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The Cornerstone
This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11
Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia
Volume 9 * Number 47* November 25, 2007
Black Friday, and now Cyber Monday are big marketing gimmicks to kick off the largest purchasing season of the year. “Lowest prices of the season” are advertised and people run here and there trying to get their hands on one of the “Big Deals” or “Early Bird Specials”.
Religion in American has become much of the same thing. There is no need to feel bad about sin, so denominations will motivate you with all positive messages about finance, friendships, and moving on. Look for their flashy signs, large facilities, and catchy slogans like “This ain’t your grandma’s church” You can do all of your one stop shopping with the local denomination. You can eat, play and socialize all in the same place. You can give your money on any given day to any part of the “ministry” you want. Just place in the provided envelope, check off what you want to support and drop it in the drop box in the back.
Listen, there is nothing in the world that can convert a sinner from the error of his or her way than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s not wrapped up all pretty, it’s the preaching of a crucified Savior for the horrific sins of all of mankind. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” Do not be attracted by all the denominational deals that are offered.
Not only does the preaching of the Gospel save, but it alone will keep you saved. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” Not the daily motivational email, but the Gospel. The Gospel and the Gospel alone saves!
Stacy Crim
Sinning Responsibly
Mike Noble
We are witnessing more commercials, both on the radio and television, which contain messages that either imply or expressly state that one may sin “responsibly.” “Sin responsibly?” you ask. “I don’t recall ever hearing that slogan.” Well, consider...For quite some time now, the producers of certain birth control products have aimed a large portion of their advertisements at unmarried men and women who have sexual relations with multiple partners. “Commit fornication all you like,” seems to be the pitch, “as long as you do it responsibly, protecting you and your partner from AIDS.” We ask one simple question, however: In what way can one commit such acts “responsibly”? Fornication is a “work of the flesh,” and the Bible says that the “sexually immoral... shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Galatians 5:19; Revelation 21:8). How can it be considered “responsible” for one to engage in an act with another person which (if not repented of) will cost both individuals their souls?
In like manner, beer advertisers have in the last few years begun to end their commercials with the line, “Drink responsibly.” But again, how can this possibly be done? The imbibing of alcohol in a beverage is sinful. Those who “walk in” “drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties” will “give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:3,5).
And now we have the Kentucky Lottery Board sponsoring commercials which end as well with such a sentiment: “Play responsibly.” But once again, how can one so “play”? Playing the lottery is gambling, and gambling is wrong. We offer these questions: How is it “responsible” for one to covet (which is what happens in gambling) that which rightfully belongs to someone else? (see Colossians 3:5-6) How is it “responsible” to play a game which operates on the principles of “What’s yours, I want, and I don’t care what happens to you” and “I hope I can do it unto you before you do it unto me”?
Oh, we understand fully what these advertisers mean when they speak of using their products or services “responsibly.” They are seeking to help their customers avoid some of the temporal consequences that many times come from their use (AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, alcoholism, DUI’s, gambling addictions, etc.). But unfortunately they find it convenient to turn a blind eye to those eternal consequences which really matter. After all, doesn’t the Bible say that “the wages of sin is death”? (Romans 6:23)
Friend, you cannot engage in any type of sinful behavior (no matter how moderately) and still yet be doing it “responsibly.” Please realize that all will be held “responsible” for such. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Shelbyville, KY &
Drawing Strength From the Courage of Others
Bill Hall
How thankful we should be for wonderful examples of courage that spur us on to greater strength in the Lord's service. Paul was just such an example: "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Phil.l:l4). These brethren, formerly timid and reticent, were drawing strength from the courage of Paul
Other examples abound. Stephen's plea, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge", surely had for its source of strength the forgiving spirit of the Lord (Acts 7:60). The Thessalonian church found a source of strength in the example of the churches in Judea (1 Thess. 1:14). The Philippian church, a model of courage and conviction, could no doubt trace much of its strength back to the wonderful example of patience and equanimity demonstrated by Paul and Silas while in their midst. The Hebrew Christians were admonished to "remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7).
Christians of this generation are similarly drawing strength from the courage of others. Young men who refuse to miss services of the church to play on a ball team; young women who refuse to be seen in public in scanty attire; business men who would lose their jobs rather than compromise their convictions; women who continue to adorn themselves in "meek and quiet spirits" whatever the sophisticated world thinks or says of them; sick people who bear their afflictions with patience and faith; elderly people who continue to attend worship when they are hardly able to go anywhere else; dying people who demonstrate how Christians ought to die; all are sources of strength and courage for others as they face similar circumstances. These all have a common spirit with the great characters of the Bible; they see in their temptations, trials, afflictions, and persecutions a special opportunity to be like Christ, to demonstrate their fidelity to Him, and to provide a source of strength for those who might be weak and wavering around them.
They seize the opportunity and stand, and all of us are stronger because of them. Of these courageous people this world truly is not worthy.
Are we, however, to be always on the receiving end of the strength of others? As we draw strength from the courage of others, we must in turn become sources of strength and courage ourselves. Others look to us. Each of us has a "charge to keep," and "God to glorify," and a "present age to serve."
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