Have you read your Bible today? October 18, 2011

Jerry Kilgore is a "true blue" friend and a faithful Christian.  Among his various e-mail logos is one that asks, "Have you read your Bible today?"  That is a good questions and one that I recommend we always strive to answer in the affirmative. 

I find time (several times!) every day to eat. I find time every day (almost) to read the newspaper.  Most days I watch a little television – very little, I might say.  Every day I work at my computer, send out e-mails, etc.  Every day I try to read my Bible. I must confess, however, that in rare situations, for whatever reason (travel, schedule filled with numerous activities, lack of self-discipline), a day may occasionally go by when I don't literally pick up The Book and read directly from it.  I am fortunate to have been able over the years to memorize large sections of scripture, and to call them up and reflect on them.   So even on those days when I don't actually read from the Bible itself, I try to nourish my soul with passages from the word of God which "I have laid up in my heart" (Psalms 119:11).

Why is it so important to read and mediate on God's word every day?  First, it is food for the soul, and without that food the soul will grow weak and die.  Christ said, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48).  Only by reading God's word can we know of Christ and His teaching and partake of the life-sustaining bread. Second, the Bible is milk for the newborn child of God.  Young Christians are to "desire the pure milk of the word, that [they] may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). Third, God's word is solid food for the more mature Christian – "for those of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).  Fourth, the Bible is water to a thirsty, parched soul.  To the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well Jesus said, "Whoever drinks of this water (the water from the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). Fifth, the word of God is a delectable "sweet treat."  "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalms 119:103).

What a rich and varied supply of food for our soul God has provided  in His wonderful word!  No wonder Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone [physical food, hf], but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).  But how is our appetite?  Do we "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6)?  Or, are we feeding our bodies and starving our souls? 

Most of us have a Bible.  Within eyesight of where I sit here at my computer desk writing this article I can count nine copies of either the entire Bible or of the New Testament in various versions.  In other parts of my office, throughout our house, and in my car are several other copies of the Bible.  What an eternal tragedy it would be to never open them to read the life-giving and life-sustaining message they contain! But you need only one copy of the Bible – provided you will read it and let it nourish your soul. 

Have You Read Your Bible Today?

Jerry Kilgore is a "true blue" friend and a faithful Christian.  Among his various e-mail logos is one that asks, "Have you read your Bible today?"  That is a good questions and one that I recommend we always strive to answer in the affirmative. 

I find time (several times!) every day to eat. I find time every day (almost) to read the newspaper.  Most days I watch a little television – very little, I might say.  Every day I work at my computer, send out e-mails, etc.  Every day I try to read my Bible. I must confess, however, that in rare situations, for whatever reason (travel, schedule filled with numerous activities, lack of self-discipline), a day may occasionally go by when I don't literally pick up The Book and read directly from it.  I am fortunate to have been able over the years to memorize large sections of scripture, and to call them up and reflect on them.   So even on those days when I don't actually read from the Bible itself, I try to nourish my soul with passages from the word of God which "I have laid up in my heart" (Psalms 119:11).

Why is it so important to read and mediate on God's word every day?  First, it is food for the soul, and without that food the soul will grow weak and die.  Christ said, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48).  Only by reading God's word can we know of Christ and His teaching and partake of the life-sustaining bread. Second, the Bible is milk for the newborn child of God.  Young Christians are to "desire the pure milk of the word, that [they] may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). Third, God's word is solid food for the more mature Christian – "for those of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).  Fourth, the Bible is water to a thirsty, parched soul.  To the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well Jesus said, "Whoever drinks of this water (the water from the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). Fifth, the word of God is a delectable "sweet treat."  "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalms 119:103).

What a rich and varied supply of food for our soul God has provided  in His wonderful word!  No wonder Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone [physical food, hf], but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).  But how is our appetite?  Do we "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6)?  Or, are we feeding our bodies and starving our souls? 

Most of us have a Bible.  Within eyesight of where I sit here at my computer desk writing this article I can count nine copies of either the entire Bible or of the New Testament in various versions.  In other parts of my office, throughout our house, and in my car are several other copies of the Bible.  What an eternal tragedy it would be to never open them to read the life-giving and life-sustaining message they contain! But you need only one copy of the Bible – provided you will read it and let it nourish your soul. 

Hugh Fulford

October 18, 2011

GOD'S TWELVE-STEP PROGRAM - October 11, 2011

For many years Alcoholics Anonymous has used a "Twelve-Step Program" to help its members overcome their addiction to alcohol.  The program has been extremely effective.  The discerning student of the Scriptures will discover that God also has a "Twelve-Step Program." 

Last week I told you something about Marshall Keeble.  He was a powerful and effective evangelist who led thousands to Christ during his sixty-five year ministry. One of his favorite sermons was titled "Five Steps To Church And Seven To Heaven." Simple math reveals that brother Keeble had discovered God's twelve-step program. What did Keeble emphasize in this simple yet powerful sermon?

First, a word about the word "church" and what is meant by the word.  According to the New Testament, the church is the body of people who have been redeemed from their sins by the blood of Christ.  The Lord adds to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).  Thus, when brother Keeble talked about their being five steps to church he was saying that there are five steps to being saved from sin and added to the spiritual body of Christ.  What are those five steps?

1. Hear.  To be saved one must hear the gospel, the good news of Christ's death for the sins of mankind.  "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

2. Believe.  Having heard the gospel of Christ, one must believe it.  Paul declared that the gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…." (Romans 1:16).

3. Repent.  Jesus said, "I tell you . . . but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5).

4. Confess.  This is a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  (Romans 10:9-10).

5. Be Baptized.  Baptism is in order to the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and to have sins washed away (Acts 22:16).  At the point of baptism one is saved and added to the church. (Acts 2:47).

Then what?  The spiritual journey has not ended.  In fact, it has only begun.  From the watery grave of baptism, one is raised to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). The apostle Peter lays out seven wonderful Christian graces/qualities that Christians must add to their faith.  These are named in II Peter 1:5-7 and consist of the following:

1. Virtue.  Simply defined, this is moral excellence.

2. Knowledge.  This is an understanding of God's will as revealed in His word.  All Christians are to grow in such (II Peter.3:18).

3. Self-control.  This has to do with bridling our attitudes and actions.

4. Perseverance.  This relates to patiently persisting in the doing of what is right.  The Christian is to stay with the job of following Christ.

5. Godliness.  Simply put, this is godlikeness—the child of God coming to look more and more like his Heavenly Father. 

6. Brotherly-kindness.  Paul wrote, "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).

7. Love.  This is the queen of all the Christian graces  (I Corinthians 13:13).

If one will take the five steps to church and then follow up with the practice of the seven Christian graces, Peter assures his readers (including us today) that "an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:10-11).  Are you following God's "Twelve-Step Program"?

MARSHALL KEEBLE - October 4, 2011

 One of the great gospel preachers of the 20^thcentury was a black evangelist by the name of Marshall Keeble.  He was born inRutherford County, Tennessee in 1878 and died in Nashville in 1968 at the age of 89. Over the course of his life his mode of travel ranged all the way from mule back to jet airplane.  He preached all across the United States in such major cities as Seattle,Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami,Detroit, Atlanta, as well as many others.  He preached in Africa and visited missionaries around the world. 

In Preachers of Today (Volume III) [1964], Keeble reported that he had baptized over 25,000 people and established more than 200 congregations of the Lord's people.  By the time of his death he had been an evangelist for some sixty-five years.  It was my privilege to hear brother Keeble on several occasions, the last of which was in the spring of 1967 when he came to the Madison Street Church of Christ in Clarksville, Tennessee (where I was serving as the local minister) for a one-night special engagement.  Even at an advanced age, Keeble was still powerful in the pulpit, and his sermon to an audience of over 1000 that April evening resulted in five baptisms and five restorations to the Lord.

Brother Keeble was limited in his formal education but not in his intellect or in his knowledge of the Scriptures and in a unique ability to relate to his audience and make the Scriptures come alive to his hearers. Writing in the July 2010 issue of theCarolina Messenger, Dr. J. E. Choate, retired professor of Bible at Lipscomb University inNashville, said: "There is no end to the Keeble stories and most are true."

Keeble was a master at the use of humor in his preaching.  He said: "I am a little funny or comical, but it's been a joy to me.  It's kept my enemies from bothering me.  I have carried a lot of humor just to flavor my message.  You can put too much flavor in anything.  Does me good sometimes to go home and lay (sic) in bed and laugh at myself.  People are so easy to teach if you know how."

In a California meeting Keeble was challenged by a young man who said to him: "You have spoken about every other church; now what about mine?"  Keeble answered, "I don't know what church you are a member of."  The young man responded, "The Latter Day Saints." Keeble shot back, "You're too late!" The next night the young man moved a little closer to the front and when the invitation was extended he came forward to be baptized into Christ!

Keeble did not hesitate to call the names of religious parties, identify their doctrines, and contrast human doctrines with the plain teaching of God's word.  He was sometimes criticized by his brethren for being so bold as to call names.  Keeble explained: "Jesus called names.  He called Lazarus by name. If he hadn't called him by name everybody in the cemetery would have gotten up!"  He said: "I call names sometimes.  God deliver me from a hintin' preacher!"

He preached to his own brethren.  He said: "My brethren are like dogs sometimes; you've got to pet this one to keep him from biting that one."  He said: "The worst man in town will respect you if you deserve it. Even a bootlegger will respect you if you deserve it; but start drinking his stuff and you're gone, sure 'nuf gone."

Marshall Keeble's strength as a preacher lay in his complete trust in the Bible as the inspired and authoritative word of God.  He said: "The Bible is right.  You can go home and fuss all night.  The Bible is right.  You can walk the streets and call Keeble a fool. The Bible is right.  You can go home and have spasms.  The Bible is right."

I loved Marshall Keeble.  I loved to hear him preach.  The late B. C. Goodpasture, long-time editor of the Gospel Advocate and benefactor of Keeble, said Keeble really had only one sermon—salvation.  Well, if a preacher only has one sermon, what better one could it be than salvation?

Sending a boy to do a man's job - September 27, 2011

At the very outset of this essay I need to remind my readers of what I said in the inaugural issue of "Hugh's News & Views" back on November 11, 2010.  These musings address a variety of matters, depending on the things about which I have been thinking and the mood I am in when I sit down to write.  They often are religious, biblical, or spiritual in nature, but not exclusively.  I also speak to subjects of contemporary culture, politics, sports, entertainment, etc.  I even like to share a little "Hugh-mor" with my readers every once in a while. 

Too, it is important to remember that these are my (Hugh's) "News & Views."  They may or may not coincide with your views. That is alright; you do not have to agree with me.  I only ask that you consider my viewpoint on whatever matter I choose to address.  If it is a religious matter and I give Bible book, chapter, and verse in support of what I say and you disagree with it, I humbly ask, "With whom are you disagreeing?"  If it is a non-religious matter, then there may very well be room for differing views of the matter.  Upfront I am alerting you to the fact that this essay is political in nature.  You are free to disagree—in whole or in part—with what I say.

Based on his record to date, it is my judgment that in November of 2008, the American electorate chose to send toWashington a boy to do a man's job.  Most now seem to recognize that fact.  Barack Obama's job approval ratings are at their lowest level!  His ability to lead and to do the job that he was elected to do and that needs to be done is now highly questioned. 

I am not a fan of Obama's.  He is the president of the United States and I pray for him.  The church where I preach remembers our governmental officials and leaders—local, state, and national—in most of the public prayers that are lifted up to the Lord in our public worship assemblies.  This is as it should be (I Timothy 2:1-2).  When Paul wrote the words of the text just cited, Nero, as foul a monster as has ever been imposed on a civilized people, was on the throne ofRome.  Yet Paul urged prayer for him and for "all who are in authority."  At the same time, it is in order in a democracy for people to work to change their leaders when it is obvious that those currently leading are inept and ineffective. 

It is becoming increasingly obvious to thinking people that Obama is in "over his head" and does not know how to lead our country through and out of the problems we face.  He had little experience as a leader when elected to the highest office in the land.  Political correctness seemed to have gotten the best of far too many people as they could see only the prospect of electing the first black person to the office of the presidency of the United States.  The shallowness and superficiality of such thinking is difficult for thoughtful people to comprehend.  Yet Obama's color and racial ethnicity has nothing to do with the matter. I am not opposed to a black person serving as president of the United States.  I have been impressed with the leadership of a number of political figures of color.  But we need in the White House a person of proven leadership ability, a person with experience, a person who will surround himself/herself with capable people to advise and who will guide their departments effectively, and who will do what is best for our country as a whole.

I do not know how President Obama will perform through the remainder of his term. If past performance is any indication of future performance, I am not very optimistic. I do not know who the Republican Party will choose to oppose him in November of 2012.  I do not know if  the Republican nominee will defeat Obama in 2012 and take office in January of 2013.  I only hope and pray that in the next presidential election we will give serious consideration to the person we vote for and not return to the White House "a boy to do a man's job"!

Hugh Fulford

September 27, 201

How Should We View the Scriptures? - September 20, 2011

The Scriptures themselves provide us with a marvelous understanding of how they are to be viewed.  Consider the following.

* All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is sufficient for all religious and spiritual instruction. (2 Timothy  3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-5).

* Scripture was given "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped  for every good work," and it is not to be added to, subtracted from, substituted for, modified, amended, or supplemented by bishops, councils, popes, human creeds, church manuals, and/or catechisms.  (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:24-25; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 9).

* Scripture must be handled properly (rightly divided), recognizing the difference between the covenant God made with Israel through Moses (the Old Testament) and the covenant He has made with all humanity through Christ (the New Testament). (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 1:1-2; 9:15-17).

* Scripture speaks to us in plain, explicit statements of various kinds (declarative, imperative, interrogative, hortative, etc.), by examples, and with implications from which we draw necessary inferences.  With reference to inference, Paul asserts that the existence of the universe teaches us by necessary inference that there is an all-powerful, all-wise Creator (Romans 1:19-20).  Jesus used inference in refuting the Sadducees’ lack of faith in the resurrection (Mark 12:24-27).  If God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but also a God—not of the dead, but of the living—then it must necessarily be inferred that those Old Testament patriarchs are still alive in the spirit world, and, therefore, there will be a resurrection!

*  We must honor the silence of Scripture, and not presume to speak where God has not spoken (I Corinthians 4:6 [NKJV,ASV]; 1 Peter 4:11).

* We should adhere strictly to Scripture in all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice, including what the New Testament says with reference to being saved from sin, the church, worship, and daily Christian living in all of its multiple dimensions (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9).

* A person of average intelligence can read and understand the Scriptures for himself/herself as surely as he/she can read other documents and understand them (Ephesians 3:14; 2 Timothy 2:15). 

The problems/differences we face today in the church and in the religious world at large are not so much a matter of notunderstanding what the Bible says as they are a matter of not knowing and/or notbelieving what the Bible says.  This is not to recognize that there are not some knotty passages concerning which good and able men have differed.  But I fear that in too many instances some have allowed their social and professional peers and their religious and non-religious friends to intimidate them into compromised beliefs and positions where biblical teaching is concerned. 

Paul expressed a fear that "as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (sincere and pure devotion, NIV) that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).  The "strait" (observe the spelling) way is too restricted for some (Matthew 7:13-14).  To insist on salvation only through Christ is too "limiting" for some (John 14:6; Acts4:11-12).  To insist on immersion for the remission of sins too "narrow" for some (Romans 6:4; Acts 2:38).  To worship without the instrument is too "odd" for some (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  To insist on male only leadership in the church is too "politically incorrect" for some (1 Corinthians 14:34; 2 Timothy 2:11-12).  

Some seemingly have come to the point where they are ashamed of the simple truths of the Bible.  I am reminded of the words of an old preacher who said, "I would be ashamed to be afraid and afraid to be ashamed of my Lord and His words." Jesus had some sobering words for all who fall into that category (Mark 8:38).

                                                                  

Baptism - September 13, 2011

Recently I had the privilege of baptizing into Christ a young man who is a police officer in a nearby town.  He had been baptized in a denominational church at the age of thirteen—a church that does not believe that baptism has anything to do with being saved from past (alien) sins, but nevertheless necessary to being a member of that denomination.  A friend on the job had encouraged him to study a number of biblical passages relating to how a right relationship with the Lord is established. At the invitation and encouragement of this friend, about a year ago this young man had begun attending the church where I preach.  Over a period of several months he came to seriously question the validity of his denominational baptism, and wanted to make his life right with the Lord.  So, on a recent week-day afternoon, upon a confession of his faith in Christ as the Son of God, I immersed him "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), and, like the eunuch of old, "he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts8:39).

I find it difficult to see how people fail to understand New Testament teaching concerning baptism as to whom, how, and why.  Not long ago, in a Bible class I had occasion to mention Mark 16:16.  Following the reading of it, I asked somewhat rhetorically, "How can anyone misunderstand what Jesus said as to the conditions of salvation as set forth in this verse?"  A man whom I had baptized a few years earlier (formerly a member of a denomination that practices sprinkling as a substitute for baptism), spoke up and said, "One has to have expert help."  I think he was right.  One has to have expert help to misunderstand what the Bible teaches about baptism!

It is passing strange that people think that salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) somehow rules out baptism for the remission of sins.  All who believe the Bible know that we are saved by the grace of God (Acts 15:11; Hebrews 2:9).  All who believe the Bible understand that we are justified by faith (Romans 5:1).  The question is, "What does it mean to have faith in Christ?"  The Philippian jailer was told to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your house" (Acts16:31).  Yet, he is not said to have believed until after he and his household had been baptized (Verses 32-34).  Belief requires action; it demands obedience.  Christ is "the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9).  This obedience requires that one comply with what Peter told sinners on the day of Pentecost: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).  If salvation "by grace through faith" does not rule out the necessity of repentance (and it does not), then why does it rule out the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins?  The fact is it does not!  And "for (eis, Greek) the remission of sins" in Acts 2:38has the same significance that it has in Matthew 26:28, namely, "in order to."

Saul of Tarsus, who became the great apostle Paul, is a sterling example of one saved "by grace through faith."  Yet, he was told to "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).  And it is in that very same way that every sinner today calls on the name of the Lord and is saved "by grace through faith."

According to the New Testament, baptism stands between the sinner and:

* The remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

* Having sins washed away (Acts 22:16)

* Having access to the benefits of the death of Christ (Romans 6:3-4)

* Being in Christ (Galatians 3:27)

* Being saved (Mark 16:16)

If one can be saved and in a right relationship with God without the above blessings, then one can be saved without baptism.  But if the above blessings are essential to salvation, then so is baptism!

Hugh Fulford

September 13, 2011