I recently watched a video clip from an interview about gender identification. The interviewer asked the female guest, “Is it true that only a female chicken can lay an egg?” After a volley of comments back and forth, the interviewer said, “Isn’t it the truth that female chickens lay eggs?” to which the guest replied with a smile, “Whose truth?” Her response reflects a popular belief in our society that truth is relative to an individual’s point of view. Thus, what may be true to one person may not be true to another. So then, the conclusion to this viewpoint is that there is no absolute truth. However, nothing could be further from the truth!

The fact is that there are absolutes that are true regardless of what an individual may believe or feel in one’s heart. It is the absolute truth that the sun exists and even though I may believe that it isn’t there, hide in a cave and never see it again, the sun is still there. It is an absolute truth that a human must breathe oxygen to survive. Even though one may think that it’s not necessary, or that because you can’t see it that it doesn’t exist, still it is true that without it, a person will suffocate and die. Speaking of dying, all people will die a physical death, even if that is not “true” to me, I will someday breathe my last and die. That’s the absolute truth.

When it comes to matters of faith, there are absolute truths. First and foremost, God is absolute, eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, and perfect. He is the Creator of all things and it is evident in the marvelously complex and wondrous universe He spoke into being. God’s word is truth as stated by Jesus in John 17:17. The bible is God breathed, inspired and it is good for doctrine, for reprimand, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the people of God may be spiritually mature, thoroughly prepared for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Because the bible narrative is true, Jesus came, lived, died, was resurrected and now resides on the right hand of God. Because one believes in this truth and obeys the gospel plan, they can have eternal life once they pass from this present life. And that my friends, is the absolute truth.

Jay Launius – 2022 Maud church of Christ Maud, Texas

Must You Tell Everything You Know?                            October 29, 2023

            Perhaps you’ve read “Anne of Green Gables” (or seen the videos, or both).  “Tales of Avonlea” is a follow-up series of made-for-television programs featuring some of the same characters in the same quaint little town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island about a century ago.

            One of the many recurring themes in both the books and the television shows is the propensity of people to gossip.  What someone said or did decades ago is hashed and rehashed.  Who was seen with whom, and what it might mean, becomes grist for the rumor mill, replete with speculation, arguments, exaggeration, and an abundance of jumping to conclusions.  Ironically, not even church diminishes the desire to dredge up dirt.  No sooner have services concluded than the backbiting begins anew in their Sunday best!  Of course, the author presents it in such a way that we say, “Shame on them!  I would never do that!”  But is that always true?

            “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13).  Someone protests, “But everything I said is true!”  Let’s suppose that’s true.  The question is, “Must you tell everything you know?”  Even if something is true, you might do better to keep it quiet.  What if some salacious scrap of scandal surfaced about you?  Would you want anyone who learns of it to broadcast it to the world?

            Someone smarter than I recommended three tests before speaking: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it kind? 3) Is it necessary?  I have a hunch that heeding those three tests would result in far less gossip.

            “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Proverbs 26:20).

            You really don’t have to tell everything you know!

By Joe Slater

God is On the Throne, Not On Stage                          October 22, 2023

The God we serve is an august, spiritual being both deserving and desirous of our deepest respect.  Though describes in Scripture as a friend to man (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23), He is not some sort of “good buddy” to joke with or about.

Our God is still on the throne (Psalms 45:6); His ways remain higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), and His authoritative Word still promises to judge us in the Last Day (Revelation 20:12). 

No measure of self-appointed, flippant familiarity with the God of heaven detracts one bit or whit from His inherent majesty.  Our God is eminently worthy of our reverence; thus we must serve Him “acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).  Truly, reverence is the ‘very first element of religion.’

Moreover, our periods of public worship should express this spirit of reverence.  “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all about Him” (Psalms 89:7).  Worship performed “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) suggests a demeanor of awe and reverence.

We agree that our worship services should be permeated with expressions of joy and thanksgiving – they should not come to resemble a congregational visit to the dentist, but neither should the reverent worship of our heavenly Father be confused for a carnival or rock concert.  Regardless of where, when, or by whom the worship is performed – it must be characterized by reverence and decorum.  “Let all things be done decently and in order ” (I Corinthians 14:40).

The worship assembly is not the proper setting for screaming, whistling, clapping, and stomping the feet in response to a speaker’s message.  We do not gather to pay homage to men but to worship God.  We do not come together as we would at a football game or a band concert; we come to worship God.  We do not assemble with the intent of being entertained; we come to worship God.  Any assembly of saints with the intent of worshipping and praising the God of heaven should reject that which emphasizes the carnal emotions and minimizes the spiritual man.  An outsider should be able to attend one of our assemblies and see a marked difference between the worship of God and a stage show performance.

In the realm of worship, zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2) paves a dangerous road toward pagan, fleshly-oriented, and riotous assemblies.  Most of our denominational neighbors have long gone this route, with services geared more toward entertaining man than worshipping God.  May we learn to temper our joy in Christ with a Christ-like reverence for things holy.  And may we teach our children so.

Remember, our God is on the throne – not on stage.

By Dalton Key

Apathy                                                                      October 15, 2023

Problems facing the body of Christ are many and varied.  The devil opposes us with persecutions, false doctrines, and all kinds of fleshly temptations.  But one of his most successful devices is apathy – an attitude of indifference which afflicts Christians and eats away their zeal like a cancer.  It is highly contagious and, if unchecked, is fatal to the souls of men and women.  In many areas, it has now reached epidemic proportions.

The word “apathy” is an interesting word, coming from the Greek “apatheia” which means without feeling.  In English we have the word Pathos which means strong passion.  The prefix “a” negates the original meaning and identifies absence.  So apathy means without feeling; no passion; without fervent spirit.  The simple meaning is well expressed by “Who Cares?”  The Lord is not pleased with apathy.  Christ had rather we were hot or cold rather than existing in that nauseating middle of being lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-17).  Indifference was the problem with the church in Laodicea.  To that dead congregation, Jesus said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot; I would that you were cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spew you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).  How many church of Christ are in that same condition today?

Unbelief is the basis of apathy.  “Beware, brethren, lest there should be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God,” (Hebrews 3:12).  “…be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, inasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” (I Corinthians 15:58).

Ingratitude is the fuel of apathy.  Paul describes the behavior of sin in terms of people who knew God in some superficial way, but “did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful,” (Romans 1:21).  One cannot spell apathetic without the word pathetic.  Inaction is the behavior of apathy.  If you do not care, you do not act!  All through the book of Acts, the saints who carried on the work of the Lord were those who believed, cared, and loved.  Inaction and lack of initiative id evidence of apathy.

Indifference is the attitude of apathy.  Attitudes are hard to hide.  If you don’t care about the things of God, it is hard to conceal that.  If you are unconcerned about the lost, that will be seen in your inaction towards them.  Silence is the language of apathy.  If you don’t care, you probably will not say anything.

Spiritual apathy is a choice.  In part, it denies (consciously or not) that God is actively involved in our lives.  It admits that nothing much will change – despite the presence of the powerful Spirit within us – and that, in the current state of things, there’s nothing much to get excited about.  Spiritual apathy takes things for granted – even the gift of life – and says, “Why bother?”  Why bother worshipping?  Why bother praying or reading God’s word?  Why bother having fellowship or giving?

Let us rid ourselves of this terrible disease.  It insults heaven, disgraces grace, abandons the lost, gives great occasion for the enemies of God to blaspheme, and crucifies once again the Son of God.  The cause of Christ deserves the very best we have to offer.

When we spend more time watching TV and playing ball than we do studying and teaching the word of God, are we not indifferent?  When we find time to go to the movies and other places of entertainment, but not to visit the sick and erring, are we not indifferent?  The time has come for us to wake up and get to work.  Our indifference will send us to eternal hell!                    By an elder of the Hew Hope church of Christ

Gratitude                                                                      October 8, 2023

It has been said, “Thankfulness is a thread that can bind together all the patchwork squares of our lives.”  Life is filled with a variety of seasons and emotions.  There are times of happiness and sadness.  There are times of frustration and relaxation.  There are times of sickness and health.  Yet, through it all, we can find reasons to be thankful.

The life of Jesus is a wonderful example of this.  Did Jesus have a life free of trouble?  Absolutely not.  Think of all the things about which Jesus could have complained.  He lived in a sinful world and suffered in the ways that we suffer.  He wept.  He was hungry.  He was thirsty.  Unfortunately, He dies the horrendous death on a cross.

The Lord’s Supper provides a glimpse of Jesus’ gratitude.  “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'” (Luke 22:19).  Notice Jesus gave thanks for the bread which is intended to signify His body which will be hung on the cross.  Jesus could have been resentful.  But, instead, we see gratitude throughout His life.

Although life is certainly filled with difficulties, the Christian perspective provides a major lens through which to understand life.  This why Paul writes, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14).  The cross and resurrection provide a different view of the world.  We do not grieve as those who have no hope.  Rather, we realize that God is “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).  We live as those who are a “new creature” (II Corinthians 5:17).

Gratitude is about our focus.  When we focus on the ways in which we are blessed, we are appreciative.  On the other hand, when we focus on the ways in which we perceive that we are lacking, we will live with ingratitude.  Every day provides an opportunity to be either grateful or ungrateful. 

Here are a few things that might help us lean toward a life of gratitude:

• Consider taking time every day to note the many things that are worthy of your appreciation.  You might even want to write them down.
• Tell someone why you appreciate him or her.
• Think about a current hardship in life.  Even within the hardship, reflect on something for which you can be thankful.

We have so many reasons to be filled with gratitude.  We just need to slow down to notice them.  When we do, we can’t help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness.

By Bryan Nash (Adapted)

What’s Your Goliath?                                                         October 1, 2023

I came across a video the other day of an incredible scene: two honey badgers battling a pride of six lions.  Although outnumbered, the honey badgers refused to back down from ferocious predators ten times their size.  The lions thought the kill would be simple, but the footage shows the badgers walking away with a bit of a swagger.  The Big guy versus the Little guy.  Recently our Preschool class talked about the story of David and Goliath.  We had a very special guest that night show up.  These kids showed no fear at all.  They lined up their marshmallow stone and aimed their sling shot and took down the giant.  They were fearless.

There are so many lessons from this famous Biblical story in I Samuel 17.

Young, inexperienced David with only a slingshot and a few stones confronted the fierce Philistine Giant who possessed brute strength and advanced weaponry.

Goliath was mocking Israel to engage in battle, but no one was willing to fight.  King Saul and “all the Israelites were terrified.”  Imagine the shock when David stepped up to the challenge.  What gave him the courage that none of Israel’s hardened warriors possessed?

For all of Israel, Goliath dominated their vision.  That’s all they saw.

But David was different – he was fearless.  All he saw was God.

“The Lord will deliver YOU into my hands,” he insisted (I Samuel 17:46).

While everyone else believed Goliath controlled the story, David believed that God loomed larger.  With a single stone to the giant’s forehead, David’s faith was justified.

This world and Satan himself tempts us to believe that “Goliath” directs the story.  We all have a goliath (it’s different for everyone, health, money, doubt, worry, anxiety) and you could even be facing multiple goliaths – just like the Honey Badgers.

What We Cannot Forget:

No matter what we face – God is larger…when He dominates our vision, there’s nothing else left to focus on.

What Goliath overwhelms you these days?  How can the power and presence of God transform your perspective?

You’ve got a problem?  God is bigger.  You’ve got worries or stress?  God is better.

No matter what, God looms larger.  No problem or obstacle is too big for Him.

By Jared Boser

Live Simply                                                                 September 24, 2023

In a world that seems to be more and more cluttered with frustrations, concerns, uncertainties, pain, and hurt from emotional & physical challenges coupled with spiritual obstacles, aren’t we thankful that God only wants us to Live Simply for Him?  His desire is for us to be saved and not live a complicated life.  There is just so much pressure to be successful in our society!!!

According to an article in the New York Post in March of 2018, a study was conducted regarding the “busyness” of American families.  The article begins with the following statement: “American families get just 37 minutes of quality time together per day, according to new research.  A study of 2,000 parents with school- aged children across the country found the extent to which hectic routines take a toll during the work week with the families polled managing less than 45 minutes all together on a typical weekday.  Many families are still struggling for time to properly bond and enjoy each other without distraction.  That might be because 60 percent of parents describe their daily lives as :hectic” and one in four say that the lack of family quality time away from chores, work, school, or TV is a real problem.”  Life is challenging and busy!  We all seem to be so busy that our focus on God has become clouded and we sometimes forget to do what we are commanded.  We sometimes get distracted with the complexity of life that we are not “living simply for Christ.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says the duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.  The text says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this man’s all.  For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

The good news is God’s message for us is not complicated.  His message is not confusing.  His message is comforting.  His expectations are not beyond anything we can grasp!  God is saying, “Be my disciple and stop being concerned with your desires.”  What does God want us to be?  He wants us to be a disciple!  In the New Testament, the word “disciple” is used 269 more times than the word Christian.  The word Christian is an important word….it is a word that Jesus has stamped on us.  But the word used to teach us what a Christian is, is the word Disciple!

We are supposed to be disciplining ourselves to be like our Master; our Savior.  Matthew 6:19-21 says this begins with our focus, our vision, and where we place our energy day in and day out.  The text says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  We need to focus on the spiritual idea of simplicity.  Each day, we are given a choice to choose activities that lead to greater earthly prosperity OR to choose things that lead to greater future eternal rewards.  It is not only about making our life simple.  It is more about simply making our life about the kingdom of God.  We need to focus on our relationship with Christ.  We do this by looking at the example that has been left for us: Jesus!

John 4:34 says, Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”  Jesus was unencumbered by the restrictions associated with life because of His focus on His mission which was to: live simply, be a humble servant, and to please God.             By Allen Jones

Getting What We Deserve                                        September 17, 2023

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing…” (Philippians 2:14)

We often grumble because we don’t have what we want, instead, we should be thankful that we don’t get what we deserve.  The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Since “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), we ought to be ever so grateful that, in Christ, we do not get what we deserve (Romans 8:1).

While modern man seeks to redefine sin and restructure God’s commandments, the Bible clearly says that sin is “the transgression of the law” (I John3:4).  Sin is not determined by popular opinion, but by the word of God.  God rebuked those in Isaiah’s day who called “evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).  Many in our day have been afflicted with the same twisted morality.  This is why we must get serious about discovering what the Bible says about sin rather than trying to make the Bible say what we want it to say.

Being delivered from the penalty of sin involves knowing and obeying the truth.  Jesus said that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  The truth, as it is embodied in Christ and His word, can set us free from the power and penalty of sin.  However, we must accept His word by faith.  Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).  Faith is the means by which grave is appropriated.  Biblical faith is known by its obedience (James 2:18).  Consequently, ours must be a faith that works through love (Galatians 5:6).

Grace is a beautiful concept.  But, it is not cheap.  Neither should it be taken for granted.  Instead, grace must be accepted by means of an active faith.  Grace and gratitude are inseparably connected.  Only those who have been sufficiently impressed by the grace of God will respond with overflowing expressions of thankfulness and love.

Rather than grumbling or complaining about life’s difficulties or hardships, focus instead on the grace of God as it is extended to us through Jesus Christ.  In Christ, we can always be grateful that we do not get what we deserve!

By Glen Elliott

Be All That You Can Be                                  September 10, 2023

As Christians are we being ALL THAT WE CAN BE?  We all have talent that allows us to make contributions to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.  When we don’t utilize our talents we have a tendency to utilize excuses.  Moses struggled with this as well.  We know Moses as a Leader, but he also made excuses:

Exodus 3:11 says, “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'”  Do we sometimes feel we are not qualified?

Exodus 3:13 says, “Then Moses said to God, ‘Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them that the God of their fathers has sent me to them and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ then what shall I say to them?'”  Are we concerned we can’t answer questions when asked?

Exodus 4:1 says, “Then Moses answered and said, ‘But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.'”  Do we doubt God’s directions?

Exodus 4:10 says, “Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”  Do we doubt our skills & abilities?

Exodus 4:13 says, “But he said, ‘O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.'”  Do we simply want someone else to serve?  Do we take the easy way out of service our to our age, our schedule, or feel we have served long enough?

It is easy to find reasons “not” to grow or become complacent on our Christian walk.

I Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  May we always be focused and fruitful!

God cares about results, not reasons (Matthew 28:16-20).

Will you BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE?                            By Allen Jones

Faith or Arrogance?                                           September 3, 2023

When I was growing up, there was a Lay’s Potato Chips as campaign that ran several times.  It had an extremely catchy slogan: “Betcha can’t eat just one!”  As a child, I would think, “Duh!   Of course, I could!”  However, every time I found a Lay’s Original bag in my lunch, I never seemed to find the willpower to give it a try.

We tend to overestimate our ability to resist temptation, don’t we?  Especially when we are sitting in a pew.  It is easy to say, “Amen!” to whatever challenge the preacher gives us.  As he warns the congregation to abstain from a particular sin, we imagine ourselves overcoming such a temptation without any trouble at all.  However, how often do we find ourselves lacking willpower when we are confronted with temptation?

In Daniel chapter one, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego demonstrate the self-control to which we should all aspire.  During the Babylonian captivity, they were chosen to be the personal servants of King Nebuchadnezzar.  To prepare them for this service, the king commanded that they eat the king’s delicacies and drink the king’s wine.  However, Daniel recognized that eating the king’s food would violate God’s law.  So, he and his three brethren refused the king’s meals and asked for a substitute (Daniel 1:8).

Now, Daniel’s request was not that simple.  This meal was part of their preparation to serve the king.  If the chief eunuch gave them something else to eat and it hurt their appearance, the king could execute him (v. 10).  Their defiance was a matter of life and death – not only for themselves, but also for this eunuch!

Daniel and the others were facing tremendous temptation.  If they would go along with the program, not only would they be free of danger, but they would be eating and drinking the best meal in all of Babylon.  How easy would it be for them to just keep quiet and eat?  But that’s not what they did.

How were they able to resist so easily?  Verse 8 tells us, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”  He made a covenant with himself to remain faithful.  Daniel was prepared for whatever temptation would come his way because he already made his mind up.

It is easy for us to nod our heads and imagine the great faith we might muster when met with temptations we’ve never known.  But we will fail if we haven’t made the preparations necessary to face them.  Is our faith a self-gratifying show of arrogance, or do we take temptations seriously and purpose in our hearts to remain faithful like Daniel?

By Robert Lupo