The Need For Extreme Dogmatism

To me, for all practical purposes, there is a difference between

dogma and being dogmatic. Dogma, meaning a religious doctrine or system of doctrines proclaimed by the collective Church throughout the ages as authoritatively true. This word is legitimate, as long as it stays in the confines of its corral (context). But when it jumps the fence and goes wild by asserting its own individual unproved doctrines as truth, its name changes to dogmatic. Such are characterized by an arrogant, egotistical, and overbearing spirit.

A dogmatist simply takes sound dogma too far. They take a good thing to extreme until it is distorted and unrecognizable. For example: the sovereignty of God and the free will of man; faith and works; God's love and His wrath; doctrine and devotion; the local church and the true Church; etc. There are always two extremes, two dog houses, if you please, each at opposite ends of a truth and far apart. Each take one side of that truth and run off to their doghouse to feed innocent pups. There is no middle ground with a dogmatist; only his or her way or the highway! 

But having said all this, as despicable, detestable, and hideous as these dogmatists are, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Because, for the most part, many of us can attest to the fact that because of them we found our scriptural balance by observing where their teaching leads one. And it lead us back to the middle, thus saving our spiritual sanity.   

The Right Thing/The Wrong Way

I’m sure all my readers are familiar with the old saying, “It’s better to do the right thing in the wrong way than to do the wrong thing in the right way.” That is, it would be better to preach on Hell with a bad spirit than having a good one and not preach it at all. We are not to let the weakness of our humanity keep us from performing right. If we do, we’ll never achieve anything worthwhile. Paul said it was an accepted fact in his life that when he did good, evil was present with him.

David experienced this also. Because of the weakness of the flesh, he decided he would refrain from doing anything, therefore accomplishing nothing. By going to the extreme and carrying things too far he wound up having to admit he had kept himself “even from good.” But at such times we, like David, find sorrow is stirred within us, and our hearts burn. It is then, as he, we come out of our self-imposed prison to do right, even if it’s at the expense of our own embarrassment.

All of us want to do the right thing in the right way, but if we can’t accomplish the latter because of our frailties, let us always perform the former, even at the cost of being humiliated.

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE

"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." What higher compliment can be given a godly man or woman than that these words be spoken of them in a eulogy or inscribed upon their headstone? Fifteen brief words that sum up the entirety of one's existence while upon this earth. Their life in a nutshell, so to speak. When all is said and done, this will more than suffice.

Notice the first part of our text has to do with humanity, "he was a good man"; the latter with Deity, "full of the Holy Ghost." The former is man-ward, the latter is God-ward. It is possible to be the first without possessing the second. But you can't have the latter without displaying the former. It is said of our Lord, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."   

Several things can be said of those who are blessed with Barnabas's noble spirit. First, they're the underdog's best friend. Secondly, they promote others at their own expense, even if it means living in the shadow of the one they advance. Thirdly, when there are needs among God's people, they're the first to give sacrificially. Fourthly, these stalwart  characters are always encouraging others to, "cleave to the Lord". And lastly, everyone whose lives they have touched give testimony to the fact they're sons (and daughters) of consolation.

Yes, these gallant souls have their shortcomings; but when you look at a life, like a spot on a piece of white paper, you don't look at the spot but all the clean around it!

No Ones Perfect

"I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad." Anyone in the least familiar with the temperaments would place David under the melancholy category. And by doing so would automatically place him in the perfectionist group of individuals. As you can see from our text, God's "darling" had come to the place to see the end result of all perfection, and concluded the Lord gives us a lot of elbow room, so to speak, in His demands. Deity never forgets our humanity.

Perfectionists can be a very unhappy people, as well as make those around them miserable, if they do not possess the strength of character to face and admit to the fact, "No one is perfect." True, some confess to it but not in sincerity, for you can see the pride peeking through their self-righteous garments. On the other hand the imperfect who constantly give testimony to the fact of their shortcomings, often flaunt the fact to excuse their apathetic lives. Human frailty is no excuse for sin.

Those who feel they're a notch above others in their impeccableness are in great danger of not feeling the need of betterment. Being satisfied with the status quo. And on the other hand, those who care little for keeping all their ducks in a row should at lest make a worthy attempt of lining them up. Accepting one another, whether it be a perfectionist or one to the contrary, would go a long way in solving problems. There is no disgrace in being human, nor should there be in attempting to produce to perfection.

Reason or Results

“And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” It was neither of the two reasons these “toy” theologians thought. Jesus tells them it was not parental or personal, but by the providential arrangement of God that he was the way he was. All suffering is not necessarily the effect of sin. In many cases (as in this blind man’s), it is for the glory of God.

We can debate, discuss, and speculate “…why am I thus,” but, at the end of the day, it is not the original cause, but the final cure, that counts. What does it matter why, if the grand finale is our good and God’s glory? It is not why and what I was, but who and what I am, that matters.

Leave the question of past reasons with God. Rejoice in His present results in your life.

Testimonies/Tread Lightly

We need to be very careful when giving our testimonies, as well as hearing or reading them. Even those found in the Holy Scriptures. They're for our learning, not necessarily for us to emulate. As an old divine once wrote, "We are to seek the apostles' teachings, not their experience." When we're told we should follow their example, it's generally in principle, not experience. 

Throughout my long tenure as a gospel preacher I have both heard and read quite a few testimonies that would curl your hair, as the saying goes. I found in my own case as a young believer, when I gave my personal testimony, as the audience became more awestruck , like the "blow-fish," my testimony got bigger and bigger. The flesh loves to wow people, and it seems many want it so.

Acts has twenty-eight chapters and covers some thirty years. The Holy Spirit records Paul's testimony once, and the "chief of sinners" gives it twice, publicly. He mentions bits and pieces in his personal letters to churches and individuals, but not in its entirety. That means Paul gave his testimony publicly two times in thirty years. It was not for general public consumption, it seems.This gentle giant of a man was not in the habit of calling attention to himself, but the ONE who saved him.

My wife was saved as a child of nine, and never experienced the ravages of sin in her life. On the other hand, I lived a life of sin and debauchery for twenty-four years. People would flock to hear my testimony, but not hers. Yet, she had the greatest of we two. 

Cults

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants…” There is a principle found in this text that talks to us all. It is possible for one to encourage others to leave one kind of bondage only to enter into another kind. The “promiser’s” kind. This type promises but cannot produce. The reason? They themselves are enslaved within their own group.

Many wonder how it is that cults can so easily sway Christians when recruiting them into their ranks. The answer is fairly simple. Most of their converts come from assemblies not unlike their own. Therefore, it takes very little adjusting on the part of the one who is proselytized. They feel more or less at home.

There are basically three main cultic characteristics: first, there is unquestioning loyalty to the leader; secondly, there is an exclusion of all who are independent thinkers; and thirdly, there is absolutely no spiritual growth to be seen. Let each of us beware lest we be a cultic Christian.

Addendum by D.M. Lloyd-Jones: "There are cults that can change your life, cults that can deliver you from things that defeat you, cults that can give you happiness. Psychotherapy also can do so, and many other agencies, even an operation on your brain. We must have a test. If the experience is not an experience of the living God through His Son who has come to live and to die and rise again in order to give it; if it is not through the Holy Spirit, it is not a true Christian experience."

Good Advice

“…with the well advised is wisdom.” My wife did an excellent article recently on advice. I thought I'd emulate her example to my readers. Only ignorant pride keeps us from taking good advice. I know Christians whose lives are now in shambles, simply because they refused to ask advice and if they did, rejected it, when given. And, of course, there are those who boast of both listening to and taking counsel from others, but who, after investigation, took the advice only because it was in agreement with their plans.

Jeroboam was such a person. He asked the advice of the aged men; but forsook it for the younger men’s, who were in agreement with him. His problem was the same many have today. The elders had been where he was, but he had never been where they had been. What fool asks someone about a road they themselves have never traveled?

David, in spite of a set mind to do one thing, was changed by the godly advice of a weaker vessel. After hindsight consideration, he says to Abigail, “…blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from________.” I cannot tell you the good advice I have had through these long years that has kept me from_________. How about you? It’s not too late to ask, listen, and heed, good advice.

Fickle Friends

"Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" 

It will be of great benefit to the reader of the book of Galatians to know the inhabitants of this city descended from the Gauls, a people of unstable nature. They were quick to receive impressions and just as quick to give them up; impulsiveness and fickleness characterized them. Thus, one can better understand our text. You might refer to them as "fair weather friends." Great when the sun is shinning, but nowhere to be found when clouds arise. 

But Paul was accustomed to this sort of wishy-washyness; the type who receives one with enthusiastic joy, only to reject him or her after being told the truth about themselves. The old warhorse was used to experiencing situations in which one minute he could scarcely keep people from worshiping him and in the next, they were ready to stone him. It is a real paradox, writes this seasoned saint, he told the Corinthian Christians, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved." 

Evidently this sort of human being is not familiar with the wise man's teaching, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." They're difficult to figure out. They have a real dislike for the doctor who is instrumental in their healing. They fit comfortably with the crowd that cries one day, "Hosanna in the highest," and the very next, "Crucify Him." It can truly be said of them what is said of Samson and his friend "Whom he had used as a friend." Friends are not to be used, but rather cherished and held dear to our hearts.

If you have been let down by someone you trusted, remember "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

HELD UP BY MERCY

"When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up." O, The wonderful mercies of God. We are told in scriptures that His mercy is: great, rich, manifold, plenteous, abundant, sure, everlasting, tender, new every morning, high as the heaven, fills the earth, and is God's delight. Is it any wonder then that darling David said, "I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities." Marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, is it not, to be one of God's, "vessels of mercy?"

How often in life have I have cried out to "The God of my mercy, "I'm slipping Lord, 'Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.'" And each time, in mercy, that invisible Hand has reached out and caught me, as Peter of old, just before I sank. When I could no longer stand, all strength was gone, and sinking was inevitable, I found the words of the old gospel song true, "Mercy there was great and grace was free." From that memorial day so many, many years ago, when I prayed, "God be merciful to me a sinner," until this present hour, mercy has followed me; and I'm sure it will all the days of my life. 

"Take notice not only of the mercies of God, but of God in the mercies. Mercies are never so savoury as when they savour of a Saviour."

(Puritan Saying)

Guilt and the Christian

I'm told a great majority of those in mental institutions are there because of guilt; something they've done in their past they cannot rid themselves of. No Christian should ever have what has come to be known as "a guilt complex." If a Believer had no other text to lean on, Hebrews 9:14 would be more than sufficient to hold him or her up, "How much more shall the blood of Christ...purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." 

Guilt in the saints' lives will be used against them in one of two ways: first, either the devil will constantly bring it up to keep one back from going forward; or, secondly, self-seeking loved ones or friends (intentionally or unintentionally) will regularly mention it in order to hold you down; that they may be in control of your life. One way or the other, you lose all your effective potential for God.

Peter denied the Lord but repented with tears. After that dark experience he never mentioned it again. Yet, after Pentecost, he accuses his brethren of denying the holy and just One. He did not fall for the sick idea he had no right to condemn others for what he himself had done. He lived by the scriptural philosophy, "What God hath cleansed let no man call unclean." He didn't accuse himself or allow anyone else to do so! He was cleansed and forgiven. THAT WAS IT! 

A.W. Tozer mentions that when God cleanses and forgives a man it is as if he had been newly created; like he had never sinned. It is true, as John tells us, the accuser of our souls accuses us to God night and day. But just as true, says old John, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Throne. And, by the way, He has never lost a case!

Specialized Ministries

The Bible does not discourage specialized ministries. On the contrary, it is the instituter of them. But there is a danger each specialty carries with it: thinking it is special in and of itself. I mean in the sense of being more important or necessary over others. All of them are to work together for the glory of God. It's important to remind oneself, he or she is not special because they may have a different type ministry from another dear brother or sister. We're all on the same team.

To mention just a few within this danger area are: evangelists, prophetic teachers, printing ministries, children's homes, deeper life, church builders, drug and drink rehabs, finance consultants, music seminars, defenders of the faith, family institutes, youth ministries, the elderly, skid-row missions, etc. etc. 

There is mainly a twofold risk which singular ministries carry with them: first, as mentioned, believing you're the main cheese. Paul put it this way: "And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you." The second being, you lose your balance. You're the only one on the teeter-totter. Over-emphasis leads to a "unbalanced" Christian life. You hone in on one subject in the Bible rather than the whole council. All you can see or look for in the scriptures is something that will under-gird and promote your particular kind of ministry.

I have often stated, a pastor is possibly the most balanced of all the gifts. I liken him to the old-fashioned country doctor, a general practitioner. The original saying was, "A jack-of-all-trades, master of one." Being a master of one, let none of us be guilty of neglecting the others. Or thinking of them as obsolete!   

The One Thing Job Didn't Lose

Job, most certainly held his wife and children close to his heart. Without question, his health, like our own, was dear unto him. And though he did not seem to be such a man that clung to his possessions, still they were a great blessing and enjoyment to his life and that of his family. But in God's stripping of His servant there was one thing (other than his life) He left job, a thing the old saint clutched tightly to and refused to let go of: his moral integrity. "...till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me." 

The word integrity comes from the Latin and old French, meaning: 

innocence, blamelessness, chastity, purity. It carries the thought of wholesomeness and soundness  in moral and ethical principles. This was the one dominating characteristic in Job's life, and everyone knew it, both in heaven and in earth.

The whole issue between God and Satan concerning Job was his integrity. After Satan hit the old patriarch with his first wave of heartbreak, God throws in the adversary's face, "...still he [Job] holdeth fast his integrity." Even his wife knew her man to be a man of integrity, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Wonderful thought, is it not, you can take everything a man or woman holds precious, but you can't rob him or her of their integrity. One can only lose this (integrity) by willfully surrendering it. 

May our testimony be that of darling David, "And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever."

The Indelible Commandmernt

The written Ten Commandments were distinctively given to the nation Israel, under a theocratic form of government. God chose this people, not to be a pet, but a pattern for all nations and peoples to follow. Because of Israel’s habitual refusal to conform to God’s statutes, they were scattered among the very nations they were to influence with Jehovah’s moral laws.

After their dispersion, to their amazement, I’m sure (and ours), they found God had long before, written His laws on the internal, fleshly tables of man’s heart. Yes, way before He wrote them to Israel on external tables of stone. No matter where they went, they found hints of their own laws among the pagans.

Mankind can attempt to rid himself of the Ten Commandments, but he will never be able to erase them from his heart. They may be removed from the schoolroom, judicial system, and all of society; but you’ll never remove them from the ark of the heart. They are indelibly written there, from birth to death.

When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Melita, because of the rains and the cold, he was gathering sticks for a fire. While doing so, a venomous viper bit him, which he shook off into the fire. Upon observing this, the heathen islanders said, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.” This certainly shows, “...the work of the law written in their hearts.” We must conclude, then, the only way to get rid of God’s commandments is to cut out one’s own heart.

The Law by which God rules us, is as dear to Him as the Gospel by which He saves us. (Puritan Saying)

Running Scared

Many of us, I think, spend much of our lives running scared, only to find when we do have courage enough to stop, turn, and face whatever it is, it was usually only a phantom. Isn't it amazing the hideous, manufactured monsters our imaginations can conjure up? A lot of us have a kindred testimony with that of Mark Twain, "I've lived through some terrible things in my life; some of which actually happened."

I believe a large number of us fit the description of people the Psalmist speaks of: "There were they in great fear, where no fear was." You know, we've all experienced them: "I think I heard something"; What if the doctor says..."; "But what will I do if this should happen?" The list is legion. President Franklin Roosevelt's quote comes to my mind, "The only thing to fear is fear itself."

We speak of the eternal torments of the damned, but what of the earthly torments of the fearful? John tells us, "...fear hath torment." O, the paralyzing effect fear has upon a soul! It holds like a vice, making it impossible to move either this way or that. As Paul says, "You cannot do those things ye would." How we need to realize whenever this unhealthy fear comes upon us, it is not of God, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear." Be bold, rebuke such satanic spirits in the name of Christ!

Either God is completely in charge or He isn't. If He is at the wheel, then there is nothing to fear. A little boy on board a ship was asked, in the midst of a ferocious storm, why he seemed to have no fear." His answer, "My father is captain of this ship, and he has brought me through worst storms than this."

"Be not afraid of sudden fear."

Throwing Out The Dog

From my observation post, I personally think it's time for many of God's dear people to throw out the dog, that is, as found in dogmatism. The root meaning being, "that which one thinks is true; to seem to be good or imagine to be so." Many dogmatists think, erroneously, that they should be accepted without questioning or asking any proof for their position. When one does challenge them, they're known for picking up their marbles and going home.

Being dogmatic can be acceptable. But to reach that place, the Bible says we're first to prove all things, then we can hold fast to that belief, principle or philosophy. If you don't put things to the test, trust me, you'll end up in the doghouse alone, every time. It's the weightier things in life we're to be absolute on, the real issues, not the curl on the pig's tail. It doesn't add any weight to the pig.

If you want to do away with some of the dogs in your kennel that are known only for their incessant barking, there is a way to do it. Read, listen, and learn from opposing views. That will cure you from yapping at everything that passes your way. You may not agree with all of them, but you will understand them much better. And in doing so, you may find a friend instead of a foe. It's good to remember there are many good and godly persons who do not hold our views, some of which excel a few of us in every area of our Christian life.

Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, "Go as far as you can down the right road with every man." That's good wisdom and advice. 

Crazy? I Think Not!

One definition of the word “institutionalize” is: “to place or confine in an institution.” And one of the meanings of “institution is, “a place characterized by drabness, uniformity, and impersonality.” We say of certain people that they have been institutionalized. I believe this could also be said of a vast amount of Christians in our day.

But it seems to me that more and more of God’s people are breaking out of their little cubicles and observing everything from “outside the box.” They refuse to have a monastic mindset. It is no longer a “me, my, and I” they hold to. They have found there is more to it than my family, my church, my school, my ministry, etc. “Jack” has jumped out of his box and is finding out how the rest live.

Beware of any institution that tries to institutionalize you. You can always spot them. They will tell you only those who look out through their institution’s bars are sane. And all those who are free and at liberty on the outside are crazy. It’s this sort who said of Jesus that He was “beside himself,” and of one of his devoted followers that he was “mad.” As for me, I’d rather be on the outside looking in, if you don’t mind. Let them say and think what they will.

Inside-out, If You Please!

"A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose"

The title of our article is a famous quotation by author, Gertrude Stein, generally taken to mean, "Things are what they are." It is what is called, "the law of identity." By changing the name doesn't change the person or thing. It only confuses matters. And it can be dangerous. Try changing the hot and cold faucet handles on your shower to find out.  

We have gutted and drained powerful words until they are now anemic. Convicting words such as drunkard is now termed an alcoholic; a bastard to one born out of wedlock; drug addict to substance abuser; whore to street walker. These along with a legion of other weak substitute phrases are geared to soften sin and make it respectable for both the perpetrator and their loved ones. It saves embarrassment before others. And this is important in this superficial, shallow age in which we live.

But to the man after God's heart no such high sounding substitute was used. When this man of high position sinned, he cared not what others thought. He didn't water-down sin; sin was still exceedingly sinful! "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight," was his heartfelt cry to God. The Blood of Christ cleanses sin, not excuses. Whitewash only takes care of the external. Plus, whatever one is attempting to cover will begin to show through again, at some point.    

My oldest son, Andrew, a preacher, speaking of sin and the modern day psychologists' approach to it, said, "It takes a lot of money to get right with God today." Thank God, the Great Physician is free!" Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye...without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money...and your labour for that which satisfieth not?"

David on Prayer

"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

God hearing and answering David's prayer is by no means the main reason he loved the Lord, but most certainly is at the top of the list among the many other reasons. Someone might say, "But the text doesn't say God answered his prayer, only that He heard it." By checking the context (v.8), we see He did answer him. But had we no mention of an answer, common sense tells us He did. Otherwise,how would he have known God heard him? The prophets prayed all day for Baal to hear and answer them, but there was no answer. Elijah prayed a short prayer and God heard, and proved that He did by answering him.

John tells us, "We love Him because  He first loved us."  And how did He love us? "God so loved...He gave!" And why do we love Him? Because He gave. The principle is the same in David's case and throughout the Bible. When the Lover of our souls gives to His beloved simply because she asks, her love deepens. There is a glowing and growing love in the soul of a child when he or she realizes their father both heard and answered their request.

Jesus said, concerning prayer, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Is it not proper then to ask a granting of our prayers that God may be glorified? And, as David, is it not also fitting to ask God to give us our petitions that we may love Him even more? What David said in our text would not sound too spiritual to the "spiritual elite" of our day, but God knew David's heart. And He knows yours and mine dear friend.  

A Child-Like Spirit

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

One can be childlike without being childish. In dramatic school they taught us to have the head of an adult and the heart of a child. Jesus told these grown men they were to be childlike. And our Lord never asked anyone to be something He was not Himself. We hear much today about being Christlike. The list of characteristics seems to be endless, which has brought about discouragement in many trying to achieve and keep up with this, may I say, grocery-list of things. Simply put, Christ-likeness is child-likeness. And He kept His child-like spirit to the grave.

1. Any and all spiritually gifted and greatly used men and women of God have been marked by a child-like spirit. For example, Solomon. Not only did God grant his request for wisdom but threw in the kitchen sink, so to speak. Why? Listen to him, "And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in." It seems God doesn't deny the likes of him, their desire.

2. Jesus referred to those following Him as "My little children." John picks up on this term, using it no less than nine times in his first epistle, when speaking of God's elect. Paul also uses the the same phrase. We are told in our text God's Kingdom is made up of such. 

3. I have observed that little children are humble, trusting, forgiving, simple, and loving. But the characteristic that is sweetest, I think, is their spirit of wonder. Everyday there seems to something new and fresh about life. And so it should be with us "little children." The evangelist, Gypsy Smith, was asked when he was eighty the secret of his radiant Christian life. He answered, "I guess it is because I have never lost the wonder of it all." Have you, my friend? 

They Can't See the Forest For the Tree

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it."

I cannot vouch for its authenticity, but I read there are over twenty-three thousand different kinds of trees in the world. Among them, fruit trees numbering into the thousands; the apple tree alone is said to have some seventy-five hundred varieties. The Bible records the names of no fewer than twenty-seven of this vast number of fruit trees in the world. The possibility of a great number of trees being in the garden is far from being speculative. 

1. Interestingly, our first parents centered all their attention on the one tree that was forbidden rather than all those they had free access to. You could say, "They couldn't see the forest for the 'tree.'" God has an affinity for trees, He chose to die on one (1 Peter 2:24).

2. Legion, I've found, is the number who major on the few things God has restricted while losing sight of all the wonderful things freely given them. Things for their good and not for their hurt, as those in the off-limits area would do. Bypassing our fleshly desire for that one thing we want shows our love to Him. And in partaking of the many good things He has provided us, shows His love to us!

3. Years ago, when my daughter, Charity, was five, I taught her a lesson on tithing. I divided one-hundred pennies into two groups of ninety and ten, then said "Chip, that is God's tithe, it belongs to Him, the rest is yours." Grabbing up the ten pennies, she replied, "O, Daddy, you mean the Lord will let me have all of this?" When I told her it was just the opposite, that the ninety was all hers, and the ten was God's, she said, "That's all He wants?" She was amazed! 

And after all these many long years, so am I my friend. 

Twelve Gates/One Way

We are told the celestial city to which God's children are traveling is foursquare, having three gates on each side. No matter which of the twelve gates one enters, all end up in the presence of the King and before His Throne. While it is not true all roads lead to that heavenly city and most by-pass it, still, these twelve entrances are legitimate. 

Notice two of these gates some would have closed if they had their way. 

1. That way by which little children come to Christ. They argue that you must be certain of the place, day, and hour, and little ones don't remember this, they say. Dr. Bob Jones said, "You don't have to know the day and hour, just make sure there was one." Paul could tell you the exact time and place of this great event in his life, but not so with godly Timothy. We're told he was taught the way of salvation from childhood by his granny and mother. People such as this have a difficult time with exactness as to their salvation; nevertheless, their lives prove there was a time and a place. Many who can give you the particulars of their conversion have not lived for God a day since. My dear friend, Evangelist John Rice, who was saved as a child, said, "I was there when I was born, but I don't remember anything about it. But I know it happened, for I have life." I say, children are as soundly converted as any reprobate who was ever saved!

2. The quiet conversion. I know of some, even preachers, who would board-up this gate. They believe you must have credentials of  an earthshaking experience, like that of the Philippian jailer, to prove you are one of God's elect. But Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened, had no such dramatic testimony. It will do us well to remember we are not to seek others' experiences recorded in the Bible, but the Bibles teachings! The "still small voice" wins out over the sensational earthquake every time. I have found, and sadly experienced in my own life, those saved under spectacular preaching are in danger of thinking their daily Christian life will be that way. Whereas common conversions do not seem to have the problems that arrive with the mundane things of life. They make for good pluggers-along, as I like to refer to them.

Whatever gate we entered by let us not forget the other gates are just as bona fide. And never, never, forget, "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."

Wherin Lies Addiction?

“…they have addicted themselves.” Some of the descriptive words the dictionary associates with addiction are these: abuse, habit, attachment, abandoned, wedded, devoted, obsessed, fixation. Addiction can be either in a bad or good sense. In the text sighted, it is the latter. This present generation has come to think of the word as relating primarily to drugs and drink. But it can cover a wide variety of things. It can include everything from food to sports, and all in between. But in this article, I want to speak about the negative aspect of addiction.

The popular teaching of today is that addiction has to do with the genes. As everything else in this sin-sick age, the fault is always traced back to someone or something else; it couldn’t be a personal responsibility! But if you’ll notice in our scripture quotation above, addiction has to do with the individual themselves. On either side of the word “addicted” are the personal pronouns, “they” and “themselves.” Addiction then lies at the door of the addict himself or herself. One need not go to your family home, or to friends, in order to find who’s at fault.

The Bible teaching is that “Self” is at the root of all evil addiction. And until this entity is dealt with, one will always be “hooked.” Jesus said we are to “deny self.” That is, any rights or claims upon our lives. As long as you are the center of your existence and everything revolves around you, there can be no deliverance. When the focus is upon Jesus, He "immediately "lifts up the sinking soul. Ask Simon Peter.

Old-fashioned “Repentance” will do more for a person in a day, than all the rehabs can in a year!

The Tribulation Period

The following is a correspondence where I answered a brother's question on the Tribulation Period. 

My Dear Beloved Brother,

Good to hear from you.I trust His grace is being shed upon you abundantly, and that you have the faith to appropriate it. I think of you often and pray for you and the family regularly. As to the family, I trust the "Birthday Girl" had a good one.

As to your question concerning the Tribulation, I am not the prophetic student I once was. I mean by this, I no longer study the event as much as look for it. In fact on my daily walk this morning I looked up to His heavens and prayed, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

I am sending along with this note three articles I have done on the subject over a period of time. They pretty much explain my position. 

As to Noah and Lot's day I've come to see Our Lord was not speaking mainly of every particular of their day, but of His unexpected coming by many. 

As to "The Last Days," I believe they started in the day of Christ (Heb.1:2). The Dispensationalists make two Last Days like they make two Comings. I believe in one of each.As well as one people, that is one elect, not two. 

The "signs" Jesus and Paul spoke of, many, not all, have always been in Church history. Granted, not as concentrated and universal as they are in our age.

There is a possibility we could be in the beginning of the Tribulation period now, if not, maybe standing before the door. But I am cautious, for in my lengthy lifetime, even before my conversion, such things were discussed and speculated upon. 

To be truthful I really do not know! But as I say in the following articles, I trust I am ready. That is, as ready as I personally know how to be.

Hope this helps answer your inquiry my friend.

An Old Disciple,

rds        

The Blessedness of the Blessed Hope

It is always dangerous to major on minor truths, especially when it concerns the Bible. That is not to say attention should not be given to the latter, but to realize they are sub-heads to the main point. This is particularly true concerning the second coming of Christ. It is not focusing on signs, Anti-Christs, a tribulation period, or Rapture. It is welding our attention on the person of Jesus Christ. The main purpose of the coming of Christ has to do with our union with Him, "So shall we ever be with the Lord." Losing sight of this is to lose the blessing of the Blessed Hope. 

May God keep us from dogmatism when it comes to this future, great historical event; lest we end up in the doghouse at His return. Many have made a novelty of His coming, and the world laughs at both them and Him as a result. Others sacrifice solid scriptural substance for speculation, removing an emphatic period, and replacing it with a question mark. When it comes to the Second Advent, it is fact, not fancy, we are to build this doctrine on. Much of the obscurity surrounding His coming will be made plain with hindsight. Jesus told His disciples, "I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe..." Oswald Sanders writes, "The implication is, we will understand the full significance of prophecy only after it has been fulfilled."

The early Christians greeted one another on the street and in the market place with,"Maranatha," (The Lord Cometh). No more, no less, simply. "THE LORD COMETH! That's good enough for me. How about you?

Suppose It Is All True

Years ago, when I was a pastor, one of our young ladies, a beautiful eighteen year old, newly married, was in a head-on auto collision. It left her paralyzed from the waist down. Loved ones and friends were all praying for her healing, and naturally so. But I felt impressed to prepare her for life in a wheel-chair; “plan for the worse, hope for the best,” so to speak. As I told her, if God allows you walk again, well, we can easily fit that into your daily schedule. But confinement in a chair for the rest of one’s life will not be as simple!

Among Evangelical and Fundamental Christians, there is a popular teaching that the carnal Church of our day will not have to go through any coming sufferings. But what if we find out that “we are no better than our fathers,” that we, too, must experience our “Dark Ages” and “Treblinkas,” what then? As the old adage says, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Years ago I saw a picture that illustrates my point. It was an ox standing between a yoke and an altar. Under the picture was the caption, “Ready for either.” Are you?

 The Question of the Tribulation

No matter what one’s prophetic position, I find most, if not all, hold to the belief that toward the end time, there will be unprecedented dark days, many believe the duration of which will be seven years. I personally have some reservations on this teaching (Matt.24:21-22).

There are basically three popular positions concerning this seven (?) year tribulation period. The first is known as pre-tribulationist; the second group holds to a mid-tribulation; and the last are post-tribulationist.). The pre-trib. teaches all the elect will be taken out of this world just prior to this time of trouble; a secret rapture, if you please. The mid-trib. group say Christians will go through the first half of the trib. and then be caught up. The post-trib. holds that the Church will go through all the Tribulation Period. (We will not discuss the partial-rapture crowd).

The most important question is not which of these three or any other is the right position; the crucial question is: are you and I ready for either? No matter which teaching proves to be the right one? There are people in each of these camps fighting for their particular pet doctrine who are not prepared, even if their position is the valid one. Holding the right position does not guarantee the person holding it is right.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed!