He needs to mature so he is not a slave to his desires and the A Publication of the Pruett & Lobit church of Christ Feb. 8, 2009
temptations that come to him (Ephesians 4:12-14). A strong www.biblework.com Vol. 2, No. 6
man will stand out and be a pure example to others.
The Word Of Life
4. He may give in because of weariness. Such men give up “holding fast the word of life” (Phil. 2:16)
their reward (cf. Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36). This man
needs to remember that labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Co- Muddy Water
rinthians 15:58). Also, by considering the trials of Christ, one Steven Deaton
can gain courage and energy to press on (Hebrews 12:1-3).
“A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its spring and a polluted well” (Proverbs 25:26).
flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but
to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew This proverb reveals the true consequences of one who fails to
5:13). Again, the child of God is to be an example, and a pre- do right before a wicked world—they muddy the water. A
servative, in the world. However, if he loses his influence by righteous man’s mouth is a “well of life,” pure and wholesome
becoming like the world—by polluting himself—he will be (Proverbs 10:11). However, when he falters, his well is corrupt
“good for nothing” and “thrown out.” In other words, he is not and useless.
fit to serve God and will lose his soul.
A righteous man may falter for various reasons: fear, favor,
Are you murky and muddy or clear and clean? weakness, weariness.
1. He may fear the consequences of his stand for truth. This
Filling Communion Trays Sunday
becomes a trap to him (Proverbs 29:25). He is enslaved to the
⇒ Month of Feb. - Bob Aiken Sr. Bible Classes……….9:45 AM whims of men who hate God and His truth. The fearless man,
Morning Worship…10:40 AM
Cleaning Communion Trays Evening Worship…...6:30 PM
on the other hand is free. He fears God, not man, and is free to
⇒ Feb. 8……...….Jill Vondenstien act in a way that pleases God and satisfies his own soul
(Hebrews 11:5-6).
⇒ Feb. 15……...…Martha Weems Wednesday
Bible Classes….……7:00 PM
2. He may have favor for those who are in sin, overlooking
NEWS & REMINDERS Elders because of personal feelings. This will cause him to be an
♦Our gospel meeting with Steven Weldon Butler...….…...281-426-5360 abomination before the Lord (Proverbs 17:15). The one who
Deaton begins today! Tommy Cunningham…281-421-1376
Mickey Harrell…….….281-385-2298 does not show favor, pleases the Lord (cf. James 2:1-9). He
♦Make plans to be here at every ser- Archie Proctor……......281-383-1005 acts in the Lord’s and man’s best interest.
vice, and bring someone with you! Ted Weems……….….281-328-9845
♦Ladies Bible Class will not meet 3. He may be weak and give in to sin, returning to the mire
this week; will resume Feb. 18th. Evangelist
Jesse Flowers……...….281-425-8918
from which he came (2 Pet. 2:22). This brings out his true
♦Do you have “news & reminders” character, showing him to be of little strength (Prov. 24:10).
Building……….……...281-422-5926
for the bulletin? Let Jesse know. (continued on back page)
Should You Wear A Cross? Global Warming
Steven Deaton Steven Deaton
Wearing a cross has become a popular thing. It is fashionable, Over the past decade or so there has been a big stink about
with a number of varieties available. There are cross necklaces, "global warming." The cry has come from "environmentalists"
bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. The question is, should you wear a and humanists. Religious leaders have jumped on the band-
cross? wagon over the past few years too-as they do with all "popular"
movements.
The Bible no where gives a command, example, or necessarily
infers that those who believe in Christ should wear a cross. In You have probably heard of scientists who dispute the idea of
fact, when considered, it gives the opposite impression. The cross
man-made global warming. It is a hot political issue in some
was a symbol of shame. It was used to execute the worst non-
circles.
Roman criminals in Roman society (Mk. 15:27-28; cf. Isa.
53:12). Jesus submitted to it in humility, not with pride (Phil. 2:5-
When I was in school, the teachers were warning us of an im-
8). The electric chair is a modern equivalent. Would you wear
pending ice age. Now, 25-30 years later we are facing the melt-
that?
ing of the poles; so we are told.
Some wear a cross because they want to declare their faith in the
Lord. Jesus addressed such in the sermon on the mount (Matt. Having been a weather forecaster in the US Air Force, I have a
6:1-18). The hypocrites took certain actions to let others know large measure of confidence that man is not causing any so-
they were servants of God. They did it to declare their faith. Yet, called "global warming." The earth goes through long cycles.
the Lord condemns them for such. Besides, weather data has not been accurately tracked for very
long, just since the 1800s.
Others wear a cross because they feel closer to God with one on.
Hophni and Phinehas thought that was the case when they took This is not just a "scientific" issue though. The Bible has a thing
the ark of the covenant out to battle (1 Sam. 4:1-11). It did not or two to say. Namely, when Noah came out of the ark, God
bring God any closer to them, nor did it protect them from their made a promise that will not change. He said, "While the earth
enemies. Rather, they died that day on the battle field. Wearing a remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and sum-
cross will not bring you any closer to God, nor Him to you. mer, And day and night Shall not cease" (Gen. 8:22). So, as
long as we have day and night we will have cold and heat, win-
So how may one show faith in the Lord or feel closer to God? ter and summer, seedtime and harvest. Yes, the seasons may
Faith is shown by works (Jas. 2:18). These works are not those vary in degree from one decade to the next, but there will al-
done to be seen by men. Rather, they are the simple, everyday
ways be seasons. It will never be just hot or just cold.
things one does in service to God and fellow man. Closeness to
God is experienced when one humbly submits to His will (Jas.
Man will not destroy the earth, no matter what he does. Should
4:6-10). For a Christian, this may be done in prayer (you talking
he be a good steward? Yes! However, the earth will only come
to God) or study (God talking to you). Non-Christians may draw
to an end when God brings it to an end-and it will be a global
near to God by being reconciled to Him in one body (Eph. 2:16).
This is done in faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Rom. warming like no man ever imagined (2 Pet. 3:10-12).
10:9-10; Acts 2:38; cf. 1 Cor. 12:13).