The Truth In Print, Vol. 14 Issue 1, Feb. 2008

 

   Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church Of Christ

 

 

   Dear reader the following bold headings are selected articles that appeared in our local newspaper the Yuma Sun. The intent of these articles is that each shows a love for and desire to present the Truth without incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies today. The first of four articles titled “I’m Mr. Positive!” bespeaks of the empty, vain, teaching and preaching done today by popular speakers who serve themselves and not the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17). Consider that the last three articles aim at giving concerned people some idea of what Jesus really did say. We encourage you to read each of scriptures referenced to understand your own accountability (Jo. 12:48; Matt. 7:21-27).

 

I’m Mr. Positive! 

 

   Many are preaching in such a way that there is no scriptural definition of who a Christian truly is.  Mr. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) can avoid every probing question as to soundness in teaching and love for truth with, “You’ve got to understand, I’m just being me in being totally positive in my message.” With that pleasing tone of voice and million dollar smile he adds, “You see this is the real me, the way God made me.” Whoever he might be he can apply his answer to all questions that might be asked him:                                         

1. Question: Why don’t you use scripture in your lessons, after all this is what is required of preachers and teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? A corresponding to the above reply would go something like this: “You know that’s not in me. I mean, I just try to be positive and talk about things people enjoy.” 

2. Questions: Why don’t you rebuke sinful conduct? You don’t teach the necessity of repentance that must precede obedience as the apostles did, why not? (cf. Lk. 13:3, Acts 2:37-38, Rev. 3:14-19)? A corresponding reply would have similar meaning to: “You know I’m just me, Mr. PMA! That’s not my ministry and there are others who do a much better job with that kind of thing I’m sure.” What he’s sure of is that he’s not about to preach the whole counsel of God and turn away contributors! (Read carefully I Th. 2:3-8, Acts 20:25-32). How cleaver the liars who hide true motives concerning their love of riches, fame, and power behind “I’m Mr. PMA!” To read an article on this sinful positive attitude philosophy go to ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/pma.html  .

 

The Majority Know “Another” Jesus

 

   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  To give you some idea of how little people do know about Jesus and what He really said consider the below applications from the gospel of John:

1. John 3:18-21. This follows John 3:16 which everyone can quote. The reason for not accepting Christ’s word is you love darkness rather than Light. The motive for not coming is your fear that your evil deeds will be identified for what they really are! 

2. John 4:17-18. That someone who is just living with you is not your husband and you are fornicators!

3. John 5:44. Your mutual backslappers club that loves the praise of man more than God will never get honor from God! 

4. John 8:31-32. Those who tell you that you cannot know the truth are the liars! 

5. John 6:26. You are coming for the food and your own selfish desires and God knows it!  

6. John 7:24. When will you quit judging by appearance, emotion and worldly standards? When you ignore God’s word, justice is never upheld, the wicked surround the righteous and justice comes out perverted!  

7. John 9:41. Quit saying that you understand God’s word for you don’t accept it when you hear it! 

8. John 14:24. Who in the world told you that the fact you don’t keep My words does not prove that you do not love Me? (cp. Jo. 14:15, I Jo. 2:3-5)

9. John 15:22. You have no pretense (excuse) for your sin because you have heard My word!

 

The Majority Know “Another” Jesus #2

 

   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. To know the real Jesus read carefully the Gospels for yourself. Here’s a start:

1. Luke 6:43-45. Bad conduct comes from an evil heart. Only flatterers and those who stand to gain for themselves blame alcohol, drugs and “addictions” for one’s bad conduct (cp. Rom. 6:16).

2. Luke 6:46-49. You hypocrite! While praising Jesus as Lord you please yourself and do not do what He says.  

3. Luke 8:4-15. You chocked His Word! His word is not in your life and you will be lost for putting the activities of life, your riches, and the pleasures of the world first before Him. 

4. Luke 13:1-5. Quit talking about those whom you think represent the ones going to hell. Realize that you are going to hell if you don’t study His word, repent and obey!  (cf. Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; I Cor. 6:8-10; 2 Th. 1:7-10)

5. LK. 11:42-44. The human tradition you obey causes you to despise Christ’s justice, and the true love of God that rebukes and convicts the sinner! You love the praise man gives more than you love God (cp. Jo. 12:43; Rev. 3:19).

6. Lk. 11:45-52. You say you are insulted. Here’s more! You have locked the door to salvation by your human tradition. You allow others the wickedness you yourself partake of, and you work hard to keep others from truly repenting and obeying the Gospel!

 

The Majority Know “Another” Jesus #3

 

   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for yourself. Here’s a start with applications from Matthew:

1. Matt. 15:19. Homosexuality is sin.  Jesus’ condemnation of “fornications” includes illicit sexual intercourse such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, and intercourse with animals! 

2. Matt. 19:3-9. You do not have a right before God to do as you like by divorcing your mate for just any reason. To do so “except for fornication” and marry another is to commit adultery, and whoever marries the one who is put away commits adultery! 

3. Matt. 28:18-20. Jesus has “all” authority. “All” means “all”! Being “multi-faith” is not a possibility with Christ! Some tolerate fools who make statements about “inter-faith” possibilities being exciting!  

4. Matt. 28:18-20. If you have not been baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins you are not yet saved! The point at which Christians equally share in having forgiveness of sins and blessings “in Christ” is their obedience in baptism as a result of their own faith in His word (cf. Rom. 10:17; Gal. 3:26-27;I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38-42).

5. Matt. 22:21. The local church acting collectively has no business in politics and the government has no business telling the church what to believe and practice! The church is in the business of saving souls! (cf. 1 Tim. 3:15; I Cor. 14:26)  

 

Note: You may also read the entire three “The Majority Know Another Jesus” at ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/anotherjesus.htm  .

 

 

 

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