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Published Articles These articles were printed in the:
What is Really Important in Life? Our world goes by in a blur. All around us is the hustle and bustle of busy people, each doing something that is, in their mind, important. Society is a colorful collage of occupations and personalities that blend together into the orderly functioning, for the most part, of day-to-day life. Within this framework we find our place and pitch in, too often only to forget that which is truly important: God made the framework! If you have ever been to a rummage sale and have come across a normal looking painting in an unusually beautiful frame, you are starting to get the picture. Many times the very things that shout for our attention claiming to be important are really not important after all. Step back and look at life again. Try to see the whole picture. Where did you come from? Where are you going? What will matter when you stand staring at Death or awaiting judgment before God’s majestic throne (Hebrews 9:27)? “In the beginning …,” Moses wrote (Genesis 1). The loving hands of our Eternal Father created man. For a time the sweet fellowship of Creator and creature was undisturbed. Then sin entered (Genesis 3). Pushing off the theology aside one fact remains: man is lost, cut off from a Holy God by choosing disobedience to His stated will (Genesis 3:2-3). Vanished were all the “important” things that the first couple could have busied themselves with, the tending of the garden and settling into a new world. What remained was the absence of that which was truly important! God did not give up on His wayward humans. Patiently, carefully a plan was brought to pass that would heal the ugly wound of sin. That plan would take God’s own Son to Calvary, a garden tomb and finally Heaven itself. Of all the “important” things being done in the hectic world of the first century, one event rose above all the others as truly important, the horrible death of a Nazarene teacher claiming to be God’s Son. Fifty days later Jerusalem rang with the message of forgiveness proclaimed by witnesses of the resurrected Jesus (Acts 2). Many found hope in believing that message. They found assurance in obeying the answer for man’s sin given, through inspiration, by God Himself: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins …” (Acts 2:38). They found life in finding Jesus as their Lord and Savior (Acts 2:41 and 47). There were many “important” things going on in the world of Peter, James, Stephen, Paul and countless others. But nothing was more important that the old rugged cross, the empty tomb and the promise of Jesus to return for all those found faithful to Him. They lived and died knowing what was truly important in life. Now look at life again. What is it that you thought was so important? David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO May 26, 1989 Heaven is Success That Matters He had it made. His mere wish seemed to become reality. Prosperity. Prestige. Power. King David. The giant killer. The man after God’s own heart. But one thing that David desired was withheld from him. To many today it would seem a frivolous and foolish thing but to David it was his life’s crowning victory. A Temple. How better to honor the God who had honored David? No ordinary house would do. It must reflect, as much as possible, the glory of God. But God said no (2 Samuel 7). David had been a man of war. God promised that peace would come and David’s son would sit on the throne. In this peace forged by David, Solomon would be permitted to bring into being his father’s desire. The real task before David was not a temple, it was his son. David saw his need to equip his child to realize that which is of everlasting importance, to set goals that when attained would bring glory and honor to God. David laid the plans for the Temple, gathered the materials for the house of God and taught Solomon the importance of doing things according to the divine instruction of God (1 Chronicles 28). We will be held responsible for nothing less towards our children! We must lay the plans for the paths our children are to walk. A child cannot be taught to live right by seeing his parents live wrong. We must be honest enough to share our success and failures with our children and live a wholesome example before them. We must gather the materials for the house of God by serving Him first. Jesus said that we must not lay up for ourselves treasures upon the earth were they will not last, but we should have treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). The church in the New Testament IS the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15). Parents who have no interest in experiencing the joy of New Testament Christianity are training their children also to fail to walk in the path of service towards God. We must teach our children the truth of God’s word. This world desperately needs the morality contained in the Bible. Humanity needs the stability and assurance only pure and simple trust in God’s revelation can bring. To overcome Satan’s strong attacks our youth need to be able to stand behind the shield of God’s power (Ephesians 6:16). Parents need to expose their children to this key of success. Honest and sincere Bible study promotes unity (John 17:21) and not division. This comes about when the Lord’s will is sought from study rather than our own preconceived conclusions “proven.” We would like to help prepare parents and their children for this kind of success. Our goal is to prepare ourselves for the only success that really matters: HEAVEN! David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO July 28, 1989 World is Dying From Lack of Love Pick up the newspaper on any given day and the evidence is overwhelming. This world is dying from a lack of love. It is like a man starving to death while standing before a huge banquet table spread with the finest foods money can buy. The problem is not that love is unavailable, just unclaimed. Love has been packaged and marketed as a cheap commodity. Pleasure, lust, selfishness and immorality have all been passed off on the world as love. True love is none of these. Love is giving, not demanding (1 Cor. 13:4). Love is kind and not harsh (1 Cor. 13:5). Love is pure in the sight of God (1 Cor. 13:6). Love is trusting and loyal to the end (1 Cor. 13:7-8a). This love the world cannot possess without God (1 Jn. 4:8). Time and space do not permit me to share with you the history of the church in Ephesus. Suffice it to say that these Christians had a long and prosperous past of serving God under the shadow of true love. Yet, as the Bible concludes, a message was sent to them from the Lord (Rev. 2:1-8). Jesus told them that he was aware of their works (vs. 2). As the first missionaries of Christ entered Ephesus those who obeyed the message to become Christians had a work to carry out, and they did it! We are told that by their efforts "all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:10). After departing from them Paul heard of that love (Eph. 1:15). Jesus was aware of their labor (Rev. 2:2). Their service had been hard and tiresome. Serving God is not easy. Often the Christian must stand against the ways of the world to plead for the ways of God. The Ephesians had done that very thing (Acts 19:23-41). Yet, these difficult times were faced with patience (Rev. 2:2). Man, with God's help, is able to patiently endure the most amazing pressures. That is why the church was able to grow under fierce and heavy persecution (Acts 8:3-4). It was all-out war against evil (Rev. 2:3), and the weapon used was true, Biblical love. In spite of all that had previously taken place the Lord warned them of a serious flaw. Jesus said, "you have left your first love" (Rev. 2:4). Notice that the Lord did not say, "your first love has left you". Such was (and is) impossible (Rom. 8:39). But what the Lord demands is not just an outward recognition of that love, He calls for the performance of those deeds out of obedience to His will. "If you love me," Jesus told his followers, "keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15). I know that you have been thinking about love. It is on everyone's mind this week. What I am posing for you is simply a question of love. It is not a question of whether or not God loves you (Jn. 3:16). From childhood that old familiar song reminds us of that truth! The real question is whether or not you love Him! Do you love God so as to come to Him through His Son (Acts 2:38) and to live a life to His glory through the church (Eph. 3:21)? We wish only to help you find the joy of this true, Biblical love. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO February 16, 1990 On September 30, 1989 Red Skelton stood on the stage of the Show-Me Center, surrounded by an audience of nearly 6,000, and recited thirty-one words imbedded in practically everyone's heart from the days when each school day began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Skelton, in his award-winning rendition, defined each phrase of the pledge with a striking clarity that put life into phrases that have often been devoid of meaning. That night "America's clown" reminded me of the meaning of "Old Glory" and of "the republic for which it stands" as an ambassador all over this world. Wherever it flies it silently testifies to a plan to establish "one nation under God." In the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus, just prior to his arrest and crucifixion, can be seen in prayer to God. There in the closing hours of his ministry and life Jesus asked for the very thing preserved in the words of our pledge: one nation under God. In contemporary practice those words seem to have been reduced to mottos for currency rather than a model for living. Although Jesus prayed that all believers be one (vs. 20, 21), you and I face a seemingly hopeless task of unity in a religious world that appears helplessly divided. Modern churches, however, have no monopoly on religious division as early Christians also frustrated the prayer of Jesus (I Corinthians 1:12). The only clear way out of this endless cycle that keeps the Lord's prayer from becoming reality is to renew our pledge of allegiance to Jesus (I Corinthians 1:10). David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO July 12, 1991 Bible Study Essential For Healthy Family Life It is reported that Negua Menelik, who ruled Ethiopia during the last half of the previous century, believed the pages of the Bible contained curative powers. His daily diet would include two pages of Scripture. All was well until his menu called for a particular entree from the book of Kings. Following the meal he became sick and subsequently died. After careful analysis it was confirmed that Bible study does not kill anyone. It seems that those pages from the Old Testament contained some colored illustrations and the poison in the pictures took the life of Menelik. Although I do not know the truthfulness of the story I agree with the conclusion. No matter how much Bible knowledge one possesses, serious reflection reminds us that there is much yet to be learned from this inspired book beloved for generations. It is truly difficult to over emphasize the value of Bible study. Bible study is vital for personal, spiritual growth. Paul told Timothy that God's Word would make him complete (2 Timothy 3:17) and Peter said it provides all needs in this life and the next (2 Peter 1:3). The only way I can know God's will for me is to hear or read it. It is imperative, unless I plan to trust ignorance at the final judgment, that I study the Bible. Bible study is essential for a healthy family life. Moral standards forged in Bible study strengthen the marital and family bond providing the elements that lead to happiness and success. Honesty, prayerfulness, integrity, commitment and trust are just a few. Children will have a richer understanding of life when introduced on a regular basis to the many heroes of the Bible. Finally, Bible study feeds faith and protects against the eroding influence of doubt in one's personal life. No person knows everything about the Bible, but one can learn the basics. A regular Bible study program can let one know Jesus. No individual knows what the future holds or the trials and blessings just around the corner, but the Bible student knows who holds the future. Life can be faced with confidence, defeating doubt, when one spends time with God in His Word knowing that with the passing time home is closer. You are invited to share the joys of Bible study with us on a regular basis. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO June 26, 1992 Much information has been dispersed in recent years regarding the breakdown of the family. The list of contributing factors would include exposure to violent and sexually saturated media, materialistic lifestyles, hectic career-oriented schedules that leave little or no time to nurture the family circle, priorities that have been misplaced and a lack of respect for authority. Every generation has heard voices critical of the traditional family. In the face of this endless stream of threats one must eventually approach the question of how to respond in a positive manner. There is no doubt that family values are under attack from within and without the home. However, I do not believe the family is breaking down; it has rather been forsaken. Roots are in religion The traditional family is deeply and intrinsically rooted in the Judeo-Christian writings of the Bible. This being true, the logical solution is to renew the ancient pattern for the family. What do we mean by the phrase “family values?” I would offer the following definition: cherished convictions that provide stability to a group of related people (husband and wife and children) bound together by love. An examination of this definition can greatly assist one’s efforts to restore to the family unit the values gradually being surrendered. Irrespective of religious persuasion (yet recognizing the vital role a common faith plays in the stability of family life) the Bible provides basic principles that the world must respect if these embattled values are to be exalted. Standing firm One’s convictions must be stronger than any circumstance. Throughout the Old and New Testaments the people of God learned, though too often the hard way, not to rely on the various troubling circumstances that came upon them. The conviction in the basic rules of conduct remains constant in any given setting. Some things are right no matter what the consequences. Some things are simply wrong. Families, in general, have lost their conviction. One needs to clearly understand this sense of morality and diligently seek to consistently apply it no matter what the outward consequences. This will provide the much needed stability absent in many homes. Commitment to marriage Convictions produce stability. The cornerstone of stability is expressed in the confident assertion that “we will stay together!” Most marriage vows contain words similar to “until death do us part.” However, too many marriages break up when troubled water rocks the boat. Jesus said, “What God has joined together let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). The stability a child most desperately needs the parent must provide. If dad and mom walked out on each other, how can the children be assured they will not walk out on them? Love often demands sacrifice The basic teaching of Christianity is that love is unselfish. In our definition, it was noted that the family is bound together by love. Jesus did not seek His best interest in leaving heaven to die on the cross. Love often demands the sacrifice of one’s personal desires and wants (especially parents) for the needs of another. Selfishness is perhaps the most common cause of marital heartbreak. The family and its values are under attack. The tools to repair are found as close as God’s Word: conviction, stability and true Christian love. Do not give up on the family idea, it cannot fail. But we can. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO July 13,1992 A Forgotten City - Unforgettable King How soon we forget. The attention of the world has turned already from the small town near Jerusalem. It has been overshadowed by the unrelenting turmoil of the Middle East and replaced with Somalia's hunger as we settle into the routine of 1993. Bethlehem has always been a forgotten city, even in the days that saw a bright new star, wise men from the east and angels making pronouncements to weary shepherds. The world then went on with hardly a notice of the awe-inspiring events that transpired there. Bethlehem was forgotten. The angels announced to Joseph that this child, to be named Jesus, was born to save the world (Matthew 1:20-21). The shepherds were told that this would be the One who could bring real hope to mankind (Luke 2:10-11). His glorious mission was far greater than the circumstances of his birth. When the time came for the newborn child to be presented in the Jerusalem Temple Joseph and Mary encountered Simeon, an aged man awaiting the promised redeemer. Simeon took the babe in his arms and praised God for sending the Christ, for this child, said Simeon, was the Savior of the world. Simeon declared what the early Christians had to have Divine intervention to understand, that the Gospel provided by Jesus was for the salvation of both Jew and Gentile, all mankind (Luke 2:25-32). But perhaps it was the words Simeon uttered to Mary, on this the birth of her firstborn son, that indicated the greatness for which this child was destined. Mary was told that a sword would pierce her own soul also (Luke 2:35). These words, along with the other amazing recollections, Mary kept in her heart until the day they came true (John 19:26-27). That is the day Mary realized the great cost Jesus would pay to become what God had sent him to become, the Savior of the world. We should all be glad the world pauses to remember the fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But if the world would try to understand WHY he was born peace would not seem so remote, hope would not seem so unattainable and love would be commonplace. For into a forgotten city the unforgettable King was born that he might live forever in our hearts and lives. Such an understanding can never be confined to any season but must find expression in the daily lives of all who believe. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO January 8, 1993 Their experience was a common scenario oft repeated in the first century world. It is the story of a Christian congregation born in adversity. The hostile environment of Paul’s day looked with little favor and even less tolerance toward those who wore the name of Christ. So it was in Thessalonica. During Paul’s brief stay in this Macedonian seaport (Acts 17:1-9), the new group of believers established through his preaching was soon to experience the disapproval of the world. Certain ones who did not believe used those who did not care to stir up the citizens of Thessalonica against the church. An angry mob resulted. Jason was arrested and Paul was forced to leave town under cover of darkness. A sampling of the Apostle’s remarks to the young church he left behind reveals the dangerous times in which they lived … “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” (1 Thes. 1:6) “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” (1 Thes. 2:2) “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews.” (1 Thes. 2:14) “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.” (1 Thes. 3:4) Born in adversity, the Christian faith often grew in turmoil enduring by enabling its members to be truly thankful, even in long days of suffering. True thanksgiving can only be found in Christ who has forgiven (Acts 2:38). It can only rest on the solid hope of the true Gospel (Galatians 1:8-ff). Genuine thankfulness is not diminished by trials or tribulations nor is it limited to a day or season. It is a lifestyle that includes ALL of life (1 Thes. 5:15-17). It flows from the life that, although facing the daily hurdles of living is busy doing good for others. It springs from a heart full of joy, a life of consistent prayer. Therefore Paul could advise the struggling Thessalonian church, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you!” (1 Thes. 5:18) It is God’s will, even today, that you be able to fully appreciate that inspired mandate so that each day will be a day of true thanksgiving. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO November 26, 1993 God Calls Fathers To Stand Tall For Kids The father's image may have been reflected in Timothy's face and build. His mannerisms may have been mimicked by his young son. He may have given his name to the boy who so quickly grew to manhood. It doesn't take much of a man to give those things. Eunice taught Timothy how to live (2 Timothy 1:5). She introduced him to a loving God and molded his heart by divine truths (2 Timothy 3:15). It was at her knees that he learned right from wrong, to respect God and to serve others. Timothy grew, thanks to his mother, to be respected by all who knew him (Acts 16:1-2). Paul immediately saw in him the spark of a servant carefully kindled under a mother's loving touch. God must have beamed with pride as Timothy, like His own Son, became a minister. Meanwhile Timothy's father is noticeably absent. It is as if his contributions ended at birth. Did Timothy ever know the love that must have resided in his father's heart? Could his father appreciate the man Timothy had become? Was this man, shrouded in a world Timothy chose not to share, the one who planted in a young heart the fear that would dog his every step as an adult (1 Timothy 5:12)? Timothy is an object lesson in a long line of inspired pronouncements for fathers to provide the leadership for which God ordained them. Ezekiel prophesied from captivity the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. Among the many reasons that great city fell the prophet noted one as the refusal of men to lead. God looked in vain for a man to stand before Him and build (Ezekiel 22:30-31). Fathers, God is looking for you. The call for fathers to stand tall in their children's eyes runs deep in the soil of the Old Testament. Moses, seeing the danger of neglected childhoods and uninvolved fathers, called for fathers to talk with their children, to walk with them, to put them to bed with a prayer and greet them each morning with joy. He insisted that they could no longer afford to neglect the children. They must invest the essential ingredient of time into that valuable relationship. In Deuteronomy chapter six Moses issued a challenge to fathers that remains especially applicable today. Fathers, do not assume your children know that you love them; spend enough time with them in meaningful communication that no doubt about it remain. Think of the great strides Timothy enjoyed for the cause of Christ through the investment of his mother. Imagine how much greater Timothy's achievements for good could have been had his father been a father. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO June 17, 1994 Unlocking the Secret of Prayer The word "pray" (or a form thereof) is used three hundred and sixty-one times in the Bible. One might draw the conclusion that God intended prayer to be an important part of life. In fact, a case can be made to defend the statement "prayer always works." Misunderstanding prayer, trying to make a simple process too complex, has frustrated many. Prayer has been used as a lucky charm or Alladin's lamp on many occasions, often with disappointing results. If prayer worked as many are led to believe it does, to provide any wish or whim that might arise, God would be reduced to a type of cosmic genie and we would be exalted to His superior. Mark Twain has Huck Finn throwing up his hands, convinced that prayer does not work when he did not get the fishing equipment for which he asked. Example after example can be offered of when prayer did not work. Each case is seen in a new light as the secret of prayer is unlocked. Prayer is a process of communication, verbal and mental, that transcends words. Jesus said that to focus on words alone could interfere with the effectiveness of prayer (Matthew 6:5-8). Praying to be seen and heard by others will get us only what we desire, to be seen and heard by others. Meanwhile God eagerly awaits for us to speak to Him. The power of prayer rests in the will of God. The requests of Jesus always agree with God's will for him (Luke 22:42). John stresses the importance of seeking God's will over our own (1 John 5:14). Sincerely praying "Thy will be done" (Matthew 6:10) will get us only what we desire, that God's will be done. James states plainly for all to see the secret of successful prayer. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Righteous" means that one is made right in the eyes of God, having satisfied all the demands set out through His Son. When I have fully obeyed I am declared righteous in Christ. It is then that the result of each prayer, regardless the circumstances, is seen as a victory. This verse is translated in the International Children's Bible as follows: "When a good man prays, great things happen." Pursue righteousness, seek God's will as He has presented it in His New Covenant (Testament) and your prayers will become powerful. David Bragg Cape Girardeaum MO 1995 Knowing Perfect Example of Kindness Essential When is the last time you heard angry words, bickering, gossip or lies uttered in conversation? When was the last time you saw violent, obscene, course or rude behavior? Chances are it was not too long ago. Sadly it may be difficult to go through today without seeing or hearing such activity. Unkindness is commonplace within our society because sin is commonplace within our world. But in the church a different spirit is to be at work. The apostle Paul commands, “be ye kind.” (Ephesians 4:32) Kindness is easy for any to attain momentarily. There are times when even the worst grouch is on his best behavior. We might do good simply to avoid embarrassment, to appear to fit in with others, to impress someone to whom we are attracted or to gain recognition and praise. But to be kind as a lifestyle demands real basic renovation to our outlook on life and our concept of ourselves. Consistent kindness demands that we look at ourselves from a different perspective. It is easy to become hardened to the rigors of life and the demands made on us by others. Paul asks us to become “tenderheated.” (verse 32) How often are we guilty of taking ourselves too seriously? Unkindness often results from focusing on ourselves. The feeling that we have been mistreated, neglected or hurt prompts insensitive and unkind acts. Realizing that I need forgiveness, patience and love just as any else, I find these needs fulfilled in God. Now I can see myself clearly as a dispenser of these traits to others. Being free from unkind thoughts (verse 31) I am free to live a life of kindness. Kindness also demands that we look at life from a different perspective. What appears to me a monumental obstacle is to God a momentary distraction. The things we permit to upset us are often unimportant when compared to the great scheme of life and eternity. More good can always be accomplished through prayer and forgiveness than in lashing out and retaliation. How do we overcome the hurt that runs rampant in this world? The focus on kindness is a beginning. Discovering the cause of unkindness is vital. Know the perfect example of kindness is essential. In Christ’s kindness becomes our constant lifestyle. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 1995 Man Can Find Power or Renewal in Bible Leroy kept a secret. The friends he greeted daily saw only his solid character, his integrity and his dependability but none really knew him or his secret. For 20 years Leroy worked as an elevator operator in New York City enjoying the respect of family and friends alike. Then the unthinkable happened in February of 1990. As Leroy left work two police officers waited for him with an arrest warrant. To the disbelief of many Leroy confessed to the murder of John Milledge 45 years before. Over the next 19 months Leroy lived in a New York City jail awaiting extradition to Florida as the details of a terrible crime unfolded. In 1946 some young boys were caught sneaking into a football game. Startled by the approaching officer, Leroy fired a gun. Officer Milledge fell with a fatal would to the throat and Leroy fled to New York hoping to get lost in a sea of faces. Throughout the legal process no one had anything bad to say about Leroy. Among his many supporters was Pauline Brown, a great-great-grandniece of Officer Milledge. She was touched by the life Leroy had lived and the image of the man he had become. However, the court justly decided that he must be punished. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter with his sentence reduced by the time already spent in a New York jail. Finally, after 45 years, Leroy Strachan walked away a free man. A writer for Time magazine noted: "In the end, the courts realized that even if Leroy was once a killer, he had become what he pretended to be his whole adult life: a model citizen." (September 16, 1991, page 30) Leroy was judged for what he had made of himself and not by what he had been. This case is an exception in the legal system of any society but it is the rule of God’s kingdom. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change. Under God’s leadership Saul of Tarsus, the notorious killer of Christians, could become Paul the Apostle, a paragon of Christian zeal (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Under this gospel the Corinthians could undergo reform from lovers of every form of vice to lovers of virtue and morality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Through this same gospel first preached 2,000 years ago modern man will find renewal and salvation. It is here that a change occurs as we are released from our former sins. No longer are we held accountable for what we have done rather for what God has done through us. With this true gospel comes a life lived among all the promises of God. Without it there is no mercy in the court of God. Dave Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO October 28, 1995 To Understand the Church, Understand Faith Harold J. Stanley tells the story of a woman whose husband was a sailor and had left for a tour of duty at sea. Out of concern for him she requested the prayers of the church. At the last minute a note to that effect was handed to the man making the announcements. On it was written, “William Smith having gone to sea, his wife requests the prayers of the congregation for his safety.” Not taking the time to privately review it he publicly read it as follows, “William Smith having gone to see his wife, requests the prayers of the congregation for his safety.” It is very easy to misunderstand. We have all experienced the humor and sometimes the pain of misunderstanding. Sometimes we may think we comprehend something and never stop to consider if our idea is correct. Take the simple word “church” for example. The basic definition in my standard dictionary, and likely in the minds of most people, is a building. Yet in the Bible no mention can be found of a building used exclusively as a “church.” Today the word church conjures thoughts of groups within a denominated religious world. Again, in the New Testament no such picture emerges. Converts to Christ shared a common membership in one church (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23). What is the church? It is people sharing a common relationship with Christ as their Savior and one another as saved (Acts 2:47). They may meet in a building built for that purpose but they, not it, are “the church.” Local believers, united in a common faith, were bound with others who shared that faith whether they be in Jerusalem, Rome, Corinth or Ephesus. Complicated by creeds and traditions the church is often misunderstood. This does not have to be the case. In the New Testament the understanding of the church is clear. It is this simple New Testament church that is described by Paul as the body of Christ (Romans 12). This is the church we strive to be (Romans 16:16). We want only to be Christians who follow the will of God as taught by Jesus and His apostles. Ours is a hope we long for you to share. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO February 8, 1997 Modern Man Must Learn The Lesson of Job It is not known where the land of Uz was located but it is certain that Job was its wealthiest resident. In the time that it took you to read the previous statement Job lost all of his earthly possessions. He had no time to prepare himself for this calamity since he never saw it coming. It came without warning. Nor did he expect it since it came for no apparent reason. He lost his farm animals, servants, camels, his ten children, the respect of his fellow citizens and finally his health. He was left with a less than supportive wife. Upon hearing of Job’s misfortune three friends made the pilgrimage to lend him comfort. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar mourned greatly for their friend. They sat with him for seven days and nights without saying a word. When they did speak it would only add to Job’s affliction. It became obvious that they questioned Job’s righteousness, indicating that the only possible explanation for his distress was his sin, although unknown and hidden, nonetheless real. It became obvious to Job that he had lost, in addition to everything else, his friends. When he was wealthy he was described as “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning from evil.” (Job 1:1) In his poverty Job was unchanged (1:20-22). He had lost everything except his faith. Whoever wrote the book of Job, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, takes the reader behind the scenes into Heaven itself, to view an extraordinary exchange between God and Satan. The Devil intensely charges God with spoiling the inhabitants of the earth with His goodness. Job is the perfect example. It pays for him to bless God since in return he receives great wealth. If God permitted Job to lose that wealth, and suffer in the process, he would immediately curse God. Satan is granted freedom to afflict Job with only the restriction that he not be destroyed (2:6). But Job withstands every attack of Satan and in the end is restored to his greatness by God. Modern man must learn the lesson of Job. Satan has power to tempt but not to destroy. One may lose many things, but faith cannot be lost, it can only be given up. With the surrender of faith, Satan’s work is complete. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO The next millennium rapidly approaches, whether January first 2000 or 2001, with an onslaught of technological advances. While these innovations offer the appeal of increased leisure time, they often slowly chip away spare time by connecting one to other less then leisurely obligations. These demands call for additional innovations, further alienating one from “the simple life” being pursued. The new millennium will hopefully come with a renewed interest in returning to the basics. In hectic lifestyles one area designated for simplicity is religion. One will simplify one’s life in appreciating those things that never change. The eternal God never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Bible, being God’s inspired truth, is a reliable standard for any generation to follow. Jesus calls us to simplicity. As churches labor to keep up with the times, they often lose touch with their purpose. The ever-changing landscape of much of the religious world is completely foreign to the unchanging message of Scripture and the changeless Christ who is to be served. Although Scripture is often explained to suit the purpose of the presenter, the message of the Bible remains the same as when originally penned by inspiration. Also unchanged are the often-ignored warnings not to tamper with the divine message. The attempt to modernize the Bible to speak to modern mankind often results in abandoning the simple and clear teaching found in Scripture. As the church changes to appeal to mankind does it still appeal to God? The need is not to change the message of God’s Word to suit modern man but to allow the heart of modern man to be changed to the model set forth in Scripture. Therein lies simplicity. The church of Christ in the twenty-first century must teach the same message with the same conviction as when it was established in the first century. It will then remain unchanged in doctrine, worship, organization and mission. You are invited to join us in following the simple teachings of the Bible. You can be just a Christian. His teachings will simplify your life even in the hectic pace of the next millennium and offer real hope for eternity. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO November 20, 1999 |
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