“One of Us Abstained:” a Powerful Message About Morality

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What King David DIDN’T See from His Roof

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To Hurt You, I’ll Hurt Me. So There!

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12:20-21

How strange it was to learn in January, 2012, that Terry Thompson, the owner of the Muskingum County Animal Farm in Zanesville, Ohio, had released 56 exotic, wild beasts from their cages, and that he had then taken his own life. Sheriff's deputies, armed with high-powered rifles, shot nearly 50 of them — including 18 rare Bengal tigers and 17 lions — in a big-game hunt across the state's countryside, as homeowners nervously hid indoors.

After an all-night effort that extended into Wednesday afternoon, 48 animals were killed. Six others — three leopards, a grizzly bear and two monkeys — were captured and taken to the Columbus Zoo. A wolf was later found dead, leaving a monkey as the only animal still on the loose. Those destroyed included six black bears, two grizzlies, a wolf, a baboon and three mountain lions. Dead animals were being buried on Thompson's farm.

The 62-year-old Thompson had reportedly had repeated run-ins with neighbors and with the police. In fact, just three weeks earlier, he had been freed from jail for possessing unregistered guns. Apparently he thought he had a score to settle. The Associated Press report said that Thompson threw the cages open and shot himself to death “in what may have been one last act of spite against his neighbors and police.”

Spite is defined as, “A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone; malicious ill will prompting an urge to hurt or humiliate.” Like the word “despite,” It is derived from the Old French despit, from the Latin dēspectus for contempt. Whoever Thompson thought he was spiting, whether the authorities or his neighbors, it was he who suffered most. He’s dead.

When I decide that I will strike back at someone who has wronged me by feeding myself anger, hatred, and vengeance, I am the one who suffers. I’m doing it to myself. He or she may be happy, peaceful, and even unaware of the pain I am trying to inflict.

When I cut back my church involvement, worship, or giving, because of what someone said or did to me, I am cheating myself of opportunities to grow and serve. I’m hurting my own faith. I’m depriving myself of joy. The only one who is truly happy as a result is the devil.

I can hurt my boss by complaining, gossiping, and wasting time on the job. I can hurt my spouse by bickering, leaving a mess on the floor, or yelling at the kids. I can hurt people that do not like me by being rude, arrogant, and mean. I can hurt drivers who cut me off by honking, screaming, and tailgating. When I do I inflict scars and wounds on my own soul.

The flip side is just as true. When I help others, I actually help myself. I’ll try it! Why don’t you, too?

You’ve Got to Stand! - by Chris Moran

My friend and fellow preacher Chris Moran has posted …

“Eleven Stances Worth Taking”

There is an old country music song that was released in the early 90’s recorded by Aaron Tippin. The title of the song is “You’ve Got to Stand For Something.” Although this song was never one of my favorites, I always liked and appreciated the message it sent. In the chorus, Tippin sings, “You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string. Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name. You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.”

In the times in which we now live, this message still holds true. But the problem we are facing is that many people are standing for the wrong things: abortion, homosexuality, racism, hatred, self-indulgence, and a host of other immoral and wicked atrocities that are in contradiction of the Word and Will of God.

If we are going to take a stand, may I suggest 11 stances that are worth taking? These 11 are “nothing new under the sun,” but perhaps worth reviewing and remembering.

• Stand Up For Those Too Weak To Stand Themselves (James 1:27).

• Stand For Right When Others Stand For Wrong (Romans 12:2).

• Stand In The Gap To Defend The Lord’s Church (Ezekiel 22:30).

• Stand Watch Over Someone Who Hurts (Job 2:11-13).

• Stand Between Enemies To Bring Peace (Matthew 5:9).

• Stand With Christ When Christ Is Being Attacked (Hebrews 13:13).

• Stand In To Serve Those Less Fortunate Than You (Matthew 20:28).

• Stand In For Christ To Seek And Save The Lost (Luke 19:10).

• Stand In Your Convictions When It Costs Something To Do (Acts 5:29).

• Stand In Heaven After A Life Well-Lived (Matthew 25:34-40).

• Stand In The Traditions Which You Were Taught, Whether By Word Or Epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

~Chris

A Savior Who Touches Sinners

What if you could unload, smash, or incinerate every bit of your guilt, every sin, every wrong deed, every poor decision, and every painful experience from your past?

The annual NYC Good Riddance Day took place on Dec. 28, 2017, in New York City's Times Square Broadway Plaza between 45th and 46th Street from noon to 1 p.m. EST. This was its 11th year. Participants bring their funniest, most outlandish or unpleasant items to the event to be shredded.

People could discard anything distasteful, embarrassing, or downright depressing from the past year. Participants brought disappointing report cards, pink slips, photos of old boyfriends or girlfriends, CDs with songs they never wanted to hear again, clothes that were out of style, and fattening foods they had promised to renounce.

Unshreddable stuff could be dropped in a dumpster. Hated, crushable stuff could be pulverized with a sledgehammer. One year Alissa Yakelevits claimed the $250 Grand Prize for the Most Creative entry for saying “good riddance” to her camp leader, who appeared on “America’s Most Wanted.” Others said “good riddance” to cellulite, an SSAT book, the New York Giants’ football season, or just “bad stuff in general.”

Then it was all hauled away. Imagine the resulting freedom and celebration!

All shredded material generated on Good Riddance Day was then baled and sent to nearby recycling plants to be turned into something usable like everyday paper products. For every ton of paper shredded and recycled, 17 trees, 4,100 kilowatts of energy and 3.5 cubic yards of landfill space will be saved. New Yorkers and visitors to the city are invited to this free event where Shred-it will park a mobile shredding truck in Times Square.

What if you could shred, pulverize, haul away, and even recycle everything you’d like to be rid of – every mistake, every failure, and every sin – and be free of it? That is the gospel!

Why be a hoarder, keeping old junk and clutter, that takes up space in your heart and life, that serves as a constant reminder of the baggage you have collected?

Here is a link to the video of this sermon presentation:
https://www.facebook.com/bellevuechurchlife/videos/1819918131391924/?q=bellevue%20church%20of%20christ

Read Luke 7:36-50. 

Let's consider Jesus as "A Savior Who Touches Sinners."

No matter who you are or what you have done, you can come to Jesus in obedient faith and be forgiven.

You can come to Jesus, regardless of past sin, reputation, gender, social circle, or economic level.

Background

The context in Luke 7 sets the stage: Healing the Roman centurion’s slave, raising the widow’s son from Nain, answering John’s question from prison, responding to criticism about His friendship with “sinners.” John the Baptist’s question, Jesus regard­ing John, Jews like children; Jesus charged as glutton, drunkard.

Story unique to Luke. This gospel especially highlights Jesus' interaction with and love for the poor, disadvantaged, disconnected, discouraged, desperate, and disapproved.

An Unlikely Invitation

Lk 7:36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

7:36 The setting: A Pharisee’s house for a meal. Jesus willing to eat with anyone. Other guests present. Courtyard and open ac­cess to the house. Pharisee impolite, judgmental, critical.

Why invite Jesus but not greet Him?

Simon: nine men with this name in NT. All are named after Simeon, one of the 12 sons of Jacob. They are distinguished by descriptive terms. Bar-jonah. The tanner. The leper. The Zealot or the Canaanite. The magician or sorcerer. Of Cyrene. We will call this man “Simon the Pharisee.”

We will not identify him with “Simon the Leper,” in whose home the devout Mary anointed Jesus a short time before His crucifixion. (Matt. 26:6-13)

An Unwelcome Guest

37a And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house …

7:37 Woman enters. A “sinner” whose reputation is known. 

Luke 5:27-32 Levi

Jesus will describe her as having “many sins” (7:47) and a massive “debt” that she cannot repay. We don’t know her name, only her character.

On paper, or in your mind, write down the sins that this woman may have committed.

Now write the sins that you have committed.

How do they compare? Do you see her as a “bigger” sinner than yourself?

How many sins does it take to qualify a person as a “sinner?”

Is it a relative term? Do we think we have no sin? Or fewer sins than others?

Her motivation: Matt 11:28-29; Jesus’ repu­tation. Watched Him with others; waited; followed Him.

What obstacles might have stood in her way? Her fear of facing the Pharisees; her over­whelming sense of guilt ... but she had no doubt that Jesus would receive her! She was so determined to meet Jesus, it did not matter who else was present!

Jesus is approachable. “Just As I Am.”

An Unusual Outpouring

37b … she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

7:38 Her gift: her tears, her burdens, her agony, her kisses, her humble devotion; an alabaster vial of perfume. Wealthy, high-class Roman ladies.

“Take My Life and Let it Be” # 501

alabaster: compact, translucent gypsum often carved into vases. It is very soft and therefore excellent for carving. The color is usually white; but it may be gray, yellow, or red. In the NT a globular perfume flask carved from alabaster is mentioned. Made without handles, it had a long neck that was broken to pour out the perfume. Many articles were fashioned from this stone, including vases, jars, saucers, bowls, lamps, and statues. A harder form of alabaster, found only in Egypt, was used to sculpture a Sphinx.

Perfumes: were made from many different herbs and plants. These plants were imported from such places as Arabia, India, Persia, Ceylon, and Egypt. Perfumes were used especially, but not exclusively, by the rich to cover the unpleasant body odors that resulted from the hot temperatures of Palestine and surrounding regions. Thus, they were applied to the feet (Luke 7:38), the freshly washed body (Ruth 3:3), clothing (Ps. 45:8), couches or beds (Prov. 7:17), the priest’s head (so he would be presentable to God; Ps. 133:2), and even dead bodies (2 Chr. 16:14; John 19:39–40).

An Unfair Assumption

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

Common belief: A prophet (representing God) would not allow a sinner in his presence. “If the Lord just knew what so-and-so is really like ...” Judging others is easy. Makes us look good. Religious people begin to think they deserve a relationship with God.

Outwardly religious people (Pharisees) can be the greatest obstacle between sinners and Jesus. The woman had no trouble touching Jesus; it was the Pharisee who rejected her!

Church: the broken, the hurting, the poor, the naked, the penitent alcoholic or homosexual.

Narcotics Anonymous: “I’m an addict.”

An Unequal Comparison

40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 “You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.

Jesus set the stage, preparing Simon for what He was about to tell him.

Jesus very effectively used “third-personing.” He would tell about other people, describe their actionsf, and then ask the listener to finish the story.

Jesus’ story; “My broker is E.F. Hutton ...” Money ... forgiveness. Down-to-earth. Induc­tive. Indirect. Elicits response from the hearer. “What do you think?”

To what degree do we identify with people who are like this woman? Are they comfortable in our midst? To what extent do we relate more to the Pharisee?

Jesus’ stories leave you in a spot! We don’t want to be the woman or the Pharisee! That’s good! Maybe we can be like Jesus, pure ourselves but offering grace to the lost.

Just like the Prodigal Son. Simon is the older brother. The woman is the younger.

Guilt - Grace - Godliness.

Grace motivates. The greater the sense of forgiveness, the greater the love.

Parents toward children. Which child will love his parents more? Prodigal Son.

When your child does wrong, regrets it, and weeps over it, forgive! Embrace! Result? Love.

How can you tell that a person has experienced true forgiveness from God? I am not talking about how to obtain forgiveness, but about how to demonstrate that forgiveness has been given and received. The answer? LOVE.

The more a person loves Jesus, the more obvious it is that that person has been forgiven.

The Christian life is the outward fruit of the experience of forgiveness. Guilt drives us to Grace. Grace drives us to Godliness. I cannot stay “Just As I Am.”

When I approach Jesus, I must bring to Him what this woman brought.

A Willing Confession of Sin

An Obvious Sorrow for Sin

A Yearning for Forgiveness

A No-Matter-What Determination to Meet Jesus

A Gift of Myself and My Best

An Eagerness to Place Myself at His Feet and Anoint Him

I cannot embrace Jesus if I have the traits of Simon the Pharisee.

A Sense of Personal Worthiness Before God

Little or No Sense of Sin or a Need for Forgiveness

A Judgmental Attitude Toward Others

An Unwillingness to Receive Jesus Humbly

It was not the holy Savior who rejected the woman, but a fellow sinner!

To be like Jesus, I must be both close to God and open to sinners.

Jesus touches sinners, not to endorse their sin, but to remove it.

An Undeniable Connection

47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Which comes first? Our love, then forgiveness? No. His forgiveness, then our love.

Love for Jesus is the outward fruit of one’s experience of forgiveness.

The greater one’s sense of personal Guilt ...

And the deeper one’s appreciation for the Savior’s Grace ...

The more intense will be one’s commitment to Godliness.

Conviction. Conversion. Consecration.

An Unimaginable Relief

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The woman, rather than Simon, went home justified. 

Like Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee, tax collector.

Reversal. Surprise.

Jesus can say to you today, if you are like that woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Do you believe Him? He cannot say that to a Pharisee, who has no sense of need for forgiveness.

Result: guests at table say: “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Simon’s response: not recorded! What do you think?

Faith is the key. “Go in peace.” She had not come that way. She had approached Jesus with guilt, sorrow, shame, unworthiness. She left Him with peace, purpose, promise.

Are you a sinner? Have you thrown yourself at Jesus’ feet? Have you come to look at others as fellow sinners, no more worthy or unworthy than you to come to Jesus?

Can be same for you today! Be determined like that woman! Let nothing stop you!

Admit It … For Your Sake!

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:8-9

Marilyn Manning writes about attending a communications course in which the instructor asked the participants to list anything in their past about which they felt ashamed, guilty, regretful, or incomplete.  As people in the class read their lists, hers grew longer.  After three weeks, she had 101 items on her list!  The instructor then suggested that they find ways to make amends, apologize to people, or right any wrongdoing.  She had visions of alienating just about everyone from her life.

The next week, the man beside her spoke.  He had grown up in a small town in Iowa.  One night, he and two buddies took a can of red paint, climbed the water tank in the middle of town, and wrote on it, in bright red letters, some insulting words about Sheriff Brown, whom they disliked.  The next day, the whole town saw their sign.  When confronted, the two others confessed, but this boy lied, denying the truth.

After carrying this for nearly 20 years, the boy, now grown, attended this communications course.  He didn’t even know if Sheriff Brown was still alive, but he knew he had to try to reach him.  He dialed information in his hometown back in Iowa.  Sure enough, there was a Roger Brown still listed.  He dialed his number. After a few rings, he heard: “Hello?”  He said:  “Sheriff Brown?”  Pause.  “Yup.”  “Well, this is Jimmy Calkins.  And I want you to know that I did it.”  Pause.  “I knew it!” he yelled back.  The two had a good laugh and a lively discussion.  His closing words were: “Jimmy, I always felt bad for you because your buddies got it off their chest, and I knew you were carrying it around all these years. I want to thank you for calling me ... for your sake.’”

Jimmy’s story inspired Marilyn Manning to clear up all 101 items on her list.  It took her almost two years, but it brought her true peace and led to a new career as a conflict mediator.   It’s never too late.  Begin resolution today, both with God and with others.  You’ll be glad you did.

All is Forgiven 800 Pacos

In his short story “The Capital of the World,” Ernest Hemingway tells the story of a Spanish father and his teenage son. The relationship between this father and son became strained and eventually shattered. When the rebellious son--whose name was Paco, a common Spanish name--ran away from home, his father began a long and arduous search to find him. As a last resort the exhausted father placed an ad in a Madrid newspaper, hoping that his son would see the ad and respond to it. The ad read,

Dear Paco, Please meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. Love, Father

As Hemingway tells the story, the next day at noon, in front of the newspaper office, there were 800 Pacos, all seeking forgiveness from their fathers.

The forgiven becomes the forgiver.

Tit 3:1-7; 2 Peter 1:5-11

“Out of My Bondage,” # 689; “I Stand Amazed,”

Sinners Jesus Will Receive

Bring Christ Your Broken Life
T.O. Chisolm (1866-1960) lyrics; L. O. Sanderson music

Bring Christ your broken life,

So marred by sin.
He will create anew,
Make whole again.
Your empty wasted years
He will restore,
And your iniquities,
Remember no more

Bring Him your every care
if great or small
whatever troubles you
oh, bring it all
Bring him the haunting fears
the nameless dread
thy heart he will relieve
and lift up thy head

Bring Him your weariness
receive his rest
Weep out your blinding tears
upon his breast
His love is wonderful
his power is great
and none that trust in him shall be desolate

Blest Saviour of us all
almighty friend!
His presence shall be ours
unto the end
without him life would be
how dark how drear
but with him morning breaks
and Heaven is near!

Winning the War Within - Its Support

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 

1 Thess 5:14-15

When asked for sermon topics and concerns last month, one of you wrote: “Any sermons on building stronger Christian relationships and accountability. For example, strong Christians encouraging the weak. Loving people who are marginalized bringing them into the work of the church.  Having eyes for those who worship with us but don’t feel accepted and comfortable. Marks of true discipleship: love, forgiveness, patience, etc, and what this looks like in our Christian friendships. May we have eyes to see all those who need to be talked to...and greeted and sat by, and checked on.  We could grow the church so much if we just could grow those who already are with us to deepen their love, their need for the body of Christ, and their involvement on a personal level.” 

So let’s talk about the church as God’s support group in our war with sin.

These are sermon notes, not written in a polished or finished manuscript form. To see the video of this and other sermons:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4zUK_ahzdiU15PL6dcAXA/videos

To see thumbnails of all posts on this blog:

​https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CoryCollinsServingAndSharing

Review:

The War Within

Previously:

1. Its Nature – Inner Wrestling

2. Its Cause – Competing Desires

3. Its Base – Starting Point

4. Its Schemer – Satan

5. Its Governor – God

6. Its Pivot – Prayer

7. Its Predictability – Process

Most, but not all the material in these lessons is original. Charles Stanley’s book, Winning the War Within, is one source I have used.

Its Support

1 Thess 5:1-22 – Read and highlight the text.

You are not alone as you wrestle with temptation and sin! When you isolate yourself from others, you open yourself to the devil’s attacks. You feel battle-weary, so you withdraw farther, and then you become even more worn-down. It’s a vicious cycle. Stop it! The church is God’s support group, sharing His unlimited resources to help you win this war.

Interview with Jason – November 3, 1999

Entered the reserves.  Basic training summer, 1999, in Fort McClellan, Alabama. Trainees would put on their uniform, pack their equipment, and report. If they forgot something (or left it out on purpose), they would suffer consequences.  Often brought canteen with no water.  Had to go thirsty all day.

If the drill sergeant could get your rifle away from you at any time, day or night, you would have to work out.  Run laps, do pushups, etc., to “earn it back.” At night, Jason would sleep with his rifle inside his sleeping bag!

Others used duct tape to tape their rifles to their legs.  To pull the rifle would also pull the leg and wake the soldier up.

Had to carry some items they thought they might not need.  Some tried to leave them out, to make the backpack lighter and allow more space.  Such items as tent rope, tent pegs, gas masks, magazine for rifle.

Later they would need these things and not have them.

Urban assault training – secure buildings, knock down doors.

That experience – lacking the right equipment at a critical time – would transform their preparation and packing for the next excursion.

Interdependence – Jason and his peers went through 1/4-mile-long sewer tunnel.  Each man held on to the next man as a link in a chain.

Support: “One-Another” Passages

Jn 15:12     Love O/A “as I have loved you.”

Gal 5:13ff   In that love serve. Don’t bite, devour!

Rom 14:19  Seek peace, build up, edify.

Rom 15:14  Counsel, instruct.

Col 3:16      Teach and admonish (singing).

Gal 6:1-2    Restore; bear burdens.

1 Th 4:18    Encourage in bereavement.

Jas 5:16     Confess sins and pray.

Heb 3:13    Exhort “today” re: sin.

We need accountability!

Billy’s mom has been teaching him to resist temptation. Each week she says: “Don’t eat the cookies from the cookie jar!” Each week he tries to obey, but he gives into his desire and has a cookie anyway. She suspects him, but she has no proof, so he gets away with it.

What motivation can she use?

Several. She can talk about her authority. God’s pattern. She can tell him that he’s depriving others of cookies. She can threaten to spank him if she sees him.

Finally, when none of that seems to do the job, she adds one last motivation. She says:

“I have counted the cookies.”

Accountability is making sure that someone else has “counted the cookies” in the area(s) in which you are most often tempted.

Accountability is …

Admitting, sharing, and seeking support for …

Hurts, fears, temptations, doubts, and defeats …

Humbly, honestly, transparently, and openly …

With a trusted and respected friend or group …

That can listen, pray, and sometimes advise …

To help you see sin objectively and repent of it …

And support you in every step of progress …

Patiently, in confidence and privacy …

With only God’s will and your good at heart.

Who, How, When, and Where?

How to proceed?

Informally. No outline, no strict, formal instructions. Outgrowth of a friendship you already have. Golf or exercise friend. Elder, Bible school teacher, etc.

Start young. Before troubles start. Some teenagers find such a person or group in their youth group, family (older brother), or school. They remain partners for life.

Some once a month face-to-face; once a week by phone.

Choose a partner (or group) of the same sex as you …

Choose someone that you enjoy being around and spending time with.

Choose someone that you respect spiritually, who is serious about following the will of God.

Choose someone that will be honest, will build you up, will help you. Not a critical nag.

Aim for a balance of encouragement and exhortation, not 50-50 but more like 75-25. That is, 75% encouragement and 25% exhortation.

Agree never to give unsolicited advice or criticism.

“I have some feedback. It may hurt. Are you open to hearing it?”

No one is a spiritual island.

Prov 18:24 – A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Look for that friend. Be that friend.

Man Up, God’s Girls, L2L groups, Bible classes, Encouragement Teams, Men’s Breakfasts, Retreats

Barriers to Accountability

Pride. Stubbornness. Denial. Embarrassment.

“This is no one else’s business!” Isolationism.

“No one else would understand.” Isolationism.

“This is not that big a deal.” Minimization.

“I can fix this, cover this up, and/or quit this!”

“No one will ever know.”

“Others do this. They don’t admit it. Hypocrites!”

“People will judge me. I’ll look and feel foolish.”

“Once I admit this, I’ll be expected to change it!”

Who wants to admit secret sins to others?

Who wants to appear weak?

Who wants to invite criticism?

Who wants other people checking up on them?

Who wants to become transparent and vulnerable?

Only those who struggle repeatedly with sin and would find it easier to resist if they knew that someone else had counted the cookies!

True Friends

Prov 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Prov 27:5-6 – Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Prov 28:23 – He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

Real Before/After Support

2 Cor 2:6 Sufficient for such a one …

(one previously held accountable and disciplined for his sin, perhaps re: 1 Cor 5)

is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

Possible hymns:

God’s Family

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

How Sweet, How Heavenly

Bring Christ Your Broken Life

“Gone with the Wind” – More than Just a Movie

It was sensational. It was controversial. It was historic. In 1939 the film “Gone with the Wind” crossed a major line in the movie industry, provoking excitement and criticism. The producers also drew huge profits by doing so, as they intended. Their shocking move was immensely successful, at least from an economic point of view.

What was it? Simply this. The movie included the word “damn,” in the very famous last line. Rhett said to Scarlett, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a _____.”

Prior to the film's release, censors objected to the use of the word in the film. The word had been prohibited by the 1930 Motion Picture Production Code. Yes, prohibited! Why? Well, to those with traditional values and religious convictions, to “damn” a person was to wish that person condemned to hell. That is how the word originated. People who feared God, and believed in the reality of hell, did not use the word in polite speech. They would shudder if they heard someone else say it.

But the risk paid off. True, the producers had ridiculed current social values and offended the consciences of many. But they likely anticipated a huge payoff, and they got it. They may have figured that the initial criticism would die down, and it did. Most people would pay to see the film anyway. After all, any customers who hesitated would hear how outstanding the film was as a whole. They would justify seeing the movie – overlooking what they found offensive – and they would buy their tickets. After all, they might ask, was it really that big of a deal after all?

The more I have thought about the explosive step that those producers took, the more I have realized what is going on in our declining culture.

In my years I have seen this "Wind" strategy used effectively many times. The movie industry, a major national retail chain, or another commercial interest decides to add something questionable, objectionable, or even outright immoral. Then these events seem to follow in order:

The instigator (movie company, merchant, etc.) proudly goes public, advertising its bold new move.

Initially, many with conservative values publicly object. They may refuse to support the agenda with their money, because it genuinely violates their consciences. They are also concerned about the potential damage to society that may result.

Then those who accept or embrace the change, or see it as rather harmless, accuse the conscientious conservatives of being self-righteous or of making much ado about nothing. “They are so strict and so judgmental!”

The instigator enjoys the publicity and the profits that it has generated.

The boundary line of acceptable practice moves farther left once more.

Those who have not moved with the shifting sand are then ridiculed and marginalized as bigots or fanatics. They are treated as a tiny majority and called the “religious right;” they are defined as being off-center, on the fringe. It is they, not the instigators of the new morality, who are the extremists. How dare they say that people should not support such changes with their money or their influence? How picky and mean can people be?

Those in search of bigger profits and more customers then look for the next controversial move that they can make to repeat the cycle on a grander scale. It may be disturbing. It may hurt marriages, families, children, and friends. But it will make money for sure. And, hey, people will get over it and even reward it.

In my generation I have seen this pattern used effectively to move many boundaries. These include the growing acceptance of premarital sexual relations, the promotion of adultery, the breakup of the traditional family, the use of rude, crude, disrespectful language, the open description of private body parts and functions, the weakening role of the male in the American family, social and gender engineering, abortion, and more. I have seen high standards lowered and seemingly eliminated. I have seen movie ratings like "PG-13" slide all over the place.

I fear that I will see the "Wind" pattern again, and again, and again. I am even more concerned for the generations that follow me.

The title itself, “Gone with the Wind,” was intended to describe a culture that was becoming a thing of the past. The life that Rhett and Scarlett had known would exist no longer. Ironically enough, we must ask ourselves in this post-Christian era, “Will the God-fearing, Bible-believing, people-loving culture that we have known become … ‘gone with the wind?’”

I am alarmed. I am ashamed. How have people with solid convictions – how have I myself – allowed such intrusions to occur? Where are the defensive linemen, who will plant ourselves and say, “Enough! You are not taking one more inch of this field!”

Join me in affirming what Scripture says:

Rom 1:28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

"Gone with the Wind." It really is more than just a movie. It's a movement.

It's Easier - and Better - to Do Right

Dr. Bill Bagents is my very good friend, and he and I were colleagues and coworkers during our time working with Heritage Christian University and the Mars Hill church of Christ. I always appreciate his thoughtful writing, and I want to share this article he recently wrote.

IT’S EASIER - AND BETTER - TO DO RIGHT

It’s easier to do right than to wish that you had. Do you hear that statement as proverb, truism, or cliché? I lean toward truism, but the reason for that is elusive.

“It’s easier to do right than” makes a thought-provoking sentence starter. Consider these options and feel free to add your own:

It’s easier to do right than to deal with the consequences of a less noble choice. Think of lying King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 and the Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1.

It’s easier to do right than to face the guilt of letting God down. Think of David in Psalm 51 and Judas in Matthew 27.

It’s easier to do right than to try to explain why you didn’t. Think of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and Aaron in Exodus 32.

It’s easier to do right than to let yourself down. Think of Paul in Romans 7.

Maybe we should change the sentence starter and think further.

It’s better to do right than to miss the blessings that the right action will bring. Think of Abram vs. Lot in Genesis 13.

It’s better to do right than to let evil erode your character. Think of Cain in Genesis 4.

It’s better to do right than to give in to the status quo. Think Romans 12:1-2

It’s better to do right than to let your critics be right. Think of David and his brother in 1 Samuel 17:28-29.

It’s better to do right than to give the devil a foothold. Think of Ephesians 4:27.

It’s better to do right than to put your family in harm’s way. Think of Achan in Joshua 7.

It’s better to do right and rely on God to settle accounts. Think of Colossians 3:23-24.

It’s better to do right even if that puts your life in danger. Think of Daniel’s three friends in Daniel 3 and Daniel himself in Daniel 6.

It’s better to do right, even if it costs you your life. Think of Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 11:35-40, and John the Baptist in Matthew 14. Bluntly, it’s just always better to do right for the right reason to God’s glory, no matter what the immediate outcome.

- Bill Bagents