THANKSGIVING

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with friends and loved ones. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you ward” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). I have many reasons to be thankful. God has washed my sins away by the blood of my Savior. I am able to devote my time to the study and preaching of his Word. I am associated with the best people in the world – Christians. The Almighty has blessed me with health, good parents, a wonderful wife and family, food, shelter and raiment. The providence of God has been prevalent in my life as I look retrospectively over the years. I am grateful for the God-fearing men and women who have influenced me in the field of Christian education. I am also thankful for those preachers who lived before me in this particular area who pioneered the way with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have been so faithful, suffering hardships, overcoming obstacles in their efforts to build up the various congregations. I am thankful for the memories of departed saints for their good influence on my life. I am among all men most wonderfully blessed. Therefore, it is with deep feelings that I sing: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

"YOU ARE A GOD MAN, HAS GOD EVER GIVEN YOU A GUARANTEE?"

My Cardiologist had finished examining me during my annual checkup. He then said, “I will see you next year.” I was thankful that my heart seemed to be in good shape. When I entered the hall, I saw several of the ladies who worked in the building and I said to them, “He said that he would see me next year, but he did not give me a guarantee.” It was then that my doctor walked up behind me, placed his arm around me, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are a God man, has God ever given you a guarantee?” Though my Cardiologist is very religious, he is not a Christian; but, since 2001, when he put a stent in a 95 percent blocked artery, he has known that I am a gospel preacher.That is why he called me a “God man”. I replied that God has not promised me another year to live (James 4:13, 14): however, God has given to me, as well to all Christians who endeavor to live faithfully, several ‘guarantees’. I have chosen only a few ‘guarantees’ from God that are mentioned in the inspired writings of the apostle John. John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” As long as we listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd and follow Him, there is no power on earth that can remove us from the hands and care of our Heavenly Father. John 11:25, 26: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” These words of Jesus Christ give comfort to children of God who trust in Him who died for our sins, and was resurrected from the tomb. 1 John 5:11-13: “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. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life....” Eternal life for the believer is to be found in the Son of God, and what He did for us on the cross of Calvary when He shed His precious blood. If we “walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7, 9). Revelation 14:13: “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” These are God given ‘guarantees’ for Christians who “die in the Lord”. “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God; Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

THE LORD’S SUPPER: “BLESSED”, “GAVE THANKS”

I have for many years been concerned about what is said in the prayers just before we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine during the Lord’s Supper when Chistians assemble together on the first day of the week. So, I set out to study more diligently on this very important subject and the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He instituted the Lord’s Supper. In Matthew 26:26, we read, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body” (NKJV). The New American Standard renders this verse as follows: “Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” So, what does it mean to say a “blessing”, or, having “blessed” the bread? The greek word for “blessed” is εὐλογήσας (eulogesas). Let us now read Matthew 26:27, “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.” Please observe the similarity of the greek word for “thanks'', εὐχαριστήσας (eucharistesas), in verse 27 with the greek word εὐλογήσας (eulogeas)for “blessed” in verse 26. In Luke 22:19, we read, “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:23,24: “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” We must consider the fact that as Jesus gave thanks for the fruit of the vine, He also gave thanks for the bread. Of course, this would not exclude blessings of praise to God for His grace and love; and blessings on those who partake of the Lord’s Supper. We must remember that we do not know what all Jesus said when He spoke a blessing, however, it did include the giving of thanks for the bread. . Though the following statement is from an uninspired person, please observe the comments from Albert Barnes in his commentary on Matthew 26:26: “And blessed it” - Or sought a blessing on it; or "gave thanks" to God for it. The word rendered "blessed" not unfrequently means "to give thanks." Compare Luke 9:16 and John 6:11. It is also to be remarked that some manuscripts have the word rendered "gave thanks," instead of the one translated "blessed." It appears from the writings of Philo and the Rabbis that the Jews were never accustomed to eat without giving thanks to God and seeking his blessing. This was especially the case in both the bread and the wine used at the Passover.” If we could go back in time and enter the room where Jesus and the disciples were gathered and listen to the words of Jesus as He gave thanks for the “bread”, and said, “this is my body.”; and “gave thanks for the cup” and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant which was shed for many” (Mark 14:2, it would not be possible for us to know the thoughts and deep emotions in the heart of our precious savior as He spoke a blessing and gave thanks for these elements of the Supper, knowing that His suffering and death on the cross were imminent when His body would be nailed to the cross and His body would be pierced and His blood would be shed. As a good friend and brother said, “To me this is one of the most awesome statements in all of history. That Jesus, the night before the crucifixion, would thank the Father for the bread and cup, the emblems of His own tormented death and ultimate sacrifice, is beyond comprehension.” On the first day of the week when we assemble to “break bread”,our hearts should burst forth with praise, adoration and love for our blessed Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for us on Calvary; and to God the Father who gave His precious Son to die for the sins of mankind that by His grace we could be saved.

“HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A BROTHER OFFERING ONE PRAYER FOR BOTH THE BREAD AND FRUIT OF THE VINE DURING THE LORD’S SUPPER?”

This was the basic question asked to me sometime ago by a brother in Christ. I told him yes and that I was greatly disturbed and surprised that a brother in Christ would offer only one prayer for both the bread and the fruit of the vine that are symbolic of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. My wife and I, along with family members, attended a small church of Christ while on vacation. When it came time for the brother presiding at the ‘Lord’s Table’, our brother offered only one prayer for both the bread and fruit of the vine. This was the first time in all of my years to hear a brother do this. When it came time for the ‘offering’ the brother thanked God for His blessings and the opportunity for all to give their monetary gifts to the Lord. I thought to myself, here is a brother who chose to offer one prayer for the bread and fruit of the vine, yet he offered a prayer for the offering when there is no specific example of this being done in the New Testament during the assembly of the church to worship God. We understand that we can pray anytime we choose because we are taught in the word of God to be “steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12), and we are taught to give thanks to God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16,17, we read, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thus, it is acceptable for a brother to give thanks for our blessings and for brothers and sisters in Christ to give cheerfully and according to one’s ability to the Lord. But, let us consider the occasion when Jesus Christ gave thanks for the bread and fruit of the vine. In Matthew’s account (Mt. 26:26-29, NKJV), we read the following, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said “Take, eat; this is my body.” In Luke 22:19, we read, “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” So, when Jesus said a blessing he also gave thanks for the bread. In Matthew 26:27, Jesus “took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.” The best commentary on the actions of Jesus when He instituted the Lord’s Supper is found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” The question should be raised, was the action of Jesus giving thanks separately for the bread and fruit done unintentionally or deliberately? Can we not understand the action of Jesus was intended and on purpose? After all, the Lord’s Supper is the center of our corporate worship! Why then, would a brother change the pattern that Jesus set when He gave thanks for each the bread and fruit of the vine? Man’s wisdom is not God’s wisdom! Why can’t we just follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ when he gave thanks for both the bread and fruit of the vine separately; knowing He was going to suffer shortly on the cross and shed His blood for our redemption and forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

"WHEN YOU COME TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE"

“When you come together in one place”, it is imperative “ all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 11:18;14:40). It is the opportunity when we come together to worship God and the Lamb “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23,24; Revelation 4 & 5). It is wonderful that brothers and sisters in Christ enjoy the company of one another; but, when the set time has come, our hearts should be centered on worshiping God. This is a deliberate action on our part. Worship begins with the first song. God is spirit and our spirits should be attuned with God’s spirit (John 4:24) The ‘acts of worship’ can sound too legalistic and formal for some; but if we use the term ‘avenues’, it can be understood that singing, praying, teaching, the Lord’s Supper and giving are avenues through which we express our our love, praise and homage to our God. The order in our assemblies when we are worshiping together can be and oft is a tradition. This can contribute to our worship being done “decently and in order”. However, when the same ‘order of things’ is done for decades it can easily become law and that is when tradition becomes wrong. Several years ago an elder told me that when he went off to a Christian College located in a different state, he knew that the church where he began worshiping was unscriptural. The reason being, the church was having the Lord’s Supper before preaching and not afterwards! If a change should be made in the order of worship it would be best for it to be announced before it was time to begin. ‘The Order of Worship’ could be printed and would be available to those in attendance. By doing this, there would be less confusion for everyone. Several years ago while working with a congregation in a small town, I mentioned to the song leader that I would like to make a change in the order of our worship. He was to lead the first song and then I would read from the Bible and make some remarks and we would do this more than once. My failure was that I did not inform the congregation of the changes that I had made! And this is the way things went in our worship that Sunday morning; the song leader led the first song and then I got up and read from the Scriptures and made some remarks that were appropriate and I sat down.. The song leader announced the number of the song that we were to sing and when he began singing, the congregation stood, thinking that this was the ‘invitation song’! Lesson learned! It would be good for a congregation to make changes occasionally so that the younger generations could know that a set ‘order’ was not a pattern as found in the New Testament. It is good that the song leader prepares his selections for the worship. Since we are to praise God, songs of praise would be excellent to lead to begin our worship. It is always appropriate for the congregation to stand when singing such songs. It would be good for the men who have been asked to lead prayers in the assembly to think beforehand what would be said in the prayer. Remember also it is to be a public prayer, that is, the prayer leader should lift his voice so all could hear. When there is a microphone, the prayer leader should speak directly into it. Remarks made when we are observing the Lord’s Supper should be brief and a source of encouragement for all to meditate on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the love of God and His son manifested at Calvary. Remember also that prayers are offered up to God the Father (Matthew 6:9). It was the body of Jesus that hung on the cross and it was His blood that “was shed for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). God is spirit and “a spirit does not have flesh and bones…” (John 24:39). Preaching/teaching the word of God is a fearful responsibility (James 3:1)! Timothy received a charge from the apostle Paul to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). “The word” would consist of “All Scripture” because they were “given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the duty of the preacher to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ for “it is the power of God to Salvation”! (Romans 1:16;Matthew 28:19,20;Mark 16:15,16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)! We have the example of the early church giving “On the first day of the week” (16:1,2). This contribution was for the “saints” in Judea who were in need of financial help. This is an example as to when we can give our monetary gifts to the Lord when we assemble on the first day of the week to worship God. Every Christian should read 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine to learn more about the giving made by the churches in Macedonia. First of all, the Christians “gave of themselves to the Lord” (chapter 8:5). Paul also wrote that their giving was a matter of “grace” (chapter 8:7). My brothers and sisters, When we come together in one place, let us “worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” “Come, let us bow down in worship, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.” “Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness” (Psalm 100:1,2; 95:6,7;145:3).

MANNA AND MIRACLES HAVE CEASED

The Lord God provided abundantly for His children while they were wandering in the wilderness for forty years. In Exodus chapter 16 we learn that God informed Moses of the manna that He intended to give the people. And for six days of every week while Israel journeyed in the wilderness God rained manna from heaven until they came into the promised land (Exodus 16:4, 35). After Israel crossed Jordan they encamped in Gilgal and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month. The Holy Scriptures clearly state that “the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the produce of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year” (Joshua 5:10-12). Therefore we know definitely and beyond a shadow of a doubt that manna ceased. No need to speculate about the matter. That should be evident enough for all to understand. And yet, I can’t help but to wonder if years later while Israel dwelt in the land of Canaan that a group of young folk didn’t approach the elders of the people and make some inquiries about this miraculous matter of manna being supplied to the previous generation. You can just about hear them saying something like ‘Why, brother, the Lord is the same today as He was yesterday’. Or, ‘brother elder you are just too steeped in church traditions’. Some might have said, ‘You don’t believe in the Spirit of God strong enough.’ Or, ‘If you elders ‘felt’ the Spirit like we do you would know that manna will still come down out of heaven today.’ We read in the New Testament of the miracles of our Lord, the miraculous powers of the apostles and of the imparting of the spiritual gifts upon members of the first century church (I Corinthians 12:28-31). All Bible believing people accept the miracles, wonders and signs recorded in the New Testament. Basically speaking these miracles confirmed the divinity of Christ, the spoken word of God and guided the infant church in the absence of the complete written testament of Jesus Christ (John 10:30, 31; Hebrews 2:1-4; Ephesians 4:11-16). But in I Corinthians 13:8-10 we read that a time was coming when the miraculous would end. Paul declared that “love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish.” These three miraculous gifts stood for the whole of the nine mentioned in chapter twelve. Paul is simply saying that there was coming a time when miracles would “be done away” and would “cease”. Furthermore Paul tells us in no uncertain terms when the miracles would cease. He continued, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” The revelation of the New Testament was fragmentary. In the beginning of the church age the Word of God was in the inspired man (II Corinthians 4:7). Later as these inspired men began to write epistles to various congregations and individuals the word of God was partly in man and partly in written form. It was during this time that miracles continued, at least to some degree. However Paul said, “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” There is no doubt but Paul speaks of the cessation of the miraculous when he wrote “when that which is perfect has come.” The “perfect” is in contrast with “that which is in part”. That which was “in part” was the incomplete written word of the Lord. Therefore we must conclude that which is “perfect” has to be the complete written Word of God, that is, the New Testament of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:15-17; II timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:3; Jude 3). Also, the word “perfect” from the Greek word teleion means “to bring an end by completing or perfecting…of accomplishing…of bringing to completion.” Perfect “signifies having reached its end (telos) finished, complete, perfect” (Vine). The word “perfect” is an adjective that is here used as a noun. It is in the neuter gender and nothing in the context suggests that it refers to a person. And it does not in any way refer to the second coming of the Lord. Miracles ceased just as sure as manna ceased. And yet there are religionists who ‘feel’ that the miraculous still lingers today. There are brethren who have left us who have written books advocating the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit for us today. The most dangerous are those who have chosen not to leave the church but who influence the young, the unlearned and the ‘tired of the book only in religious matters’ folk that miracles still occur today and thus they are sowing seeds of unrest and discord among brethren. May God continue to bless elders, Bible teachers and preachers who labor diligently in the fight against such error and who teach sound doctrine for a healthy, spiritual growth in the church of Jesus Christ.

"A CHANCE" OR THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE?"

As we grow older we should always be learning, especially in regards to our understanding of the Word of God. I have for years spoken of and written about ‘The Scheme of Redemption”. A friend of mine and brother in Christ who has traveled to three different continents mentioned to me that in other cultures the word ‘scheme’ carries the meaning of trying to defraud or cheat someone. So I have begun to speak or write of the eternal purpose or plan of God to redeem mankind from sin. First of all, I would like to emphasize the reason Jesus Christ shed his precious blood and died on the cross as mentioned in the following scriptures. Matthew 26:26-28: “And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 1:7: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…”. 1 Corinthians 15:3: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures…” And being a child of God and a member of the body (church) of the Lord and living a life of faithfulness (not perfection as one might understand), we possess the promise that is found in 2 Peter 1:11, “For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The word ‘chance’ carries a meaning of “a possibility of something happening; “the occurrence and development of events in the absence of any obvious design.” Thus, the word chance carries the idea that it might happen rather than the certainty of what is promised as found in the Word of God. The biblical meaning of the word ‘hope’ is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” “The Greek word for "hope" in the Bible is "elpis," which is often used to convey the idea of confident expectation and anticipation. It is used in various passages in the New Testament to describe the hope that believers have in God's promises and in the future.” In fact, the word hope is mentioned 50 times in the New Testament. Here are just a few passages that mention the hope we have in Jesus Christ: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"(Romans 13:15); “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5); “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior” (Titus 1:1-3); “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” (Romans 8:24,25). There is no uncertainty in the hope that is found in the word of God. It is not a matter of ‘chance’ but a promise from God who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Many who have a desire to be saved eternally cannot really expect it because they have not had their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7). Believers in Jesus Christ should obey the commands given in the Word of God in order to receive remission of sins and to have the hope of eternal life when we come to the end of our days on this earth (Acts 17:30, Acts 2:37,38,41,47).

TAKE TIME TO THANK GOD

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with family and friends. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you ” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God'' (Philippians 4:6) We must accept by faith that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). My friends, it is impossible to “count your blessings, name them one by one” because they are innumerable. Thanksgiving will produce ‘thanksliving’. It is only when we live by faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ that we can say as Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” The faith that saves is the faith that obeys (Hebrews 5:8; Galatians 3:26,27). When our hearts are ‘overflowing with thanksgiving’, we cannot help but to - “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

WHERE DO SINS GO WHEN THEY ARE FORGIVEN?

Where do our sins go when they are forgiven? That too is a most difficult question. However the word of God does offer us some understanding on this subject. Take for instance the passage found in Micah 7:19: “He will again have compassion upon us: he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Sin in this verse is regarded as a personal enemy which by God’s sovereign grace will be entirely subdued. As God destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, so shall he cast our sins into the depths of the sea of forgiveness and forgetfulness (Exodus 15:4, 10). If you will observe, the Lord will cast our sins into the “depths of the sea,” and not near the shore where they can be washed back again. In Psalms 103:12, we learn, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” In reference to the new covenant that God would make with Israel and Judah, the promise was made: “For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:31-34: Hebrews 8:12; 10:17). Thus we learn that the Infinite Intelligence possesses the attribute of forgetting sins that are forgiven. To some degree we understand how this is possible. Loving parents have often forgotten as well as forgiven the mistakes and sins committed by their children. In perfection, our Heavenly Father forgives and forgets the sins of His penitent children (I John 1:7, 9). My friends, if you have not had your sins blotted out by the blood of Christ, please, as a penitent believer, be immersed in His name in order to obtain His divine forgiveness (Acts 3:19; 2:38). And God who forgives will also in His mercy forget your transgressions.

GODLY FATHERS

GODLY FATHERS Raymond Elliott 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? Fathers Are Wonderful People By Helen Steiner Rice Fathers are wonderful people Too little understood, And we do not sing their praises As often as we should... For, somehow, Father seems to be The man who pays the bills, While Mother binds up little hurts And nurses all our ills...

"I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS"

In the hymn, “More Like Jesus", the first stanza lyrics are, “I want to be more like Jesus, And follow Him day by day; I want to be true and faithful, And every command obey.” Our beloved Savior is worthy of our imitation. After all, He is the perfect example. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:21, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps”. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Corinth to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Here are some of the characteristics of Jesus we should instill within our lives. 1. Jesus was submissive to the will of God His Father. Jesus stated in John 8:28, “I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true…” The eternal Word was willing to leave heaven to be made lower than angels and to suffer on Calvary for our sins so we could be saved (Hebrews 2:7;Phillipians 2:5-8).And, near to the ending of His life on this earth, He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:36). So, from eternity to His death on the cross, Jesus was submissive to the will of His Father. 2. He came to this world to be a servant.. “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Our Lord also said, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). Therefore, Christians should have a ‘servant heart’. The apostle Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). 3. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). We know that God desires all men to be saved (2 Pet 3:9). It is the mission of the church to preach the gospel to all the world, beginning where we are (Matthew 28:19,10). The church of our Lord is the “pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). We can teach the word publicly and from house to house as Paul did (Acts 20:20). We can support mission work in foreign lands; and preach and teach the gospel of Christ by every expedient method to reach the lost in every country. 4.Our Lord and Savior had compassion on people. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus had compassion on the “four thousand men, beside women and children” who followed Him and fed them (Matthew 15:32,38);and, the “five thousand men besides the women and children” who had followed Him, and He also healed their sick (Matthew 14:13-21). The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12,13, that Christians should “ Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another….” True compassion is not just to ‘feel sorry’ for someone but to make an effort to help the person who is in need. 5. Jesus Christ was often in prayer to His Father in heaven. Here are a few times when Jesus prayed: “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;c with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21).Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Jesus prayed before choosing 12 of the disciples to be apostles: “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). Of course, there is the prayer of Jesus when in the garden of Gethsemane as recorded in John 17. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prayed, “saying, “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” And while Jesus was on the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments” (luke 23:34). We are to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4::6). Also we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should “Continue earnestly in prayer..” (Colossian 4:2). 6. Jesus possessed a forgiving heart. Jesus was indeed merciful and forgiving. He told the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven) (Mark 2:5); when a sinful woman bathed the feet of Jesus with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). Even more compelling is the way that Jesus forgave those who sinned against him directly. For Jesus, forgiveness was not an automatic, it was intentional, a conscious choice. After the Roman soldiers had scourged and nailed him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Lk 23:34). Jesus taught His disciples to pray: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14,15). As Christians, we are to be forgiving. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even asGod in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). 7. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. We can never love as our Lord Jesus Christ loved while on this earth. It is expressly stated that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus (John 11:3,5);the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21) and His disciples (John 13:1;15:9,12). Though not explicitly stated, it is believed to have been the apostle John whom the Lord Loved (John 13:23;19:26;20:2;21:7,20). But the greatest manifestation of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ was at Calvary when He shed His precious blood for the sins of the world. ”Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9) So, Our Lord shed His blood for all of mankind and His desire is that all would believe in Him and obey the gospel of Christ so the blood could wash away their sins, Therefore we should love God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37,38). We are to love our Savior who died for us: “If you don’t love Jesus, you won’t have Jesus. Paul says: He who does not love the Lord, let him be accursed.O Lord come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). We are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34,35). And, “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Jesus taught that we should love our enemies and even those who would persecute us (Matthew 5:43,44). Though we cannot attain to the degree that Jesus loves; nevertheless, we should strive to be “More and more like Jesus, I would ever be, More and more like Jesus, My Savior

GOD'S PLAN FOR RELIGIOUS UNITY

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (NKJV, John 17:20, 21). In the Lord’s Prayer there are several things that are quite evident: 1. Jesus’ concern for His apostles. 2. Not only for His apostles but for all who would believe in Him. 3. That this belief would come through the apostles’ doctrine. 4. That there would and could be unity among all such believers. 5. This unity would have a tremendous impact on the unbelieving world. One of the most difficult things for modern man to accept and understand is that God intended for all believers to be united in religious matters. If this is not the case then our Lord prayed a deceptive prayer, knowing all the time that he was praying for something that was not possible. But our Lord knew that men could be united if we followed the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). Unity of teaching cannot help but to produce unity of believers. There cannot be unity in diversity of doctrine and beliefs. Each separate and distinct religious organization exists today because of a distinctive and different doctrine. This is in direct contradiction to the Lord’s sentiments expressed in His prayer to the Father. We can also know the mind of God and the desire of the Holy Spirit in this matter through the inspired scriptures. God hates “he that sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19). The apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit wrote in I Corinthians 1:10: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Paul instructed early Christians in this manner: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). We know that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (I Corinthians 14:33). We must conclude therefore that religious division exists today, not because of God’s desire: rather, it is man’s unwillingness to be guided by the sole authority in religious matters and as found in the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). It seems odd that we accept the fact that the government has written a book for the Postal Service to use in the setting of prices regarding the sending of mail and packages, but, we reject the thought that God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a divine book which can unite believers in his Son Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father has not left us without direction in this matter of religious unity. The Holy Spirit had the apostle Paul make a plea to the first century Christians to “Give diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). It should be the desire of every believer to contribute to unity and not disunity in religious affairs. This unity is possible if we subscribe to the Spirit’s platform as follows: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). These are seven basic truths that will unite all believers if we follow them in our heart and in our practice.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BOXES AND WRAPPING PAPER

It depends on how many family members, especially children, you have had on Christmas day as to how much ‘trash’ you will have to remove and carry to the street for the workers to pick up. In our area, you can see the blue cans that are placed on the street are filled with ‘trash’. As we are now in the last days of this year it is good that we dispose of some of our ‘trash’ if such we have in our hearts and lives. The apostle Paul stated it in this fashion: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” (Colossians 3:5-10). In other words we all need to take an inventory of our lives and make sure that we discontinue those habits and sins that hinder our running “the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, 2). In the case of the gift and the giver, both are most important in spiritual matters. We are informed in John 3:16 that God gave the greatest gift ever – His Son to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:6-8, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Just ponder for a while what is said here. We were not friends of God when He gave the greatest gift, His Son; rather, it was when by our own sins we were alienated from God (Isaiah 59:1, 2). Not only that, the Gift (Jesus Christ) also gave Himself for our salvation (John 15:13). The motive was pure love of the Father and the Son. Because we have been the recipients of salvation, “the gift of God”, (Ephesians 2:8), we should give ourselves in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are teeming millions of lost souls who need to hear the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-3) which “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). There are lonely souls who need our attention and affection. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27). The inspired writer in Hebrews 12:12 gave this exhortation, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…” There is much work for Christians to do as we spread the gospel and help those who are in need of our help. Let us remember the encouraging words Paul has given us as found in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

“I CAME NOT OF MY OWN ACCORD, BUT HE SENT ME”

Sometimes brethren think that God permitted His Son to come to earth to be the Savior of the world of His own desire and so God allowed Him to do so. However, scripture does not support that concept. The apostle John wrote concerning the controversy Jesus had with the Jews who did not accept the sonship of Jesus. And, they exclaimed that God was their father but the Lord declared they were the children of their father, the devil. “Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me,for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me” (ESV, John 8:42;7:28). It is the last sentence of Jesus’ statement that I want to consider in this article. It was in eternity that God predetermined that His Son would be sent to be the savior of fallen mankind. The decision to send His Son was a mutual agreement with the Father and the Son because they are one. The apostle Peter wrote that the elect of God were not “redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold” “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world…” (1 Peter 1:18-20). In Revelation 13:8, “All who dwell on the earth will worship him,(the dragon,and beast) whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” We begin to understand as much as the human mind will allow, the eternal purpose and plan for the redemption of mankind; and, beginning with Genesis 3:15 and Genesis 22:16-18, the seed of woman and the seed of Abraham was to be Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who would take “away the sin of the world (Galatians 3:16; John 1:29). Throughout the Old Testament the theme was ‘Someone is coming’! And, “when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4,5). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”(NKJV, John 3:16,17). “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering death crowned with glory and honor, that He by the grace of God, might taste death for every one (Hebrews 2:9). How great and marvelous is the love of God our Heavenly Father! Jesus knew why He came to this world. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but raise it up at the day. “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38-40). Jesus also said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me.” “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” “When you lift up the Son man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 7:16). 8:26,28,29). When His time had come to die on Calvary, He said to his disciples, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 38,39). Jesus Christ was always in complete submission to His Father’s will, even when He was facing death on the cross for our sins. He always gave glory and honor to His Father, even as we, His children should do. The following song is very beautiful, meaningful and moving. The Love of God: “The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win, His erring child He reconciled and pardoned from his sin. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry/ O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure- The saints and angels song.” - Frederick Martin Lehman

THE HONEY BEE AND THE BUZZARD

Surely we all have some knowledge regarding this insect and this fowl. Both have been placed here on this earth for different purposes as designed by the Creator, God Almighty. While their functions are vital, they are radical in contrast. The buzzard is rather despised by the human family. We esteem this bird as being unsightly in appearance and undesirable because of its work, the devouring of dead carcasses. Yet, in the balance of nature, this scavenger has a rightful place in our environment. The honeybee, on the other hand, is well thought of and respected. While we dislike the sting of such a small insect, we do appreciate the delicious honey that it makes for us. The bee can be seen visiting the beautiful flowers and various blooms in the vegetative kingdom. No wonder the honey that this bee makes is so sweet. Strangely enough, the buzzard and the honeybee remind us of the various attitudes and dispositions found in different people. First of all, some folk enjoy dwelling on the ungodly, the gossip, the hearsay, the ugly, the bad, the filthy, the hurtful, and the immoral. They seem to get their kicks over telling or hearing a good piece of juicy slander. And, the worse it stinks, the better they like it. This old world is filled with individuals who love filthiness. The Bible refers to people who “speak foolishness” and whose “heart will work iniquity” (Isaiah 32:6). Paul writes of the unrighteous in this manner, “Their throat is an open tomb;; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:13, 14). Their ultimate end is eternal perdition, for Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, 37, “But I say to you that every idle word men shall speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” We are grateful however that there are many Christians who love the good and the beautiful things of life. They think upon that which is pure, honest, just, true, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). They feed upon the word of God that is “Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalms 19:10). They know that “Pleasant words are like honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). They “love life” and endeavor to “see good days”; therefore, they “refrain his tongue from evil” (I Peter 3:10). The question therefore is, “To be or not to be”. That is, are you soaring over dead carcasses and seeking the corrupt; or, are you feasting upon the beautiful and the good? Let us all ‘be’ (live) like the honeybee and not the buzzard!

"YOU SMELL LIKE SHEEP"

The brother and his wife were about to leave our house when I said these words to my Christian friend, “You smell like sheep”. You see, he and his wife have been helping to buy some of our groceries since the spring of 2020 when the Pandemic began in our nation. My brother in Christ is one of our six shepherds who serve and lead our congregation. I could safely say that all of our shepherds ‘smell like sheep’. The reason I make that statement is that I have observed them visiting the sick, staying with families in the hospitals when a loved one is in surgery, or visiting the sick whether in their homes, nursing homes, or in hospitals. I know they have carried in their cars the sick to doctors locally or in another city. They also encourage weak members to be more faithful to the Lord. They will also visit those who have fallen away from Christ and His church and encourage them to repent and come back to the Lord. To ‘smell like sheep’ you have to be among the sheep to lead, protect, feed, keep watch over them, and endeavor to know them. There are other terms that are in the New Testament regarding the work of those who are chosen to care for the flock which is under their oversight. They are elder (presbyter), overseer (bishop) in addition to shepherd (pastor). Here are a couple of passages of Scripture in which we find these terms. In Acts 20:17-28 we find the apostle Paul at Miletus on his way to Jerusalem. It was while he was there that he sent for the elders in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. In verse 28, we read what he said to the elders, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” In 1 Peter 5:1,2, we read, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers,, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, being examples to the flock” (Emphasis, mine, re). The only time the term “pastor” is used in Ephesians 4:11. And that is to be understood for one to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:3). Of course, God’s design is for men of age and wisdom to oversee the work of a congregation and I know personally there are times when ‘business meetings’ are needful, having served as an elder for eight years ; however, I appreciate so much the term ‘shepherd’ which involves moving among the sheep in a personal way as a shepherd would be involved in caring for the flock in his care. The apostle Peter gives faithful shepherds this assurance: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).

PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS AMERICA

The blood of thousands of our men and women who have fought for our country and our freedom flows like a mighty river; yet, we are using this freedom to destroy the moral fiber of our people. It has become a license to do as we please without considering what God would have us to be as a nation of people. Eventually we will reap as we have been sowing (Galatians 6:7, 8). It is most important that we give heed to the following warnings: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God” and “Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces” (Psalm 9:17; 50:22). The story is told about a student who wanted to fool his professor in some way. He held a bird in his hand and asked the professor, “What do I have in my hand?” The professor replied, “It is a bird.” The student asked, “What color is it?” “It is a red bird,” answered the professor. Then the student asked, “Is it dead or alive?” The wise old professor said, “The power of life or death is in your hand!” The power to revive faith in God and His standard of morals and ethics is in our hands. May the lyrics of the beautiful song ‘God Bless America’ written by Irving Berlin ever be our desire, hope and prayer. God Bless America While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. " God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home. - Irving Berlin, 1918, Wikipedia Encyclopedia .

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.