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Vol. 52 July 29, 2009 No. 31

DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO HEAVEN?

There was a time when it could be said, “All roads lead to Rome.” That is no longer true. The only truth that is unchanging is the truth found in God’s word. “My word abideth for ever.”

Sometimes in a discussion involving religion I will have a friend who says, “There is not much difference in what your church believes and what mine believes. After all, there are many roads which lead not to heaven.”

I do not want to have an ugly spirit nor do I enjoy controversy. When I hear such statements, I wonder “Where did you learn that?” Or, “Did you come to that conclusion by reading your Bible, or listening to some preacher, or did you come up with on your own?”

There is much in the Bible which I do not understand, but, there is one thing that is very clear: division is sinful and condemned by God. 1Cor. 1:10. On the night he was betrayed, Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21-22.

There are wide differences in what religious bodies believe and teach. Those who do not see much difference either do not know their own church doctrine or the other church’s doctrine and maybe neither! There is a narrow way that leads to life and few there be which find it, Matt. 7:14. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me.”

The truth of the matter is: All roads lead to hell but one and that one way is Christ Jesus. Lewis G. Hale

Vol. 52 September 2, 2009 No. 36

LABOR DAY

This coming Monday, September 7, will be celebrated by our nation as a national holiday, Labor Day. It began in honor of the working man, to recognize his worth to the economy. This does not diminish the place of capital in our economy but that the working man is an essential part of it.

While it is commendable to recognize the working man himself, I personally feel that is far more important to recognize the worth of labor itself.

Many young people are growing up without having to labor. Everything is provided for them. In fact, we have a society of grown men and women who are unwilling to work. They have the notion that everyone else owes them a living. Even many of our elected officials are advocating that every person has the right to health insurance. If he does not buy it, the rest of us owe it to him to provide it. This is sheer nonsense. The Bible says, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thess. 3:10. Paul also wrote, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Eph. 4:28.

To take what is not ours (even when done legally), is to steal. We should provide for ourselves. The Bible teaches that we should take care of those who cannot care for themselves but not those who by choice will not work.

Yes, we should honor the working man but not those who simply want to enjoy the fruits of the labor of others.

Have a great holiday but worship with God’s church wherever you are. Lewis G. Hale

“Modest Dress”

At camp every year every director has had to send kids back to their cabin to change clothes. If they haven’t I would be surprised.

There is always a rule that the shorts are not to exceed past your fingertips standing up and no tank tops. This is for guys, girls, and staff members also. But what about in our worship to God?

When we come before God the emphasis is not on us or our bodies. Everyone makes decisions what to wear to worship God. Immodesty can even be our worst instead of our best and don’t make the mistake that it is linked only to females. Males can dress disrespectful also and I know you would agree. The challenge today must be easy for some and more difficult for others. Therefore, the one that states, “we cannot find any decent clothes to buy” should look at other individuals who do and are. There is a point when showing off our latest attire must come to end when worshiping God and parents could take a greater lead in the home also.

Here are some questions we might ask as we come before God to worship Him:

1- Do I look like I am attempting to attract eyes instead of worshiping God?

2- Would I dress nicer than this for a social gathering, date, or interview?

3- Do I dress in a way to encourage lust?

Give your best worship to God with all your heart. Let us all “show our good works” rather than “costly garments” (I Tim 2:9,10). In my opinion fashion is at the last of the list when worshiping in spirit and truth. Logan Cates

Vol. 52 September 9, 2009 No. 37

DUTY OR PRIVILEGE?

We are often prone to think that everything has to be ‘either - or’. That is not the case. Many times it can be both.

A man was asked if he loved his wife. He replied, “Of course I do. It’s my job!” The Bible teaches that a man must love his wife as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her. So, it is a husband’s obligation to love his wife. However, it is also a glorious privilege. Instead of thinking “I’ve got to live with this women until death do us part”, he should be thinking, “I have the wonderful joy of knowing I can live with this woman as long as I live.”

A sense of duty is very important. We need to learn what our duties are and then faithfully fulfil them. However, people can become very weary of duty and quit. I knew a woman who had a very strict upbringing. In mid-life, she said, “I’m tired of doing right. I have had to do right all my life and I am going to have my fling at life” and she did to her sorrow and regret.

I would never discourage anyone from doing right from a sense of duty. There is a better way. While one may become tired of duty, one never becomes tired of acting out of love. A nurse may sit at a beside for hours because it is her job. A relief nurse comes and she goes home. She can’t make her home at the hospital. But, the mother sits at that bedside, not just for hours, but for days. Why? Because it is her child who is critically ill and you cannot pull her away. She does not wonder, “Why is my relief not here? She’s an hour late and I am ready to go home.” No, relief can come and go but she stays.

When we are faithful in attendance, when we accept work assignments, when we go the second mile from both a sense of duty and of privilege, we will be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. The church will also be strong. Lewis G. Hale

“Leadership”

I was so nervous the first time I led singing. I think I was 9 or 10. The small congregation we attended let the young men lead one song every Wednesday night. I can remember singing “Victory In Jesus” every time.

Good leadership is the key to a congregation. However, Satan is taking good leadership from the home and this will also attack the work of the church. I know great young men that do not see their potential because they do not have a father as a leader in the church. We see many young fathers in worship that could also help lead. Perhaps the world has gotten a hold of them.

When I had my sons I will be honest... I was thinking of the church, I was thinking of a wonderful godly wife they might choose one day. If your goal for your children was to be popular and athletic they will be. If your goal is for them to be Christians first, they will be. What are your goals? The church needs wide-awake zealous men of God that will help us all work at our full capacity training young men for the work. Logan Cates

Vol. 52 September 16, 2009 No. 38

“SEEK OUT FROM AMONG YOU”

In the sixth chapter of the book of Acts, the church had a problem of proper distribution of food for needy widows. It seems that the apostles had tried to oversee this work and had not done a very good job of it. They had other tasks more important. They said to the multitude of the disciples, “seek out from among you seven men of good report . . . .” Notice that they did not give this responsibility to a select few, a committee, if you please. Nor did they presume to choose the seven men. The responsibility was left to the multitude of the disciples. However, they did set limits by which the multitude could make their choices. Furthermore, the apostles told them that after they chose the men, the apostles would appoint them to their task of serving tables.

The Bible nowhere explicitly tells a local church the procedure by which it is to select elders and deacons. But, it seems to me that the divine wisdom given the apostles in Acts 6 could well apply. If a church is left to choose its method, why could it not choose to follow the example of the apostles in selecting men to serve tables?

Since the history of how the early church solved a problem involving the leadership of the church was incorporated into the inspired scriptures, surely there must be a lesson in it for us.

The selection of elders and deacons will affect the future of the church for years to come. This month, the multitude of the disciples of the Southwest church will be given the opportunity to choose additional elders and deacons. I hope you cherish this privilege. There are many churches where you would be ignored.

Please be a part of the process. - Lewis G. Hale

“Apostasy”

I drove to work and saw a nice motorcycle being towed by a company that comes to get what people would not or could not pay for. I thought to myself, “They wanted it, then they lost it.” This made me think of what apostasy is. I thought about the passage in Hebrews which states, “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good work of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame”(Hebrews 6:4-6). Apostasy is a mockery of the crucifixion of our Lord. The hardened backslider in this passage is not repentant and does not intend to be. This apostasy is an abandonment. There is a point of no return. Do not allow yourself to take such a blessing from God lightly. Logan Cates

Vol. 52 September 23, 2009 No. 39

FLIES AND BABIES

On June 18, 2009, President Obama was seen on television ridding himself of a pesky fly. He first said, “Get out of here” but the fly landed and he swatted him. He said, “That’s pretty good. I got the sucker.” That should have been the end of the matter. But, no, he came under the criticism of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

That aroused my curiosity. Would it be ethical to kill a maggot. After all, he does hatch out to be a fly! People in Florida were prosecuted for destroying turtle eggs.

Where have all these bleeding hearts been when millions of unborn babies have been aborted? If they do not believe we are creatures who are created in the image of God, do they not believe that at least we are animals in their view of animal life?

I am often at odds with our President. This one time I am on his side. When questioned about this event, his press secretary simply said, “No comment.” Bully for him. No apology. I feel sure none will be forthcoming. I recall a time when President Jimmy Carter taught a Sunday School class in Washington D. C. and the text being studied mentioned the fact that Jews (not present day Jews) killed Christ. The Jewish community came down hard on him and he apologized. Why apologize when you are citing a scripture?

I know that Jesus said that God cares for birds and that he feeds them. He provides that which grows in nature and thus feeds them. They do not open their mouths and he drops in a worm. If they feed on worms, does God not care for worms? All of these matters can be pushed to the point of the ridiculous.

Regard the sanctity of life, but especially human life. Christ died for human beings, not animals. Lewis G. Hale

“Love At No Sight”

We often hear about “love at first sight”, but what about love at no sight? Do you love something or someone that you cannot see? Before little Priscilla Medina was born (to the Medina family in our congregation) they loved her. Before my children were born, I loved them. This prove we can love without sight.

Peter in writing to some churches in different places, compliments them with these words: “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (I Peter 1:8).

Peter had seen Christ in the flesh, but his listeners had not. They loved Him even though they had not seen Him. They believed Him even though they had not

heard Him, and they took great joy beyond words in the thought of Him.

We speak a great deal about “love at first sight” yet we should be proclaiming the love we have without sight. In your daily life try to find love and joy in your relationship with Christ even though you can’t see Him physically. It is called faith. Logan Cates

Vol. 52 October 7, 2009 No. 41

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

Hans Christian Andersen wrote a charming short story about an emperor who was very vain about his clothes. He changed clothes several times every day.

Now one fine day two swindlers, calling themselves weavers, arrived. They declared that they could make the most magnificent cloth that one could imagine; cloth of most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns. Not only was the material so beautiful, but the clothes made from it had the special power of being invisible to everyone who was stupid or not fit for his post.

When the king could not see the clothes he dared not tell anyone. His high officials could see nothing, for there was nothing to see. But they pretended to see. They did not want to be regarded as stupid and unfit for their post.

When the emperor paraded the streets dressed in his “new clothes” everyone cheered wildly for no one wanted to admit to being stupid or unfit for office. But among the crowds a little child suddenly gasped out, "But he hasn't got anything on." This began to spread throughout the crowd. When the emperor realized the deception, he pretended to be dressed and went on with the procession.

We have people in the church who have been deceived with many programs which are unscriptural. Who wants to be considered an “old fogey”, a dinosaur, out of step, out of touch with the times? So what do they do? Jump on the bandwagon. Pretend they see the “new clothes”.

We need not be taken in by every new thing which comes down the pike. Jesus said, “A little child shall lead them.” Maybe the church needs a little child to lead us. Elders who have a child-like simplicity which takes God at his word. Be people of the Book. Walk by faith, not by sight. Lewis G

“ONE STEP AT A TIME”

One of our members, Jason Butler, recently competed in a race against over one-hundred other runners. They were to run over two miles up Mt. Scott as fast as they can. Jason earned first place with a time of about 23 minutes.

As I pictured this race and the uphill battle for first, I am reminded of how many times Paul used running as an illustration to show endurance, courage, strength and perseverance. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize”(I Corinthians 9:24).

Run when you feel like quitting. Run when every step is so difficult. My favorite song the youth are singing hits it right on:

“When the valley seems so dark and drear; and the burdens hard to bear. When the storm clouds gather in the east, and it seems that no one cares. Remember you are not alone, look closely and you’ll see... the Savior watching over you, and He’s watching over me.” Keep moving forward. One step at a time. Logan C.

Vol. 52 October 14, 2009 No. 42

DECLINING MEMBERSHIP

Churches of all sorts are experiencing a decline in membership. There seems to be a general disinterest in religion. Many feel that this is due to churches failing to meet the needs of people.

The churches of Christ in Oklahoma have seen a 4+% decrease in membership over the past three years. There could be a variety of reasons. The church has become a greying church with many members in their 80's and 90's. Death alone accounts for the loss of many members. Too, many have left to become a part of other religious bodies. This is not strange when many preachers and elders believe that one church is as good as another. We like to use gimmicks. When we attract people with entertainment, sports activities and similar activities should we be surprised when people find a greater attraction down the street? And, then there are those who just quit going to any kind of church. Some have personal problems and feel that others are viewing them with a critical eye (which may or may not be the case). Some have health problems which hinder attendance at any public services.

One famous preacher of another generation had an over-simplified answer: “Preach the word.” That must be done. No doubt about it. Even when we do that and are cold and impersonal in relationships, we will turn people off. When we fail to greet visitors, when we fail to respond after they say they want to know more about the church, when they hurt and we are uncaring, is it any wonder if we decline?

We have preachers who are great in the pulpit but when they are finished there, they are done. The pulpit is important, very important, but the preacher’s conduct out of the pulpit is what makes his pulpit work effective. There is a trite saying which is still true: “People do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care.”

Lewis G

“Kindness”

“And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph 4:32).

Surprise with kindness. Right when they expect you to untactfully come back with a hurtful reply, sprinkle a little kindness on them. Right when the typical thing to do is act irrationally and ungodly, speak words of love to them. What a great challenge.

Stand with kindness. One of the greatest sermons I ever heard was when the preacher came across standing firm and with lots of kindness. To be kind means to be helpful and gentle. When you are in a position to stand for truth or even in the spotlight in your job, do so with an abundance of kindness to those around you. It will take you far.

Serve with kindness. Meet every need with a smile. Be glad to be the one helping. Be known for always chipping in. Serve God with kindness. Serve the Lord’s church with kindness. Bring brightness and joy wherever you go.

When everyone seems harsh, unappreciative, unkind, selfish and angry... shine with godly kindness. Logan C.

Vol. 52 October 28, 2009 No. 43

“LIKE IT OR NOT, LIVE WITH IT!”

I heard a man say “There are two things you should never worry about: things you cannot change (worrying won’t change it) and things you can change (rather than worrying about it, change it).” That doesn’t leave much to worry about. I would say he was pretty well on target.

We talk about the weather a lot. We don’t change it. We live with it. We talk a lot about the political scene. Try as we might, it seems that we change it but very little.

It’s that time of year again when we have a time change. We go from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time. Have you ever met anyone who likes or favors these changes? I have yet to find one who does. That being the case, why do those in power keep doing it? As a friend used to say, “It makes a body wonder!”

The late Paul Harvey may well have had the answer to why we keep having these shifts in time. He said, “This is Uncle Sam’s way of showing the rest of us who’s boss.” So, like it or not we have to live with it.

We will live longer and happier if we learn contentment with whatever circumstance of life we face. The Bible says “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” When soldiers came to John the Baptist for baptism, he said, “Be content with your wages.” This does not mean that we should never try to better our living conditions but it does mean we must not fret over things beyond our control.

It is said that a Quaker offered a fine mare to any man who was truly content. A man came to claim the mare. The Quaker asked him, “Art thee truly content?” He said, “Yes.” The Quaker then replied, “Then why dost thee wish my mare?” I think he knew his offer would never be claimed!

How content are you? Lewis G. Hale

“SINCERELY WRONG”

What if your doctor apologized for the wrong surgery and said, “but I was sincere when I did it.” What if your answer to your schoolteacher was, “I know I am wrong, but the fact that I am sincere should mean something, right?”

Make no mistake, you must have a sincere heart in order to please God. But is sincerity sufficient? Maybe you have heard someone say that they are right because they believe it in their heart. Does that really make any difference? James says, “You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder”(James 2:19). Saul was sincere and wrong, (Acts 9:1,2). Saul then later in Galatians 1:13,14, mentioned how he “wasted” and persecuted the church of the Lord.

What am I getting at? Possibly you have believed sincerity is sufficient. Jesus stated, “if ye believe that I am not He, ye shall die in your sins”(John 8:24). How do we as Christians prove the truth to the lost? Answer: Know the scriptures.

Logan C.

Vol. 52 November 4, 2009 No. 44

“WHAT ABOUT THE HEATHEN?”

Preachers are often asked about what will become of the heathen who have never heard the gospel of Christ. They state what may very well be true: Here is a person who is not a wicked person, but a person of integrity, honest, helpful to others, generous, etc., etc. The list could be very long. He is the sort of person who would believe and obey the gospel if he should ever hear it, but, he never has an opportunity to hear the gospel. He dies without ever seeing a Bible. What will God do with him on Judgment Day?

“What will become of the heathen if they never hear the gospel?” is the wrong question! The right question is: “What will become of us if the heathen never hear the gospel?”

God did not give angels the responsibility of preaching the gospel. It is strictly the task of human beings, saved human beings. If humans do not do the task, it will not be done.

It is our job to preach the gospel. It is God’s job to judge the destiny of people. God has left our job to us. We should leave God’s job to him. I know what the Bible teaches men to do to be saved. I need to be pointing men to what the Bible teaches. If God should choose to save someone who never heard the gospel, that is God’s business. I have no promise that he will, but if he does, I will be happy. I need to keep my mission and task in mind. It is to teach the lost and edify the saved. I have enough to do without trying to do God’s job for him.

Sometimes we are confused as to the one needing conversion. Christ told Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” I doubt that Peter had a clue that he needed conversion! Before we get excited about converting the world, we need to work on our own conversion. Remember the saying, “A better world begins with me.”

Lewis G. Hale

“WEAK LEADERSHIP”

A major problem with congregational growth lies within the local church and its ability to train and encourage men to take a leadership role of some kind. The early church had some problems of its own such as, foolishness (Galatians 3:1) and lukewarmness (Rev. 3). Many of the problems are the same today. The remedy is also the same – the gospel.

Each Wednesday evening there are about 18 young men that attend the leadership class. I am encouraged every time I sit among young men that truly care about the future of the Lord’s church. They are some of your sons and grandsons. We discuss many ways Satan is working against leadership. Every time a young man gets up to our little pulpit in class and recites a scripture or practices doing announcements, I smile. Why? Because I know they CAN. A student seldom rises above his teacher and an individual rarely transcends his cultural background. This is what is on my mind constantly.

It is time we rise above telling young men that the church needs good leadership. It is time we show it to them. Logan C.

Vol. 52 November 11, 2009 No. 45

FACT OR FICTION?

Fiction sometimes has a bad connotation. We often equate it with a lie. That is because fiction is not reality. But, fiction is not always bad. A made-up parable is a fictitious story but the truth it illustrates is not fiction. This was one of the favorite methods of teaching employed by Jesus.

Sadly, we have preachers who regard many of the Bible truths as fiction, myths, if you prefer. They may grant that they teach some vital truth but the story itself is fiction in their view.

A very dear friend from college days became one of the finest preachers one would want to hear. But, he later attended a very liberal seminary and became skeptical of many Biblical truths. In one discus-sion with him, he said to me, “There was no garden of Eden nor was there any Adam of Eve. Those things were merely symbolic of truth.” Of course he believed the story of Jonah and the great fish was another myth. He did accept the fact of a flood in Noah’s day but to him it was a local flood. The truth is, whatever it was, God said he would never repeat it and there have been many horrific floods since then.

It is no coincidence that the Biblical accounts which are most often under attack by critics are ones which Jesus mentioned in his teachings. He mentioned creation (Matt. 10:16;13:19), Noah and the flood (Matt. 24:37-39), Sodom and Gomorrah (Matt. 10:15;Luke 17:29), Jonah and the great fish (Matt. 12:39-40). Each related as fact.

Anyone who denies the fact of the wondrous works of God is denying both the power and purpose of God. To explain everything on a natural basis will eventually lead one to deny God himself.

The Bible does indeed have much figurative language but a careful reader will be able to distinguish fact from fiction. Lewis G. Hale

“THREE STEPS TO PATIENCE”

The first step is pretty simple and is the most crucial to changing from an impatient routine. First,

Recognize you are being impatient. This seems pretty simple but is more difficult than you think. When the driver in front of you is going 20 mph under the speed limit, and you are in a hurry try to say to yourself, “I am being impatient.” What about all the times someone has to wait on you? Secondly,

Ask yourself “Is it really worth the rush? Most times we are impatient it is not worth it. Society has invented things that encourage our impatience. Fast food, micro-waves, drive-thru, card swiping. Interaction with people is mini-mized. Take a second and realize patience could in turn change your day for the better. Which brings me to point three:

Without patience, we miss out on critical moments. I run out the door sometimes to work because I am late. Tucker (4 yrs) is running out there after me because he did not get his hug. What would we give to go back and hug the little ones? Patience is a fruit (Gal 5). Keep growing in it!

Logan C.