Articles
Ten Reasons Why Political Anger is not Worthy for Disciples of Christ
Ten Reasons Why Political Anger is not Worthy for Disciples of Christ
By Gardner Hall
1) Disciples of Christ should be known for their love, not their political anger. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
2) Disciples of the first century were apolitical in the sense of not trusting in politics to achieve their ends because Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here’” (John 18:36). Some reason that this example “doesn’t count” because they couldn’t influence their world politically, but we can in a democracy. Jesus could! However, He chose not to use political means to attain His goals while on the earth.
3) Christians invest their time and resources in the spiritual kingdom. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). Earthly kingdoms come and go. They go through cycles of corruption and reform. Christ’s kingdom is eternal.
4) The Christian’s weapons and battles aren’t carnal. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2Cor. 10:4). “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).
5) Political anger takes away the peace that passes all understanding. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).
6) Political anger affects our efforts to reach the lost with the gospel. “To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you” (1Cor. 9:22-23). This is especially true in larger cities.
7) The way to overcome evil is with good, the gospel of love, not with political pressure. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).
8) To identify ourselves with a political figure of the left or the right as if he or she were the solution to our countries’ problems is to marginalize Jesus Christ. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). He is the only solution to man’s greatest problem -- sin.
9) Political anger shows too much attachment to the things of this world. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1John 2:15).
10) “The anger of man doesn’t achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
I Feel So Unnecessary
By A. C. Grider
Three things happened in the last several days which made me feel real important. I preached a hard sermon on Jesus Christ Super Star. I denounced the Rock Opera as a blasphemous thing. The Opera, which was to be presented on stage here in Owensboro, suddenly canceled the date.
I wrote a Baptist preacher and challenged him to publicly defend what he preached on the radio. He suddenly quit his program and moved out of Owensboro.
I preached a good sermon on The Judgment and as the invitation song was sung a young man came down the aisle and was baptized into Christ. So I say I was feeling real important.
But, the Opera was called off because of a shortage of ticket sales. I had nothing whatsoever to do with its cancellation.
The Baptist preacher resigned to accept a position with a Baptist school. It was apparent that I had nothing whatsoever to do with his leaving town.
And the young man told somebody before the service that he was going to respond for baptism. My sermon had nothing whatsoever to do with his response that day. So, as I said, I feel so unnecessary!
However, I am glad that blasphemous Rock Opera was never shown in our city. And I am glad that false teacher left town. And, of course, I am very glad that young man obeyed the gospel. (Reminiscences)
Everyone Needs Salvation
The attitude of some brethren toward personal work brings to mind the story of two salesmen who in the 1800's were sent from this country on separate missions to Africa to view the possibilities of selling shoes. One salesman wrote back to the company and said, "The prospects for selling shoes in this country are absolutely terrible, because everyone goes barefooted." The other salesman wrote back and said, "The prospects for selling shoes here are fantastic because everyone needs shoes." What’s your attitude toward personal work? Everyone needs salvation.
A Moments Wisdom
Neutrality in religion means surrender to the Devil.
A father can lift his family no higher than his own faith.
If the Lord is kept outside, something must be wrong inside.
Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder.
He who holds the ladder is a bad as the thief on it.
Whoever fears to submit any question to the test of free discussion, loves his own opinion more than the truth
When a dove begins to associate with crows, its feathers remain white, but its heart grows black.
Beauty, unaccompanied by virtue, is a flower without perfume.
A bad workman blames his tools and materials.
He who boasts of his knowledge advertises his ignorance.
A book that is shut is a block.
To a quick question, give a slow answer.
Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers often creep.
Test Your Knowledge of Bible Foods
1. What did God say that would flow freely in the Promised Land?
2. What two foods did God supply the children of Israel in the wilderness?
3. What two foods did Jesus used to institute His supper?
4. What did John the Baptist eat?
5. What did the prodigal son want to eat while feeding the pigs?
6. What two foods are used to describe the levels of Bible understanding?
Upcoming Sermons
4/5/20 AM - Remember This Until the Storm Passes By
PM - Solomon’s Seasons
4/12/20 AM - Who Wants You to be Baptized?
PM - Encouragement: Manna & Medicine to the Weak and Weary #1
4/19/20 AM - The Apostles Ran -- Once
PM - Encouragement: Manna & Medicine to the Weak and Weary #2
4/26/20 AM - Children of Light
PM - Chasing Scapegoats
