Category: From the Preacher’s Pen

The apostle Paul was very enthusiastic about the preaching of the gospel. He wrote to the Romans, “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 1:15-16).

In the apostle’s estimation, there was nothing more important than preaching the gospel of Christ. There was no force that could better effect change in the lives of saint and sinner alike. Opportunities to hear God’s word are precious, and should be coveted by each one of us.

We have such an opportunity to hear the gospel preached beginning next Saturday. Brother Chip Foster loves the truth of God, and has set himself to proclaim it in our presence. Opportunities will be available each day from May 5-10 to hear that gospel described by Paul as the “power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”

You may have other things to do that week, but one thing is sure — there is nothing you can do that week that is more important than what God’s saints will be doing at the West Side building, or more beneficial to you and yours. So, how about it? Will you be there?

I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:

“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”

Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:

“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”

In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).

We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).

Today, April 1, is commonly called “April Fool’s Day.” It is a day for misdirection and practical jokes. These things are just silly fun, as long as they do not get out of hand. However, some people are making fools out of themselves! Those who deny God’s existence take a stand that is intellectually absurd. First, this is so because it is impossible to determine that God does not exist, unless one is both omniscient and omnipresent. Second, and most importantly, there is abundant evidence that God does indeed exist!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

Don’t be a fool today, or any day! God exists!

Last Sunday I used the phrase “the proof is in the pudding” while preaching. It is a phrase I had long heard, but some were wondering about it’s origin and meaning. So, I looked it up.

The phrase is actually a misquote of the phrase “the proof of the pudding” (which is fairly nonsensical), but is a shortened form of the phrase, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” which makes more sense. It means that to fully test something you need to experience it yourself. There are examples of the phrase being used early in the 17th century.

When I use it I intend a similar idea. That it is possible to claim something to be true, but claiming is not the same as demonstrating it to be so. There are numerous applications of this in scripture. For example, in the area of repentance. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:11 about the Corinthians proving of themselves, “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

When it comes to repentance, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It is not enough to say you are sorry for your sin, you must prove it in your life. Makes sense!

(Note: At the time this was written, the Saturday quarterly singing had not happened. We recognize that life is a vapor!, and that we have no promise of tomorrow. After all, the Lord could come at any time. Nevertheless, I desired to emphasize the significance of the event, and have it published the day following. This accounts for the language of the first paragraph).

Last night we had a wonderful opportunity to come together, and spend 90 minutes praising God in song. Singing is such a blessing and opportunity. All who were there were blessed in their worship. Why do we sing? The Psalms tell us why!

We sing because God is righteous: “I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High” (17:1).

We sing because God is generous. “I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me” (13:6).

We sing because God is powerful. “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power” (21:13).

We sing because God is merciful. “Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (30:4-5).

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding” (47:6-7).

Last week I engaged in an online discussion on a contentious topic that has polarized elements of our society. It is a political hot potato, but the discussion concerned the Christian’s response, based upon what the scriptures teach, so I took the time to respond.

My point here is not to argue the topic, but to note the response in the forum. My posts, though polite, were not well received. I argued from scripture. In response I was called ignorant, bigoted, prejudiced, and a few other adjectives that are not appropriate to repeat in this space.

Participants had an opportunity to “vote” on whether they found any particular post to be helpful to the discussion. The aspersions on my character and intelligence were roundly applauded, and few responded positively to what I had to say.

This is not surprising, but I believe many Christians are really not aware of just how unpopular the truth of God is in our society. We are in a distinct minority with regard to our views on morality and God, and it is very conceivable that this nation will one day no longer tolerate our free expression of God’s truths. Physical persecution is certainly possible on the horizon.

John recorded this warning from our Lord, “A servant is not above his Master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

I recently came across the following quote from the pen of C.S. Lewis in his book, The Screwtape Letters, (pages 41-42). They are the words of a demon tempter to his young apprentice, explaining the difference between God given pleasure, and illicit perversions of it.

“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures; all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula.”

How true! Sexual activity within the loving confines of marriage is pure and uplifting. Fornication of all types leads to dissolution and complications. The same can be said for illicit drug use, the pursuit of money, and all sorts of activities that are not even objectionable if practiced with the moderation and priority God prescribes.

Remember, the devil seeks our ruin! (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Sin is alluring, but it’s end is never satisfying to the soul.

Today, a new year begins. Thus an perfect opportunity to make some new year resolutions regarding your service for the Lord. One of the best that can be made is to be more consistent and devoted in your Bible reading schedule.

Over the years I have suggested and supplied a number of different reading plans. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a good plan. Some may want to read through the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Others may want in the next several months to read through the New Testament, or a portion of it.

I have come across a website that allows you to pick the book or books you want to read, and the time you want to take to do so. If you wish, a daily email can be sent with the reading, or links to audio on the internet, where you can listen to the passage you have chosen rather than reading it. The best part about the site is its versatility. It is easy to use, and even the most technologically timid can utilize the site. So, my suggestion would be to check it out today or tomorrow, and use it (or some other schedule) to help you to be regular and dedicated in your reading of the word of God.

The URL to the website is:

mybibleplans.com

“Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)” (Galatians 1:1).

Paul’s defense of himself as an apostle of the Lord revolved around one point — that he had obtained the authority for his apostleship from Jesus Christ. That fact alone made his claim to apostleship legitimate. Conversely, if his claim had originated from men’s authority, it would not have been legitimate.

The same is true for us. Regarding our faith and practices, both individually and collectively, the only question that matters is, “Is it from man, or through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead?” If it is from God, then no other justification is needed for what we do. If it is from man, then no matter the justification we put forward, it is unacceptable to God.

It is amazing that most of the religious world does not recognize this fundamental truth. To broach the subject among them brings cries of “intolerance” and “Phariseeism.” Even those who claim to accept the “Lordship” (authority) of Jesus Christ are uninterested in vetting their practices with Him. May we never exhibit the same willfulness. Think about it, brethren!

In the last issue of the Electronic Gospel , Jeff Smith wrote about the practice of most Christian denominations to celebrate religiously the birth of Jesus on December 25th. The date is actually an example of the Catholic church appropriating a pagan celebration (the winter solstice celebration of the sun god). Jeff commented:

“It probably seemed logical to keep the holiday and dedicate it to the son of God instead, but a number of assumptions are necessary to add Christmas to a sparse biblical calendar.”

I like the phrase “sparse biblical calendar.” Jeff later pointed out, “The danger, then, is in going beyond what the New Testament does say, but also in minimizing the significance of the one ritual that really is on the church’s calendar. The first day of the week, without regard to season…”

God determined that we come together on Sunday to worship him. One Sunday is no more important than another, but they all are extremely important. It is on that day we celebrate the Lord, with a memorial feast commemorating his death. We do this because it is God’s will. The only authority for the elevation of some days above others, and the observance of Christmas day as the birthday of Jesus in particular, is the tradition of man. This is simply not sufficient (cf. Matthew 7:21-23).

As I am writing this short article, the Texas Rangers are 10 runs ahead, and about to secure their second straight trip to the World Series. A good portion of the Fort Worth/Dallas area is giddy with the pleasure of witnessing such a momentous event.

Those last few words are written a bit “tongue-in-cheek.” While it is certainly exciting, our society goes a bit far in describing an annual sporting event as “momentous.” And yet, such hyperbole will be the norm for the next couple of weeks, as the Texas Rangers try to join the Dallas Mavericks as champions this year.

There is nothing wrong with the excitement of the moment, and me and my boys were jumping up and down as the Rangers were building their early lead. But, I long for Christians to have the “first love” (cf. Revelation 2:4) that is shown by so many fanatical followers of sports in our nation.

How do you feel about God? Perhaps we should feel as the Psalmist did, as recorded in Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

Alexander Campbell believed that as Christians in his generation sought to restore the ancient order of the Christian faith, it would lead to a golden age of God’s blessings in the world at large. The title of his paper, The Millennial Harbinger represented this sentiment.

In the Prospectus issue of the Harbinger, Campbell wrote:

THIS work shall be devoted to the destruction of Sectarianism, Infidelity, and Antichristian doctrine and practice. It shall have for its object the developement, and introduction of that political and religious order of society called THE MILLENNIUM, which will be the consummation of that ultimate amelioration of society proposed in the Christian Scriptures.

Some postulate that it was Campbell’s disillusionment at the lack of progress toward his goal that led him to adopt the innovation of the Missionary Society.

Campbell was misguided in his views. The restoration of the ancient order has no great impact upon society in general, any more than the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom 2,000 years ago led to virtue in the Roman world. What is accomplished, as the sincere gospel is preached to the world at large, is the salvation of good and honest souls. Social change is fine, but the Lord’s focus was never on the here and now, it has always been on eternity. And, that should be the primary focus and directed efforts of His disciples as well.

A problem common to our time is an inappropriately casual attitude toward worship. I recently came across a quote from a preacher, dating to 1985. I do not know of him apart from the tract, titled A Burning Fire. His name is James W. Boyd:

It makes my blood nearly boil to hear the smart-aleck liberals castigate what they call “traditionalism” in such flippant terms. One describe dour worship to God as two songs, prayer, another song, “juice and crackers.” That man proved that all fools aren’t dead. The very idea of speaking of the divinely ordained memorial to the sacrifice of the Son of God as “Juice and crackers.” You can see the level of his respect for God and His will!

The man’s purpose in writing was to encourage preachers to be careful in the language they use in and out of the pulpit. He further wrote:

Reverence and respect for that which is divine and of divine order is mandatory lest we sin by being sacrilegious and blasphemous.

It is probable that the problems with such casual and unthinking attitudes have grown greater in the 35 years since this was written. It certainly is something for us to think about!

Today we have reached the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade center in New York , and the Pentagon.

No doubt you (as do I) remember where you were and what you were doing when you got the news of the attacks. All of America watched the television, thrilled to the bravery of our firefighters and police, and mourned the loss of American lives. Voices were raised as one in condemning the cowardly attacks against our nation, and in the call for retribution against our enemy.

An important lesson seemed to be learned by our nation, as so many turned to God in the midst of the crisis. A call to righteousness was heard, and prayers were offered in the realization that our greatest help comes from the Almighty.

Unfortunately, the focus on God was short lived. As time passed, most lost the ardor and virtue that was so prevalent among Americans in the weeks following the attacks. Partisan politics returned as the parties sought to capitalize from the event. An easily distracted populace returned to its pattern of conspicuous consumption and pursuit of worldly pleasures.

As we contemplate the attacks a decade later, may we realize the importance of turning to God as our help and stay. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

On September 3, 1989 a 27 year old preacher from Odessa, TX preached his first sermon for the West Side congregation in Fort Worth, TX. He had a beautiful young wife, a 4 year old son, and a little girl just two months shy of her 3rd birthday.

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of that first sermon. In the intervening years there have been two more children, a lot of laughter and tears, the appearance of not a few grey hairs… and hopefully the seasoning and maturity of a preacher.

As we begin our 23rd year together, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my love for each of you. I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me, and the stand for truth you have taken through the years. During conflict and tribulation you have consistently shown a willingness to do what is right. You have never chafed at the preaching of God’s word, nor objected to the declaration of the “whole counsel of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). You have been kind to my wife and children, and allowed me to raise them in a stable environment that too few preachers enjoy.

In short, this congregation is in many ways exemplary. That is not to say that we have not had our share of troubles, nor that there is not much improvement that can be made—but in a day where too many have heaped to “themselves teachers, having itching ears” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3) you are to be commended for your love for truth.

I thank God every day for you, my brethren. I pray I will have many more years and opportunities to share with you my understanding of the treasures of God’s will.