MARCH 2018 EDITION... by Dr. Keith J. Wise

INTRODUCTION: March is an interesting month as it appears the third month of the year according to our calendar.  Here are some interesting facts about the month of March.  Great Britain and her colonies continued to use March as their beginning until 1752.  Its birth flower is the Daffodil (Narcissus).  The Anglo-Saxons called the month "Hlyd monath" which means Stormy month, or "Hraed monath" which is translated "Rugged month."  In the United States March is the National Nutrition Month, National Peanut Month, National Women's History Month, and American Red Cross Month.  Four U.S. Presidents were born in the month of March: Andrew Jackson, James Madison, Grover Cleveland and John Tyler.

DIGGING DEEPER... A Debate of Alexander Campbell

One of the most interesting features of the 19th century was the filling of vacuums concerning educational information.  One of the vehicles employed in this venture was the widespread use of public debates.  It is now widely accepted that Alexander Campbell was one of the most skilled debaters on the American continent at the time of this phenomena. We will be looking in our March blog at the Walker-Campbell debate and others in the future.  There are three generally acclaimed outcomes of Campbell's debates. 

1. They commanded the attention of the leaders of their day both religiously and politically, especially the intelligentsia of the period. Consequently, later the Robert Owen debate.

2. These communication devices strengthened the concept of "truth" and reached both spiritually and nationally as America was seeking her identity in the early years the 19th century. 

3. They invariably hastened rather than retarded the concept of Christian Union. The innovative concept of being "Christian's Only" was ingrained into the American lexicon. They kindled a new zeal for spiritual discussion and cogent thought concerning Christ and the Church in a Biblical framework.

Without a strong focus on details, let me suggest a summary of the Five Public Debates of Alexander Campbell.  The first will be the Campbell-Walker Debate.

I. The Campbell-Walker Debate-  Through a series of letters to Campbell from John Birch, a Baptist preacher in Flat Run, Ohio, there drew a public interest.  Birch,  who was familiar with Campbell and his Baptist ties, obliged Campbell because of a confrontation which had been brewing between John Birch and John Walker, a Seceder Presbyterian.  Considering Campbell's Presbyterian roots, Birch felt it would be accepted by Campbell.   Eventually, Alexander Campbell accepted the debate with Birch's insisting and urging. Campbell selected Jacob Matin as his moderator and the rules were set. It was held in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio in June of 1820. The basic topic for the debate was the "subjects of baptism and the mode of baptism."  Walker held to a typically Presbyterian Calvinistic argument.  He argued that baptism replaced circumcision so infants were fit subjects for baptism.  Campbell responded that the only fit subjects for baptism under the New Testament covenant were repentant adults. Campbell argued that children were innocent and original sin was inadequate to explain any New Testament conversions.  Attacking the circumcision issue, Campbell noted several points:

a) Baptism was done to both men and women; circumcision just to men. 

b) Baptism has no age specification unless one can hear and believe--circumcision was always done on the eighth day and thus age specific age and purpose.

c) Circumcision required only one of Jewish descent-baptism required only faith in obedience to the scripture through repentance.   

d) Circumcision could be done by parents, relative or civil officials...baptism at this time was seen only to be done by Presbyterian ministers.

e) The emblems differed as well...baptism signified a death, burial and resurrection into Christ while circumcision signified the separation of a Jew from all the rest of the human family into the national identity of Israel.

f) Pedobaptist, such as the Presbyterians, applied water to the face---Jews didn't circumcise the face... Baptism properly applied would cover the whole person not a specific part of the body.

g) Circumcision in and of itself conveys no spiritual blessings but was for Abraham and his descendents; baptism conveys spiritual blessings... in comparison, circumcision did convey temporal blessings and baptism spiritual blessing with eternal consequences.

In conclusion, Walker upheld the identity of both covenants and that the old covenant was still binding to the Christian rather than informing the Christian.  Campbell challenged that concept maintaining the existence of two distinct covenants.  Walker then turned to the "household conversion" argument in Acts of the Philippian jailer.  Campbell in detail examined the context of the verses and explained how infants were excluded in such cases. When the debate turned to the mode of baptism, Campbell cited early church fathers and the etymology of the Greek words and this argument ended quickly.  

Thomas Campbell pronounced the benediction and the debate was over.  Campbell initially printed 1,000 copies of the debate which quickly sold out.  By 1822, he printed another 3,000 copies and these too, sold quickly.  Many commentators since believe this experience taught Campbell the value of putting biblical teaching into print and thus his future editing and printing career. 

III. DID YOU KNOW?  Some quotes of interest and information...

1. Sidney Smith a former President of the University of Toronto would often address the graduates with some wise words of wisdom for life.  One of his sagely quotes was as follows: "If you choose to work, you will succeed; if you don't, you will undoubtedly fail.  If you neglect your work, you will dislike it; but if you do it well, you will enjoy it.  If you join little cliques, you will be self-satisfied; if you make friends widely, you will be interesting to others.  If you gossip, you will be slandered; if you mind your own business, you will be liked.  If you act like a boor, you will be despised; if you act like a human being, you will be respected.  If you spurn wisdom, wise people will spurn you; if you seek wisdom, people purpose and meaning will seek you.  If you adopt a pose of boredom, you will be a bore; if you show vitality, you will be alive.  If you spend your free time playing bridge, you will be a good bridge player; if you spend it in reading, discussing, and thinking of things that matter, you will be an educated person." 

2. "Of all the deadly sins, the vilest is ingratitude, because the ingrate is both morally blind and spiritually sick.  People who constantly take everything they can grab by hook or by crook, are never happy individuals." Dr. Sweet Nicely

3. Francis Bacon, the English philosopher of the sixteenth century said: "It is not what men eat, but what they digest, that makes them strong; not what we gain, but what we save, that makes us rich; not what we read, but what we absorb, that makes us learned; not what we preach, but what we practice, that makes us lovable and genuine."

IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon for Good Friday (March 30)

Title: When God is Finished He is Finished Once for All

Text: John 19:28-29; also Hebrews 9:26-28 and I Peter 3:18

Introduction: There are some tremendous passages that speak to the passion of Christ and the securing of our salvation in payment for sin from the cross.  However, none is so powerful than this passage from John 19:28-30.  It fits so beautifully with other passages in the Bible that bring us to a heighten understanding that what God finishes, He finishes as a masterpiece of theological and historical truth.  The center of this John 9 passage is the Greek word, "Tetelestai."  It is so pregnant with power that it requires three English words to express it; "it is finished" or "finished" as some manuscripts translate it.  For the students who read this it is found as (Perfect Passive Indicative).  Unique to John in its articulation from the other Gospel accounts, they only note that Jesus "gave a great shout."  Only John records the word that was shouted, or "Tetelestai."  Most study Bibles and Commentaries will tell you, and very correctly, that this was a common word in the Koine culture of the time.  It contains a dualism of "inquiry" and "truth" that is not only relevant for this moment in time but is also applicable to the Christian Church's historical faith "once and for all delivered to the saints."

     "Tetelestai" can be noted in the common language of the day in the following displays of societal interaction. 

1. To the servant or slave having accomplished his task he often who report to the master, "tetelestai" or finished.

2. To the judge in a court of law when justice was served the word to dismissed the proceedings was "tetelestai" or finished.

3. To the accountant when the last payment is made on the note, it was stamped "tetelestai" or finished. (Ostraca found in the digs in Athens at the Agora or marketplace, give testimony of this usage.)

4. To the artist who completes his artwork with the last brushstroke will say "tetelestai" or finished.

5. The priest in the temple who accomplishes all that he could with the worshipper's sacrifice will say "tetelestai" or finished.

Conclusion: When Jesus accomplishes the work of the promises made in the Garden of Eden at the fall, combined with his foreknowledge of the "Lamb of God, "slain from the foundation of the world" and shouts "Tetelestai," it is finished.  God masterfully accomplished for us in perfect completion this work of universal opportunity for the world.

FEBRUARY EDITION (2018) .... by Dr. Keith J. Wise

INTRODUCTION: February is typically in the grips of winter as we write this edition.  In fact, the winter of 2018 in the midwest has been quit below normal.  However, at this writing we are in a bit of a thaw but this will change in usual fashion. On the contrary, winter still has a way to go before the early crocuses bloom. This is the month of presidents and I would like to consider some interesting aspects of Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address.  Lincoln was known to have written, with his own hand, five copies of the address and they are still in existence today.  The two drafts which he wrote before delivering the speech are enshrined in the Library of Congress.  At the request of Edward Everett, the accomplished orator who preceded Lincoln with a two-hour oration at Gettysburg, Lincoln wrote a third copy, to be sold at auction for the benefit of wounded soldiers.  Many years later it brought the highest price ever obtained for an autographed Lincoln manuscript- $150,000.  In 1944 it was sold again, the schoolchildren of Illinois raised $50,000 to procure it for the Illinois State Historical Library.  Lincoln wrote the fourth and fifth copies at the request of George Bancroft, the historian, again to be sold for the benefit of war veterans.  On of these copies is now at Cornell University, the other belongs to Oscar B. Cintas, former Cuban ambassador to the United States. (note: This information is up to date as of 1961, and before the Castro Regime.  Some of these copies may now lay in other hands and libraries).

DIGGING DEEPER... A Look at the Restoration Movement in America

As we have looked at a number of major denominations over the year of 2017, it is now time to talk about movements, especially in America that were unique in their own experience to this phenomena.  In reality, most of the Churches that came to America were in a metamorphosis of and from the Protestant Reformation.  One singular attribute of the Reformation was the centerpiece of the Bible and its truths.  Myriads of groups in Europe had emerged with similar but different views of scripture and its emphasis.  As noted before, the American Revolution set a new reality of a new country, in a new hemisphere changing power perspectives over the next century.  Everything was questioned, especially religious interpretations and understandings.  But to this questioning it was the broad understanding that logical, meaningful and faith based answer could be given and understood. As Dr. Jack Cottrell noted scholar and writer at the recent Florida Bible Conference remarked in part, "...The Bible is God's personal communication to his human creatures. (I Cor. 10:11; 2 Tim.3:16-17)  Second, when God communicates with us in the Bible in human language, he intends for everything he says to have one specific true and right meaning." (Ish.55:11; I Cor.14:9-10)  The Restoration fathers saw the Bible as a clean spring to speak to the human heart from the heart of God.  In fact, they often knew from their pioneer experience that the newest the purest water came from the head of the fresh spring. What did the spring of scripture by itself say in its bedrock meaning?

From the British Isles, the tradition of congregational autonomy, as exampled in scripture, emerged from Scotland under such figures as the Haldane Brothers. This principle spread conceptually to the American frontier. The infused concept of independence that permeated America after the American Revolution, likewise sparked the passion for the Church.  But what would the Church in America look like?  It would be based on the scripture, especially the new covenant of the New Testament. Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterians would be reflective and rewarded for a fresh look at every doctrine, concept and reevaluation of  historic Christianity.  What did the Church look like in the first century?  What was its emphasis and its doctrinal complexion?

Leading pioneer figures were such men as Elias Smith and Abner Jones in New England, James O'Kelley in North Carolina and Virginia, Barton W. Stone in Kentucky, Thomas and Alexander Campbell in Western Virginia(now West Virginia) and Pennsylvania, and Walter Scott in Northeastern Ohio came to similar conclusions concerning faith and practice.  What is remarkable is that there is little or no contact among most of these individuals, but they all reached a near similar consummation to such vital areas as salvation, the church, church leadership, missions and the primary emphasis of Apostolic preaching.  With a frontier hungry for information and transformation, a mildly literate or preliterate pioneer population saw a repeat of conversion scenarios similar to  pagan Europe being converted to Christian Europe; a renaissance if you will.

To communicate a salient message in the culture of the day, slogans became very important in all areas of frontier American in the first half of the 19th century.  Religiously speaking, this movement made dramatic strides with a number of these slogans that struck a chord on the frontier and in the country across denominational lines.   These slogans took many forms: "We speak where the Scriptures speak, and are silent where the Scriptures are silent; "In essentials unity, and non-essentials liberty, but in all things love;" "Call Bible things by Bible names;"  "No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ;" "The New Testament is our only rule of faith and practice;" "We are Christians only, but we are not the only Christians."  A powerful dual dynamic emerged in which a desire to follow sincerely the Bible and to call all Christian communities to unity were broadcast.  Many of the later state universities and colleges found their roots in the education of whole populations to Christian ideals.  Thomas and Alexander Campbell gave a model to this growing scholasticism in birthing Bethany College in Bethany, Virginia(now West Virginia).  

Another avenue of information and communication of the day were debates.  Alexander Campbell debated any number of denominational representatives on the sanctity of scripture and knowing what the scripture exclusively proclaimed about itself without the filters of denominationalism.  One of his most celebrated debates was against the atheist Robert Owen who confronted Alexander Campbell.  It was published and circulated and when read and considered gave Campbell the noted title of "defender of the faith."  To over summarize, the movement of this type has been distilled in many ways, but here are a few still relevant positions that are held today within the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.

• Recognition of Christ as supreme authority in all aspects of faith, and the New Testament as the only rule of faith and practice.  This would automatically do away with creeds and human authority.
• A proper distinction between the Old and New Testaments.  An often quoted truism was "...the old is the new concealed and the new is the old revealed." 
• The recognition of the New Testament as the ideal pattern of the Church. The book of Ephesians penned by the Apostle Paul gives this perspective.
• The autonomy of the local church.
• The unity of all Christians under Christ as the ultimate authority of submission.

DID YOU KNOW?   A Continued Look at the Reliability of the Bible...

In the course of the monthly editions of my blog over the 2017-18 I felt compelled to write about interesting aspects of scripture and how they are reliable for faith, truth and hope. Consider Psalm 119:5 "...Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  As our culture has become more secular the voices of critics have become louder and have intimidated the faithful in the church at large.  However, this is not the first or the last time the banging bells of unbelief will be sounded, but we must peal the enlightened word of truth even louder.

When we consider the Bible's authenticity we might pause and consider the following:

I. Its Resistance: As far back as the 4th century A.D. the emperor Diocletian with the power of Rome behind him attempted to eradicate and eliminate the Bible and the Church. Archaeologist have found in several parts of the old empire a public monument which read, "The name of the Christians has been extinguished."  But within twenty years of this attempted confident proclamation, Constantine the next emperor with adopt the Christian faith as the faith of the Empire.

In the eighteenth century, Voltaire (1694-1778) declared that the Age of Reason would soon eclipse the age of revelation and the Bible. He often noted that the Bible would soon be discarded.  However, the Bible today is still the best seller and is in demand worldwide.  In Colonial America Thomas Paine (1737-1809) made discouraging prophecies concerning the Bible.  He declared presumptuously that he had cut down the myths of the Bible.  Yet, two hundred years after Paine died the Bible lives on.  Every instrument of potential destruction that human wisdom, human destruction and wickedness could devise has failed.  Its precious promises and declarations that have been damned by atheists, exaggerated by fanatics, misconstrued by preachers, ignored by carnal christians, discounted by scientist have and will come to naught.  By the way, the Louvre in Paris has a wing of old science textbooks that are full of declarations of so called "science" that are no longer considered "scientific."  

II. Its Reliability: Because Christianity is rooted in historic Judaism and reliable records of history, commentaries concerning old kingdoms and individuals once thought mythological, have been found to be true.  In the book of Genesis Abraham (Abram) was called out of the land of Chaldees.  The city noted was Ur of the Chaldees.  Sceptics derided this information for decades saying these were fictitious places.  However, C. Leonard Woolley in the 1930 excavated Ur that was even older than the time of Abraham.  You see, "dead men do tell tales..."  We could go on and talk about the veracity of the Hittites in modern day Turkey or the comments of John 5 of the pool of Bethesda with its five porticoes that have been verified by excavations in Jerusalem.  God has sought to preserve this divinely authored tome with exceptional precision.  

III. Its Relevance: It is a light as our scripture text does indicate in all the dimensions of life.  To those in grief, the Bible gives comfort.  As a retired minister in the local church, I have had as many as five funerals in a week.  I have seen the devastation of loss from drugs, suicide, terminal illness and age.  But I have seen the remarkable hope offered in passages of scripture for families when a loved one is tragically gone.  God's Word the Bible can permeate the sorrowful heart with comfort.  To those who are lonely, the Bible gives the promise of God's presence.  One of the greatest verses in the Bible is Matthew 28:20 where Jesus promises to His disciples of every generation, "...I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  This book of antiquity, even in our modern world, speaks a word of relevance to our every need.  When I see how it reclaims and reforms lives it is no ordinary book of "religion" but a profound book of "Relationship."

Conclusion: There is sufficient evidence to convince anyone that the Bible is no ordinary book.  No explanation is sufficient except the clear "proclamation" of the truth to the human heart. Faith comes by hearing... and as we hear we believe and continue to believe His transforming power through His Word transcends our circumstances.

IV. Quotes by Topic to Remember:

A. Prayer: "Men are looking for better methods, God is looking for better men." (E.M Bounds)

B. America: "One of the problems we have in this country is that too many adults believe in Santa Clause, and too many children don't." (Lee Lauer)

C. Influence: "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means." As quoted by Albert Einstein.

JANUARY (2018) EDITION...  By Dr. Keith J. Wise... A New Year...

I. Digging Deeper... Facts Concerning the Bible...

    It has been said by many as a famous quote; "The Bible will keep one from sin, and sin will keep one from the Bible!"  This is a great truth to help us understand how we can grow and avoid the tactics of the enemy.  The Bible is indeed the "offensive" weapon in our spiritual arsenel.

     Consider, the Bible is written and spoken to be the "Sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17).  Therefore, if one desires to be a disciple of the Lord, they should spend time in  its study.  It will dramatically help to prepare them to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and discern and correct false teaching.  (II Tim. 2:15; 3:16; II Pet. 3:15). 

     The historical translation of the (KJV) contains 3,566,480 letters, 773,746 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters and 66 books.  There are 39 books  in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.  The Bible is composed of writings from about 40 men, writing over a period of some 1600 years, from 1500 B.C. until A.D. 100.  It is primarily written in Hebrew, Koine Greek and Aramaic.  

     The Bible holds the distinction of being the first book printed with movable type, in A.D. 1450.  The first Bible printed in America was in the Indian language, by John Eliot.  The King James Version was published in 1611.  The revised Version was published in 1885.  The American Standard Version was published in 1901.  Since then several excellent versions have appeared on the market.  The Bible was divided into chapters by Cardinal Hugo in 1250.  The New Testament was divided into verses by Sir Robert Stephens in 1551.  The entire Bible was divided into chapters and verses in the "Geneva Bible" which was translated in 1560.  This was also known as the "Breeches Bible" because it read, "They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves breeches." (Gen. 3:7)

     The Red Letter Edition Bible was a product of Louis Klopsch.  He was the first editor of the "Christian Herald" magazine.  He printed the Red Letter Edition in 1901.  He based this format from Luke 22:20, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you."  He reasoned that all blood is red, thus Christ's words should be in red, as a constant reminded to the reader of redemption.  

     The Bible has been translated into almost every language and dialect in the world.  It is the only book that gives a definitive answer to the question of man's origin, mission and destiny.  Above all else, the Bible is a textbook on salvation, and should be seriously examined and studied, then carefully accepted and obeyed.  Lastly, it should be religiously taught to all men.  It is to that end that we write this material for your interest and edification.

     After looking over the above facts, I would like to encourage our readers to accept the challenge to read the Bible on a regular basis.  If you do, you will be blessed and those within your reach will be positively changed.  Above all, your readers and listeners will be the recipients of the greatest gift to mankind, the living Christ.

II. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon for the New Year.. "The Jesus Creed...What Can It Mean in the New Year?"

Text: Mark 12:28-31

Introduction: Jesus in his early ministry, said and did many memorable works. His words and example have had implications both then, now and in eternity.  To God in Christ the idea of love is overwhelming and demonstrated by His coming into the world.  David Gill writes of two kinds of love: table love, which is the love of fellowship and communion, and cross-love, which is the love seen in sacrifice and devotion.  As we enter the New Year of 2018 we need to consider the great response of Jesus (text above) to the inquire of one of the teachers of the law and our response to "The Jesus Creed."

A. Give God Your Heart- The heart is the center of one's affections. Think of what you love and what motivates you.  It may be your spouse, your children, your best friend, job etc.  Give what comes to mind right now and give it to God, by gently offering those affections and persons and ambitions to God through Christ today.  He will multiply all types of categories connect to your heart.

B. Give God Your Soul- The soul is the center of your spirituality.  Think of your relationship with God. It is what you deem most significant in your spiritual life and the core of your life's motivation.  Just begin to consider the God of the Bible.  It might begin with prayer or a personal time with God through mediating and Bible reading. If we partake of the "bread of life" (Jesus) daily it can cleanse us, wash us and prepare us to receive those truths that feed our souls.  Remember what Jesus said to Satan in his wilderness temptation.  "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God..."

C. Give God Your Mind- The mind is the center of your "rationality."  Consider what you think about every day.  Think of what you believe, and how you think.  Consider your logic and does it make sense.  As you read the Bible you thinking will become clearer and Christ will confirm this through what you read in His word. "...as a man thinks in his heart, so is he..."

D. Give God Your Strength- The word "strength" refers to our whole being.  It can encompass our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional resources. The point here is that we are to love God through Christ with all we've got!!  Without delineating too much, think of your body, your ambition, your dreams, and your bank account.  Consider your insurance policies and your talents.  Let God work through all of these to produce a much needed satisfying result.

Conclusion: To love is to give of ourselves; to love God is to give God all we are and all we have for He is the creator and manufacturer of all of us.  Please remember this; God can do more with what your give Him, than what your can do with what you have by yourself.  Consider Moses and his staff, the loaves and fishes of the young man who feed the five thousand.  Surrender to God in Christ is the key to life.

III. QUOTABLE QUOTES... 

1. But there are burdens heavier than a soldier's pack, declared President Eisenhower in his first inaugural address: "Americans, indeed, all free men, remember that in the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains."

2. I am the New Year.  I am here... but once past, I can never be recalled.  Make me your best. (selections from the Memorial Salesman.)

3. Emerson wrote: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

4. Flight of Worry- a quotable poem: "Things are seldom quite as bad as our expectations.  Most of the facts that worry us are gross exaggerations.  Sage philosophers remind us, if we would but heed, all fears would fly away like birds we cease to feed." (Poem by Mary O'Connor.)

IV. A Bridge To The Future... Some Thoughts for 2018...

      Every generation of free people have had to face the daunting task of looking to the future.  We know from the study of history that it will span victories and defeats, crowns and crosses, gains and losses.  But as our forefathers did for us, so we must do for the generations that come after us.  Building a bridge to the future takes time as we think of others who will come behind us.  We must be unselfish in our task and focus.

     If you look at a well made bridges, you will see a combination of wires that once put together, form an almost impregnable bond.  As we think about our  bridge to the future we can use the wires of firmness of purpose, courage, creative ideas, hard conscientious work, patience, team work, loyalty, love of liberty, faith in God and our future- "...righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)  

     Each of us can help build this bridge by casting off defective wires of thinking in the areas of personal prejudice, discord and bitterness.  Our lives will be made better or bitter by what we think and process every day in daily living.  Consider building into your souls the very best qualities of our minds, heats and spirits.  Thus, with a sense of community and togetherness we can be assured of success.  We can build a bridge as a nation and people that build a positive result.  This bridge to the future will stand in supreme strength against the destructive forces of our time.

A Word Of Thanks: This new year, 2018 begins our second year of publishing.  I could not have taken on this course without the help of Mr. Troy Graham.  Troy is young adult man who serves in the St. Louis congregation.  Also, all the readers from America and on mission fields around the world who have read this material.  We pray it has blessed you and helped you to excel in the Christian life.

Because of Him... Dr. Keith J. Wise- Happy New Year!

DECEMBER EDITION... 2017 (Dr. Keith J. Wise)

I. Introduction: The month of December is an active month as we end the year.  Some of us look back on the year with anxiety, some joy, some victory and some defeat.  However, as Christians we know that Jesus Christ has led us and brought us to a new vista.  With Him "...all things are possible."  This is the month of Christmas, New Years and for our Jewish friends Hanukkah.  The greatest gift of God the Father came in the most humblest and retiring form. He would come by way of a borrowed "womb" and leave us by way of  a borrowed "tomb."  So with lights, and music and great truth we proclaim Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God. 

II. DIGGING DEEPER: For the sake of the Christmas season we will bypass our study of denominations and focus on the Gospel of Luke's account of the coming of Jesus.  Luke as you know, was a gifted follower of Christ.  He was not an Apostle but collected his material from the Apostle Paul and sourced much of his material from Mark.  It is thought he wrote from Antioch (Syria) or Asia Minor (modern Turkey).  His chronology and writing was sometime in the A.D. 80's.  He was known as a Physician while traveling with Paul and comforted him as a young disciple; apparently offering his medical advise.  He is often referred to as "the beloved Physician." The writings of Luke will encompass the story of salvation from the fulfillment of God's redemption in Christ.  Cornerstone to this was through its perfect achievement in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Luke's second edition, The Acts of the Apostles will chronicle the rise and development of the church.  His research in both of these works is impeccable.  It will be noted that the major decisions and turning points given by the Apostolic leaders were guided by God to the Gentiles and the world at large.  In truth, it was in obedience to Jesus' command in the Great Commission, and shown as Peter will preach the first Gospel message on Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)  Before the ultimate salvational message could begin however, God created a foundation He prepared in history "in the fulness of time."  It was prepared Politically, Linguistically, and Religiously for that coming of Christ.  Let us see how Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and the record of other inspired writers helps us in our faith when we study the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     Every proclaimer of the gospel message of good news delivered the information of salvation.  Each of the Gospel Evangelist projected this task through a personal relationship they had with Jesus according to their particular individual talents.  We have noted Luke's gifts of being a physician, but as countless honest historians have noted, he was a detailed researcher of historical information about Jesus and his times in the Gospel of Luke, and later in the Book of Acts.  There are several prominent themes in his gospel that emerge for a sound consideration to prepare us for God's "unspeakable gift."

A. Salvation for all: The realization that God wants to save all people is hinted and noted from the very earliest Biblical references. (Gen. 3:15)  He chose a people (the Hebrews) and the record of that preservation is found throughout the scriptures of Israel that the Christians call the Old Testament.  In short, the whole purpose of Israel was to prepared for a deliverer like Joseph, like Moses, like Daniel and others.  This was a profound issue for the Jews, that Luke will deal with in his second volume of Acts.  I think it is also instructive that the early leaders were in most part Jewish.  Because of universal salvation offered in Jesus who is the Christ, there is no more "Jew or Gentile, slave or free..."  Luke is interested in echoing the message of Joy "that shall be for all people."

B. A Message of Joy: We will say more about his below, but Luke's Gospel radiates from a confidence in God's love and mercy as demonstrated in the teachings and actions of Jesus himself. The births of John the Baptist and Jesus are announced as causes of great joy.(Luke 1:14; 2:10)  The repentance of a sinner is a source of great joy in heaven (Luke 15:7-10).  The end of the Gospel of Luke pictures the disciples returning to Jerusalem filled with joy after Jesus' ascension. (Luke 24:52)

C. The Journey: All three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) begin the account of Jesus' public ministry with John the Baptist preaching from Isaiah: "Make ready the way of the Lord..." (Isa.40:3).  The mission of Jesus is presented as the continuation and culmination of the "way of the Lord" when Abraham left his homeland, and continued by faith to a land God had prepared.  The Exodus of Egypt led by Moses and, later, the return from Babylonian captivity shows a God in history guiding and preserving His people for the coming of the Christ.  Luke capitalizes on the journey theme to organize the central section of his Gospel(Lk. 19:51 &19:44).  Also, look at Luke 24:44 when Jesus has a shore lunch of fish with his Apostles in a post resurrection appearance and special message of fulfillment.  

D. Corollary to Christian Living: Luke is as much a transitional gospel in presenting Jesus as applicable to people, not only in the rural agricultural lands of Israel, but the cosmopolitan society of the first century and today. He indicates that good citizenship is compatible and expected with Christianity.  Luke will deal with the sub-themes of persecution, and possessions. (6:20,24)  In quoting Jesus about possessions one must not be enslaved by attachments to our possessions. Our focus as Christians is to use our possessions as a means of helping others. 

E. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' mission of salvation had been prepared from ages past.  Luke incorporates a surprising  amount of Old Testament teaching for his Greek readers, though not as much as Matthew will do.  One of Luke's favorite usages is "it must happen" or "it had to happen" (Luke 2:49;4:43; 9:22). Ironically, the cross, the way of suffering, was a puzzle to his Greek readers- how revolting that the Savior, Son of God and King, should be treated so shamefully.  Luke repeats again and again that the suffering had to be: it is the way of glory.(18:31-33; 24:26)

F. Ascension: One of the goals Luke pictures is Jesus' mission "to be taken up from this world." (9:51; 24:51).  The ascension comes after the resurrection; it is the act of glorification whereby Jesus takes his place at the right hand of the Father.  The Ascension is crucial to Jesus' saving work, because it is through this "glorification" that the Spirit is released on the Church to empower His kingdom.  This in turn continued to advance the universal message of salvation to the world as he now"intercedes for us" as the victorious savior and Lord.

III. A LITTLE CHRISTMAS INFORMATION...

God's perspective on great words of the Bible is amazing and wonderful.  One of the words so often associated with Christmas is "joy."  It is surprising to discover that scriptural references to "joy" are mostly found either at the very beginning, or a the very end of the early ministry of Jesus and His coming.

    The angel proclaimed "Good tidings of great joy...to all people" (Luke 2:10).  Mary "rejoiced" (Luke 1:47).  Elisabeth's kinfolks came to rejoice with her in the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:58).  Simeon and Anna were almost beside themselves with joy when Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25ff.).  Matthew gets into the referencing here when he notes the Magi "rejoiced with exceeding great joy" when they saw the Star (Matthew 2:10)  

    A further look at the passion of Christ at the end of His life will add to this joyous triumph and for the ultimate reason for His coming.  The Apostles and early Church will increase the volume of this great word increasing this eternal truth.  Study the comments of Paul, which we don't have time to note, concerning the joy of suffering and knowing and completing the task of spreading the "Good News."

    So what of the advent meaning of joy?  It is more than Shepherds, Rome and Wise Men.  It is, without sounding too profound, the coming of God into the world. It is His coming into history and in a form that we can grasp and understand that is so epic.  Charles Wesley in one of his hymns simply says, "...he laid His glory by, He wrapped Him in our clay."  This should be sufficient grounds for rejoicing that inspires our hearts and minds. 

     Apart from the message of Bethlehem, our Christmas festivities just barley touch the hem of His garment, as one writer has said "as a pressed flower" to the living one.  As you cannot have light and warmth without the sun, so you cannot have meaningful joy unless your life is rooted in God- as the Father revealed it in Jesus.  He is the LIFE!!  This is the theology of the angelic declaration.  The message is one of joy because it declares God's act. "God has visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68).

    In Luke's second treatise of Acts of the Apostles, he continues the story.  Luke expands this message of "good tidings of great joy" would be carried from Jerusalem to "Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8)  Yes, my readers, "to all people."  We can following the story as it is received by Jews, Scythians, Romans, Greeks, Ethiopians, Egyptians, barbarians, magistrates, centurions, soldiers, scholars, eunuchs, prisoners, freemen, women, children, slaves, fugitives, and the most honor and the depraved of every culture in time and space.  The message of this and every Christmas is, "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)  "Hallelujah! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth."

IV. Nuggets of Nourishment: A Christmas Sermon Outline-  "It was a Dark Day when the Son of God Came..."

Text: Luke 2:1-20

I. Introduction: Most of the people of the world that have heard the message, love the Christmas story.  We in America and the West love to decorate our homes with pastoral scenes and mangers with happy shepherds looking over the baby Jesus with the smiling faces of Mary and Joseph.  But as one thinks about this and compares it with the Biblical passages, one is struck with a very different atmosphere in the world at the time Jesus was born.  Let us consider some reality!

• Big government in Rome was assessing its taxes.
• Abortion was available at the time, while not easily obtainable for a poor couple, it could have been done to preserve the couple's integrity considering the surface circumstances.
• The crime rate was high from Roman sources of the period, and the prisons were full. These were violent days, and human flesh was cheap!!
• Tensions in the Middle East kept the whole world on edge.
• Religion had become formal and impersonal, worship  had become mechanical and without purpose or meaning.

It is in this climate that God decides it is time to send His son into the world and begins "in the fullness of time" to make a major announcement.

I. A Dark Time Requires a Bright Light- (Luke 2:1-8)

     A. A Grand Mess! (Luke 2:1-7)

     B. A Great Mistake? In the eyes of the world, the King was announced to the very lowest in their society of the first century. (Luke 2:8)  In Matthew 2, the "highest" are introduced to the King a year or so later. "God's inclusion, obliterates man's exclusion."

II. A Dark Time Experiences the Brightest Light- (Luke 2:9-20)

     A. God's Grand Message- (Luke 2:9-16)- His message is always needed!!

     B. God's Grand Mission- (Luke 2:17-20) Beyond the norm.

Conclusion: Both the Wise Men and the Shepherds came and bowed down and worshiped Him at different times.  I ask you today as I ask myself, are you as wise as the wise men or as humble as the shepherds to obey this great message?  Christ has come to save the world.  We must point to and encourage, in a dark hour of our lives, the greatest light to be shed and honored to our world. Beloved, "Let the Light Shine In..."

VI. Christmas Quotes:

1. "He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree."

2. "...For a good conscience is a continual Christmas." (Ben Franklin)

3. "The joy of brightening others lives, bearing others' burdens, easing others' loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." (W.C. Jones)

4. "Our tokens of compliment and love are for the most part barbarous.  Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts.  The only gift is a portion of thyself." (Emerson)

NOVEMBER EDITION... 2017   (Dr. Keith J. Wise) 

I. Introduction: The month of November has been historically a month of reflection.  In agricultural areas of our country people have begun to see the result of the harvest. The old hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People Come" reflects in the lyrics of the hymn the place of harvests home before the winter storms begin.  I will attempt to inform and place in proper perspective how this country has been abundantly blessed and how in these days of turmoil, we can rediscover peace of mind and heart.  We will continue with another denomination study and its history and legacy while providing a sermon outline concerning outline. 

II. DIGGING DEEPER: The Methodist Church denomination has been on the American landscape from the beginning of our nation.  But their genesis was in Europe, through a number of interesting developments that were a result of the need of revival in the Church of England. The religious atmosphere in the British Isles in the 17th and 18th century has been described by historians and theologians as "sterile."  The worship of the Protestant Churches were gear exclusively in intellectual language of the day.  Common people where often excluded or seated in special areas of the sanctuary on Sunday.  In the Catholic Churches the Mass was almost forgotten as within the British Isles many churches were abandoned and many closed.  

In this atmosphere, a populist movement of piety reasserted itself in what became known as "Praying Societies."  In 1729 four students at Oxford University by the names of Charles Wesley, Robert Kirkham, William Morgan and John Wesley determined to study Koine Greek, the Greek of the New Testament and the Septuagint.  The secularist pushed by to this piety movement by calling these men names.  They were called Bible Bigots, Bible Moths and a recurring title of "Methodist" because they studied the Bible "methodically."  By 1735 other such groups joined together by a later notable his name was George Whitfield.(1714-1770).

John Wesley (1793-1791) was the fifteenth child of a family of nineteen children.  His mother was so busy with child rearing that often to pray she would put her apron over her head for a period of quiet and meditation.  John became an Anglican Priest and was a graduate of Oxford.  He also received a Masters degree from Oxford.(1727)  John and his brother Charles decided to come to America in 1735.  In the southern part of the colonies, General Oglethorpe, founder of the colony of Georgia, set up the Wesley brothers to evangelize the growing population. Here, they collaborated with another pietistic  movement called the Moravians.  This group was much older and had been founded in Europe in the 15th century by Jon Hus the early reformer.  In 1736 Charles Wesley returned to England to write hymns while John Wesley sought to return in 1738 with certain Moravians.  During their return, they were in a shipwreck, and John counts this crisis experience as to date of a true conversion.  On May 24, 1738 he begins his preaching ministry.  With his enriched connections with the Moravians he traveled to Germany to the estate of Nicholas Louis (1700-1760) the Count of Zinzendorf.  Eventually returning to England to fellowship with the Moravians, he decides to break with them and found the Methodist Church. (1740)

Calvinism eventually found its way into Methodism and its various forms.  There were the Wesleyan Methodist who believed in "Universal Salvation" while the Methodist movement under George Whitfield became Calvinist and saw a "Limited Salvation" for those who were called as the "elect." These Calvinist Methodist in turn divided again in Whitfield Methodist, Lady Huntingdon's Connection, and the Welsh Methodist.(from the Westminster Confession of 1647).  The established Anglican Church frowned on Methodism in its various forms, but were powerless to deal with their good works among the poor, and their piety in daily life. 

The Methodist in North America were much more prolific.  They establish themselves in the New York area by 1760 but found a lack of ministers to post in their churches.  They were much more successful in the South.  Francis Asbury (1745-1816) was sent by Wesley to remedy the situation. This is done in the systematic method of the Methodist tradition.  The American Revolution hurt the Methodist movement in America.  Wesley and other European Methodist were Pro-Torrie, while Asbury stayed until the end of the American Revolution.(1783)  Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke decided to set up a new governing body, no so connected to their English roots.  On Christmas December 24, 1884 a conference was set in Baltimore, Maryland.  Known as the "Christmas Conference" they incorporated a creed of the 24 Articles of the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church.  By 1804 they added one more Article now called the "25 Articles."  The Methodist from this point seem to grow rapidly in the American soil. In 1784 they had 15,000 members, while by 1850 they had grown to one million members. They will grow rapidly on the American frontier by adjusting to Camp Meetings and Circuit Riding Preachers. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, there developed in the Methodist camp continued divisions for various reasons in America. Here are a few examples: (1793) O'Kelly's Succession who called themselves the "Republican Methodist," (1816) African Methodist Episcopal Church, (1821) African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, (1830) Methodist Protestant Church.  (1845) Methodist Episcopal Church. All of these the strongest in the South to the mid-south region and the frontier.  By 1963 there were twenty two different groups under the Methodist tent through various mergers.  Eventually they unite in what is called The United Methodist Church.

III. DID YOU KNOW?

The Rule of Three... 

Three things to govern: temper, tongue, conduct.

Three things to love: courage, gentleness, affection.

Three things to hate: cruelty, prejudice, racism.

Three things to wish for: health, friends, a cheerful spirit.

Three things to fight for: honor, country, home.

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When Martin Rinkart, a German minister, penned a poem with these lines, "Now Thank We All Our God," in 1636, he had no thought of it ever being used as a song. It was designed as a prayer before a meal as grace which was the custom at the time.  It was not long that this poem was known outside Germany.  Ironically, Rinkart wrote it during the Thirty Years War when his pastoral duties were quit difficult.  He conducted as many as forty funerals a day, including that for his own wife; yet he wrote those beautiful word as a table grace for his family.  In spite of war and plague around him and sorrow within him, he was able to give thanks to God from a grateful heart.  For over three hundred years it was recited as the "Te Deum" of the Germans.  In 1858 it was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth, and now it is in most hymnals in the Churches around the world. 

The Mother of Thanksgiving- by Emma M. Campbell- The Overlook Magazine

It is generally thought that William Bradford, Governor of the Plymouth Colony, was the Father of Thanksgiving.  It was he who called the people of his colony together in 1621 for a service of thanksgiving.  At the close of the Revolutionary War, George Washington issued a proclamation for the observance of a day of thanksgiving. Again, this was noted at the end of the War of 1812 as a day of thanksgiving by then President James Madison.

But it was not until 1864 that President Abraham Lincoln, declared that by annual proclamation, the last Thursday of November ought to be a national day of Thanksgiving.  And it was Sarah Josepha Hale who persuaded President Lincoln to issue this Thanksgiving proclamation.

Mrs. Hale had an interesting background. She is remembered as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book.  She was remarkable for her time.  Left a widow with five young children to support, she wrote stories and poems that led her into the editorial office of the Ladies Magazine of Boston, which, in 1837, was merged with Godey's Lady's Book, of Philadelphia. 

Godey's Ladies Book in 1850 had a circulation of 80,000; in 1860, 98,500.  Under the editorship of Mrs. Hale, the women of the United States were helped to remodel their cottages and homes and to select their furnishings.  In 1859 Mr. Godey sent artist abroad to describe and picture the fashions in England and France.  These fashion plates are still cherished today for their quaint styles and coloring.  Furthermore, the magazine published verses and stories by the best writers in America. Edgar Allan Poe,Washington Irving, and Nathaniel Hawthorne often found their works published and read.  

In summary, Mrs Hale continued her editorial duties until she was nearly ninety years old. Her portrait shows a bright-eyed pretty women with natural curls and smile.  She had inspired our President and help to influence the idea of Thanksgiving to an Almighty God for blessings he has bestowed upon our nation through the years.

IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT-  Four Words that Capture the Spirit of Thanksgiving- 

Text: Psalm 100

Introduction:  The book of Psalms is a book of Songs.  These have encompassed every emotion, petitioning God in every way.  Any number of the Psalms seek to increase and describe the thanksgiving of the human heart, and the almost impossible tasks in which we express our thanks. Before you take this Psalm verse by verse, read it several times quietly and then speak as you read it out loud.  We and the commentators do not often capture one unique aspect of this Psalm, but it is designed to "evoke" a sluggish mind to a level of thanksgiving.  You will see four words that pull us out of our seats to an upward glace to Yahweh who is Elohim. (LORD who is God).  Let us look at these four words that are found in the first four verses of the five verses of this Psalm.

   A. Shout- For joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

We live in Michigan.  There is no time of the year you can peer out your door and not see the glory and complexity of God's creation.  I am writing this in the fall of the year.  We have had an unusually warm fall.  The rains and the cooler temperatures have arrived late.  However, the beauty of colors and stark contrast of frost on fallen leaves can leave you breathless.  It shouts for joy as it ends its season of life and purpose. We can "shout for joy" because of the creators handiwork.

    B. Worship-  The LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

In our modern era we have whole books written about worship.  Definitions abound; but this English word comes from an old Anglo Saxon word meaning to "give worth to something."  I don't give much worth to those "dust bunnies" that appear under my couch in the living room.  However, I give much worth to my wife and children.  Because God has placed within me a quality of being able to establish worth to certain items in my life, I can exceedingly look to him with gladness and express it with "joyful songs."  Sometime these are songs from a praise band on Sunday, or an old hymn found on my bookshelf of hymnbooks read during my devotions. It may be when I am driving my car and the tune is not so great, the feelings of my heart of wonderful.  Anyway, knowing what makes me joyful makes me sing for such a wonderful father and loving savior.  

    C. Know-  that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

One of the reasons the Psalms are so loved and enduring is that it seeks to engage the whole mind and spirit of the human being.  Here, after drawing us through "joyful songs" in emotion, he beckons us to focus our minds on "Knowing."  Knowing means study and detailed thought.  Yes, he is the creator, we and this world did not come about by some hap-harassed means.  The KJV version in this sections translates: "It is he who has made us, and not we ourselves."  He made us and knows us and loves us.  How about that for a joyful song?  The greatest travesty is not that man has place some pseudo-scientific idea of evolution on our tables, but that that this moves us to attempting to say "we are god!  No, he is the shepherd and we are sheep of his pasture.  He leads, he provides, he instills, he knows, and we celebrate that knowing.

    D. Enter-  his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD (YHWH) is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

The Psalmist now moves us into the holy city to the temple, the gathering of the people of God.  This encompasses both the old city and now the new Jerusalem. We have now been so completely surrounded by God's goodness and grace that we enter his gates with a new sense of thanksgiving, because of all the areas of our sensory systems have been engaged.   In fact, the Psalmist includes the eternal qualities of God that illuminate still further, our volume of thanksgiving.  Notice: The Lord is "good" so much so that "his love endures forever."  Think about it.  He is so permeating that his "faithfulness" is not wavering or capricious, but it "continues through all generations."

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit, indwelling the Christian today is so powerful and without comprehension that we can sing songs of thanksgiving in a jail of persecution like the Apostle Paul, or waiting in a dungeon like Joseph of old when we have been accused unjustly.  We can look beyond the darkness of the moment to his light, his hope and his coming glorified kingdom.  Sing with thanksgiving with joy in mind and heart and spirit, because "we are more than conquerors through him who loves us."

IV. Great Thoughts on Thanksgiving- 

1. The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.(Plutarch)

2. Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. (Henry Ward Beecher)

3. O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.(Shakespeare)

4. A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.(Cicero)

OCTOBER EDITION... 2017

INTRODUCTION: The month of October is an interesting month in may ways. In most of the continental United States the leaves are or have reached their full color of fall.  Furthermore, the temperatures have changed enough to let us know cooler whether is coming.  There are some interesting facts about October that we can share in this issue.  By far these just scratch the surface of all the many important facts and trivia of this interesting month.  Here are a few:
1. The birth flower of October is the calendula.
2. On October 4, 1957 the first artificial satellite was launched by the Soviet Union.
3. On October 5, 1947 the first presidential telecast address from the White House was made by President Harry S. Truman.
4. On October 12, 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in America.
5. On October 18, 1867 The U.S. flag was formally raised over Alaska.
   
    This month has several national month designations.
1. National Cookie Month.
2. National Chilli Month.
3. National Pizza Month.
4. Lupus Awareness Month.
5. National Seafood Month.

I. Digging-Deeper:  (Origins of the Congregational Church in North America).

    In our month study of denominations, especially in the United States, we find as time goes on a mark difference in their counterparts in Europe.  The American experience and experiment changed everything on this side of the Atlantic.  An excellent example of this will be the Congregational Churches.  They are a part of the earliest colonial experience in North America.  The first noted congregation is found in Leyden, Massachusetts.  On Christmas day 1620 the Pilgrims leave for North America with William Brewster as leader.  It will not be until 1629 that a Congregational minister by the name of Ralph Smith will come and serve the congregants the Lord Supper.
    Eventually a noted colony is established known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  They represent a large migration of approximately twenty thousand people between decades of the 1630's and 1640's. One quarter of these colonist are Puritan of congregational belief.  Uniquely, in New England there are strong ties between Church and State.  Not until 1834 due we see a change in this situation.  Since their inception, the minister's salaries were paid by public taxes.  In this perceived uniformity there were two noted dissenters, Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams.
    The Congregational tradition were interested in education of their people and those among whom they lived.  This was true in America by founding the University at Harvard (1636), Yale (1701) and Dartmouth (1769).  As migration west continued into the nineteenth century Congregationalist could be found in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.  Their churches were interested in a "Plan of Union" in which churches of similar tradition could share resources.  They did this in 1801. Later we will see a uniting of Congregationalist, Liberals, and Unitarians into one camp.  Eventually we will see a union between Univeralist and Unitarians.  By 1825 the Unitarians organize the "American Unitarian Association"  eventually becoming the "Unitarian Univeralist Association"(1960).  As the pressure to unite with various groups, the remaining Congregationalist who considered themselves trinitarian(believing in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) joined with other like traditions on the American landscape.  In New England and in other sections of America, representatives of the early Restoration Movement including the O'Kelly Succession (Virginia), New England groups composed of Elias Smith, Abner Jones Freewill Baptists, plus the Christian Connection of Barton W. Stone merged as the Christian Church (1820's).  Eventually, they will merge with the Congregational Churches in 1931 calling themselves the Congregational Christian Churches.  These will unite again with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches in 1959 to become The United Church of Christ.

II. Did You Know? (Communion or the Lord's Supper as a Sunday Observance)

     I have noticed that many institutions in our culture have strict rules of procedure which guide that company, university, college or even military protocol.  How much more should we seek the Biblical protocol of  Apostolic Precedent in regards to the Lord's Supper.  When the early Christians met they did so to remember the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for the sins of the world.  Thus, the example of the Lord's Day, or the day that belongs to or is signified special in remembrance to the Lord. The indications of Biblical example would be, (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2; and Rev. 1:10).  Moreover, besides the precedent of Biblical examples, we see secular and Early Church Fathers noting that the Christian Community in their exercise of worship around the Lord's Table was on a fixed day as well established. Here are a few examples:

1. Governor Gaius Pliny: In his writing to the Roman Emperor Trajan regarding criminal elements in the empire and those who do not exhibit these traits.  Christians were among the latter.  In A.D. 112 he wrote: "...It was their custom to meet on a fixed day before daylight."

2. Justin Martyr: In writing in defense of the faith, dating about A.D. 110-138, recorded: "...On the day named after the sun, we hold a meeting on one place for all who live in the cities or the country near by...We all choose Sunday for our communal gathering because it the first day...and because Jesus, our Healing Savior, rose from the dead on the same day..." (First Apology: pp. 224-25).
3. Ignatius of Antioch: Wrote from A.D.100-105.  He noted "...Those who have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observe the Sabbath, but living in the Observance of the Lord's Day... Let every friend of Christ keep the Lord's Day as a festival, the resurrection day, queen and chief of all days..."
    So let us who "hold forth the Word of Life" find ourselves in unity with our spiritual fathers who found the Lord's Day and the observance of the Lord's Table a special week observance weekly.

III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT: (A Sermon Outline- "Seven Secrets To Spiritual Success)  

Text: Luke 5: 1-11

Introduction: All of us in our lives want to be successful.  If you doubt this, look at the business section in any bookstore and see all the self-help sources. When we examine scripture we see God through His Church bring a whole new definition to what may entail success.  Let us look at this early miracle by Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Gallilee and see some significant principles that will give us spiritual success in Biblical terms.

I. Accept the Reality of the Limitations of Human Efforts and Plans.

    The familiar surroundings of these Galilean fishermen gave them the steady confidence to do their work.  However, on this occasion Peter,  Andrew, James and John did all they knew to do and still came up empty in their fishing venture.  In our lives we soon learn that our best efforts may fall far short. In fact, God may and often uses our failures to mold and teach us in His classroom. We must learn to trust Him in those private moments and ask, "Lord, what are you trying to teach me through this situation?"  See struggles as a learning experience and opportunity to see God at work.

II. Trust the Word of Jesus Even If It Doesn't Make Sense. Even If you Feel Like a Failure-
    How do you think these fishermen felt, taking advice from a carpenter turned preacher?  They knew fishing and that was their business.  However, there was something already in his manner and teaching that Peter replied, "...at your word..."  At this point in the story it did not make sense to him, but they obeyed.   Just like us, some things in life do no always make sense when it comes to the spiritual dimension, but we are wise to obey the word of the Lord.  "All things work together for our good..."

III. Be Willing To Take Risks. Step out in Faith and Make Faith the Verb That It Is.-
    When Jesus asked them to go, he told them into "deeper water."  Yes, every great enterprise requires that we take risks.  I have been a preacher and educator for many years now and when we have had to move, we sought the Lord and it was not always a clear path, but it was a known, prayerful path. There is an old hymn we used to sing in the Church, "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go, Anywhere."

IV. Persevere Even Through Disappointment and Fatigue.-
    These fishermen were tired, they had fished all night.  Think about it.  They anticipated, focused in the dark but only to see empty nets.  They were discouraged but were willing by faith in the words of Jesus to try one more time.

V.  Remember the Importance of Teamwork.-
    When success came, they all had to share in the burden that nearly sink their boat.  Since Jesus was the ultimate focus, it did not matter who received the glory.  The old acrostic worked again, TEAM-Together, Everyone, Achieves, More.

VI. Observe, God Can Give Us More Than We Ask Or Imagine.
     This fishing expedition was "Epic."  I am sure long after the Apostles were gone and may of their ancestors inherited the fishing business, stories were still being told about this and God's Grace through Jesus Christ.  Yes, remember, our God delights in surprising us. (Read Ephesians 3:20)

VII. In All Else, Be Humble in Your Success.-
    Peter did not take credit for this success, but was in awe and overwhelmed by Jesus.  Because he knew the fishing business, he knew that there was and would never be another day like this.  Peter came face to face with his own unworthiness.  We to, realize this the more we work in the kingdom of God.  Paul noted a team effort and success in I Corinthians when he said, "God gave the increase."

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IV. QUOTES AND NOTES...      ( Fourteen Blessings From Waiting On God)

1. Salvation- (Gen. 49:18; Ps. 62:1) Always more in scripture-
2. Daily Provision and Necessities- (Ps. 104:18-27;  145:14-15)
3. Instruction in His Word for Wisdom- (Ps. 25:2-4); 106: 13)
4. Answers to prayer- (Ps. 25:21; 40: 1-3)
5. Courage- (Ps. 27:14; 31:24)
6. Protection and Help- (Ps. 33:18-22)
7. Inheritance- (Ps. 37:7-9; 34)
8. Hope- (Ps. 130: 5-6)
9. Justice- (Isa. 26:8-9; 30:18)
10. Renewed Strength- (Isa. 40:31)
11. Blessings- (Isa. 30: 18; 64:4)
12. Boldness- (Isa. 49:23)
13. Goodness of God- (Lam. 3:25)
14. Power from the Holy Spirit- (John 16: 8-15; Acts 1; Acts 2:38 ff.)

Note: The fruit of the spirit provides all of these and more.  Allow Christ to be LORD and you will be surprised how your life and mine will fall together in Peace and Joy and Blessing.

Here is a great Benediction from II Thessalonians 2:16-17: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (NIV)  Have a great and God blessed October!!

SEPTEMBER EDITION... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE-  

                                                                                                                                 by Dr. Keith J. Wise

Introduction: Here we go again, September.  Now this is a visible month of transitions in that a real series of changes can be seen in the flora and fauna of our environments throughout most of the continental United States. Many of our population are home from vacations and excepting that first weekend of September when families take their last fling, the entirety of the country is either in school or getting ready to enter school.  On the recreational side we see football, jackets and routines. Special events on the calendar include, Labor Day in which we celebrate the labor of an industrious population. Some obscure but important days in September are Grandparents Day and Patriot Day as we begin the month in visible motion. Later the calendar notes the Autumnal equinox(Sept.22) or the day before the Jewish Feast of Rosh Hashanah or literally the day of shouting or blasting.  Christians will sometimes note this as the "Feast of Trumpets" or the beginning of the Jewish New Year.  Yom Kippur comes a week later on September 30.  This is noted in Judaism as the "day of atonement."

Digging Deeper- (Origins of the Baptist Church- A History of Denominations)

As we have already noted in our various studies, churches repelling off of the Protestant Reformation began to take various forms in describing themselves.  The Baptist Church in Europe finds its origins in the 16th and 17th centuries.  Basically speaking, they emerge from three groups and primarily in England and the Netherlands.  First, there were the "Separatist" who spoke out against the Anglican Church in England in the late 16th century.  Second, were the "Anabaptist."  By 1525 they had rejected "infant baptism" and many of their splinter groups that expressed eccentric worship services had become marginalized or disappeared. They were known to the reformers as "radical reformers."  Finally, the last group that will comprise the Baptist denomination will be the Mennonites.  They emerge from the Roman Catholic Priest, Menno Simons.)  He dissented major Catholic teaching and withdrew from the Roman Church.  By 1536 he came in contact with Anabaptist but wasn't as dogmatic in his viewpoints as the Anabaptist.
The First Baptist Congregation: A "Separatist" congregation in Gainsborough in Lincolnshire England found itself led by John Smythe (1570-1612).  A graduate of Cambridge University, he became a minister during the reign of James I who was pro-Catholic.  In 1608 to avoid persecution, Smythe and the congregation migrated to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.  Here they came in contact with similar minded Mennonites.  Furthermore, Smythe and 37 others, influenced by Anabaptist and Mennonites had himself and his flock baptized by "affusion" or "pouring."  In 1609 the first Baptist congregation was organized.  Its theology was "Arminian" from Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) who opposed the Calvinist theology of "Predestination."  Those who embraced this view in the Baptist circle were known as "General Baptist."
    The Baptist were at a period of consolidation and dissension in their theology and their views in a number of areas. For instance, there were the already described "General Baptist" who held that the sacrifice of Christ was universal and available to all men.  Another branch of the Baptist were known as "Particular Baptist."  This group said the atonement of Christ was for a limited and select "chosen" persons or group of "the elect."  By 1611 in the group think of the Baptist, two leaders emerged in the discussions.  First, John Smythe and Thomas Helwys (1575-1616) in their profession of faith as "General Baptist" drew up a systematic "confession" called A Declaration of Faith of English People Remaining At Amsterdam in Holland."  With the changes in monarchy in England, Helwys will take a small group back to England. In a timeline we see several interesting developments: 1638- The first "Particular Baptist" congregation is started with a subsequent controversy over Calvinism and Predestination.  They will split and be lead by a Calvinist leader by the name of John Spilsbury.  1641- Baptist congregations in various places begin to practice "immersion" as their form of baptism and consequently receive the name "Immersion Baptist."  Between 1640-1660   the Baptist will have considerable growth in England.  They come under direct persecution between 1660 -1689 until the Act of Toleration (1689) in England.
As an overview, the Baptist in England and elsewhere processed and developed three confessions of Faith. 1.) "A Confession of Faith of Seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London." (1644) 2.) The "Confession of Somerset"  held by sixteen congregations of the Baptist in 1656. 3.) Finally in 1688 a confession simply called several names that had a trans-Atlantic flair emerged: "Confession of 1688" "London Confession" or the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith."   By 1693 a Catechism  was prepared by two scholars among the Baptist:  they were William Collins and Benjamin Keats which reflected a kinship with the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  In America, we are familiar with Roger Williams who established himself in Rhode Island, originally a colony but finally became a state in later times of the American Revolution.
In America as the United States progressed, the Baptist were torn asunder by other issues of the times as were other groups.   For instance they were divided by the issue of Slavery and their Structural Organization.  In 1845 the Baptist in eight southern states organized the Southern Baptist Convention.  In 1907 the Northern Baptist organized with the name the Northern Baptist Convention.  By 1950 the Northern Baptist called themselves the American Baptist Convention.  As we will see with other groups in America, a proliferation of groups and conventions will emerge on the American Continent reflecting the ardent independence and ideas of these groups, shaped by the frontier.
The Baptist in American today are basically composed of: Southern Baptist, National Baptist Convention of America, National Baptist Convention of the USA Inc., American Baptist Convention, General and Freewill Baptist, and the Baptist Alliance of North America.  There may be more organized groups at this writing from Independents Baptist onward, but I have no documentation.

Did You Know? (answers at the bottom of page)
1. Who erected his own gravestone?(II Samuel 18:18)
2. Who made lime from a king's skeleton? (Amos 2:1)
3. Who put a wet blanket on a king and killed him? (II Kings 8:15 RV)
4. What two Hebrews were embalmed by Egyptians? (Gen. 50:2 and Gen. 50:26)
5. Who was the first of the twelve disciples to be murdered? (Acts 12:1-2)

Nuggets of Nourishment: A Sermon- Giving LivingG
Text: Luke 6:38

Introduction: One of the greatest accomplishments of any human life is to develop a "giving" attitude in every dimension of living.  An attitude that sees God able and ready to do more than we can ask or think is abundant in scripture.   We have a limited attitude in every aspect of life, but God does not. (Illust: There was a time when man believed he could not go any faster than 35 mph. or the air would be sucked out of his lungs and he would die.  This seems strange to us today).  Look at Paul's benediction to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 3:20: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever...Amen."  I personally believe that there are at least three principles if developed and cultivated that will bring an abundance of blessing in life, attitude and peace of mind.

I. RECOGNIZE GOD AS OUR SOURCE- If we will see God as our source both materially and spiritually we will prosper.  (Illust.) In the second century of the church there developed a heresy known as "dualism."  It taught that there was a difference between the physical and spiritual realms.  It proudly proclaimed that all things physical were evil and only spiritual entities were good. (Gnostic heresy)  Jesus and his disciples never taught this.  The first century church taught there was a danger of allowing the material realm to become more important by placing it first. But Jesus and His disciples taught the principle of "balance" in all things. Money is not wrong, but the "love" of money make us "imbalanced" before God.  The Bible would have us see material objects as controlled by a spiritual mind with balance. In Luke 12:15, Jesus told the disciples to take heed that "...for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."  Therefore, as Christians we are to practice "verticalism" or looking to God, while living out our life in service to man in "horizontalism."  Man is to see our good works, "but glorify the father in heaven."

II. WE MUST GIVE TO GET OR PLANT TO GROW-  God illustrates this in the ecosystem of planet earth.  Rain falls to earth bringing nourishment and sustenance to the planet.  Then it evaporates and moves along in the weather systems to recycle again.  Even in the death of animals and plants it is recycled.  Are you lonely?  Help someone...you will not be lonely any longer.  Volunteer at your church or community agency and you will find true friends in most cases.  Gives your tithes and offerings to the local church, the "storehouse" of the New Testament.  All this and more will return to you in due time.  Notice again, that we give to get to give again.  James hits the nail on the head for the Christian in our age when he tells us the reason we don't receive is because to fail to ask then when we receive we selfishly use our seed and "heep it on ourselves."  (Illust. Jesus tell us in scripture that  "corn" can not multiply until it dies.  When it is planted that kernel or as we see it in America corn on the cob,(it was different in the New Testament times), in a sense dies to allow its "germ" to "germinate."  That one kernel produces a stalk which in turn produces many ears of corn to feed many more people.)  We can keep our wealth to ourselves but it will produce less than if we sow it to the Lord, give it to missions, help someone in the church or community without their knowledge etc.  Only in Christ can death bring LIFE.

III. EXPECT GOD TO DO SOME GREAT THINGS WITH OUR GIVING LIVING -  If we believe God's Word is true we can put these principles into practice and see great results.  Why don't  we practice them?
1. As human beings we have a hard time waiting on the Lord and His economy.  We only structure our thinking in terms of blessing materially.  Ironically, we face two dangers in  this regard as we sow and reap.
     a) Covetousness and Worry- The various versions have a number of things to say to us.  The Jews taught that defilement came from "without" ourselves.  Jesus however, said that one is defile from "within." (Mark 7)  An illustration of this is the Rich Young Ruler who had "many possessions" and he wanted material wealth more than eternal life. Besides being a sly sin, covetousness is idolatry.(Col. 3:5)  The Apostle John warns the early Christians, "...keep yourselves from idols." (I John 5)

     b) Covetousness tends to cloud the uncertainty of life and certainty of death.

2. Covetousness tends to cause disobedience which fosters defeat. (Illust.) Remember the story of Achan in Joshua 7:20-21.  The children of Israel were commanded not to take anything our of the city of Jericho.  Achan did and it cause defeat for Joshua at Ai.  In the New Testament Paul instructs Timothy to the Christian community, "...People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." (I Tim. 6:9)

3. Covetousness is a tactic denial of God's care. (Job 31:24-28)  Paul again to the Hebrew Christians will simply say "...Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have..." (Hebrews 13:5)

CONCLUSION: Read the lyrics to the old hymn..."God Will Take Care of You"

A FEW THOUGHTS:

   "...Just because things go wrong is no indication that you must go with them."

   Attitude: "Selfishness makes Christianity a burden; love makes it a delight." Amen

(Answers to "Did You Know?" above.)

1. Absalom-

2. Moab, Amos 2:1- That is, the Moabites did, see chapters one and two as Amos personifies the neighboring tribes in order to make vivid his condemnation of them.

3. Hazael killed king Ben-hadad.

4. Jacob (Israel) and Joseph-

5. James-