Farriss Drive Church of Christ

Coming Face to Face with our Struggles

2011-04-14T09:48:00.001-05:00

For this study, I will be using the New International Version of the Bible (NIV). So often in life, we struggle with certain sins and many never get the necessary help to overcome these difficulties. God’s Word is our source of information, our source of guidance, and even should be used for our foundation of counseling. The apostle Peter declared, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” II Peter 1:3. As we face our issues of life, God has placed the solution to the problems in His book, known as the Bible.

When we face our temptations, God has already provided our escape. Don’t forget I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” The temptations, the struggles, the issues we face in life someone else has faced the same difficulties. Therefore, God has provided means of solving or overcoming these issues. When we come face to face with our struggles, in order to overcome and be victorious, we must rely upon God’s Word.

Let’s just confess, we have days where sin lays at our door and many times comes on in. Brother Paul said in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Allow that verse to sink deep within you. Consider the words of Brother Paul and think about self. Now listen and watch Romans 7:18,19, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do this I keep on doing.” Don’t misunderstand this now. Don’t try to use this to continue to live a life of sin. Paul is expressing the truth about the nature of mankind. Since this is man’s nature and God would have all men to be saved, God has provided the solution. In Romans 12:2, the scriptures says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Article submitted by: Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ.

Infant Baptism

2010-10-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

There are some in the religious world today that say infants are born sinners. The Catholic Church practices infant baptizing and now I read that some Churches of Christ have started this practice. I was informed that this type of baptism took place three years ago at a congregation in North Alabama. Surprisingly, no one instructed that Church of Christ preacher of his error.

Since I teach that baptism saves, I would be characterized as a fundamentalist. You see, I criticize the Catholic Church for practicing infant baptism. I teach that baptism saves. I teach that I Peter 3:21 is true and must be followed according to the scriptures. Peter wrote, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:..”

The Catholic Church has always understood baptism differently, teaching that it is a sacrament which accomplishes several things. First being that baptism is for the remission of sins, both original sin and actual sin. Second, only original sin in the case of infants and young children, since they are incapable of actual sinning; and both original and actual sin in the case of older or should I say, adult persons.

The Catholic Church is truly confused by saying we inherit sin from our ancestors all the way back to Adam. This contradicts God’s Word. God says in Ezekiel 18:20, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:…” Here God is telling us that children do not inherit sin from the parents, grandparents, or any of their forefathers, all the way back to Adam. Each person is responsible for his or her own sins.

We must never forget that the Bible has given us the definition of sin. In I John 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” We do not inherit sin – we commit sin, and we commit sin when we commit lawlessness. An infant has not broken any law of God and thus has not committed any sin. How is sin committed? James said in James 1:14,15, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” A baby cannot be drawn away and enticed into lustful sin.

Several years ago a young lady requested me to “christen” her baby. I asked why. Her response was that the baby needed to be baptized and “christening” is a form of baptism. I had to show her Mark 16:16. I know children grow up fast, but a baby cannot believe when it cannot understand. Parents, do not allow false teachers to deceive you. Satan has many ways through his lies in fooling people into being lost. When a person who was baptized as an infant becomes accountable, he doesn’t think he needs to be baptized again so he can be saved. Satan knows infant baptism accomplishes nothing. Satan knows when people who were baptized as an infant become accountable, at the time they actually begin to sin, they will be eternally lost in the burning fires of hell if they do not obey the Lord.

When a person becomes accountable, he must do as Jesus spoke in John 3:3,5. When a person becomes accountable, he or she understands Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Babies do not have sins.

When a person becomes accountable, he must do as Jesus spoke in John 3:3,5. When a person becomes accountable, he or she understands Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Babies do not have sins.
Article by Floyd Rodgers, Minister
Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

A Twisted Generation - Bro. Floyd Rodgers

2010-05-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter and the other eleven apostles declared in Acts 2:40, “…Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” The word “untoward” means wicked, perverse, crooked, or curved. Truly when you look around our society today, you can witness a wicked, perverse or curved generation. Many of you know that I have been keeping up with the television show, To Catch a Predator. I realize the Lord did not give us the spirit of fear but I am afraid for our youth. They have so many advantages and then so many disadvantages. Our youth has the world at their finger tips and in the mist of it all, there are individuals seeking to do them some harm. Parents, are we checking the activities of our young people? Parents, do we have serious conversations with our young people about the corruption within our society? Parents, are we protecting our youth? A more serious question, do your children feel as though they can talk with you about anything? I ask those questions because we need to provide and protect our children. I know by now you have heard about the 37 year old adult male that videotaped himself sexually assaulting a three year old child. That situation puzzles and sickens me. I cannot comprehend an adult molesting a child. As I consider the condition and attitudes of many individuals, I come to the conclusion; we are living in a twisted generation. The apostle Paul said, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy; Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good; Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” II Timothy 3:1-5. It is obvious that many in our world today, focus more on pleasing self than pleasing the Almighty God. Living in the mist of this twisted generation, we have to examine ourselves often to make sure that the Lord has more control than the world. The Bible instructs us by saying, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. Renewing the mind assists one in living in a twisted generation. ~ Floyd Rodgers

Helping Our Children

2010-04-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

When I was a young boy, I would ask church members about Easter. I wanted to know how people took a rabbit and eggs and connected them to the resurrection of Jesus. I knew that we celebrated Jesus' resurrection on every first day of the week. Yet, people talked about Easter being the resurrection Sunday. Our youth need to know the truth. We celebrate our Lord's resurrection every First Day of the Week. Adults and youth alike must remember Acts 20:7, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." If the Israelite's could understand the Sabbath day certainly Christians can understand the Lord's day. I don't want anyone to say, "we are not touching all the bases" so I must tell you that the word "Easter" is used in the scriptures. In Acts 12:4, "And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternion's of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people." The word "Easter" in this verse and in this text refers to "the Passover," the people's deliverance from Egypt. The word " Easter" had nothing to do with the Lord's day, the First day of the week.
Now allow me to explain Easter, which is not a Biblical subject. After discovering that people were more reluctant to give up their holidays and festivals than their gods, they simply incorporated pagan practices into Christian festivals. As recounted by the Venerable Bede, an early Christian writer, clever cleric's copied pagan practices and by doing so, made Christianity more palatable to pagan folk reluctant to give up their festivals for somber Christian practices. In second century Europe, the predominate spring festival was a raucous Saxon fertility celebration in honor of the Saxon goddess Eastre (Ostara), whose sacred animal was a hare. The colored eggs associated with this and other Vernal festivals have been symbols of rebirth and fertility for so long the precise roots of the tradition are unknown, and may date to the beginning of human civilization. Ancient Romans and Greeks used eggs as symbols of fertility, rebirth, and abundance - eggs were solar symbols, and figured in the festivals of numerous resurrected gods. Pagan fertility festivals at the time of the spring equinox were common - it was believed that at this time, when day and night were of equal length, male and female energies were also in balance. The hare is often associated with moon goddesses; the egg and the hare together represent the god and the goddess, respectively.

Moving forward fifteen hundred years, we find ourselves in Germany, where children await the arrival of Oschter Haws, a rabbit who will lay colored eggs in nests to the delight of children who discover them Easter morning. It was this German tradition that popularized the 'Easter bunny' in America when it was introduced into the American cultural fabric by German settlers in Pennsylvania. Many modern practitioners of Neo-pagan and earth-based religions have embraced these symbols as part of their religious practice, identifying with the life-affirming aspects of the spring holiday. ~ Floyd Rodgers, Minister, FDCOC

This Serious Task

2010-01-17T17:44:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

The work of the church is a serious task. Jesus said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:10. The duty in which we have is a serious task. Yet, there is a task within the church that we do not consider enough. Well, let us notice the words of Brother Peter in I Peter 5:1-3. Peter said, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Yes, the duty and the office of a bishop are serious. Peter stressed the importance of being examples to the flock. That means all eyes are on you. You and your family. The flock watches the elders and the desire to see love, respect and individuals that truly care about the flock. The elders set the tone of the congregation. The office of a bishop bears serious responsibilities. As you read the following verse, consider both sides. The Hebrew writer said, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:7. Now members of the local congregation must submit themselves to the eldership. That means that members are under the oversight of the men they and the Holy Spirit have chosen to oversee the flock. God’s people must answer to the elders of the congregation.

Let us consider as members of church our respect for the leaders of the congregation. Members of the Lord’s church cannot lay out of service and not expect to have to answer to the elders. When one lays out of service, regardless of the reason, they must repent publicly, but also must have a conversation with one of the elders. We always want the elders to do a great job for the church but what about the members showing their respect for the office of a bishop. The Hebrew writer declared, “Obey and submit they have the rule over you.” As parents we would not allow our children to come into the house at all hours of the night and not hold them accountable. This is true within the church. The elders’ task is a serious task. ~ Floyd Rodgers

A New Beginning

2010-01-03T22:49:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

I don’t know about you but I truly thought 2009 went really fast. Again I am faced with how fast time moves. I believe the harder you work, plus your age and responsibility, the faster time moves. Now I could be wrong but at least give it some thought. The year of 2009 was a transactional year for the Farriss Drive Church of Christ. We focused upon some great things and accomplished some noble things. I appreciated the thought, the attitude, and theme for the Homecoming, “Yes We Can.” That attitude must continue in order for us to achieve the things God has in store for this congregation. This year our focus is “Developing to Determine our Destiny in 2010.” In the upcoming weeks I will be asking you to help us to number the men that will make good elders. I need you praying for our decision. I need you praying for the visions of this congregation. I need you praying for the leadership and the minister of this great congregation. I beseech each of you to pray for each member of this great congregation, the faithful ones in attendance as well as the fallen ones of the attendance. In this year of 2010 we need each member serving and laboring where they can achieve to please God. Each year we state, “I am going to do more and better things as a Christian than I did in the past year.” Well, let us do just that. We have challenges that we must face for the Lord, Jesus Christ. As we begin this New Year, let us keep the Lord’s great commission in the forefront of our mind. In Matthew 28:19, 20 Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This is a must. I am asking each member to list two individuals that they would like to see taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s get these names to the minister and let’s be evangelistic in 2010. I also need each member to focus upon at least one individual that has fallen away and focus upon restoring that individual. Focusing upon at least one individual to restore back to the fold means you haven’t forgotten Galatians 6:1, 2. Paul encouraged the Christians by saying, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We could almost double our attendance greatly. If we work hard in 2010, time will move fast but also, the Lord’s Church will certainly flourish. The Lord has given us a new beginning and we must use it to glorify our redeemer. A new beginning is what many individuals need to make their life worth living. Let us carry the gospel to the lost, let us do our best to restore those fallen back to the fold and find a ministry where you can develop in a spiritual giant in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. ~Floyd Rodgers

Last Sunday of The Year

2009-12-27T20:55:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

I’m thankful that God has allowed us to witness the last Sunday of the Year. I’m more thankful that we have this time together. We have been blessed in so many ways and we should give God thanks, praise and glorify His glorious name. When the Lord delivered David out of Saul’s hand and granted him victory, David song a song that expressed his joy to God. In II Samuel 22:4, David said, “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” We have something to rejoice over and we can shout loud, God has once again, speared us and blessed.The great God of Heaven has protected His children and provided for His children; yet again for another year. Today, as we reflect back on the past Sundays, can we say that we have done our best to give honor and praise to our great God? Let us remember this could be our last opportunity to worship together on this side of life. Time does not stand still. James wrote in James 4:14, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Yes, life is just as a vapor and time passes just as quickly. David, that great king of Israel, the man after God’s on heart, replied in Psalms 39:4, “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” Do we know how frail we are? Have we seen life pass before our eyes as a vapor? This is the last Sunday of the Year, but this could be the beginning of a new start for someone. The apostle Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17. Even today, I am encouraging someone to put on Christ in baptism and be saved. Even on the last Sunday of the year, remember I Timothy 2:3,4 and said, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Will you come to the knowledge of the truth today? Will you make things right with you and your Lord?Our work for the Lord is never done. To save a soul must be our concern everyday of the week and especially on the last Sunday of the month. The Last Sunday of the Year, let’s restore, revive, and remove the things that hinder our obedience to the Master’s command. ~ Floyd Rodgers

From Our Family to Your Family

2009-12-22T15:38:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

Season’s greetings, and happy holidays, to everyone connected to family and friends of the Farriss Drive Church of Christ. These first six months have been an eye opener as well as a joy. The Rodgers family is looking forward to the great challenge ahead and we pray that you are ready for what God has in store for His people that assemble here at 3203 Farriss Drive. We have prayed together, laughed together, wept together, fellowshipped together, worked together and even learned together. From my family to your family, we desire for you to know, that we love you.

As a family, we have placed our lives in the hands of the Almighty, and He has placed us in this place for such a time as this. We hold on to the words of Brother Peter, as he said in I Peter 1:22, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:..” We are thankful for your love and we pray that you have witnessed our love for you. We know and believe that your love toward the Rodgers family is genuine. You have provoked us and we desire to provoke you. The Hebrew writer declared, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:..” Hebrews 10:24. Over the next year, we want to cause you to have a craving to work harder for the Lord and have a stronger commitment to one another. The love that we have for one another should and can blossom. As our love matures the community will witness a love that they can appreciate. Our love toward one another determines to whom we belong. The Savior said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34,35. Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, yet all men are not disciples of Jesus. Our Lord expects His disciples to represent Him by the Love we have for one another. Again, from my family to your family, we love you.

If we never get another opportunity to serve nor worship together again, please know, “We love each and every one of you.” As we embrace the end of this year, remember the words of the apostle Peter. In I Peter 4:8, Peter wrote, “And above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” From our family to your family, Happy Holidays and we love you. Bro. Floyd Rodgers

As God Forgave, So Should I (Part II)

2009-12-13T17:34:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

Once again I must remind you of the words of the apostle Paul that are found in Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Forgiveness is required of every Christian. Each child of God has a growth process that he or she must go through. Growth does not happen overnight but it must take place. We shout loud that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23; 5:12). Yet; we will not shout that we have offended someone down the line in our life time. We often refuse to confess that we have committed a transgression against a fellow Christian. We desire forgiveness, yet many of us refuse to forgive the others. If we claim Christ as our Savior, then we should follow His examples. The apostle John wrote in I John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Jesus is always willing to forgive when we confess our faults. The apostle John wrote in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We must learn to forgive willingly and aggressively. Once we have meant that challenge then we can move to forgive absolutely. Remember that the Lord is our example in every aspect of life.

The Psalmist wrote in Psalms 103:10-12, “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” How far does the Lord remove our sins? He declared, as far as the east is from the west. Brothers and sisters, God’s children must develop that same type of forgiveness. When one learns to forgive absolutely, then the permanent forgiving will accrue. In others words, it’s not repeated again and again. The Hebrew writer reminded God’s children of God’s promise. In Hebrews 10:17 the Bible says, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Have you developed the Lord’s example of forgiveness? ~ Bro. Floyd Rodgers

Taking A Serious Look

2009-11-29T21:00:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

From a young lad my grandparents stressed working and staying busy. Today, we live in a different generation. Many of the youth do not know anything about working or having certain responsibilities within their home life. Subsequently, the generation coming forth today, expect something for nothing.

As a man, a Christian, and a gospel preacher, I teach as well as express to men the importance of getting a job, keeping a job, and influencing the young men around them to prioritize their life. I witness families allowing young men to sit around home without gaining serious employment, at eighteen and nineteen years of age. I ask, “What has happen to training up our youth?

Last week while out of town, I observed a family walking as I pulled into the service station, where they were coming as well. As I observed them, I noticed that each one had a bag and they looked as though they were full. The father, holding the child’s hand and the mother was walking alone behind them. Upon approaching the store I heard the father say, “It’s going to be alright.” Well, I began to feel sorry for the whole family. They asked me for a few dollars to get something to eat and I told them to get what they wanted and I would take care of their purchase. I did what I promised and then walking out of the store, I started noticing some strange things. I am not quick to judge any individual nor assume certain things. The family walked out of the store and headed on down the highway.

The store clerk replied, “They got you today.” In our conversation he taught me the game. He asked if I noticed their clothing and the bags in which they were carrying? I did not pay attention to the make of their clothing nor the labels on things. The store clerk informed me that the father’s blue jeans were “Hunter Jeans” costing about $80.00. The mother’s boots were “Genisis”, probably purchased from Nine West costing about $167.00. The store clerk continued to hip me to certain things that were unnoticeable to me.

I explained to the clerk that I was a gospel preacher, not one that noticed people clothing. Then he reminded me of the words of Jesus, where our Lord said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” He did not know where it was found (Matthew 10:16) but he quoted it to me.

As I walked out of the store, I thought, I need to take a serious look at things. People are trying to get over in every walk of life. Individuals even try to get over on the Lord and the Lord’s church. We must take a serious look at the standards we are setting in our homes. Let us take a serious look! ~ Floyd Rodgers

Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T20:10:00.000-06:00

Article courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

As Paul wrote to the saints in Philippians he was imprisoned in chains in Rome. He could have spent his time in self-pity and complaint; yet, he spent his time encouraging others. In Philippians 4:4 he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” We may not be physically bound, but most of us wear "some type of chain" and they vary in sizes and lengths. Some may have failing health or another serious medical problem. It could be an unhappy marriage or children who break our hearts. We could name struggles such as: job-related stresses, financial struggles, or even learning to be happy. As we consider such, there are some questions that must be placed. First, what will your reaction be to the "chains of life"? Second, do we look at the past with misgiving or thanksgiving? Third, do we look at the present with cowardice or confidence? Fourth, do we at look at the future with apprehension or prayer? Fifth, are we relying on our strength, or we can rely on the strength of the Lord?

As we inquire such we must learn to have the attitude of the apostle Paul. Continuing with Paul’s words written in Philippians 4:5-7, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I like the phrase, “…with thanksgiving…” it captures the heart to be thankful for every situation of life. True thanksgiving promotes liberality in every facet of our lives. If we are thankful for our bodies, we use our good health to labor for the Lord, I Corinthians 6:19-20. If we are thankful for our material goods, we apply them to Christ’s service, as good stewards, I Peter 4:9-11. If we are thankful for our families, we devote ourselves to encouraging them in the ways of righteousness, Ephesians 6:4. If we are thankful for the gospel of God’s grace and salvation, we sacrifice what is necessary for others to hear it and live, I Corinthians 9:6-9. Let’s remember that the Bible teaches us that true gratitude has a price. It’s time to remember Psalms 107:22 “Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” I thought we were thankful because we don’t have to sacrifice.” But the truth is that when we are thankful as we should be, we will be “moved” to sacrifice. Are we thankful?

Man Made History or Biblical History?

2009-11-08T20:30:00.000-06:00

Article Courtesy of Bro. Floyd Rodgers, Minister, Farriss Drive Church of Christ, Huntsville, AL

Once, while checking my emails, I received one discussing the history of the Church of Christ. Since, many understand that I will defend the Lord’s Church at all cost, a brave and convicted individual wanted to make sure I got this information. Realizing that many in the world don’t know the beginning of the Church of Christ, they search the world wide web seeking answers. All of God’s children, Christians, must be willing to discuss the beginning of the Church of Christ. In the email I received was this attached statement, “Churches of Christ grew out of the Disciples of Christ movement that began in the early nineteenth century. Thomas Campbell organized the (Christians Association of Washington) in Pennsylvania in 1809. He hoped to reunite Christian churches by restoring the apostolic practices of the early church.” The fact is the Restoration Movement and the history of the Church of Christ is two totally different situations. The Lord’s Church, the Church of Christ started in A.D. 30, on the day of Pentecost that followed Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Keep something in mind; it was Jesus that promised to build the Church. In Matthew 16:18 the Bible says, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” You can witness the church coming into the world. You see Acts 2:47 has not changed, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” I cannot stress enough the importance of searching the scriptures and not believing everything you read on the web. I would pray that when you come across Biblical information and you are not sure about the information; bring it to the preacher or to the leaders of the congregation. Much of the Biblical information that you may come across is incorrect. We are concerned about your spiritual knowledge. We would rather you ask questions than just take the word of individuals that don’t care if your soul is lost. Paul said, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” I Timothy 2:3-6. Knowledge of the truth saves souls. Biblical history and man made history will always differ. ~ Floyd Rodgers

HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

The following article from the Covington Courier sums up HALLOWEEN!

As this traditional celebration arrives, Christian parents need to question whether they should allow their children to participate in Halloween activities. The beginning of Halloween can be traced to the Druids, in what is now Britain and France, when they observed the end of summer with sacrifices to the gods. The Druids believed that on October 31st, Sambaing, the so-called "Lord of the Dead", called forth hosts of evil spirits to attack humans, who could only escape by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. Followers of the Druid religion lit fires on that evening to "ward off these evil spirits." After the Romans conquered Britain, they added to Halloween the features of the Roman harvest festival of November 1st. This holiday honored the false "goddess" of fruit (Pomona). Dunking for apples comes from this source. Celtics are credited with adding the concept that ghosts and witches ran amok on Halloween. The Celts probably introduced the custom of carving out pumpkins to resemble grotesque faces and placing candles (fire) inside to frighten these spooks. Many of our Halloween practices can be traced back to old pagan rites and superstitions. In light of its pagan origin, should Christians permit their sons and daughters to be involved in Halloween? Two suggestion are offered for your consideration. First, Christians are to disassociate themselves from and avoid all forms of evil and deeds of darkness (I Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 5:11). Any right thinking follower of Christ should not want to identify with something so terrible that it took the death of the perfect Son of God to atone for it. Decorations or dress that are associated with evil should be avoided --witches, the devil, zombies, vampires, and even Dracula, the mythical count of darkness who feared crosses. Such attire and decorations are not considered "family friendly". Second, many of the customs of Halloween have lost their evil connotations. Offering the spirits of the dead gifts of fruits and nuts to keep them from destroying the property or killing the flocks of the villagers was the pagan origin of "trick or treat." Hopefully neither the treaters nor the children think in those terms today when candy is given. Wholesome costumes and the giving out of candy are appropriate any time of the year. Participation in any activity or holiday should be done in a way that pleases and honors God and does not violate His will (Romans 14:6; I Corinthians 10:31).

Trunk-Or-Treat and The Church Of Christ!

2009-10-15T11:59:00.000-05:00

In this instance, I would substitute Trunk Or Treat for instruments of music to accompany the song worship of the church

A Rosary and Crucifix
Paulo grew up in Mexico in a devout Catholic home. While studying in America, he visited a Church of Christ and decided to leave Catholicism and be a Bible Christian. Paulo informed me that he wants to use his rosary beads and crucifix when he prays during the worship service. He insists that it aids him in his prayers. I have tried to reason with this young brother and show him that such is never mentioned in the Bible. In response he says:
- The Bible does not forbid it. He challenged me to show him a verse that said "thou shalt not use them."
- Millions of worshipers use them in their worship.
- He and his young friends feel it is unreasonable to deny them this right. Their feelings are hurt.
- Some are losing faith in their congregation and looking at other groups that would respect their issue.
- He tells me that he and his friends have studied and prayed about the matter for the last two years and concluded that it is not a salvation issue.
- He says that the Holy Spirit has led him and his friends to this conclusion.
- They are quite willing for us to worship without beads, as long as we allow them to use them.
- He has suggested to his elders that they have two services: a contemporary service, allowing beads and crucifixes, and one that is traditional. He insists that no one should be coerced into using the rosary. It is a matter of personal liberty.
- He declares that, rather than being a new innovation, it is reaching back into history and embracing a great Christian tradition from the historic church.
- He says that those who have used the rosary and crucifix have found that it stimulates their emotions.
- In conversation, he revealed that the practice of using the rosary and crucifix is already thriving in some campus and youth groups.
- He says that some prominent preachers have privately agreed with him but feel that they cannot make an open commitment on the matter at this time. A college professor has advised him to proceed slowly since our brethren are slow to accept changes.

You may say that this story is incredible; that you have never heard of such a thing. I confess that it is a fictional story. But if you will just substitute instruments of music to accompany the song worship of the church for the rosary, you can find this story occurring throughout our brotherhood. Paulo's arguments in favor of the rosary are precisely what we are hearing from those who are determined to have instrumental music in their worship. If you agree to tolerate those who insist on their instruments, you will not be able to logically say no to Paulo and his friends. The road away from the simple worship of the Bible is downhill and slippery. The wise man will avoid it completely.

~ Christianity: then now