Forthright Magazine :: Going straight to the Cross

Titanic and How We Leave the Lord

ronreynolds — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:18:33 GMT

Just wanted to thank Richard Mansel for all his articles. I used this one in my sermon today at church.
I'm not a regular preacher, but we are taking turns until we get a new one.
Thanks again.
A Christian Friend,
Ron Reynolds

good

sado44 — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 19:31:40 GMT

good up u www.yahoo.com

Persuaded Without Knowledge

helenh205 — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 12:51:20 GMT

Yesterday my cousin died,she and I were taught the gospel,neither of us obeyed at that time,she and I wer both baptist,we found comfort in the once saved always saved and we both didn't undestand Paul being so chavinistic,that was back in the mid 80's,Years latter I was taught the Gospel again and I obeyed but she never did.One of the scrptures that influenced my decesion was Ephesians 5:19,For years music was my spirit uplifter more so than preaching,and denominations know this,a good chior insures big numbers,Ephesians 5:19 taught me that God was the one to be pleased and I needed to give him what he desired not my own,unfortunately my cousin died yesterday believing that music should be altered to please the masses and draw them to God,she accused me often of following my sister who taught me the gospel,I told her I was following scripture.people say it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe something,but my cousins beliefs got so weird during her 15 year illness,it desturbed the whole family,she wouldn't have a much needed surgery and turned to faith healing,she declared to the family that she was healed and God didn't want her to die like that.Than she went back to teaching school,I believe she was probally into that name it and claim it doctrine,but if she had of agreed to that sugery she would probally be alive today,and folk say it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.I loved my cousin she was a beautiful person but she was one of the people who delayed my decsion of obeying the gospel.I'm so sad that she couldn't be convinced that she was sencerely wrong.

How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 04:07:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 5:24--47

How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless

Yes, it is popular to say that we are not supposed to judge, but the truth is we all make judgments about many things daily. Otherwise, we would never succeed in life. The real question is what is our guide for judging. Why can we not simply follow the example of our Master and Lord? He said,

30 "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me" (Joh. 5:30).

How can you go wrong in life, if you follow the example of Jesus? Have you been following His example? Every time you make a decision about anyone or anything in the next 24 hours, look to see what was the basis of your decision.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 04:04:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read First Chronicles 1--3

Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?

Think on the manner, in which the Book of First Chronicles begins,

1 Adam, Seth, Enosh (1 Chr. 1:1).

In this way begins the longest genealogy in the Bible. The names continue to the end of the ninth chapter! Were these just names? Adam; who is he? You know there is more in the Bible than the mere mention of his name in this verse. Even then, what is said in the Bible is very little compared to his over 900-year life! How much does a man experience in that amount of time?

Pick a name, any name from among the rest listed in the first nine chapters and it will probably seem just like a name to you. While that name is in the Bible for a purpose, yet to God that name is more than just a name. God knows everything about that man. The next time you watch the news on television and you see a large crowd, quickly pick a face. Who is he? What is his name? What has gone on and will go on in his life? Hey, it might be you that I pick out. You know the rich history of your life, but I may not know a thing about you.

There is no need for despair, because God knows everything about you, even the number of cells in your body.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 04:02:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 5:1--23

Jesus healed a man. Praise God! However, Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. Uh oh. Some people were ready to kill Jesus for this perceived violation of the Sabbath Law.

16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath (Joh. 5:16).

Jesus did a good thing. Yet, people criticized Him severely for it. And they were not people of the world, but members of the church, so to speak. If they did that to Him, they will do it to us. Do not be surprised, therefore, when you engage in good works and someone in the church finds fault with it. It happened to Jesus. It will happen to you. Did Jesus throw up His hands and quit? No, He continued until the criticisms got so severe that they killed Him, but look at the good that He accomplished. What shall happen to you? Do not quit. Keep going. The effects of your good works are beyond human calculation.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

They Were His Servants

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 03:59:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 24 and 25

They Were His Servants

As the writer of Second Kings explains whom the Lord sent against Judah, the writer said that this was

2 ...according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets (2 Kin. 24:2).

Those great men we have honored for centuries were nothing more than servants of the Lord God. What does that make us? Do you do something that you think makes you important? Just remember that you are merely a servant of the great God of heaven.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 03:57:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 4:30--54

The disciples went into a town to buy food while Jesus remained out of the town. There He engaged a woman in conversation. When the disciples returned, here is what happened,

31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know" (Joh. 4:31, 32).

As you read the Gospel According to John, watch to see how He so easily turns a matter of the body into a matter of the spirit. Jesus was always doing this. The Gospel According to John shows the Lord doing this more so than the other gospel accounts. Keeping watching how often He does this. Then learn to think as He did.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Having a Tender Heart

diane amberg — Wed, 18 May 2005 03:55:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 22 and 23

Having a Tender Heart

When Josiah heard the word of God for the first time, he tore his clothes, knowing of the wrath that was upon Jerusalem for the idolatry of his forefathers. Therefore, he sent messengers to a prophetess to inquire of the Lord. He did have a message for Josiah. God said through the prophetess,

19 "...because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD (2 Kin. 22:19).

Josiah touched the heart of God, because God touched the heart of Josiah. How was God able to touch the heart of the king? The king had a tender heart. When you listen to preaching today, watch and see if your heart is tender toward the word of God.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Do You Treat People As Jesus Treated People?

diane amberg — Sun, 15 May 2005 04:35:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 4:1--30

Do You Treat People As Jesus Treated People?

Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans (Joh. 4:9).

Is there a class of people with whom you have no dealings? If so, why do you avoid them? Are you acting like Jesus?

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

What Shall We Conclude About the Word of God?

diane amberg — Sun, 15 May 2005 04:32:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 19--21

What Shall We Conclude About the Word of God?

Isaiah the prophet spoke a word from God to King Hezekiah. The king concluded,

19 "The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!" (2 Kin. 20:19).

That sounds like an easy thing to do, but when we have already done something that is contrary to God's word, and someone shows us what it says, that is a different matter. Sometimes people get angry with the messenger, but if that is the case, the anger is truly directed at the Lord. Watch yourself. See how you respond when someone tells you the word of God.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

The Theme of a Follower of Christ

diane amberg — Sun, 15 May 2005 04:30:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 3:22--36

The Theme of a Follower of Christ

Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest man ever. To give you an idea why Jesus said that about John, be sure to read the passage for this evening's reading. Think carefully on what John said in response to those who appear to be jealous for his sake because Jesus was now baptizing more disciples than John. His response is in verses 27--36. Consider the heart of his response, which is verse 30,

30 He must increase, but I must decrease (Joh. 3:30).

There it is. What more can we say than what John said? As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is exactly what we want to see. When people meet us, we want them to see eventually that Someone greater than ourselves lives in us. Do people see that in you?

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Does It Work to Incorporate Other Religions into God's Religion?

diane amberg — Sun, 15 May 2005 02:26:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 17 and 18

Does It Work to Incorporate Other Religions into God's Religion?

The answer is, no. As the historian wrote of the sad demise of the northern kingdom of Israel, he spoke of the people whom the Assyrians brought in to replace the Israelites, most of whom were now in captivity. Speaking of the foreigners, he wrote,

33 They feared the LORD, yet served their own gods--according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away (2 Kin. 17:33).

However, as you continue to read the text, you will discover that the "gods" win. Is that because Yahweh God is weak and cannot compete with idols? No, that is not the case at all. Here is what the deal is. The God of the Bible operates solo. He does not tolerate divided loyalty from His people. The gods, actually Satan, will do it anyway that people want it done. They are willing to compromise. Yahweh God is not willing to compromise. Therefore, the gods win when people try to have the one true God and idols.

This is true of anything that we bring into the affection of our hearts. God is either number one or He is not in our hearts at all. Who reigns in your heart?

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Are You Afraid of the Light?

diane amberg — Fri, 13 May 2005 04:36:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 3:1--21

Are You Afraid of the Light?

Does it bother you when someone turns on the light after you have been sitting in the dark? Likewise, does it anger you when someone sheds the light of Christ on your life? Jesus said,

20 "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (Joh. 3:20).

How do you react to the truth of the Scriptures? If your reaction is revulsion, does that mean you are living in the darkness?

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

It Is Hard to Remove Sin From a Nation

diane amberg — Fri, 13 May 2005 04:33:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 15 and 16

It Is Hard to Remove Sin From a Nation

Once a leader introduces or allows sin to reign freely in a nation, it is hard to remove it. As we continue to read in Second Kings, you will observe that the northern kingdom had this problem especially. Of practically every king, you will read something like this,

18 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin (2 Kin. 15:18).

Jeroboam introduced Egyptian golden calf worship into Israel, and it remained until God sent the Assyrians against Israel to carry the nation into captivity. What happens nationally also happens individually. Let sin get in and it will dominant your life. See sin as a voracious predator sitting outside your door. His eyes are glued on your door. He is hunkered down just waiting for you to crack open the door, and if you let him, he will spring in there quickly. Then how do we get him out? It can be done, but how much easier it is to keep the door closed and him out, then to open the door and let him in.

Today think on not only the passage above, but think on this one from Paul,

14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Rom. 13:14).

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Jesus Really Turned Water into Wine

diane amberg — Fri, 13 May 2005 04:30:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 2

Jesus Really Turned Water into Wine

As you read John 2, watch carefully what happened when Jesus turned water into wine. Truly, a miracle happened.

Jesus, His mother, and His disciples attended a wedding. When the wine ran out, Mary approached Jesus with the problem. It becomes obvious that the miracle was not pre-planned. She told the servants that whatever Jesus said that they should do it. He tells them to fill waterpots, used for purification, with water. Since these were used for purification, they contained no wine. The waterpots were large, holding 20 or 30 gallons, and there were six of them, making it difficult to add enough dye or something else to give the impression of a miracle. Jesus ordered the servants to do this, not the disciples, showing that no conspiracy was involved. The servants filled the pots to the brim, thus preventing anything else from being added. This whole thing was observable, because He had them pour the water instead of just changing the source. The servants took the wine to the ruler, and in this way, the disciples could not intervene. Therefore, the servants were oblivious to what was going on, showing that they did not "help" the miracle.

Jesus came with no predetermined plan, no equipment, no stage show, or assistants. He never touched the pots before or after. The ruler of the feast confessed that this wine was the best, but he did not know its source. Tablets or other instrumentality added to the water would not make good wine. The large quantity hindered sneaking the wine in earlier. He did the miracle when requested, and He operated by voice only.

He is the Creator. Therefore, it is not surprising to us that He bypassed the normal and natural process of grape vines soaking up water through the roots, processing it, and making grapes. He bypassed the winemaking process of man. He is the Son of God.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Praise God! He Sent a Lamb!

diane amberg — Wed, 11 May 2005 16:29:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 1:29--51

Praise God! He Sent a Lamb!

Treasure the words of John 1:29.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Joh. 1:29).

We look at our sin and are disgusted. What shall we do? Is there any hope for us? Yes, praise God, there is hope, because He sent His own special Lamb to the earth to take away our sin. Meditate on that sacrifice today. Picture a lamb being sacrificed by a Levitical priest. It is not a pretty sight. Now, picture a man, the man Jesus, being sacrificed. Why is He being sacrificed? It is for my sin. Thank you God for this awesome sacrifice that I might be free from my sin. I am free! I am free!

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Why Eliminate One Sin, But Not Another?

diane amberg — Wed, 11 May 2005 16:27:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 10--12

Why Eliminate One Sin, But Not Another?

Jehu wiped out Baal worship in Israel. Yet, here is what the Bible says about his efforts at eliminating idolatry.

28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal from Israel. 29 However Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan (2 Kin. 10:28, 29).

Therefore, the Lord commended Jehu for ridding Israel of Baal worship in verse 30. Then we read that first word in verse 29, "However," and we shake our heads. Why did Jehu eliminate one sin, but not the other? Why did his motivation for removing Baal worship not also move him to remove golden calf worship? Why did he think that he had to remove one sin, but not the other? It does not make sense!

Why do I avoid one sin in my life, but not another? Think about that today, then with all your might remove all sin from your life.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

diane amberg — Tue, 10 May 2005 04:24:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read John 1:1--28

Jesus Declared the Father

John wrote,

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him (Joh. 1:18).

Have you ever heard of the word "exegesis"? In brief, it is a detailed description. Exegesis is actually an English form of a Greek word. That Greek word is found in John 1:18, where we have "declared." Jesus exegeted the Father, that is, Jesus gave a detailed description of the Father. Keep this in mind as we read the Gospel According to John. Jesus mentions the Father constantly in this Gospel Account. Now, look at the verse above to see why or how Jesus was able to exegete the Father. Jesus is in the bosom of the Father. Jesus is as close to the Father as you can get. This fact Jesus will also refer to constantly. Keep your eyes open from now until June 13 as we meditate in the Gospel According to John.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

What Shall You Do, If You Find Something Good?

diane amberg — Tue, 10 May 2005 04:21:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 7--9

What Shall You Do, If You Find Something Good?

Four leprous men discovered all the spoils of the Syrians who had been attacking Israel. The four men started collecting the stuff for themselves, while their brethren were in Samaria starving.

9 Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household" (2 Kin. 7:9).

They found something good and did not think that it was right to be quiet about it. Therefore, they went into the city and told the gatekeepers of the city.

If you find something good, tell someone about it. That is why I started these e-mail devotionals years ago. I was reading my Bible daily and always found things that I wanted to share with others. Hence, I began this mailing list. It is just that simple. I do not mean that you need to start an e-mail devotional list, but just tell someone what you have discovered. People will be delighted to know what you have discovered.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Do You Have a Hard Time Understanding the Scriptures?

diane amberg — Mon, 09 May 2005 04:46:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read Luke 24:36--53

Do You Have a Hard Time Understanding the Scriptures?

If you do, do not get too frustrated, because even the apostles, the ones who gave us parts of the New Testament, took a long time to understand the Old Testament Scriptures, especially the prophecies about Christ. After meditating on the Scriptures all their lives, and after spending three and a half years with the Master Teacher Himself, they still needed helped.

45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luk. 24:45).

Therefore, keep reading, meditating, asking questions, praying, and doing whatever you have to do to understand the word of God. Do not get discouraged; many others have been in your place, even the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Gehazi Might Have Been Famous

diane amberg — Mon, 09 May 2005 04:43:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 4--6

Gehazi Might Have Been Famous

There are many people in the Bible, who if they had not fallen, would have been well known for their righteousness or quoted by modern preachers in their sermons. Sadly, it is not the case. Judas is one. If he had not betrayed the Lord, there may have been a Book in the New Testament bearing his name (as in the case of Peter) or there may have been a letter written by Judas to a church from which we would quote, as we do with Paul's writings to the Corinthians.

Gehazi was a man who could have been a famous prophet, and we might have quoted him as he denounced a wicked king or as he made a prediction about God's Christ. Unfortunately, that did not happen. This man served the great prophet Elisha, who was grooming Gehazi perhaps to be a prophet to replace him as Elisha replaced Elijah.

After Elisha turned down a large reward for having healed Naaman, here is what Gehazi did,

20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him" (2 Kin. 5:20).

This was the beginning of Gehazi's ruin. Naaman's leprosy went to Gehazi and he no longer served Elisha. It is so sad. This happens all the time, that is, a child of God gets caught up in some sin and falls. Some never repent.

Are you doing everything that you can to keep from becoming entangled in sin?

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Do You Not Know What Has Happened?

diane amberg — Mon, 09 May 2005 04:40:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read Luke 24:1--35

Do You Not Know What Has Happened?

The eyes of two men are restrained so that they cannot recognize Jesus. He asked them what kind of conversation were they having.

18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" (Luk. 24:18).

Imagine someone walking down the sidewalk on September 13, 2001 in New York City. He hears two men talking sadly of the terrorist attacks. Then he asks them what kind of conversation are they having. How do you think they would respond? My guess is that they would say words very close to what Cleopas and his friend said. "Are you the only stranger in New York City, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?"

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the ultimate terrorist attack. How it affected the people of Jerusalem, and the rest of the world since that time, is even greater than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Two thousand years from now, will people be affected by the events in America? Probably very little, but they will continue to be affected by what happened two thousand years ago, just as much as we are today. Think today on the ways that Jesus has changed your life.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

The Influence of One Man

diane amberg — Mon, 09 May 2005 02:37:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This morning read Second Kings 1--3

The Influence of One Man

Are you a follower of the Christ? He says to you that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that is, you have influence that you probably do not know you have.

When the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom decided to attack Moab, the prophet Elisha said to the king of Israel,

14 "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you" (2 Kin. 3:14).

The wicked king of Israel was about to enjoy victory by the hand of the Lord because of the king of Judah. If the king of Judah were not present, the army of Israel and her king would meet defeat. The presence of one man changed the course of a battle.

Have things turned out differently in your family, school, work, church, or nation simply because of your presence? Who knows? The Lord knows. There is no doubt that your presence has had a positive influence in at least some cases. Therefore, continue on the path of righteousness. Then trust the Lord that He sees you and does things in such a way that even others around you are blessed.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100

Try Forgiving As Jesus Forgave

diane amberg — Mon, 09 May 2005 04:35:00 GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year
This evening read Luke 23:26--56

Try Forgiving As Jesus Forgave

What do you think of Jesus when He prayed the following on the cross?

34 "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luk. 23:34).

That was truly amazing. Now, think of this. He is our Master and Teacher. That means that we are learning from Him, and learning involves imitating. If you want to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, pray as He prayed. Before I wrote this devotional, I thought of a man who is not a Christian, but who recently said some evil things about a member of the congregation where I preach. I prayed the prayer of Jesus for this man. Now, I ask you to do the same for someone in your life who has sinned against you or a fellow-Christian.

Don Ruhl
Church of Christ
220 NE Savage Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310
541-476-3100