DRIFTING AWAY

The idea portrayed in the verse is that of a mooring line that was not secured, as it should be and through one’s casual neglect, the boat was let slip away from the dock. The Hebrews’ writer mentions the things “heard” were those things taught by our Lord and His apostles (Heb. 2:3). So, the admonition is given: “we ought to give the more earnest heed” (v. 1) to those things spoken and now recorded for us in the Bible. This is similar language to that used in Acts 2:42 when the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” The result of which caused them to be “together, having all things common” (Acts 2:44). Together, we can care for that mooring line and never let slip or drift away in our faithfulness unto God. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…?” (Heb. 2:3).

~ Wayne Rodgers

THE SEXY STUFF DOESN'T BOTHER ME: WHO ARE YOU KIDDING?

by Neil Richey

I’ve been absolutely amazed by the number of Christians, who have destroyed their lives and the lives of those they love because of sexual sins. Things like pornography, sexual immorality, adultery, and all forms of sexual sin are plaguing our society and even the church.

We need to learn to guard our hearts, and despite what some folks may say, yes the “sexy stuff” does impact our hearts and can cause us to sin. 

Guarding our heart . . .

. . . IS A TOUGH JOB (Proverbs 4:23).

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" 

The "heart" is the mind. Every action that we engage in, good or bad, begins with the mind. It stands to reason then, that we train our mind carefully--a task that takes great effort. It's a tough job.

The world doesn't share the same moral/sexual values that we do. Tragically, some of our fellow Christians are equally negligent it keeping their hearts pure from sexual sin. It’s no wonder, given the sex driven society in which we live. Want to sell something today? Place it next to a “sexy woman” and it will enhance your profit margin.

You and I are living in a Dancing with the Stars, American "Idolatry," and American "Porn" Star, and The Next Top Model kind of world. Sadly, our Christian friends are becoming consumed with this very ideology.  

Christians dress like folks in the world. Christians vacation like folks in the world. Christians participate in recreational behaviors like folks in the world. Christians watch movies and television programs like folks in the world. Christians go to inappropriate websites like folks in the world. Christians are challenged by the “sexy stuff” just as much as anyone in the world is. The mind is affected by what we see. Want an interesting read? Take a moment to read the article found at http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2010/feb/10020205. 

Now, having discussed the challenge of guarding our hearts, let's turn our attention to some specific ways in which we can guard our hearts.

. . . MEANS BEING MINDFUL OF OUR SPEECH AND OUR EARS (Proverbs 4:24).

"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."

Your words are used to paint a picture. In English, we learn that an adjective is a descriptive word. Our speech relative to sexual behavior paints a picture that can affect our hearts. So, we should "be careful little mouth what we say," and "be careful little ears what we hear."

Sexual activity never begins in a parked car, on a living room sofa, or in a bedroom. It always begins in the mind. Sometimes, our speech is one of the senses that helps get the process of sexual activity rolling. 

"We are influenced by what we hear, because our thoughts are created, at least partially, by what our ears give our hearts."

. . . MEANS BEING CAREFUL WITH OUR EYES (Proverbs 4:25).

"Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee." 

It was a time of kings, queens, princes, and peasants. It was a time of epic battles. During this time period, the king would often ride on horseback into battle with his army. However, on this occasion, the second Monarch of Israel chose to stay behind. It was one of the biggest mistakes of his career. 2 Samuel 11 tells us the story of his monumental sin with Bathsheba. Take a moment to turn there and refresh your memory of that event.

Sometimes there is such great pleasure taken in with our eyes that the emotions that our vision stirs makes it incredibly difficult to say one of the hardest words that there is to say--NO! (cf. Gen. 39).

Our Bibles warn us of the danger of improperly using our eyes. Consider the following passages:

"I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?" (Job. 31:1).

"Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids" (Pro. 6:25).

"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" (2 Pt. 2:14). In other words--wayward eyes cause wayward thoughts.

. . . MEANS BEING WATCHFUL OF THE PATH OF OUR FEET, AND OUR HANDS (Proverbs 4:26-27).

"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

Let me start with the hands first. Consider what a touch does: 

. . . it can incite intense feelings. A slap in the face arouses anger, while a warm handshake communicates friendliness. A hug can convey compassion or desire, depending on its context and manner. Two teenagers in a passionate embrace an engaged in sensual kissing will think certain things . . . . 

I don't care what you say, kissing and hugging always creates thoughts. Add to that, passionate kissing and hugging never, ever, never stops there. It leads to touching, which leads to a sofa, parked car, or bedroom. [Parenthetical note: if God spoke of the carefulness of our dress as it incites desires through the sense of sight. Doesn't it stand to reason that we recognize the borders of the garment and not touch within those lines for the sense of touch also incites those same desires?]

Now, to the path of our feet. Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife? How did he respond to her temptation in Genesis 39? He pondered the path of his feet. Now, Potiphar's wife wanted him badly. If there was ever an opportunity for sex, this was it. The husband was away. The woman was the instigator. Joseph could have made a number of excuses: 

"I'm far from home, and no one will know . . . ." 

"I think I really lover her . . . ." 

"God wants me to be happy, and this would make me really happy . . . ." 

"After all, she's my master's wife, so I must obey her wishes . . . ." 

Reasonable excuses? Perhaps. Righteous? NO! When Joseph said NO, consider what he recognized:

He had a strong sense of his individual responsibility (Gen. 39:8-9).

He had a strong sense of right and wrong (Gen. 39:9).

He had a love for God and a sense of God's ever abiding presence (Gen. 39:9).

It’s tough to guard our hearts. To do so, it means we’ll be mindful with our speech and ears; be careful with our eyes; and we’ll be watchful of the path of our feet and our hands. We do so, because the “sexy stuff” does have an affect on our mind. 

* Gleaned from several sources.

Neil’s bio: Neil Richey is a native of Tennessee. He has preached full-time in Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, where he now preaches for the Piedmont Road church of Christ in Marietta, GA.

In 1995 Neil met Emily (Martin) and in 1997 they were married while attending Freed-Hardeman University. They have two children: a son named Peyton, and a little girl named Rebekah. 

Neil's formal education includes a B.S. in Communication with an Emphasis in Broadcasting. He holds a M.A. in Church Growth and a D.Min. in New Testament Theology. 

He has been blessed to preach in several states and in a number of other countries including Brazil, New Zealand, and Tanzania, where he has taught multiple short courses for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He holds numerous Gospel Meetings and speaks on lectureships and youth rallies each year and makes annual mission trips outside of the United States.

In addition to his full-time work with the Piedmont Road church of Christ, Neil is one of the instructors for the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies. Also, Neil is the President of the Board of Directors at West Cobb Christian Academy. He is a regular writer for journals, periodicals, blogs, and he hosts multiple video devotionals on-line. He writes a short devotional sent out via email every Monday - Friday called, Neil's Daily Devotional Nugget which can be subscribed to at www.NeilRichey.com. 

Neil has authored and edited books including Growing the Church God Loves, Thinking Out Loud, and What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do. All of these are available at www.NeilRichey.com. 

When asked, Neil wants people to know that, "I'm a husband, father of two, and most of all, a Christian that's been saved by grace through faith. I'm trying everyday to live life with purpose for Him."

THE REDUNDANCY OF BEING A "BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN"

by Todd Clippard

It is not uncommon to hear the term “born again Christian” in religious discussions today. Such language reflects a misunderstanding of the Scriptures and what it means to be “born again.”  In truth, when one is born again, he is a Christian.  If one is a Christian, he became one by being born again.  Conversely, one cannot be a Christian without being born again, and one cannot be born again without becoming a Christian.  Thus, the term “born again Christian” is a redundancy. (A redundancy is unnecessarily saying the same thing twice.)

In like fashion, one does not anywhere read in the New Testament of an unbaptized Christian. Obedience to the gospel requires baptism (immersion in water) to receive remission of sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).  Disciples are made by the means of baptism (Matt 28:19-20).  Acts 11:26 says “the disciples were called Christians at Antioch.”  So, when one finds disciples, he finds Christians, and when he finds Christians, he finds those who have been baptized to receive the forgiveness of sins. When one finds different terms used to describe a similar or identical result, it should be assumed the terms are synonymous.  The following examples are noteworthy:

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Jesus clarified in verse 5, “Except a man be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This being the case, two things need to be understood: 1) being “born again” is the same as being “born of water and Spirit.” There is not one birth in verse 3 and two in verse 5. “Born” is singular in both verses; and 2) to “see the kingdom of God” is the same as to “enter the kingdom of God.” However, this does not fully answer what is meant by being born again / born of water and Spirit.  We must further search the Scriptures for clarity.

In Titus 3:5, Paul declared our salvation is according to God’s mercy “by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.” The word regeneration literally means “new birth.”  So we find similar terms used in the two passages, “water (John 3:5) and “washing” (Titus 3:5); we also see born again (John 3:3) and new birth (Titus 3:5). Thus, the results are also to be considered the same; seeing / entering the kingdom of God is equal to being saved by God’s mercy.

In 1 Peter 1:22, God says our souls are purified by obedience to the truth through the Spirit. In verse 23, that process is described as being “born again” by the incorruptible seed, which is the word of God (cf Lk 8:11).  Likewise, Ephesians 5:26 says that Jesus sanctifies and cleanses His church “with the washing of water by the word.” Mark 16:16 says we must be baptized in order to be saved, and Acts 2:38-47 teaches that only those who are baptized for remission of sins are saved and added to the church by the Lord.

In understanding these texts in harmony with one another, we can know that being born again is the same as: (1) being born of water and Spirit; (2) the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; (3) the washing of water by the word; (4) purifying our souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit; and (5) baptism (immersion) in water to receive remission of sins.

Have you truly been born again? 

Todd Clippard

Hamilton AL

Todd’s Bio:  Todd Clippard is married to the former Rhonda Bridges of St Louis, MO. They have two children, Shelby and Jeffrey. Todd has served as the preacher for the Burleson Church of Christ near Hamilton AL since February, 1996.  

Links:

www.burlesonchurchofchrist.com 

www.housetohouse.com

KIND TO THE ERRING ONE

by Barry Grider

The words in the above title are found among the beautiful lyrics in a hymn composed by William A. Ogden in 1885. The song beautifully speaks of the life Jesus lived while on earth and reminds those who sing the song that “He the great example is, and pattern for me.” Christ was the great Reconciler and Restorer. Paul wrote, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Likewise, the faithful have the responsibility to restore the erring (Gal. 6:1). How does God lead us back along the path of restoration? Is it not through His kindness? “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4)?

It may be imperative that we refrain ourselves from fellowshipping with some members of the church who continually, without repentance, bring reproach upon the body. However, such withdrawal is never done out of malice or of bitterness.

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:14, 15). 

Dear faithful child of God, why not make a loving appeal to a lost brother or sister. You can do this through a call, note, or visit. If you get a positive response, lovingly listen to what the erring one has to say. Such individuals may be bearing a load of guilt, anger, blame, indifference, or perhaps they feel neglected. By speaking with them about matters of eternal consequences you are reaching out to help them. Respond to them with reassurance and unconditional love. Challenge the erring to ask God for forgiveness and be ready to lead them in prayer if they repent. It could be these prodigals need to be converted all over again with a simple, basic Bible study that will remind this child of God of the joy that was his when he first obeyed the gospel. Also, let other faithful members know what you are doing. Pray together regarding these lost souls. Don’t become weary in reaching out, but persevere.

Through your diligence and kindness you will win back to Christ some of those lost souls. When that person returns, as many Christians as possible need to welcome that one back to the fold, just as the Heavenly Father has done (Luke 15:20). If a wayward brother or sister comes forward in an assembly, let several others go down and sit by their side or put an arm of affection around them. When the service is over let everyone encircle this one in love. Now that the prodigal has returned, let that person put his past forever behind him. Help him find a place to serve in the kingdom once again. Keep checking on him to encourage him to stay strong and to keep him accountable.

Did you know that when one returns to the fold there is joy in heaven (Luke 15:10)? If the divine Godhead and the angelic host are rejoicing, so should we! Remember these thought provoking words,

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19, 20).

Barry's  Bio: Barry Grider is a part-time instructor with the Memphis School of Preaching.  He also serves as the pulpit evangelist of the Forest Hill Church of Christ. He graduated Memphis School of Preaching and the University of Alabama (B.A.). He began preaching in 1986. He is married to Celicia and they have three children.

Links:
http://www.foresthillcofc.org
http://msop.org

MIRANDA RIGHTS FOR CELL PHONES

by Mike Swims

The numbers are staggering—As of February 2014 there are 6.8 billion cell phone subscriptions in a world of only 7 billion people! And that comes as no surprise, does it? Because think about it; everywhere you turn, someone is on their cell. From the multi-tasking mom who’s using her Samsung in the carpool lane, or the iPhone wielding teen who is texting or taking a ‘selfie’ with friends, or even the small business owner who uses his Blackberry to check his clients orders, cell phones provide a valuable service to our society, and are therefore here to stay. And they’ve come a long way from the days when they looked more like bricks than the pocket-sized devices of today. Even the President of the United States got caught by the world press taking a “selfie” with other world leaders recently!

As great as cell phones are, the problem is that some people—especially teens—aren’t using them very wisely. Take a cruise around Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sometime and you may be surprised by what you find. The things that are being posted to these sites are enough that the child of God should be embarrassed! I saw an example of this recently that was so bad that it got me to thinking, “Some people need to arrest their cell phones.”

Some of you may know that I’m a former police officer. When I placed someone under arrest, I was required to read someone what was called their “Miranda Rights,” that went like this:

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you at no cost to you. If you decide to answer any questions now, you can stop at any time. Do you understand your rights as I have read them to you?”

What would happen if people started arresting their phones and started applying a “Miranda Rights for Cell Phone Use”? It could go something like this.

“You Have the Right to Remain Silent”

Unfortunately, along with the convenience of instant communication that cell phones bring us is the ability to instantly respond while we’re still mad. Think about it, how many texts have you sent to someone in anger that you wish you could take back later? And while you can apologize for it later and the person can forgive you, that doesn’t address the underlying problem and what caused the hurt in the first place. So why not do yourself a favor and not argue via text or instant message? Remember that even though it may take you half a second to fire off a few unchristian words out of anger, the other person can post them to any number of social media websites and hurt your reputation for years to come. That quick retort you may type right now could come back to haunt you later down the road. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”-Proverbs 15:1

“Anything You Say (or, More Specifically, Send) Can and Will Be Used Against You”

Look, there’s no easy way to go about talking about this but we’ve got to. Young people are under and immense amount of pressure to take and send photos of themselves to others that they otherwise wouldn’t dream of. Yet, because the process is done and over with so fast with the cell phone, there is less time for them to think about the consequences of their actions. You wouldn’t dream of going to a professional photographer, stripping down, and allowing them to take those same photos of you to send to others, would you? So can you explain to me the difference? I can hear you now, “He’s my boyfriend! He wouldn’t show anyone! He loves me!” I wonder if every other girl who has had been humiliated by having personal photographs of herself posted online ever thought that, too? Nah, surely not! Right? I mean, ….Right?!?! A good rule of thumb is that anything and everything that you send from your phone can and will end up posted on the internet. However, you get to decide what leaves your phone.

Ladies, if he truly loves you, he’ll understand your stand for Godly modesty at all times. But, you also need to protect yourself now in case there comes a day when he decides he no longer loves you or your stand for Godly principles. No man has a right to see you unclothed except your husband (notice I didn't say "future husband"), and your husband should be someone who protects your honor-not defames it. Notice that 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says that a woman’s modesty is a reflection of her godliness, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Does he support your Godliness, even through digital means? If not, boot him. Because at least God won’t ask you to denigrate yourself to make Himself feel better.

“You Have the Right to Parental Guidance At Any Time. If You Cannot Ask For Parental Guidance, It Will Surely Be Provided Whether You Like It or Not”

Look, it may not seem like it at the time, but the best friends you can have in any tempting moment is your parents. No two people want more for you than your parents. Though you may not agree with me now, just trust me on this. You’ll agree with me when you’re older, and not as smart as you are now. So if you’re feeling pressured to use your phone in a manner that would bring shame to you, your family, the church, or Christ, then the best thing you can do is simply go sit with them! Two things will undoubtedly happen:

1. Whatever temptation existed will instantly dissipate at first sight of your parents, or;
2. Whatever you’re angry about will instantly be replaced by anger toward your parents.

Look, whether you’re arguing with someone, visiting sites a Christian has no business visiting, or feeling pressured to send photos to someone you know you shouldn’t, the answer is simple and all the same: Simply put the phone down and go spend time with your family! And trust me, it’s better that you take this pre-emptive measure now rather than have your family find out about it later and provide said guidance for you against your will!

To the parents, many of you are getting your children cell phones at an increasingly younger and younger age, and that’s fine! Each family must make that decision for themselves and decide what is best for them. However, I would encourage you to closely monitor your child’s full use of their phone—not just the number of texts sent. Might I suggest that perhaps it’s time we teach our children to exercise their “Miranda Rights for Cell Phones?” 

Mike’s Bio:  Mike Swims is the Minister at Canal Heights church of Christ in Demopolis, AL. He is also the Assistant Director of Campaign Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Mike is also the Political  and Current Events Columnist for WestAlabamaWatchman.com Mike is the proud husband to his wife of 9 years, Jennifer. Together, they share the gift of being the proud parents of their two year old son, Conner Christopher.

Links:

http://www.canalheightschurchofchrist.com

http://thefaithforumblog.com