August 1999
Personal Responsibility
Scott EversoleMan has always been inclined to ""pass the buck."" It seems that in society today this trend appears to be increasing to previously unprecedented levels. Individuals who commit heinous crimes often seek to mitigate the punishment they receive by claiming they had a ""troubled childhood."" People who would have been called alcoholics or even ""drunks"" thirty years ago are now said to have a ""disease."" The desired effect of all this is to create a ""more understanding"" and tolerant populace.
more...Influences
Kyle DykesWhen we become Christians we begin a new kind of growth. It involves many things, but one I want to examine at this time is our influence on others. We encounter many people and it is critical to be aware of the way we influence them. Some common points of interest may be our worship habits, time spent at school, and time spent at extra curricular activities.As youngsters we often spend time playing sports. These activities teach us how to work as a team and improve our discipline. However, these activities have also proven to be the place of bad tempers and selfish attitudes. The umpire might make a bad call or the referee may miss an obvious penalty but this should hardly be severe enough to cause a Christian to fall. I have played many sports and I know that self-control in these situations is tough. In fact, it is so tough that very few people are able to do it. So Christians, here is a perfect opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impression on those around you. Strike out and keep your head up, get fouled and understand that those things happen, do something great and do not boast as if you are all powerful. And most importantly, continually pray that you are a positive influence on your peers.
more...Desirable Disciples
Jerry DrewIf you would have known me as a child you might have thought that I loved discipline. It seemed as if spankings were part of the daily rituals for the Drew clan. This was largely due to my older brother who would first persuade me to break a rule and then tattle on me for doing it. Not all of my mischief was the result of my brother's influence, though. I managed to dig my own holes from time to time. Obviously, with the actions came the consequences. I couldn't begin to count the number of spankings and groundings I suffered through my early years. After a while my parents could just show me the paddle or give me a look and I would straighten up. I can now look fondly upon those horrifying experiences and see the blessing of discipline. Contrary to my belief as a youth, Solomon was correct in saying, ""Do not hold back discipline from the child. Although you strike him with the rod he will not die"" (Proverbs 23:13). The Bible views discipline as something desirable. Not in the sense that you enjoy it or look forward to it, but rather that you crave its ultimate reward. I am thankful for discipline in many areas of my life.
more...Remember Now Your Creator
Thad Clevenger""Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ""I have no pleasure in them""""(Eccl. 12:1)
more...Spritual Insurance
Josh NaylorTry to complete these catchy phrases: ""You're in good hands with..."" or ""Get Met, it...."" That is right - these are all insurance slogans. Why do people have insurance? Why would people dish out so much money for something that has such little obvious importance? Maybe they want to make sure that if something happens to themselves or their belongings that everything will be taken care of or made alright. Sure, you don't seem to need to have insurance all the time, but what if you get in a car wreck or your house catches on fire or if you suddenly become ill? These are all things that could certainly happen at any given second, without any warning.
more...What Would Judas Do?
Erik BuckmanThe scene is set in an upper room with Jesus and his disciples reclining at a table eating supper. Most likely conversations and discussions were ceased when Jesus arose from the table and ""laid aside his garments; and taking a towel, He girded himself about."" Jesus then went around the table washing the feet of every disciple there. This was an act that not even the lowliest servant had to perform so it left the disciple astounded and confused. Yet Jesus reassured them and washed their feet. This action, which is recorded in John 13, is truly one of the most amazing accounts in the gospels for several reasons. However, our focus now is on one man in particular who was at that table, a man named Judas Iscariot.
more...Moral Standards of Young Christians
Mark Roberts""Will you go dancing?"" ""Ever smoked a joint?"" ""Can I borrow your homework?"" How will a young Christian answer these questions? News broadcasts and pollsters tell us that America has lost its moral compass. We hear reports of entire college classes conspiring to cheat on an exam, and see statistics cited that many young people do not believe lying is always wrong. Such news only confirms our worst suspicions: most young people do not have any idea how to make moral and ethical choices. How can young Christians find direction and certainty in their decision making?
more...The Preacher's Pen
Mark Roberts""I have absolute proof that the Watchtower Society can be proven wrong by its own documents and the scriptures. Do you want to see it?"" I asked. The answer amazed me. I still haven't quite recovered. ""No"" both ladies said emphatically and they turned away and left hurriedly. I did not expect them to believe that my proof would demolish the Watchtower organization they love so dearly but I at least hoped they would look at it. Instead they demonstrated deeply closed-minds.
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