Our Nation (Again)

Have you been watching the news lately? Who is telling the truth, or is anybody telling the truth?

In I Timothy 2 we find this instruction, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity."

Obviously much of our government is corrupt. Representives and Senators lie until they are forced to tell the truth to save their own skin, and then try to blame their deeds on alchol, joining help programs. Why did they suddenly find their alchol problems, and seek help? Did alchol cause them to take bribes, do favors, influence legislation? Did they not know they were doing these things? How many others are doing the same things, but think they can get by with them?

Under God may be in the pledge, but most of our leaders want Him our of government, schools, and all public events. They lead hypocritical lives in using his name in various ways, while ignoring Him and the laws he has made that apply to all His creation, for all time.

Is it time for those who are true to God to pray for our government? The answer is YES. A brief look at history will show that God will not abide with a sinful nation forever. Our time as a nation is limited by our rejection of God, just as we were given time to become great because our nation by acceptance of Him. We MUST change our approach, and demand the same from our leaders, to God and his his word, to survive as a nation.

Grandpa Tumblebug

The last week has been tough for my family, especially my wife. When we arrived at bible study, July 2nd, her Father's car was not there as it usually is. We didn't think much about it at the time, but when he had not arrived by the end of class concern began to arise, especially when I was questioned as to where he was by a special friend. My wife was more than a little concerned by then and went to check on him, finding that he has peacefully passed away in his sleep. Needless to say, none of us expected this, although he had major bypass surgery five years ago. He had been doing very well, and I had talked with around 10 pm Saturday night, after he came home from playing the country music he loved.

All the events from the past week have caused me to remember some important statements , from the bible, concerning the brevity of life and how quickly it can end.

(Eccl. 6:12) For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

(Job 14:1) Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble.

(Job 9:25) Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good

(Psalms 90:9,10) For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: We bring our years to an end as a sigh.The days of our years are threescore years and ten,
Or even by reason of strength fourscore years; Yet is their pride but labor and sorrow; For it is soon gone, and we fly away.

(James 4:14) whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

(Proverbs 27:1) Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Grandpa Tumblebug (my son's nickname for him) was not afraid to die, because he was prepared. He understood the above scriptures which show us life is not guaranteed to anyone, and can end without warning. He also knew that each of us will be held responsible before God for how we have lived our life (Heb.9:27). Knowing this, we encourage all to live so they can say with the apostle Paul "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. " (Phil. 1:21)

Name The Church

Christ's church has a name. I drove past a church building this morning which had no name. Oh, it had some sort of directional name, like the Northside Church, or something of that fashion, but that doesn't tell me anything about who it follows, or what it teaches. Christ said I will build my church (Mt. 16:18). That tells me who the church belongs to and what doctrine it teaches, unless someone is falsely applying the name. The bible always identifies the church by name. Even when we read a passage of scripture where it is termed "the church" early Christians knew what group of people was being referred to, and what their doctrine was. Today the tendency is to stand for nothing that is offensive to anyone, and adjust your doctrine to fit the situation, thus the name of Christ must be removed from the sign at the meeting place. It seems we would not want anyone to be offended by associating ourselves with the offensive words of our Lord (Mt.15:1-14). Christians stand with their Master, and love doing it. They don't hide the fact that they love and believe in him. (Jno. 14:15)

The Hip-Hop Church

Many efforts have been made to make the church fit what man wants instead of man complying with what God wants. At present I'm in Memphis, TN, and on yesterdays local news much was being said about the hip-hop church. I guess (from local news comment) some hip-hop churches exist in Memphis, but the news comments had to do with a Catholic priest, in new York, and the hip-hop church he has started. They read some of the 23rd Psalm, which had been rewritten in hip-hop language, and showed some of their hip-hop dancing and singing as worship. DO YOU SUPPOSE GOD WAS PLEASED?? Now before you go all bananas on me notice a few things from the scriptures. God, not man determines how He is to be worshiped (John 4:24), He has already said what is to be included in worship to him, and how it is to be done. The worship is to be orderly (I Cor.14:4), includes singing (without instruments), teaching, prayer, the Lord's Supper and Giving (on the first day of the week), is to be edifying, according to truth. Read I Corinthins 14, and you will see that even those who spoke in tongues (a spiritual gift at the time) were regulated. Worship to God was always bound by His scriptures, and when man added something new, or changed it, was never acceptable to God. Remember worship is to please God, not man.

What Is Truth?

What is Truth? It seems that is a good question to ask? Our government is full of men that have made us question the validity of what they say. Trust does not abound in our society. We are forced to question our leaders from the local to federal level. Corporations are not trusted to give accurate information concerning their products, or accounting. Distrust exist among families, between wives and husbands, children and parents. The divorce rate continues to increase, drugs and alchol replace love of family, and we try to solve all our problems with pills.

Among all this there remains one trust worthy standard. When asked, "What is truth", the answer rang clear from the lips of Jesus. "Thy word is truth". In spite of the fact that many times it is taught falsely, or misinterpreted, the fact remains that the truth still exists. It is there for all to find who sincerely want it. We remain firmly convinced that God's truth is present for all to find and apply in their actions or decisions in this life. When it looks as if there is no one to trust, let God show you the way through his word.

I'm Trying To Understand

Some things in this life are confusing. It is not uncommon for me to see some TV commercial, and when it is finished, ask someone if they understood the point being made. Well, I must admit that I am confused about all the news items about this "Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas" thing. Maybe you can help me out.

It seems in their effort to eliminate any reference to Christ, religion in general, or to be political correct, many liberal minded, or atheistic people want everyone to quit saying "Merry Christmas". I would be inclined to agree with them if I thought their motives were pure. However, I suspect that the movement had it roots among those that want to eliminate all references to religion from our lives, in the same way they have with prayer, displays, words etc.

What is Christmas? Is it a holiday? Yes, it is a holiday in most parts of the world. Then, what is wrong with saying "Happy Holiday"? As far as I can tell, nothing, as long as no strings are attached. This movement now among us does attach strings, which is just one more step in taking away our freedom. If my understanding is correct there are situations in which I can be told what expression I must use in reference to December 25th. I am required to say "Happy Holiday" or something similar, but I cannot say "Merry Christmas". Do those who advocate, and are forcing, this position oppose my wishing someone a "Happy Thanksgiving", or a happy any other day? I don't think so. What is the problem with "Merry Christmas"? Could it be because Christ is part of the word? What word or phrase will be next? Do you think it is time to take a stand and put a stop to those who are really the ones forcing opinions. I do.

Let us consider another confusing thing. Among those who oppose the happy holiday position, some are canceling services on Sunday, December 25th. That seems to be a strange position if this is the day we are to reverence his birth. Would you not think all the more emphasis would be placed on attending services rather than canceling them?

In the beginning of this article I asked, What is Christmas? Is it a holiday? My answer was, yes, it is a holiday. It is a holiday, but not Christ's Birthday. Notice the following:

There is no reference to the date of Christ's birth in the scriptures.
There is no scripture teaching us to observe December 25th, or any other day, as his birthday.
There is no recorded information on his date of birth.
The real reason for the choice of the day most probably was, that upon it fell an existing pagan festival. This was man's choice, NOT GOD'S.
Christians must have authority from God for all acts of worship or work. Col 3:17 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name (by the authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Christmas is a great holiday, but from a scriptural standpoint there is no basis to celebrate it as the birthday of Christ. The warning of Matthew 15:9 should be considered.


Yes, I'm trying to understand why man is so confused about Christ's birthday. I personally am uneasy when someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas" because I know it is not Christ's birthday, and do not want to indicate that I think it is. I would prefer a "Happy Holiday" because that is the way I celebrate it, and I can return the greeting with those words. I cannot wish anyone a "Merry Christ - mass", which is the meaning of the word. However, when man confuses the issue, not because it is not Christ's birthday, but to take another step in eliminating references to God and Christ from our society, I must oppose their position. It is simply foolish and based upon the wrong reasons, not scripture.

What words are appropriate? I guess, after applying the scriptures, you must decide for yourself. But, I urge you to remember the day is based upon the doctrine of men, and the greeting argument is an effort to eliminate religious terms from our society. Choose your words carefully.

Where Is Your Bible?

Most of us take having a Bible for granted. In fact, we usually have several, often of different translations. In would probably be a correct statement to say they are read very little, even by those who claim to be christians. Bibles are for sale everywhere in our country, and free copies a for our reading are found in many places. If you can not afford a copy there are numerous places to get a free one.

Now consider living in China, an athestic country. If you plan to read the bible, if you can find one, secrecy will be required. Bibles, and reading them, usually bring unwanted consequences there. I read an article a few day ago about some average people, and the risk they took, trying to sneek some bibles into China. What if our nation became like China? Would you hide, or burn, all those copies of the Bible in your house? Would you want to read it now that you can't do so freely? Not to worry, that will never happen here, you say. Oh, was the Bible always prohibited in China?