MINISTER'S CORNER

Contents

Until Christ Be Formed In You Ye Shall Know The Truth Work Of The Church Finding Fulfillment in Christ About Last Week God Cares Maintaining Unity A Little Story Salvation And The Church

Jesus, The Great Physician The Latter End Is Worse Fathers, An Example Raising Our Children Aren't We Glad He's Here Passion For The Lost And The Lord Added Bible Study, A Priority Rules Are For Our Benefit

The words, "... until Christ be formed in you," were part of the apostle Paul's loving admonition to the Christians at Galatia. Having preached to them the gospel with expectation of Christian maturity, he now saw them stymied by Jewish teachers who sought to impose the law of Moses upon them. For Christians there to have accepted the law would have resulted in their falling from grace. (Galatians 5:4).

Struggling as they were to gain maturity, the impact had already had its devastating effect upon Christians there. Concerned with them as he was, Paul uses the figure of "birthpang" (Galatians 4:19), as if to say, "I cannot rest until Christ is formed in you."

The statement is a very impressive and important expression. It causes us to focus our attention on individual Christian growth, which far too many Christians give up too soon. Some have struggled through years of misery and frustration due to their own weaknesses. Most either die or else burst out into the freedom which Christ offers (Galatians 5:1). Imagine, though, a couple who want children and finally a conception takes place. However, along the way, after periods of bed rest, a trip or two to the hospital, the child is born, but dead. This is somewhat the way one may see a struggling Christian who gives up and turns back.

How long does it take for Christ to be formed in us? To say the least it seldomly is done instantly. There are far too many things that play a part in hindering (or helping) the maturing process. Thus, one might ask how long does it take for a boy to become a man? The important thing to remember is just don't give up. Christ is "struggling" in many church members as an overdue child to be born. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

"Life is measured not by accumulations, but by outlay; not by how much saved, but by how much expended; not by distance traveled, but by the road taken."

"We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people."

A truly great statement was made by Jesus when He declared, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). It was made in the context of a conversation that He had with a host of Jews in the temple where the Jews had asked, "Who art thou?" For them to have come to the knowledge concerning Christ would have put them on the road of being made free.

Jesus' statement apparently touched some rather sensitive nerves among the Jews, for they immediately responded, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be free?" Had they searched where they really stood, they would have realized that they were in bondage to sin.

Are there parallels to this today? Are there any of us who might be in bondage to doubts concerning Christianity? Are we absolutely certain that what we believe about religious matters is true? Are we positive that the things which we did to become a Christian are what the Lord wanted us to know and do? Are we sure that the worship we engage in is that which is pleasing to God, or is it at best just an hour of social activity?

These questions are raised that we might reaffirm our faith in the precious teaching of God's Word. They are asked so that we will not be shaken by "every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14) that seeks to blow us off course of the righteous life we seek to live.

We begin to find the truth when we began to believe that the Bible is God's revelation to man and is absolute. Jesus declared in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth". Rest assured that God will bless those who seek the truth. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

"The Christian life is steadfast. It must be lived day in and day out--not in spurts. A certain woman whose life was anything but faithful, enthused over a sermon, exhorted her husband: "John, be a Christian, just like me."

Living in a complex society as we are today, it is sometimes confusing what role the church is to play in our day. Some see the church as a host with power to make changes in the political arena and thus have politicians wooing their vote. Others see the church as a social institution whose design it is to provide entertainment. Such falls short of the biblical understanding of the work assigned to the church.

The inspired words of the apostle Paul set before us the proper objective of the church when he wrote, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Ephesians 3:10). Thus, the Bible declares that the work of the church is to make known God's wisdom or simply stated in another way, to ''preach the Word."

This is a task given to the whole church and not just to a select few. The challenge is too great to be met by preachers alone. I read recently where all the colleges operated by our brethren combined to graduate only 200 men last year who said they were going to preach. This trend highlights the problem we have in getting God's Word to the world.

The Lord provides the answer to such a problem both by command and by example. In giving the "Great Commission" to the Apostles, Jesus also instructed them to teach those whom they baptized to "observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Too, the example set by those of the first century inspires us to carry out the Lord's Will in this matter. Luke relates that the early Christians were persecuted, but it did not dampen their spirit for teaching others. "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8:4).

"IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE - To say that it makes no difference what a man believes so long as his heart is right is about the same as saying that it makes no difference what disease one has so long as he is healthy."

One of the essential cogs in the wheel of life is that we are always looking for something that is better, something that will be an improvement over what we have. So, we try different things and if they work, we have a measure of increased happiness. To test this philosophy is simple. Compare your wood stoves to that of the modern gas stoves; your rub board to the automatic washers; your T-Model Ford to present day automobiles. This is how we measure success sometimes.

In living the Christian life we often look for things by which we can measure our happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. What are the clues to finding these?

God's grace is one of the clues. When we realize that God has poured out His favor upon us, we should stop and appreciate the riches of this blessing. Paul writes, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). Realizing that we have been saved provides the ground for boundless joy and is truly a measure of the fulfillment of the life that we have in Christ.

Too, there is the love of God that can make a tremendous difference in our lives. It makes us conscious of our being appreciated when we realize that "Jesus loves me". And certainly He does. John tells us: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." (John 3:16). This is a real battery charger that helps us to find contentment and make a difference in our lives.

There are a lot of other clues to our finding happiness and fulfillment, but perhaps the inspired words of Paul serve us best: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phillipians 4:11,13).

"Treasure, pleasure, and leisure is the world's trinity of desire. Suffer, sacrifice and share is the Christian's slogan."

"The life that is truly Christian is a magnet. It draws men to Christ."

Last week (April 6, 1997), was a great week for the Lord's church here at Riverside. The week was highlighted by two baptisms: Annie Lively on Thursday and Katie Anderson on Sunday. Contributing to the joyous week was the 207 that assembled for services Sunday morning, the highest attendance mark for this year. Then to enjoy the fellowship and food after the morning services truly made this a grand day and hopefully, all to the glory of the Lord.

But, brethren, we have not yet arrived. Such accomplishments are but stepping stones to yet greater things for the Lord's cause. The blessings which the Lord will give to all who faithfully execute His will are boundless. Paul wrote: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

One may wonder how can they do more. Keep striving. As an individual Christian consider the attitude that Paul took for his own life. To the Christians at Philippi he wrote: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phillipians 3:13-14).

Another thing to do. Keep praying. In our prayers let us "Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phillipians 4:16).

Finally, keep faith. Read what was done by God's servants in Hebrews, chapter eleven. One common notation in the many verses is "By faith" so and so did such and such. As they did great things for the Lord in the past, so we can do things today for Him.

One of the most comforting thoughts concerning Christianity is that God cares for His children. There is no problem too little or big but that God is not only aware of, but He is also willing to help us take care of it. David wrote of God, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1).

God knows each of us by name. Jesus declared, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32). He not only knows this about us but He knows our occupation, where we live, and our relationship to the family. All of this is brought out in the Lord's talking with Peter in Acts 10.

Along with the personal knowledge of His children, God also knows our needs and provides for us. He who made and sustains the universe is the same One who blesses us with those things we need to sustain our life. Jesus, in His sermon delivered on the mount, taught, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

Having provided for us in our daily needs, God also guides us in our daily walk of life. Christians have come to know, as did Jeremiah, that "it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). However, God does direct us. David tells us how God does that. In (Psalms 119:105) , he wrote: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". Just as God directed the steps of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promise Land, so He directs us through this life and to heaven through His word.

There are many other things that God does for us such as correct us, defend us, and provide for our salvation. What does He expect of us in return? Simply that we are grateful and considerate stewards of the things He has given us and obey His will. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiates 12:13)

"If God simply handed us everything we want, he'd be taking from us our greatest prize - the joy of accomplishment."

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 2:7)

In the longest recorded prayer of our Lord, Jesus prayed for the unity of believers, saying, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21). The length of the prayer may not be significant, but the achieving and maintaining of what Jesus prayed for is. The apostle Paul was later to write a letter to the church at Ephesus in which he enjoined unity upon the believers there, writing, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

There is a variety of reasons why unity should characterize the church of Christ. Jesus assigned one reason in His prayer: "that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." In a time when the majority of the world's population is non-Christian, maintaining unity becomes a tool of evangelism. Doubtless some will at least be motivated to investigate Christianity because of a show of unity among believers.

Too, unity of God's people becomes a great demonstration of love which Jesus also asks his disciples to maintain. "By this (love) shall all men know that you are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35). Many people of the world are searching for a group of believers who show care for one another. On the other hand, they will be turned off to a disruptive and divided people.

Additionally, it must be noted that energy used in division should be put into moving forward in being what the church is expected to be. Paul writes of this to Timothy in these words: "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (I Timothy 3:15)

Recently Hilda Oberhofer handed me a pamphlet with the above titled story. The story is this: ''This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!"

Little hard to follow sometimes as you work your way through the maze of bodies, but it has basis for some good thought. Consider it in light of the following selected material on winning souls to Christ.

Nobody ever won just anybody to Christ! Members seldomly respond to our urging that everybody bring someone. But we do get results when each one selects a certain person and concentrates his efforts on that individual. There must be a plan, purpose, and prayer in successful soul winning. Maybe the following suggestions will help:

1. Realize the importance of winning just one soul to Christ. Do you believe that the greatest thing a human being can do is to bring another to Christ? It is!

2. Select some person. Do not become so concerned with taking the world for Christ that you forget the individual.

3. Love that person. Do not forget that "love never faileth." Remember that some soul is worth more than all of earth's treasures.

One of the most unfortunate misunderstandings in religious circles is that of the relationship between the church and our salvation. Many believe that one does not have to be a member of the church in order to be saved. "After all it's not the church that saves you. It's Christ that saves you."

For sure it is Christ who saves us, but what is often overlooked is the fact that the church is the body of the saved. By inspiration Luke wrote of those people who had obeyed the command to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47) Thus, the church and the saved are one in the same.

Too, consider the proposition that one cannot be saved without the blood of Christ. The apostle Peter wrote, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot." (I Peter 1:18, 19) The blood which Jesus shed for our sins is in his body and, according to Ephesians 1:22,23 ,the body and the church are the same. Therefore, to be in the church is to be in the body of Christ where our Lord shed His blood.

The question is not just can one be saved outside of the church, but also can one be saved in the church. Truly one can be saved and will be saved if he continues as a faithful member of the body of Christ, the church. Jesus declared through John, "...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)

Since Christ gave His life for the church (Acts 20:28), one should hold the proper respect, love, and devotion for the body and be a faithful member of it.

Some people think their faith is strong enough to get them to heaven. If so, why isn't it strong enough to get them to worship services???"

"Wisdom is knowing what to do; Skill is knowing how to do it; Virtue is doing it."

One of the things which characterizes the times in which we live today is that of emotional stress. We often find ourselves living in the "fast lane" whether we want to or not, and this results in frustration, discouragement, depression, worry, fear, doubt and insecurity. Most recognize these symptoms. Question is, how do we deal with them so as to make ourselves a productive servant of God?

Mark 2:17 admits of Jesus being a physician whose coming to earth was for the benefit of those that are sick. When, as Christians we possess some of the above traits, then we are in need of the Great Physician. In His diagnosis of us, Jesus finds that one of the contributing factors to our problem is that of a lack of faith. Notice four times that Jesus said, "Oh, ye of little faith" and at the same time, how we go from human reasoning to anxiety.

Matt. 16:8 - "Oh ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread". This lack of faith came as a result of human reasoning.

Matt. 14:31 - "Oh ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt". This lack of faith came from a background of doubt.

Matt. 8:26 - "Why are ye fearful, Oh ye of little faith". Here their lack of faith was caused by their fear.

Matt. 6:30 - "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, Oh ye of little faith ?" This is the outgrowth of anxiety. Notice the progression of these four verses. They went from human reasoning to anxiety.

The Bible writes a prescription for such a problem as this. Since doubt and lack of faith are prime causes of our stress, the Bible tells us how to get or regain our faith. The apostle Paul wrote: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). When we have the knowledge of God's will, we know we have the "medicine" that will cure

Along with that, faith produces study and prayer. The apostles made a request of Jesus in Luke 17:5 that we all should ask of God. There it is said: "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith". When we combine all of these things, we can live confidently, remembering that things are always as bright as God's promises.

Usually we turn to Christ, the apostles, or prophets for our examples of good things that should characterize our life. It is possible to learn some very good lessons in life, however, by looking to a different type of a man than those above, that being Judas Iscariot. Judas betrayed his Lord for 30 pieces of silver, but later returned the money when he saw what was done to Christ. Some time later Judas went and hanged himself. (See Matthew 27:1-5).

We learn from the life of Judas that the consequences of sin is something that cannot be escaped. In his case, his conscience accused him of his sin and he went out and hanged himself. This, however, does not remove the penalty we must pay for our wrong doings. Paul writes of that day and time in (I Corinthians 5:10) as follows: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad".

Too, we learn from Judas that sin is worse than most men think. Judas apparently was shocked when he saw Jesus treated as he was by those who tried him and eventually put him to death. The reality of sin was then realized by Judas and he did not like what he saw. How often have we failed to see the end of even the least sin? How often have we said after the fact, "I wish I hadn't said that" or "I wish I had not done that".

Finally, we learn from Judas that which Moses declared to the Israelites as they were about to enter the promise land. Moses told them if they failed to do God's will, they would sin and he added, "...and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). No matter how the sin was committed, it will at some point and time be exposed.

Realizing that "we have all sinned" (Romans 3:23), we should give thanks to God that He has made provision for our sins in the giving of Jesus who shed His blood for our forgiveness. We thus should repent and obtain remission of our wrong doings. (See Luke 24:47).

Today (June 15,1997), most of our sons and daughters pause to give praise to their fathers, more affectionally called "dad". It may come in the form of a tie, a shirt, a hug or a simple "Happy Father's Day, Dad". It will be warmly received regardless of the form. Such recognition puts the father in the spotlight and makes him cognizant of the fact that he is special to someone and also makes him realize his responsibility to his children.

This brings me to the point of considering just what is the responsibility of the father. It is obviously a variety of things, but the poem given me several years ago by Louise Woods is one that I would like to pass on for your consideration. I will submit it as it appeared in the newspaper at Pampa,Texas

"To the editor:

I am currently serving sentence in Gray County jail. I would like to share a poem my wife has written for me. These words weigh heavy on my mind, and feel if we share them, we may open the eyes of fathers throughout Gray County to understanding a child's innocence and purity.

One of the most precious gifts that God gives to mankind is that of our children. The Psalmist wrote: "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psm. 127:3). With the gift also comes the responsibility to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). "But how do I do that ?" many parents want to know.

First of all, recognize that it is not easy. It is something that the parents will definitely have to work at. It won't come accidentally. The task is compounded by the many "outside" influences that our children are subjected to. Yet, in spite of this, we have this promise of God: "Train up a child in the way she should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).

Another thing that will help us as parents is to pray a lot for our children. When Monoah learned that his wife was to bear him a son (Samson), the Bible declares that "Manoah entreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born" (Judges 13:8). James reminds us that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).

Too, set the right kind of example before them and that from the beginning. I knew a father that hunted out of season with his son. Later, when the son stole apples from a neighbor's tree, the father didn't try to correct the situation, but instead said "I did that when I was a boy". To the surprise of hardly anyone the son was later convicted for safe robbery.

No, it is not easy, but millions have done it. Let the church help by teaching your children in Bible classes the values of God. It will be an inestimable investment.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, foreasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58).

Recently one of our grandsons stole away from his parents while attending Wednesday night Bible class in the auditorium. He ran down the aisle, straight for the pulpit and across the stage before his mother could catch up with him. To say the least, the parents were embarrassed by the event.

No doubt this or other similar incidences has happened to parents attending church services. While these may bring a sense of discomfort, let it be noted that the child was at church services. He or she was forming an attendance pattern that hopefully will carry over into adulthood. Perhaps the best evaluation of such frustrating times could be summarized in the following poem:

Truly, we are glad they are here. They could be at home soaking up a lot of TV that could possibly be unhealthy to their formative minds. At church services they are being told of the Bible and God's love for them. At church services they are learning Christian values that will help guide their future lives.

We are blessed here at Riverside with a good number of small children. Thank God for them, their dedicated parents and teachers. Yes, WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE.

"No matter how busy and rushed the say seems---let's gather our rose buds and follow our dream. Let's take a few moments to pray and to sing. Today is a good day and time's on the wing. And if we've some roses to give by the way, let's take just a moment and give them today." ---Copied

Recently the Fredericksburg local paper, The Free-Lance Star, carried a story of a family that was distraught over the loss of a family pet. It seems that their cat had been missing for several days and in spite of their search, it was for naught. Flyers were printed and circulated with the information concerning the feline. Turned out that the cat was in a tall tree unable to climb down due to a broken hip. Upon discovery, a rescue unit was called in and the cat was brought to safety.

On the whole, stories that end this way are appreciated. The cat is now safely home and in the care of the family. Everyone can now return to their comfortable mode of daily life. The story has about it a lot of things that we need to be reminded of as Christians.

First, there is a lot of CONCERN. The animal is lost and family members show a great deal of anxiety over its well being. Second, there is COMPASSION. It is mirrored in the things they did to find the family pet. Third, there is SACRIFICE as seen in the time and money spent for the return of the cat. Finally, there is HAPPINESS because the situation ended well.

As Christians we need to have equal concern, compassion and sacrifice for souls that are lost in sin. When we have these ingredients, happiness will usually follow for they motivate us to positive actions which results in people being saved. Jesus taught, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

The same characteristics inspire us to support those that are "weak in the faith" (Romans 14:1) and to "bear ye one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2).

One thing have I desire of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4).

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14).

Every organization seeks to add members to its being. The church of our Lord is no exception. However, unlike human organizations, the Lord alone stipulates what it takes to become a member of His church and He also does the adding of the person to the group. "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). This past Sunday night (February 1997) the Lord added Amy Settle to His church after she acknowledged Jesus Christ and was baptized into Him for the remission of her sins.

Luke's above statement is made in context of the number of people who heard the gospel preached and obeyed it on the day of Pentecost. Note, the Lord was the one who added those obedient believers. There was no voting on them, no probationary period, no waiting. Upon their obedience to the gospel, the Lord added them to His church.

Too, consider the fact that the Lord added them "to the church". What church did the Lord add them to? It was not to a denominational church for it was several hundred years before any such churches ever came into existence. The Lord added them to His church, the one He promised He would build (Matthew 16:18).

Notice, also, that the Lord added the "saved" to the church. It was those who were old enough to believe and obey that were constituted as saved. Thus, the Lord didn't add babies. They were safe (Mt. 18:1-3) and not in a lost condition. Too, when one is "saved" they are saved from sin. What sin has a baby committed? According to Mark 16:16 one must believe before being saved. How much can a baby believe?

Before Jesus died He said, "I will build my church " (Mt. 16:18). It is made up of those who are saved from their sins. Thus there is a need to hunt for it. to love and become a member of it.

"Because strait is the gate, narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:14).

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (I John 5:3).

At best, life is so brief that it is necessary to set priorities if one is to accomplish the best in their life. Jesus advised that "I (we) must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4). To do this requires setting of schedules and timetables.

There is no more important thing than for a Christian to do than study God's word. The apostle Paul wrote: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth" (II Tim. 2:15). In addition to making us approved, it is clear to see the benefits to be derived from such an endeavor.

It makes us free. Jesus declared: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). One of the great burdens in life that we carry is that of ignorance. It causes us to be beat into the loss of our desire to go forward. Of the Israelites Hosea wrote, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The way to overcome this is through study.

Knowing God's word puts us in a position to be able to help someone else to know the truth. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (II Tim. 2:2). It is good to know that while one is on their way to heaven that at the same time, they are helping in someone else getting there also.

Study requires time and time is something you may think you do not have. No one has an abundance of it, therefore you have to set a priority on what is important. There is no more rewarding thing than when one finally removes the obstacles and is able to get into studying. Why not make the effort this week ?

"Come unto me all ye the labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The June 27th, 1997 edition of the Free-Lance Star carries an unscientific survey of people's knowledge of the Ten Commandments that was taken in our area. Of the 21 persons who allowed interviews and who attempted to name all 10, only two were successful. Most of the rest could name only two or three of the laws.

Perhaps this helps explain why so many people of our time show so little respect as to how they live. They don't know the rules of living. Some don't want to know and others wouldn't care if they broke the law even if they had an accurate knowledge of it. Such ignorance and indifference has given birth to a lot of shame and misery we suffer in our society today.

In some measure it is history repeating itself. Bearing in mind that God gave the Jews such laws at Mt. Sinai as a code of living, they chose through time to disregard His manifested wisdom. Hosea writes of his people: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). Isaiah declared "... Israel cloth not know, my people cloth not consider" (Isaiah 1:3). Such conditions prompted the people to do what is said in Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right is his own eyes." No wonder that the children of Israel were eventually punished by the Lord through Assyrian and Babylonian captivity.

Such history is for our benefit today. God's New Testament laws serve as our guide in life today. We need to know them; embrace them; and live by them. It is now being legalistic for God to say that we must obey His will (Heb. 5:8,9); that we must be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38); that we must live faithful (Rev. 2:10), etc. It is His world. He established the laws governing our lives here and hereafter... and they were made for our benefit.

Mail comments to: Bill Bates

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