Pillar of Truth
April 5, 2009 / Volume X / Issue 14
What Can I Do For You?
Unknown Author
It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day -- long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.
Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, "We're from the Red Cross."
She was silent for a moment and then she said, "It's been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don't think we can give anything this year."
I don't think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people -- givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about "What can I do for you?" rather than "What can you do for me?" Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.
There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:
"...in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality." (2 Cor. 8:2).
Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in "deep poverty". Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him "with much urgency" to take their gift.
I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I'm reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I'm tempted to look out for "number one" and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil.2:4)
"2009"
A Year of Resolve
Dooley Noted
What About Tolerance?
Mike Riley
In our post-modern world, “tolerance” is the one virtue that is esteemed above all others. It may soon become the only virtue our society will accept. Traditional virtues such as humility, chastity and temperance have long fallen out of public favor, and in some circles, are openly ridiculed. Acts once universally labeled “immoral” and “ungodly” are now celebrated under the guise of “tolerance”. Abortion, homosexuality and pornography are today championed by dozens of advocate groups and lauded by the mainstream media. Marital infidelity and divorce are so common in our present day society that few families have escaped its bitter consequences.
The Preachers Of Tolerance
As the socially “enlightened ones” preach to the masses about being tolerant of those “different” than us, they are in fact the most “intolerant” of all people. These individuals are intolerant of those who hold to and embrace New Testament Christianity. In their “demands” of tolerance from people, they themselves cannot tolerate anyone who holds to the doctrine of Christ. They refuse to accept those who believe in “one body” and “one spirit”; those who preach “one hope”; those who declare the truth that there is but “One Lord, one faith, one baptism …” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
These “tolerant ones” cannot tolerate anyone who dares to believe in the inspired word of God as the sole source of truth and authority (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are “intolerant” of those who live by a morality based upon God’s divine will. These folks believe that being a child of God automatically makes one “intolerant”, dangerous and in need of “sensitivity training” so that we might become as “tolerant” as they.
The Church and Tolerance
Unfortunately, as the world goes, soon the church follows. There are many in the church who have now taken up the banner of “tolerance”, not only embracing the denominations, but accepting their false teachings as well. Such false doctrines as: (1) direct operation of the Holy Spirit; (2) use of musical instruments in worship; (3) acceptance of Calvinistic teachings (such as you are saved “before” baptism, denying the necessity of the blood of Christ in cleansing us from all sins (Revelation 1:5); (4) impossibility of apostasy; (5) original sin (sinful nature).
Like those in the post-modern world, these “tolerant ones” in the church are very “intolerant” toward those who challenge them. Labeling those they judge to be intolerant as “traditional” and “legalistic”, they look upon all who demand book, chapter and verse as “dangerous” to the spirit of the Bible and the cause of Christ.
Conclusion
Brethren, we must not only reject the “post-modern” value of “tolerance”, we must also reject these “enlightened ones” in the church of our Lord. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of being “tolerant” to those in error, we must hold fast to, “the form of sound words …” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
Let us faithfully guard the treasure of truth entrusted to us (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:4) against all - both outside and inside the church. If faithful Christians do not - then who will?
Study Your Bible Every Day!
News and Notes
Our Honored Guests
We extend a warm welcome to all our guests today. If you have any questions about our worship or Bible Classes we will be glad to give you a biblical answer. Note: Please fill out a guest card and drop it in the collection plate when it is passed and stick around after services and let us get a chance to meet you.
Prayer List
Illnesses: Doris Pendergrast, Lonnie Lambert, Chelsea Lambert, Phyllis Hayner, Linda Dooley, Collie Lambert, Thelma Fife, Michelle Finger, Donald Wiley (Judy Lambert's brother), Teresa Cottrell, Avery Beckham. Nursing Home: Freda Sheppard and Glen Riggenbach. The work in India. Our soldiers. Our elders, preacher and the work here in Paulding.
Pot Luck and Business Meeting
This morning following our services we will be having a pot luck dinner. Please stay for this great time of fellowship. The men will meet afterward with the elders at 1:00.
Food Pantry
This week's pantry item is Peanut Butter and Jelly. Please bring this with you next week and place them in one of the Food Pantry Baskets.
Scripture of the Week
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
New Sister in Christ
Last Sunday evening Brenda Bauer was baptized into Christ. Brenda’s address is 14751 Road 115, Paulding, OH 45879. Her phone number is 419-399-3327. Please keep her in your prayers and encourage her in her new life.
Email Note
I had some major computer issues last week and lost all my email contacts. I have added the email addresses in the church directory, but if you know someone who has been getting our bulletin by email, please forward their name and email address to me at: pauldingcoc@windstream.net
Upcoming Events
☺ Upon The Rock Lectureship April 18 at the West Side Church of Christ in Yorktown (Muncie), IN. Information is posted on the bulletin board.
☺ Dairy Queen Fellowship Sunday, April 19th following our evening service.
☺ Lectureship at the Kibby Street Church of Christ in Lima on Saturday, April 25th. There is a flyer posted on the bulletin board.
☺ 2nd Annual Northwest Ohio Lectureship on Saturday, May 16th here in Paulding. There is a flyer with a list of speakers and topics on the bulletin board.
☺ Senior Week at Camp Indogan July 26-31. More details to come, but make your plans now.
☺ Vacation Bible School is August 9-12 and the theme this year will be: “Fishing with the Master”
Attendance Record
Last Week:
Sunday Bible Class: 39
AM Worship: 47
PM Worship: 34
Wednesday: 36
NOTE: Remember our attendance goal is 50+ for EVERY service.
Today's Sermons
AM: "The Biblical Principle of Charity"
PM: "The Matter of Temperance"
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
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