BELIEVE IN GOD

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shalt have no other gods before Me.”(Exodus 20:2-3 NKJV)

Faithful Christians believe in God as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier.As a Christian, you cannot love God too much. He is in all the universe and He knows everything about every one who has ever lived and who will ever live. Despite the fact that He knows all, the amazing truth is that He loves everyone.God created man and He sustains man throughout life on this earth. Without His loving care, no one in the world could live for even an instant.And above all else that He has given man, He has given Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ to save all men. This is the best gift of all.Thank God for all He has done for you and pray that your heart will be so grateful to Him that you will love and serve Him every day of your life.Thank God that He is God and that He has created you; that He loves and cares for you; providing all your needs. Ask Him for help to be stronger in your faith and that He will help make you a better servant in everything you do.

BEING GODLY

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

They found no dirt, wrongdoing, faults or sin of neglect on the part of Daniel.

Like Daniel we should be people of character and integrity.

Endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one serving as a devoted soldier gets entangled in affairs of this life. We must seek only to serve the Master (2 Timothy 2:4).

We should strive to be light unto the world like Daniel. Do everything heartily as working for God and we will receive an inheritance (Colossians 3:23, 24).

There will be lions in our lives so we need to prepare ourselves for battle. The devil is like a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour(1 Peter 5:8).

When Daniel prayed 3 times daily he was building an inner strength that could later be a comfort and aid in time of need. Daily prayer, repetitious worship, and daily Bible study may at the time not seem important in and of itself but, over time builds strength and fortifies our inner character and faith. It develops within us a reservoir of strength and full assurance that God will deliver us and help us to be able to bear any burden that may come our way.While God rescued Daniel by shutting the lions’ mouths, Daniel still spent all night with them in the lions den.

We often pray and want God to deliver or remove us totally out of crises (sin, sickness, financial difficulty, etc.). This deliverance may not be answered as we would like to see it, but God may still direct a deliverance which enables us to endure or overcome and escape(1 Corinthians 10:13).Jesus Christ through forgiveness on the cross can free us of the lions in our lives giving us the promise and pledge of a resurrection for all (Romans 1:4, 5).

Blessing God

“Blessed be the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ...”(1 Peter 1:3)

What did Peter mean when he wrote those words in 1 Peter 1:3?

How did he do that and how can you do it?

In the common use, everyone understands the word “blessing.” The rain is a blessing. A loving, caring, helpful daughter is a blessing to her aging parents. But how do you bless God?When you are blessed you have received something. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” (1 Peter 1:3).As a Christian, God gives to you a “living hope.” This, however, does not apply to your blessing Him. Gratitude consists of the disposition of returning to another something, if only an expression of thanks, for favor received. In contrast, though you would never be able to return fully your obligation to Him.Your blessing God appears in your thinking well of Him; speaking well of Him; recommending Him to others. Perhaps you can see it praying, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Your “reasonable service” is explained in this verse, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Hopefully, this helps you understand better what Peter meant when he would have you bless God.

The Cross As A Story of Love

What would be the biggest and most famous story of love of all time?

While we think about it, let me tell you a story. We begin with a mother which was trapped in a blizzard accompanied by her little son. As the mother desperately looked for a way to save her son she decided to take off her thick cloths and wrap her son in them. In the morning her body was found lifeless, and frozen next to her body a pile of clothes was found. From that pile of clothes a cry of a baby came out; a child who was in fact alive and safe. When this boy grew he constantly would tell the tale of his mother’s sacrifice and love towards him.

This kind of love story warms our hearts and drives us to love our mothers more. It is always said that the love that always follows the love of God is the love of a mother. If we meditate a bit in this story we will find out that Christ did the exact same thing for us. The word of God tells us that he gave everything up for us and was even willing to die just so that we can have salvation through the sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Now tell me, just how generous are we, and how much of our lives to we give to him? If we (the ones that say to pertain to the Church of our Lord) meditate and think about the sacrifice of Jesus more often, then we will be more grateful because we see that what Jesus did for us was not something easy. To be humiliated, abused and crucified just so that we can attain salvation through his blood would give us more than a good enough reason to be thankful and grateful to Him every day of our lives. Now let’s think of something else, Was Jesus obligated to give himself up for sacrifice? Of course not, he did this through pure love. If we go to the gospels we will find out how much Jesus suffered, for example if we go to John 19:1-11 it is narrated to us of the arrest of Jesus and the things he suffered for us. “So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put on Him a purple robe”….. “Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “crucify Him, crucify Him” Pilate said to them “you take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.””…. “And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the place of a skull, which is translated in Hebrew Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center”.

These things were not written in the word of God so that we can find entertainment in ourselves, they were written so that we can obtain a living faith and so that we can transform our hearts. When we hear of the life and death of our Lord Jesus on the cross we should not hear these things and then forget them. Let us just imagine, if Christ did not come to this earth, what would happen to our lives? Simply put the answer would be that we would be owned by someone else, that is to say the devil. But that is why Jesus came to this earth, so that he could save what was his from the beginning.
Illustration
The story begins with a boy who made a boat with which he went to go play with in the river and while he was playing with it the current snatched the boat from his grasp leaving him desolate and sad. After a few days the boy saw his boat in a pawnshop and saw that his boat was for sale. When he entered the store he told the owner “this boat is mine, I made it but I lost it in the river while I played” the owner responded by saying “someone sold me this boat so if you want it you have to pay me the price that I am asking”, the boy quickly ran home and took out all his savings and ran back to the store to buy back his boat. When he got out of the store he told his boat “I love you a lot because I made you and I bought you. You are mine two times”
This is exactly what has happened to us, He made us. And when the current of sin snatched us away from Him we fell in to the hands of the devil. God sent his son so that he could save us and buy us out of sin through his blood that was shed on the cross. Now we are His twice just like in the story of the boy and his boat, Doesn’t this seem marvelous to you brother? Let’s see what
Matthew 20:28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”
1 Peter 1:18-19 “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot”.
1 Peter 2:24 “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died in sins, might live for righteousness- by whose stripes you were healed”.
What else can we say about the story of Christ on the cross at Calvary? Well that it definitely is a story of Love. Let us just remember brethren that we were lost in our sins and our transgressions, we needed someone like Christ to come and save us. The only thing that is left for us to do is to be appreciative of that immense love he has towards us.
Conclusion
Before Jesus died on the cross He said “It is finished” according to John 19:30, after saying this he bowed his head and gave up His spirit. Jesus followed a plan for His life and finally he had fulfilled it. His death was not accidental, no one took his life away from him but rather he gave up His life following the plan of God to redeem us from our sins according to Galatians 1:4 “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father”. Finally brethren what can we say or do but to thank our God and to be appreciative for all he has done for us.
May the Lord bless us today and always.

Antonio Arguera

A Time For Everything

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV)

Whenever you are excited about something does it feel like an eternity to wait for it? I know that it is sometimes hard to be patient for things like dating, getting older, driving, and other matter of beings

In Ecclesiastes, chapter three, it tells us that there is a time for everything in heaven. We shouldn’t wish our lives away, but use every day that we have to teach someone else about the salvation of God.

Remember that God has a plan for everybody’s lives. Everything He does for us is not to hurt us, but help us.

There may be some pain along the line, but it is all worth it in the long run. Be happy that God sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.This life is short compared to the eternity that we will one day spend with God in heaven.

A PRESENT

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-33 NKJV)
We often hear,
“I’ll be glad when this day is over” or “I dread tomorrow.”
Obviously, these phrases are often lightly spoken. In reality we can find something good that we have either seen, heard or done each day that we can thank God for giving us, after all that is His present to us.
In Lamentations 3:22-23 Jeremiah says it is the Lord’s mercy and compassion that we have new blessings every morning.
Thank you, Holy Father, for loving us so much.
“Yesterday’s the pastTomorrow’s the future,But today is a giftThat’s why it is called, ‘The Present’Today is a gift from God.”

A CONFESSION

“Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.”(Psalm 39:4)
Reading this every day provides a reminder to give thanks to the Father that He is in charge and not this frail, earthly human, who sometimes tries to carry too much on his/her shoulders and falters along the way.
The idea from this scripture seems to denote that we know not how long we will live on this earth, which is to God “...as handbreadths…” and our age is “…as nothing before…” God (Psalm 39:5).
There is no time to waste in doing service toward God within His kingdom, because we do not know how much time is allotted us to be of service to Him. We must prepare to reap salvation and to bear good fruit along the short span of life that we have been afforded (which is as a vapor in the wind). We must confess Christ daily as our Savior and our strength, through our trials.
Incidentally, Psalm 39:4 is taped on my refrigerator door at eye level, and in large print so I can't help but be reminded to read it daily.
There are others there also. One is, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
I try to remember that even though I may be frail, physically, I can be filled with the Holy Spirit so that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

TEACH US TO PRAY

Any study about prayer starts with a relationship, and this relationship is with God. He is the center of all expression and movement of all true and faithful Christian. Looking for God, to get to know him, to trust in him and obey him according to his word is what molds us to be children of God, if we don’t have the knowledge about who God is, then the prayer of all those who prophesy piety will come to be an empty prayer. The depth of our prayer is the result of the knowledge we have about who God is. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thess. 5:17 “Pray without ceasing” This means that every Christian needs to have full knowledge to whom we pray to and why we pray. The disciples went up to our Lord Jesus and asked him “teach us to pray” according to Luke 11:1-4. Jesus told them when you pray, say “our father which art in heaven”….. What we note is that our Lord Jesus has a very clear start, beginning with acknowledging the father, with words easy to understand. Jesus gave us the format in which we have to pray but that does not indicate that we are to repeat the same thing every time we go to our father in prayer, considering that prayer is according to one’s own needs. Jesus declares in John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the father may be glorified in the son.” Prayer is such a small word that describes a great experience for all those that form the kingdom of God (the church). Prayer is to be something natural for everyone one of us, but if we ask what the worst failure in a Christian life is, the answer would easily be prayer. Let’s suppose that someone tells you that a Christian that prays three or four times a day does not indicate that he is more spiritual than a Christian that prays once every two days or once a week. What would you say? Is this possible? Prayer is the only base that we have to communicate with our God. If we only pray once in a while or not at all it is because we don’t trust in God, however His word tells us in 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous , and his ears are open to their prayers….” We see then that the disciples were wise in asking our Lord Jesus to teach them how to pray. But for some reason the Christians today try to be better than the apostles by thinking that we don’t have to pray to be right with God. Jesus was the person to have the right to say that he didn’t need to pray since he was God, however we see the complete opposite, as he prayed as much as he could. We confirm this in the gospels when we read that “Jesus went to pray” or “Jesus prayed through the night” or “Jesus prayed till day break”. Someone may ask, what was the purpose for our Lord to pray at every moment? I believe that it is so that we could learn from his example. If Jesus being God and man at the same time needed to pray, then how much more is prayer important to us? If prayer held an important part in the life of Christ, than how much more is prayer important in our lives? Prayer is for those who say “God, be merciful to me a sinner” Luke 18:13. Prayer is confession, submission, is humility of heart to accept that we need help in every moment of our lives. For God the most wonderful thing that comes out of man is a humble prayer coming from a contrite heart. This is what the apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:14 “Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”. These words is what allows us to say that if we persevere in our prayers we convert our Lord God in our helper and our provider, and he is willing to help us in anything of course according to his will as we read in 1 Juan 3:22 “whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight”. What more can we say? Jesus gave us many teachings like the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount or the teaching of the true vine in John 15 among many others, but no teaching can compare to that of His life of prayer He had throughout His three and a half years of his ministry. This is why his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. How many of us have gone to Jesus and asked him how to pray? Is God obligated to bless us and give us the things we need like if it was magic without remembering him? Prayer is to ask, prayer is to meditate, prayer is to submit and prayer is to call. ConclusionLet me tell you that a just prayer can only come out of a just mind, from someone who has a right life in the eyes of God. It is few that pray and fewer are those who persevere, prayer is indispensible in our lives as Christians. If you don’t seriously involve your life in prayer, then why should God be involved in your life? Just a few words of thought- If we are too busy to pray, then we should be too busy to receive as well.

May be the Lord Bless us today and always.

Antonio Arguera

Finish The Story

There was once a congregation in which every member was just like you. Each one cooperated and supported every phase of the work just like you. Everyone worked as hard and attended the same services and gospel meetings that you did. The elders, deacons, and preachers were all as interested in the church as you are. They put the same emphasis on recreation, business, and other material affairs that you do. Each member contributed monetarily just like you do. Within a year or so, this congregation… Is that happening here in this congregation?
Think about it, the church will be as strong or as weak as you are. The chruch is composed of members.

When Church Is Boring

Written by

Frank Himmel
What do you do when you find that church is boring? It's time for a change! Now the question is, change what?
Many folks think the answer is change the church. I just read an article about a new church created for men only, men who find church boring. Discarding more traditional environments, they meet in a gymnasium one Saturday evening a month. A rock band provides the entertainment. The preacher speaks in front of the scoreboard, with the clock running. He guarantees to have them out in one hour! This sort of innovation is not unusual. Many religious leaders hail it as a positive development, a way to reach out to those who otherwise would have no interest in church.
Some might not go that far, yet they still insist on change. Contemporary music, drama, and short sermons that are little more than pep talks are the order of the day. Clapping and cheering have replaced old-fashioned amens. Celebration and praise are the buzzwords, with the world's calendar dictating the subject celebrated.
Malachi lived at a time when people found "church" boring. Speaking of Israel's worship, God said through the Prophet, "You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it" (Mal. 1:13).
God proposed two changes to these who turned up their noses at His worship. One was to just stay home. "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you" (v. 11). The better solution, the change He preferred, was to repent. "'If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,' says the Lord, 'then I will send the curse upon you'" (2:2). Notice what God did not approve: changing the structure or activities of wor-ship to accommodate individual tastes.
The preacher can work to make his sermons more interesting, the song leader can try to select more meaningful hymns, and the one who leads in prayer can give more thought to what he says. However, when worship as God directed is boring, the main change that is needed is in the heart of the worshiper.

Preacher, "Your Preaching Is Too Harsh"

It’s not the first time that I hear people saying that they do not want to come to Northside church of Christ because my preaching is too “harsh”. Some say that I am not a “loving person”. By “loving,” what they really mean is I don’t “tolerate sin”. That’s another way to say that the preacher is not a loving preacher.
I ask my self, what is it that people find “harsh”? Exactly what are these people looking for? What do they want?
Someone told me: I’m shopping around for a church. You hear that, “shopping around”. People are not looking for the truth but for the church that concedes with their lifestyle. Will they find it? Yes, there are thousands of churches that will please this type of people.
But again, what is it that they find harsh about the preacher at Northside church of Christ?
Do they find it harsh that we ask for: Bible book, chapter and verse for everything that we do?
Do they find it harsh that we continue admonishing those in sin to repent?
Do they find it harsh that we admonish those who are forsaking the service to wake up from their apathy and revive their Christian life again?
Do they find it harsh that we in this congregation do not condone sin?
Do they find it harsh that we do not sell a cheap Gospel in order to please people?
Do they find it harsh that we do not commune with those practicing sin?
Do they find it harsh that we do not have a baseball league or teams to compete with sectarian churches?
Do they find it harsh that we do not lie to one another but preach the truth of Jesus?
Do they find it harsh that we do not tolerate inmmodesty in this congregation?
Do they find it harsh that we condemn promiscuity?
Do these people want me to preach lies? I believe that we are reaching the same point as the people of Israel were when they were asking the prophets of the Lord:
Isa 30:10 Who say to the seers, "Do not see," And to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
People are asking today, perhaps in a different manner, the same things that the Israelites were asking. Should we please them?
Many want to come to church in their sins and when they hear the preacher attacking sin they say: “This preacher is too harsh.” They want me to congratulate them when they are living in sin and to compromise the truth from God in order to make them feel good. Brothers, should I do that? Should I preach “peace, peace” when there is no peace?
Jer 6:14 They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is no peace.
My preaching is too harsh. I remember that the Jewish were saying the same about Jesus when He was attacking sin. For this reason many did not follow Him anymore, because Jesus was “too harsh”.
John 6:60-61…Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?"61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you?
Was Jesus begging them to stay? NO, He let them go. Northside is in the same position. If people will not follow Jesus and His truth in all sincerity they can go any time, but we will not change the gospel of Jesus in order to please the masses.
“Preacher, your preaching is too harsh, you are not teaching for the teenagers.” Can someone please show me where in the Bible we find the gospel for: Old, for Young and for Teenagers? Where in the Bible do you hear about “youth preacher”? Was Paul a youth preacher, or Barnabas or Peter? All I read in the Bible is that they were preaching the gospel and those who believed obeyed and were added to the church (Acts 2:47).
“Preacher, your preaching is too harsh when you don’t plan any activities for the ‘youth’”. Do you want to have secular entertainment? Talk to mom and dad, it is their responsibility to entertain you, not the church’s. The work of the church and of the preacher is:
· Edification
· Evangelism
· Benevolence
The preacher is not “Ronald Macdonald” to entertain anyone. His job is to preach and if people are touched in their hearts they will obey.
“Preacher, your preaching is too harsh”. This was the same reason that the Jews killed Jesus, Stephen, James, Paul and the other Apostles.
Mt 15:7-9… "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"
Northside took me as a preacher to preach the truth and not to please people.
May the Lord bless us.
Eric C.

Let Not Your Heart Be Trouble.

John 14: 1-7-->
I would like to start off by asking a simple question, how many of us have been troubled in our lives? I believe that mostly everyone can say that they have been troubled in their lives. The truth is brethren that to be troubled is something natural in human beings. Whether it be for sicknesses and family problems, human being go through troubled states countless times in their lives and is in fact a part of everyday living. Then we can also find Christians troubled in their spiritual lives. We find many brethren dragging their feet ready to quit the race. But what can we say to these brethren that are in these conditions? Can we use the the scriptures to encourage such brethren and tell them to not give up or risk losing eternal life? The answer is a definite yes. That is why I have title my lesson “Let not your heart be troubled” found in John 14:1.
The message from Jesus to his disciples in John 14 starts with the encouraging words which say

“Let not your heart be troubled”. This message was necessary due to the events that had just occurred in chapter 13. The denial of Peter, Judas leaving them to go betray their Lord and it seemed that the journey to the cross was ever more near. And it seemed that everything was going all wrong for his disciples and their spirits were slowly starting to diminish, but what they didn’t know is that a prophesy was being fulfilled. That is why Jesus being the loving and caring Lord that he was took the time to encourage and edify their faith by telling them the encouraging words “Let not your heart be troubled” and also not to be afraid John 14:27.
Jesus as God knew very well what his disciples were going through and what was awaiting them, that is why these consoling words were necessary as they would help encourage and lift up his disciples to continue this difficult journey. The fact that Jesus uses the word troubled in such a consoling way is something worthy of glorifying, as he is going through the most difficult moments in his life, but what do we see Him worry about the most? At this moment what He is worried about the most are His disciples and their state of mind. The beautiful thing brethren is that this passage does not only reflect on his disciples but can also reflect on us, as we know that our Lord Jesus was going through all this ultimately for our Salvation. Our Lord was suffering for us but at the same time using his suffering to encourage us. But sometimes brethren we read these passages without actually meditating in them. Let’s take the time right now to immerse ourselves in this passage. How many of us have thought about our Lord’s state of mind at these crucial and difficult times? We realize and know that on earth he was a man. Do you think he got troubled with the events that were to happen to him? There is no doubt if there were a time to be troubled, it would be these days, realizing that cruel and difficult road of suffering he had to endure at the cross. And yes we see in the Bible He was troubled when he asked his Father to let the cup pass from Him, Matthew 26:38- 45. It was evident that our Lord was suffering as He said “his soul was exceedingly sorrowful”. He was troubled for what would happen to Him, He was troubled because His disciples could not stay awake to encourage Him with their presence. He was troubled to the extent where we read that His sweat were like great drops of blood. But what do we see brethren our Lord doing? As a man yes He was troubled but as the compassionate Lord that He was, He took his troubled state and His suffering to encourage His disciples and us with His compassionate words. If we take the time to consider the despair our Lord went through for us so that we could have a chance of eternal life, how much more can we give up for our Lord and God, who probably suffered twice as much than we will ever suffer. He gave everything to us. How much do we really give back to him? Our Lord took the time to encourage his disciples giving words to encourage them by showing them the way and the life.
The truth is brethren that the holy Scriptures are drenched with words of encouragement. And the purpose is to lift up and encourage every Christian in times of distress and trouble.
Philippians 4: 13
Ephesians 2: 14
Philippians 2: 1- 2
As we read in these few passages we have a guide in which to turn to when in need and in times of distress. In Him we have peace (Ephesians 2:14), consolation and a way of escape from all our troubles. It is through him that we can do and defeat anything. And it is through his words that we can find consolation to all our troubles.
In conclusion brethren I would like to finish how I started.

Getting troubled is part of everyday life in human beings. But if we understand and apply the Holy Scriptures in our lives we will realize that Jesus is more than sufficient to lay our burdens on Him so that one day we may see that place in our Father’s house with many mansions that is prepared for each and every one of us.
May the Lord bless today and always.
In The Lord

Antonio Arguera.

Seasoned With Salt.

Paul is exhorting the Colossians that in everything that they do as Christians they must season “their life” with salt. What exactly is the idea of seasoning something? Well, we all know that salt is an ingredient that is used in order to preserve. Salt flavor is one of the basic tastes, and salt is the most popular food seasoning. Salt is also an important preservative. The Bible often uses salt to teach us that we as Christians must season the world in which we are living.
1) Mt 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
What Jesus is saying in Matthew is that you and I have the job, the task, to help the world by understanding that we are the salt of the earth. Think of it like this: The world is getting corrupt by sin, the world is getting rotten by sin, the world will be wasted if we as Christians do not add some salt in the life of those who are dying in their sin.
To get comfortable and ignore that the world is dying in sin will not help us. We are the salt of the world. But what will happen when we being as salt compromise with the world?
1) Lu 14:34 "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?
We must keep that salt in our lives at one point. If we do not know how to use it, then this salt will lose it flavor. We must be on constant guard, making sure that we still have flavor in the sight of God, as salt.
In my passage that I quoted at the beginning Paul is talking to the Colossians and he reminded them who they were and how they are supposed to talk, to act and to conduct themselves, Paul said:
1) Col 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Everything that we do as Christians must be seasoned with salt! Are we? Are we making sure we are only using conversation which are profitable for you and I? Do we end up in disputes and controversies when we talk because we do not know how to season our conversations?
Think about it, we are the salt and in our every action God is expecting you and I to put some flavor unto those who are sad, disappointed and crying due to difficulties that they are facing in life.
2) Mark 9:50 "Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."
Jesus in Mark 9:50 is saying that salt by all means is good. If we all have salt in our lives then we will be helping those who are dying in their sins and trespasses but that also we will have peace with one another.
When we lose that sense of responsibility to love one another and to seek for peace among us, then we will no longer have flavor for one another.
Are we responsible enough to think about the lessons from “this good ingredient which is salt”?
May the good Lord help us to understand who we are and our purpose and mission as a church.
In Love
Eric Castillo

The Justification For All Our Sins

Have you ever confronted someone regarding sin? What were the results? Hopefully, they responded as David did in II Samuel 12:13, admitting their sin and turning from it. Regrettably, however, that has not always been the case has it?
In contrast to David’s appropriate response, you have probably received responses similar to Saul’s response to Samuel in I Samuel 13:11-12.
What was Saul’s biggest concern? “The people were scattered from me.” Who was he trying to protect? “The Philistines will now come down on me.” Who governed his actions? “I felt compelled.” Just in case it was wrong to do, who did he blame? “You did not come within the days appointed.”
Then, of course, there was the day he completely disobeyed God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including all of their livestock (I Samuel 15:2-3).
When Samuel confronted him, he initially acted as though he had done nothing wrong, saying, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord” (I Samuel 15:20). He explained that if anyone did anything wrong, it was the people.
After further rebuke, he reluctantly admitted that he had sinned. But he did not stop there. He had to explain why. “I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (I Samuel 15:24).
Too many times when confronted with our sins, we respond as Saul did. We do not admit our sins and turn away from them. Too often we admit them as sins but then justify them, explaining why everyone ought to understand. On our worse days, we do not even admit that they were sins, but rather explain that considering our extenuating circumstances our actions were alright.
What causes this behavior? Saul’s words explain it all—“Me, me, I.” Not only is our self-centeredness the root of all our sins (James 1:14-15). It is also the means by which we justify everything we do. We can easily see everyone else’s sins as sins. But our sins? People should understand. If they had been through what we had been through… If they realized all the hurts and wounds we have endured… If they knew how mistreated we have been… If they would just put themselves in our shoes, they would understand.
But what is happening here? This is all about us. We want everyone, including God, to accept everything we do, whether sinful or otherwise. Why should they do such? Because we were the ones who did it and that justifies it.
That is selfishness. Remember, we are to sacrifice ourselves and our desires, serving the Lord (Galatians 2:20; 5:24). May we all carry our crosses this week, crucifying ourselves with Christ.

In Love.

Eric

You're Never Alone

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)
Everyone feels alone sometimes. You just suddenly feel like the world has totally turned its back on you, and you just feel like no one cares about you anymore. It’s at these difficult moments in our lives when we need God the most, although sometimes it might feel like He doesn’t care either. But when we feel this way we just have to remember that God has promised to always be there for us, no matter what. We have to keep in mind what Jesus said: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” With such a promise, how could we ever feel alone and unloved? Such a promise by Jesus should constantly fill us with unending comfort and hope.There’s a line in the song titled, “Times When I’m Alone,” that expresses exactly how we should all feel when we are down in the dumps. It says: “And though the world seems cold, and nobody ever seems to care, no, I’ll never doubt your love because I know you’re there.”
Who needs the world when you’ve got the Lord?
In love
Eric C

Adorning the Doctrine of Christ

“Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”(Titus 2:10) Servants are to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:10). That word “adorn” has an interesting background. It is a Greek word and when spelled in English letters comes out, “kosmeo” or, “cosmetic.” Christians are to be the Lord’s cosmetics. McKnight and other commentators provide a deeper meaning to the word “cosmetic” than we usually do. He would, for example, point out in Romans 6:17, that Christians have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered. Here is applied cosmetics with the added explanation that is like molded metal poured into a form. It does not come out as it went in. It takes the shape of the mold.What ever the Gospel is, as a Christian, you take on that form. You are the copy of it. Where the Gospel is light, you are illuminated. Where it is salt, you are seasoned. Where it is love, you are loving. Where it is holiness, you are holy and happy in its form. Where it is truth and grace, you are honest and gracious. Your temper, speech, your very presence gives evidence of your “adorning the doctrine.”There are so many areas where this molding should take place that you are required to honestly work on it all the days of your life. Are there times when your zeal for orthodoxy seems to smother other considerations? Does it need to be that way? You cannot renounce charity and candor, but you must combine them with the love and concern that was firmly set by the One who set the mold for you.
May the Lord help us to understand this concept...
in Love
Eric C

At Present

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-33 NKJV)

We often hear, “I’ll be glad when this day is over” or “I dread tomorrow.”Obviously, these phrases are often lightly spoken. In reality we can find something good that we have either seen, heard or done each day that we can thank God for giving us, after all that is His present to us. In Lamentations 3:22-23 Jeremiah says it is the Lord’s mercy and compassion that we have new blessings every morning. Thank you, Holy Father, for loving us so much.“Yesterday’s the past Tomorrow’s the future, But today is a gift That’s why it is called, ‘The Present’ Today is a gift from God.”

Think about it and praise the Lord.

In Love Eric C

A Great Example.

“... How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)Our supreme example for living righteous lives before God is Jesus Christ, His Son. He left the glory of heaven to come to earth to live, suffer, be tempted, and die as a man. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are…yet without sin.”In the great Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:48, Jesus encourages us to “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.” However, we sometimes want to make excuses and justify our weaknesses and our shortcomings. We point out that, although Jesus lived as a man, He was also divine, as if that negated His suffering and temptation. We tend to take comfort in and feel justified by verses such as Romans 3:23 in which the Apostle Paul says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and 1 John 1:8 where John says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”We have all heard the expression (and maybe said), “Well, I’m only human,” usually to make an excuse for sin and to imply that it is beyond our control. Especially if we have suffered some injustice at the hands of our fellow man, then we really think we have an excuse—the old “He hit me first!” attitude.In Genesis, chapters 37, 39 and 50, we read the story of Joseph. In chapter 39, we read of his temptation and attempted seduction by the wife of his master. Joseph could have given in to the temptation and easily justified the sin in his own mind. After all, he had been almost murdered and sold into slavery by his own brothers. He could have responded, “Why should I try to live right after what has happened to me.” And Joseph wasn’t divine, he was human, a “red-blooded” young man who was likely truly tempted by the repeated advances of Potiphar’s wife. “And who would ever know, anyway? Way off down here in a foreign land, away from anybody who knows me.” But Joseph made no excuses and refused to betray his master’s trust and sin against God (Gen. 39:9).And what did Joseph’s refusal to sin get him? Falsely accused and thrown into prison! Even more justification for saying: “What’s the use? If he was looking for an excuse, he could have said to himself, “Trying to live right is getting me nowhere, but in trouble!” But he didn’t. He continued to do God’s will and God continued to be with him.Then finally, Joseph got his chance for revenge. He was Governor of the whole land of Egypt, there was a famine in the land, and his brothers came down from the land of Canaan to buy grain. Here was his opportunity to repay them for the evil done to him. But instead, Joseph forgave them, embraced them, and provided for them, even after their father’s death.After much adversity, the story of Joseph has a happy ending, and “the good guy wins.” Joseph had never read Romans 8:28, in which Paul says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” but he understood its message, and in Genesis 50:20 he told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...” Joseph wasn’t perfect, but he apparently also understood the message of 1 Corinthians 10:13: “...And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” And we don’t have to do it alone. Immediately after Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned...” He continues in the next verse, “…and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” And immediately after telling us in Hebrews 4:15 that Christ was tempted but was without sin, in verse 16 he says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” No need for excuses.
May The Lord bless us and help us to be loyal and faithful.
In Love
Eric C.

A Time For Everything.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV)

Whenever you are excited about something does it feel like an eternity to wait for it? I know that it is sometimes hard to be patient for things like dating, getting older, driving, and other matter of beings. In Ecclesiastes, chapter three, it tells us that there is a time for everything in heaven. We shouldn’t wish our lives away, but use every day that we have to teach someone else about the salvation of God. Remember that God has a plan for everybody’s lives. Everything He does for us is not to hurt us, but help us. There may be some pain along the line, but it is all worth it in the long run. Be happy that God sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.This life is short compared to the eternity that we will one day spend with God in heaven.

Do you realize that?

In Love

Eric C.

Lessons Of Nadab And Abihu

God has chosen to give us some valuable lessons from the Old Testament.

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4).

Nadab and Abihu were priests in the tabernacle of God under the Old Testament. One of their duties was to burn incense in the tabernacle at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM each day. "Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord" (Leviticus 10:1-2).

The KJV says "strange fire". It was "profane" or "strange fire" because that fire was not authorized.
Nadab and Abihu were told in offering the incense they were to "take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar" (Leviticus 16:12). Apparently they chose to ignore the Lord’s instructions and do as they saw fit and get the fire elsewhere. Because their sin was doing that which the Lord "had not commanded them", they were struck dead for doing so. Doing that which the Lord "had not commanded" is prohibitive.
If the Lord struck people dead today who are bent on pleasing themselves and not God by engaging in unauthorized religious practices the way He struck Nadab and Abihu, the world population might not be as large as it is. "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition" (1 Corinthians 10:11).

We will all be held accountable (Romans 14:12). The warning we receive from the example of Nadab and Abihu is the Lord severely punishes those who act in the absence of His authorization.

Thank you all.

Will You Obey Jesus?

Joe R. Price
Obedience results from recognizing the authority one has over you plus a willingness to yield to that authority. We obey the laws of the land because we recognize the authority of civil government and we willingly comply with its laws and ordinances.
Jesus is obeyed because of his authority. He calls upon us to willingly yield to his authority and obey him today.
1) The wind and the sea obey Jesus. “And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Lk. 8:25) Jesus possesses power over the elements, being both their Creator and Sustainer (Jno. 1:3; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3). Should we not learn from the wind and the waves to instantly obey when the Lord commands us?
2) The unclean spirits obey Jesus. “Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’” (Mk. 1:27; also 9:25-26) The demons tremble with fear before the power of God and His Son (Jas. 2:19; Lk. 8:27-31). Should we not tremble before the great power of God and obey when the Lord commands us?
3) Diseases obey Jesus. “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.’” (Matt. 8:8). Christ’s power over illness and infirmities was completely obeyed when He said the word. Should we not completely obey when the Lord commands us?
4) Death obeys Jesus. He commanded Lazarus to “come forth” and death released its grip (Jno. 11:43-44). When Jesus comes again He will command all the dead to come out of the graves, and it will be so (Jno. 5:28-29). Should we not learn from death and fully obey when the Lord commands us?
Why then do so many people disobey Jesus? Why do the elements, the evil spirits, disease and death obey Him, yet most people will not? One reason is free will. We must choose to obey Jesus with our whole heart. Without a willing heart we will never properly obey Jesus (Matt. 15:7-9).
Jesus saves those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). One does not know God and love God if he or she is disobeying Jesus: “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16). Be numbered among the faithful disciples and obey all Jesus commands (Matt. 28:18-20). Your profession of faith is genuine when you are always obeying Jesus.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

Paul encouraged us to
Rejoice always;Pray without ceasing;In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Was he encouraging us to stay in our prayer closets for every moment of the remainder of our lives? Was he speaking of some kind of attitude of prayer?
No. He was using a figure of speech. He used it three times. We are to rejoice always.
1 Pray without ceasing.
2 Give thanks in everything.
3 He was using hyperbole, that is, exaggeration to clarify the point.
It works something like this. Have you ever heard someone say they love country music and listen to it all the time? We do not assume they listen to country music every moment of every day. We do not expect to see them hooked into their i-pod during school or the church’s assembly because they claimed to listen to country music all the time. Rather, we recognize they are fans of country music. They listen to it regularly and repeatedly. When given the chance to listen to music, they will most likely listen to country music.
Having said all that. We can all recognize I would never say, “I listen to country music all the time.” I do listen to it sometimes. But I am by no means a country music fan. There are some songs and some artists I like and listen to on occasion. But my two or three times a year foray into country music wouldn’t qualify for the statement, “I listen to it all the time.”
Back to prayer. Paul was using that same hyperbole. We should be able to say, “I love to pray. I Pray all the time.” But recognizing the hyperbolic nature of the statement does not mean we are fulfilling this passage just because we have prayed some in the past week, month or year.
We need to be able to say, “I pray all the time. I pray regularly and repeatedly.” I need to do it always. That is, it needs to be a continually repeated habit. I need to do it without ceasing. That is, nothing interferes with my habit of prayer. Like Daniel who did not even allow the law to stop him from praying, I need to pray without stopping. I need to do it in everything. That is, prayer should be my response in all circumstances. Whether times are good or bad, I should be praying.
Sadly, in our hectic lives, without meaning to, we can end up going all week and then realizing we never stopped to individually pray. We meant to. We just didn’t. We can’t let this be us.
The question for all of us is, “Can I really say I pray all the time?”
In Love.

Jesus, Our Rock

READ Malachi 3:6
People sometimes say, “The only constant is change.” Fortunately, this is not true. There is One who never changes. Jesus Christ will always remain the same. What a comfort for believers! But it’s hard to find refuge in someone we don’t know well. So let’s explore Jesus’ actions to learn more about His nature.
• Jesus forgave others.
He showed mercy, not judgment, to those who recognized their sin. For example, Jesus had compassion on the woman caught in adultery and stopped her death penalty with a few wise words. Then, instead of pronouncing condemnation, He said that her sins were forgiven and to 'sin no more' (John 8:1-11).
• Jesus comforted the hurting.
He visited Mary and Martha, who were mourning the loss of their brother Lazarus (John 11:1-45).
• Jesus provided for needs.
After spending three days healing all kinds of disabilities, He was concerned that the large crowd hadn’t eaten. He could have sent all 4,000 away to find their own food, but He provided more than enough to satisfy their hunger (Mark 8:1-9).
• Jesus interceded for His disciples.
Just before He was crucified, He asked the Father to protect and sanctify His followers, including you and me (John 17:13-21, especially v. 20).
• Jesus strengthened believers and gave them power to do God’s work.
In Acts 1:8, the Lord sent His disciples out to share the gospel, assuring them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
He still forgives. He still comforts. He still provides. He still intercedes. He still empowers. What a blessing that we can find refuge in our amazing Lord!
In Love
Eric C

Going To Heaven.

Our number one priority in this life must be to go to Heaven. Nothing else is as important. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Our soul is the most precious thing we have. There is nothing that can equal its value. We read in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" One certainly does not profit in the tragic loss of his soul.
It is easy in today’s materialistic society to get caught up in the pursuit of materialism if we are not careful. Our Lord says in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Our bank account needs to be in heaven.
Everyday we need to tell ourselves that the main thing in this life is to go to Heaven. We read in Colossians 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." We should regularly think about going to Heaven. Heaven is a prepared place (John 14:2-3) for a prepared people. It will be such a wonderful place, which is beyond our wildest dreams. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." There is no way that Heaven can be described so we as mortal human beings can understand how wonderful it will be.
A person will not accidentally go to Heaven. Going to Heaven is a lifelong race as we read in Hebrews 12:1, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Going to Heaven requires endurance, patience, and persistence. We must finish the race.

Professor Antony Flew confesses his belief in a creator!

"the most famous atheist in the academic world over the last half-century, Professor Antony Flew of England's University of Reading, now accepts the existence of God" (Dallas Morning News)

"Professor Antony Flew, a prominent British philosopher who is considered the world's best-known atheist, has cited advancements in science as proof of the existence of God." (Insight On The News)

"British professor Antony Flew, for decades one of the world's leading philosophers of atheism, publicly announced that he now affirms the existence of a deity." (Dallas Morning News)

"Now, in a remarkable reversal, Mr. Flew holds that the universe was brought into being by an infinite intelligence." (Dallas Morning News)

"This is comparable to Hugh Hefner announcing that he is becoming a celibate." (Insight On The News)

It didn't make news, on the front or back pages of leading American newspapers, but Professor Antony Flew, a prominent British philosopher who is considered the world's best-known atheist, has cited advancements in science as proof of the existence of God. This is comparable to Hugh Hefner announcing that he is becoming a celibate.
At a symposium sponsored by the Institute for Metascientific Research, Flew said he has come to believe in God based on developments in DNA research. Flew, author of the book, Darwinian Evolution, declared, "What I think the DNA material has done is show that intelligence must have been involved in getting these extraordinarily diverse elements together. The enormous complexity by which the results were achieved look to me like the work of intelligence."
Associated Press distributed a December 9 story by religion writer Richard N. Ostling about Flew's conversion. Flew told AP that his current ideas had some similarity with those of U.S. "intelligent design" theorists, who believe the complexity of life points to an intelligent source of life, rather than the random and natural processes posited by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Flew's statements have been covered in Britain, where he is a professor, but we found nothing about his transformation in major American newspapers such as USA Today, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Ostling's status as a religion writer may help explain why. The secular press considers this a religion story.
To its credit, however, the Seattle Times permitted Jonathan Witt of the Discovery Institute to write a column noting Flew's conversion in the context of discussing the usually taboo subject of the holes in Darwinian theory.
Witt noted that Darwin and his contemporaries thought a single cell was a simple blob of protoplasm and that it wouldn't have been difficult for nature to randomly produce something so simple. "In those days the cell was a black box, a mystery. But in the 20th century, scientists were able to open that black box and peek inside," he notes. "There they found not a simple blob, but a world of complex circuits, miniaturized motors and digital code. We now know that even the simplest functional cell is almost unfathomably complex, containing at least 250 genes and their corresponding proteins."
"Darwin's Black Box" is the title of Michael J. Behe's 1996 book. Behe, a professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University, emphasizes the complexity of molecular systems such as the bacterial flagellum. Identified by electron microscopes, it is what Behe calls an "irreducibly complex system" that is necessarily composed of at least three parts: a paddle, a rotor, and a motor. He argues that Darwinian theory cannot account for it.
But those who believe in intelligent design or find gaping holes in the theory of evolution frequently encounter a hostile press. The Discovery Institute recently provided to Accuracy in Media a thick file of complaints about the way their representatives have been treated by the media, especially National Public Radio. The Discovery Institute focuses on the issue of whether there is any evidence of design in nature, rather than whether there is a designer. Still, its representatives tend to be portrayed in religious terms by the media.
Such a tactic is common operating procedure by the ACLU, which is determined to portray any alternative to evolution as religious and therefore not allowed to be taught or even discussed in the public schools.
Back in 2001, when the Public Broadcasting Service aired the seven-part series, Evolution, financed by Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Paul G. Allen, it asked Discovery Institute scientists to appear on the last segment dealing with God and religion. It was a trick. The institute rejected this ploy, saying that its representatives had scientific objections to evolution and that they should be included in the scientific episodes.
PBS went ahead with its one-sided program anyway. In response, the Discovery Institute produced a 152-page viewers guide, noting that the series distorts the scientific evidence, ignores scientific disagreements over Darwin's theory, and misrepresents the theory's critics. Because the PBS series is still being marketed to high schools around the country, the Discovery Institute critique continues to be helpful and relevant. You can find it at: www.reviewevolution.com
PBS and the rest of the media would be well-advised to follow the lead of Antony Flew, who said that his life has been guided by the principle of Plato's Socrates: "Follow the evidence, wherever it leads." Journalists can begin their investigation of the Socratic principle by simply reporting the facts surrounding Flew's amazing evolution and the implications that his statements have for a questionable theory that continues to be taught as the Gospel in the public schools.

Tears Of Consolation

There is a verse that is the smallest in the entire Bible. If I ask you what that text is, would you know which one it is? Little children in Sunday classes recite it often, likewise the adults. The majority of those who say that belong to the Church of the Lord, repeat this verse without thinking of what they are actually saying because it is easy to say since it only has 9 letters. But if we sit and ponder on this short verse for a bit, we will find tremendous teachings.
Like we all should know, Jesus was the perfect man for a noble cause. The word of God shows us that he was without defect and sin. He transmitted the truth with his life.
John 11: 35 Jesus Wept. Tears of consolation.
Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. His noble heart was shattered when he saw his friends crying for the loss of their beloved brother. How many times do we cry with the loss of a brother in Christ? If you haven’t before, then how unfortunate because this indicates that our Lord Jesus is more sensitive then us. The Tears of Jesus provides great consolation to his friends when they see him crying, as those who were around him quickly said “see how he loved him”. This is great consolation for us also who say to pertain to his Church. But some may ask, what kind of teachings can Jesus’s tears give us today? To be men/women that are hard of heart or to be men/women that are sensitive and understanding to the problems of the brethren. When you are a faithful and true Christian you will be a sensitive person, easy to share your pain with others. But if you are a “half” Christian you will be indifferent to the problems of your brethren. John 11: 33-35 says as follows “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said where have you laid him? They said to him Lord come and see. Jesus wept.” Knowing that Jesus knows how great our pain can be, is something that one way or another alleviates our burden and gives us consolation to continue forward. **** It is important to understand this short verse, Jesus was not crying for Lazarus, because he knew that he would soon resurrect him from what was his tomb during four days. Jesus is crying in this occasion for the compassion he felt towards Mary and Martha. Jesus is always willing to help in our pain and suffering, when he cannot remove
it he will share it with us. One thing is for sure what we give one to another in Christ, we give to ourselves. Give words of consolation to someone and you will receive consolation from others as well. Pray for the spiritual growth of other Christians, and you will discover that you yourself will become spiritually rich. Jesus said in the beatitudes “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4
Illustration
A young girl is tardy to get home from playing. Her mother asks her “where have you been” the young girl replies “I have been helping my friend because her doll broke” the mother replies back “you must be lying to me, How were you able to fix that doll?”, the young girl replied back “I was not able to fix it but I was able to help her by sitting beside her and cry with her”.
How many of us think in such a way? Or are we like those who say my problems are my problems and your problems are your problems and taking little into account what our brother is actually suffering. What if Our Lord Jesus thought in this way? What would become of us? Even though John 5:35 is rather short it is still one of the biggest in the entire Bible. We can say that it is a window that allows us to see the way Jesus worries for each and every one of us.
The Question of the day is, How consoling are Jesus’ tears in you life? And how do you share it with others?
May the Lord Bless us today and always.
Antonio Arguera

Father The Hour Has Come.

If you found yourself going through a time of great stress in your life what would you say in your prayer?
If you knew that tomorrow you would die what would you say in your prayer?
If you have just been hurt by a brother what would you say in your prayer?
If you felt that no one has heard the message from God what would you say in your prayer?
If you were close to being arrested or to be judged falsely and then be executed on a cross what would you say in your prayer?
The hurting, the infirmities and the stress have the tendency to make us selfish when we are full of fear. When we are full of fear and pain it is hard to think of others, but this is not the case with our Lord Jesus Christ. If we look at John 17 we see a teaching for all those who say to be part of the New Testament Church. And not only John 17 but also John 14, John 15 and John 16. In these chapters we understand the beauty and the love the Lord had towards us. The night before our Lord died on the cross Jesus partook with his disciples of the Lords Supper and declares that his spirit is deeply saddened, till the point of death. But even with his sadness and pain that distressed his spirit he gave us the prayer we find in John 17. Many call it the prayer of the Lord given to its beauty, profundity and power and it always leaves us astounded every time we read John as we see our Lord Jesus in his moments of anguish but also at the same time praying for those who would believe in him.
2000 years have already passed and when we take into our hands his word and read Jesus’s prayer we feel like it was said yesterday. Jesus gave all of himself for us and at the same time gave us everything. Let me tell you that there is nothing on this earth or in heaven or in eternity that the son of God will not give us. All we have to do is ask and it will be given, knock and it will be opened. Like you hear it, it’s that easy! Matthew 7:7, 8.
If we say that God gave everything for us, how generous are we towards him and how much of our life do we give him? Because in reality it is through the knowledge that we have in our Lord, that determines our practice of talking to him and being faithful to him in everything. If we don’t involve ourselves seriously in prayer, then why should our Lord get involved in our lives? John 17 shows us everything that a true Christian needs; Glory, humility, obedience, love, unity and eternity. I invite you to read this marvelous chapter and you will understand what I am trying to say and at the same time you will understand the beauty and the love that Christ felt towards you and me. And not only that but it gives us confidence in serving him, knowing who is Jesus, from where he came and what he did for us. This builds up the faith that Jesus himself has given to us, so that we can serve him better everyday.
Lets keep in mind brethren that prayer is a river of gold, where at the riverbanks many die of thirst however at the same time others kneel down and drink and have eternal life.
May the Lord help us today and always.
Antonio Arguera

The Poison Of Bitterness

Bitterness is an evil that can develop and grow within a person almost unbeknownst to him. I am convinced that it is a tool that Satan uses to entrap even the very ones who have worked hard at ridding their lives of many other sins.The apostle Peter spoke of bitterness as a poison when rebuking the former sorcerer. He said, "I see that you are poisoned by bitterness" (Acts 8:23).Simon's condition was not exclusive to him. None of us are immune to its venom. Husbands are warned against being bitter toward their wives (Col. 3:19). Though the inspired writer did not specifically mention the possibility, I have no doubt that wives can develop bitterness toward their husbands. Certainly, if a father fails to heed the apostle's instructions to avoid discouraging his children by provoking them to wrath (Col. 3:21), they will likely develop bitterness toward him. Do we want that in our families? The answer is no! Do we want that in the church? The answer is no! What can we do then to avoid this problem? Recognize it and repent of it, ask the Lord for forgiveness and have a better relationship with those who are around you. (1 John 1:8-10)
In Love
Eric C

ARE WE SEEKING AFTER GODLINESS?

We are studying Godliness on Friday night. We are having so many good and beautiful lessons and just last Friday, our attendance at one of our brothers' house was 21. Wow, that is a big number for Bible Study in a house.

I was wondering what the opposite of Godliness is, and I think that it is Ungodliness. Are we Godly or Ungodly? I decided to present these lessons on Godlines because this topic is very important in every church.

People feel offended when we call the non-christians ungodly. But… that is the exact term that Paul uses in Romans 5:6. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Are we following after Godliness here in this congregation? I think so, many of our good brothers in this church are now realizing that the days are evil and that we must walk accordingly to our call. We have no time to waste in the dissipations and lust that we lived in, when we were in sin and now, we are moving forward and preparing ourselves for the days that are to come. We all as Christians must understand that if we want to obtain Godliness in our lives, we must be willing to do what God has commanded us in His Word. Godliness cannot be acquired by just being baptized and by not do anything else nor by “just” praying as many are doing. Godliness can be found by: EXERCIZING OUR SELVES IN IT. Get the idea? Exercize! Wow! That means that Godliness will come if I practice it everyday, if I live it everyday and if I teach it every day. Are we doing it? Godliness must be natural in all us.
Paul says: 1 Tim 4:7-8 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. Godliness dear brothers, is good not only for this life, but also for the one that is to come. How much then, are you trying in your life to be Godly? Is this a big priority in your life? Are you teaching your wife, husband, children and other brothers in Christ to seek for Godliness everyday in your life? Listen to Paul: Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. If we seek for good things we are going to store up treasures in heaven. So logically will be Godly and will be close to God but doing so.
2 Peter 1:3 - as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

All things that “pertain to life and Godliness” are ours.

What a blessing.

My suggestion this morning is: Do not overlook all the many privileges that we have as Christians. God will reward us soon.

In Love

Eric C

Can I Lose My Way To Heaven?

Obviously, Paul thought that it was possible.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

In other letter, Paul wrote, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:24-27).

Paul understood that if he did not give God is all, it was possible to be disqualified from inheriting eternal life.
Paul not only had concerns about retaining his own salvation, he also told us about those who had lost their right to eternal life. Paul told Timothy that “having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” (I Timothy 1:19-20).

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sailing the seas of faith, but they suffered a shipwreck – they had lost their faith. Peter warned that false prophets would arise from among the people of God in II Peter 2. He did not say they would enter from the outside, but that they would come from within the family of God. In II Peter 2:15, Peter states, “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray.” You cannot forsake a path that on which you were never walked. Concerning these people and those they lead astray Peter warns, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them” (II Peter 2:20-21).
Often people will say about a fallen brother, “Well, he never was really saved in the first place.” Yet, it is clear that a person can know the way of righteousness and escape the pollutions of the world and then become entangled in the world of sin once again. This is why Christians must never let their guard down. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

If a Christian could not become lost, there would be no danger from Satan. But while we remain in this world, we must always strive to serve our Lord. We must not become complacent nor arrogant. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).

In Love

Eric C