The
"V" list: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.
9-11-2001
~ Things I Can Count On Today (America
was attacked by terrorists on this date. This is a “time” when people thrive
upon inappropriate statements, and misleading applications of God’s Word.
Illustrations of such would be, “Nostradamas said…,”
“Armageddon has come,“ “the Mark of the Beast.“ And important
part of this study shows when men have questions as to "Why?" or
"What is the future?" that Christians have a limited number of
precious things that they can depend upon. These few but precious things are
where a Christian's life really is any day, and any place that they might be. One point made in this article is that God
has promised that VENGEANCE is His, and
He will repay (Rom.
Selected
Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ Life
for everyone, rich and poor, has its VANITY and seems empty and without purpose. This
life on earth possesses sorrows, grief over man’s double-mindedness,
deceit, and lies. One’s own sins are
a VEXATION of
spirit! Friend, the answer is not in beauty, riches, mirth or
pleasure; neither will one find the answer in psychology or mere human wisdom
that fails man again and again in providing the right answers to vexation of
spirit. Jesus’ invitation is “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavey
laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My
yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-32). Why not read this short
truthful article titled “Has Someone Pulled The Plug From Your LIFE?”
Why We
Rejoice With One Another God delights over His
people to do them good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist said, “Light is sown for the
righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11). We are commanded
to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of
the same mind one toward another (Rom.
Selected Newspaper
Articles from 2016 These four newspaper articles
include: (1) Surely Such Beautiful People (In this article “Beautiful people are just
everywhere here!” People, and especially our youth, do not
understand the VANITY that is evil and destructive). (2) Surely Correct Thinking ~ Although
It Does Not Begin With the Fear of the Lord (In this article “The fear of
the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Pr. 1:9) – “beginning” meaning the
first step in acquiring and then applying God’s revealed word. This is not your
own “I think” or “I believe.” Four important applications display what men are
willing to do when they lack the fear of the Lord. (3) Surely Not Their Kind
of Preacher ~ Hired to Protect the Ungodly (Based upon I Tim. 3:16-17 it is
the members themselves who are responsible for maintaining such preachers;
these men pleasers are standing in line to take the place of those who preach
the truth and are dismissed or cast out for doing so. (4) Surely Displays
Great Love for Jesus ~ Cancelling Church for Sunday Dec. 25 (Lk. 2:11 says
“For you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the
Lord.” That’s right, all we have is “this day” --- thus the obvious flaw in
saying that anyone today knows the exact day Jesus was born. Since no one knows
then how can “cancelling” church figure in at all? Put this with the command
not to forsake assembling and you see that love of the Traditions of men, not
God’s Word, is all important and mighty self-serving.
Light
Beer Is Not So Light! Perhaps you've
wondered what the alcohol content is in LIGHT
BEER. In this brief
article you will find an answer to that important question. Dear reader do not
believe every thing that you hear concerning light
beer. And especially comments to this effect, "What's the big deal after
all it is only light beer?" Why not read this article and give careful
consideration to the scriptural warnings about the
deceitfulness of alcohol, and its attendant state of drunkenness and
addiction?
Getting Smart
with God (Sarcasm) : Many people, including some in the church,
think that all uses of sarcasm are simply wrong and belong in the category of
improper speech. Just like “satire” which is often humorous ridicule that
conveys a rebuke or criticism, likewise “sarcasm” can be used to expose folly and VICE. Brethren it
is not wrong to expose folly to ridicule! Here’s a Bible lesson using
sarcasm. The rightful use of sarcasm is presented in this lesson.
Selected
Newspaper Articles for 2013 These newspaper articles from 2013 include: (1)
“Using ‘Christendom’ to Cover Religious Error”; (2) “The Ways of the Street
Mugger”; (3) “Murders,
Murderers, VICTIMS”; (4) “Surely
not a Hot Head” and (5) “Surely not a Greedy Person.”
The
Foolishness In Forgetting God’s Word Trials
should not cause us to forget God’s law! We can receive strength in remembering
past trials we persevered in (Cf. Heb. 10:32-34). The one who perseveres does
not shrink back! Specifically, when one turns their back upon God they will forget His
word, benefits, past deliverances, that man’s wrath can be over ruled by
God’s anger, that
God’s VICTORIES display his righteous judgments,
and one would be forgetting the loving kindness of the Lord! Why not read this
article and acquaint yourself with what is happening when one forgets God’s
law?
Vindication
Based Upon One’s Righteousness, Integrity This study is linked
with a prior article and is a continuation of integrity as defined from Psalms
119, as well as other Psalms. For the first article see the introduction. In
this study you will find such points as: (1) Pleading for protection against
the wicked, (2) One’s hope for deliverance, (3) Asking God for VINDICATION, (4) Who
is fit for communion with God, (5) What preserves when in distress, (6) The “I
Haves” of integrity, and (7) David’s integrity.
Excuses
~ Oldies Are Still the Goodies! There’s nothing so
entertaining to some as tuning in to the “Oldies” program on their available
radio network. Some of those hits you just don’t get tired of hearing, and
there are some excuses
for evading scriptural authority that you are always
hearing from those who never tire of using them. Here are several
oldies that are still goodies for those disrespecting scriptural authority: I.
We are all part of the body of Christ; II. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I
have no need of you”; III. Jesus said, I AM THE VINE AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES; IV. God loves sinners too; V. We’ve all been left
under human tradition; VI. Only God can judge another; VII. I’d never tell you
that you are in the wrong church; VIII. Never place a period where God has
placed a comma.
Selected
Newspaper Articles for 2013 These newspaper articles from 2013 include: (1)
“Using ‘Christendom’ to Cover Religious Error”; (2) “The Ways of the Street Mugger”- VIOLENCE;
(3) “Murders,
Murderers, Victims” - VIOLENCE; (4) “Surely not a Hot Head” and (5)
“Surely not a Greedy Person.”
Memory #2 You may desire to read “Memory #1” for April
2016 before this continuing article concerning some simple applications
pertaining to one’s memory. Emphasis in this article is given to the importance
of our remembering our own past conduct. Paul did not exclude himself when
speaking of past conduct before his conversion – stating plainly that he was a blasphemer, persecutor and VIOLENT AGGRESSOR
(“injurious”) against the church.
There is also the importance of our not forgetting even one of God’s benefits
given to us in Christ.
Virtue
or just Virtue Signaling Here VIRTUE IS DEFINED and put in the right order as belonging first to
God, and then man’s as set forth in His Word in order that the church might be
pleasing to Him. So called “Virtue Signaling” is nothing more than the
social justice movement using the social media. The often seen great flaw in
“signaling” is that by contrast in true virtue there is no sinful conduct or
shameful thing!
FIRST: …THE SUPERIORITY OF GOD REVEALED IN THE
WORK OF SALVATION.
THEN: SUPERIORITY OR BEING PLEASING TO GOD, ARETḖ
DENOTES IN A MORAL SENS
An
Example of going beyond Local Church Organization – The Seventh-day Adventists
: Here is a comparison of Christ’s church as set forth in the New Testament and
the Seventh-day Adventists. As you
read this you will see important points on “how” false religions get started.
There is a vast difference in stating that we must go back to the New Testament
patterns for the organization and worship of Christ's church He built -- and the establishment of a denomination upon FALSE VISIONS and
leaders falsely claiming the gift of prophecy
(I Cor. 13:8). New Testament authority for what is practiced is
sorely lacking today!
Selected
Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ What is the local church to present to one
who should be seeking God for salvation?
Simply stated the church has the responsibility to be the pillar and support
of the truth as revealed in the New Testament, Paul said (I Tim. 3:15). This involves presenting “the whole counsel
of God” (Acts 20:27). Thus there will
be no holding back in order to impress and attract VISITORS. It should never be as one explained in
saying that the district had sent their church notice not to teach on divorce,
for that would keep them from being “seeker friendly.” Why not read this
short article titled “Holding Back Truth To Be A
‘Seeker Friendly’ Church?
Selected
Newspaper Articles Here
are four newspaper articles presented to the community with a love for the
truth. The intent is to present God’s truths without incorporating the
emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies: (1) “When You’re Promised You’ll Like It!” exposes “pitches” for attracting VISITORS contrasted with
what God’s Word should produce in those who hear. (2) “Politics Does Not Make Evil To Be Good!” presents the fear associated with “political
correctness” in our society contrasted with true Christians’ desire to tell
people they are wrong morally, i.e. religiously. (3) “God Knows When Men
Conceal The Truth” presents a scriptural view of those
who claim to preach God’s word while restraining their lips for covetousness
sake. These help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord! (4) “Justifying
Self By Saying Church Responsibility Is Not Necessary”
answers four popular self justifications offered for not studying and seeking a
scriptural church.
About
the Label “Advertisement” On Our Articles
I’m often asked why there is a label of “advertisement” at the bottom of
the church’s articles. They’ll often say, “No one else’s does, why yours?” The
newspaper places it there. Consider this: While the designation is accurate,
for our articles tell people about the church of Christ, it is obvious that the
content is what we are seeking to get forward (Cf. 1 Tim. 3:15). There should
be a distinct difference in what a church of Christ presents to the community,
and that of the various false religions. And there is if the church is doing
its work as it should. By refusing the often sought “marketing approach” the
Truth becomes apparent. It is the Truth that is important in contrast to sin
and religious error. Included is an exposure of the oft used “Try Us And You’ll Like Us” pitch. …
The only kind of assembly of a local church that
is worth a dime is the kind Paul recommended to Corinth:
1Co 14:24 But if all
prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he
is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Co
14:25 And thus are the secrets of his
heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship
God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Here the VISITOR is
convicted by all who give instruction in God’s word (I Cor. 14:24).
In other words, based upon scriptural instruction and application by the
teachers, the person is actually told where their sins are leading them — they
receive a rebuke even though just visiting. Imagine that!
Here the VISITOR is
judged of all by the instruction given (I Cor. 14:24). The word
“judged” has the various definitions of 1a) to investigate, examine, enquire
into, scrutinize, sift, question (Thayer’s definitions). Concerned reader, do
you see the point clearly? The point is
that YOU are just what God’s Word is looking for! Here the
secrets of the heart are made manifest to himself (I Cor. 14:24). Those who go
a lifetime playing “games” — thinking that they have escaped the eyes of God —
are greatly deceived:
Heb 4:12 For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there
any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked
and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Here the VISITOR
did not jump up and leave. He stayed
for he had found the truth of God’s Word (I Cor. 14:24). When VISITORS are looking to please self,
rather than God, then you’ll often see them get up and march out. Those who hate the Light aren’t comfortable around
applicable teaching. It isn’t that the church is not friendly. It is what Jesus
said about those who love darkness rather than light because their deeds are
evil.
Discontent
followed by the “Curtain Call” followed by the “Go Get ‘Em
Letter” Illustrates those including VISITORS who work to please
self and man, while displaying their own discontent with the truth.
“Thank you
for the strong words.” The title is also a quotation from a VISITOR. She said, “I want you to know it is good to hear
strong words used. Back home we don’t get that.” The thing that bothers too
many brethren today, and it sadly lacking because of that, is proper
application to the brotherhood, the local church, other local churches, and
individual lives. She made some good “application” herself – a wonderfully
strong statement concerning a member who isn’t coming. In no way did she
indicate that it was otherwise and that she just could not attend at all. She
said they had a member who says she’s sick, but sets at home and watches that
“dribble” from the fake T.V. evangelists on healing, and then when we admonish
her we’re not loving enough and too hard.” Sound familiar? Here are good examples of various kinds of
VISITORS.
When “Mr.
Make a Show” Visits There
are all KINDS OF VISITORS – some are beneficial, some are benefitted by
edification and instruction and humble themselves (Cf. I Cor. 14:25), and some
are to be watched carefully (Cf. Acts 20:28-29).
Various
Newspaper Articles from 2018 There are four NEWSPAPER articles selected
from 2018: (1) Jezebel A Woman Politician ~ Surely Quality Skills,
Empathy with Honor (2) Surely God Had No Place in the Creation ~ But If You
Could Only
Talk to Stephen Hawking
Now! (3) Surely Very Beneficial ~ The “Virtues” of Vulgar Language (4) The “Y” Chromosome ~ Surely “Men” Disappear
in less than 5 Million Years.