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Creative Killing
randal, Monday, 28. June 2004, 19:44
by J. Randal Matheny
A 34-year-old man in Henderson, Texas, prepared a candle-lit bubble bath for his wife. But he didn't have romance in mind. As she relaxed in the water, he knocked a radio into the tub. She caught it and threw it out before it hit the water. Suspicious over his reaction to her quick reflexes, she went to the computer and discovered her husband had accessed web sites on bathtub electrocution two days earlier. The man was charged with second-degree attempted murder. We should be so creative in putting to death the sins of the flesh. Not by hook or crook, deceit or cheat, but by honest confrontation with the forces of evil at work in and around us. What can we do to mortify the flesh? First, and perhaps hardest of all, admit it. A smoker once told me, "I can quit anytime I want to." He was fooling only himself. So confess It. Whatever It may be. Be transparent with God and with spiritual significant others. Getting it out in the open is halfway there to overcoming it. Second, develop the fruit of the Spirit. Focus on growth, maturity, positive character, instead of the bad that pops up its head. A major step for me one day was when I prayed, "Lord, I know my self is not defined by this evil." Third, dive into the Word. The Bible is life and strength. Jesus cited Scripture to ward off Satan's attacks. None better than his example. Fourth, persevere. J. Andrews said, "Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th." Perseverance is not an excuse to continue in sin, but a reason not to give up on weakness. Fifth, surround yourself with saints. No greater encouragement to holy living than wonderful examples of faithful people. So you be creative in implementing these simple steps. Instead of causing someone's death, we'll find life for ourselves. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:13, ESV).
mskelton, 2004.06.29, 04:28
Being Transparent
Randal,
Ouch! My toes are hurting! Great article. I believe that in my own life, being transparent with God is the most difficult. I don't know why this is, He already knows the truth anyway. Thanks for reminding me to make a concerted effort. Mitchell Skelton ... Link
randal, 2004.06.29, 10:07
Scary
Thanks, Mitchell. I guess hiding is a technique we learn early on. My coworker Otavio was teaching a couples encounter Saturday using Faulkner and Brecheen's book, chapter on communication, and he worked on the concept of transparency between mates. No transparency, no intimacy. I think the same principle works in our relationship with God, as well as in the church. That's why some congregations are a bunch of strangers coming together a couple three times a week. We need to work on providing opportunity where people can be real, confess, be open. (Am I getting touchy-feely here? :)) The tenderest moment for many is when, on rare occasions, somebody comes forward at the invitation to confess a Sin (more than just "I'm not as strong as I should be."). We need more of that, and not for just Those Sins that leave the congregation wide-eyed. Sermon over. :)
... link
mikebenson, 2004.06.29, 15:14
Murder
Creative way of addressing the need for murdering "the old man." Mind if I preach this some time?
VISA received. See you soon? m ... link
randal, 2004.06.29, 16:41
She Wrote
More than welcome to preach it. And thanks.
Great. Yep. Got your itinerary all printed out, been carrying it in my agenda now for weeks. Will be at the airport when you walk out from having been x-rayed, questioned, detained, and duly examined. :) ... link ... Comment |
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Update on FMag
Forthright Magazine continues, more dynamic than ever! We have groups created for FMag on Facebook and the Churches of Christ Network. Announcement blog is up and going on Preachers Files. Email lists about FMag and FPress are available both on Yahoo and GoogleGroups. And, to top it all off, we're twittering for both on Twitter.com. by randal @ 2009.01.20, 11:55 Titanic and How We Leave the Lord
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 by ronreynolds @ 2008.04.27, 21:18 Persuaded Without Knowledge
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 ... more ... by helenh205 @ 2005.10.13, 12:51 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless
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 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:08 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?
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 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:05 ...
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 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:03 They Were His Servants
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 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:01 ...
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 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 03:59
last updated: 2009.01.20, 11:55
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