The sin of gossip

The Sin of Gossip

God created man as a social being. For the most part, people do not like to be alone. As a rule, we like to be with other people and we like to talk to other people. The ability to communicate brings some great blessings to mankind, but the devil also uses human communication as a means of spreading sin and grief. We are all painfully aware of the damage that can be caused by our words.
The Bible addresses the dangers posed by the tongue. James says man’s tongue is a fire and an unruly evil that is full of deadly poison (James 3:6, . Of all the sins that can be committed with the tongue, there is one that is especially a problem for some Christians – the sin of gossip.
The word “gossip” is defined as “a person who chatters or repeats idle talk and rumors, especially about the private affairs of others” (Webster’s Dictionary 604). Thus gossip is idle talk and rumors about the private affairs of others. Closely related to gossip is the word “slander” which means “the utterance in the presence of another person of a false statement or statements, damaging to a third person’s character or reputation” (Webster’s Dictionary 1337). The Bible also uses the words “talebearer” and “whisperer.” 
Like any other sin that brings one satisfaction and pleasure, gossip can be addictive to some people. Paul warned Timothy and Titus of the danger of some women becoming gossips and busybodies (1 Tim. 5:13; Titus 2:3). While women are specifically mentioned in these passages, we all know that men can be equally guilty of this sin.
A problem with the sin of gossip is not to be accepted, excused, or overlooked. Like all other sins, one who has a problem with gossip must work hard to overcome this sin.
The Damage Caused By Gossip
Gossip is not a harmless habit. The Bible warns of the damage that can be caused by gossip, slander, whispering, and talebearing.
1. Reveals Secrets. “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:13, NASV). Notice some things about this verse. First, a talebearer is one who “goes about” looking to dispense his tales. There is nothing accidental about gossip or slander. It is a purposeful effort to harm another person. Second, in this passage, the talebearer is portrayed as one who has violated a trust. He has been trusted with a secret, the contents of which can damage an individual, and has chosen to violate this trust in order to enjoy the pleasure of spreading gossip. Such a violation can damage a friendship beyond repair (Prov. 18:19). A good man will honor a friend’s confidence and protect a friend’s reputation.
2. Kindles Strife. “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Prov. 26:20-21). A talebearer is one who tells stories that ought not to be told. The purpose of these stories is not to inform and forewarn men, but to kindles strife for the amusement of the talebearer. God pronounced His hatred upon those who purposely sow strife among their brethren (Prov. 6:16-19). Christians are to be peacemakers, not troublemakers (Matt. 5:9; Heb. 12:14).
3. Separates Friends. “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Prov. 16:27-28). Gossip, talebearing, and whispering are the tools used by one who is intent upon causing trouble. He digs up dirt on people, whispers it to a few individuals, and then watches the destruction spread like fire. False tales and revealed secrets can turn people against one another. The damage caused by gossip is so harsh that it can even destroy the closest of friendships.
4. Brings Anger. “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance” (Prov. 25:23). A backbiter is one who does not have the courage to challenge a person to their face. Instead of meeting them face to face in honest discussion or debate, they will spread lies and rumors behind their back. When these efforts are discovered, the injured party will often respond in anger. Uncontrolled anger and outbursts of wrath stir up strife and transgression (Prov. 29:22).
The King James Version renders Proverbs 25:23 as “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” This is the opposite of the rendering in newer translations. While the meaning is opposite, it still states a truth. A talebearer is looking to peddle his wares. Meeting a slanderer and backbiter with indignation rather than acceptance will often “drive” them away. Indeed, “where there is no wood, the fire goes out…” (Prov. 26:20). Gossips and backbiters would not be in business if people were not so willing to consume their product.
5. Shows One To Be A Fool. The involvement in any sin committed with our words indicates to others that we are a fool. “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent” (Prov. 17:27-28, NASV). While a whisperer may try to hide his identity, he will eventually be exposed for what he is – a fool!
How To Overcome the Sin of Gossip
Gossip is not a harmless habit. Gossip is a sin that causes untold amounts of damage. A desire to engage in gossip should not be excused by saying “this is just the way I am,” or rationalized by claiming that we are doing people a favor by informing them and warning them about others. Like all other sins, the Christian must strive to overcome the temptation to engage in gossip.
Gossip can be overcome through the practice of self-control: keeping our mouth closed, removing ourselves from the “grapevine,” and learning to find joy in something other than being a talebearer. We would do good to ask the following questions before we repeat something.
1. Is it true? If it is not true, it is a lie. Slander, by definition, is telling something that is not true. A Christian is not to have anything to do with spreading a lie.
“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him... The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Prov. 18:13, 17). It is easy to draw an inaccurate conclusion when we only hear one side of the story. We would save ourselves some embarrassment, and others some grief, if we would take the time to get all the facts before we act upon or repeat a matter.
2. Is it going to build up or tear down? “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19). Gossip and slander bring anger, contention, and strife. The tools of a talebearer will never contribute to peace and edification among brethren. We are to pursue the things that build up our brethren, not tear them down. Our words have great power for good and for evil.
Sometimes negative things need to be said about others; people need to be warned, and important lessons can be learned from negative examples. However, great care and wisdom need to be exercised when talking to someone about the misdeeds of another person.
3. Have I talked to them first? “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matt. 18:15). Private matters need to remain private. The problem is that when we are sinned against, we usually want to talk to everyone except the one person that the Lord has told us to talk to. This is how gossip gets started, and it could have been avoided if we would have followed the Lord’s instructions.
Sometimes malicious gossip can be stopped if we will take the reports to the person who is the subject of the gossip. The talebearer rarely wants someone to investigate the facts regarding his story. He simply wants it to be believed and spread to others. If we care enough to spread a story, should we not care enough to get the facts straight first? If talebearers know that you will “call them” on their facts, they will stop coming to you with gossip.
4. Have I examined myself? Jesus shows us the wisdom of examining ourselves before we get involved in the affairs of others (Matt. 7:3-5). Only a hypocrite will spread stories about the faults of others while displaying greater faults in his own life. We need to clean up our own house before we try to clean up someone else’s house.
5. Why am I really wanting to do this? What is motivating me to tell this to someone else? Am I trying to achieve good, or am I getting some pleasure out of repeating this matter? The truth is that some people engage in gossip simply because they enjoy it. “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body” (Prov. 18:8, c.f. 26:22).
Some people act as if they have no choice but to repeat a matter. This simply is not true. “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends” (Prov. 17:9). We are not to ignore sin, but if we love the person and want what is best for them, we will conceal the matter from public view and spare our loved one much embarrassment. If we love the pleasure of gossip, we will repeat the matter and watch the destruction that follows.
6. Is this what I would want done to me? “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12). I would not want people spreading lies and rumors about me, nor would I want friends to betray my trust and advertise my secret struggles and transgressions before others. If I do not want others doing this to me, I must not do it to others. If I mistreat others in the way I talk about them, I can expect others to do the same thing to me.
Conclusion
Gossip is a sin which seeks to destroy another person for our own selfish pleasure. It has always been unfitting for a child of God to be involved in such an activity. “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people…” (Lev. 19:16). If we find that we have a problem with the sin of gossip, we should not overlook it or seek to excuse it, but work hard to overcome it and become a Christian whose words are both pleasing to God and a constant source of encouragement to others.

Would You Be Willing?

If you had made this world and the universe, would you be willing to allow yourself to be arrested by those whom you had created? Having done nothing but righteousness (never a wrong), would you then allow others to spit in your face. Would you allow them to blindfold you, beat you, and then mock you by saying, “Prophesy to us... Who is the one who struck you?”

If you had the ability to call thousands of angels down and stop these proceedings, would you yet be willing to let human judges condemn you with their hypocritical rulings? Would you permit them to whip you with instruments that would leave your body a bloody mass of near unrecognizable tissue? Would you allow them to further mock you by putting a crown of thorns on your head and a reed in your right hand and by saying, “Hail, king of the Jews”?

Would you permit them to ‘force’ you outside the city to a hill, where they would strip you naked? Would you tolerate the nailing of your hands and feet to some wooden beams? And as they lifted you up on this cross, and as they further mocked you and in jest challenged you to come down from your tortured state, would you remain silent?

Would you endure all this, knowing that the whole lot of them didn’t deserve what you were doing? Friend, this is what Jesus, the Son of God, did for all mankind. And He did so when all had left Him. He did not die for righteous people, but for an entire race of sinners. No one stood up for Him. Even His closest disciples fled when He was arrested, some even denying that they knew Him.

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

Permit two points.

First, let us all recognize the great love Jesus has for us, that He would suffer so much that we might have eternal life. Daily let us meditate on and cherish His love for us.

Second, let us allow the example of Jesus in all this to affect our person (1 Peter 2:19-25). Mercifully we have not been called upon to experience what He endured. Surely, then, we can allow others to do (what are relatively) minor injustices to us without responding in kind -- can’t we? Shouldn’t we be able to tolerate what may seem to be a harsh remark sent our way? Shouldn’t we be able to forget the angry words of a brother, words which he now wishes he could “take back.“? Shouldn’t we be willing to forgive a wrong suffered in the past? 

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”

A study in the ELDERSHIP of the church

A study in the “ELDERSHIP” of the church

God’s word is very specific in regard to the organization of the church. “Elders” were to be appointed in every church (Acts 14:23) and were also called “pastors” (Ephesians 4:11). They are referred to as “shepherds” in 1 Peter 5:2-4; “rulers” in Hebrews 13:17. Elders were also called “bishops or overseers” in Acts 20:28 and 1 Timothy 3:1ff. There is much confusion in regard to what God has mandated. Too often we see young ministers taking on the title of pastor, but have no concept of what the requirements are. The term of pastor is used by the denominational world and many think that it is OK to use it within the true church. Our study here is to simplify what the word of God has to say…no opinion, just scripture.

You will find those scriptures below along with the Greek words used in the original language. Check it out for yourself.

Listed here are the qualifications of an “elder, pastor, shepherd, ruler, overseer.” All these words are interchangeable in the work of these individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

       1.  Blameless  

       2.  Husband of one wife (must be married)

       3.  Must have children whom are obedient

           believers and faithful to the Lord.

       4.  Not self-willed

       5.  Not  easily angered

       6.  Not one who uses wine (or alcohol)

       7.  Not a striker

       8.  Not one who lusts after money

       9.  One who is hospitable

10. One who has a love for good in man

11. One who is sober

12. One who is just in his decisions

13. One who practices “Holiness”

14. One who has a good temperament

15. One who holds fast to the doctrine of Christ

16. One who stands firm and has ability to exhort others

17. Must be a good teacher

18. Must rule his own family well

19. Must not be a novice (new convert)

20. Must have a good report from those in world and those in the church

Those who are appointed by their brethren are worthy of a double honor as they bear a grave responsibility in keeping watch over the congregations where they serve.  These men must be fully qualified in all of the areas I have listed from the scriptures below.

Scriptures:

Elders

Acts 14:23 (KJV)
²³ And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV)
¹⁷ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Titus 1:5-9 (KJV)
⁵ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

James 5:14 (KJV)
¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Greek Word: πρεσβύτερος

Transliteration: presbyteros

Phonetic Pronunciation:pres-boo'-ter-os

Root: comparative of presbus (elderly)

Part of Speech: adj

Vine's Words: Elder

Bishop

Philippians 1:1 (KJV)
¹ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV)
¹ This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
³ Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
⁵ (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
⁶ Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
⁷ Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:6-11 (KJV)
⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Greek Word: ἐπισκοπή

Transliteration: episkopē

Phonetic Pronunciation:ep-is-kop-ay'

Part of Speech: n

Vine's Words: Bishop

 Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

Overseers

Acts 20:28 (KJV)
²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Greek Word: ποιμαίνω

Transliteration: poimainō

Phonetic Pronunciation:poy-mah'ee-no

Part of Speech: v

Vine's Words: Feed, Rule

 Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

Rulers

Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Greek Word: ἡγέομαι

Transliteration: hēgeomai

Phonetic Pronunciation:hayg-eh'-om-ahee

Part of Speech: v

Vine's Words: Rule,

 Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

Brother Eaton

The Church Jesus Built

Written by Charles Box
The Church of Christ is not a physical building nor is it a denomination. It is the blood-bought body of Christ. Paul wrote by inspiration of God, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27). At the end of time the church which is the kingdom of God will be delivered up to God, the father. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:24-25). If you will do what the Bible teaches, the Lord will save you and add you to His church.
The church Jesus built is made up of saved people (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus did not build a denomination. His interest is not in a physical building. The Church of Christ is a living organism. It is composed of people saved by the blood of Jesus. If you have read your Bible, you have read about the Church of Christ. The Church of Christ exists anywhere people follow the Bible and the Bible only (Acts 2:38-47).
The church Jesus built is God’s promised kingdom (Daniel 2:44-45). The church is that kingdom which shall stand forever. The eternal kingdom was established in the days of the Roman kings. This was during the lifetime of some who heard Jesus speak. “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mark 9:1).
The church Jesus built wears a Bible name that honors Him (Romans 16:16). The name “church of Christ” is a Bible name, and it is a name big enough to embrace all the saved. The Bible gives no specific name for the church. It does, however, identify the church with several Bible expressions. The members of this body are known simply as Christians (1 Peter 4:15-16).
The church Jesus built worships according to the New Testament pattern (Acts 2:42). The day of worship is the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). On each Sunday, we sing (Ephesians 5:19), study God’s Word (Acts 20:7), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), give (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) and observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Only these Bible things are done in worship! We cannot conclude our discussion of New Testament worship without looking at Paul’s warning to the Colossians. The apostle warned them not to be beguiled by religious ordinances that are merely “the commandments and doctrines of men.” He cautioned that such ordinances “have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh” (Colossians 2:18-22).
The church Jesus built has no religious guide but the Bible (John 17:17). Churches of Christ have no “creed books,” “manuals” or “confessions of faith.” Our only rule of faith is the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Wise men and women learn to obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. There is nothing more important in life than following the teachings of the Bible and trusting God to care for your needs.
It is in harmony with the Bible to use the name Church of Christ, to call oneself a Christian and to accept Jesus as the only Head of the church. It is scriptural to accept the Bible as the only rule of faith, to plead for unity in Jesus and to follow the Bible pattern in worship. Those who follow the Bible are Christians, members of the Church of Christ. Will you be baptized into Christ to put on Christ so that your sins can be forgiven by His blood? “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). Believers contact Christ’s saving blood by being baptized into His death. John said, “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11-12).
We join with Paul in saying, “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). Are you a faithful member of the Church of Christ?

When was the Lord's Church Established?

When Was The Church Established?
By Travis L. Quertermous

This is a question that often evokes serious debate. Some say during the ministry of John the Baptist, others say during the ministry of Jesus Christ. But if we let the Bible explain itself, the answer is easy to find. About six months prior to His death, Jesus promised, “I will build my church…” (Matt. 16:18). Notice that this statement is in the future tense—He had not yet established His church, but soon would. Also, in Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus identified His church with the kingdom of heaven (as He often did, cf. Matt. 13:1-52). Thus, if we can learn when the kingdom was established, then we can also know when the church began.
A simple combination of three passages (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4) helps us to understand when the church (or kingdom) began. In Mark 9:1, Jesus predicted, “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” (If the kingdom is not yet in existence, as many teach, there must be some mighty old folks around somewhere!) So the kingdom would come with power. According to Acts 1:8, the power would come with the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Therefore, the kingdom/church was established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Thus, it is no surprise to read at the end of Acts chapter 2, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (2:47).
Has the Lord added you to His church? Have you been saved (Acts 2:37-38)?
Why not visit with us to find out?

- Travis L. Quertermous preaches for the church of Christ in Dexter, MO. He may be contacted at minister.church@sbcglobal.net or through the church’s website:http://www.dexterchurchofchrist.com/

Are You Growing Spiritually?

Spiritual growth is an essential part of preparing for heaven. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (II Peter 3:18.) Paul described spiritual growth by saying, "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ --" (Ephesians 4:15.) The Hebrew Christian had to be reminded of the need for spiritual growth. (Hebrews 5:12-14.) Following are some indicators of spiritual growth.

You grow spiritually by producing the fruit of the spirit in your life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23.) Love is affection, good will or benevolence toward others. Joy is gladness both received and shared with others. Peace is tranquility, harmony and concord. Long-suffering is patience or endurance. Gentleness is goodness and kindness. Goodness is uprightness of heart and life. Faith is the conviction of the truths we hold. Meekness is gentleness or mildness. Self-control is temperance. As the fruit of the Spirit increases in life spiritual growth is taking place.

You grow spiritually by increasing in love for lost souls. "I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:14-16.) Let no one around you say, "no one cared for my soul." The Psalmist said, "Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul." (Psalm 142:4.) Pray for the Lord to use you in being a soul winner. God's plan for evangelism is simple. One who has learned the truth must share Christ with another. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (II Timothy 2:2.) 

You grow spiritually by faithful attendance at all the assemblies of the church. Christians must assemble faithfully, with the right attitude, having a strong desire to worship and serve God. (Hebrews 10:24-25.) Faithful attendance provides an opportunity for growth and also an opportunity to edify others. Never allow yourself to be guilty of willfully forsaking even one assembly.

You grow spiritually by developing Christlikeness. "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you." (Galatians 4:19.) Christians must have the mind of Christ and follow His example. (Philippians 2:5; I Peter 2:21.) The moon reflects the light of the sun. Christians reflect the light and likeness of God's Son. Has Christ been formed in you? 

You grow spiritually by developing a stronger desire to go to heaven. "This world is not my home." (Philippians 1:21-24.) Our desire for that heavenly home must be strong. "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16.) Do you really want to go to heaven? And are you willing to do what is necessary to get there?

Other indicators of spiritual growth are: (1) Developing the right mindset (Colossians 3:1-4), (2) Giving liberally and cheerfully (II Corinthians 8:1-5; II Corinthians 9:7), (3) Regular, daily self-examination (II Corinthians 13:5), (4) Gaining knowledge of God's word (II Timothy 2:15), (5) Steadfast involvement in the Lord's work (I Corinthians 15:58), (6) Praying constantly (I Thessalonians 5:17-18), and (7) Devel¬oping a stronger fellowship with the brethren (Romans 12:10; John 13:34-35.) 

You are either growing or dying spiritually. Which direction is your spiritual life headed? Obey the gospel (Mark 16:15-16) and endure to the end. (Matthew 10:22)   Dave Hart

Paul's Peace

The Apostle Paul was absolutely fearless when it came to conducting his ministry. He frequently seized evangelistic opportunities without regarding the life-threatening dangers encompassing them. When faced with a riotous crowd he was eager to meet the challenge head-on. In Ephesus, where the populous stirred to anarchy because of the greed of one silversmith, the Apostle was barely restrained by his friends from entering the theater to address the crowds (Acts 19:20). Later, when prejudice would be used to stir up angry opposition among worshippers in the Jerusalem Temple, after being carried to relative safety, Paul begged for and received the opportunity to preach to the mob (21:35; 22:1-ff.).New Testament records reveal his reluctant catalog of suffering (2 COR. 11:23-27). So convinced was he of the veracity of the message he preached, Paul on a number of occasions emphasized his willingness to give up his own life, if need be, in the course of fulfilling his obligation as an apostle of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ (Acts 21:13; 25:12). Although not specifically attributed to Paul, the sentiment presented of the anonymous Hebrew writer effectively captures his attitude towards life and death: “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6).David Bragg

What About The Sinner's Prayer?

by Travis Quertermous
From The Reminder, August 5, 2012
In answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?,” denominational preachers of the evangelical variety will often respond by urging sinners to repeat what they call “the sinner’s prayer.” Such a prayer will often take the form of confessing that one is lost, expressing one’s faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and then asking Him to come into their life as their personal Savior.

If you have ever prayed such a prayer and believe yourself to have been saved thereby, let me ask you to seriously consider these facts from the Bible. First, no inspired preacher of the New Testament church ever told anyone to pray “the sinner’s prayer.” Peter had taught the people of Jerusalem, “‘And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved’” (Acts 2:21). After hearing the gospel preached, some were convicted of their sins and cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Note carefully the response as the apostles taught them how to call on the name of the Lord: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38).

Notice that the apostle Peter did not lead the crowd in “the sinner’s prayer.” There is no authority in Scripture for such. Rather, he taught them the gospel plan of salvation that they should believe the gospel, repent of their sins, and be immersed in water to receive the forgiveness of their sins. Have you truly called on the name of the Lord that you might be saved?

Cell Phone Technology

The world of technology just boggles the mind. The i-phone started it all. It was no time after it came out that many different applications came out. While some applications were just stupid things to busy the mind, many have been helpful.
Some people have actually done some good things with these apps. There is an app where you can put a copy of the entire Bible on your cellphone. Just imagine carrying around a bible with you during the day, and being able to read and study in some of your down time. You know, this just might work for those people too embarrased to carry an actual bible into the workplace or school.
There are some apps which let people know it is time to pray. Wouldn't it be nice if every now and then there is a beep on our phone, and we remember to pray? Some people have no problems praying, even in public. But some need to be reminded.
What if we treated our Bibles like our cellphones?
Just imagine keeping it in your possession all day long. Just imagine reading and thinking about your bible like the time you spend on your cellphone. Can you imagine turning around to go back for your bible? You would do it for your cellphone.
Can you imagine that all the important information you need in your life is found in your Bible? Well most people turn to their cellphone for the most importing things in their life. Of course, you see the frustration when a battery goes dead, and you have to reprogram your cellphone and re-enter all the numbers. The good thing about the Bible is that it does not change and does not need upgrades or newer models. The word of God abides forever.
And do you ever think that the cellphone makers came up with text messages? Isn't that what our Bibles do? Yes, there are plenty of text messages found in our Bibles.
Now that we have this technology, we wonder how we ever lived without it. And could you now get along without it? Well we should treat our Bibles the same way, knowing that we cannot live without the message and words of God's holy text.
We keep our cellphones because we need them in case of an emergency. Weren't there emergencies before cell phones came along? Yes there were. Why can't we keep the Bible around for an emergency? Who knows, one might be struck with the need to give an answer to anyone who asks concerning our faith. We'd sure need a bible then.
There are other things we could consider in comparing our cellphones with our Bibles. The truth is that while cellphones have great benefits, our Bibles are still the most important and best thing we have. 

By Carey Scott 3/1/2011

What does the bible say about abortion

The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knew us before He formed us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as the penalty for someone who commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb as just as much of a human being as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose. It is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).
The first argument that always arises against the Christian stance on abortion is, “What about cases of rape and/or incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, does that make the murder of a baby the answer? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child who is a result of rape/incest could be given up for adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own – or the child could be raised by its mother. Again, the baby should not be punished for the evil acts of its father.
The second argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is, “What about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done in the world today. Far more women have an abortion because they do not want to “ruin their body” than women who have an abortion to save their own lives. Second, let’s remember that God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds being against it. Ultimately, though, this question can only be decided between a husband, wife, and God. Any couple facing this extremely difficult situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) as to what He would have them to do.
In 99% of the abortions performed in the world today, the reason is “retroactive birth control.” A woman and/or her partner decide they do not want the baby they have conceived. So, they decide to end the life of their child instead of dealing with the responsibility. This is an utmost evil. Even in the more difficult 1% of instances, abortion should never be the first option. The life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow a full-term birthing process.
For those who have had an abortion – the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, any and all sins can be forgiven (John 3:16; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14). A woman who has had an abortion, or a man who has encouraged an abortion, or even a doctor who has performed one – all can be forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ.   by Dave Hart