The Gospel, An Offer We Can’t Afford To Refuse by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/03/

The Gospel, An Offer We Can’t Afford To Refuse

One is born, they live, and they die. Death is a fact of life that we try to evade, most are afraid of, yet it plagues every human under the sun. However, God is the only one who is making a valid offer to remedy man’s dilemma. God has promised that if we obey the gospel of Christ, we will have eternal life with Him in heaven. Believe me when I say this, that there is not a better offer under the sun. It’s an offer we can’t afford to refuse!

Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3; 1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 10:17; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:38; Rev 2:10; 2 Thess 1:6-9; Tit 1:2

A Beating They’ll Remember Acts 19 by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=143

A Beating They’ll Remember Acts 19

Acts 19 – A Beating they’ll Remember
Read: Acts 19:8-20

Paul had now been teaching in Ephesus for 2 years. Paul probably became quit famous locally. He’s been teaching, and healing, casting out demons and doing all kinds of cool things in the name of Christ. And of course, that’s the key about Paul — he didn’t care about his own fame; he cared about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Others, however, saw what he was doing and wanted to get in on the magic show.

And much like Simeon in Acts 8, the Sorcerer who after seeing Peter miraculously heal the sick in the name of Jesus and wanted that power for himself, Enter the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva. They were not even Christians but they began to use the name of Jesus like “Hocus Pocus,” or some kind of incantation or charm trying to do what Paul was doing. In this story we see them trying to drive an evil spirit out of a man by using Jesus’ name.  But something happened that they did not expect.

We read that this evil spirit speaks to them saying, “I know about Jesus, and I know about Paul but who are you? “

The spirit was not afraid of them. He had no respect for them. They had not authority over him.  As a matter of fact the evil spirit causes the possessed man to freak out and attack the seven brothers, and he beats the snot out of all seven of them.

The Bible says: He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (16)

Naturally, word of this spreads throughout Ephesus, and it says that the people “were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.”

Not only that, but it also goes on to say that, “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas” (each drachma was a coin equaling a day’s wage). (Acts 19:17-19).

I find this story interesting if not fascinating.

Why were those in Ephesus so moved by this event, this beating, to the point where they were seized with fear and began to look at Jesus and Christians in a new light? They literally began to respect and honor the name of Jesus like never before. Some who were on the fence and believed now came forward and openly confessed their evil deeds. And many who practiced sorcery and witchcraft brought their evil scrolls out and had a big bon fire and burnt them. This was something that these believers should not have had in their homes in the first place.

Why did they do this?
Yes they were a bit superstitious. Not only did they see that evil spirit are real and potentially dangerous here, more importantly saw that those evil spirit also honored and respected Jesus and Paul, and recognize Christians, from non-Christians.

So is there anything we can learn from this today? I believe so.

#1. Most importantly, do not treat the name of Christ lightly. Jesus is God, the creator, the Messiah, the word of God that became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the Savior, the redeemer, the Lord and king of all heaven and earth. Jesus and name should be given honor and respect. Shame on us when we use His name as a curse or swear word.

#2. I also think it’s not wise to mess around with those evil unseen spiritual things that we don’t fully understand. Satan and his demons are real, and they are powerful.  Later when Paul wrote to these people in Ephesus, in his epistle he wrote, “  ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 6:6-10

I don’t know what but movie maker seem to be romanticizing and glorifying these evil forces. There are people who even worship the occult.  This dark realm is real, and so it’s wise if we don’t dabble in the occult at all.

#3. Another thing I find quite interesting if not encouraging is the fact that these demon know who you are. I believe that they know exactly what kind of relationship you have with Father God and His Son Jesus.  In the story, the demon tells these seven brothers “I know who Jesus is and who Paul is, but who are you?” And then he proceeds to beat them up.

If they were Christians, I don’t believe that they would have had a problem. Rather they were phonies looking to make a name for themselves.

What I like about this is the fact that it reminds me that we as Christians live in a favored position in the spiritual realm. Why, because God protects His own. I am not saying that you will never come in harm’s way, especially at the hands of other men. But I do believe that God and His angels are working behind the scene protecting us from dangers we just can’t see with these human eyes.

Over and over in the Bible we read about God’s protection:                                                                                             –   In 2 Kings 6, a servant asked Elisha what they were going to do when and a enemy army had surrounded their city and was bent on destruction. Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And then Elisha prayed that the Lord would open this servant’s eyes so that he could see what was unseen and hidden from our eyes. And the text goes on to say that the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots’ of fire around Elisha and the city.

–  Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

–   Psalm 125:1-2 says, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. ² As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

–   And all of psalm 91 is about how God protects his own. Even in the NT,  2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

–  In 1 Peter 1:3-5 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

If you are a Christian, you are not like everyone else. Like a loving parent protects his child, Father God is likewise watching over us.

For me that encouraging, that God loves and cares for me that much. I pray that it also encourages you this day!   But even more than encouraging you, I pray that it will move you to do what those Ephesians did.

This week and every week from now on I challenge you to be careful how you use the name of Jesus. His name is to honored and glorified.

And secondly, I challenge you that if you have anything in your home that is unwholesome, or tempts you to do evil or unwholesome things, like those evil scrolls tempted those Ephesians to do evil, I challenge you to get rid of it. Maybe it’s a We-gee board, maybe you have books or magazines that contain material that you know is evil in God’s eyes. Get rid of it. If you have any secret sin, confess it to the Lord and ask Him to protect you from such worldly influence.

An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1193

An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Charles Barkley is no average Joe. In the 1990s, he was one of the best basketball players in the world. While playing in the National Basketball Association, he scored more than 23,000 points, played in nine All-Star games, was voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1993, and now serves as a television basketball analyst. Even people who know very little about basketball are familiar with Charles Barkley. As atypical as Barkley is as a famous athlete and television personality, sadly, his Bible knowledge is typical of many Americans.
In a recent political discussion with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Barkley condemned “conservative” Christians for making judgments against homosexuals and abortionists. He said:

Every time I hear the word “conservative,” it makes me sick to my stomach because they’re really just fake Christians.... I think they want to be judge and jury. Like, I’m for gay marriage. It’s none of my business if gay people want to get married. I’m pro-choice. And I think these Christians—first of all, they’re supposed to be—they’re not supposed to judge other people, but they’re the most hypocritical judge of people we have in this country.... [T]hey act like they’re Christians, and they’re not forgiving at all (2008).

Barkley has implied that “fake Christians” are those who oppose homosexuality and abortion. Christians who condemn homosexuality and abortion supposedly are hypocritically judging others, and being unforgiving.
Sadly, Barkley’s beliefs and allegations are typical of many, many Americans whose Bible knowledge would hardly fill a thimble. This kind of ignorance, combined with an attempt to teach people about unrighteous judgments, forgiveness, and morality, is a dangerous combination. You get the very opposite of what God’s Word actually teaches.
The same Jesus who said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), taught men to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). The same Jesus who taught about the necessity of forgiveness (Matthew 6:12; Luke 17:3-4), denounced fornication, adultery, and murder (Matthew 15:18-20). In the same letter in which the apostle Paul warned Roman Christians of making unrighteous judgments (Romans 14:3-4), he condemned men who “burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful” (Romans 1:27). To the same church that Paul wrote to “forgive and comfort” (2 Corinthians 2:7), he commanded to condemn sexually immoral Christians when the church gathered together (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
The fact is, Satan has sold lie after lie to Americans. Just like he convinced Israel in Isaiah’s day to “put darkness for light, and light for darkness...bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter,” he has convinced American politicians, the media, and others to “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21). Woe to the typical, biblically ignorant American who attempts to pit the virtues of forgiveness and righteous judgments against specific sins that Almighty God condemns. Americans, be warned. Christians, listen carefully. The same prophet who condemned Israel for their depravity, prophesied of their captivity.

“Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge” (Isaiah 5:13, emp. added).

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

REFERENCES

Barkley, Charles (2008), “CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” CNN, February 17, [On-line], URL: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0802/17/le.01.html.

Afterlife and the Bible by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1478

Afterlife and the Bible

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

We human beings find it very easy to live life as if we will be here forever. On occasion, we come face to face with death when a loved one or friend passes away. But the essence of daily living is such that it is easy to ignore the reality of death and the certainty of existence beyond the grave. Numerous ideas exist in the world regarding life after death—from annihilation to reincarnation. Islam speaks of “paradise” while Catholicism speaks of “purgatory.” While it does not answer all of our questions, the Bible nevertheless speaks definitively and decisively regarding afterlife.
The Bible teaches that human beings are composite creatures. Humans possess a fleshly body that is composed of physical elements made from “the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7). Unlike animals, humans also possess a spiritual dimension—made in God’s own image—that transcends the body and physical life on Earth (Genesis 1:26-27). God places within each prenatal person at conception a spirit that makes each individual a unique personality that will survive physical death, living on immortally throughout eternity (Zechariah 12:1). At death, the spirit separates from the body and exists in a conscious condition in the spirit realm (Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21-22). Thus the Bible defines “death” as “separation”—not “extinction” or “annihilation” (Thayer, 1901, p. 282; Vine, 1940, p. 276). Since “the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26), the separation of one’s spirit from one’s body results in the physical death of the body. But what about the spirit?
The clearest depiction of existence beyond physical death is seen in Luke 16:19-31. In this account, both men are said to have died. Wherever Lazarus went, angels transported him there. The rich man’s body was buried—but his person was in Hades where he was tormented in flames. The rich man could see and recognize Lazarus and Abraham. Abraham referred to the rich man’s former existence as “your lifetime.” Abraham made clear that their respective locations were irreversible. The rich man’s brothers still occupied their father’s house on Earth. The rich man’s plea to send Lazarus to his living relatives would require Lazarus to “rise from the dead” (vs. 31).
The term translated “hell” in verse 23 (KJV) is the Greek word hades, and is not to be confused with the term gehenna. “Gehenna” (found twelve times in the New Testament) refers to the place of eternal, everlasting punishment—the “lake of fire” where Satan, his angels, and all wicked people will be consigned after the Second Coming of Jesus and the Judgment. Gehenna is hell. On the other hand, “hades” (occurring ten times in the New Testament and paralleling the Hebrew Old Testament term sheol) always refers to the unseen realm of the dead—the receptacle of disembodied spirits where dead people await the return of the Lord (Revelation 1:18). Hades is not hell.
Observe further that Luke 16 depicts Hades as including two regions: one for the deceased righteous, and a second for the deceased wicked. The former is referred to as the “bosom of Abraham” (meaning “near” or “in the presence of ” Abraham—cf. John 1:18). Jesus referred to this location as “paradise” (Luke 23:43; cf. Acts 2:25-34). The term “paradise” is of Persian derivation, and referred to “a grand enclosure or preserve, hunting-ground, park, shady and well-watered” (Thayer, 1901, p. 480). The Jews used the term as “a garden, pleasure-ground, grove, park,” and came to apply it to that portion of Hades that was thought “to be the abode of the souls of the pious until the resurrection” (p. 480). The word is used in three senses in the Bible: (1) In the Septuagint (Genesis 2:8,9,10,15,16; 3:2,3,4,9,11,24,25), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it refers to the literal Garden of Eden on Earth where Adam and Eve lived (Septuagint, 1970, pp. 3-5). It normally is translated “garden” in English versions; (2) It is used one time, in a highly figurative New Testament book, to refer to the final abode of the saved, i.e., heaven (Revelation 2:7); and (3) It is used in connection with the Hadean realm.
While Jesus, the thief, and Lazarus went to the paradise portion of Hades, the rich man went to the unpleasant area that entailed torment and flame—tartarosas, or Tartarus (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The occupants there await “the judgment of the great day.” Thus, Hades is a temporary realm that will be terminated at the Judgment (Revelation 20:13-14).
God gives people only their earthly life to prepare their spirits for their eternal abode (Hebrews 9:27). When a person dies, his or her body goes into the grave, while the spirit enters the Hadean realm to await the final Judgment. At the Second Coming of Christ, all spirits will come forth from Hades and be resurrected in immortal bodies (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54). All will then face God in judgment, receive the pronouncement of eternal sentence, and be consigned to heaven or hell for eternity.

[NOTE: For an audio sermon on this topic, click here.]

REFERENCES

Septuagint Version of the Old Testament (1970 reprint), (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).
Thayer, J.H. (1901), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1977 reprint).
Vine, W.E. (1966 reprint), An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Old Tappan, NJ: Revell).

"THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS" Paul As A Minister (1:24-29) by Mark Copeland

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

                      Paul As A Minister (1:24-29)

INTRODUCTION

1. At this point in his epistle, Paul provides some insight into how he
   viewed his work as a minister of the gospel of Christ - Col 1:24-29

2. This passage can be of value to both:
   a. Preachers of the gospel, in giving them insight as to how they
      view themselves and the work they are to perform
   b. All Christians...
      1) First, to give them a better understanding of the work of a
         minister and what to expect from them
      2) And second, since all Christians are to imitate the example of
         Paul (1Co 11:1), to learn those attitudes we should have
         toward our brethren whether we serve as "full-time" (i.e.,
         fully-supported) ministers or not

[With that in mind, we notice first of all that...]

I. PAUL TOOK GREAT JOY IN SUFFERING FOR HIS BRETHREN (24)

   A. PAUL HAD SUFFERED GREATLY THROUGHOUT HIS MINISTRY...
      1. As he outlined in his second epistle to the Corinthians - 2 Co11:23-29
      2. In this, he was not much different the rest of the apostles 
         - 1Co 4:9-13

   B. YET, IF THIS SUFFERING WAS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND HIS
      BRETHREN, PAUL WAS GLAD!
      1. As he said, "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you" - Col 1:24
      2. He expressed the same thoughts to the Philippians - Php 2:17-18
      3. Remember, at the very time he wrote both of these epistles he
         was suffering as a prisoner at Rome in service to Christ and to
         them!

   C. WHY WAS PAUL SO JOYFULLY WILLING TO SUFFER?
      1. One reason is given in this passage:  "to fill up in my flesh
         what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of
         His body, which is the church."
         a. This is not to suggest that there was anything lacking in
            the atoning value of Christ's sacrifice! - cf. Col 2:14; He10:12,14
         b. The following quotation I have found helpful:  "We should
            bear in mind that although Christ by means of the
            afflictions which he endured rendered complete satisfaction
            to God, so that Paul is able to glory in nothing but the
            cross (Ga 6:14), the enemies of Christ were not satisfied!
            They hated Jesus with insatiable hatred, and wanted to add
            to his afflictions.  But since he is no longer physically
            present on earth, their arrows, which are meant especially
            for him, strike his followers.  It is in that sense that
            all true believers are in his stead supplying what, as the
            enemies see it, is lacking in the afflictions which Jesus
            endured.  Christ's afflictions overflow toward us."
            (Hendrickson, New Testament Commentary, Exposition of
            Colossians and Philemon, p. 87)
         c. Passages offered in support of this interpretation are Mt 
10:25; Mk 13:13; Jn 15:18-21; Ac 9:4,5; 2Co 1:5,10; Ga 6:17; 

Php 3:10; Re 12:13
      2. Paul gives another reason elsewhere he suffered joyfully for
         his brethren:  for the same reason parents joyfully suffer for
         their children! - 2Co 12:14-15
         a. Children are the parents' "pride and joy", and the parents
            will gladly sacrifice for their children!
         b. So Paul viewed his brethren - 1Th 2:19-20; Php 4:1

   D. DO WE IMITATE PAUL IN THIS REGARD?
      1. Not only are we willing to share in the afflictions of Christ,
         but are we willing to suffer gladly for our brethren?
      2. Do we consider our brethren as a source of great joy and pride?
      3. Are we willing to joyfully expend time, energy, even "blood,
         sweat and tears" in serving them? - cf. 1Jn 3:16
      4. Can we truthfully say "yes" if we...
         a. Won't make the effort to assemble with them every 
            opportunity that is available?
         b. Won't try to encourage them when they are weak in the faith,
            or admonish them when they stray from the faith?
         c. Aren't willing to love them, to patiently endure them, to
            quickly forgive them, even when they offend and sin against
            us?

[Let the example of Paul be our model, for in reality he was simply 
following the example of Christ (cf. 2Co 8:9).

Next, we notice that...]

II. PAUL CONSIDERED HIMSELF A SERVANT AND A STEWARD (25-27)

   A. HIS VIEW OF HIMSELF WAS REALLY QUITE A HUMBLE ONE...
      1. The word "minister" is diakonos {dee-ak'-on-os}, and means
         "one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master; a
         servant, attendant, minister"
      2. This is exactly how Paul viewed himself and other preachers 
         - 1Co 3:5-7
      3. How different from views held today by some preachers and their
         brethren, who exalt preachers above their brethren!
      4. In particular, Paul considered himself a servant...
         a. Of the church - Col 1:24-25
         b. Of Jesus Christ - Php 1:1
         c. Of the gospel - Ep 3:6-7

   B. AS A SERVANT, HE CONSIDERED HIMSELF A "STEWARD"...
      1. He had received a "stewardship" (KJV, dispensation) from God
         a. The word used is oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah}
         b. It means "the management of a household or of household
            affairs; specifically,the management, oversight,
            administration, of other's property"
      2. He had been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
         a. Which is called in this passage a "mystery", for it had been
            hidden for ages
         b. But has now been revealed to His saints (Col 1:26), indeed
            to all nations (Ro 16:25-26)!
         c. What is this "mystery"?  To paraphrase Paul:  "It is Christ
            in you (the Gentiles), the hope of glory" - Col 1:27
      3. Paul considered it his duty as a "steward" to faithfully share
         that gospel to the nations  - cf. Ep 3:8-9; 1Co 4:2

   C. HOW ABOUT US?
      1. Do we consider ourselves "servants"?  We should! - cf. Mk 10:42-45
      2. Do we serve one another?  We should! - Ga 5:13
      3. Do we consider ourselves "stewards" of the gospel?
         a. That we have been entrusted with the riches of the gospel?
         b. That to be faithful we must share them with others?

[Whether or not WE view ourselves this way, it is how GOD views us, and 
we will be judged by how we have served as stewards (cf. Mt 25:14-30).

The third and final point we can glean from our text is that...]

III. PAUL HAD PRIMARILY ONE GOAL IN LIFE (28-29)

   A. WHICH WAS:  TO PRESENT EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST!
      1. He was not out just to preach, just to make converts
      2. He wanted to make mature disciples, who had become complete in
         Christ

   B. TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOAL, HE USED EVERY APPROPRIATE MEANS...
      1. He preached Jesus Christ!
         a. He proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ
         b. His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection
         -- Only by so presenting Christ to the man, can a preacher hope
            to present the man to Christ as complete and mature - cf. 
            2Co 3:18
      2. He warned when necessary!
         a. His preaching was both positive and negative!
         b. Yes, there is a place for "negative preaching"
            1) Cf. The Ten Commandments; also, the "reproof" and
               "correction" mentioned in 2Ti 3:16
            2) Negative preaching serves as "restraining rails" on the
               strait and narrow path to life!
         c. Of course, it must be properly balanced with positive
            preaching
            1) Otherwise, we will simply bounce around and get hung up
               on the "restraining rails", never making progress in our
               journey
            2) Positive preaching will assure that we keep progressing
               on the right track!
      3. He "taught" as well as "preached"!
         a. He did not limit himself to the public forum
         b. He taught with private instruction as well - Ac 20:20
         c. To present every man "perfect in Christ Jesus", there is
            often a need for personal instruction that one does not find
            in the public assemblies of the church
         d. Of course, wisdom helps to determine when - Col 1:28
      4. He expended effort and emotion!
         a. He "labored" toward this one goal of his
         b. He "agonized" in doing so (the Greek word is agonizomai
            {ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee}, to endeavor with strenuous zeal,
            strive)
      5. He depended upon God in his labors!
         a. He realized that without God he was nothing, and could do
            nothing worth lasting - 1Co 15:10
         b. So he always looked to God for help in accomplishing his
            goal - 2Th 3:1; Col 4:3-4

CONCLUSION

1. In concluding this lesson, again I seek to make application by
   asking:
   a. Are we imitators of Paul?
   b. Are we concerned about whether or not our brethren and others are
      being presented "perfect in Christ"?
   c. Are we willing to expend the effort and the emotion necessary to
      reach this end?

2. If we will...
   a. View our ourselves as Paul viewed himself, as servants and
      stewards
   b. Consider our suffering for our brethren a great privilege and
      source of joy
   ...then I am convinced that we gladly devote ourselves to the same
      goal Paul had!

3. Let's think on these things, and consider what we can be doing to
   "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus"!

For those who have not been obedient to the gospel of Christ, perfection
in Christ begins with that first step of faith...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

A Tower to Touch the Sky by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/a_tower_to_touch_the_sky.html

A Tower to Touch the Sky

In our present age, unity seems a laughable goal to the cynical. Admittedly, division seems to surround us, both in our immediate circle of fellowship, but especially in the broader circle of all who take up Christ's name. Passages that warn of division, even its necessity, quickly stamp out any dreams of long-term unity among all, who call themselves Christians (I John 2:18-19; Romans 16:17-18). But, does this mean that God has asked something of us, which cannot be achieved (Ephesians 4:1-6; Matthew 19:26)?

The Basis of Unity

Unity can be extremely powerful, but its goal is crucial to the success of a united effort. If we unite in error, then the failure of our striving is certain. This principle can be seen in the results of the construction of the Tower of Babel, which occurred near the dawn of civilization

"Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ... And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.'"
"But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, 'Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.'" Genesis 11:1-6

Please note that the purpose of this tower was two-fold: It was built to make a name for themselves, for their own glory, and it was built to avoid being scattered over the earth. God had previously commanded this people to spread, multiply, and "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). Their intentions were to disobey a direct command. Moreover, their attitudes were in direct conflict with the humble spirit, which seeks God's glory, not its own (I Peter 5:5-6). Consequently, God frustrated their efforts and fulfilled His own purpose by confusing their languages. The lesson is that if we seek to unite ourselves under a banner that is contrary to God's will, we should not expect God's approval; moreover, we should expect Him to move against us.

One Language, One Mind

Another powerful point that we can glean from this Old Testament passage is that a common language is also essential to the success of a united effort. Once their languages were confused, the people quickly disbanded and scattered themselves. But, while they had one language and one mind, nothing would be withheld from them. In the New Testament, Paul notes this same principle:

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
... Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" I Corinthians 1:10-13

As having one mind and language empowered the children of Babel, not having one mind and being divided crippled the Corinthian church. The Corinthian church had divided into groups, which were named after men and built upon men. Paul points out two fundamental flaws in their "denominations". First, Christ is not divided against Himself, so why should His body be (Luke 11:17-18; Ephesians 1:22-23)? Second, the leader of a group must be able to save the group. If the men these groups followed were not their savior, and if they were not baptized in their name, then why were they dividing and wearing these men's names instead of the One in whose name alone is salvation (Acts 4:10-12)? If it was unacceptable and erroneous for the Corinthian church to be divided, wearing the names of men and following men, then will we be found acceptable before God if we divide into similar denominations today?

The Potential of Unity

Finally, this passage from Genesis offers divine commentary on the potential of a united human effort. Regarding their effort, God said, Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them". What would happen if we learned the lesson of the tower of Babel? If we truly sought God's will and His glory, unified upon a heavenly foundation, what would limit our achievements? Has not God already told us? You might say that not even the sky is a limit.
Please feel free to send the author of this article any questions, concerns, or feedback that you may have.
Author: Trevor Bowen

One rough day by Gary Rose

Yes, it has; and yes I made it too. "How about you". Yesterday, I started to wash my house to remove the algae on the north side (always the worst side). I tried something new (to me); I used a solution of bleach, water and my normal "glossy" detergent. Well, I had problems using it and managed to wreck a favorite pair of shorts in the process. Worse, the heat really got to me, enough so that I had to ask my Linda for help to come indoors. Not a good day!

Today is much better. I felt OK and took my dog for a long walk and chatted with neighbors along my route. On the return trip, I met one of them who I had not previously met (and his little dog, too). We chatted for awhile and then I noticed he had a sock on one foot and the other one was bare. I pointed to the foot with the sock and said something like: Is your foot OK? He answered and said: I don't have a leg.

That floored me. I apologized for my insensitivity  and we went from there to become friends. Somehow, the trip down the hill was slower, but fine. I felt better.

Then, as I perused my pictures, I saw this one of a dog being given a bath and I realized something. No matter how bad things things seem to be, they always could be worse.

 Consider this passage from the book of Mark...

 Mark, Chapter 9 (World English Bible)

 ¹⁴ Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
  ¹⁵ Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.
  ¹⁶ He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” 

  ¹⁷ One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
  ¹⁸ and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.” 

  ¹⁹ He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 

  ²⁰ They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. 

  ²¹ He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” 

He said, “From childhood.
  ²² Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” 
  ²³ Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 

  ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” 

  ²⁵ When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 

  ²⁶ After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.”
  ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose. 

  ²⁸ When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?”
  ²⁹ He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.”
 

This passage made me think: Imagine what it must have been like for the boy?

You think you have problems, Gary? I should listen to my own words: Everyday above ground is a good day; even the bad ones. 

Then I remembered this Helen Keller quote...

 

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”

One last, haunting question comes to my mind and its a "duesy": Gary, are you learning yet? I hope so. Life can be very good no matter what the circumstances.

Well, I'm done- but no, just one more passage to think about for today...

 

Philippians, Chapter 4 (WEB) 

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
  ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
  ⁶ In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 

PS. I hope you like the new Bible font- its called Eagle Lake