Thoughts

VASHTI

Though Esther is the heroine in the book which bears her name, another woman, Queen Vashti, who appears briefly on the scene, is a person of great courage and dignity.

For 180 days, Xerxes, king of the Persian empire and Vashti’s husband, had showed off his majesty, power, and riches to those in the 127 provinces over which he ruled.  He then gave a 7-day banquet in the garden of the king’s palace where each man was allowed to drink as much as he wished.  On the 7^th day of this banquet, when Xerxes and his guests were drunk, the king sent seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before this group of drunken, ogling men to display her beauty.  Though scholars do not agree on exactly what this message meant, Vashti understood, and she refused to obey the command!  Vashti knew that her refusal to obey an order from the king could have grave consequences, but she had the courage to say No!

Vashti’s refusal angered the king, of course!  Xerxes consulted with his wise men in matters of law and justice relative to this matter, and they advised him that if Vashti got away with this refusal that other women would be disrespectful to their husbands!  So, the king sent out a royal decree that Vashti was never again to enter the presence of the king.

As the result of her refusal to obey the king’s order, Vashti was dethroned, but she maintained her self-respect and dignity.  When you are called upon to violate your moral conscience, follow Vashti’s example in saying No! Your refusal may be costly—the loss of a husband, the loss of a potential or present job, the loss of so-called friends, etc.  By saying No, however, you, like Vashti, can maintain your self-respect and honor.



In keeping with the meaning of her name, Esther was an Old Testament star whose godly characteristics are worthy of emulation.  She was a strong, courageous woman who exercised wisdom in a time of crisis for her people—the Jews—in the land of Persia.

Esther, an orphan, was reared by her cousin, Mordecai, whose family was among the Jews deported from Jerusalem to Persia.  She became the Queen of Persia after Vashti was dethroned.  When Mordecai, who served in the king’s royal court, refused to bow down to a wicked, politically ambitious man named Haman, who held a high position in the royal court, Haman hated him.  He procured a decree from the king to kill Mordecai, along with all the Jews.

In view of the impending annihilation of the Jews, Mordecai urged Esther to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and deliverance for her people.  Before Esther appeared before the king, she, her maids, and all the Jewish exiles in the capital city of Susa, fasted for three days.  She then courageously went before the king, without a summons from him—an action which could have cost her life.

When Esther appeared in the inner court of the palace, the king extended his gold scepter, indicating his approval of her action.  When he told her that she could have anything she wanted, up to half his kingdom, she, knowing when to use restraint and when to make a move, waited until both he and Haman were present for a second banquet invitation on consecutive days before revealing her wish.  After explaining to the king that a plot had been devised to annihilate her people, she asked that the Jews be spared from destruction.  When the king learned that Haman was the perpetrator of this plot, he had him hanged on the gallows which Haman had prepared for the execution of Mordecai!  The king sent out another edict, allowing the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves, permitting them to strike down their enemies with a sword.

Like Esther, you may be at the right place, at the right time, and in the right circumstance to play a vital role in fulfilling a plan designed by God.  Be courageous and speak up for someone who is being maligned; speak for Truth when doing so is politically incorrect; blaze a trail, making the pathway easier for another to follow; engage in a new venture which would open doors for other women; and stand up for Right, even at the risk of being ridiculed, discriminated against, or even persecuted.

It is God’s will that all should have an opportunity to obey the gospel. 2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV 

If this blog can make a difference and reach just one, even though it might be through your efforts, then the blog has been a success. 

God has a plan for the salvation of men/women. The spreading of the gospel is through those that have obeyed as instruments of the God and Father of mankind using the gospel.   

• Hear the word of God. Rom 10:17, Matt 7:24-25
• Believe what you have heard – the Gospel (faith). Heb 11:6, John 20:30-31
• Repent of your sins. Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30
• Confess Christ as the son of God. Matt 10:33-33, Rom 10:9-10
• Be baptized for the remission of past sins. Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16
• Then live a faithful life until death. Rev 2:10, Matt 10:22, 1Cor 15:58

Your soul is important to us at the Martin church of Christ.  If you have any questions on the material presented on any of our sites, please contact us at webmaster@martinchurchofchrist.org.  If you would like a Bible correspondence course at no cost to you, we would be glad to forward one to you.

There are three persons in the Godhead. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. They are one, yet separate in operation. . . .All three were present at creation (Genesis 1:1,2 & 26.) Perhaps one problem understanding this subject is due to the difference between His miraculous works in the age of the early church and His work since the completed revelation of God’s word, The Bible. Spiritual givts, by laying on the apostle’s hands, would cease after the completion of God’s inspired word. (I Corinthians 13:8-10) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete) thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16,17) We have no need for special operations of the Holy Spirit today. (Ephesians 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
(Hebrews 4:12) “The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and this is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” These are the words of God inspired by the Holy Spirit, which shall judge everyone at the last day. (John 12:48) In the early church the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles and others to bring about God’s promise to Abraham that through this seed all nations of the earth would be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26:4 & 28:14) This would be the law of Christ which would bring salvation to both Jew and Gentile (Luke 22:20) “This cup is The New Testament in my blood which is shed for you.” (Acts 20:28) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he has purchased with his own blood.”
(Isaiah 2:2,3) In the last days the house of God would be established, and all nations would flow into it. (I Timothy 3:15) “The house of God is the church of the living God. The pillow and ground of the truth.” (John 17:17) “Thy word is truth.” (Isaiah 7:14) “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” This prophecy was fulfilled. (Matthew 1:21-23) Christ taught and guided the apostles while on earth and told them of things to come. (John 14:25,26; 15:26,27) Following his death and resurrection, he gave the great commission to the apostles. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-49) Luke’s account says, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. But tarry in Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Acts 1:4,5) Christ being assembled with them, “commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.” (Acts 1:8) “Ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” (Luke 24:47) Repentance and remission of sins was to be preached. After the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) they received power to speak in tongues and remember what the Lord had taught them while on earth. (John 14:26) There was such an uproar, that some thought they were drunk.
Peter explained, This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel. (Joel 2:28) “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upol all flesh.” (Acts 2:16,17) Meaning both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit works or operates only in two ways: 1. Directly. 2. Through a medium or go between in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost he worked directly through the apostles. In Act 10 at the house of Cornelius, He came directly upon his household, thus fulfilling Joel’s prophecy. In the early church the Holy Spirit worked through those on whom the apostles laid hands. Example is (Acts 6:3) – “the apostles said, select seven men of hones report, full of the Holy Spirit whom we may appoint over this business.” (Acts 6:5,6) the seven were selected, set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. One of the seven was Philip, (Acts 8.) Because of the death of Stephen, also one of the seven, Saul brought a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 8:5-17) “Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them. The people gave heed, hearing him speak, and seeing the miracles which he did.” (Acts 8:12) “When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Note: apostles laid hands on Philip. Acts 6:6-he preached and performed miracles. (Acts 8:14) “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. (Acts 8:15) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17.) They then laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Which was the power to preach and perform miracles, as Philip was able to do. Note: if the Holy Spirit operated directly as on the apostles and the house of Cornelius there was no need for Peter and John going to Samaria. The Holy Spirit came directly on the apostles at Pentecost; He came to Philip and the Samaritans through a medium, the apostles.
Bro. Guy N. Woods, Questions and Answers; page 61-62 “In as much as only the apostles had the power to transmit the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hands, if follows that with the passing of the apostles this power terminated. We stand in relation to the situation in Samaria at the point where those people were prior to the arrival of the apostles, and following their obedience to the gospel. They believed; they were baptized; they were saved. (Acts 8:12, Mark 16:15,16) We have believed; we have been baptized; we are saved; but there are no apostles living today to lay hands on us. It was through laying on the apostles hands that they received The Holy Spirit. It is therefore futile to claim to have received the Holy Spirit in a situation where inspiration asserts that such has not been done. It is truly distressing that there has been erosion of the true doctrine of the measures of the Spirit among us in recent years. Many, unknowingly, or without proper perception, have espoused the denominational doctrine of direct or immediate restoration movement, boldly advocate such. Measures of the Spirit are not varying amounts of the Spirit himself, but greater or less portions of power, which the Holy Spirit exercisesd through people. Miraculous powers, such as those which were to follow the “believers of (Mark 16:16-18) and the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” identified in (Acts 10:45): as enabling one to speak in tongues were measures peculiar to the apostolic age, and thus no longer available. Today the Holy Spirit leads, (Romans 8:14) enables us to identify God as our Father; (Galatians 4:6) and produces fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:16-24), by means of the word of truth which the Holy Spirit provided through the pens of inspired men (I Corinthians 2:13) he does so in no other way. “The all sufficiency of the word in every good work in by the Holy Spirit himself affirmed.” (II Timothy 3:16,17)
The Holy Spirit was involved in the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (II Peter 1:21) “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The promise to Abraham was repeated by Paul (Galatians 3:8) “And the scriptures foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (Gentile) through faith preached before the gospel unto Abraham; saying “In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Paul continues in (Galatians 3:26-29) “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” What promise? It is that both Jew and Gentile would be saved by the blood of Christ in obedience to the gospel. On Pentecost the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as promised. (Acts 1:5) (Acts 2:37-39) they believed Peter’s preaching and asked what to do. “He said unto them repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you (Jews) and to your children (Jewish children) and to all that are afar off (Gentiles) even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Peter’s sermon unlocked the doors to the church, which Christ said he would build. (Matthew 16:18) Peter preached the great commission, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15,16) The promise they received was salvation from sins given to faithful Abraham and his descendants until it became a reality on Pentecost.
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all three persons of the Godhead have been involved in God’s plan to redeem man. In the Old Testament God was the main power dealing with the Patriarchs-Noah-Abraham-Moses and the Prophets. In the New Testament gospels, Christ was the main power, selecting apostles-teaching-healing and giving instructions to be followed after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit is the main power in this Christian age. God and Christ send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide the apostles to preach the gospel on Pentecost and during the time of the early church. (John 14:26; 15:26 and Acts 1:6-8) Much confusion exists in the church about the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38. Let us look at the word promise as it relates to salvation in three scriptures. (Genesis 12:3) “In thee shall all families be blessed.” The promise of salvation to Jews and Gentiles. (Galatians 3:29) “If ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to The Promise.” (Acts 2:39) The latter part of verse 38 says, “ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39, For The Promise is unto you (Jews) and to all that are afar off (Gentiles).” The promise was not the Holy Spirit himself, but salvation came from God and Jesus Christ on Pentecosst and brough salvation to the Jews (Acts 2) and to the Gentiles, (Acts 10) as promised to Abraham, (Genesis 12:3) “Young’s Analytical Concordance To The Bible” Revised edition, contains about 311,000 references, subdivided under the Hebrew and Greek originals, with the literal meaning and pronunciation of each.
Much of this paragraph is from the late Foy E. Wallace, Jr.’s book. “The Mission and Medium of the Holy Spirit.” On page 390, (of Young;s Concordance) the word gift is given 21 times. #14 A gift Greek DOMA occur 4 times. Example, (Matthew 7:11) “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children” #16 A free gift, Greek DOREA occurs 11 times. Each time it was something received or procedded from God, Christ, or The Holy Spirit. Example (John 4:10) “If thou knewth the gift of God thou wouldest have ask of him, and he would have given thee living water,” a gift from God. (Acts 8:20) “Thou hast thought the gift of God may be purchased with money.” The power of laying hands from God (Ephesians 4:7) “Given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” grace from Christ. (Acts 2:38) “Ye shall receive the gift of The Holy Spirit” the gift of salvation promised to all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:3) was brought from God and Christ by The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. When the Apostles received the baptism of The Holy Spirit, and with power received preached the gospel for the first time, which is the power of God unto salvation; to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, also the the Greed. (Romans 1:16)
(ephesians 3:1-12) The church was and is the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham that through his seed, both Jew and Gentile would be saved in the same body (church) (Ephesians 1:22,23) by the gospel of Christ. And it is God’s eternal purpose that the church make it known. (John 16:13) “Howbeit when he, The Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” The mystery (Ephesians 3:5) “Which is other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”
Could it be said? From the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden; God’s plan to save man was the church. Christ purchased the church with his blood, (Acts 20:28) The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the plan by inspiring and directing those who recorded The New Testament.
T. Joe Walker

There stands a little white church building near to the side of the road. It was dark and the day was neither Sunday or Wednesday. From the road, one could see through the double glass doors. Flowers adorned the foyer all the way down the hall. There were no cars. The parking lot was deserted. Yet the lights were on. Peering down the hallway one could easily see the answer to all the why, questions. Before these wondering eyes, in the midst of beautiful flowers, was a man lying in an open casket. Reality began to set in.
For a moment, let us not dwell on how he died, where he died, who his relatives were, or how much he was worth.
Assume his obituary goes as follows:
Mr. Man was known by his friends as a hard working, family loving church member who loved everyone and it appears that they loved him in return. He had a long life and was healthy until the end when he was striken by disease. Wouldn’t this be something nice to be said about anyone?
He had been a lifelong member of the 1st church of the XYZ. He is survived by his wife, 4 children and 18 grandchildren. He had been a deacon of the 1st church of the XYZ for 20 years. He also worked for his company for 35 years and retired there. What a legacy!  

Let us take a look at the information that is available.  Remember as we go through that God is the judge and we can only be fruit inspectors.  This man was a good man with a great life by man’s standards.  Let us look at him from God’s point of view, the Bible, God’s standard.  

He was a very good man.  Perhaps the following would apply:   

He had been a worker for his church and was a deacon.  Perhaps these verses might apply:   

1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.  

 1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

1Ti 3:12  Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.  

1Ti 3:13  For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.  KJV 

It appears that this man has passed from this life sucessfully and will be in heaven one day.  This should be the goal of all mankind, heaven.  

In comparing this man’s life as we know it, to scripture the question begs to be answered: Does God know him? 

Check out the name of this man’s church.  Who or what did he worship? Is the name important? Because a man says he goes to church, does that mean that he worships the God of heaven?  

John said that we can know if God knows us.  Please read 1John chapter 2 

Benchmark is normally used in reference to computer performance in the 21st century.  There must be a standard or benchmark  to compare one computer to another.  For instance, how does one laptop compare in performance and components to another?  A benchmark may help you decide on which one to buy.  Are you going to use the computer for word processing, playing high tech games, or both?  A benchmark helps you make the right choice.

Have you ever considered miles per gallon(mpg) as being a benchmark?  What is the most important option to you when buying a car, color, power, luxury, comfort, or gas mileage?  A mpg benchmark that is listed on most new vehicle window stickers helps you determine how far you can expect to go on a tank of gasoline around town or on a trip. The “cash for clunkers” used this as a means for someone to get stimulus money.

Sports have benchmarks also.  To win a triple crown in baseball it requires that you lead the league in batting average, home runs, and rbi’s.  If you want to win baseball’s triple crown, this you must do.

Benchmarks are the norm in life.  We have the option to use benchmarks or not use benchmarks.  A benchmark sets forth a goal.

God also has a benchmark. It is spelled out in His word, the Bible.   Unfortunately some do not believe in God. Some have there own god or gods.  Some say that there is a God but that the Bible is full of errors and is not God’s word.  Many, many more say that Jesus was just a good man.  Then there is the catch all phrase, “Attend the church of your choice.”

So how can we know what the truth is?  Man would say listen to other men of religious faiths.  Google the internet.  Buy books from authors on the subject of what you are looking for. Or better still, rely on your feelings.

If there is for a fact a heaven and hell, wouldn’t you want you and your loved ones to know as much as possible about them?  Of course you would!  Let’s investigate, shall we.  Please follow along.

English only, speaking men from every religious background known to mankind and non-religious men ascend upon a non-english speaking continent.  The ruler of that nation gives his instructions which are simple.  He has only one.  Go into all the nation and present your religious ideas, but I have only one english interpreter and you must use him, for these are my people and I am responsible to them and have the power to protect them.  Imagine for a moment that you are this one lonely interpreter.  How confused would you be?  What would you learn from the experience and what could you say to the ruler?  Would you tell the ruler to send the men back home until they could get their story straight?  CONFUSION!

Base your knowledge upon the word of God, the Bible.  Don’t bet your soul and the souls of loved ones upon what some preacher or teacher says.  Do as the Bible says the Bereans did to see if truth was being taught. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:10-12 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter)Within its pages are the words of life.

100 years from now men will know whether God’s benchmark was true or not, but it will be too late for some.  Those that have already entered eternity can’t change there outcome and there outcome will last forever.  God is not the author of confusion.  In speaking to Jesus, Peter said:John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
John 6:67-69 (in Context) John 6 (Whole Chapter)Please read the Bible.

What benchmark are you going by?

Every word that God has spoken is significant.  We will only be looking at a few in this article.

Men say that there a 3 little words that are very important, very powerful, that being I Love You.  God’s word, the Bible has the most powerful, most convincing, most convicting and most useful short phrases that can be found anywhere. 

I love You shows commitment, acceptance, humility, surrender, etc.  We can understand why when we see that “God is Love! I John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1Jn 4:16  So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Speakers often use power phrases to provoke, stimulate someone to action.  Often times these power phrases are taken for granted and  the power is not unleashed because they are not fully understood.  If more information is available , it should be read in context.  Take the guesswork out of the meaning.  In other words, read what is said before and after the statement so as not to misinterpret the meaning.  Two witnesses claimed that God used power phrases about Jesus (commands, if you will) to move men to do something.  Mat 17:5  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. Luke 9:35  And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.

Any person standing there with Jesus on that day would have understood beyond any shadow of a doubt, what was meant.  God, the creator said to man , the created, that man must hear the words Jesus has to say because Jesus is the son of God, (in the flesh) and Jesus has the words of eternal life. John 6:68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. Where are theses other men, prophets, spokesman, angels that God at anytime said this about?  You won’t find them because God has told us who we need to listen to, why we need to listen to Jesus, and where we can go to find out what God instructs us to do. (Bible)

The purpose of our studying is to hear God say to each of us: Mat 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  Mat 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Otherwise: Mat 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Please read Matt 25.

High atop Lookout Mountain one can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.  It is stated that one can look in several directions through the viewfinder and see 7 states.  The snake-like river below seems so small when looking at it from this height.  One can see the beauty and grandure of this magnificent battlefield and view the graves of those who fought and died in battle not so long ago. However,  life that goes on after wars end. 

 The battlefields and memorials of fallen heroes from all wars dot the country side of nations who have done battle and such will continue until time is no more.  Don’t forget that there is a tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington, others were buried at sea and also there are the missing in action.

Man in his finite wisdom cannot look into the graves and see who is buried there, what they looked like, what they were doing at the time they died, how tall they were, color of their eyes, the exact weight, color of hair, where they lived, who they loved, who there family is/was, or even the exact spot where they died.  Man can only know the information provided on the marker of the grave and if the information is correct, research the the annals of history for more information.

Fortunately for us there is One that can look from His lofety heights in heaven and know beyond any shadow of doubt who each one of these individuals is, by name.  He made the ground we stand on, the air we breathe.  (Genesis 1) He made everything.  God knows everything about each individual and He knew what is in each man’s heart. (omniscient)  He has the power to raise these heroes from the grave. (omnipotent)  He has the ability to see all the graves at one time. (omnipresent)  He will not change. (immutable) 

We look from this side of the grave.  At death, our destiny is sealed.  We cannot change anything after death.  This life will be over.

God has given mankind the “good news” by which He explains His rules.  It is therefore up to mankind to obey or not obey these rules.  If God says something must be done and man says it does not have to be done, which one will prevail?  Of course it is God because He said it,  it is final!  Each individual has the choice to believe God and believe what He says or not believe Him. 

In Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost people were told what to do to be saved.  You and I must do the same. 

Choose today who you will serve, God or the devil.  To choose nothing indicates that you have chosen not to serve God.  There are only 2 sides.  When time ends, and earth is no more we will be raised to live with the one we chose to serve. 

It is my prayer that you choose God, but you must obey Him.

Reading for today -I John 3:1-24

Daily, christians are confronted with problems, obsticles if you will.  These may come in the form of things, people, sickness, school or college, or even jobs.  We as christians have a rule book that directs our path.  However, christians are human and subject to error.  So much so that we tend to watch the world round about us wondering why we can’t engage in the same kind of things.  I think at this point we should look at what was said of the Bereans:

We can easily see that there was a daily search by the Bereans to make sure they were on the straight and narrow.  This is another lesson for another time.

Let’s see if we can recognize some problems.  If we learn anything from doctors it is to treat the illness not the symptom.  Remember that it may be difficult to find the problem.  Take the following examples and see if you can see a problem, a symptom, or both.

Case #1

John Doe and his family go to worship on Sunday morning and attends Bible class also.  They are back on Wednesday night.  They give as they have prospered and partake of the Lord’s supper. John waits on the Lord’s table. John rarely stays for any fellowship meals and doesn’t participate in any care group meetings.  As a congregation, that is what we see of John and his family. 

Do you see any symptoms?  If so, what are they?  Should we pat John on his back and say, Brother I wish everyone lived like you?

I would like to hear from you and what you would do. email webmaster@martinchurchofchrist.org

Case #2

Don’t be a judge, be a fruit inspector.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

John Doe doesn’t go to church.  He doesn’t believe in God.  He has not read the Bible.  John is a good man.  He is respected and volunterers in his community.  He has a loving family.  He has no vices as the world would say. 

Do you see any symptoms?  If so, what are they?  Should we pat John on his back and say, Brother I wish everyone lived like you?

Is this the type of family heaven will be made up of?  What does God see? 

We walk among people like this every day.  Consider these in view of eternity.

May God richly bless you as you study.

Eyesight is one of the senses that no one ever wants to lose. Glasses and contacts have become the norm for those that have less than 20/20 eyesight. Older individuals require an aide to seeing as eyesight diminishes. The quality of a persons life may be improved by adding glasses, contacts, or even eye surgery.

Have you ever thought you saw something, but it really wasn’t there? There was a cartoon of days gone by that depicted someone in the desert, thirsty. While looking for water, in the distance he saw an oasis. In reality, when he got to the spot there was no water it had been a mirage. How disappointing!
We know of veterans who have been in the great wars who have seen and experienced things that everyday men will never see, nor can we comprehend the magnitude of combat. Thus, images of war remain etched within their minds.

The same can be said of emergency specialists who see many unspeakable things. Thanks be to God for these people. The mangled bodies and stressful situations that they experience are not suitable for all to see. Likewise, trauma images remain in the mind of emergency personnel.

Luke 16:19-31 talks about a rich man that had 20/20 vision.  There is no evidence that the rich man lived anything but a “good” life.

However it was hindsight.  He wasn’t remembering the good that he had because he was experiencing torment knowing that he could never get relief.  The rich man knew that he was in a place that he didn’t want to be.  He also knew that he didn’t want any of  his brothers to come to this place of torment. 

The gospel, the “good news” says we don’t have to end up like this.  This place of torment was not made for mankind.  It was made for: 

If we read the context we see that there was a “poor begger”  who didn’t end up in torment.  Perhaps while the rich man was living, he didn’t believe in God, or he said that God wouldn’t allow him to be in a place like this.  Maybe God really didn’t mean what He said.  Perhaps the rich man thought that he had plenty of time or we can live forever.  We do know that it was a necessity for someone to get back to the rich man’s  family immediatly to prevent them from coming to torment.  However, the answer to him is the same for all ages.  

Has our vision been blurred? Have we refused to see the real picture?  Are we interested in the well-being of our families and loved ones?  Is it possible that many of our friends and loved ones have passed into eternity only to be with the rich man?  The rich man had a choice while he was alive but none at death.  So do we.