Category: Reflections Articles

The following comments are inspired by this short article I ran across in a bulletin entitled Preacher Talk.

So It Seems

Norma McCorvey is the “Jane Roe” of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion. Mrs. McCorvey uses the name of a husband she left. She is 46 and has had three pregnancies, the second and third out of wedlock. The third, though born before the Supreme Court decided Roe, was the baby of that decision.

Mrs. McCorvey announced herself a lesbian after the birth of her first daughter, Melissa, now 29, but she nevertheless conceived two more times. She has been living with a “pro-choice” Catholic woman, Connie Gonzalez, for 21 years. Gonzalez met McCorvey when she caught her shoplifting at a store where she worked.

Mrs. McCorvey reports that, when she first met her attorney, Sarah Weddington, whom the case made famous, she did not know the attorney had herself had an abortion. “When I told her than how desperately I needed one, she could have told me where to go for it. But she wouldn’t because she needed me pregnant for her case.”

As Raffaelo Balestrini remarked in his 19 century book on abortion in antiquity, abortion is a symptom of a widespread social degeneracy.

Reported by Harold O.J. Brown, The Religion and Society Report, 10/94, p. 8.

Raffaelo Balestrini’s observation is demonstrably true. Continue reading “Be Wary of a Dangerous Society” →

The apostle Peter, in his second epistle gives a list of characteristics that we are to “add to” our faith, that we might be supplied an entrance into “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1: 5-11). The first of these characteristics that we are to add to our faith is “virtue.”

The term translated in the NKJV “virtue” is the greek word (arete). Vine says that the term “properly denotes whatever procures pre-eminent estimation for a person or thing; hence, intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue” (Vol. IV, pg. 189).

Continue reading “Virtue” →

Gibbons, in his well respected work entitled, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, lists 7 reasons he contends were the major culprits resulting in the fall of the greatest of the ancient empires. The seven reasons listed are:

1. The divorce rate rose.
2. Taxes got higher.
3. More public money was spent for welfare.
4. The craving for greater pleasure and leisure increased.
5. Sports appeared to get more exciting, more brutal.
6. The building of gigantic armaments continued.
7. Religion was thought by many to be on the decay.

Now, it doesn’t take a genius to see the parallels of the ancient society with our day and time. And this is a pretty strong indicator of the present state of our society as well. Continue reading “The Decay of America” →

Author’s note: Obviously, this article is not newly written. It was written shortly after the initial release of the book entitled SEX, a “coffee table” book, “written” by pop singer Madonna. However, it is a timely message. I hope you benefit from reading it.

I heard an interesting tidbit on the radio a few days ago. It seems that a public library in Austin is removing their two copies of the pop singer Madonna’s new book, SEX. The book was released about a month ago, and consists of a series of pornographic photographs depicting Madonna’s sexual fantasies. It is supposed to be one of those “artsy” “coffee-table” books. From what I have read in the paper and seen on television, even the secular media has branded it as in poor taste, and revolting. Continue reading “On Madonna, Homosexuality, Euthanasia, etc.” →

It is evident that Humanism has permeated every aspect of our society. The areas of danger are many, and it can be argued that the most insidious is the incorporation of Humanistic philosophy into the classroom. My children attend public schools. I don’t mind admitting to what I consider a quite justifiable fear for my children’s spiritual health. The Humanistic philosophy has infiltrated our public education, and is poisoning the minds of our children as many stand idly by. Continue reading “Secular Humanism In Our Schools” →

In a recent edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the religious editor had an article dealing with the methods modern day denominations use to deal with the sin of adultery. The different methods ranged from a withdrawal of fellowship to a complete acceptance and fellowship of this sin.

There are two things I would like you to especially notice about the attitudes towards adultery. First, the laxness of the different religions in dealing with it. Only a few of those surveyed indicated a willingness to withdraw fellowship from an adulterous individual. Most suggested counseling, but few were willing to go that final step. There were a few, but even these were unwilling to mark a man publicly, and withdraw, as commanded in scripture. One Baptist minister stated that it might be necessary to force one to leave because of the disharmony and problems it might cause in a congregation; but the thought of making a man confess the sin of adultery publicly, was, as he put it, “Terrible.” Continue reading “Redefining Adultery” →

The second epistle of Peter, chapter 1, verses 5-7 reads as follows:

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

You will note that the Christian graces mentioned in the text are to be added to a foundation of faith.

Continue reading “Add To Your Faith” →

Since the medical practice of abortion was legalized in this country in 1973, literally millions of women have undergone the procedure to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Depending upon who you talk to, the legalization of this particular surgery is either a landmark victory for the rights of women in the country, or the greatest sign of the immorality and decay of our nation.

There is very little gray area regarding this procedure, and rightfully so. Your perceptions regarding abortion depend mainly upon one simple question, Is abortion murder? If you believe it to be murder, then there is absolutely no justification for abortion. If you believe it to be a medical procedure that results in the simple removal of fetal tissue, then you have no more qualms at the practice than you would the removal of your appendix. Continue reading “Is Abortion Sinful?” →

Recently I was listening to a radio talk show, where a discussion was being held regarding the ethics of fetal research. A man had written a book, apparently defending the use of fetal tissue, harvested from aborted fetuses, for research and medicinal purposes. It is believed that the injection of certain cells of a fetus can be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinsons disease.

The host of the show very quickly revealed his bias concerning the subject. To encourage discussion and response from listeners he asked, “Do you believe that a fetus, obviously on its way to becoming a human being, should be used for these purposes?” The host assumed what had to be first settled, whether or not a fetus is human. It is precisely upon that basis that we object to such a usage. Since by far the majority of fetuses are made available through abortion, this question of what the fetus is must be settled, for it leads to two very different questions.

If the fetus is not human, not a baby, then the question would be: After the medical procedure called an abortion is completed, should the mass of tissue be used for medical purposes? However, if the fetus is a child, the question would be: After a doctor murders a child by the immoral procedure of an abortion, should he further be allowed to benefit from the murder by experimenting on the dead body? Obviously, a very different picture is presented.

Two things stated during the discussion were revealing. One was the question of consent. The very fact that some are advocating that the mother’s consent be obtained prior to the usage of the fetus reveals our understanding that it is a child. A parallel was given to the organ donation of one who has died, that family consent must be obtained before organs can be donated. Nevertheless, the host and his guest did not see the obvious parallel. The fetus is a baby! Imagine, asking a woman who has just allowed her child to be murdered if it will be acceptable for the body of the murdered child to be used in science. Such consent given would be a prime example of a mother devoid of any natural affection.

Second was a mention of a scientific fact. Did you know that a female, unborn child, has fully developed eggs very early in gestation? In fact, all of the eggs a woman has in her life, which is her contribution to the formation of human life, are present very early in the womb. Some are advocating the harvesting of those eggs, for use in “in vitro” fertilization. In effect, a woman who has no healthy eggs could utilize those taken from an aborted fetus, and thus bear a child. Isn’t the ridiculous position of the pro-choice crowd obvious? They are contending that you can take the eggs of something NOT HUMAN, and by fertilizing those eggs, and giving them a host, cause a human to be born! I have heard of science fiction, and horror show plots where a woman carried the eggs of something not human, but I never thought that people of reason would believe such possible. Only humans begat humans! Why is it we accept that a female without the ability to produce eggs is nevertheless human, while we deny that a female who has that ability, though very young and still in the womb, could be?

We must as a society recognize that abortion is the greatest horror our nation could possibly sanction. It is the wholesale murder of unborn children!

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb…” (Luke 1:41)

The second epistle of Peter, chapter 1, lists a group of attributes which each Christian should seek to add to his character. In verses 5-7, Peter wrote, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

Continue reading “The Christian Graces” →

1 Corinthians 2:1, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

The apostle Paul supplies us with a very important fact in the above passage of scripture. Simply put, the message is what is important. With all of the glitz and glamour which surrounds our so called “information age”, this is a lesson that is often forgotten.

The television news program that gets the best ratings is not the one which supplies the best information, but rather that which packages itself best. Best looking anchorpersons, best graphics, most sensational promos. The politician who gets elected is not the candidate with the best policies and most integrity, but rather the most telegenic, who can speak in sound bytes, and who often is willing to lie in order to tell the people what they want to hear. Products are not purchased because of their quality, but rather because of the brand name, or the flashy commercials, or the celebrity endorsments.

Finally, the religious message that is most attractive today is not Christ and Him crucified, but rather the glitz, glamour and appeal of a socialized gospel. Even brethren who are ostensibly conservative and faithful can be caught in this trap. How many times have you heard the call for a local preacher, or meeting preacher who has a “big name” in the brotherhood, or has a pleasing pulpit manner, or was educated at a particular college. Christian families often place membership in a congregation not because of the potential good they can do in that fellowship, but rather based upon how many “young couples” there are, or how socially minded they might be, or what the group has “to offer” them. It seems that we too have been taken in by glamour and glitz, and are more concerned with how attractive and pleasant is the package surrounding the message, than we are in the message itself.

Perhaps we need to be reminded of the plain apostle Paul. His appeal was not in his appearance, for he was despised when seen. 2 Corinthians 10:10, “‘For his letters,’ they say, ‘are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.'” As he affirmed in our beginning text, the power of his arguement was not in human sophistry. What was important was his message. Christ and Him Crucified … The Gospel. And that is what ought to be important to us as well.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only effectual message for the saving of man’s soul. It is a simple, but powerful message, and it is the only one we need to arm ourselves with as we strike out into the world. We ought to bear it proudly. We should not apologize for it, or for our limited talents as we seek to spread it. The message is unique in that as it falls upon good and honest hearts it germinates, regardless of and often in spite of our halting delivery of it. Let us not get caught up in ourselves or others, thinking the power is in the sower. Brethren, the power is in the seed!

Romans 1:16, “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.”

To God be the Glory!

In a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, the above title was used for an article written by the back page feature writer, Rick Reilly. I normally enjoy Reilly’s writing, as it is incisive as well as humorous. This particular article was no exception.

Reilly mentioned that more and more youth leagues are beginning to have their athletic activities on Sunday.

Continue reading “Let us Pr… Play” →

It has been said that the only two things in life that are certain are “death and taxes.” I think that a more correct phrase would be that there are three, “death, taxes, and JUDGMENT.” At least, that is the idea that is put forth in Hebrews 9:27, when the writer states, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The judgment of man is an event which draws inexorably closer to each of us. We cannot avoid it, so we must be ready for it when it comes. There are many errors and misunderstandings about the judgment of man. This article will address a few by pointing out scripture which serves to refute each error.

• Error # 1: ONLY THE WICKED WILL BE JUDGED.

2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things {done} in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

• Error # 2: ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS WILL BE JUDGED, THE WICKED WILL NEVER BE RESURRECTED.

John 5:28-29, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

• Error # 3: THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED WILL NOT BE RAISED AND JUDGED AT THE SAME TIME.

Daniel 12:2, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame {and} everlasting contempt.” (Obviously, this has reference to a single event. SC)

• Error # 4: BACKSLIDERS WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED AT THE JUDGMENT, FOR THEY CANNOT FALL FROM GRACE.

Hebrews 10:29, “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?”

• Error # 5: AFTER A MAN DIES, HE WILL HAVE A SECOND CHANCE.

Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

• Error # 6: THE LORD HAS APPOINTED A THOUSAND YEARS IN WHICH TO JUDGE THE WORLD.

Acts 17:31, “Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Now, finally, some important facts about our resurrection:

• Fact # 1: IT IS AS CERTAIN AS OUR LORD’S RESURRECTION.

Acts 17:31, “Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

• Fact # 2: IT IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS CHRIST’S PROVISION OF HEAVEN.

Revelation 22:14, “Blessed {are} those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”

• Fact # 3: IT IS AS TERRIBLE AS THE VENGEANCE OF THE LIVING GOD.

Hebrews 10:31, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

• Fact # 4: IT IS AS JUST AS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LIVING GOD.

Acts 17:31, “Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

• Fact # 5: IT IS AS FAIR AS THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE LIVING GOD.

Acts 10:34, “Then Peter opened {his} mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

• Fact # 6: IT IS AS ACCURATE AS THE TRUTH OF GOD.

Romans 2:2, “But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.”

• Fact # 7: IT IS AS FINAL AS THE CLOSED DOOR OF HEAVEN.

Matthew 25:10, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.”

Luke 13:25, “When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, `Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, `I do not know you, where you are from?’ “

The judgment of God can be something to look forward to, if we are prepared. That is the question you must ask yourself, “Am I prepared?” Brethren and friends, think on these things.

(Based on material found in booklet, Ready Answers to Religious Errors)

We sing that beautiful song, Amazing Grace. (And the sentiment is a worthy one.)

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.
Thru many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Twas grace that brought me safe thus far
and grace will lead me home.

I am afraid that many really do not understand what this song is saying or what the grace of God truly is. I would like to attempt to clear up these difficulties.

In order to do this, we need to first define the term “grace.” The word “grace” means undeserved or unmerited favor. Grace is the opposite of Merit. This idea is best borne out with regard to the salvation of man. If any man believes that he can in any way earn or merit his salvation he is sorely mistaken. Paul stated in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Once a man sins, he forfeits his right to an eternity with the Father. In effect, he separates himself from God. When this takes place, a man is without recourse outside of God’s grace. There is nothing that he can do to earn his way into heaven.

However, God loves man and does not wish Him to spend eternity in Hell. In order to spare man this final, deserved punishment, He made a way of escape. He gave us an opportunity to miss hell and reach Heaven. That is not to say that all men will go to Heaven. Unfortunately, most men reject that extended grace.

We cannot emphasize too greatly the power of the grace of God. The Apostle Paul, this time in the Ephesian epistle, chapter 2 and verses 8-10, wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This passage teaches us many things. First of all, we are saved by the Grace of God. It is an undeserved gift from Deity. Second of all, this grace grants us salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Third, it teaches us that man can not “merit” or earn his salvation. Salvation is not of works. This we have already discussed and hopefully shown to be true.

One thing that this passages does not teach us, however, is that obedience is not necessary to be saved or justified. Too many read this passage, seeing Paul state that salvation is not of works, and assume that means that obedience has nothing to do with salvation. Nothing is further from the truth! Paul is simply pointing out that when a man dies, if he goes to Heaven, it is because God gave Heaven to him as a gift, not because he earned it by his works. However, we must understand that obedience is man’s way of accepting this proffered gift. You do not earn your salvation by works, but that does not mean that works of righteousness, or obedience are not necessary. James understood this, and wrote in his epistle, chapter 2, verses 21-24, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”

Let us never forget that we are saved only because God extended his grace in love, by sending His Son. Let us never forget that if we make it to Heaven, it will not be because we earned or paid our way there, but rather because of that freely offered gift. And let us never forget our part of this salvation equation. The extension of grace teaches us that we have certain responsibilities to our God. Notice what Paul told Titus in Titus 2:11-12, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” The gift has been offered, and it is up to us to accept it through the obedient faith described by James in his epistle.

Recently I read a tract written by Eugene Britnell in 1953, titled, Why Be Just a Christian. The tract has been reprinted many times, and I would encourage you to get a copy or copies, read it, and pass it out to those who do not have a concept of non-denominational Christianity.

Continue reading “Why Be Just A Christian?” →