Solomon, the wisest mortal who ever lived, searched the dark recesses of his empty life to arrive at a brighter ultimate conclusion.  Life is only empty when it is lived without God.  In life only God is dependable (Eccl. 12:13-14).

    Today's questions are unavoidable.  If you will turn to the Bible in the search for meaningful answers you will find the answers for life's most important questions.  Most importantly, you will be ready for eternity where the questions that seem so difficult now will then seem so little and unimportant, when at last you are in the presence of the only One who can provide all of the answers.

David Bragg, co-editor
http://davebragg.blog.com/

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    Isn’t it amazing that most people will accept some rule book written by men over the rule book written by God? Countless millions profess to believe in God and the Bible and then put their trust in man-made creeds. It is also amazing that these people either cannot or do not desire to see the error in their reasoning. The Scriptures plainly declare, “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17 ASV). It was Hosea who wrote, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will all reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children” (Hos. 4:6).
    People who enjoy sporting events have absolutely no problem in comprehending the fact that there are rules that govern these events. After three strikes in baseball, one is declared to be “out.” Do the fans become upset and complain that this rule should be ignored in some cases? Surely there are circumstances where a batter can benefit from “four strikes” before returning to the dugout!
    In football, the team with the ball has four attempts to travel ten yards in the proper direction for a “first down.” What if, after four attempts, the running back is within “one inch” of a first down? Does the referee say, “Because this is such an important game and you have come so close to picking up the first down, I’m going to give it to you?” No. Such a statement is not made because everyone understands that the teams must abide by the rules of the game.
    Does one really believe in the games of baseball and football who will not abide by the rules of those games? Not at all! They may believe in another version of the game, but they do not believe in the game as outlines in the rule book that governs it. Why cannot people see this same truth in the spiritual realm? One does not really believe in God who refuses to accept His Word as truth on any matter.
    The players on a spots team must abide by the rules that govern that sport. The rule books for sports were not designed to conform to the players’ whims and wishes. The same thing is true regarding the Bible - God’s Holy Word. The Bible does not conform to the thoughts and wishes of men, but men must conform to the Word of God (Rom. 12:2). One will not save his soul or incur God’s blessing by refusing to live by the Holy Scriptures. Man must accept the truth that his thoughts are not God’s thoughts and his ways are not God’s ways (Isa. 55:8). Let us note some areas where men profess to follow Christ but do not abide by God’s rules.
    The majority of those who profess to be Christians believe they are saved at the point of belief. They do not believe baptism (immersion) is necessary for salvation. They conclude that “he that believeth as is not baptized shall be saved.” But the Word of God says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
    The majority of people who profess Christianity believe there are many roads (ways) leading to heaven. But God’s Word says, “Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straightened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it” (Matt. 7:13-14 ASV).
    Man believes he can join “the church of his choice” and be saved. But the Bible says “And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved” (Acts 2:47 ASV).
    Most churches today wear man-made names, honoring their human founders. But the Bible shows Christ’s church is to wear His name (Rom. 16:16) and honor belongs to Him who purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28) and is its builder (Matt. 16:18).
    Most professing Christians today believe in salvation by “faith only.” But God’s Word says, “Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith” (Jas. 2:24 ASV).
    God’s rule book (Bible) says that Christ is the “head over all things to the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22-23). It also says there is only “one body” (Eph. 4:4) and Christ promises to save only “the body” of which He is head. One is not a Christian and cannot go to heaven who refuses to follow God’s rule book!

- Marvin Weir of Paris, TX; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC.  Ken Chumbley preaches for the congregation and may be contacted through their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org or e-mail: church@belvederechurchofchrist.org

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    It’s called the royal law. Although the precepts behind such a principle just make good common sense.  We find it first recorded in Lev. 19:18: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
    The idea of loving your neighbor as yourself is the remedy to a lot of social problems that exist in the world today. I can recall a situation when I was preaching in another state and we were living in a house provided for us by the church.  One of our neighbors was an irritated former minister of the congregation I was serving. For over a decade I tried to make some headway in the situation.  It seemed as though I could not do anything right.  I was really confused at first because I moved in so eager to be a part of the little community.
    It was bad enough to know that I would not be given a chance because of my association with the folks I was working with. On top of all this was the discussion in this tiny community.  One day, a few years later, a neighbor asked me if God was going to provide a separate heaven for this non-speaking neighbor and me? The only thing I did was move in and I was abandoned and shunned by this angry person.
    I tried till the day I left that area to be kind and helpful with hope of breaking down the wall that was setting such a bad example to all those watching.  The words of Jesus in this situation keep echoing through my mind. 
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” - Mat 5:43-47
    My gift reminds me that the royal law must be honored with a sincere heart.
    People attend church services and seem to be striving and praising God.   Please don’t miss the doors of heaven being open to you over the way you treat a fellow human being. Could that be why Jesus said this? Is it a scripture warning?  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”  - Mat 7:21
    This week take some time to Love your Neighbor. It’s the will of the
 Father.
    With this in mind I am so thankful for all my great neighbors and friends here in Logansport.
 
- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Yorktown Road church of Christ in Logansport Indiana. His weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be found through this address:  http://mysite.verizon.net/yorktownroadchurchofchrist/

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    The number of false gods and devotion to the same by even a majority of the world’s population can never negate the presence, power and working of the true and living God.
    The presence of evil in today’s world can never negate the reality of good and righteousness.
    The practice and work of hatred around us can never negate the magnetic power of love and compassion.
    The father of lies speaking words of deceit and misinformation can never negate the voice of truth spoken by the Heavenly Father.
    The doctrines of demons espoused through the doctrines and commandments of men can never negate the doctrine of Christ and that spoken and/or written by the Apostles through the Spirit.
    The heart filled with the evil of unbelief in rejecting Jesus as the Son of God can never negate the heaven-revealed, victorious faith of Christ in the heart of God’s children.
    The presence of the broad way along with its majority of travelers can never negate the fact that the strait and narrow way is the preferred, exclusive route to heaven.
    The things a man may think, do and say can never negate the things that God thinks, God does, and God says.
    The rebellion and faithlessness of disobedience in the lives of some can never negate the hope, joy and peace continually experienced in the heart of those who trust and obey the Lord.
    The will worship of many who make their worship vain before God can never negate the inherent value and blessing bestowed upon those who worship God as he has directed in spirit and in truth.

- Tim Childs preaches for the Hillcrest church of Christ in Baldwyn, MS.  He may be contacted at hillcrestchurcho@bellsouth.net, or through the congregation’s website: http://www.thelordsway.com/hillcrestms

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    Jeremiah is one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. At times, this honorable seer is referred to as the “weeping prophet,” because of the heartfelt messages he proclaimed.  “And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain” (Jer. 20:9). These words were uttered in a time of great turmoil and ridicule as a result of Jeremiah’s preaching. The Seer informs us that he was trying to keep God’s word to himself to ease his woes, but found that the woes within him only increased. Jeremiah could not help but proclaim God’s word because of the fire burning within him. God’s word in Jeremiah was like a fire burning in a wooden box – it just wouldn’t stay in.
     Nearly seven hundred years later, Peter and John were preaching the word of God and the priests and Sadducees became very angry at the apostle’s teaching. As a result, Peter and John were thrown into prison, and on the following day were threatened and told not to preach any more in the name of Christ. “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). These courageous apostles informed those who had threatened them that God’s word was burning with in them and they could not be kept from proclaiming the blessed Gospel.
    Jeremiah, Peter and John all had something we need a little more of – a FIRE BURNING WITHIN! There are too many Christians who no longer have, or who have never had a fire burning within. Too many are allowing “any little old thing” to keep them from spreading the good news of the Gospel and opposing that which is contrary to truth. Paul fearlessly declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Rom. 1:16). In light of this great power, should not the fire of God’s word be burning within us?
    The reason men like Jeremiah had the fire burning within them was that they knew of the seriousness of making know the saving message of God in its purity. Proclaiming God’s word is serious business for “for all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:1-2), and “wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Sin comes as a result of disobeying God’s word (1 Jn. 3:4). Thus, as along a man stays in ignorance of God’s word he is without hope.
    Jeremiah had a fire burning within because he cared for the lost souls of men – he cared about their eternal destiny. How concerned are we about the lost souls of men? Do we hurt knowing that millions are dying without the Gospel? Are we going to sit idly while our friends and loved ones die in sin, or will we have the fire burning within?  James wrote, “that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins” ( Jam. 5:20). How much do you care for the lost?

- Tom Moore preaches for the Avenue T church of Christ in Temple, TX.  He may be contacted through the congregation’s website: http://avenuetchurchofchrist.com/default.aspx

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"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)
"I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

    Ever since I was a small boy these have been some of my favorite passages of scripture to be found anywhere in God's Holy Writ. Although it is true that many things we hold and cherish most dearly in our youth often fade as the years flow downstream along the currents of time, my appreciation for these passages has increased, rather than diminished, through the subsequent intervening years. Even though these verses were written millennia ago, I believe they continue to hold significant lessons for us today.
    One of the lessons to be gleaned from these verses is that the world around us is in utter spiritual darkness. The opportunity to achieve advanced education may be at all time record high levels, but true and abiding wisdom among men has plummeted reciprocally. Just as in the days of Paul in the first century when he was penning his epistle to the church in Corinth, mankind has exchanged the wisdom of God in favor of the foolishness that emanates from the darkness engulfing the world. The darkened world rejects the Light of the glory of God in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:31), Who is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and the Word of God incarnate in the flesh (John 1:8).
    Secondly, we can discern that our pathway is distinct. Our Lord has marked out a plan of salvation from our sins and disobedience back into His fold, and that path is through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). As we walk with the Lord we need have no fear as to where He will direct us (Psalm 23:4). The way of the Lord leads to blessings and holiness, for the way of the Lord ultimately will bring the believer to the very throne of God!
    Thirdly, we can see that as we tread each footfall of our journey, the Light of Jesus Christ illuminates our path ever greater, directing our steps towards our goal. The Lamp of the Word of God will not be extinguished, and it will not lead us astray. Be encouraged that the way of salvation has not been hidden under a bushel but is manifest for the entire world to see. Jesus Christ is the way, He is the Word and He is the Light. Let the Light of life guide you as your pilgrimage takes you through this world of darkness today!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Lakeland Church of Christ in Mattoon, IL.  He may be contacted at davidferguson61@yahoo.com   You may also want to visit the congregation's website at http://lakelandchurchofchrist.web.officelive.com/default.aspx  Also, you may want to check out David’s blogsite: http://whatsgoingonfromthepreachersdesk.blogspot.com/

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    A few years ago I read of a high school in Massachusetts giving a quiz in preparation for a “Bible As Literature” class.  The school was considered one of the best in the nation.  Following are some of the answers in questions from the Bible.
        Sodom and Gomorrah: Lovers
        Jezebel: Ahab’s donkey
        Gospels: written by Matthew, Mark, Luther and John.
        Eve: created from an apple
        Jesus was baptized by: Moses
   Possibly the misinformation-prize would probably have gone to a young man in the top 5% of the graduating class.  The question was, “What was Golgotha?” His answer: “Golgotha was the name of the giant who slew the apostle David.”
   If any of these sounded all right to you, you undoubtedly need to study your Bible.  In fact, we all do!
 
- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted at ron33dor@yahoo.com or via the congregation's website at http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

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    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A 54-year-old Orange Park man credits two Gideons Bibles in his shirt pocket for saving his life when they stopped a bullet.
    The man tells police that two men he didn't recognize ambushed him with a rifle as he carried bags to a trash bin.
    The two men fled in opposite directions and have not been arrested.
    The man's name is being withheld because his attackers are still at large.
    Other than a red mark and a pain in his chest, he wasn't injured.
    The man said he was carrying two New Testament Bibles in his shirt pocket to give to friends. Police took the Bibles as evidence (News forwarded to me by friends in Indiana).
    NOTE: While in New Testament times there was no danger of enemies' bullets, there was a danger of deadly "fiery darts." It was with these that the apostle Paul compared the attacks Satan employed against Christians when he wrote, "Where-fore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness: and your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Galatians 6:13-17).
   God's word, along with the "Christian armor" described in this passage, is the spiritual protection we need against all of Satan's attempts to destroy our faith and ultimately our souls.  We recall the psalmist's
prayer, "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee" (Psalms 119:11).  It's important to have God's word in a book-the Bible, but it's also imperative that we have it in our hearts.

- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted at ron33dor@yahoo.com or via the congregation's website at http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com                              

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     This old Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.
     Its histories are true, its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
     It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the sailor’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven is opened and the gates of hell are disclosed.
     Christ is the subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure.
     It is given you in life, will be open at judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

- Robert Chapman; via The Lantern, Highway church of Christ, Sullivan, IL  Visit their website as http://www.highwaycofc.com

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    The shaky conditions of his economy led the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, to declare an all-out price-fixing in history’s first attempt to curtail inflation.  The edict, proclaimed in A.D. 300, set the price of beer, soap, food and even the Bible!
    To afford a complete Bible at the emperor’s price, the average American would probably have to mortgage his house.   Under the edict you were charged for a Bible on this basis: A scribe’s work was price-fixed at $2.80 per 100 stychoi (one stychos equals the one line of Homeric 16 syllable verse).  For carefully copying 18,302 stychoi—the complete New Testament—he would receive the fixed figure of $512.45 (in today’s currency) and not a drachma more or less.  For copying the complete Bible he would receive $2,800.  You paid, in addition, the cost of the papyri (a type of paper), which was in short production and price-fixed under the luxuries category.
    Just think, for $3.00 you can now buy a Bible with full-color maps—at a savings of $2,797.00! How many Bibles would you have at $2,800.00 each? How much would you read the Bible if you paid $2,800.00 for it? It’s the same Book either way.

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL.  He may be contacted at sterchi@midwest.net

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Thank God for the Bible, whose clear shining ray
Has lighted our path, and turned night into day;
Its wondrous treasures have never been told,
More precious than rubles set around with pure gold.

Thank God for the Bible: in sickness or health,
It brings richer comforts than honor or wealth;
Its blessings are boundless, an infinite store;
We may drink at its fountain, and thirst nevermore.

Thank God for the Bible, sent down from above,
Revealing to mortals God's infinite love;
A fathomless sea with its bright, shining shore
Where the glorified dwell and are safe evermore.

Thank God for the Bible -- rich treasures untold
Are laid up in store in its city of gold,
That beautiful home of the saved and the blest
Where no sorrow can come, where the weary find rest.

Thank God for the Bible! How dark is the night
Where no ray from its pages sheds forth its pure light.
No Jesus, no Bible, no Heaven of rest --
Oh, how could we live, were our lives so unblest!

There are millions who wander in darkness today --
No Jesus, no Bible, no knowledge to pray;
God help us to feel, and to act, in His sight,
To render our thanks, now, by giving them light.

- Gospel Digest, January 1959

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There’s a light in the darkness,
    A light I can see;
Its a Beacon, there shining
    So brightly for me;
Through the troubles and trials
    That I face each day
Its so nice to have a Light
    To show me the way!

Many times I grew weary,
    Many times, indeed.
On occasion, I doubted
    And questioned the need
Why? I wondered, Why should I
    Be faithful and true?
I’ve been faithful, that I have
    What good did it do?
Other people about me
    Live just as they please,
They are wicked and evil
    And yet they know ease;
Where’s the profit? The profit
    In doing what’s right?
And its then that I saw it,
    That beautiful Light!

There’s a light in the darkness,
    A light I can see;
Its a Beacon, there shining
    So brightly for me;
Through the troubles and trials
    That I face each day
Its so nice to have a Light
    To show me the way!

As I look back on the times,
    Now long past and gone,
And consider the many
    Things that I have done:
There are smiles and there are tears,
    Great joy mixed with pain;
There are burdens, and losses,
    And so little gain.
If Id known then If only
    If but, how could I?
We all live once, once only:
    And then we all die.
We all struggle, yes, struggle
    Through life’s long, dark night,
Aren’t we thankful, so thankful,
    For that Beacon Light!

There’s a light in the darkness,
    A light I can see;
Its a Beacon, there shining
    So brightly for me;
Through the troubles and trials
    That I face each day
Its so nice to have a Light
    To show me the way!

- H. L. Gradowith  For more information on H. L. Gradowith and GRADOWITH POEMS e-mail group visit http://www.geocities.com/fp5699/ - the website of Tim Smith, minister of the Enon church of Christ in Webb, AL.

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This Book unfolds Jehovah's mind;
This Book salutes in accents kind;
This Friend our needs will amply meet;
This Foundation sends forth joys sweet.

This Mine affords us boundless wealth;
This Good Physician gives us health;
This Sun renews and warms the soul;
This Sword both wounds and makes us whole.

This Letter shows our sins forgiven;
This Guide conducts us safe to heaven;
This Charter has been sealed with blood;
This Volume is the Word of God.

-author unknown (via February, 1945, 20th Century Christian); submitted by Mark McWhorter.  He may be contacted at mtmcvb@concentric.net

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Gold Mines
----quotes & sayings for bulletins and signs this issue

“The man who knows the truth and has the opportunity to tell it, but who nonetheless refuses to, is among the most shameful of all creatures. God forbid that we should ever become so lax as that.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

"Without God, there is no virtue, because there's no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we're mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure.  If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone." (Ronald Reagan)

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