Birdwell Lane
Church of Christ
Big Spring, TX


Weekly Thoughts - January 2008
<----   December 2007    --    >February 2008   ---->
06 - KEEP ON GROWING
13 - A “NEW” NEW YEAR
20 - DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 1)
27 - DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 2)
 
 
January 6, 2008
KEEP ON GROWING

      God intends growth in the physical realm. God intends that plants (trees, flowers, vines) grow. And, He has provided the means for such to grow: soil, water, air, sunshine, cultivation (by man) by aiding those things which assist growth and working against things which hinder growth. God intends growth in the animal realm. God intends that animals grow. And He has provided the means for them to grow. After begattal, conception and birth, there is food, exercise, air, water, rest, etc. God intends growth in the human realm. God intends for human beings to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
      God demands spiritual growth. No growth is as important as is spiritual growth on the part of a human being. We may be disappointed by the lack of growth of saplings in our yards and we may be saddened by the lack of physical and/or mental growth on the part of our children, but no lack of growth can compare in importance with the lack of spiritual growth on the part of a person who is capable of such growth. Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; 2 Peter 3:18; Luke. 8:4-15.

In What Are Men To Grow?
Men are to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
Men are to grow in knowledge
Men are to keep on growing… no "spiritual plateaus"

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

 
 
January 13, 2008
A "NEW" NEW YEAR

      As we stand on the brink of another new year, let us think of the many opportunities and struggles it will provide. Let us think of those who will name the name of Christ in baptism, and let us work to help them make the most important decision of their lives. Let us think of those who will come back to the Lord, and let us pray for them and encourage them in every way for good. Let us think of those among us who will leave this world of sin and sorrow for the bright and sunny shores of eternity, where no sin or sorrow may be found, and let us learn from their godly examples. Let us also think of what we will use the new year for…
  • Will We Use It For A Better Knowledge Of God’s Word?
  • Will We Use It To Mature Spiritually?
  • Will We Use It To Tell Someone Of Jesus?
  • Will We Use It To Be Of Greater Service To The Church?
  • Will We Use It To Help The Elders Make Things Go More Smoothly?
      If This Should Be Our Last Year On This Earth, Will Our Passing Bring Joy Or Sadness To The Angels In Heaven?
      The Lord knows us all, and wants to see us in heaven, but it is up to us to repent and obey (2 Peter 3:9-10); Acts 2:38). If we had to leave this world in our present spiritual condition, where would we go? It is a most sobering and serious thought, but if we welcome our last new year this year, what will become of us?

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

 
 
January 20, 2008
DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 1)

      It is time for America to wake up and realize that Satan is active and alive in all of our lives, has many followers, and is eager to take on more.
      America has a fascination with the supernatural. Our TV stations make so-called psychics available to the public with the purchase of telephone time. Fortune tellers and palm readers frequent fairs and school carnivals convincing children that for a small fee their destiny can be told. Movies like “The Blair Witch Project”, “The “sixth Sense” and “Harry Potter” were all top money makers.
      Tragic school shootings have made all of us aware of students who are drawn to the practice of the occult. Children who set themselves apart from others through the wearing of dark, Gothic clothing, black makeup, and satanic jewelry worry parents and teachers alike. We hear stories about rituals of animal sacrifices, gang like activities, and other macabre mind-control techniques that draw young people into dangerous situations.
      On line information is readily available on any subject dealing with satanic or cult activities. Through my internet server, I was able to access more than 10,000 web sights under a search for Satan, occult and demons. Music groups bearing satanic names draw young people by the thousands. Our society has become so saturated with witchcraft and devil worship that Christians have ignored the effects of these on our children. It is time for America to wake up and realize Satan is active and alive in all of our lives, has many followers and is eager to take on more.
      Article 2 next week.

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

 
 
January 27, 2008
DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 2)

The Servants of Satan
      In the past few years an interest in the unseen spirit world of angels and demons has grown. The Bile gives insight into these realms, but much of this world still remains a mystery to modern scholars.
The Origin of Demons
      Nothing specifically is said in the Bible about the origin of demons. A conclusion can be drawn that if they are created beings, Jesus created them. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3). The fact that God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – “alone has immortality” (1 Timothy 6:16) must mean that all other existing beings were created.
      When they were created is not revealed. They may have been created in the beginning when the heavens and earth were created.
      The Bible does not state whether the demons were created good angels who turned bad or were created evil beings. After creating the heavens and earth God saw that everything He had made was “very good’ (Gen. 1:31). Perhaps the best conclusion is that they were created good but turned bad and sinned against God. Second Peter 2:4 suggests this chain of events, but it may not be conclusive.
      So we will look at these things over the next few weeks: Old Testament References, New Testament References, Jesus and Demons and some interesting questions. Hope you enjoy.


See ya Sunday,
Ralph

 
 

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