.....The apostle Paul indicated in Philippians 3:8 that he suffered (permitted, accepted, endured) the loss of all advantages of the flesh in order to win Christ. What did he gain? Certainly nothing that was of a material nature, for to advance materially in Christ after surrendering all of his former earthly gains in Judaism seems futile and redundant. Clearly the unseen spiritual treasures he received in Christ far outweighed any tangible physical baubles he might have acquired in this world (2Cor. 4:16-18). Those things he lost did not bring him knowledge of Christ before being met by Him on the road to Damascus. The things he lost did not bring him into Christ; his entrance occurred when he was baptized. Those things he lost could not facilitate fellowship with Christ; he had to share in the sufferings of the Lord to be in fellowship with Him. And, those things he lost would not make him a partaker in the resurrection of Christ; he would have to live and die a servant of the Lord, not the Law. Those things he lost had to be lost in order to gain Christ. So, what did he win in Christ? (Philippians 3:9-10)
.....1) To be found in Him… Paul recognized that his life goal of being found in fellowship with the Lord in the Judgment was an ongoing process only completed when he closed his eyes in death in right relationship with Christ. He knew it was possible for him to fall short of this goal by failing to remain faithful until death (1Cor. 9:27). He was encouraging the Philippians to treasure their fellowship with Christ in imitation of his own example. As he would rise each morning determined to walk with God and work throughout the day in accordance with that intention without wavering, so he wanted the Philippians to focus intently on putting aside all things that would divert them from the only important aim of being found faithful on Judgment Day.
.....2) To be in righteousness by faith, not the Law… Paul knew that he could not have been saved by his blameless life under the Law of Moses; his dedication to the Law brought him further away from the Lord and from salvation. In fact, there was nothing Paul could have done to earn his own salvation. He taught the Romans that if one could be saved by righteous acts, God would owe him salvation (Rom. 4:4). The prophet Isaiah said that ones own righteous acts are like filthy rags, insufficient to cover his spiritual nakedness before the Lord (Isa. 64:6). If one is to be saved, it will be by faith that is dependent on God and that moves one to obey the gospel for the remission of sins. All of Saul's fasts, prayers, confessions, and tears from the dust of the Damascus road to his three day sojourn in the home of Judas on Straight Street did not remove a single sin. It wasn't until, by faith, he was baptized by Ananias that he enjoyed the righteous condition of being freed from sin by the grace of God in Christ. Paul had learned that if he was to be righteous, it would be because God imputed it to him (Rom. 4:5-8). God is the Author of the scheme of redemption. God is the Architect of the plan of salvation. And God is the Imputer of righteousness to all who obey Him by faith (Rom. 4:22 - 5:2).
.....3) To know Him… Paul desired to be fully acquainted with the life of Jesus Christ, with His holy character, with his obedient service to His Father, and with the salvation he delivered on the cross. This kind of knowledge is more than just the intellectual cataloging of facts. It is being so fully into Christ that His life controls every aspect of ones own life (Gal. 2:20; 2Peter 1:2-4). Paul wanted the Philippians to view knowing Christ as the highest object of desire in the mind of a Christian.
.....4) To know the power of His resurrection… Everyone who lives in this mortal world and has experienced sickness and suffering, has seen the ugliness of sin, and felt the fear of evil longs intently for a world where death, disease, pain, and wickedness do not exist. However, all men are bound to this world by the two facts of the human predicament: 1) all men sin, and 2) all men die. Before the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, nothing could be done about the power of sin. Before the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, nothing could be done about the permanence of death. But now, sin and death have been conquered by the Lord. Christians rise up daily with the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, and they lie down nightly with the hope of resurrection. They are empowered by the resurrection of Christ to face all enemies, all trials, all pains, including death, because Jesus has already beaten all of them by arising from the dead and ascending into heaven. And so will we (1Cor. 15:12-20; Heb. 2:14-17).
.....5) To have fellowship in His sufferings… Paul believed it would be an honor to be like Jesus in every way possible. He was so grateful for forgiveness of sins through the sufferings of Christ that he wanted to suffer for Christ as an expression of his thankfulness (Acts 5:41; 1Peter 4:12-13). Suffering for Christ is a mark indicating that one is faithfully serving Him (2Tim. 3:12; Gal. 5:11). Too many want to wear the crown of glory, but not the crown of thorns; they want to wear the white robe of righteousness, but not the scarlet robe of mockery; they want to reign with Christ, but are unwilling to suffer with Him. Suffering with Christ is a prerequisite of being glorified with Him (Rom. 8:16-17; Heb. 12:1-4). If one aspires to the honors of heaven, he should be willing to endure humiliation on earth.
.....6) To conform to His death… Paul does not have a death wish, nor is he advocating recklessness or suicide. He wanted to die as he had lived, a faithful servant of the One who served all of humankind. He would be faithful until death even if being faithful precipitated his death. Paul had no illusions about the life of service he chose. He was aware of the risk of an untimely, painful death that came with preaching Christ. Few men think of their own death; and, if they do consider it, they imagine it will occur at an old age in the middle of the night while they are fast asleep. However, for the devout disciple, fear of an unpleasant passing is just another one of those distractions that must be put aside so that Christ can be won.
.....Righteousness, fellowship, power, hope of resurrection… Are not these worth the loss of personal, material advantages in this life? How can anyone see more in a certain job, salary, position, pulpit, possession, or place than he sees in Christ?

.....A store manager overheard a clerk saying to a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for some weeks now, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon."
.....Alarmed by what was being said, the manager rushed over to the customer who was walking out the door and said, "That isn't true, ma'am. Of course, we'll have some soon. In fact, we placed an order for it a couple of weeks ago."
.....Then the manager drew the clerk aside and growled, "Never, never, never, never say we don't have something. If we don't have it, say we ordered it and it's on its way. Now, what was it she wanted?"
.....The clerk smiled and said, "Rain."
.....We must come to the realization that there are some things that we cannot provide. We must say with conviction: "There is only one God and I am not Him!" When all is said and done in the book of Job, that's the message with which we are left. After Job spent most of the book begging to know why God had allowed all the things that happened to him, God answered Job. However, he never directly answered Job's questions. He merely reminded Job of which one of them was God:
....."Have you ever ordered the morning to begin, or shown the dawn where its place was? ...Can you bring out the stars on time? ...Can you shout an order to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Can you send lightning bolts on their way? ...Job, are you the one who gives the horse its strength or puts a flowing mane on its neck?" (Job 38:12, 32, 34-35; 39:19).
.....The answer to God's questions to obvious. Like Job, I can't do any of those things. I sometimes make the mistake of thinking, "If I were God, I would do things differently." Reading Job 38 and 39 serves to remind me that I don't even come close to having the qualifications for the job. So, like Job, I will humble myself in the presence of the Almighty and bow down before Him, trusting Him even in the midst of those things I don't always fully understand. (Alan Smith)

The TV set is my shepherd. My spiritual growth shall want.
It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for it's name's sake, because it requireth all my spare time.
It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian, because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.
It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world, and keepeth me from the study of God's word.
It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend the evening worship service and doing nothing in the Kingdom of God.
Yea, though I liveth to be a hundred, I shall keep on viewing my TV as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion.
Its sounds and its pictures they comfort me.
It presenteth entertainment before me, and keepeth me from doing important things with my family.
It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set out in the Word of God.
Surely, no good thing will come of my life because my TV offereth me no good time to the will of God.
Thus I will dwell in spiritual poverty all the days of life.....

Does The End Justify The Means?
By Bobby K. Thompson

Get The Facts
Donnie V. Rader

Does The End Justify The Means?
By Bobby K. Thompson

.....What do we mean by this question? By “end” – that which is accomplished or the results of any project. By “means” – that which is being performed, the acts used to reach the end. By “justify” – make right, or sanction, condone. The question paraphrased: “Does the result or conclusion of any project (being good) make the means or acts performed right that were used to gain the results?”

.....There are different views regarding the subject. We need to have a better understanding of it. People who ordinarily would not say that this principle is just are known to say Amen to it in religious or benevolent matters. At times we may unconsciously condone this very principle that we condemn in others. So often we hear people say, “Oh, why object to what is being done – look at the results or the end of their work.”

.....Our attitude toward the subject has a great effect upon our obedience to God’s word. One who feels that the end justifies the means will reason that the end of all endeavors is to please God; hence, he will not be zealous in obeying since he believes that as long as he has the right end in sight, then the other doesn’t make much difference. On the other hand, a person who believes the means must be correct to have the right end will be fervent in obeying the word to bring about the right results of pleasing God.

.....This is one of the principles which cause divisions among people professing to follow God. The denominational world advocates such a principle – “We are all worshipping God, you one way and others another – we all have the same end in mind, so why quibble over the acts employed.” This sounds like Saul of old when the best of the flocks and herds were spared rather than kill them in obeying the command of God. Evidently, Saul felt that the end justified the means. He was told by Samuel, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Sam.15:22). People true to the Lord have always contended that the means must be divine as well as the end in view. God must be worshipped, but in spirit and in truth. Let’s notice a few practices that have come about on the basis of some believing that the end justifies the means:

1. GAMBLING OR LOTTERY FOR CHURCH OR SCHOOL REVENUES. Many people argue that gambling is permissible if the revenue goes to a school or church. They are leaning on the old crutch – the end justifies the means. However, if an activity is illegal, it is just as illegal for a church or school to do it as for a gambling syndicate. Many people who would never play at a roulette wheel think nothing about buying a chance on a car, etc. to help a school. Laws to outlaw gambling have failed to pass because of its sanction in some states by certain religious groups. They profit from such. Bingo in some churches is quite popular! The end justifying the means doubtlessly is one of their customer attractions and they profit by deceiving people in believing such is right.

2. ADVOCATES OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY VIEW THE MOVEMENT IN LIGHT OF THE END JUSTIFYING THE MEANS. They have contended: “Spread the gospel, the means is not the important thing.” Isn’t it important to glorify God? “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph.3:10). “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph.3:21). The Lord’s church never worked through the machinery of any society in the New Testament days and the Lord’s church doesn’t do it in the 21st. century. The church was sufficient then… the church is sufficient now!

3. ADVOCATES OF MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP HAVE DEFENDED THEIR POSITIONS BY THIS PRINCIPLE. They contend that music glorifies God – the end justifies the means But who are we to determine what glorifies God? Such is one of the purposes of the Scriptures! The word of God would have us to sing and make melody in our hearts (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16). This is what glorifies God and we are to abide in the doctrine of Christ that authorizes singing (2John 9-11).

4. RELIANCE UPON THIS VIEW HAS CLOSED THE MINDS OF SOME BRETHREN TO VARIOUS ISSUES IN THE BROTHERHOOD. Poor little orphans – see that they are cared for – who cares about the means. So prejudiced are some to this principle that they will not reason as to what the Bible says regarding what is the work of the church. On and on go the results of this principle! Keep the young people in the church – even if it takes youth movements – give them what they want -- the end justifies the means. Brethren, we need to obey God in His appointed way and the end will take care of itself.

Get The Facts
Donnie V. Rader

.....All too often brethren hear some rumor or are treated to one side of a story and swallow it all. They may jump to conclusions, spread the story and even condemn those they have heard about. This has always been true, but is perhaps worse in the day of e-mail.
..... It may be that some do this with evil intent. However, others may do this with pure motives because they have confidence in the source of their information.
.....If we would listen to the Proverb writer we would gain a little wisdom and keep ourselves from trouble. Two of the Proverbs come to mind as I reflect upon the problem described.

Proverbs 18:13 - “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” Matthew Henry comments: “See here how men often expose themselves by that very thing by which they hope to gain applause.”
..... “1. Some take a pride in being quick. They answer a matter before they hear it, hear it out, nay, as soon as they but hear of it. They think it is their honour to take up a cause suddenly; and, when they have heard one side, they think the matter so plain that they need not trouble themselves to hear the other; they are already apprized of it, and masters of all the merits of the cause. Whereas, though a ready wit is an agreeable thing to play with, it is solid judgment and sound wisdom that do business.”
..... “2. Those that take a pride in being quick commonly fall under the just reproach of being impertinent. It is folly for a man to go about to speak to a thing which he does not understand, or to pass sentence upon a matter which he is not truly and fully informed of, and has not patience to make a strict enquiry into; and, if it be folly, it is and will be shame.”

Proverbs 18:17 - “The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.” This tells us that there may be another side to the story. There may be information that has been omitted. Again Matthew Henry comments: “This shows that one tale is good till another is told.”

.....“1. He that speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate that only which makes for him, and put the best colour he can upon it, so that his cause shall appear good, whether it really be so or no.”
..... “2. The plaintiff having done his evidence, it is fit that the defendant should be heard, should have leave to confront the witnesses and cross-examine them, and show the falsehood and fallacy of what has been alleged, which perhaps may make the matter appear quite otherwise than it did. We must therefore remember that we have two ears, to hear both sides before we give judgment.”
..... From these Proverbs we learn a valuable lesson. Before we swallow a story, retell it and pronounce condemnation upon another, we would do well to get the facts!

A Moment’s Wisdom

Pressing Toward the High Calling
By Paul R. Blake

.....“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). The apostle Paul remained faithful to Christ laboring diligently until his life came to a close. The word of God is silent in the matter of his passing, but to this author it seems appropriate that the scriptures leave us with Paul in bonds for preaching Christ, but taking advantage of his limited opportunities to continue to spread the gospel (Phil. 1:12-14, 4:22; Acts 28:30-31). He serves as the best Biblical illustration of perseverance in Christ

.....Perseverance is essential to growth toward maturity in Christ. One must allow patience to develop the kind of mature character that manifests the servant’s heart, not selfishness; that come to anticipate being with Christ, not fearfully grasping on to life in this world; that finds joy in the midst of burdens, rather than whining over every perceived difficulty and slight (Rom. 5:4; James 1:4; Luke 8:15). Perseverance is a vital ingredient in enduring trials (2Thes. 1:4; James 5:11). And, it is necessary to reach eternal life (Rom. 2:7; Heb. 10:36).

.....There are things that one can cultivate in life which will help him to strengthen his hands for labor and develop a resolute countenance against opposition.
.....The right elements: 1) a daily examination of the Word of God (Rom. 15:4; Acts 5:42; Heb. 3:13), 2) a strong hope in the resurrection (Rom. 8:25, 1Cor. 15:20), 3) constancy in prayer (Col. 1:11, 4:2), and even successfully handled tribulations ( Rom. 5:3; James 1:3).
.....The right perspective: 1) Looking to Jesus (Heb. 12:1-4). By considering the Lord who endured such hostility, one will be less likely to grumble and give up.
..... 2) Looking to the ancient prophets (James 5:10-11). Their examples of devout service in the face of death should motivate the faint of heart. In view of what they patiently endured, ones own excuses for lack of perseverance or failures to bear up under trials seem self-indulgent and foolish (Heb. 11:32-38).
..... 3) Looking to each other (Heb. 3:12-14, 10:22-25). Encouragement from fellow Christians is a powerful aid to persisting against temptation and despair. By continual exhortations and frequent assemblies, one is more likely to be faithful until death.
.....4) Looking at burdens as opportunities (James 1:2-3). Trials in life are designed by God for ones own betterment; they mold and make him what God would have him be. Instead of grieving under trial, rejoice and glory in tribulations ( Rom. 5:3-5).
..... 5) Looking to the future (2Cor. 4:16-18). Burdens are brief and light compared to the eternal weight of glory. For those who persevere until the end, glory awaits (Rev. 2:25-29, 3:1).

.....Remaining active in service to the Lord is difficult during lingering illnesses, deep abiding grief, and long term financial difficulties. Occasionally, Christians will make some disappointment, loss, or grief an excuse for shirking their duties to the Lord. But to truly demonstrate perseverance, they must continue to press on in doing good regardless of the circumstances of their lives. Perseverance is also needed when faced with earthly delights, pleasures, and seductions. Such distractions are just as dangerous as tribulation in rendering one unfruitful in Christ (Luke 8:14). “Just as the dark clouds of trial may render us inactive, so may the dazzling brightness of temptations blind us and render us useless” (Alexander MacLaren). Perseverance is an extended version of self-control. Self-control is a daily exercise. Therefore, perseverance is self-control exercised today, tomorrow, the next day, and the rest of one’s life. It is reasonable to believe that Paul persevered as a teacher of truth for the rest of his life. He did so one day at a time. The kingdom of the Lord needs such teachers of truth who will remain steadfast until the end moved by the servant’s heart to share the gospel with others.

.....Praise has different effects, according to the mind it meets with; it makes a wise man modest, but a fool more arrogant.

.....Many men know how to flatter, few men know how to praise.

.....What a person praises is perhaps a surer standard, even, than what he condemns, of his character, information, and abilities.

.....A refusal of praise is a desire to praised twice.

.....Those who are greedy of praise prove that they are poor in merit.

.....He who sincerely praises God will soon discover within his soul an inclination to praise goodness in his fellow man.

.....Praising God is the rehearsal of our eternal song.

.....Why should we go reeling and staggering under the burdens and cares of life when we have such prospects before us? If there is nothing but glory beyond, our faces ought to shine brightly all the time.

.....Rest satisfied with doing well and leave others to talk of you as they please.

.....Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.

.....To pity distress is human; to relieve it is Godlike.

.....The people to fear are not those who disagree with you but those who disagree with you and are too cowardly to let you know.

.....Jesus throws down the dividing prejudices of nationality, and teaches universal love, without distinction of race, merit or rank. A man's neighbor is every one that needs help.