PLANTING AND PRODUCING

The farmers have planted the seed for this year’s crops as evident by the plants of various kinds now growing. Even we who have gardens annually anticipate the time when we can enjoy working the soil. It is also a wonderful experience to be able to enjoy the vegetables from the garden. There is an age old truth that we would like to bring to your attention once again and that is, you always reap as you have sown. This seems very simple and elementary but it is very profound. In the study of the parable of the sower or soils, as recorded in Luke 8, we learn that Jesus used the common and known to teach spiritual truths to those of sincere and honest hearts (8:10). Jesus said that the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11). God’s power of salvation today is the gospel of His Son (Romans 1:16). The word never changes. It will always produce after its kind. The soil is also most important because it represents the various kinds of hearts. If there is a failure in reaping, such cannot be blamed on the seed for therein is the God given power to germinate and reproduce. James wrote that we should “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). Peter declared that we have “been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (I Peter 1:23). Wherein is the failure to produce? It must be in the soil or the heart of a man. Some hearts are like the hard ground, others like the stony and/or thorny ground. Please notice the following observations. 1. In order for the seed (word) to be effective and produce, the soil (heart) must necessarily be prepared in order to receive the seed (gospel). It is written that Rehoboam did that which was evil “because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord” (II Chronicles 12:14). In contrast, we read of a faithful servant of God: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). 2. The seed (gospel) must be sown (preached). The seed (word) must be sown (taught). This is the responsibility of the sower (Christian). Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone (Mark 16:15). The more seed that is sown, the greater the harvest. Are we sowing the seed of the kingdom as we should? 3. The seed (word) will always produce after its kind. In Genesis 1:11,12, we learn that “the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. and God saw that it was good.” This principle is true in the moral and spiritual kingdom. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7, 8: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap, For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Whenever the gospel of Christ is taught and obeyed, only Christians and churches of Jesus Christ are produced. One can be a Christian today just like in the first century by obeying the same gospel of Jesus Christ. When a penitent believer is immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, the Lord adds that person to His church (Acts 2:36-38, 47). The word of God only produces Christians only!

GODLY FATHERS

One of life’s greatest blessings and challenges for a man is fatherhood. This relationship involves the greatest joys and demands the best one has to give and often will include many sorrows. A godly father loves his wife and is loyal to his marital vows (Ephesians 5:25). He desires the best for his children. A father is industrious. He labors to provide for his family and the needs of others who lack the material things of life (I Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28). The greatest contribution a father can make to his family is leadership in spiritual matters. In every age, the head of the family has been required of God to provide the proper direction regarding religious training. Modern fathers are most likely to leave this responsibility to the wife and mother. However, Paul exhorted: “And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:4). It is a tremendous requirement to make sure one’s children are taught of God but the rewards are everlasting. A Christian father may not be able to give very much materially to his children but the legacy of having a father who loved his family and the Lord, surpasses everything else. The greatest inheritance a Christian father can leave is one that is rich in faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We should never underestimate the love that a father possesses in his heart for his children. His emotions may not be as noticeable as the mother; yet, the feelings are just as deep. Most fathers would give their lives on behalf of their families. Their hearts are filled with deep gratitude when they witness their children succeeding in life. The Christian father rejoices greatly when his children obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. My father will be remembered for being a fine Christian gentleman. Also, the legacy of having a good name has meant more to me than all the riches of this world. It was the wise man of old who wrote: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1); and, “A good name is better than precious ointment…” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Godly fathers are rare in this modern society. But, we should always be thankful for the ones who are. Truly, you are blessed indeed if you have/had a Christian father who placed Christ first in his life. His influence in your life and even in the lives of his grandchildren will be felt for many years to come. Say, have you hugged your father recently? DEAR OLD DAD “So often we praise our mothers here and merit all their ways. We so ignore the fact that Dad he, too, deserves some praise. Who strives to earn the daily bread? To keep all healthy—glad? Isn’t he that gets so little praise and that is dear old Dad. To praise our mothers, that is good (this they may deserve) Yet why so slack in praising Dad and keep in reserve? Let’s measure their equalities—give merits, praise, when due. Start pinning laurels on your Dad, He’s done a lot for you.”

LEST WE FORGET

The last Monday of the month of May is celebrated as Memorial Day each year in our nation. It began with the purpose of decorating the graves of the soldiers who fought in the War Between the States, 1861-64. However, all of our fallen military personnel are remembered on this day. I spoke on one occasion on Memorial Day in the military section of a cemetery in Prattville, Alabama. I had two visual aids in my hands. One was the Purple Heart that was given to my parents after my oldest brother was killed in WWII on April 5, 1945. The other one was a flag that had been placed by my brother’s grave in a military cemetery in the Netherlands. There is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling entitled “Recessional’ (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia) that I think is very appropriate on this occasion and here are two stanzas of the poem: “God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle-line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine – Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget – Lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the kings depart. Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, And humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Host, be with us yet, Lest we forget – lest we forget.” The following biblical truths should always be taught and practiced – “Lest We Forget”: 1. We need to remember Jesus Christ when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26. 2. We are to remember those saints who died for the cause of Christ. Colossians 4:18 3. We should always remember our salvation from our sins. 2 Peter 1:5-11. 4. We need to remember that we are to be faithful to Christ. Luke 17:32; I Corinthians 10:12; Revelation 2:5; Luke 9:62. 5. We are to remember the poor and needy. Galatians 2:10; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27. 6. The youth are to remember God. Ecclesiastes 12:1, 2 7. Remember that the Lord is coming again. II Peter 3: l-10; John 14:1-3. If we fail to remember God in this life and His Word for us to learn and practice, there will come a time when our remembrance will not be pleasant. Please observe these words as found in Luke 16:25: “But Abraham said, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.” It is wonderful however to remember that God will forgive and forget our sins and iniquities if we will obey Him and live for Jesus. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws into their hearts, And in their minds I will write them, then He adds, Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16, 17). Our Lord has promised if we are faithful, He will give us “the crown of life” Revelation 2:10.

LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS

In I Corinthians 13:1-7, the apostle Paul spoke of the various characteristics of love. Love is very difficult to define. It is easier to be understood by its characteristics and actions. One of the characteristics of love is that it “believes all things.” However, this also is not easily understood. Is love to be blind and accept all matters as being truthful? Does it mean that we should believe that black is white? Just what did Paul mean when he said that love “believes all things”? The King James Version and the American Standard Versions are identical in their translations, that is, that love “believeth all things.” Phillips' translation renders the same phrase as being love that knows “no end to its trust’”. The New English Bible: “There is no limit to its faith”. And, Williams translation: “It exercises faith in everything”. Thus, we begin to comprehend more fully this important characteristic of love that is, of having trust and confidence in the persons loved. This is a very important aspect of genuine love, of trusting in and believing in a person. This is a lesson for everyone to learn and practice. To truly love one another is to put the best construction on his/her conduct. When love exists in one’s heart, suspicion does not reside. Henry Foster wrote: “When love is judge, it will always be on the prisoner’s side.” Love causes an individual to be slow to form hasty opinions about others. Love is slow to believe things are as bad as rumor paints it. Consider for a moment a mother’s love. A neighbor comes to her and begins to relate the bad deeds done by her son. What is the first response of the mother? She asks, “Were you present when my son did these things?” “Were there witnesses to these deeds?” You see, in her motherly love, she is slow to believe such reports. Here are a few suggestions that we have gleaned from the pen of brother George Bailey that will enable us all to learn how to believe all things. Never jump to a quick conclusion. Ask yourself, “Do I know this to be true, or is it merely a think-so?” How often has fuller, later knowledge of the facts revealed that all the harsh judgments were unfounded and unfair! Never let selfish motives warp your decisions. When a man’s actions are capable of either a favorable or an unfavorable view, always take the favorable view. Always believe the one at fault is capable of better things. As Luther Burbank said, “Every weed is a possible flower.” Love has vision! Never let your faith in another be shaken nor blurred by commonplace experiences. Though faults later appear which now lie hidden, still be unmoved in your love for one another. “And in all your getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). True love will cause us to believe our brother “innocent until proven guilty” rather than “guilty until proven innocent.” This great characteristic of love is much needed in the church, in our community, and in society at large.

"YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH..."

I cannot tell you how many times I have read Psalm 23 at the graveside of a loved one who has passed from this life into eternity; neither can I count the times I have read this beautiful and meaningful psalm for a source of comfort and encouragement for my weary soul. However, the above statement in Psalm 23 was not speaking of death itself but the probability of death lingering near to the person who was walking through “the valley of the shadow of death.” The shepherd would lead his sheep in the valleys where more grass could be found for his flock. Often the valleys would become more narrow while going through a pass in the mountainous areas. This would have been where wild beasts were to be found and waiting for the opportunity to attack the sheep. Also thieves and robbers would be waiting to kill or to steal. This became truly a ‘valley of the shadow of death.’ On Monday, April 19, 2021, this portion of Psalm 23 became very real to me, for I too passed through a “valley of the shadow of death.” While I was waking up from my hip surgery, I felt tremendous pressure on my heart and it got worse by the seconds. It felt like an elephant was standing on my chest. The pain was so great that I did not feel like I could stand it - but I had no choice. The surgeon had called Virginia to inform her that the surgery had gone well. He did not know what I was experiencing at the time. I heard voices and I opened my eyes and I briefly saw men, including the anesthesiologist, standing around me. They were discussing what they could do for me, having realized that I was in deep trouble. One would suggest one thing and another something else. I do believe they gave me morphine and a few times, nitroglycerin plus something else. During my intense suffering, there was a moment of calm and from what I saw, I understood that I was dying and I felt submissive to the Lord. My thoughts were on my Beloved and that she needed me. Finally, the horrific pain in my heart subsided and by God’s grace and in His providence he used the men to save my life. I did pass through “the valley of the shadow of death”, for which I am eternally grateful! The following morning, two stents were inserted in an artery that was about 90 percent blocked! What I have written is very personal and from a grateful heart, but I have strong convictions that God works in the lives of His people. This principle is found throughout His Word. Because of my emotions I have not been able to write this story until now. It was in the month of April that I wrote an article and shared it with others. The title was “The Uncertainty of Life”. Little did I know this lesson would be impressed upon me so soon and so real! I am thankful that He was with me and that His “rod and staff” prevented death from taking my life. They truly comforted me because He was with me. We must realize that death can overtake us at any time. It is then we have no control over our life. We will then be in the hands of the living God. It is my heart’s desire that all who read this will be in subjection to the will of God, obey the gospel of Christ and live for our Savior. The Lord has promised He will give us a “crown of righteousness” when this life on earth is finished (2 Timothy 4:8). Oh, how “blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on” (Revelation 14:13)!

THE BEAUTIFUL ROSES ARE FADING FAST!

The beautiful pink roses on our white fence are now fading white. They ‘hit their peak’ by Mother’s Day. They are still beautiful but they are fading fast.You see, like other beautiful flowers the time does come when the beauty of the roses fades and eventually they will die. This is also true of mankind. We will also fade/pass away. The apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:24,25 wrote, “all flesh is a grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass, The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever” (See also Isaiah 40:6-8). Life at the longest is brief when compared to eternity. The writer James, in his letter, wrote that life “is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” In Psalm 90:9,10, we read, “For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Regardless of age, life is very fragile and death can occur at any time, regardless of one’s age. Some of us are in the winter of our lives and we are definitely closer to eternity than ever before. It is only in Jesus Christ that we can have an abundant life presently (John 10:10) and for eternity! Jesus said, as recorded in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The apostle John in chapter 5:11,12: “And this is the testimony:that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” I strongly encourage you to study very carefully the following passages to know just how to be in Jesus Christ and to have life in the Son: John 20:30,31;8:24;Acts 19:30; Galatians 3:26,27. It is by the blood of Christ and the grace of God that we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins (Ephesians 1:7; 2:5). We should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). If we live faithfully in this life for Jesus Christ, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7,8, we will receive a “crown of righteousness.” It is my heart’s desire that everyone would give his or her life to Jesus and live for Him so we all can go to that heavenly home ‘where the roses never fade/die’. Of course, we know there will not be roses in heaven but it is the thought of where we will be in eternity that we will never ‘fade’ or die that is found in the title of this song. Where The Roses Never Fade. “I am going to a city, Where the streets with gold are laid, Where the tree of life is blooming, And the roses never fade. Here they bloom but for a season; Soon their beauty is decayed. I am going to a city, Where the roses never fade. In this world we have our troubles, Satan snares we must evade. We'll be free from all temptations, Where the roses never fade. Loved one's gone to be with Jesus, In their robes of white arrayed. They are waiting for my coming, Where the roses never fade. Here they bloom but for a season; Soon their beauty is decayed; I am going to a city, Where the roses never fade.” -Janie West Metzgar

OPITIONAL: ACAPELLA AND/OR INSTRUMENTAL

The God of Israel had this to say regarding the spiritual status of His people, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). Is it possible for spiritual Israel (the church of the Lord) to be rejected because of the lack of the knowledge of the Word of God? The answer is a resounding yes! There is always the probability that the church of Jesus Christ can lose its identity because of ignorance of the Holy Scriptures. Where there is a void in the understanding of the Bible there is the potential of being led astray from the teaching of the Lord. When this happens, an apostasy usually occurs over a period of time. We must never assume that all Christians have a proper understanding of biblical matters. Therefore it is of necessity that elders require of their preachers and teachers to present lessons and sermons over a broad spectrum of subjects pertaining to the authority of the scriptures, how to rightly divide the Word of God, the identity of the church of our Lord, acceptable worship as well as the grace and love of God. There is always a great need for a balance in the preaching of the Word of God. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy in this manner, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). The next generation untaught will be unlearned in the ways of the Lord and there will be the ever present danger of drifting away from New Testament Christianity. You only have to read the writings of University professors, preachers, youth ministers and others involved in the leadership of the church to know that there is a woeful lack of Bible based convictions regarding the identity of the church; what constitutes scriptural worship; the essentiality of baptism and other needed subjects. One of the areas in which attitudes have changed over the years is regarding acceptable music in our worship to God. Several years ago, I read that a large congregation was wanting a “Student Minister” to work with young adults. The advertisement stated that the candidate should be “comfortable with both acapella and instrumental form of worship.” I thought that was a bold statement to make, however, brethren now know this is more common than we ever imagined. An area congregation began in recent times to have what they call an “Alternative Instrumental Worship” on Sunday. Thus, the elders of that congregation are now trying to satisfy the different segments of the membership. The elders of this congregation previously were allowing members to use the instrument during the weeknights but not on Sundays. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah, the prophet of God, sent for the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah to meet with him on Mount Carmel and he would prove whose God should be served. Ahab also sent for all Israel to be present at Mount Carmel for this occasion. “And Elijah came near to all the people of Israel and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (KJV). But the people answered him not a word” (verse 21. The thought I want to glean from this passage is, there comes a time when the children of God must make very important decisions regarding that which is authorized in our corporate worship to God. If instrument music is acceptable in worship, why not use it in all the assemblies? On the other hand, if acapella music is the only authorized and acceptable music to be used in our assemblies then we are only to sing (Ephesias 5:19, Colossians 3:16). It is confusing and misleading for elders to offer an ‘alternative worship' where the instrument is used while in another assembly where only ‘acapella’ singing will be used! Why go ‘limping between the two’? Both assemblies cannot be acceptable to God if that which is being done in one is not scriptural. It is absolutely necessary for each child of God to study the holy scriptures and to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). We must no “longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). We must understand that what is not authorized by the Word of God must be rejected. The apostle Paul wrote to the church of God with this admonition, “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things that are written…” (1 Corinthians 4:6)