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"EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OWN
VIEW ?'
It's been stated so many times one would think it's declared in the Holy
Scriptures. We not only prize this freedom; we revel in it. Take for
example the many ideas expressed in regard to religion:
-"I think Christians should be more tolerant. I don't think everybody has to
believe in Christ to
be O.K. with God."
-"I think homosexuals and women should be 'ordained' to the ministry like anyone
else."
-"I think it's ridiculous that some churches make such a big deal of baptism.
What's that got
to do with what kind of
person I am?"
-"I think I know what God wants me to do without having to look it up in the
Bible."
-"I think all truth is relative. What's true for you doesn't necessarily mean
it's true for me, You
have your truth; I have mine." .
-"I think churches of Christ should catch up with the times and use instrumental
music in w
worship."
There is a hitch, however. Listen to Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with
all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight, in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
There's a world of difference between "I think" religion, and the revealed will
of God. We desperately need to hear once again: "Do not rely on your own insight
... do not rely on your own insight ... do not rely on your own insight!"
Those words should be a mandatory warning label printed on every bottle of
"home-brew" religion. The 'white lightning' we are concocting is going to kill
us.
BULLETIN DIGEST
John Gipson via Little Rock,
Arkansas
Individual Responsibility
I really believe in the idea of individual responsibility. Everyone should be responsible for his or her actions for good or for bad. And I strongly believe in this premise regardless of a person's social rank, money or influence. Laws are written to regulate our lives and to aid us in living in concert with others. Violation of these laws in disregard for our individual responsibility should bring punishment upon the lawbreaker. Solomon, writing in the Book of
Proverbs said: "... but the way of transgressors is
hard"
(Proverbs 13:15b). And well it should be! Television celebrity Martha Stewart was reminded of this truth this week when a federal judge refused to set aside her five-month house
arrest sentence. Stewart was convicted last year
of lying to the government about a stock sale after which she served five months in prison and this spring began the five-month house arrest which was part of the original sentence. In
asking for re-sentencing, Stewart asked for a reduction of the sentence in order
to participate in two television series-a daytime talk show and a new rendition of a major network program. She also asked for permission to be away from her home for 80 hours per week rather than the 48 she is allowed under her sentence. Part of the blight affecting our country's judicial system is the lessening of sentences for convicted
criminals. It parlays into a disregard for law and adds to the popular idea that one doesn't have to be responsible for his actions. But listen to the Apostle Paul:
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers... the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for
conscience sake".
(Romans 13:1-2; 5). We must accept the responsibility of living within the bounds of the law or pay the penalty for not doing so.
by Hoyt Nelson
Just suppose
That.....
ust suppose
that when you were growing up you were hated by your brothers, sold into
slavery; lied about, and cast into prison. Suppose you had to languish in that
cell for months on end. Would you still have faith in God? Joseph did!
Just suppose that you were called by God to preach a very unpopular message...
God's wrath. Suppose the people got up in arms and vented their anger at you.
What if they lied about you and tried to take away your life? Would you still
have faith in God? Jeremiah did!
Just suppose you were called upon to stand before a king and rebuke him for his
sin. And suppose that in obedience to the will of God you performed your task
only to learn that your head would be chopped off. Would you still have faith in
God? John did!
Just suppose that you lived a perfect life, loved all men, always did God's
will, sought to serve instead of being served, and then you were nailed to a
cross to die. Would you still have faith in God? Jesus did!
THOUGHT: Just suppose the church isn't friendly, the people don't appreciate
you, that nobody visits you, that you lose your health, and you .go bankrupt.
Would you still have faith in God. . . .. ?
By John Gipson
Via Glad Tidings of Good Things
| New Antioch Church of Christ