The Gooch Lane church of Christ is a group of people in Madison, Alabama seeking to study the Bible and put God’s teachings into practice. We’d love to have you join us for Bible study and worship.
The inspired wise man who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes said: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…a time to love and a time to hate” (3:1,8a). Most of us probably have a pretty negative view of hate. We think of it as a bad emotion. But in and of itself, hate is not any better or worse than love. Both love and hate have proper objects, they are both appropriate feelings to have toward certain things at certain times.
I’ve been reading the first few books of the Bible, and a set of phrases stuck out to me like they never had before. These seem to be used mostly in the early parts of the Bible, but at some point seem to have dropped out of use later on in time. It comes in a few different forms, but they all are used to describe death: “to be gathered to your people” (Abraham in Genesis 25:8; Ishmael in Genesis 25:17; Isaac in Genesis 35:29; Jacob in 49:29, 33; Aaron in Numbers 20:24, 26; Moses in Numbers 27:13, 31:2, and Deuteronomy 32:50; Joshua’s generation in Judges 2:10; Josiah in 2 Kings 22:20), “to lie down with your fathers” (Jacob in Genesis 47:30; Moses in Deuteronomy 31:16; David in 2 Samuel 7:12), “to join the generation of your fathers” (Psalm 49:19).
Sometimes, evidence is indisputable. When this is the case, the one displaying wisdom will drop opposition to an argument proven wrong by the indisputable evidence, admit the error, and make the necessary corrections. The fool will not.
What is the secret of a satisfying life? Paul gives three answers in Philippians 4:10-13 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…” (Phil 2:14-16).
Other words for “grumbling or disputing” may be used. Paul is saying that Christians ought not to be constantly complaining, arguing, muttering, and fussing. These instructions come on the heels of some other significant points Paul is making. He has already told the hearers that they are to be of the same mind and intent, doing nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind esteeming others as more important than self (vv. 2-4). He points to Jesus as the supreme example of this mentality, the One who, though God in the flesh, completely denies Himself and went to the cross for others (vv. 5-8).
Just when it appears things cannot get any stranger, along comes a news story about an after-school program taught by Satanists. Upon first hearing of this effort, I thought it was parody; however, after a brief Internet search, it became quite evident the effort is real. Sponsored by the Satanic Temple, the following description of the program is given on its website:
EDUCATIN’ WITH SATAN
The After School Satan Clubs meet at select public schools where Good News Clubs also operate. Trained educators provide activities and learning opportunities, which students are free to engage in, or they may opt to explore other interests that may be aided by available resources. The environment is open and parents are welcome to participate. While the classes are designed to promote intellectual and emotional development in accordance with TST’s tenets, no proselytization or religious instruction takes place.
2 Kings 5:1-14 tells us about one of the more well-known cases of healing in the Old Testament. This story tells of Naaman, who was healed of leprosy by God. In this article, we will discuss the story of Naaman and then draw some valuable lessons.
From the title of this article, it might be surprising that I do not necessarily view optimism as a positive characteristic. Dictionary.com defines optimism in this way: “A disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.” Realistically, some events or conditions do not work out to the most favorable outcome and to expect otherwise can interfere with the appropriate way of dealing with situations. With that said, I am a strong supporter of joy, which the Bible wholeheartedly endorses as a redeeming quality that faces any situation with a trust in God. This is illustrated in the apostle Paul’s hope for the Roman Christians: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). Still, there is something about youthful optimism. As a young person looks upon his or her life to come, there is a feeling of invincibility; there is the belief that everything is going to work out for the best. While life events will alter this attitude, the feeling of optimism will typically catapult a young life in a high-energy desire to conquer the world. Every church is blessed when they have young members who have displayed such an attitude in their work for the Lord.
“And Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me’” (Genesis 4:13-14). All who live in this world will have to deal with sorrow. It is inevitable. In an environment where sin is a reality, the temporal consequences of sin are unavoidable — and since sorrow is one of those consequences, we shall have to deal with it sooner or later. The only question is how we shall do so.
