posted Jan 13, 2012 10:46 AM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
Let's begin a study of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments stand as the cornerstone of man's relationship to God and his fellowman. The first four tell of man's relationship to God and the last six of man's relationship to man. The Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish nation, under the Old Testament (Old Covenant). Christians, today, live under the New Testament (New Covenant) of Jesus Christ, not under that Old Testament. (Heb 8:6-7,13) The Old Covenant ended and the New began at the resurrection of Jesus. (Heb 9:15-17) While God's laws governing the Jews, and His laws governing the Christian are different, the same eternal principles and nature of God never change and are found in both the Old Testament and New Testament. We study and learn from the Old Testament. "Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instructions, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Rom. 15:4) With the exception of the Sabbath commandment, the Ten Commandments are taught in the New Testament, though not taught in order, in one place. (Romans 2:21; 13:9; James 2:11)
The first two go together. “I am the LORD your God, You shall have no other gods before me.” “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” (Exodus 20:2-5) God will be first in your life, or He will not be at all.
The key to building a life of character – Put God first in your life. The world’s prevailing attitude about character is that it has to do strictly with how a person handles his relationships with others. A few years ago some university professors gave out copies of the ten commandments to their students and asked them to arrange them in order of importance. Ninety percent of the students reversed the order, putting the commandments about how we are to treat our fellow man first and the commandments about how we are to relate to God last.
The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God – they provide the basis for living a life of character – they do not provide the why. There can be no moral center without God and He being first. For example, the way sexual morality is taught. We have tried to convince people to abstain from sexual activity before marriage, which is certainly part of God’s plan; but what reasons do we give? The reasons I heard growing up were: 1) You may lose your reputation, 2) you might get a disease, and 3) you might get a girl pregnant. Well, certainly all three problems can be consequences of sexual activity outside of marriage, but notice something very important. In all three reasons for abstaining, God is nowhere to be found! Those arguments support the case for sexual purity, but that is not the way Christian children should be taught. While those are good reasons to not have sex outside marriage, Christian youth must be taught that God is to be the center and circumference in their lives. Christians are to live pure lives because there is a God – He is first and demands that we live pure lives. If the God of the Bible is not the sovereign, all the rest of the commandments make no difference
The first commandment does not start, "You shall believe in a god"? That is not necessary – humans have a built-in need for God. Not only does every person have a need for God, but every person has a god, as well. In every person’s heart, there is a throne; and on every throne, there is a god. The only question – who is that god? The God of the Bible declares, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) Jehovah God of the Bible must be your only God.
Jehovah God has much competition for our hearts. There is not a single temple in this country where people can worship the sex goddess Aphrodite. Yet many people do worship the god of sex. The porn business is alive and growing. There is the god of materialism, the god of pleasure, the god of indifference. Anything or anyone placed before God is your god..
God’s nature and character is unchanging. (Heb 13 8; James 1:17) If God were changeable then His values might be changeable as well. Human values change. Homosexual is acceptable today. At one time there was probation of alcohol. That is why the Ten Commandments are unchangeable – God is unchangeable. God’s character is something you can rely on. He is an unchanging God.
From this first commandment we learn that Jehovah God is a personal God. "I am the LORD your God." He is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:27) God knows you and everything about you – He created you – He is approachable – He is a personal God.
Many are attracted to a god of love and grace, but reject the God to obey and a God of judgment on sins because this doesn’t fit their image of the kind of God they wish to serve. (Matt 25:41; 7:21)
Israel rejected Jesus because Jesus did not match the image they had of God, or the Messiah they had in mind. Their Messiah was defined by what they wanted the Messiah to be, not what the Bible said He would be.
There are many people today like this too with God. They don’t mind worshipping a God that allows them to live in sin or do as they please, but they don’t want to accept the God of the Bible that would confront them with their sin.
The second command forbids idol worship. An idol is a false god; an object of worship; anything placed before God. We may be idolaters and unaware of it. Paul writes, "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." (Col 3:5) Greed and covetousness are idolatry. Why? Because a person puts the material things before God. Many in our times worship themselves. This is the me generation. Whatever makes me happy?
Anything placed before God, becomes our god. Jesus when tempted by the devil said, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." (Matt. 4:10) Also, "You shall "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matt. 22:37) There can be no room in our hearts for any other gods – only the Lord God of the Bible, creator of all things.
When Paul was in the city of Athens, he saw the city full of idols. It is said there were 10,000 images of gods in Athens. Paul even notes there was one to an unknown god. He teaches them that the one they called the unknown god was really the only true and living God who is the creator of this universe. (Acts 17:16-34)
Conclusion
Again, God must be and will be first in your life, or He will not be at all. The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is. Never lose focus on who you are and who God is. |
posted Jan 13, 2012 10:41 AM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
A friend may not be someone you associate with at work, or school, or play. We speak of friends when we really mean acquaintances.
Friendship goes much deeper. A true friend is a companion –someone you know, like, and trust. A person who shares your interests and activities. A person you admire and esteem; a companion and confidant. A friend is someone you confide in and confides in you. Friends are two people who like to be together and share. Someone there when you need them.
God created us as social beings. We cannot live normal, happy lives without friends. We must, by nature, have someone to share with – us with them and them with us. We may not have much money, but as long as we have friends, we're rich. When good things happen, they're twice as good when you can share them with a friend. When bad things happen, having a friend to go to lessen the sorrow.
Pick friends carefully. A friend should be of like character, and share your ideals; one who inspires you.
God should be our best friend. God is close – a friend, someone you can talk to as you talk to any person. You can tell Him all about yourself. Tell Him how you feel. God understands and cares. Abraham was called a friend of God. (Isa. 41:8) We can be too! We sing a hymn, "I'll Be A Friend To Jesus." It expresses true friendship – fellowship. Part of it goes this way, "They tried my Lord and Master, with no one to defend; within the halls of Pilate He stood without a friend. I'll be a friend to Jesus. And while on earth I'm living, My Lord shall have a friend.”
Jesus at the last supper told the apostles, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13) We are friends of Jesus when we follow His will.
Next to God, husbands and wives should be best friends. Marriages are often strained when the two never become best of friends with whom they may share every intimate feeling and ideas and dreams and hurts and pains. To be friends, each must learn to listen to the others fears, frustrations, and hopes with compassion, understanding, and be non-judgmental. This takes time and work.
Parents and children should be best friends. Children should feel that they can talk to mom or dad about anything without fault and criticism, and not be judgmental.
What does the Bible says about friends?
One. Good friends stand by you and encourage you to do what is right. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6) This is another way of saying that a true friend may hurt your feelings, but he or she will tell you the truth – what you need to hear. That doesn’t mean fault finding, but there are times when there are things we need to know about ourselves that we don’t know. A friend won't mislead you." (Prov. 27:9) "A friend encourages you to do right." (3 John 1:11) Friends are there to shove and push us in the right direction
Two. "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools will turn out the same way." (Prov 13:20)
We tend to become with whom we associate. A friend may not be a Christian, but is a person who holds to the principles of right and wrong. They are persons of like character as you. He or she may not have committed their lives to Christ and been baptized, but are honest and truthful and live good lives. Also, you may lead them to Christ. Too, there are people who claim to be Christians you wouldn't want to associate with because they lack character
Three. Don't seek many friends. It's not the number of friends, but who your friends are that's important. "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24) Better to have one or two true friends that stick with you, than a house full of fair-weather friends. The Prodigal son had many friends when he had money, but when the money was gone, so were the friends. (Luke 18)
Four. Don't be a companion with one of excesses. "He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." (Proverbs 28:7) If you associate with those who are always looking for what they can get, watch out, that's the way you'll turn out. Jesus was a giver, Christianity is a giving religion; not necessarily of money, but of our lives into the lives of others.
Five. "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you my learn his ways and get yourself ensnared." (Proverbs 22:24) Again a warning, you'll become like the ones you associate with.
Six. Friends will encourage you to be better, but accept you as you are. "A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17) "A friend always sticks with you." (Prov. 18:24) A real friend is always there for you.
Seven. Bad companions lead you astray. "Do not be misled, bad companions corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33,)
Eight. Don't have companions who are not of your moral standards. "For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Cor 6:14) Obviously, righteousness and wickedness have no more in common than light and darkness. In a dark room when you turn on the switch, darkness leaves and all becomes light. It is impossible to have light and dark at the same time. The same is true with righteousness and wickedness. They cannot dwell together.
Nine. You cannot buy true friends. (Prov. 19:6) Friendships grow and take time to develop on an equal basis.
Ten. Christians need Christian friends. The church is a fellowship of those of like faith, with the same goals. The apostle John writes, "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3)
Conclusion: Good friends are for life. Time and distance cannot separate. Friends enrich our lives and are a part of all that we are. |
posted Jan 3, 2012 8:52 AM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
Jesus Christ is the greatest scientist who ever lived. A scientist operates according to formula and that formula will always work under the appropriate circumstances. For example, the formula H2O: 2 parts hydrogen, and 1 part oxygen = water. Jesus gives a certain formula about how to live, and it never fails. It always works. God loves you and desires your health, happiness and eternal life. Jesus gives the formula. The formula is:L1G: one part Love, one part Give = health – happiness – eternal life.
The first element of the formula: one part Love “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” . . “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-38)
Why love God? “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) How can you not love God? He created you and gave you life. God seeks your well being. He gives you eternal life through Jesus Christ. God desires that you live with Him forever. Loving God should be the easiest thing a person can do.
Loving God means that you commit your life to God. You give Him your heart and complete devotion. God does not always remove the obstacles and pain and sorrow in life. He has promised to always be with you and see you through each changing scene of life. He is there to comfort, strengthen and guide you. But note: if you only will! You must learn to trust God and not worry and be anxious about anything. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)
Love your neighbor. Love everybody, even your enemy. Why? Not only for that person, but for yourself – your own well being. Don’t carry baggage of hate and resentment. We may not have affection for someone who hates us, but we can love them. How? Understanding, compassion, bearing with, forgiving. (Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:8; Eph. 4:32) Give love unconditionally to everybody. It cost you nothing and pays rich dividends. As you give love, it is always replenished, so that you never run out. It is easy to love, if you only want to and try. There is so much suffering in the world, especially mental and emotional. Your love will help eliminate, or soften the pain when others know you care. For many Christianity is going to church and practicing rituals. This is not Christianity. True Christianity is the most powerful force on earth, because the foundation is love. We understand this in the instructions Jesus gave His disciples. (John 13:34; Matt 5:43)
Love is to follow the Golden Rule. "And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.” (Luke 6:31) The Golden Rule in the form of a question: “In similar circumstances, how would I want to be treated by this person?” The answer would destroy covetousness, envy, slander, theft, unkindness, adultery, murder, jealously. The Golden Rule is not a goody-goody rule, not passive, but requires action. This is not for the weak-hearted and cowardly, but for the courageous and brave. This demands self-control, patience, and compassion. Only a true Christian can practice the Golden Rule. Follow this rule with you mate, children, parents, employer, employees, friends, and enemies. Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated in the light of the Bible.
Love benefits the giver more than the receiver of love. Love cannot be practiced without giving greater health and happiness.
The second element of the formula: one part Give. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." (Luke 6:38)
There is so much unhappiness in the world. One reason is that people are absorbed with getting, not giving. The rule of the world is to get all you can and the one with the most toys, wins. Obviously this does not work. We live in the greatest nation on earth, in the greatest time of history, yet never in the history of man has there been so much unhappiness. We are a drugged nation. Everywhere people use uppers, downers, sniffing it, snorting it, drinking it, smoking it, injecting it. Unhappy, they need an artificial high. Aside from the illegal, incredible amounts of sleeping pills, antacids, etc. are consumed. What is the problem? An introverted people, looking inwardly to satisfy themselves with what they can get. The formula of Jesus, L1G is ignored. Combine “love and giving” -and discover health and happiness, now, and for certain – eternal life.
Giving benefits the giver far more than the one who receives. Go through life being generous, helpful, forgiving, compassionate, it will return. The person you give to may not appreciate what you do. That is fine. It doesn’t matter. It may appear at times that rule doesn’t work. It does work in time for it is God’s law. Be patient.
Want happiness, health, and eternal life? Then give. Want a good marriage – give into the marriage. Want friendship – give friendship. Want to be ripped off – rip others off. Want to be helped – help. Want love – give love. Want kindness – give kindness. Want understanding – give understanding. Want compassion – give compassion. Want positive – give positive. Want negative – give negative. Jesus said, whatever you give, it will be given back to you and in greater measure.
What about the health part? Loving, giving people, all things in consideration, find greater health. Obviously this doesn’t cure a paraplegic, but he will have greater mental and emotional health. Angry, bitter, resentful people pay a big price – high B/P, heart attacks, ulcers, chemical imbalance (cancer) and always unhappiness
What about wealth? Here is a statistic: 80% of people fired from a job are not released because they cannot do job, but for negative personalities and the inability to get along with people. Same is true with promotions in a job. On a simple level, who will you give the biggest tip, a waitress who is friendly and interested in you and your enjoying the meal, or one who acts like she ate sour pickles, and had just soon you not be there. Sour pickles doesn’t get it does she, even though she may be more efficient? But I wouldn’t argue the point for the Master Himself, said, "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
Conclusion: Jesus holds the formula. He can make you so attractive, so gentle, so beautiful, so strong, so nice, so lovable, that you will love people and they will love you right back. I have seen Jesus take the meanest people and by His loving touch, make them kind. I have seen Him take the most selfish people, who lived entirely for themselves and make them compassionate and giving. You and I have seen Him take weak people and make them strong, take sinful people and make them good. Jesus can do it do it for you, if you really want Him to. He holds the formula (L1G) love and giving. This makes for health, true happiness, and eternal life. |
posted Dec 26, 2011 9:24 AM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? ‘Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’” (Matt 21:42) from Psalm 118:122
The Jews at the time of Christ gloried in that they were God's chosen people and children of Abraham. God had chosen Abraham and through his descendants to bring Christ into the world. His descendants became the Jewish nation. But they misunderstood what it was to be the children of Abraham. Abraham was a man of faith and walked in the way God directed. The Jews laid claim to being descendants of Abraham, but did not have the faith of Abraham nor walked in the ways of God, as did Abraham. John the Baptist told these Jews, who bragged of being children of Abraham, "God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham." (Mt. 3:9) Being a physical decedent of Abraham means nothing. If physical decedent means nothing, what does? Jesus said, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham." (John 8:39)
There are false teachers today who teach that the physical Jews are still God's people and Jesus will return and restore them and the kingdom to Israel. Nothing could be further from the truth. True Jews and descendants of Abraham are Christians – those who walk in the faith of Abraham and the true nation of Israel is the church. "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit." (Romans 2:28) Walking in faith is the key to being a child of Abraham, not the flesh. (Romans 4)
Because the Jews rejected Jesus, He tells them, "Your house is being left to you desolate." (Mt. 23:38) God was no longer with them; their religion, their nation was nothing more than an empty shell; it was a dead corpse without a spirit. Jesus describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the end of physical Israel, the Jewish nation. (Matthew 24) Jesus stood on a hill overlooking Jerusalem and wept because of their rejection and what would happen to them.
Jerusalem and the temple were completely destroyed in AD 70. Over a million people were killed in the destruction of the city and the rest were taken into captivity and scattered throughout the world. That was the end of the Jewish nation. This people as God's nation and as a religion is no more.
What of those who live in Palestine and claim to be Jews today. I don't know who they are, but I know they are not God's people and they do not and cannot practice the Jewish religion.
The Jews looked for the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel to its glory, as it was in the times of David and Solomon. This Messiah, (the Christ) would drive out the Romans and reign in Jerusalem on David's throne. The Jews misinterpreted and misunderstood the Scriptures. Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, and all the prophecies of restoration of the kingdom was of a spiritual kingdom. Spiritual Israel refers, not to those with Abraham's blood, but to all mankind, every man and woman, who comes to Jesus and subjects themselves to Him as king of their lives. Jesus throne is in heaven and all in His spiritual kingdom, the church, will one day join Him in heaven in eternal glory.
Jesus ascends to heaven following His resurrection to reign on David's throne, meaning He rules over God's people. Coming of the Holy Spirit is assurance that Jesus is in heaven reigning on David's throne. (Acts 2) This marks the beginning of Christ's kingdom on earth. The apostle Peter in the first Gospel sermon said, "God had sworn to him (David) with an oath to seat one of his descendants upon his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ. . This Jesus, God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God. . Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified." (Acts 2:29-36) Peter says that the resurrection means Jesus is sitting on David's throne. Make no mistake about it; Jesus is reigning in heaven over His kingdom, the church, this very moment. Paul writes that men and women coming to Christ are now being delivered from the devil's reign into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. (Col 1:13)
Those who follow the Jewish religion today only play a game. They have no temple – no priesthood. Without the priesthood they cannot worship God according to their religion in the Old Testament. They cling to an elusion. Jews today have only two things and they hold desperately to these – traditions and the Holocaust.
Physical Israel is not God’s people. True Israel are those who walk in the faith of Abraham. Those men and women who come to Jesus Christ to be saved. (Gal 3:28) The hope of all mankind lies in Jesus Christ in Jesus. (Romans 11)
Isaiah prophesied of the Christ hundreds of years earlier. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) Israel, the Jews should have been ready for the Messiah, but they were not and rejected the King of Israel. |
posted Dec 26, 2011 9:21 AM by John Calvert
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updated Dec 26, 2011 9:22 AM
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By Various Authors
A Day Your Friend Could Remember For Eternity
1)_________________________
;) 2)_________________________
3)_________________________
Look closely at the three names listed above. What's that? There aren’t any names? Well, there should be. These are three of your friends; the friends you've invited to church June 7. Sorry I got ahead of you. Find a pen and write down the names of three friends you'll invite to worship. Go ahead. I'll wait for you...
OK, now that you've written down their names, the next step is to invite them. It's so simple. Just say, "Hi, this is Barney." (It's best to use your own name to avoid confusion.) "I would like to invite you to come to worship with me.”
What's that? You're not "comfortable" doing that? That's OK. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I'm not either. In fact I don't know anyone who is. I think it has something to do with how we're programmed from childhood to "never talk to anyone about religion". Also, there is the fear of rejection. But Jesus didn't call us to be "comfortable." In fact, it's just the opposite. He said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny him self and take up his cross follow me." (Matthew 16:24) Maybe I'm wrong, but the last time I checked, carrying a cross wasn't meant to be "comfortable". I'm sure glad Jesus wasn't worried about being "comfortable" when he trudged up Calvary carrying his cross for me.
Jesus is trying to shake us out of our "comfort zone". He's saying "you can't follow me, if you want to be comfortable." In fact you can't read the gospels without coming to any other conclusion. "He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:25-26) (See Luke 14:25-27; Matthew 10:16-42)
Wouldn't it be great if just one of your friends came and as a result obeyed the Gospel? So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, pick up the phone – make that call. Your friends won't get mad. They might thank you. Stop and think for a moment, to invite a friend to worship tells him or her that you are interested in them, that you care. This could be a day your friend would remember forever, that is, eternity.
Don’t wait until the last of the week to call the three people you are interested in as they may have made plans. Today, write down the names of three people you would like to invite to worship and call them sometime this afternoon or evening. Remember, Jesus died for everyone, everyone one earth. A person’s soul is worth more than the whole world. “What good will it be if one gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matt 16:26)
-Barney Cargile III, Santa Rosa Church Bulletin
John 12:25-26
In the foregoing article John 12:25-26 was cited. “He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” What does this mean? What is it to love one’s life and to hate one’s life? Paul wrote, “No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it…” (Eph 5:29) Then in Matthew 19:19, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself." According to these verses, no one hates his life, rather he love and takes care of his life and body.
To love your life and lose it and to hate your life and gain eternal life refers to your relationship with Jesus Christ. To love and lose your life means your life and the enjoyments of life are more important to you than Jesus. Consequently, the person who puts his life before Jesus will lose it, not his physical life, that is doomed to death anyway, but his eternal life.
To hate your life means that to serve and follow Jesus is more important than anything, even your own life. With such an attitude, you are assured eternal life. The giving of your life doesn’t mean to die for Jesus, though that could be a possibility. It means He is the ruler of your life and you live for Jesus every day. Though this now requires letting your own desires come second, Jesus promises you will be in fellowship with Him and the Father will honor you.
–Barney Cargile II, Green Valley Church of Christ
The Quiet Christian
Have you seen bumper stickers that read, “Honk if you love Jesus,” or something like that? We have all seen the little fish emblems on the back of cars. Nothing wrong with that, but the point here is that being a Christian is not wearing a badge that says, “I’m a Christian,” or running up and down the street shouting, “I’m a Christian!” I’m not criticizing, as they are not ashamed to let it be known that they believe in Jesus. However, care should be taken that one’s attitude is right. Jesus talked about those who stood on the street corners praying and dropping money into benevolent pots. (Matt 6)
You have seen Traveler’s Insurance Company advertisement – “The Quiet Company.” They mean that they do not run ads with a lot of bells and whistles; a lot of hoopla. Word of mouth gets around that they are a great company to do business with.
True Christianity is like that. Followers of Christ go about their lives imitating Jesus and practicing the principles that Christ left them. Jesus told a parable of the kingdom being like yeast in dough. “He spoke another parable to them, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened.’” (Matt 13:33) Christians work quietly. Living for Jesus their influence spreads and touches the lives of all they come in contact. You are salt of the earth, the light of the world. (Matt 5:13-16)
Following Christ is not something a person does and doesn’t do – it is a way of life. Following Christ is like breathing - Christ is your life. Christians live as Christ at all times. Yes, at play and at work – all the time. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)
–Barney Cargile II, Green Valley Church of Christ
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posted Dec 26, 2011 9:16 AM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
As I was reading recently, I came across a sentence of something being “a constant.” Interesting? What does “a constant” mean? The American Heritage Dictionary defines a constant as “1) Continually occurring; persistent. 2) Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable.”
What do we find in the world that is unchanging, continually occurring? What is constant in the world? Not money – inflation takes care of that. Your job – a business decides your job is expendable. Morals of the world change. Love – love cannot remain the same. Love is either dying or growing. People change and are inconsistent – we get hurt in relationships.
The physical world is fragile and gives with time. Plant life, trees and flowers die and decay. Houses, cars, clothing, all are subject to deterioration, rust, and moths. In time, everything ages with dents and fading. Humans do everything imaginable to stop the aging process. Magazines and TV ads offer to slow the process. Lotions to rub on, bathe in it, drink it – all promise the fountain of youth. In spite of this, humans age and wrinkle and sag.
We prepare for retirement and invest for the future. The market changes and investments lost. Investments can’t be counted on as a constant.
Things happen beyond our control. I remember one spring, as a boy, thinking of a good peach crop. I could almost taste that tree-ripened fruit and the money dad would give me for my part jingled in my pocket. But then on a clear, calm March evening; there was a strong frost. All the blossoms turned black in a few days. All the previous year’s working the soil, fertilizing was in vain – an effort of futility – all was for nothing. There is no constant in nature – all continues to change.
There is no constant within our own self. Emotions, knowledge, and mental disposition continually change. What we love one day – we hate the next.
WWI was said to be, “The war that ended all war”. There would be Utopian world with peace. I am thinking back over the years – has there been any years of peace following “the war that would end all war??
In an unstable world we all look for something that is stable, something we can count on, knowing for sure it will be there and can be counted on. But we find no true constant in life.
The one true constant is God. He is always the same. He will always do what He says He will do. We can put our complete trust in God knowing He is there and the only One – the Only thing in the universe that can be counted on – He is the one true constant.
Following are some verses that emphasize God, the one true constant. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
“For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim 2:11-13) Note, we humans may endure in faith, but then we may not – we may change – God does not change and cannot deny Himself! He is always true to Himself
We are so accustomed to change that it is difficult to grasp that God’s nature is unchangeable. Understand that God’s actions may change, but not His nature. For example, "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.” (Malachi 3:6-7) God promised Abraham that through his descendents all nations would be blessed, speaking of the coming of Christ. God nature would be true to that promise, however His actions were such that He punished Israel and brought upon them judgments to lead them to repent
God promises to forgive our sins, be with us, guide us, answer our prayers and give us eternal life. (Acts 2:38; Heb 13:5-6; 1 John 5:14-15; Titus 1:1-2; 1 John 5:11-12) We can count on these promises – God will be true to them – He is the one constant!
The God who does not change said, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) On the other side of the coin, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matt 7:21-23)
In a world that continually changes – put your faith in God who does not change. It is comforting to know, if we will entrust our lives into the hands of God, our present lives are secure and our eternal life with God is secure. -bcjr
PS: There is one other constant in this life – “True Love” – mark it down! But then that is why God is a constant – God is love! |
posted Nov 26, 2011 4:30 PM by John Calvert
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updated Nov 26, 2011 4:30 PM
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By Barney Cargile
Deep down inside many Christians have difficulty believing that God loves them and forgives them. Yes, they know that God loves others and forgives them, but personally, how can God love me and forgive me of my sins?
One of the hardest things is to accept God’s forgiveness and believe God would really forgive me. There is something within us that says we must earn forgiveness. If we beat ourselves and hit ourselves with enough lashes maybe we can talk God into forgiving us. We hope somehow we can do enough – that we can beg God into forgiving us. We get discouraged because we can never do enough.
We are not speaking of Christians on the fringe area, but those who have been faithful Christians for years. They still have deep within them this gnawing feeling that they are not good enough to be saved.
I read this story of a preacher’s wife who was fighting cancer. Sometimes at night he would awaken to hear his wife crying. He would ask, “What’s the matter?” “This cancer would not be so bad if I knew I was good enough to be saved.” He had never had anything hit him so hard in his life. She had the idea that she had to earn it and be good enough. He said it changed the way he preached. He said they started going through the Bible and started reading all the promises of God. What does God promise? She had to say it out loud to him. When she began to verbalize she begin to deeply believe it. They would have a ritual every morning on awaking. He would ask her, “What is the greatest gift today?” She would say, “Jesus Christ.” “Why?” “Because Jesus loves me and forgives me.”
We need to verbalize our faith, our trust, our hope, our salvation, and our forgiveness. Yes, and God’s love for us. We sing “Jesus paid it all,” but do we believe it? We equate righteousness with right doctrine. It may be that we have been converted to the church and doctrine and not Jesus. We believe in the absolute authority of the Scriptures. The standards are high and we want high standards. We want to do everything we can to follow God’s Word. But don’t worship the standards. They are not the means of salvation. We strive to live according to the standard, but we never will, and the standard does not save us – Jesus Christ saves us.
Read carefully: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” (Isaiah 1:18) “In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” (Eph 1:6) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
The apostle Paul thought of himself as the worst of sinners and God saved him as example that since he was saved everybody could be saved. Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.” (1 Tim 1:15-16)
The good news is there is nothing you ever did or are doing or ever will do, but that you repent and confess, and God will forgive you. How many times? Ever how many times you confess.
When a teenager and I went out at night with friends – three things were for certain, the porch light was on, the door was open and mom was awake. “Is that you?” “Yes.” She would then go to sleep. The door was never locked and we didn’t have a key. That has to be a story about heaven. The porch light is on, the door is open, and God is awake and waiting and all you have to do is come home.
Connected with God’s forgiveness is God’s love. A preacher was asked, “What is the most comprehensive thought you ever had?” He replied, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” The words from that familiar hymn say it precisely and to the point. “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”
Do you believe God really loves you? As with forgiveness, many do not believe they are worthy enough or good enough to be loved by God. We know ourselves and God knows us better than we know ourselves, so how could God love us? If I were better God would love me, but when I become better I could still be better so when will I ever feel loved.
God doesn’t want us to try and earn His love. God loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for your sins. (John 3:16) Remember, if you were the only person on earth who ever sinned, God would have sent Jesus and He would have died for your sins. This is a love that cannot be measured. God’s love embraces you and every person who walks the earth.
What does God want from you? He doesn’t give us a payment book. Rather, He gives you a pad to write thank you notes. Thanks you notes to Him, and thank you notes in the form of serving others. (1 John 4:11)
God loves you, not because of what you do, or don’t do – He loves you because you are His – He created you. (John 3:16; Eph. 2:4; Rom 5:6) God asks, “How many ways can I tell you?” Do you get the message? God loves you and you don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to beg God’s love and forgiveness. He only asks for your heart and that you love Him in return. |
posted Nov 7, 2011 2:11 PM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
There are two worlds – One is a life under the sun. The other is a life over the sun. Life under the sun is the present life. Life over the sun is the spiritual and eternal realm where God dwells. Ecclesiastes is an inspired confession of failure and pessimism when God is excluded. Solomon describes this as a life lived only under the sun and when one forgets the important life over the sun – the eternal.
Ecclesiastes is a sermon. The theme is the search of the natural man for the chief good. There is an orderly movement in a planned progress. The first two chapters the preacher tells us how he sought the chief good in life by personal experiment. Chapters 3, 4, 5, the preacher pursues his quest by general observation of the world and human affairs. Chapters 6, 7, 8 the preacher looks to practical morality as the secret. Chapters 9 to 12 we have the search reviewed and concluded.
Many misunderstand Ecclesiastes because they read the chapters as a string of verses and look at each verse as an independent pronouncement, instead of looking at verses as making up sections as part of a whole. Ecclesiastes is not a pessimistic view of life. To look at independent verses one would get that impression. True, there is a persistent tone of sadness because the book has to do with the most dark and gloomy realities in human life. The answer is found in understanding the message of the book as a whole – life is vanity without God. Life is a life of joy and hope when one views everything from eternity rather than only the earthly present. The writer is not pessimistic. Rather he is bravely honest.
Since God has “set eternity” in men’s hearts (3:11), mankind can never be really satisfied by the things of this present life “under the sun.” (5:10-12; 6:7) The preacher understands the present puzzle and mystery of life under the sun, so that mankind might think on higher things (2:25; 3:10; 7:14) The preacher gradually reaches the final conclusion, that if we honor and obey God we may enjoy the good things of this life with a good conscience, and look forward, to a time when all wrongs will be put right. This is the very opposite of pessimism of a life without hope, a problem without a solution.
The purpose of the book is very simple. Ecclesiastes teaches us the emptiness of everything apart from God. The word “vanity” used throughout the book does not mean merely foolish pride, but the emptiness of life lived for this world alone. This book would wean us from the love of the world. It is a commentary on 1 John 2:15-17 and Matthew 6:19-21 and Colossians 3:2. Read these chapters.
The three causes of pessimism and the cure. First, live selfishly. Live to get. The preacher finds that the more a person lives for self, the less do earthly things satisfy. When one lives to get, the more one gets and the less one really has. The truth is, the more one gives the more one gets. Those who do most for others do most for themselves.
Secondly, the preacher views life as apart from God rather than as controlled by Him. God is scarcely mentioned, even then only distantly. All seems in the hands of men. (4:1-3) One reason pessimism is prevalent in society is that God is pushed away by materialism and evolutionary philosophy. When “God is dead”, it is never long before pessimism rules human philosophy.
Third, the preacher views human life as bound by the grave rather than as having destiny beyond. He refers to “Man is as the beast.” (3:19-20) What then is the use of life’s struggle? Philosophers say that we must take an unselfish view and play our little part and then pass on, finding satisfaction in the thought that in so living, humanity is gradually progressing to a perfect age. That sounds good, but by observation, the opposite exists. Without God, because of pride and materialism in the world alone – man is only a beast.
Since man and beasts die alike, why should death worry mankind? Why not live simply in the present and enjoy it? The answer is that though the beasts can and do live simply in the present, humans cannot do so. The reason being that God has “set eternity” in the human heart. (3:11) Regardless how much the material is a part of man, man cannot live merely in and for the present. Man has a consciousness that projects itself into the future. What then? No man can have a true view of life who looks at it selfishly and apart from God and as bound by the grave. Man is not as the beast.
The cure for pessimism lies with God and the eternal. Though not in Ecclesiastes, the Bible reveals that the eternal lies in Jesus Christ. Jesus did not view life selfishly. He served. He forgot Himself for the good of others. Jesus did not view life as apart from God. He saw the Father’s hand everywhere. Everything was under the faithful supervision of God. With Jesus there was no viewing of life as bound by the grave. The very opposite! There is no “vanity of vanities” with Jesus! He came to declare the reality of realities, that there is a Divine meaning and purpose running in human life. Life is not a mockery – we may trust God. We may know His love and presence in our lives.
In chapter 12, though judgment is mentioned to deter folly and sin, the main thought is hope and comfort because in this present life of vanity, the righteous finds a final explanation, and compensation.
All need to study and understand the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Life under the sun without God is vanity of vanities. Life under the sun with God brings joy and contentment and purpose. |
posted Nov 7, 2011 2:10 PM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
“Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” (Phil 2:15-16)
In the Bible God, truth and righteousness are represented as light. Darkness represents the devil and ignorance and sin.
Paul writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.” (Ephesians 5:8-13)
God’s word leads everyone to God and eternal life. “In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.” “The true light (Jesus) gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:4, 9)
All who are lead to the light of Christ – then become light. Paul said, “You appear as lights in the world.” Christians in this evil and dark world shine forth as lights. Moths, by nature, are attracted to light. The light of Christians attracts even those in deepest sin to the light of truth and righteousness. Few people want to be bad – most want to be good and do what is right. Not all of these are searching for God, but we, as Christians, are to illuminate Jesus Christ and show the way to Jesus and eternal life. We do this, not so much by what we teach, but the life we live.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)
Do those Scriptures read, “that they may hear what you teach?” No, but that the light of you life, your example and your good works may be seen by all. Jesus is teaching the power of example. The word example means a stamp, a resemblance, as the impression left on paper by a typewriter key, or a rubber stamp’s impression left on paper. Christians are to be the resemblance of Jesus so that those who see you – see Jesus.
Paul wrote, “For our gospel did not come to you in word only,” (not by teaching only) “but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” “The kind of men we proved to be.” Example! The power of the Holy Spirit was seen. What happened as a result? “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” The Thessalonians imitated the apostles and the Lord and then, in turn became examples throughout the Grecian world “For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth,” How? Example! “So that we have no need to say anything.” (1 Thess 1:5-8) The word of the Lord sounded forth primarily through the lives of those Thessalonian Christians. The Gospel spread throughout that region through the lives, the light, of the Thessalonian Christians.
Paul writes to Timothy and Titus: “Show yourself an example of those who believe.” (1 Tim 4:12) “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds” (Titus 2:7) Paul understands that unless these evangelists live it, there is no use preaching it.
Never underestimate the power of your life and the example you set. People observe you, especially if you claim to be a Christian. One of the most beautiful descriptions of those who shine forth the truth of God in their lives is found in the book of Daniel. "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel. 12:3)
Example is one reason to be actively involved in the church and worship. When I preached in Seattle there was an older man, in his 80’s, Fred Baur, who never missed a service. He was almost deaf. I asked him why he came to Bible class when he couldn’t hear half what was said and had difficulty walking? He replied, “I want everybody to know whose side I’m on.”
The devil knows darkness does not attract people – only light does that. Most people want to do what is right. They have never seen the true light of God. For Satan to attract people who are searching for God, he must appear as light. He appears as preachers who teach opinions and human wisdom. Through deception he leads people in error and sin. “For even satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor 11:14) If he appeared as darkness everybody would flee.
Many try to change the evils of the world by marching and by legislation, even revolutions. That is fine if they want to do that. However, Jesus never tried to change the world by such methods. He never led protests against the evil of His day. And there was as much of that as there is today. Jesus went about changing the hearts of people individually by teaching and the light of His life. Regardless of society, how good or bad, the way to change the world and lead people to Jesus is live like Christ. Let your light shine. |
posted Nov 7, 2011 2:04 PM by John Calvert
By Barney Cargile
If one controls his tongue, he is able to control the rest of his body. “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” (James 3:2) “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26) Wisdom, then, would follow this advice: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19)
James illustrates the power of the tongue. The ship, though large, is moved about by a small rudder, also a small flame can set afire a whole forest. The tongue, also small, boasts great things, and can set a flame that burns around the world. (James 2:2-6) The tongue is such that it cannot be tamed. "For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue, it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." (James 2:7-8) The tongue can be controlled, it cannot be tamed. There is a difference. Just when it is thought tame, it turns and is destructive. We must always look upon the tongue as wild, never tame. Have a whip near by to keep it under control.
A second reason for the importance of this study is we will be judged by what we say. We can't throw our minds in neutral, and let the tongue idle on. We are accountable for what we say. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37) The word careless means one doesn't think of the consequences of what he says. We are responsible for what we say, and who it may hurt or affect.
Job is a shining example of one controlling his tongue. He lost his wealth, his family, his health. Even his wife urged him to curse God and die. "In all this Job did not sin with his lips." Moses, on the other hand, the meekest man, a great man, lost control of his tongue and God would not allow him to enter the promised land. "Because they were rebellious against his (Moses) spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips." (Psalm 106:32)
How we sin with the tongue:
Filthy language: "There must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." (Eph 5:4) Filthiness is indecent conversation. Silly talk is slang and senseless speech. Coarse jesting in the Greek this literally means, "well-turned". Speech that has double meanings – one good, one filthy. Comedians are good at this. Have you ever made an innocent remark, have people laugh and make something filthy out of it because it has a double meaning? It's happened to all of us, hasn't it?
You never know about a movie from the advertising. About a year ago, I rented a movie and after five minutes decided it was not for me. The two stars could hardly utter a word that didn't come from a garbage can. A continual pouring forth of a variety of four letter words. I don't have to, and don't, listen to that kind of language. Paul writes, "Let no rotten speech proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Eph. 4:29) I guess I live a sheltered life. I'm thankful that I’m not often around people with a sewer mouth.
Taking God’s name in vain: Worse than the sewer mouth, is the taking of God's name in vain. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain." (Ex. 20) It is a terrible sin to take God's name in vain. Vain means casual, meaningless, empty, without purpose. To use His name as an expletive, as "my God", "O God", "Jesus Christ", is to take God’s name in vain. It angers and distresses me to hear people take God's name in vain with "g d." If a person only realized what he or she is doing they would tremble with fear. No one will escape the consequences of blaspheming the name of God.
God's name is holy. Holy means to set apart, that which is special, not common. To illustrate: if you had a large expensive diamond and a box of rocks. You would not keep the diamond with the box of rocks. It would be kept in a special place and given special treatment over the rocks. God is to be treated special and separate from all things and people. He is to be given the greatest respect.
"Holy and reverend is His name." Psalm 111:9. James writes, "Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?"
Also to make jokes about heaven or anything holy is to blaspheme and speak in vain.
We are instructed in the Bible, how to speak. "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." (Matthew 6:9) To hallow is to hold God's name as sacred and holy and deserving of worship. God's name is to be hallowed. "Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name." (Psalm 30:4) "My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever." (Psalm 145:21) Our God is the only true and living God; the creator of the universe and all that is in it. He upholds the universe and it continues through His power. Let’s give praise and honor to God's holy name. Never say anything that would be a reproach to God.
God's name must always be used with the greatest reverence and respect. (Psalm 111:9) Never use God's name in a common or disrespectful way.
Lying: The devil is the father of liars, and all who lie are as their father. (John 8:44) Always speak truth. (Eph. 4:15, 25)
Murmuring and complaining. 14,700 people were destroyed by God for murmuring against Moses. (Numbers 16:41, 47; 1 Cor 10:10) Some people always have the whines and complaints. If it is raining they complain, if it is sunny they complain. Certainly we are interested in people and helping with their troubles, but complaining doesn't help anybody. God hates whining. Let's always rejoice and be grateful and thankful. (Phil. 4:4, 6, 8)
Gossip. Gossip is seated in the midst of murder, immorality, and haters of God. (Romans 1:29-30) Gossip is sharing detrimental or private information. It matters not whether true or not; even if you would say it to their face. We are to say nothing that will hurt or cause a person to be thought less of. Gossip is deep-rooted in envy. There may be times when a person's conduct is discussed, but only when we are a part of the problem or solution. Much gossip is meddling in the affairs of others which is none of our business, and which we only have partial information. (1 Thess 4:11; 1 Tim 5:13) God instructs, "Let all things be done for edification". To edify means to uplift, build up, encourage. (1 Cor 14:26)
Conclusion: We can use the tongue to encourage and inspire people, and bring great glory to God. But the tongue must be controlled. It can be the most destructive force on earth. |
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