach or upbraid or chastise if you ask for wisdom.  He wants to give it and will give it liberally to the person who asks sincerely and in unwavering faith.  How awesome is that?  When you say your prayers tonight before going to sleep ask not for silver and gold, or some other temporal blessing, but ask for wisdom and God will give it to you.  God was pleased, we remember, when Solomon did not ask for riches, or long life, or earthly glory, but for an understanding heart to judge the people of Israel.  God gave him what he requested and he will do the same for you and me.  Wisdom, that comes from God, is better than gold!

GOD’S WORD
“The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” (Psalm 119:72)   God’s law, testimony, statutes, commandments, and judgements are “more to be desired than gold, yea, much fine gold, sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, and in keeping them is great reward.”  (Psalm 19:7-11)  I ask again, do you delight as much in God’s word as in silver and gold, or sports, or television programs, or movies, or video games, etc.?  It is remarkable that some Christians can name every player on their favorite football team but cannot name the books of the New Testament!  Make it a deliberate and consistent habit to read a portion of God’s word every morning and evening, and the sweeter and more meaningful it will become to you.  It will become your delight.  His word is better than gold!

A WISE REBUKER
Like and ear ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.  (Proverbs 25:12)  It may be a bitter pill to swallow but we all need to be rebuked once in a while. I am thankful that in the past there was someone wise enough and caring enough to rebuke me when I needed it.  Such a rebuke, Solomon says, is better than gold.  David had committed adultery, murder, and had covered it up – so he thought.  God sent a rebuker, Nathan the prophet, and David wilted under the power of the rebuke of truth.  Notice that it is a “wise” rebuker that is better than gold.  Not everyone has the wisdom and expertise to rebuke.  God’s word is a sharp sword that can be used to kill or heal.  Not everyone is skilled in handling the sword of the Spirit and sometimes more damage is done than good.  We need “wise” rebukers and experienced handlers of the sword of the Spirit.  Notice also that a wise rebuker is better than gold to “an obedient ear.”  I have to be open to the rebuke that comes from the truth.  I have to have a heart that wants to know and do what is right.  Truly then the rebuker is better than gold!

JESUS
“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”  (Acts 3:6)  Like Peter and John, we have something of far greater value to give to people than silver and gold.  We have the unsearchable riches of salvation offered through Jesus.  Jesus is better than gold.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by his nail pierced hands.
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. 

After all, Peter assures us, we were not redeemed with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus.  What would we do without Jesus?  Where would we be without him?  Jesus is better than gold!

HEAVEN
“The construction of the wall was of jasper; and the city was of pure gold, like clear glass.”  (Revelation 21:18) “And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21) John describes heaven as made not just of gold, but “pure” gold.  Now of course, we understand that John was describing the indescribable and he used the most precious element known to man to describe the beauty and glory of heaven.  I do not believe John is telling us that heaven is made of literal gold.  It is better than gold!  That is the point.  It is more precious, beautiful, and glorious than all the gold in this world.  Peter describes it as “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you.”  (I Peter 1:4) Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and has promised to come again and take us to be with him in His Father’s House.   That promise is better than gold!  Peter says it is reserved in Heaven for us.  Do you have your reservations?  You cannot just wait till you leave this world and hope there will be a room waiting for you.  You must make your reservations now.  Don’t wait too long.  In fact, do it right now.  Make your reservation by obeying the gospel and living for Jesus all the days of your life.  Having a room reserved in Heaven is better than gold!

Article By: Jerry Dickinson

Daily, we all carry on conversations. Most are mundane. We converse about the weather, local stories in our communities, and often reminisce about yesteryear. Occasionally, we find ourselves immersed in a conversation which captivates our attention, the likes of which will not soon be forgotten. Since I’ve never met a stranger and I’m willing to discuss nearly any issue, I could probably write a book titled, “A Conversation With….”. This past week I had another exchange; not your typical variety of conversation. Apparently, I had hit a nerve with a recent sermon I preached. Although I’m use to people objecting to truth (it is far too common these days), this time the sarcasm and mockery were slightly over the top. Thus my conversation with an atheist.

I won’t record word for word my recent discussion with this particular atheist. It was interesting and surprisingly conducted in a gentlemanly tone. He was very intelligent, nice and engaging. If I’m allowed to confess, I’d call him again and discuss the search for truth, one of life’s most compelling subjects–not to mention such a quest is essential. Instead of the dialogue, I would like to share with you a few of the valuable lessons I learned. With atheism on the rise you may very well find yourself in a similar position. Perhaps your children will confront you with some of the same issues. In either case you should be prepared.

Biblical Knowledge
This was not my first encounter with an atheist. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common. Several reasons can be identified for the growth of this “religion.” Yes, you read that correctly, it is a religion – a belief system just like many of the false religions in existence. It is growing more organized and disciplined with each passing year. Perhaps the most surprising element to this movement is their Biblical knowledge. Most have as much, perhaps even more, knowledge of the Bible than the “Christian” on the street. (Please understand I am using the word “Christian” from a secular perspective, not from the correct understanding provided by the teachings of the New Testament.)

I kindly asked this man, “Why are you an atheist?” To which he immediately answered by quoting Scripture. A little ironic, is it not? He started with a famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Mt. 5:18). The basis of his argument was all the Bible is in effect until the end of time. He then used this as a springboard to argue against the “unethical, cruel and inhumane nature of the God of the Old Testament.” I didn’t ask, but I’m pretty sure he would not have capitalized the word God. At the end of his accusations against God he proposed a question. “Do you believe in the Ten Commandments?” followed by a statement, “All Christians believe in the ten commandments.”

It was then my privilege to explain his misunderstanding on several points. When one forgets to consider the context in which a verse is used a great many mistakes result. Consider the previous verse, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Mt. 5:17). Notice carefully it was “the law, or the prophets” which Jesus came to “fulfil.” Therefore “one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The anticipated fulfillment is realized in the death of Christ. The harmony and unity of the Bible should never be forgotten. One must consider Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 8 and Ephesians 2:15-16.

As for the Ten Commandments, I offered the following explanation. It is not my belief in the Ten Commandments which needs to be questioned; it is the proper legislative role of the Mosaic Law that needs to be properly discerned. Since I believe the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21), I certainly believe in the Ten Commandments. They were given by God on Mount Sinai to guide and direct the lives of Israel (Exod. 19-20). The Law was, as Paul writes, “our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Gal. 3:24-25).

It wasn’t the Biblical dialogue that struck me. It was his ability to freely quote Scripture to argue his point. How clever! Attack God using the very words He gave to humanity. The point is clear, as God’s children, we must know the Bible well, in context and harmony, to be able to identify when one is improperly handling the Scripture.

All Fluff No Filling
I love pie. Especially one that is cream filled. However, sometimes it is deceiving, not to mention disappointing. When the meringue or whipped cream is several inches thick, yet the sweet filling couldn’t be measured with a ruler, it is disheartening. Thus goes the argumentation for atheism—it is all fluff no filling.

Listen carefully to rabid attacks against God, His nature, His actions and His Word. At first they seem insurmountable, and if the person is a good speaker, they even sound impressive and intellectual. However, analyze and scrutinize them carefully. They love to attack God based on who He is, what He has done or what He has promised. They are not academically sound, they are accusatory. When you press them on the issues they appeal to emotion instead of intellect. Please don’t let their smooth enticing words discourage you—they are words without substantial evidence behind them.

On the other side, how are our evidences? Are they all fluff and no filling? Or do we respond with precision, reason and logic? He asked me, “Why do you believe?” Then went on to explain he didn’t want any “I just know”, “because I have a feeling in my heart”, or “I once prayed for great aunt Betty and she was healed” type of “nonsense.”

Space and time fail to explain all, however we discussed, at great length the following proofs: Cosmological, Teleological, Moral and Historical. If you are unfamiliar with these, then you need to take the time to understand them. You don’t need to become an expert, but you should have a basic grasp of the basic arguments for God’s existence. Make sure that in your reasoning and arguing for belief in God, you have plenty of filling.

The New Atheism
The New Atheism is a term given to describe the nature of certain militant, modern atheists. As already noted, they rely heavy on emotional appeal instead of hard facts. Have you watched any debates between an atheist and theist lately? The theist typically provides compelling and thought provoking answers while the atheist rants and raves. It is as if these atheists believe that the one who yells the loudest or causes the biggest spectacle is the winner. It is their belief that “religion should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever its influence arises” (from Wikipedia on the entry “New Atheism”). Strange as it is, somehow they have forgotten to use “rational argument,” and they are getting away with it!

Frank Turek, an apologist, theist, author and lecturer often proposes the question, “What kind of God don’t you believe in?” The typical response, as recorded in his book Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God To Make Their Case is as follows: “The God the new atheist rejects is not the actual God of the Bible. They reject a caricature of Him. They think the God of the Bible is some kind of superhero, akin to Zeus or Thor–a limited being inside the universe that theists call on to fill the gaps that science can’t explain. He’s also morally arbitrary and can fly off the handle at any moment.” Obviously, such is not the nature of the true God, the One in Whom we place our confidence.

Culture and society have shifted the paradigm on atheism. The illogical attacks used against God carry no weight. The lack of intellectual and scientific logic and reasoning being spewed from the mouth of the new atheists should be brought to everyone’s attention, especially to our children’s attention. Let us always “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

Article by: Brad Shockley

Family Bibles were once a popular item in a household, often serving as a “warehouse” that preserved a family’s history.  Produced by large publishing houses, being over-sized and leather bound, it was frequently the most expensive book in a home.  Since it was designed to withstand the abuse of time, it became a natural place to keep important documents and items of sentimental value.  As it was handed down through a family, each successive generation added genealogical information to the record.  Since it contained the actual handwriting of ancestors, it’s not hard to understand why such a book was guarded and preserved as a family treasure.

Due to old age and medical issues, my parents are now living in an assisted care facility in Midlothian, TX, having made the move in August of 2015.  After 67 years of married life in the Houston area, the largest city in the Lone Star state, Bill and Jimie Dickinson are now residing in a new location.  As they prepared to move, certain possessions were passed on to family members according to their wishes, involving things like furniture, dishes, jewelry, and religious books.  One of the items that I received is the Family Bible that my mother bought years ago.  That’s why I’m calling it– MOTHER’S FAMILY BIBLE.  It is something that I treasure and plan to pass on to my children someday, hoping that it will be a blessing to future generations yet to come.

With the book now in my possession, I’ve had the opportunity to scrutinize its contents.  It has surely been a walk down memory lane for me!  No wonder my mother loved this book.  Of all the possessions given away, this was the one item that she thought twice about giving up.  I’m thankful for the gift because it has already been a blessing to me.  Indeed, many great truths are reinforced in my mind when I consider the contents of mother’s Family Bible.  Please consider some of them with me:

THE HOLY BOOK
First, I want to emphasize that the Bible is a special book, the only one of its kind.  While Solomon’s observation is still true, that “of making many books there is no end” (Ecc. 12:12), the Bible is the only book that contains the “holy scriptures” (2 Tim. 3:15).  Looking at the cover of such a large volume like mother’s Family Bible, I am struck by the impressiveness of those words that declare in big, bold letters– HOLY BIBLE!  Pay special attention to that word “holy” because it aptly describes what the Bible is all about.

Certainly the Bible is holy because of its origin— “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:20-21).  It is those sacred writings of inspired men, Paul affirmed to Timothy, that “are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).  This demonstrates that it is also holy in content.  In the Bible we find a sacred account of all that we need to know about Jesus and why we should place our faith in Him as the Son of God (John 20:30-31).

If we really believe that it is a holy book in origin and content, we must conclude that it is an authoritative book!  That’s why we look to the Scriptures for guidance and instruction, daring not to err from its teachings (2 John 9).  After all, the Bible is the definitive, official source on how to live for God and make heaven our home.  Believing that to be true, my mother purchased a Family Bible many years ago and taught her children to respect God’s word.  That leads me to my next point . . .

CENTERPIECE OF THE HOME
There was a time when mother’s Family Bible sat on the coffee table of our living room for all to see and utilize.  There was a reason why it occupied a place of prominence.  I now realize, more than ever before, how it was a symbol of the fact that Christ and His word was the very foundation of our home.  Right in the middle of this edition, between the old and new testaments, information concerning “important events in our family history” is recorded.  Involving several generations, details about births, marriages, and the deaths of family members can be found there.

My trip down memory lane reminded me of how our parents always encouraged us to put Christ first in our lives.  As a result, our home was a place of Bible reading, prayer, and devotion to God.  Certainly I’m not saying that we literally have to possess a Family Bible today in order to be serious about serving God, but I’m emphasizing what it once symbolized in people’s lives.  It is this kind of commitment to God and His word that our homes must be founded upon.  “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath,” Paul wrote in Eph. 6:4, “but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

The old country song captures the essence of what I’m trying to say:

There’s a family Bible on the table
Each page is torn and hard to read
But the family Bible on the table
Will ever be my key to memories
At the end of the day when work was over
And when the evening meal was done
Dad would read to us from the family Bible
And we’d count our blessings one by one

PASSING IT ON
Finally, I am reminded that God’s word must be passed on to future generations.  As I’ve already implied, mother’s Family Bible includes a “grand-children’s register” that she meticulously filled out.  Let us remember that generations come and go, but life continues on and God’s word remains forever (1 Pet. 1:25).  Why do you suppose that genealogical information was ever recorded in a Family Bible?  Undoubtedly people believed that this was a safe place to preserve something!  While other items might lose their significance and be destroyed or given away, the presumption was that the Bible would always be preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

Likewise, as parents and grandparents we need to see the importance of passing God’s word on to the next generation (2 Tim. 2:2).  In the final analysis, it’s not that my parents had a Family Bible that set my feet on the right path.  No, it was their godly influence in seeing how they lived out truth and righteousness on a daily basis.  There must never be any question in our children’s minds about our commitment to the Lord or what that commitment involves.  Whether its recorded in a Family Bible or etched on a tombstone, our lives will begin and end as it does with every generation– “A time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecc. 3:2).  Isn’t it sobering to realize that how we live between those two events will determine our eternal destiny?  Think about it!

Article by: Billy D. Dickinson