Contents of this Issue - -

Front Page - Remembering Glenn Rogers - Warren E. Berkley

Questions & Answers, Eph. 2:1-10 - Warren E. Berkley

Jesus Sought Zacchaeus, Luke 19:1-10 - John Hagenbauch

"At All Times They Ought To Pray," Luke 18:1 - Jon W. Quinn

Daily Exhorting - Need & Benefit, Heb. 3:13 - William Sexton

Topic Page:  Barzillai - by David Smitherman

Plan of Salvation

Final Page - Jesus: The Reason For Every Season, Jon W. Quinn

Front Page

Remembering Glenn Rogers

by Warren E. Berkley

Christians all along the border between Texas and Mexico grieve the passing Glenn Rogers (Dec. 18, 2003). With his faithful companion, Loyce, hard work was done in taking the gospel to Hispanics on both sides of the Rio Grande Valley. Wayne Partain, Joaquin Blengio and Warren Berkley spoke in two services in memory of Glenn’s work. Here are excerpts from my part of the service.

Bro. Wayne Partain and Bro. Joaquin Blengio have known Glenn Rogers and worked with him for many years. Therefore, they can speak with direct knowledge and experience about Glenn and the work of preaching he was devoted to. I want to speak to you about some things I believe must be said – about Glenn and the other men who preached up and down this Valley, on both sides of the border and into the interior of Mexico; who did such great work & made such sacrifice, there are congregations, families and individuals forever thankful that these men brought to them the gospel of Christ.

There are five things I want you to know about Glenn Rogers and other men who did this kind of work in the 50’s and 60’s. There are some things I know Glenn would want us to say on this occasion. We will get to those themes. But first, these things must be said.

1. There was no money to be made in this work. These men were not doing the work for high salary. Many today may not realize how this worked. Men like Glenn would preach here in the Valley, over the border and into the interior – responding to invitations and opportunities – often, not knowing if they would even have their expenses covered; and sometimes, knowing there expenses would not be covered. Men who did this work, typically, would receive support from several churches. Generally, small amounts from various places to supply a meager monthly income. Men like Glenn would report back to these supporting congregations, accounting for what they received. Sometimes, these preachers would open the mail, find their monthly support check, and in the same envelope, a letter from an elder or treasurer – saying something like – “we appreciate your good work and will continue to pray for you, but because of our budget and local expenses, this will be your last check.” So as these good men preached the gospel in remote regions and to poor people – they would not know what their monthly income would be. There was no money to be made in this work. Only the knowledge and joy of duty; pleasing God; saving souls and enriching the lives of new Christians by teaching the Word. These men, like Glenn, often used part of their meager support to print tracts, to provide poor people with Bibles and clothes to wear. There was no money to be made in this work. These men exhibited the self-denial and attitude of Paul, who said: “What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge…,” (1 Cor. 9:18).

2. There was not the acclaim of men, typical in secular professions where men excel in some chosen career. Faithful brethren deeply appreciated the work of Glenn and Loyce, but there was not great acclaim from the world or tribute to be enjoyed. There was no motive of popularity. Glenn and Loyce did the work, not expecting the praise of the world. I believe they understand and sought only, God’s glory.

3. I want people today to know – when times of controversy came – not only were preachers like Glenn not supported well and not praised – they were opposed. The time came, in the 50’s and 60’s, for men like Glenn Rogers to tell people things they didn’t want to hear – from the Bible, regarding the work of the church. It would have been easy for these men to remain silent; or to move around on either side of the issues for personal advantage. Wayne Partain, Bill Reeves, Glenn Rogers and others with them could not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Conscience and commitment to truth governed them to study the matters under debate and then speak according to the oracles of God, regardless of consequence. As described in Eph. 4:15, they spoke the truth in love. And as the charge was given to Timothy, they charged men not to teach a different doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3). May our prayer be for God to raise up such men in our time.

4. I want us to know, the work was physically and mentally demanding. These men, who spread the gospel in this area [Rio Grande Valley, Texas] and took the truth to the poor – did not sit in offices all day; didn’t play much golf or fish often. The circumstances were hard; the sacrifices great; the trips were exhausting, often down dangerous roads and to places many preachers today simply would never go.

5. Fifth, Glenn was the best friend a preacher could ever have! He helped many Spanish-speaking preachers, many of them still preaching the gospel today. He would help them write their letters to American churches; carry their checks to them; buy supplies for them; pray with them and help them learn to preach. There are men in this audience [reading this article] who thank God for the work Glenn did to help them, teach them and encourage them in what is right. Like Paul to Timothy, Glenn nurtured young men in the faith and was a model of character and integrity for them.

But let me add  -  As you consider Glenn’s great work and influence, you know there was a faithful partner who helped him, loved him, shared the sacrifice and became his wonderful care-giver. His godly wife, Loyce. The kind of work I have described required strong wives, with the same kind of commitment as the preacher! Loyce continues to have that commitment to the Lord. And she is worthy of our praise. “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates,” (Prov. 31:31). And in verse 28 of that chapter: “Her children rise up and call her blessed…,” and Glenn often spoke of her in appreciation of virtue and sacrifice.

She has become, for us at Laurel Heights [church of Christ, McAllen, Tx.], the living example of what it means to love and care for your spouse. She gives new meaning to the expression, primary caregiver. Most of us do not know the intensity of work, the patience, the daily courage required – to provide care for one who suffers with the disease that Glenn had. We believe, such care can be provided only by prayer; by the activity of faith; by the devotion of genuine love, and the willingness to sacrifice so prominent in the teachings of the Bible.

Now – Why would a man do this? Why would you give your life to a work, that yielded no financial reward; that served no purpose in generating the praise of men; that involved hardship, risk and would expose you to the criticism of men. WHY? Why learn another language? Why wait in lines to cross the border and drive the dirt roads of the interior? Why do all this, especially when you have the mental ability and academic record to achieve worldly success and have the acclaim of men. WHY?

To proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ; to deliver the only message that can save people from their sin; to announce the Good News to the poor; to teach and preach the Word of God.

And that brings me to the matter Glenn would want us to concentrate on, The Word of God. He would want us to be admonished to read, to believe, to study and to obey the Word of God. He would want us to be reminded of what is written. Glenn would appeal to people as Samuel to Saul in 1 Sam. 9:27 – “…you stand here a while, that I may announce to you the Word of God.”  Glenn Rogers would affirm in his preaching – that every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him (Prov. 30:5). Glenn delivered many sermons, designed to convey the same message spoken by our Lord when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God,” (Luke 4:4). And he would say to people what Jesus said in Luke 11:28 – “…blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Questions & Answers, Ephesians 2:1-10

Warren E. Berkley

Rudyard Kipling once wrote: “I have six faithful serving men, who taught me all I know. Their names are: What, Where, When, How, Why and Who?” He wasn’t talking specifically or only about Bible study, but he was talking about the discovery of information.

That’s why we read the Bible. To discover the information God intends for us to have, supplied through the inspired writers. And one thing we can do is to probe a passage with questions. This is sometimes called Interrogating the text.

Mortimer J. Adler said: “If you have the habit of asking a book questions as you read, you are a better reader than if you do not.”

Working with that tool, consider what can be discovered in Ephesians 2:1-10.

  “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:1-10).

Who died? The Ephesians; verse 1: “and you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” By their choice to sin they died. This is the spiritual death caused by “trespasses and sins,” and it means separation from God; no fellowship with Deity.

What killed them? Trespasses and sins. Look into verse 1 for your answer: “…dead in trespasses and sins…” Sin kills.

Who raised them? God – “He made them alive.” Once you participate in “trespasses and sins,” and by that behavior kill yourself, there is only One who can raise you, God.

How had they conducted themselves before God raised them? Verse 2:  “…according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” This gives emphasis to the cause of their spiritual death. When one follows the course of this world and lives under the “spirit” who now works in the sons of disobedience – there is death, and thus the need to be raised by God.

Was this indictment limited to the Ephesians? No; verse 3 says: “we all once conducted ourselves in the lust of our flesh.” Sin is not local. It is universal. Everyone (“we all”) once conducted ourselves “in the lust of our flesh.” All have sinned and do fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).

What was God’s attitude toward those living in sin? Verse 4: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” This is God’s love for sinners, as expressed by the more familiar passage, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

What was God willing to do, toward those dead in sin? Verse 5: “even when we were dead in trespasses,” God “made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” This describes the divine side of conversion. This is what happens when penitent sinners obey Christ in baptism (see Acts 19:5). To further explain this, move to the next inquiry.

When penitent believers obey the gospel, what does God do? Verse 6: He “raises us up together,” to “sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This is the resurrection and exaltation of the penitent, obedient believers into fellowship with Deity.

What does this show through the ages and for all time? Verse 7: “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” This great truth continues to be displayed today, as people preach and live by the gospel.

How are we saved? Verse 8a: “…by grace you have been saved through faith…” God’s grace provides the gift. Man’s obedient faith responds to receive the gift. (To study examples of man responding, read the book of Acts.)

Who provides this? Verse8a,9 – “…and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The gift does not originate in man, but in God. Man only receives what God gives. Thus, it is “not of yourselves.”

As saved people, who are we? Verse 10: “…we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” We did not create ourselves. We are His workmanship.

What are we to do? Verse 10b: “…good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” First, read the text. Then frame questions, using the text itself to find the answers. In this case, the student is led to engagement in the good works God has prepared for us to walk in.

Jesus Sought Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

John Hagenbuch

 “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when    Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.   But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.’  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I giver half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation,  I restore fourfold.’”  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost’” (Luke 19:1-10).

   Jesus was the hero of this crowd from Galilee as they were on their way to the Passover.  But here He had shocked the disciple’s sensibilities and those of the people of Jericho by inviting Himself to be the guest of Zacchaeus: a chief publican who didn’t have the best reputation.  This Zacchaeus desired to see Jesus, and although that’s commendable, the idea of it is surpassed by the fact that Jesus wanted to see him!

   Not only did Jesus want to see Zacchaeus, he would stay with him as well; for He said, “I must stay at your house today” (v. 5).  Why was Jesus looking for Zacchaeus?  because “the Son of Man had come to seek and to save that which was lost” (v.10).  The crowd all murmured just moments before; they complained that Jesus was going to be a guest with a man who is a sinner!  But who else needs salvation other than a sinner?

    “Just who is a good prospect for the gospel of Christ?” I have to admit, I find myself culling some prospects out, thinking, “They won't respond.” Perhaps there is a tendency for all of us to exclude those who don't have the same lifestyle as us, or the same moral standards, but who did Jesus consider to be a good prospect?  Perhaps in Zacchaeus, we see that He appealed to those whom we wouldn’t consider as “religious minded people.”

   Jesus taught this lesson before, as is recorded in Luke 14:12-14: At that time He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”  This passage shows that we should reach beyond those we might usually think of as "good prospects."

  Zacchaeus was a tax collector who was hated by his own people for reportedly being a thief and for being allied with the Romans.  Yet, Jesus saw potential in this man. "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must stay at your house" (Luke 19:5).  Don’t you think that Jesus’ concern paid off?  Zacchaeus repented and followed Jesus!

   What do we see when we meet people? Do we look first to see whether they are "like us" before we try to teach them the gospel or invite them to the services of the church?  Or do we see a soul that needs salvation?  Do we simply see them as they are, with sin and immorality, or do we see what they can become?   Do we really have faith in the power of the gospel? It is God’s power unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

   What do you see when you meet someone who is not a Christian?  Maybe this is the greater lesson of what is recorded in Luke 19.    The interesting thing is that the scriptures don’t reveal much about Zacchaeus’ intentions on that day.  It simply says that, “he sought to see who Jesus was” (v.3), not necessarily to listen to His teaching, or obtain anything from Him, but merely to see who he was.  "What sort of person was this Jesus, about whom there was so much speculation, and after whom such crowds were following?"    Curiosity may have been Zacchaeus’ only motive.

    Maybe there is one that is just curious to find out more about Jesus, will you hinder their chances to do so?  Let us always be people who are diligently seeking God, and let us never be guilty of standing in the way of others who wish to do the same, but instead; let’s help them to come to know Jesus:  “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:22).

 "At All Times They Ought to Pray” 

(Luke 18:1)

By Jon W. Quinn 

     There are five examples of men and women praying in the eighteenth chapter of Luke. There is the widow (vs. 3); a Pharisee (vs. 10); a publican (vs. 10); a ruler (18) and a blind beggar (38). All of these are seen making petitions of Deity, with the exception of the first, who is a character in a parable which Jesus uses to teach some lessons about praying to God. The chapter begins with these words: "Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1).

     There is simply no excuse not to pray. It is foolish to belittle prayer's rightful place in our lives. The Supreme Court of the United States may still swear in the president by calling upon him to place his right hand on a Bible, but they have also interpreted the Constitution to say that it requires that public schools not sanction religion by allowing a special time for prayer as the school day begins, or at graduation ceremonies, or at special times of tragedy. (No, don't ask me how they can consistently still use the Bible at the swearing in ceremonies or allow a clergyman to pray at the opening of congress. If someone knows why school prayer is a breach of the constitution but congressional prayer is not, please clue me in). But actually, it is not illegal to pray in school. Supposedly, its legality hinges upon who sponsors the prayer.

    Anyway, it is much more important to see what Jesus said about prayer than what the Supreme Court has said about it. Every judge that has ever presided over any human court will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, as will you and I (2 Corinthians 5:10).  Jesus said, concerning man, that "at all times they ought to pray, and not lose heart."

 Men And Women Ought to Pray

    "...to show that at all times THEY ought to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1). Man, created in the image of God, ought to be looking up. The Psalmist asked, "What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, And dost crown him with glory and majesty." (Psalm 8:3,4).

     The creation and fall are recorded in the first three chapters of Genesis. There we find that man bears the image of God in his spirit.  We are His offspring. We find that as a consequence of disobedience, men and women become estranged from God, lost in a fallen world. We also find that God promises to provide a way back, an undoing of what sin had done. 

    What was promised back in the third chapter of Genesis is now an accomplished fact. The way has been provided through Jesus, the Son of God. God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:4,5).  Face it, we need help to be faithful disciples, and prayer provides a part of what we need. If Jesus felt the need to pray, then certainly we are in need of the same. THEY (we) ought to pray.

Prayer Should be Constant

   "...that AT ALL TIMES they ought to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1). Life does not stop. There are constant reasons to pray, and certainly prayer itself is of such a nature that you can hardly think of something more convenient. You can pray at any time (i.e. 1:30 AM), dressed in any way (i.e. overalls and baseball cap), at any place ( i.e the Bolivian jungle), under any circumstances (i.e. it is storming and you are lost), for any length of time (i.e. a few seconds or an hour) and with any posture (i.e. climbing a tree).

     There are so many reasons to pray. Paul told brethren to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This means to have a constant attitude of prayer. We are to pray for wisdom (James 1:5-8), for the giving of thanks (1 Timothy 4:4,5), for making requests (Philippians 4:6), for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12) and many other things.  A good example of how easy it ought to be to pray is found when the king asked Nehemiah what was troubling him. There, in the throne room, surrounded by the court of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah records, "Then the king said to me, 'What would you request?' So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, 'If it please the king..." (Nehemiah  2:4,5). It must have been a short prayer since the circumstances would not have allowed for a longer one. Why shouldn't the busy days of our lives be filled with similar prayers, short and to the point, addressing a present need? There will be time, later, at home and in private, for the longer variety. We ought to pray AT ALL TIMES.

Prayer is the Right Thing to Do

   "...that at all times they OUGHT to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1).   The reason men and women ought to pray is because we need to be in fellowship with the very source of our being. When we lose that, we tend to become like the other creatures of this world; creatures of instinct incapable of making moral decisions (2 Peter 2:12-14). This tragedy is being seen in our streets today.

    Those who are disciples of Christ ought to pray because Jesus did. We need the same things Jesus  needed (and more) and received when He prayed. But also, those who are not disciples need to begin to search for God. Jesus promised, "seek and you shall find."  The Holy Spirit tells us that the unbeliever is without excuse, because the invisible things of God are evident through the things He has made. They should have sought out the true and living God instead of substituting gods of their own to worship (Romans  1:18-23).  Paul  pointed out that God is not far away from each one of us, and that if we seek we can find Him (Acts 17:27,28). With Cornelius, his successful search began with prayer. So have many others. We OUGHT to pray.

Prayer Defined

     "...that at all times they ought to PRAY and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1).  Prayer unto God consists of making requests, offering thanksgiving as well as the giving of praise. Prayer from the heart benefits the one who is praying and should not be thought of as a favor we are doing for God. We pray because we need Him, not because He needs us!

     There are several principles we must follow for our prayers to be what they ought to be: First, our prayers must be in Jesus' name (Colossians 3:17) which simply means offered to God through Him because He is the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). We must pray in faith without doubting (James 1:6,7) and our prayers must be according to His will (1 John 5:14; James 4:13-15). We must be earnest in our prayers, and we must be seeking to live righteously ourselves (JAMES 5:16). We must pray that the Father's will be done in all things, even if it means answering our requests with a "no" (Matthew 26:39; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). If we are to expect God to forgive us when we pray, then we must be willing to forgive others (Matthew 6:14). Two good examples of prayer: Jesus' model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and the disciples' prayer after Peter and John's release (Acts 4:24-30). We ought to PRAY at all times.

Prayer and Strength

     "...that at all times they ought to pray and NOT LOSE HEART." (Luke 18:1). This phrase means not to faint or to grow despondent. To "lose heart" is the opposite of to endure or to remain steadfast. The parable which accompanies this admonition suggests that persistence in prayer pays off. The point: regardless of circumstances, do not ever stop praying. If things are going well, we might become self-satisfied and not pray as we ought. If things appear hopeless, we might give up. Jesus admonishes us to always keep on praying, through good times and bad. There is moral, emotional and spiritual strength to be found in prayer. As Jesus found courage through prayer in the garden as He faced His crucifixion, let us follow His example as well as His teaching: "...that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart."

Daily Exhorting--Need and Benefit

(Hebrews 3:13)

By William C. Sexton

        "12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it."

        God tells us in our text, to be involved in exhorting. That is for each of us who are Christians to be involved in doing. There is a need that this be engaged in by each of us, and we should be appreciative of the fact that we are commissioned to do this. Likewise we surely should be glad when others do it to us. We should appreciate the fact that we have people who care enough to express their concern, as directed by our Creator and Governor of the universe and us all How wonderful it is to be a part of this great family of God (Eph. 3:15)! We have the need to be exhorted!

Reason For the NEED to Heed!

        First, the need is because God tells us to. We understand when He instructs us to do something, then it is GOOD for us. There is a need, even if we do not SEE the need, immediately, faith demands that we accept it as being needed, because God knows all and really cares for our eternal well being. What ever He tells us to do or refrain from doing is right, profitable for us, because He is always working for our good (Cf. Deut. 6:24).

        Secondly, Because — there is a danger of developing hardness of heart! Hardness of hard is the result of unbelief, and ends in departing from God (V. 12)! One who doesn’t recognize the dangers in life is not going to survive for very long! An active faith is required, to inter into a saved relationship with God, as well as to maintain that relationship!

        Thirdly, Because -- Sin is deceitful! It promises much pleasure, but it actually delivers misery. It never provided what it promises, genuine satisfaction. Rather in time it brings misery, heartache, and ultimately eternal destruction (Cf. Rom. 6:23). It always promised things much different from what it produces. The person who commits sin is always under a delusion! And the longer one commits such, the harder his/her heart gets; the less sensitive it become to being pricked by the word of God. As the Christian looks around and see how sin does in fact deceive people, bring them into the valley of degradation and destruction while promising them pleasure and prosperity, we should hate the matter of sin (Cf. 1 Jn. 3:4; 5:17; Jas. 4:17; Rom. 14:23; 6:23; Isa. 59:1-2).

        We are capable of being deceived, IF we don’t keep watch out! However, we need not be, IF we will be wise, alert, and resist (1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 4:7). We have the word, that tells us of the danger, and provides incentives to keep our eyes opened and our ears tuning to the sounds around us. Also, as the text directs us -- be involved and good receivers, appreciative when our brothers and sisters assist us in encouragement.

The Benefit of such --The exhorted and exhorter!>

        All of us need to be exhorting. First look at the times word is used in New Testament (34 time in some form). Consider a few of the passages are: (Acts 2:40; 11:23; 14:22; 18:27; 27:22; 2 Cor. 9:5; 1 Thess. 4:1)

        The Word is often translated "encourage" etc. "3874. paraklesis, par-ak'-lay-sis; from G3870; imploration, hortation, solace: --comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty."

        We all need to be encouraged. Let us be realistic -- we all need it don’t we. We get discouraged by various things that we face. We feel weak at times, and may be tempted to not fight back, tell ourselves, "what’s the use" of trying nobody is interested, or the cause is not worth the fight. Perhaps the evil one gets us to thinking we are fighting a losing battle, like the prophet Elijah concluded (1 Kings 19:4ff).

        If we have somebody to challenge our thinking, there are always GOOD to see, IF we’ll turn our eyes and focus our mind in the right direction! We need to point others in that direction. There are times when each of us need to be pointed in that direction. When there are those who will do that for us, how profitable such is!

        Thus the benefit of one another helping each is so great! We need to recognize that and thus appreciate the fact that the Lord gives us the instruction to be engaged in such and have brethren as exhorters and being exhorted!

Look at the example he refers to:

        The people brought from Egypt. How many reached the promise land? Only two out of six hundred thousand! Isn’t that such a small percentage. Why so few of that great number who had been blessed so greatly actually reached the promised land? That prepared for them by the Lord, having been promised to their father Abraham! What a great blessing was available to them for the taking, and they failed.

        Why did they fail? -- It was because of unbelief. That should be a lesson to us, right! To be busy exhorting, encouraging, pointing to blessings of the faithful. Such needs to be out in the forefront of our mind continuously. Let us be willing to be exhorted! Let us not forget to be engaged in exhorting.

        The Hebrew writer states we should Fear (4:1) of coming short! As we can look back and evaluate the tragic results of Those six hundred thousand, who had seen God’s power illustrated in opening up the Red Sea, allowing them to walk through on dry land. Yet, in a shot time they became focused on difficulties, the negative side of the march, journey. These occupied their minds and they because complainers, looking for things to grip about, and they found many. So, will we today, if we allow the evil one to control our mind. However, if we will follow the inspired apostle to direct us, we’ll not have the time to spend on the difficulties, instead we’ll be looking at the good:

        "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Phil. 4;8-9). Beloved, let us look to the promise: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10).

Conclusion: Beloved we all have the same amount of time in each day. How do we use it? Exhorting and being, or complaining, ignoring the good and focusing on evil?

1. Child of God?

2. Faithful?

3. Active?

History tells us -- provides us a picture -- of how people who received so must, suffered and died short of a wonderful goal, due to unbelief and resulting behavior!

1. Having been delivered from Egypt, and they were on their way to a promised land, yet fell in wilderness -- 40 years wandering — when they could have been in the land enjoying its fruits!

2. One can/should learn from history, but many don’t!

3. Let us not be among them!

Let us be involved in exhorting each other daily!

wmessenger@juno.com

website: vbchurchofchrist.org

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Barzillai

by David Smitherman

The name "Barzillai" is not familiar to most Bible students; it never comes up in "Bible Drill" classes. And what a shame. In an era when many worship at the shrine of youth, those who are aged and those who will become such someday unless death gets us first (i.e., everyone), need a role model to instruct us in proper attitudes and conduct as we get older. We have such in a brief encounter with Barzillai (please read 2 Sam.19:31-39 before continuing). In a chapter filled with quarreling Israelites and the likes of Shimei, this old man (term used respectfully) is a refreshing change and teaches us many lessons. Among them...

Old age is nothing to be ashamed of and the frailties of old age should be freely admitted. The text plainly tells us: "Now Barzillai was very old, being eighty years old" and Barzillai himself said quite frankly, "Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear any more the voice of singing men and women?" (vs.35a). He was in the "evil days" (Ecc.12:1-ff) when bodily appetites and functions change--and not for the better. In a day when the elderly and those headed in that direction try--literally, sometimes--to cover up the "hoary head" and other signs of advanced years and avoid all discussions of death, we need to heed this good man's example: he did neither but, instead, spoke freely of both.

He faced old age gracefully. There is no hint of bitterness in any of this good man's statements about his advanced years nor any wistfulness for "the good old days" of youth. He knew he could not turn back the hands of time and that he had but a few more steps in life's journey (vss.34,37). Instead of a tone of regret there was eager anticipation (see Phil.1:21-23). The loss of those things which were once so dear should lead to a longing for that land in which "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death..." (Rev.21:4).

He didn't want to burden others (vs.35b). While David considerately and rightfully offered to care for his aged benefactor, there was no "you owe it to me...look at all I've done for you" attitude on the part of the venerable Barzillai; he had a considerate concern for others, realizing he could do little to help and, perhaps, much to hinder.

He spent his last days helping others (sustaining David in Mahanaim and then escorting him as far as the Jordan as he returned home, 17:27-29; vss.31-32). The word "retirement" was not in Barzillai's vocabulary. How sad that retirement is taken all too literally by older saints today and to see those with so much they could and should offer (Job32:7; Ps.71:18; 92:12-15; Tit.2:4) either get "on the road again" or sit down and turn the Lord's work over to the younger and less mature. A careful consideration of Barzillai's example should shame such into renewed activity.

He gave to others what he could have saved for his own. No doubt he could have rationalized that, instead of making generous provision for David, he needed to save his wealth for his children. But Barzillai evidently understood the joy that comes from giving to others while we are alive and can see and enjoy the use of what we have to share. How preferable is this rather than leaving material things to ungrateful, undeserving family members who do not appreciate and will misuse.

Let us keep alive the story of Barzillai the Gileadite -- on our tongues and in our lives--and "yield fruit in old age" (Ps.92:14).

The Plan of Salvation

By Jon  W. Quinn

Plan #1

    Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to new believers in Christ  who had asked what they must do:

     "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of  the Holy Spirit."  (ACTS 2:38)

Plan #2

    On the back page of a tract, sinner were urged to pray this prayer to be saved. This  prayer is not found in the Bible; nor were alien sinners commanded to pray for their forgiveness.

The Sinner's Prayer:

    "O' Lord, I accept that I am a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. I now accept Him into my heart as Lord and Savior asking for your mercy and forgiveness in His name. Amen."

The editors of Expository Files are happy with plan #1 and thankful to the God of all grace for it. We cannot recommend Plan #2 at all, but will change our minds when this prayer can be shown  to us in the Bible.

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