CORRALLING THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST - June 28, 2011

Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and, according to the historical record found in the New Testament, the church came into existence in the city of Jerusalem on the first Day of Pentecost following the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ when "those who gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day about three thousand souls were added to them" (Acts 2:41).  (For a detailed account of the church's beginning, one should read the entirety of Acts 2).

While it began in Jerusalem, the church was designed and intended by God to be a universal spiritual kingdom "beginning at Jerusalem"and spreading in time "to the end of the earth" (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). 

As the church spread, independent, autonomous (self-governing) congregations (local churches) were established throughout the Greco-Roman world.  Christ was the only head of the church, but each congregation was organized with elders (also called pastors and bishops), deacons, and, of course, the individual members (see Philippians 1:1).  In no instance did a group of churches constitute a diocese, conference, or synod.  Each local congregation was governed, shepherded, overseen by the elders of that one church    (I Peter 5:2).  Nor were these local churches grouped into different denominations.  In New Testament times there was "one body (the church), and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).  It never occurred to a first century Christian to ask another Christian, "Of what denomination are you a member?" for there were no denominations until many years after the establishment of the church.  The oldest protestant denomination (the LutheranChurch) is less than five hundred years old, having been established in Augsburg, Germany in 1530.

Today, the churches of Christ strive to occupy the same undenominational stance as the congregations of which we read in the New Testament.  We seek to be simply Christians only, without any denominational affiliation and with no desire to attain denominational status.  Each local church of Christ is independent of every other church of Christ, though we are bound in Christian love and fellowship with all who strive to honor Christ by preaching, teaching, worshiping, and living as  the New Testament instructs.

Unfortunately, some within churches of Christ in recent decades have not clearly perceived the undenominational and non-sectarian ground that we occupy.  Some among us are now saying that the churches of Christ are a denomination and that we should acknowledge our denominational status. They want to tag the church with an exclusive, patented name and not accept the fact that undenominational Christianity is possible even in the 21^st century.

This effort to corral the churches of Christ and pen them up in a denominational stall is being resisted by those who understand the true nature of the church as revealed in the New Testament.  Because of this resistance, there is a growing tension within the churches of Christ.  The only solution to the problem is a return to the New Testament and an adherence to it with reference to how one is saved from sin, how local churches of redeemed people are to be organized and governed, how one is to acceptably worship the Lord, and how one is to live so as to be pleasing to the Lord.

I am a Christian, a disciple (learner/follower) of Christ, a member of the spiritual body (church) of Christ, and a member of an autonomous congregation of saints (Christians, though not sinlessly perfect people). But I have never joined any denomination, and I have neither the desire to do so nor the intention of doing so.

Hugh Fulford

June 28, 2011

DRESS FOR SUCCESS - June 21, 2011

In 1975, John Molloy wrote a book titledDress for Success.  In it he gave special attention to proper dress in the business world and the importance of having a professional appearance.

The New Testament has much to say about how Christians should dress for spiritual success.  Consider, for example, Ephesians 6:10-20.  This passage sets out the full attire for the child of God.

It begins by emphasizing the necessity of "having girded your waist with truth" (NKJV) or having "the belt of truth buckled around your waist" (NIV).  The metaphor is derived from the strong, cord-like sash worn around the waist by a Roman soldier.  It gathered in the short tunic and helped hold the breastplate in place.  For the Christian, this "belt" or "sash" is said to be truth.  This refers to "the manifested, veritable essence of a matter" (W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words), and is virtually synonymous with faithfulness (see Isaiah 11:5).   Absolute fidelity to God and His word (which is truth, John 17:17) is the first item in the Christian's wardrobe.  It is indispensable where spiritual success is concerned.

The second piece of attire is "the breastplate of righteousness."  The soldier's breastplate covered his body from the neck to the thighs and was known as a heart protector.  The breastplate with which Christians protect their hearts is righteousness.  Christ "bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness…" (I Peter 2:24). 

An important part of an ancient soldier's dress was his footwear.  He wore boots thickly studded with sharp nails so as to ensure a good grip on rugged terrain. Athletes today spend large sums of money on good shoes, the right kinds of shoes for their particular sport.   Christians are to have their feet shod "with the preparation of the gospel of peace."  They are to be prepared at all times to share the gospel with those who have never heard it.

Ancient warriors carried a shield with which to repel the flaming missiles of their enemies.  The word "shield" is from a word that originally meant a large stone such as was used to cover the entrance into a cave. From this it passed into meaning a door, and   from this, into meaning a large, oblong shield protecting every part of the body.  The "shield" by which we as Christians protect ourselves is faith.  "And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (I John 5:4). 

Headgear was and is important to a soldier. It is also important to a Christian.  That with which a child of God protects his head is the assurance of salvation.  With that knowledge we protect our minds with the understanding that God has forgiven us of our sins and promised us eternal salvation to be received in the last day—"receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls" (I Peter 1:9). 

The soldier's offensive weapon was a sword. This was a short, two-edged cut-and-thrust sword.  For the Christian, this sword is the word of God.  In his vision of Christ on theisland of Patmos, John said: "…out of His mouth went a sharp two-edge sword" (Revelation 1:16).  The word of the Lord is adequate for overcoming all enemies.  We need to spend much time in honing our ability to use that sword effectively.  And we need to remember that it is a sword, not a butter knife.

As a Christian are you dressed for success? Do you have all your attire in good working order and in place? 

Hugh Fulford

June 21, 2011

Fair and Balanced - June 14, 2011

My old college friend, Emmitt Channel, gave the following feedback from last week's essay on "Marshall Dillon Has Died": "You have brought back some fond memories. I remember those Saturday nights over the cafeteria watching Gunsmoke. It was a good time to spend with our girl friends!  Lash Larue lived in St Petersburg, Fla when we lived there. He ended up a homeless drunk. "

hugh's news & Views

FAIR AND BALANCED

I am not a big television fan.  Other than some morning and evening news shows, some sports events, and some country music programming, I watch very little TV.

In the mornings, after a light breakfast and reading the local Nashville newspaper, my wife and I usually start off with a "look-see" at the local news on the CBS affiliate, surf up to CNBC to see how the stock market futures are doing, go on to HLN to see what Robin Meade is chirping about, and then land at Fox News and our favorite morning news show, "Fox and Friends."  We love Gretchen Carlson, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade. We appreciate Fox News' slogan, "Fair and Balanced."  In a day of political correctness and political bias, "fair and balanced" is a tough motto to live up to.  Fox News does not always achieve such, but in my judgment it is far ahead of ABC, CBS, NBC, and the other mainstream media in this department. 

A friend who, along with me, is a member of an internet discussion group recently wrote to me privately saying: "It is my perception that usually those who claim to be 'fair and balanced' are neither."  This was in response to a post I had made to the list in which I stated that "fair and balanced" did not seem to be a very high priority

 with liberals, a comment I intended to be applied socially, politically, and religiously.  My comment did not sit too well with him, and he was led to make the above comment.  I responded to him with this question: Do you claim to be: a) Fair and balanced? _____; b) Fair and unbalanced? ____; c) Unfair and balanced? _____; d) Unfair and unbalanced? ____.   His response was an astounding: "None of the above"!

"Fair and balanced" should be the motto of every Christian.  Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).  But we often have the same problem with achieving this as the news media has with achieving it.  We have our prejudices, our biases, our slants on people and things.  We are skilled at making those with whom we disagree look bad, and those with whom we agree look good—in spite of good points in the former and bad points in the latter.

Preachers of the gospel need to be fair and balanced.  Some are pleased to preach about the love of God but never about His wrath. They emphasize His goodness but not His severity.  Heaven is often mentioned in their preaching, but little, if anything, is ever said about hell.  (Some no longer believe in hell.) They talk much about faith but little about obedience.  They will stress the importance of belief, but say little in the way of what the Bible teaches we are to believe or not to believe.  They say much about Christ but little about His church.  They may be strong in their emphasis on the grace of God and the atoning death of Christ for the sins of the world, yet say little about what sinners must do to appropriate God's grace and the benefits of Christ's atonement.  Some preachers are strong in their emphasis of Christian attitudes, but weak when it comes to emphasizing the doctrine of Christ and the necessity of adhering strictly to that doctrine (see II John 9).

In all of these matters, it should never be either/or but both/and.  With the apostle Paul, all who profess to be preachers of the gospel need to say: "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).  In other words, fair and balanced. 

Hugh Fulford

June 14, 2011

A FASCINATING TRIP THROUGH TENNESSEE - May 31, 2011

As one who has traveled a big part of our beautiful state, I recently put together a travelogue of places I passed through and things I saw on an imaginary trip through our fascinating state. (Names in all capitals are actual places in Tennessee).

Starting out in MOSCOW, I made my journey in the general direction of PARIS. I passed through DENMARK, intending to make my way on to ROME, QUEBEK (Tennessee spelling), BELFAST, BERLIN, and eventually to ATHENS.

Passing through the HALLS of MONTEZUMA, I rounded a CURVE and saw NANKIPOO sitting on an INDIAN MOUND sharpening her HORNBEAK on a HOLLOW ROCK. With my FINGER I pointed to the one SPOT where I thought I had any PROSPECT of finding enough GOLD DUST to make a purchase at CASH POINT.

At CHRISTMASVILLE a female country crooner was singing ALTO to the accompaniment of a GOOSE HORN, while a bystander rang BELLS hanging from a BELL BUCKLE. The melody coming from her SWEETLIPS was beautiful but I had to hurry on to ST. BETHLEHEM!

Suddenly a large male deer loomed in my path. He gave a BUCKSNORT and charged PALL MALL through BULL'S GAP. If I had had my KODAK with me I would have taken a picture. While all of this was going on, a BUGSCUFFLE broke out. Feeling DEFEATED, I said to myself, “I NEEDMORE rest.” Pulling off the road, I stopped in the shade of a SUGAR TREE and took a cool drink of SWEETWATER.

Seeking some anonymity, I stopped off at NAMELESS, a village consisting of a few scattered houses and a general store where one could buy a lunch as well as gas (the typical "eat here and get gas" establishment), and that also housed the post office. Purchasing a soft drink (colloquially called a "cold drank"), I said to the woman who ran the place, "It sure is quiet and peaceful out in the country, isn't it?" She replied, "I wouldn't know; I've always lived here in town"!

At HANGING LIMB I saw them cut down two men from the tree, SKINEM, and throw their SKULLBONE(s) into BONE CAVE! “How horrible,” I thought. "They could have just drowned them in the RED BOILING SPRINGS."

Driving on eastward, I landed on the STRAWBERRY PLAINS but found no strawberries. I decided to hunt for pigeons at PIGEON FORGE but instead of pigeons I saw ONLY bumper-to-bumper traffic. Driving was indeed DIFFICULT. So I headed for the SHADY VALLEY located high in the mountains of East Tennessee, stopping for another break in the shade of CHIQUAPIN GROVE. When I began my journey I had no idea that such a PANDORA(‘s) box of sights and sounds would be opened to me.

For others who might be interested in taking a trip through our beautiful state they need to know before they start that Fayetteville is not in Fayette County, Franklin is not in Franklin County, neither Henderson nor Hendersonville is in Henderson County, Jackson is not in Jackson County, Lake City is not in Lake County, Lewisburg is not in Lewis County, Madisonville is not in Madison County, Maury City is not in Maury County, McMinnville is not in McMinn County, Rutherford is not in Rutherford
County, Scott’s Hill is not in Scott County, Shelbyville is not in Shelby County, Tiptonville is not in Tipton County, Union City is not in Union County, and neither White Bluff, White House, nor Whitesville is in White County.

These are only a few of the many reasons why Tennessee is such a fascinating state. Come for a visit anytime!

Hugh Fulford
May 31, 2011

Interpreting the Scriptures - May 17, 2011

On March 22 I sent forth an essay titled "Another Look at CENI (Commands, Examples, and Necessary Inferences)." I observed that in my judgment "commands" does not adequately describe what is actually intended by the term—that a better way of expressing the matter is to say that in the Scriptures we have various kinds of "statements" (including commands) that are intended to communicate God's will to us. My own preference for expressing what is often referred to as commands, examples, and necessary inference is to say that Scripture uses statements, examples, and implications to communicate God's will
to us. None of these, however, constitutes a hermeneutic (a method of interpretation); instead, the statements, examples, and implications of Scripture require the use of sensible, valid principles of interpretation to correctly understand and properly apply them.

Since the Bible is a revelation from God communicated through various divinely inspired writers (II Timothy 3:16-17), the only truly valid and beneficial system of interpretation is that one which enables us to determine from the statements, examples, and implications of Scripture those things we must do to be well-pleasing to God.

Alexander Campbell, one of the leading lights in the effort to restore original New Testament Christianity, in writing about how to understand the biblical teaching regarding the Holy Spirit, said: "Our province is to understand and teach the meaning of the words and sentences, which the  inspired
writers have used on this subject, judging that when these are fairly and fully, that is, grammatically and logically understood, we are in possession of the ideas which God designed to communicate to us" (The Millennial Harbinger, 1834, pages 508-509, underlining mine, hf). What Campbell said with reference to understanding what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit is equally true with reference to understanding what the Bible teaches about any matter, including how one is saved from sin, how one is to worship, and how one is to live so as to please the Lord. When the words and sentences of Scripture are grammatically and logically understood we may know that we have correctly interpreted God's word.

It is beneficial in studying the Scriptures to recognize that they are comprised of various genres of literature. In the Bible we find law, history, poetry, prophecy, biography, and letters. Through these various kinds of literature God has communicated His message to us.

In studying the Bible it is essential that the reader keep in mind the context of any given passage. Certain questions should be asked: 1) Who is speaking? (The devil, fools, and others who are not to be believed speak some things recorded in Scripture.) 2) To whom is he speaking? (Was the message to a limited audience, or was it intended for "every creature" in "all nations"?) 3) Of what is he speaking? (A temporary, cultural situation, or an abiding truth, doctrine, and practice?)  4) When was the thing spoken? (The age when God's plan of redemption through Christ was still a mystery, or the age when God's plan had been fully manifested [Romans 16:25-27]; "time past" or "these last days" [Hebrews 1:1-2]? This is one of the most important "keys" to properly understanding God's will for us in the Christian era.) 5) Why was the thing spoken?  (To answer a question, such as in Acts 2:37-38; to provide a regulation, such as in I Corinthians 11:23-34?) 6) What else does the Bible say on this subject?  (We must take into consideration all that the Bible says on a matter to know the full truth on that subject.)

The Bible is a revelation from God. As such it was intended by God to be read and understood by all. From a practical standpoint most of the principles to be used for reading and understanding the Bible are the same as those we use for reading any other document—a book, this morning's newspaper, and even this essay.

Hugh Fulford
May 17, 2011

OSAMA BIN LADEN AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - May 3, 2011

Osama bin Laden, the master-mind behind the cowardly 9/11 attacks by al-Qaida terrorists that took the lives of more than 3,000 innocent people, has been found and killed in an operation led by the United States military. Justice has been served as bin Laden received the capital punishment that he so rightly deserved for his crimes. A tremendous salute and hearty thanks go to our great American military personnel!

The Bible plainly states: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority, resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you then want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But
if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword (or gun, hf) in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who does evil" (Romans 13:1-4). Only the most radical bleeding-heart liberal will fail to appreciate what the inspired apostle of Jesus Christ said in the above passage!

From the beginning of time, God decreed that "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed…" (Genesis 6:9). The Old Testament clearly reveals that within the theocracy of Israel, capital punishment was to be rendered to those guilty of certain crimes. Solomon, the third king of Israel, wrote: "Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Ecclesiastes 8:11). That is still true today. When crime goes unpunished, people get the idea that they can "get by" with it!

On yesterday's television news programs numerous images were shown of people rejoicing over the fact that bin Laden had been killed. Among this number were many young people—people in their twenties and thirties—in front of the White House. They understood that a criminal had been brought to justice and received his due punishment. It is passing strange that among many of this same age group—as well as many older people—there is an aversion to capital punishment upon criminals here in the United
States.

I do not profess to have the answers to all the problems that confront our society—the robbing, raping, killing, etc, etc. I am convinced that one reason for such is—that as the apostle Paul said in that same letter to the Roman saints cited at the beginning of this essay— "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:18, quoting Psalm 36:1). We have removed God from our homes, from our schools, from the marketplace, and from our government. We are reaping the results of our actions. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man (or a family, or a city, or a nation, hf) sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

If we believe the United States was right in executing Osama bin Laden for his crimes, why is it not right to render due punishment—including capital punishment in cases deserving of such—on those of our own country who act in violation of the laws of our land?

Hugh Fulford
May 3, 2011

The Bible Is Wrong About Many Things - April 26, 2011

The above is not a statement by an atheist or an agnostic or even an irreligious person. It was made by a man who is quite religious, a long-time preacher formerly with the churches of Christ but in more recent years with the very liberal Disciples of Christ.

His precise statement was: "The Bible is wrong about many things that science has proven about both nature and human nature." Under consideration was the subject of homosexuality and the Bible's very clear condemnation in both the Old and New Testaments of that practice.

This person's view of the Scriptures is not anything new. It has been around for a very long time. But in out postmodern world where subjective feelings take precedence over objective truth, the pulpit in some churches is becoming increasingly brazen in its denial of the divine inspiration and absolute authority of the Bible, and the person in the pew is left floundering in a morass of moral confusion and uncertainty. To view the Bible as an unchanging pattern for what God wants mankind to believe and practice in
the realm of religion is now considered passé.

What does the Bible say for itself as to its origin? For one thing, the expression "Thus says the Lord" appears over 2000 times in the sacred Scriptures. For another thing, time after time it is said with reference to various Old Testament prophets that "the word of the Lord came to…" or "…to whom the word of the Lord came." The apostle Peter declared: "…for no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:21).

The apostle Paul affirmed: "Now we [apostle and prophets of the Christian era, Ephesians 3:5] have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God [the Holy Spirit], that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God [divine revelation, Galatians 1:11-12]. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches [divine inspiration], comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (I Corinthians 2:12-13).

In a sweeping summary of the matter, Paul wrote: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, or instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17).

We really have but two choices as to what we will believe about the Bible: 1) That it is the fully inspired, inerrant, and authoritative word of God Himself, or 2) That it is only the product of man's views of God and, as such, is a document filled with many myths, mistakes, and misapprehensions of God and His will for humanity—a book which, in the words of the liberal preacher, "is wrong about many things."

If it is the latter, none of it is to be accepted as trustworthy—not even its moral teaching, including the "Golden Rule." But if the Bible is the former—the very word of God Himself—then since it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:17-18), we can know that it is completely accurate in all points.

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe" (I Thessalonians 2:13).

And so I believe it to be!

Hugh Fulford
April 26, 2011

"WHAT'S THE LEAST I CAN BELIEVE AND STILL BE A CHRISTIAN?" - April 19, 2011

According to a recent story in The (Nashville) Tennessean, the "Reverend" Martin Thielen's atheist friend asked the preacher, "What's the least I can believe and still be a Christian?"

Currently serving as minister of the First United Methodist Church in nearby Lebanon, Tennessee, Mr. Thielen soon will become the pastor of the Brentwood United Methodist Church in an affluent suburb of Nashville. Brentwood United Methodist, with 7,600 members, is the largest Methodist congregation in Tennessee and the fourteenth largest in the United States.

Challenged by his atheist friend's question, in January of this year Thielen published a book by the title of his friend's question. The 10,000 first-print run has been a big hit, with a second printing on the way. According to the news story, Thielen used the book to outline the message he has used to double the size of his present congregation and the message he will take to a much larger audience. During the past decade, First United Methodist in Lebanon has added about 800 members and attendance has grown from 300 to 640.

Thielen says that most of the newcomers to his church have dropped out of more conservative churches. (Thielen himself left the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1990s). However, he disavows that his church is a "left-wing liberal church." He says, "We say the Apostles' Creed, and we don't wink."

Thielen's atheist friend is reported to have liked Jesus, but didn't like many of His followers. To a certain degree I can understand that. Some of the professed followers of Christ are not very good representatives of Him and His message. Further, the atheist did not like the "all or nothing" way he felt Christianity was packaged. Hence, his question: "What's the least I can believe and still be a Christian?"

In our postmodern religious world where doctrine and distinctive beliefs are downplayed, it is increasingly popular for people to want to pick and choose which aspects of Christianity they will accept—sort of like walking by a salad bar and creating a salad to one's own liking.

Christ spoke plainly about what is involved in following Him. He said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NKJV).

He further said: "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).

Following His resurrection and shortly before His ascension, Christ appeared to His apostles and said to them: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

Being a Christian involves a commitment to be and do all that Christ has commanded—not to trying to figure out what is the least one can believe and still call himself/herself a Christian. In short, being a Christian is not for sissies.

Hugh Fulford
April 19, 2011

ANOTHER LOOK AT CENI (Commands, Examples, and Necessary Inferences) - March 22, 2011

It has often been pointed out that God communicates in Scripture through commands, examples, and necessary inferences. This tripartite formula has been reduced to an acronym—CENI. By many in churches of Christ it has been viewed as a hermeneutic (a way of interpreting the Scriptures). While there is hermeneutical value to be derived from recognizing commands, examples, and implications from which we draw certain necessary inferences, it is my contention that CENI are not themselves a hermeneutic, but ways, means, or avenues by which God has set forth His will in Scripture and to which a valid hermeneutic must be applied.

"Command" does not really capture the fullness of what one intends to convey with this term. A more accurate way of stating the matter is to say that God communicates His will through various kinds of statements. Some statements may be declarative, such as the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). These are not commands per se, yet all understand that Jesus expects His followers to possess these qualities. Other statements may be interrogative, hortatory, or imperative (having the force of a command). Of course, direct commands also are found in Scripture (cf. Matthew 22:37-40; Acts 10:48; I Corinthians 14:37; II Thessalonians 3:6; et al).

Examples likewise are used by God to communicate His will to humanity. When God was ready to deliver His ultimate Word to mankind, He incarnated (made flesh) that Word in Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:14). "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (v. 18). Literally, the word "declared" means "explained" or "exegeted." Thus, through Jesus Christ, God exemplified Himself so fully that Christ could say, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Christ served as the perfect example of who God is and what He is like,  and He serves as the example by which we are to live (I Peter 2:21). Paul urged: "Be followers of me, just as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). There are numerous precedents and examples found in the New Testament that God expects His children to follow today (cf. Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2).

God also implies certain truths in the communication of His will to man. For instance, an orderly universe implies (and we infer) the existence of an all-powerful, all-wise and beneficent Creator (Romans 1:19-20; Acts 14:14-17). In refuting the Sadducees' lack of faith in the resurrection, Jesus pointed out that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but that He is not the God of the dead but of the living (Mark 12:24-27). Therefore, the Sadducees could necessarily infer that those patriarchs were alive.

Thus, through direct statements, examples, and implications, God has communicated His will to us. However, direct statements, examples, and implications—what others label as CENI—do not constitute a hermeneutic! It is after we have read the various kinds of statements, examined the numerous examples, and considered all the implications that we find in Scripture that the diligent work of interpreting God's word and properly applying it to our lives then begins.

In recent years it has become fashionable among those who want to incorporate practices into the church not authorized by Scripture to denigrate and to attempt to dismantle what they refer to as "the CENI
hermeneutic." In so doing they attack a "straw man." I repeat: In my judgment, CENI is not a hermeneutic! To the statements, examples, and implications of Scriptures we must apply a valid hermeneutic. But we must respect what the Lord has communicated to us by means of direct statements (including commands), examples, and implications—and not add to, take from, nor substitute for that which He has revealed. "If any one speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11).

Hugh Fulford
March 22, 2011

Hymns of a Lukewarm Church - March 15, 2011

As hard as it is for me to realize, almost fifty years ago—precisely forty-nine years this very week—I moved to Jackson, Tennessee to preach for what was then the Allen and Edgewood Church of Christ (now the North Jackson Church of Christ). I have always loved and appreciated this congregation. Over the years, I have returned to preach in several gospel meetings and to speak at one of the church's "Homecomings." The faithful and effective preacher of this great church is David Powell, who also teaches in the Bible Department at Freed-Hardeman University, just "down the road" from Jackson in Henderson.

Another minister on staff is Brian Giselbach, a graduate of Freed-Hardeman. I do not know Brian personally, but I have been impressed with a number of excellent essays he has written for the church bulletin. Some time back, he had an article titled "Hymns of a Lukewarm Church." I don't think the article was intended as a rebuke to the church at North Jackson because it is an extremely fervent fellowship of Christians. However, the article is a kind of tongue-in-cheek reminder to all Christians that we need to give thoughtful consideration to the words of the songs we sing, for if the true intent of our hearts was really expressed the titles of the songs might be more like the following:

A Comfy Mattress Is Our God
Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness
All Hail the Influence of Jesus' Name
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Much
Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound
My Faith Looks Around For Thee
Blest Be the Tie That Doesn't Cramp My Style
He's Quite A Bit to Me

O How I Like Jesus
Pillow of Ages, Fluffed For Me
I Surrender Some
I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
Self-Esteem to The World! The Lord Is Come
Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
There Is Scattered Cloudiness in My Soul Today
What an Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
When Peace, Like A Trickle…
Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following

A few that Brian did not include but which I will add are:

Have Thine Own Way, Lord (And I'll Have Mine)
Sitting On The Premises
Take My Wife, and Let Me Be

Do our daily attitudes and actions tell a different story from what we sing in church on Sunday?

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).

Hugh Fulford
March 15, 2011

The Nitty-Gritty about Grits - March 9, 2011

Recently, I engaged in a very "philosophical" on-line discussion about grits. Feelings ran high! My friend, Larry Whitehead, of Birmingham, Alabama sent me a wonderful history on grits that I am all too happy to claim as my own views about the subject. I hope this erudite essay with help all readers to better understand "The Nitty-Gritty About Grits."

What are grits? Nobody knows for sure. Some folks believe grits are grown on bushes and are harvested by midgets by shaking the bushes after spreading sheets around them. Better informed folks believe that grits are made from ground up bits of white corn.

The most recent research suggests that the mysterious manna that God rained down upon the Israelites during their time in the Sinai Desert most likely was grits. Critics disagree, stating that there is no record of biscuits, butter, salt, and red eye gravy raining down from the sky, and that God would not punish His people by forcing them to eat grits without these key ingredients.

Yankees have attempted to create synthetic grits.  They call it Cream of Wheat. As far as we can tell, the key ingredients of Cream of Wheat are Elmer's Glue and shredded Styrofoam.  These synthetic grits have also been shown to cause nausea, and may leave you unable to have children.

With reference to the history of grits, as we mentioned earlier, the first known mention of grits was by the ancient Israelites in the Sinai Desert.  After that, grits were not heard from for another 1,000 years.
 The next mention of grits was found amidst the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii in a woman's personal diary.  The woman's name was Herculaneum Jemimaneus (Aunt Jemima to her friends).

The proper way to eat grits is as follows: Immediately after removing your grits from the stove top, add a generous portion of butter. (Warning:  Do not use low-fat butter).  The butter should cause the grits to turn a wondrous shade of yellow. (Hold a banana or a yellow rain slicker next to your grits; if the colors match, you have the correct amount of butter). My daddy loved to mix scrambled eggs or "over easy" fried eggs with his grits. I love eggs and grits that way too.

In lieu of butter, pour a generous helping of red eye gravy on your grits. Be sure to pour enough to have some left for sopping up with your biscuits. Never, ever substitute canned or store-bought biscuits for the real thing because they cause cancer, rotten teeth, and impotence.

Next, add salt. (The correct ratio of grits to salt is 10:1, meaning that for every ten grits, you should have one grain of salt.) Now, begin eating your grits.  Always use a fork, never a spoon, to eat grits. Your grits should be thick enough that they do not run through the tines of the fork.

The proper beverage to serve with grits is black coffee.  Do not use cream or -- heaven forbid -- skimmed milk in your coffee.  Your grits should never be eaten in a bowl because Yankees will think it is Cream of Wheat.

Yum-yum! What's for breakfast (or even supper on a cold winter evening), grandpa?

Hugh Fulford
March 9, 2011

Same Sex Marriage - March 1, 2011

As of Wednesday, February 23, 2011, President Obama and his administration will no longer defend the constitutionality of a law that bans recognition of gay marriages. He is for the removal of the ban and for the legal acceptance of same-sex marriage.

In 1996, the U. S. Congress passed DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) which defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. (For what it is worth, God's word, the Bible defines marriage the same way and only that way!) In spite of the president's recent decision, DOMA remains in effect, and the Justice Department will continue to enforce it, but according to a story appearing in The (Nashville) Tennessean on February 24, 2011, "in federal courts, the significant legal firepower of the federal government has changed sides, which could influence judges' consideration of anti-DOMA lawsuits." The president himself is on record as wanting the act "clearly struck down by the courts or repealed by Congress, which he has urged." The story went on to say that Obama's reversal on the law had long been sought by gays who overwhelmingly voted for him in 2008. Obama is quoted as saying that
he is still "grappling" with his personal views on whether gays (a terrible corruption of an otherwise beautiful word) should be allowed to marry.

The Tennessean article, written by Pete Yost and Nancy Benac of the AP under a Washington dateline, spoke of how the legal landscape has changed in the last fifteen years. It also said, "The social landscape has changed as well." Five states—Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont—as well as the District of Columbia have made same-sex marriage legal. In thirty states—including Tennessee—there are constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage.

God created the first man, Adam, from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7). When there was "not found a helper comparable to him…the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam…and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man" (Genesis 2:20-21). In Genesis 3:20 the Bible tells us that Adam called his wife's name Eve, not Steve! What, pray tell, is so difficult to understand about God's arrangement for marriage?! No animal was suitable as a mate for man, neither was another man!

In the New Testament, Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?" (Matthew 19:4-5). Is there any doubt as to what Christ taught about marriage and who should be wed to each other?

But as the newspaper article said, "The social landscape has changed." Ah, yes, how it has changed! Some folks seem to think that a changing social environment has nullified biblical teaching, and that the Bible is no longer inspired but that it has expired! The laws of the land can be ignored, changed, and repealed, "but the word of the Lord endures forever" (Isaiah 40:8/I Peter 1:25). Individuals and nations who ignore it do so their everlasting peril.

Hugh Fulford
March 1, 2011

The Restoration Plea - February 22, 2011

Christ declared that He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18). Obviously, He did what He said He would do, and according to the inspired historical record found in the New Testament, Christ's church was established and existed in New Testament times. All who had been saved from their sins were members of it (Acts 2:47).

Since the church was established by Christ, it is perfect and complete from the standpoint of its divine aspects. The church is the fruition of God's eternal purpose to redeem fallen mankind by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-12). It is the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies pointing to the Messiah and His redemptive work. The foundation of the church—the "rock" upon which it rests—is the very deity/divinity of Christ (Matthew 16:16-18; I Corinthians 3:11). Christ is the one and only head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23), and He is the savior of the church (Ephesians 5:23). All persons who have reached the age of accountability who are not members of that divine entity have no promise of salvation extended to them. Contrary to the opinion of many, the church is not only important, but it is absolutely indispensable to the salvation of the human race. Christ did not die and shed His blood for something that is not essential to our eternal salvation, yet He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). To talk about going to heaven without being a member of the church, the spiritual body of Christ, in all kindness, is to be guilty of biblically uninformed prattle.

In spite of the perfection with which Christ established His church, down through the ages men have not been content with the church as Christ gave it to us. Through the corridor of time, men, by their creeds, councils, and humanly devised doctrines and practices, have corrupted the purity and simplicity of the church as originally revealed in the New Testament scriptures. The Bible itself warned of such (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-30; II Thessalonians 2:3-4; I Timothy 4:1-5). Today numerous doctrines and practices exist in Christendom for which there is not the slightest support in the Bible.

Fortunately, in time, people in various places recognized the sad state of religious affairs and began to call for a restoration of the New Testament way. A number of watchwords went forth: "Let us speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent." "Let us call Bible things by Bible names, and do Bible things in the Bible way." These were all based on the divine injunction, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11). They were rooted in the conviction that the
scriptures alone are adequate for all of our religious needs, without the creeds, church manuals, and catechisms of men (II Timothy 3:16-17), and that by a sincere and diligent study of the scriptures one can know the will of the Lord (Ephesians 3:1-7, especially verse 4; Acts 17:11).

Today, the churches of Christ are committed to the restoration principle, the principle which says that wherein people have departed from the revealed will of the Lord they need to return to it. We are committed to heralding the restoration plea, which is a fervent proclamation of the restoration principle.
And we are committed to the ongoing effort of restoring and being the church as it was originally established by Christ. Churches of Christ are not endeavoring to be "another denomination." In fact, we disavow being a denomination at all. Our purpose is to be the church of the New Testament, the church as Christ and His apostles left it to the world. The restoration plea is a God-honoring plea, a Christ-exalting plea, and a "back to the Bible" plea. It is a noble plea, an exciting plea, and, with a proper understanding, appreciation, and application of it, it is a winning plea.

Hugh Fulford
February 22, 2011

Duck Soup - February 15 2011

The story is told of a young man who came to the door of a monastery with a large duck in his arms. His uncle, who happened to be one of the monks, answered the knock. “Here, uncle, this is a gift for you and the others. Eat it in good health.” The uncle was very grateful, and that night, with the duck dressed and stuffed, he and the others enjoyed a generous meal.

A few days later, another knock came on the monastery door. “I am a friend of the nephew who brought you the duck. I have been down on my luck lately, and I wonder if I might impose on you for a bite to eat and a place to sleep for the night?” “Of course, my son, you are most welcome.” That night, he joined the monks for some warm duck soup.

A few days later, and still another knock. “Hi, I am a friend of the friend of the nephew who brought the duck. Could I impose on you for a bit of hospitality?” He too was welcomed...more duck soup. A few more days went by. Another knock. “Hello, I am a friend of the friend of the friend of the nephew who brought the duck.” That night at dinner he was presented with a steaming bowl of hot water. He tasted it, looked up, and asked, “What is this?” “Well, this is the soup of the soup of the soup of the duck that my nephew brought.”

I cannot help but wonder if this is what has happened in much of contemporary Christianity which bears so little resemblance to the robust faith presented in the New Testament. It’s been handed down and watered down to such an extent that the original is hardly recognizable.

The New Testament warns of departures from the apostolic faith and practice of original Christianity. The apostle Paul wrote that "some shall depart from the faith" (1 Timothy 4:1). He expressed a real fear that some would "be corrupted from the simplicity and purity that is in Christ" (II Corinthians 11:3). As we observe the religious landscape today, including the Christian landscape with its multiplicity of doctrines, practices, and watered down moral standards, we cannot help but wonder if much of that which is passing as Christianity is nothing more than diluted duck soup!

The famous Baptist preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon, has been described by one historian as one who stood firm against what he called "the 'down grade' in religion." Were Spurgeon on the scene today, he no doubt would be appalled at the superficiality of much that is professed to be Christianity. Have we Christians allowed ourselves to gradually be desensitized by the religious pluralism, postmodernism, and political correctness of our day to the point that our religion is nothing more than a "watered down" version of the potent Christianity described in the New Testament?

If such is the case, then the plea to go back to the New Testament and do what it says to enter a right relationship with the Lord, to follow its instructions regarding worship, and to live by its standards is a valid plea and why the restoration and practice of the robust Christianity of the New Testament is so vital in our own day. Let's not settle for "watered down" duck soup!

Hugh Fulford
February 15, 2011

True Grit! January 18, 2011

A few weeks ago, my wife and I saw the Coen Brothers version of the movie "True Grit" starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Seinfeld. It was an re-make of the 1969 edition of the movie starring John Wayne, Glenn Campbell, and Kim Darby. Both, of course, were based on Charles Portis' novel by the same name.

I never saw the 1969 version of the movie, but Jan and I both thoroughly enjoyed the 2010 version. As members of the church of Christ, where we often sing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand," we were quite impressed with how these songs kept appearing in the background of so many of the scenes. F. L. Eiland, a member of the church of Christ, wrote the music to "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand," and he was mentioned in the credits. At the end of the movie, Iris Dement did a stirring rendition of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."

The concept of true grit is a tremendous one. It speaks of toughness, determination, and unrelenting perseverance. Jan is a sterling example of true grit. On the day before last Thanksgiving, while getting back on her treadmill with it running (not a good idea, as she now knows), she was thrown down and slammed into the wall behind the treadmill. She would not agree to go to the doctor until the following Monday. Subsequent X-rays and an MRI revealed torn tendons and a badly damaged rotator cuff in her left shoulder. A visit to an orthopedic surgeon determined that surgery would be required to repair the damage. But since hers was not a "life threatening" situation, the surgery was not scheduled until after the first of the year—first for January 5, then re-scheduled for January 12. Through all of the weeks between the time of the injury and the time of her surgery she endured a lot of pain but still managed all the activities of both Thanksgiving and our traditional family Christmas Eve activities, and even a trip out to see "True Grit"! The surgery is now behind her and she is on the road to recovery and doing extremely well. The prayers of so many of you in her behalf have been greatly appreciated. We ask that you continue to remember her. And for whatever it is worth, I look quite spiffy in an apron, running the vacuum cleaner, washing and drying clothes, making the bed, using the microwave, etc., etc., thank you!

The Bible is filled with stories of true grit. One of the most striking is that of the prophet Micaiah. (I Kings 22). The wicked king of Israel, Ahab, was seeking counsel with reference to going to battle against Ramoth Gilead. He had surrounded himself with 400 "yes men" who told him he would be victorious. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, urged Ahab to consult God's prophet Micaiah. But Ahab said of Micaiah "I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (verse 8). Nevertheless, messengers were sent to Micaiah to get his word about the matter. The messengers urged Micaiah: "Now listen, the words of the prophets (Ahab's "yes men") with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your words be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement." Translation: "Tell Ahab what he wants to hear" (verse 13). Micaiah replied: "As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak" (verse 14). For Micaiah to tell Ahab the truth when all the other prophets
were telling him what he wanted to hear required an unusual amount of true grit.

And so it is today. When our culture is steeped in pluralism and post-modernism (philosophies which assert that there are many right ways and many right answers, and that no one way is the exclusive way to serve the Lord), it takes great courage and true grit to stand up and declare that "there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Hugh Fulford
January 18, 2011

A New Year - January 4, 2010

It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone and that we are now in a new one. I think I have been saying something like the preceding every year for the last several years. It seems to come with age. I never enter a new year without thinking of the following untitled poem by Kathleen Wheeler.

He came to my desk with quivering lip--
The lesson was done.
"Dear Teacher I want a new leaf," he said,
"I have spoiled this one."
I took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave him a new one all unspotted,
And into his sad eyes smiled,
"Do better now, my child."

I went to the throne with a quivering soul--
The old year was done.
"Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?
I have spoiled this one."
He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one all unspotted,
And into my sad heart smiled,
"Do better now, My child.

Paul Darety is the fine and faithful and effective preacher for the Pomona Church of Christ in Dickson, Tennessee. A few weeks ago, Paul had an excellent article in his church bulletin titled "Ways To Reduce Stress." It occurs to me that the things Paul mentioned would be good principles for each of us to follow throughout this new year. With all due credit to Paul, I share with you these points and commend them to us all.

* Pray often
* Go to bed on time
* Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed
* Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health
* Delegate tasks to others who are capable of completing the job
* Simplify your life as much as possible
* Allow extra time to do things and to get to places
* Take one day at a time
* Live within your budget
* Be kind to unkind people
* Get enough exercise
* Eat right
* Talk less; listen to others more
* Take your work, not yourself, seriously
* Laugh loud and often
* Write down thoughts and inspirations
* Read your Bible everyday
* Remind yourself that you are not the manager of the universe

A Happy New Year to All! (See the P. S. below)

P. S. My wife's surgery to repair torn tendons and a badly damaged rotator cuff has been tentatively re-scheduled for Wednesday, January 12.

Seventy-Three - December 28, 2010

Yesterday, December 27, I turned seventy-three years of age. I have exceeded by three the proverbial "three-score and ten" years. (Psalm 90:10). I honestly don't know how a seventy-three year old is supposed to feel and act. Some days I feel like a hundred, and some days I probably act like a six-year-old! Overall, however, I feel good and maintain a relatively healthy pace of various activities. In all of my seventy-three years, I have never spent but one night in the hospital. I was not even born in a hospital, but in my grandfather Fulford's farm home in Geneva County, Alabama. As the title of my autobiography (Hester Publications, 2007) says, "The Lord Has Been Mindful of Me."

As all my family and friends know, my adult life has been spent as a preacher of the gospel. From about the age of twelve or thirteen that is all I ever wanted to be. Around the age of thirteen or fourteen, while working as a "flunky" in a drug store, the owner told me he would send me to the University of Florida if I would study pharmacy. While I later realized that he probably was just "blowing smoke," the idea of someone paying my way to college was flattering, but becoming a "drug dealer" really had no appeal
to me! If it was the Lord's will, I would be a preacher.

For over forty-two years, beginning at the age of twenty, I served churches of Christ as a full-time minister. I have had a wide and interesting range of experiences. But then so has everyone else who has preached that long. I do not consider my accomplishments unusual. I have baptized or been responsible for the baptism of several hundred people. I have influenced a few others to become gospel preachers. None of the churches I preached for died "on my watch." Most of them showed steady growth—in numbers, contributions, and spirituality. Of course, we did not keep all whom we baptized, all whom we restored, or all who placed membership. All of my sermons did not suit everyone who heard them. I did not always "hit a home run" from the pulpit. Sometimes it was just a single or a bunt. Sometimes I struck out!

I still preach part-time for a small rural church a few miles from my home. I continue to preach in meetings, speak on lectureships, and fill special speaking engagements. I do not intend to stop preaching and teaching until the Lord calls me home, or the frailties of body or mind make it impossible for me to do so. Old preachers never retire; they just go on…and on…and on!

I continue to read and study. I continue to write. I am an active member of an internet Restoration Movement History discussion group. Jan and I continue to take care of a 2600 square foot house located on an acre lot. I have a lot of grass to mow and shrubbery to trim, as well as a large deck and a board fence to maintain. I am ready when spring rolls around to get out and get started on these jobs. By the end of June, I am ready for them to end! As my friend Frank Richey says, "Growing old is not for sissies!"

Our son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren live nearby. Having them close is a tremendous comfort. We retired early and moved back to Tennessee just so we could be near them.

As I enter year seventy-four, I do so optimistically. I frequently pray for the Lord to allow Jan and me to continue to live, to love, and to serve. But I can count, and I know that I am on the backside of the hill of life. This year friends my age and younger have crossed the river. In time, the boatman will come for me…and for us all. "So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Hugh Fulford
December 28, 2010

Christmas 2010

Is it just me, or does Christmas now come more often than it used to? It seems to me that we just got all the decorations put up from last year when Jan thought it was time to pull them all out and do it all over again! Our tree and all the inside "winter wonderland" decorations went up on November 15, with some being put up two or three days before that. She wants it all done every year before Thanksgiving.

Don't misunderstand me; I am not a "Scrooge." I love Christmas. I just think we sometimes make more of it—in more ways than one—than we should. Many years ago I knew a preacher who annually preached a sermon titled "Xmas Xtremes." I think he was on to something.

I am happy that in a sea of secularism, people's attention can be turned toward Christ at least a few times during the year. I enjoy saying and hearing "Merry Christmas." But students of the Bible know that it nowhere tells us the date of His birth (or how many Wise Men came to visit Him!). I continue to be amazed by the things that some people are "sure" are in the Bible but are not, as well as the things that are in the Bible that some folks can never see!

According to Zondervan's Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Roman Catholics and most Protestants celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25. The Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate it on January 6, and the Armenian Church celebrates it on January 19. The same source goes on to say: "Whether the early Christians thought of or observed Christmas is not clear." For sure, no mention is made of it in the New Testament. What the New Testament does stress is a first day of the week assembly in which the Lord's Supper was eaten in memory of the body and blood of Christ offered for the sins of mankind. (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-26; At our house, Christmas is a time of joy and happiness (not that we do not try to express such the year 'round), a time of special togetherness, a time to "spoil" our two grandchildren with special gifts, a time to experience special dishes and treats not usually enjoyed at other times of the year (country ham, Jan's divinity and peanut butter fudge). Carson, our eight year old granddaughter, loves "that white candy grandma makes," and granddad loves the peanut butter fudge! Jan's recipe for divinity was obtained at least thirty-five years ago from Eloise Crews in Mobile, AL. The peanut butter fudge recipe was obtained about fifteen years ago from Martha Morrow in Selma, AL.

As another Christmas season is now upon us, I wish for all a beautiful and bright season. May "Old Santa" treat you generously. (Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus! He came early to our house this year as he finally "broke down" and brought us a new big screen flat panel TV set. How I have been enjoying the football games and Christmas programs in HD! And the Bowl Games are yet to come!)

"Friendships are a priceless treasure in every season of the year. But when the happy Yuletide rolls around, they seem to be more dear."

A very merry Christmas to all! (Please note the P. S. below).

P. S. The "brightness" of our Christmas this year has been dulled by the fact that my wife, Jan, took a terrible fall on her treadmill the day before Thanksgiving and was slammed into the wall behind the treadmill, badly injuring her left shoulder (she is left handed). After trips to her doctor, X- rays, and an MRI, it was determined that she has torn tendons and a badly damaged rotator cuff. Surgery is scheduled for January 5, followed by an extensive period of therapy. Your prayers will be appreciated. True to her exceptionally strong will, the divinity and fudge nevertheless were made! She is truly a marvel!

Another Rapture Eruption - December 7, 2010

Well, the date-setters and the end-times prognosticators are at it again! According to a story by Bob Smietana in the Wednesday, December 1, 2010 edition of The Tennessean, Nashville's daily newspaper, Harold Camping, founder of Family Radio, Inc., "a nationwide Christian network," has definitely identified May 21, 2011 as the date for "The Rapture"! So mark it down – there are seventeen shopping days left until Christmas and 164 days left until Christ's second coming!

This message of the very imminent return of Christ is going up on forty billboards in Nashville, as well as on billboards in eight other U. S. cities. (Sort of gives new meaning to the "signs of the end-times," doesn't it? J) Allison Warden, who orchestrated Nashville's billboard campaign and who is a volunteer with WeCanKnow.com, a website set up by followers of Family Radio, is "absolutely sure that Camping's predictions are right." She says, "It is a certainty." Tom Evans, a spokesman for Family Radio, says "It's a matter of simple math."

Interestingly enough, a year or so ago I was given a book written by a fellow who also on the basis of a mathematical process—as well as jumping through a bunch of inventive hoops and loops of biblical texts which he had managed to thoroughly mangle—had "figured out" the date of "The Rapture. According to him, it will be June 8, 2014!

In times of national and international crises, the date-setters come out of the woodwork. The newspaper article quoted Richard Landes, director of the Center for Millennial Studies at Boston University as saying "predictions of the end of the world provide relief from the daily pressures of life for some … Whatever the mess that your life is in, it makes everything nice and simple."

One of the most famous "prophecies" for the second coming was that given by William Miller for an 1843 return of Christ. Miller and his followers sold their homes and waited out in a field for Jesus to come. His prediction became known as "the Great Disappointment." In 1967, Billy Graham saw "the end coming in about five years." Hal Lindsey's The Late Great Planet Earth predicted a 1988 return of Christ. Former NASA engineer, Edgar C. Whisenant sold millions of copies of his book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be In 1988. But none of these failed prophecies keeps others from "getting in on the act" and coming up with their own dates. Nor do they keep people from gullibly believing them.

In Matthew 24, Jesus addresses two topics. First, He discusses the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, which occurred in A.D. 70. Of this event, Jesus said: "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation (the generation Christ at that moment was addressing, hf) will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled" (Verse 34).

Then in verse 35, Jesus turned His attention to another great event—the destruction of the entire world. He said: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." In the very next verse (36) Jesus plainly states: "But of that day and hour (the day and hour in which heaven and earth will pass away, hf) no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (emphasis mine, hf). Continuing that same discussion into the next chapter, and drawing His conclusion
from His parable of "The Wise and Foolish Virgins," Jesus said: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:13).

I find it utterly amazing in the light of the plain statements of Christ that there are those who nevertheless claim that they do know the time of His second coming and are bold enough to publish it in books and plaster it on billboards!

Hugh Fulford
December 7, 2010

Football and A Perspective on Life - November 30, 2010

I appreciate the positive feedback I have received from so many of you regarding this little venture of mine intended to discuss a variety of topics. Repeating a statement from my initial mailing, this is simply an outlet for staying in touch with family, friends, neighbors, and fellow members of the church. Through it, I share news and express my views regarding various issues. The views are entirely mine and anyone is free to agree or disagree. Further, these mailings may be forwarded to anyone whom the reader thinks might be interested in receiving them. My mailing list is constantly being added to.

Today I want to talk about football, and will begin by saying a word or two about the color of the title under which I write. It is bright orange to reflect my loyalty to the "Big Orange" of the Tennessee Vols athletic teams. While "we" haven't been all that "big" in football for a while, we will be back—eventually. With a win against Kentucky this past Saturday, we did become bowl eligible, and the Music City Bowl in Nashville has been mentioned as a possible destination.

Someone says, "But Hugh, in your first 'send out' you indicated a loyalty to Alabama." Yeah, I know, it's hard for some to understand. You see, I was "born and bred" in Alabama and I always root for them EXCEPT WHEN THEY PLAY TENNESSEE and perhaps in a few other rare instances. My son—whose blood runs orange—loves to remind me that "no man can serve two masters."

In the Iron Bowl last Friday Auburn came from a big half-time deficit to squeak past Alabama by a single point! The Crimson Tide, with its Heisman winner Mark Ingram, has no chance to repeat as National Champs. Auburn is still in the hunt for the National title and their quarterback, Cameron Newton is a strong Heisman contender. I think it would be great if Auburn could win the national championship this year and produce the Heisman winner. And besides, Auburn is in what my friend Dale Jenkins likes to refer to as "the Great State"! Then, too, I know my other two friends (I do have at least three!), Larry Whitehead of Birmingham and Jim Johnson of Winchester, TN, both dyed-in-the-wool Auburn fans, would love to see it happen. But some other things yet have to occur, including Auburn getting past South Carolina in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta this Saturday afternoon. So, we shall see what we shall see. I just wanted you to know where I am coming from where my divided college football loyalties are concerned.

In the meantime, the soap opera continues with the Tennessee Titans. We have had "Pac Man," and now we have Randy Moss, who has yet to show us anything. Vince Young our quarterback is a multi-millionaire boy trying to compete in a man's world and needing badly to grow up. Whether he or Jeff Fisher the coach wins the battle of who goes or who stays or if they can "kiss and make up" remains to be seen.

On all of the above we need to keep a perspective. Mike Heimerdinger, the Titan's offensive coordinator, has recently been diagnosed with cancer and has begun chemotherapy. Vince Young's season-ending thumb injury pales in comparison to "The Dinger's" illness.

"And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" (I Cor. 9:25, NASB). In all of life we need to keep the main thing the main thing!

Hugh Fulford
November 30, 2010

Unusual Things for Which to Be Thankful - November 23, 2010

UNUSUAL THINGS FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL

This week many of us will gather with family and friends and enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. We will talk and laugh and reminisce and swap stories. We will watch football. But will we actually give thanks beyond the perfunctory "blessing" before we eat? How many of us get so sidetracked by the excitement of the day that we forget what it is all about (not that thanksgiving really is a day or can [or should be] limited to a single day of the year)?

Paul, the great apostle, wrote: "…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). Paul, did you say all things? Yes, that is what the apostle said.

Here are some unusual things (not original with me) that we should be thankful for:

* Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

* Be thankful when you don't know. It gives you the opportunity to learn.

* Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. (Cf. James 1:2-3).

* Be thankful for limitations. They give opportunities for improvement.

* Be thankful for a new challenge. It will build strength and character.

* Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

* Be thankful when you are weary. It means you've made a difference.

* Be thankful for the mess after a party (or Thanksgiving dinner). It means you have friends and family.

* Be thankful for the taxes you pay. It means you are employed.

* Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little snug. It means you have plenty to eat.

* Be thankful for a shadow that watches you work. It means you are out in the sunshine.

* Be thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing. It means you have a house.

* Be thankful for the spot you find at the far end of the parking lot. It means that you are capable of walking. (Have you ever noticed that those of us who need the exercise the most, always look for a parking place nearest the entrance?)

* Be thankful for all the complaining you hear about our government. It means that we have freedom of speech.

* Be thankful for a big heating bill. It means you are warm.

* Be thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing. It means your loved ones are near.

* Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours. It means that you are alive.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who also can be thankful for the setbacks.

Hugh Fulford
November 23, 2010

What's This? - Vol. 1, Number 1

A few yrs ago, I sent out some 30 "Basic Bible Studies." Many of you received those studies, spoke favorably of them, and shared them with others. They were received and read by people in over thirty states as I recall, as well as in several foreign countries. When I completed the series, I intended to take a hiatus and then start another series of studies. That plan obviously never did materialize.

I am not into blogging, but I do have an interest in using e-mail as a means for communicating with others on a varied assortment of matters. What I therefore propose doing is writing from time to time under the heading of "Hugh's News & Views" and touching on a potpourri of topics. These occasional mailings will go out to family, friends, neighbors, fellow members of the church of Christ, as well as those who are not members of the church of Christ. I will use these "send-outs" as a means of staying in touch, as well as a way of letting others know my thinking about the matters that I choose to discuss. I will talk about Biblical texts and my understanding of what they teach, things that are happening in

the churches of Christ, things that are transpiring in the larger religious world, political and social issues, moral issues, local, state, national, and international news items, sports (I no longer entertain the idea of Alabama repeating as national champions in college football, and I have mixed feelings about the Titans signing Randy Moss!), personal and family matters (where deemed appropriate), as well as any thing else that might tend to cross my mind when I sit down to write.

It is important to understand that the matters addressed will be strictly as I see them. No one else is to be blamed for what I write. They are exactly what the title indicates – Hugh's News and Views. You are free to disagree with anything I say. If you have no interest in receiving these mailings you may hit the delete key or, better still, drop me a note and ask that I remove your name from the mailing list. Either way, you will not hurt my feelings. On the other hand, if you like what you read and think others may have an interest in reading what I have to say, please feel free to send me their name and e-mail address and I will be glad to add them to my recipients' list. My e-mail address is: huford@comcast.com. (Huford is a moniker by which some have addressed me over the yrs and obviously is a contraction

of Hugh Fulford.)

In closing this initial edition of "Hugh's News & Views," I hope each of you paused to remember that today was "Veteran's Day," which, when I was a boy, we knew as Armistice Day. I enjoyed it because we got out of school for the day, it was the week the County Fair was held in the county where I grew up, and a day to go to the carnival that was held in conjunction with the Fair and enjoy the rides, cotton candy, caramel covered apples, and other stuff that tended to make you sick at your stomach!

Hugh Fulford