Category Archives: Articles

Spiritual Stagnation By Philip North

The word “stagnant” is defined by Webster as, “Not flowing in a current or stream: motionless; stale; dull; inactive.” The term is most often applied to water. Let this substance known as H-2-0 remain in one place for a period of time without some type of flowing or stirring taking place, and the purity contained in that water thereof will depart. Following this “stagnation,” dirt, germs, and all types of collected debris will usher its way in, to be sure. No longer will that water be desirable to swim in or drink. There must be something necessary and profitable to the word “moving” here. Indeed, stagnation is not a good thing. We ourselves would not want to utilize stagnated water.

The very same thing would apply to being a child of God. Becoming a New Testament Christian contains many advantages, not just one. While the very first thing that does occur when one is baptized is to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16), there is not that figurative “sitting on the top steps of the baptistry” which should be done afterwards.

Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Those who have truly “put on Christ” will begin from the day they are baptized, and on up until the day of their death, to try their best to live as Christ did while He walked this earth. You see, when baptism occurs, a completely new life must begin. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Paul further stated, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That individual is then taught to not only live a new life, but to grow spiritually, which is part of that new life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). This growth is much amplified in Philippians 1:9-11: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

Hence, reading the Bible does not just mean gaining knowledge of its pages, (which is not to be omitted), but also developing grace and seasoning, which for sure accompanies the territory of that growth. One example of seasoning is seen in one’s speech. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). We are also taught in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” “Alway” means “all the way.” Much scripture can be cited on showing how a person is to constantly mature spiritually after baptism.

This having been said, it is most obvious that one of a number of reasons to become a Christian is not to stop at the point of what we might term as being “basically saved.” There is that Biblical road needing to be trodden, if one is to finally reach Heaven. When reading the Word of God, that spiritual food and drink contained in its wonderful pages must thoroughly be partaken of, instead of simply being read as a menu for one to either reject what is deemed inconvenient to eat and drink, or else to totally turn one’s own nose up at the whole feast offered before that person. Additionally, while the Bible is to be read for enjoyment, such is not to stop there. Full obedience must also result from reading its pages.

It has always been a disappointing and sometimes heartbreaker to see church members who were baptized years ago, and little or nothing is seen of their spiritual growth. The way some church members talk (not simply by using profanity), the manner in which some live (not solely in sexual immorality), the attitude (i.e., lack of zeal) possessed towards the very nature of the church (not only in unfaithful church attendance), the personal treatment of their brethren and other members of humanity where the Golden Rule is concerned (Matthew 7:12), and the little knowledge–if any–that is gained throughout the years due to a lack of reading and memorizing God’s Word, have all collectively contributed to many a Christian’s spiritual stagnation! In this case that “rolling stone” should not be gathering “moss.” After all, the reason that stone is not gathering moss is because it is rolling! Christians are not to remain “still” in Christ following their initial obedience in baptism, but are to be moving, moving, moving! However, consequently, there are those who have metaphorically “roosted” somewhere along the way, and refuse to change much. Some appear to have not changed at all. Sadly, they die in that condition.

There are church members I have met in my life who would do quite well to seriously consider “the fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith; Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” This writer himself admits to having in the past needed to pay better and closer attention in these areas. Additionally, 2 Peter 1:4-10 should be heeded by more children of God: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity; For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Gentle reader, when we read all these things contained in this paragraph, as well as anything else in the Bible, are we not aware that God is talking to us? That He wants us to do these things for our own benefit, growth, and journey towards Heaven?

Spiritual stagnation also leads to lack of leadership that would otherwise be in the church. The Hebrew writer says, “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:11-14). A particular note here: While there are those church members who ought to be able to teach and preach by now, others who have the knowledge to do so, refuse to do so. How sad!

Instead, many seem to have spiritually stagnated in their lives as responsible, self-disciplined church members. In addition to what has already been mentioned about spiritual stagnation, let me say again that there exists those who, after being in the body of Christ for a long period of time, are still continuing in some form of bad speech, bad character, bad treatment of their fellow man, lax in their church attendance, lax in their everyday Christian living, and lax in their very reading of the Bible that God brought to them for the express purpose of saving their souls! Too often, they cannot be moved away from their self-satisfaction. They are either stalled at the starting gate, or else have only run so far in their spiritual race (Hebrews 12:1-2; I Corinthians 9:24-26). This is so shameful, and gives a deeper meaning to the term, “get a life!” Preachers, elders, deacons, and Bible class teachers likewise can end up this way after awhile, if not on guard. Satan never ceases in his efforts and methods.

Perhaps the biggest problem with many who have stagnated in the Lord is that they flagrantly and blatantly refuse to render that self-examination to their lives. (But many can certainly find fault with others, can they not?) Paul wrote in his final letter to the church at Corinth, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:5)? “Reprobate” comes from the Greek word ADOKIMOS, and means, “not standing the test.” While it is recognized and appreciated that there are those church members who are humble enough to examine themselves, it is also recognized and unappreciated that some church members would not do so, due to their lackadaisical, self-satisfied, self-willed, determined, prideful state of an allowed “status quo.” Knowing they would have to change, they refuse the examination. The term “set in my ways” is also used here as an excuse for one’s spiritual stagnation. Well, excuses, just like excuse makers, do not work.

Brethren, let us never become stagnated in Christ. For any who are (and God genuinely knows for sure here), I plead with you to come out of that unprofitable comfort zone, before it is everlastingly too late. May we grow in all ways that God’s Word directs. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

Be Still And Know That I Am God By Philip North

The words contained in the title of this article should be an attention getter for you and I. Quoted often by those of all religions, this phrase is meant to serve as a comfort to those who follow God while facing troubling times in their lives. We find this phrase in Psalm 46:10, where the verse reads, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” “Be still” means not to be troubled. The Psalmist, in speaking for God, says that those who believe in doing right are not to be just that—-troubled, but to place their complete confidence in our Creator, hence, looking to Him as one’s refuge. This point is stressed in the entire Psalm.

In this verse, God assured those who obey Him that He would overcome the mentioned heathen and be exalted in every last area of the earth. Verses 1-3 assure those obedient ones, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” (“Selah” means to pause). These analogies will assure and comfort the one who truly and fully to the best of one’s ability follows God’s commands, thus showing a true belief in Him. This will apply both to trying times, as well as the times when things go well in life. After all, no matter what occurs in this earthly existence or who does what in the way of wrong, God tells His followers in His Word, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

You see, any individual and cause we genuinely believe in, we will likewise place our faith and confidence in, to be sure. We will also act and move upon such a person and cause. You and I will wholly accept the fact that “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). Verse 20 of that same chapter asks a question that answers itself, as expressed in a matter-of-fact way in verse 17: “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” All of us would do well to carefully note the words of the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Read them. The story behind the writing of that song is quite interesting, though sad too.

Human nature being what it is, many of us want some things done yesterday. This seems to come out in a lot of people in reference to the punishing of all sin; that being of cruel dictators, ungodly people who are in power in our own various governments in this U.S.A., bullies, heretics, rapists, pedophiles, murderers, thieves, spouse stealers, and so forth. There are things that happen to people which produce emotional rape, as well as physical rape. Actually, the two often overlap one another. While physical rape also produces emotional rape, (known delicately as being “violated”), one can experience emotional rape without encountering physical rape. Life produces its own figurative and metaphorical storms. Often, things of a negative nature happen close together. As just one example, there was a period of time in my life for more than a year straight where one or more people whom I personally knew died each month. Indeed, life contains its losses, catastrophes, tragedies, and problems. Satan will make sure of this, being the ultimate sadist that he is. However, remember: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Proverbs 3:5 teaches us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” All of us have told each other that there are things in life “easier said than done.” This is certainly true! I can imagine someone who has been a victim of a crime, minor or major, that it might be most hard at that bad moment in time to “trust in the lord with all thine heart.” Especially would this be the case if a person is laid up in the hospital through a cause that is not his fault—-suffering badly, has tragically lost a loved one, something really bad has happened to that one’s spouse, one or more of their children, a loss of employment, or something else that has really been hard-hitting for that individual. How about the failing of one’s own health? Then, one problem is solved, and three more appear. In all of this, the hardcore fact is that Satan never, ever thinks you and I suffer enough. If he could inflict every disease possible, every calamity possible, and every problem possible upon every last human being on earth, it would not matter one bit of frost on a bucket to him! Still, through all of the bad things that beset you and I, we must still try and say what the Psalmist said: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Through it all, Jehovah God is still on His throne in Heaven (Revelation 4:2), and nothing but nothing ever escapes His eye that has happened on earth, both past and present.

King David, through all his troubles and trials of life, expresses in many of the Psalms he wrote his complete trust in God, come what may. In the popular 23rd Psalm, he declared in verse 4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” This man of God is one of many examples listed in the entire chapter on faith in Hebrews 11 (specifically verse 32). All of the names listed in this chapter were nothing more than people, just like you and I. They made their mistakes and committed their sins like all of us have and do, but they served God, come what may! Read what happened to them in the Old Testament, but look at where they are now! What is more, many instances of their being unjustly treated record God’s punishing their enemies.

Of course, this writer cannot omit the sufferings of good old Job, cited in the book that bears his name. It states near the end of the book that God rebuked those who berated him, along with commanding them to make restitution to Job. Then, Job was materially blessed double by God when his sufferings ceased.

Above and beyond all, let us not overlook the sufferings of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, found in all four of the Gospel books, and repeated most often in the rest of the New Testament pages. Phrasing it bluntly, Christ mightily stomped a new, deep, painful, and permanent headache in the life and plans of Satan when defeating him! Thanks to the Saviour, the Devil’s powers are limited to what they once were. Once again, remember: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Nobody has to live very long on this earth to see that much of sin has a way of often being self-destructive. This has happened with tyrannical and/or unfair rulers, as well as those bent and set on living morally and doctrinally wrong. After all, both the moral and doctrinal violations fall under the category of disobedience, do they not? Some sins are punished in this life, some in the next and final life, and some in both lives. Hebrews 2:1-3 warns all Christians, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” Think of the impact of this, gentle reader! Not one unrepentant sin was committed without punishment, nor will such ever be the case! All sin goes with some kind of consequences. One is territorial of the other. Foolish is any man, woman, boy, or girl to live or even so much as to think otherwise. Such an attitude shows that one is unwilling to learn from past mistakes.

Therefore, no matter what the sin(s) numerically done, irregardless of the one(s) committing any type of uncorrected wrongdoing, and in spite of the amount of time passing that such people and things are allowed to exist by God, just recall what Moses told two of Jacob’s sons, Reuben and Gad. In Numbers 32:23, he warned them against disobeying God by declaring, “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Therefore, no matter whom we know who or know of who perpetually lives in sin, remember yet again the words of the Psalmist about our omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent Maker: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Following The Crowd By Philip North

An ever so sad thing, true it is nonetheless, that while many people claim to practice what is call “Individuality” when it comes to a number of things pertaining to a secular nature, far too many more follow what a large majority practice in matters of religion. I often think of how a vast amount of people in this country, together with various other parts of the world, are members of the Catholic church. A lot of that body’s membership defends this religion by saying that the word “Catholic” means “universal.” As a matter of fact, that is right! However, there are many other things “universal” which are cited in the Word of God as sinful—-especially when it comes to immorality. As an example, because untold numbers of people “shack up” instead of marrying, such does not make this “universal” practice right in the eyes of God. Hebrews 13:4 declares, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Therefore, (just to make up a specific number here as to illustrate a point) if 600 billion people happen to make up the world, and 500 billion of them live together and cohabitate out of wedlock, that still makes this manner of living sinful! Jehovah God says clearly in the first part of Malachi 3:6, “For I am the Lord, I change not.” What was sin at the very beginning of the Creation is still sin today, and will remain that way until the end of time.
     If there was only one scripture to teach mankind that following the crowd can often be the wrong thing to do, that verse is contained in Exodus 23:2: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” For sure, it is a popular practice to go along with the majority in many things, be they right or wrong. That is why accountable-minded individuals of all ages should take heed to I Corinthians 15:33, which reads, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 
     Howbeit, let us note one thing here in all fairness: In matters of purely individual judgment, it would often be right to consider the crowd. King Solomon says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). So, instead of following just any crowd, we must exercise, as stated at the beginning of this article, “Individuality,” thus, checking things out for one’s own personal benefit. What is good for some is not good for others. Likewise, what is beneficial for some is not so for others. Therefore, what helps some does not help others. Hence, in one sense of the word, we all belong in various types of groups, depending on various situations, and so, many things pertaining to everyday life are matters of personal opinions, along with individual desires and one’s own tastes.
     Be that as it is, the doctrinal belief of “might makes right” has always been a vicious one, and so, is often the only excuse (not a real reason) given for a lot of positions taken in disputes and debates. This kind of thinking smacks of dictatorship and other forms of unfair rule and domination. So, please consider soberly the following truth: In matters pertaining to right and wrong, the majority has most always been on the side of wrong ! How is such a thing a fact? Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). To simply define “strait” in these 2 verses, the word is the exact opposite of “straight.” You see, what is the easiest to join and participate in is often taken by much of mankind. Therefore, while the majority may often rule, such does not make the majority right! True indeed is the adage, “The easiest way is not always the best way.” Satan, however, would have all of us to think otherwise. 
     Now look again at the second half of Exodus 23:2. The text says, “neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” “Wrest” means to “twist; pervert.” So along with not joining a majority of people to participate in wrongdoing, one should not seek to gather a mass of individuals to do wrong. So, no matter how many people are rounded up, if the Bible says that particular “cause” for organizing them is sinful, it is still sinful!  Along with shunning “evil communications” that was said in the second paragraph of this article, some kind of harvest is reaped when seeds are sown, whatever those seeds be. Galatians 6:7-8 teaches us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” 
     Some members of humanity get a real thrill and roller coaster ride in “stirring a stink!” To them, it is a real “high” to often twist, distort, and highly exaggerate to others, and thus prejudice them, as to what someone else has said and/or done. They really love to feel the high flow of “adrenaline” in their participation of rioting, looting, and character assassination. Others will join in just about any group to agitate, cause trouble, destroy, and get attention. Not only is this sinful to take part in such a group, it is also sinful to form one.
     In reading God’s Word, where do you ever find any instance where a majority was in the right, especially when it comes to being right in religion, thus, being in full and correct obedience to the Lord? Genesis 6:5 says, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This was how the majority lived in what consisted of the populated world at that time. Now contrast Genesis 6:5 with I Peter 3:19-20 where it says of Christ, “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water.” God gave sinful mankind back then 120 years to repent (Genesis 6:3). Now who was saved? The vast majority? No! It was the smallest minority! Why? These “eight souls,” composed of merely one family, listened to God. As to the vehement majority, Genesis 7:21-23 sadly informs us, “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of foul, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land,  died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, the creeping things, and the fowl of heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.”
     Another example is the first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection. Every Jew who then lived on the face of this earth, physically able to travel, attended this yearly event. Acts 2:5-11 shows all those nationalities of Jews present, even some who (by race) were not Jews, along with the shocking reaction from various of these great throngs of people to see the apostles, under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit, speaking all their individual languages: “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, and Pontus, and Asia, Phyrgia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers at Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear then speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
     This reading would tell us that the quantity of people there at this time in Jerusalem had to be in the tens of thousand, or maybe even one hundred thousand, or more! However, after the Apostle Peter preached his sermon, take note of how many actually listened to his words spoken directly from Heaven. Verse 41 of that same chapter declares, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” While it was a glorious and happy day to baptize as many as “three thousand souls,” this was, again, just like Noah and his family, a small minority who obeyed the truth of God. 
     In citing just one more example of how many, many people went the way of wrong, I challenge the reader to read about the rebellion of Korah in all of Numbers 16. Note the great and mass punishment that God exercised here. No again, this writer says: God did not respect what a large “majority” wanted to do. In this case, great rebellion resulted in great physical and spiritual rubble! Let us learn from this foolish argument of what a vast “majority” may wish to do. 
     But then, somebody will argue, “Well, the entire city of Ninevah repented after Jonah preached to them, did they not?” Yes, that is true. This is recorded in Jonah 3:10: “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” However, Ninevah returned to their ungodly living, and in the entire book of Nahum, the minor prophet tells of God’s wrath against that city, along with the foretelling of its destruction. Otherwise, this would be one exception to the rule of the majority not doing what is right. 
     Yes, do not  “follow a multitude to do evil,” nor “speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” However, remember that God’s own Son also said, “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Majority or minority, those obeying the good Lord, and doing so all the way, will be the only ones who inherit eternal life. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (I Peter 2:10). 

“Written For Our Learning” By Philip North

I personally cannot think of any longer series of sermons, Bible class lessons, books, or articles that can possibly be drawn from a single verse contained in God’s Word, than that of what the beloved Apostle Paul divinely penned in Romans 15:4. The text reads, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Just think of the almost endless Bible lessons you and I could “milk” from this one verse! 

Since Paul had just quoted from a portion of Psalm 69:9 in verse 3, we know that the word “aforetime” was referring to the things recorded in the Old Testament. Hence, the lesson here is quite simple, though most important: If Jehovah God caused a
number of things to be recorded in the Old Testament “for our learning,” then He is telling us and all others constituting mankind to study and not only learn them, but to also learn from them. We are to profit from those who lived righteously as that being how to live, as well as heeding a warning from those who lived ungodly as that telling us how not to live. 

How true and full of wisdom are the following two pieces of advice: (1) Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and (2) Perhaps one reason history keeps repeating itself is because mankind keeps on making the same mistakes. If I see with my own two eyes—-that which is unavoidable evidence right in front of my nose—-what the consequences are that many have suffered due to drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, dipping snuff, children born out of wedlock, lying, stealing, cheating, infidelity, etc., and I commit one or more of these very same things myself, then what is the obvious fact here? While I have, saying once again, learned all of this, I have not learned from all of this by seeing others suffer from their own wrong doings. Such is equivalent to hitting one’s self on the head, yelling “ouch,” while one keeps right on hitting one’s self on the head! However, do we not all fall under this category from time to time? 

Paul speaks in a similar fashion when writing his first epistle to the church at Corinth. When mentioning some of the journeys of the Israelite nation following their crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness due to unbelief, idolatry, fornication, and tempting God in the process, (Numbers 14–Joshua 2), along with their eating of manna while in the wilderness (Exodus 16), Paul declares, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon which the ends of the world are come” (I Corinthians 10:11). So, where you and I are concerned as regards to the times in which we live, we are to learn from the entire Bible as to what is needing abstinence from, as well as what we are to do. After all, if we claim to follow Christ, remember that He did, as well as did not, to be sure. The middle of Acts 10:38 says of our Saviour, “who went about doing good.” 

In Romans 15:4, Paul also stated “whatsoever.” Therefore, anything and everything we read about in God’s Pages, I mean to say from Genesis 1:1, all the way through to Revelation 22:21, contain words recording people, places, events, happenings, sins, commands, and pleadings that “were written for our learning.” Not one thing is stated from which we exempt from drawing some kind of a worthwhile and humble lesson! The Psalmist taught that very thing: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word shows us where we presently are, then leads us in the path we need to continually go while still in this physical life. The critical question is: Are we going to heed what God says? 
While none of us can claim perfection to always listening to God and those around us concerned about our welfare, therefore, not learning the hard way, I find another question that manifests itself before us: Do we ever learn? Yes, we do for sure, either often or from time to time, make the same mistake twice—-and no doubt much more. Though that be true, still, somewhere along the line there has to be that “cut off,” when it comes to those sins that can truly be permanently corrected. Too, we must admit that there have been those errors avoidable the first time around. 

Pride often gets in the way of decent learning and progress, as does stubbornness. Nonetheless, if something is sinful, that something is also harmful, and nobody on the topside of God’s earth can change that, for our Creator has set that fact in perpetual motion, both in His laws of Nature, as well as in His Holy Word. What is more, if something does not work after one or more attempts, it definitely continues to not work, nor will such ever be otherwise! One illustration of a fool is someone who tries the same thing repeatedly, with the expectation that the end result will turn out differently. Much is said about the life and attitude of a fool in the book of Proverbs. I challenge the reader to investigate that book. Perhaps you, like me, have seen your own reflection in some of those verses! Yet once again this writer says, we learn from the Bible, as well as learning the Bible. To learn, but not learn from, is as useless as digging a hole with one hand, then turning right around and filling that same hole with the other hand. 
Indeed, the words are conclusive: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” 

The Morning Cloud And Early Dew By Philip North

 Hosea, one of the minor prophets, is called, “the prophet with a  broken heart.” This is much parallel to one of the major prophets, Jeremiah, known as “the weeping prophet.” In the book of Hosea, we find that while the Northern Kingdom is thriving in material prosperity, its spiritual condition is deplorable with the same, constant problem that God previously had with the entire nation of Israel during much of the time it was also united—-idolatry. Hosea speaks specifically of the pagan worship of Baal and Ashtaroth, along with the homage paid to the golden calves that Jeroboam I had set up at Bethel and Dan.

     In chapter 6:4, Hosea says, “O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.” The reference made here to the morning cloud and early dew is comparing the instability or lack of permanence existing in the character of God’s children. Specificially here are mentioned Ephraim and Judah, who were not steadfast in serving God. It appears to have been an “on again, off again” type of relationship. This accompanies what was said of Israel in the book of Judges, where it repeatedly declares, “And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord.” Instead of being firmily rooted like pillars and posts, God’s chosen people too much and too often fell under the analogy of Psalm 1:4, where it reads, “The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” The way the ungodly were was compared to the way the godly live, as depicted in verse 3, where it says of the man who lives righteously, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

     The nation of Israel bounced in and out of obeying God like a yo-yo! They just could not continue doing right, come what may. Each time they would become involved with the neighboring Gentile nations, Israel would fall right into their heathen customs, including intermarrying, and worst of all, their idolatry, which always led to all kinds of immorality. So much of the Old Teatament especially tells of God’s continual plea through the prophets, and even sometimes talking to them directly, (Exodus 20) to obey Him, His many sharp rebukes, His numerous comparisons to them about their evil conduct, along with God promises of punishments for defying Him.

     As a morning cloud and early morning dew are both temporary, (being as they are described as a morning cloud and early dew), so the righteousness and obedience of Ephraim and Judah never, ever lasted. It’s no wonder that God had to finally say, after a few thousand years of Israel’s shenanigans, “enough is enough.” Hence, after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 when the Roman Captain Titus and his army besieged Jerusalem, and perhaps even before, Israel became forever and ever no longer God’s chosen people.

     How sadly true this is of many today who begin the move towards Heaven, but they either spiritually remain on the top steps of the baptistry, or else they live righteously and godly for awhile, some even for a good many years, then either gradually out and out stop serving their Maker; the One who loves them more than words can say; the One who gave His only begotten Son Jesus to die for their sins; and the One who would have them saved more than anything else, rather than be lost! 2 Peter 3:9 declares, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” When Paul wrote his first letter to the young preacher Timothy, he said of God, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knoweldge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:4). Just like Israel, God wants us to obey Him, so that life will not only be easier and happier on this earth, but as well so that Heaven will be our home when time is no more.

     It’s sad, and sometimes heart-wrenching, to see church members not grow in the Lord, or else drop out of serving Him as time goes by. Such is really grievous when seeing preachers and elders, along with church members in general, quit church, or else cross over into the camp of doctrinal error. Years before, one would never think they would do so.

     In whatever way you may wish to define and illustrate the word “backslide,” this word shows no pretty picture! 2 Peter 2:20-22 teaches, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again engangled therein, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” In that very last sentence, Peter was partly quoting from Proverbs 26:11.

     To be unstable as the morning cloud and early dew is to obviously be someone who is not dependable, but on the contrary, is unfruitful, untrustworthy, immature, and inconsistent. Of course, those who have permanently left the Lord no longer fall unter the category of inconsistent, do they? 

     We are taught, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). We are also instructed, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and foreever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). We don’t like to see people mistreat others—-spouse, friend, church elder, supervisor, or whatever—-with the “now I’m going to to do right, now I’m not going to to do right” kind of attitude. No, we don’t! Nor do we appreciate it when someone, whoever that person be, does us such a way. Who needs a person like that? The question answers itself. 

     Instead of being like the chaff that the wind drives away, let’s be like lead in concrete when it comes to serving the Lord. Instead of living like “a reed shaken with the wind” (Matthew 11:7), strive to be as firm as a tree rooted deeply into the gound. Rather than living like dust scattering in a storm, why not be like a telephone pole, that, like a tree, is also planted deeply and firmly into the earth? Paul said to Colossae, “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7).

     Never, ever let it be truthfully said that our righteousness and goodness can be compared to a morning cloud and an early dew that fades from the scene.

We’ll Leave It All By Philip North

When earthly trek ends and we breathe our last,

And physical life turns into the past

There won’t be one item gained that we’ll haul,

Each remains behind—-we’ll leave it all

No matter what stayed with us while on this earth,

Regardless of all that was sadness and mirth

None follows us inside eternity’s hall,

For everything’s gone—-we’ll leave it all

Not one ounce nor speck of material gain,

Nor secular knowledge will we e’er retain

The grave flat won’t store them—-on these none shall call,

They’ll cease to be ours—-we’ll leave it all

So foolish to gather in this world of woe,

A big disappointment to store such a flow

Of things to take with us, they’ll be our downfall,

We simply can’t take them—-we’ll leave it all

Regardless of how near and dear earth life be,

No matter how close to friends and family,

Upon the arrival of that big curtain call,

Time’s with us no more—-we’ll leave it all

That sobering moment will take you and I

Forever away from life under the sky

So don’t view your days merely as one big ball,

“Cause such is so foolish—-we’ll leave it all

The passing of time ages each one of us,

So let’s not be bitter and kick up a fuss

To foul up our minds, nor should we appall,

That does man NO good—-we’ll leave it all

Death won’t be avoided nor doged by mankind,

To think otherwise is to be oh so blind!

As those of the flesh, our end, it won’t stall,

We can’t retain life—-we’ll leave it all

I can’t stress enough the need to serve God,

As we down this strait and much fickle road trod

Why not show much kindness and not practice gall?

You see, life will stop—-we’ll leave it all

So what WILL we thus take into eternity?

Money? Home? Land? Fame? Never to be!

The SOUL is the only thing that He’ll recall,

As for everything else—-we’ll leave it ALL! 

My Memories Of Benjie Norris December 15, 1941-January 14, 2010 By Philip North

William Benjamin Norris, known to friends and family as “Benjie,” was a mentor of mine while growing up in St. Louis and attending the Spring & Blaine congregation in the south central part of the town. He was a good influence and wonderful help to a great many others, as well. 

     Here’s where he influenced my life!

     I first met Benjie in the summer of 1961. He was a teacher in our annual Vacation Bible School. I had the privilege of sitting at his feet in the young people’s class of that time,. beginning at very near age 13. He was smart in the scriptures and gifted, but down to earth in his demeanor. Too, he gently, but firmly, commanded respect and cooperation from us in the class, being intolerant of bad and distracting behavior. Actually, he earned and gained respect from people of all ages. During this time, he dated Mary Jane Paxon, the middle daughter of Gene and Mildred Paxon. Gene was one of the elders at Spring & Blaine. 

     Benjie saw me baptized into Christ Wednesday evening, April 10, 1963, when 14 1/2 years old. My father lead the invitation song, “Are You COming To Jesus Tonight?”, when I came forward with 2 friends of mine, brothers, who also were baptized. About a month later, Benjie saw me lead my first song: “Marching To Zion.” Much that I learned about music came from Benjie Norris. (My father is also credited with a little of that learning). When I gave my first talk in late 1963, it was Benjie who sat with me in private one Wednesday evening in one of the classrooms in the basement of the church building to critique me, as I rehearsed my presentation. At that same service, Benjie extended the invitation, using some of the points from my talk. Dad and I were happy about that, needless to say! 

     When one of the other elders, Granvil Sewell, lost his wife at the beginning of 1964, I traveled with Benjie and some others to the funeral one Sunday afternoon inbetween services to St. James, Missouri, about 90 miles west of St. Louis. It was Benjie who treated me to lunch, as we all stopped to dine in a restaurant on the way. He and I also attended a number of other funerals together during his stay in St. Louis. 

     Many a time Benjie and I talked in private, not only about the Bible and singing, but also about things pertaining to everyday life and growing up. I knew he really cared for me!

     Anything Benjie Norris accepted as an assignment, he did thoroughly, energetically, diligently, and humbly. Whatever the elders at Spring & Blaine asked him to perform, if he was at all able to accept the request, he fulfilled it. Not once did he fail the elders! He was dependable all the way. Too, Benjie and Mary Jane drove me home after church on Wednesday evening many a time.

     Benjie attended Washington University dfuring his stay in St. Louis, where he obtained his degree. He and Mary Jane were married in 1962. Eventually, after Benjie graduated and departed St. Louis, this marriage brought forth 3 fine daughters: Rebecca, Julie, and Amy, all of whom are faithful members of the church. There’s also a number of fine grandchildren. Upon leaving St. Louis in early 1966, the Norris’ went to Alabama to live, where Benjie taught in Huntsville, near his hometown of Russellville. He was employed at TVA.

     Benjie was a crackshot of a song leader. He knew music well, in addition to his amazing teaching skills. He taught many new songs to Spring & Blaine, along with a class he called, “The Rudiments of Music.” He also conducted other Bible classes, all of which I attended. He had a keen mind that wouldn’t quit, and was what one would well call a “bookworm.” He loved to read, and had quite a sizeable library. Benjie was productive, creative, and truly did his best to live the Christian life. When he became right with God, he remained right with God! He served as an elder at the Jordan Park congregation in Huntsville a number of years.

     Benjie departed this life at age 68 on Thursday, January 14, 2010, after 15 months of battling complications from brain cancer. Two services were held for him, one in Huntsville and one in Russellville, of which I attended the latter. The theme was “Victory.” “Victory In Jesus” was sung by all who attended the services. 

     ” Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” (2 Samuel 3:38).

PSALM 148 By Philip North

This is one of my favorite Psalms. When reading this psalm, it is not hard to tell that the wording was transformed into the well known hymn, “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah.” In fact, while one is in the very process of reading this psalm, it is easy to end up singing the hymn! I have been much attached to this hymn since a very young boy, but it was not until several years after learning the hymn that I became a curiouslad, thus, going to the Bible the read the Psalm. 

A part of Strong’s definition of “praise” in theGreek is “to celebrate.” The really accentuated idea of praise is to give God the most respectful attention one can, and to accord Him the credit for all the great and good things ever done or that exist. He is our Creator. Therefore, all praise should be given Him!

     In this Psalm, we find that both creatures of the flesh who cannot talk, along with inanimate objects, are called upon to praise Jehovah God. When such as this is commanded in God’s own Word, then this means God deserves praise because of those things. This also means that if any fleshly creature not able to talk, along with those mentioned inanimate objects, are called upon to praise God, then how much more necessary is it for you and I to do so! We are creatures not only of the flesh, but also are the highest of intelligence of God’s Creation. What is more, above and beyond all, you and I possess a soul that will live eternally somewhere after life on earth ceases to be.

I have heard it said that when a call is made for praising God, and no specific idea is mentioned, the phrase may be translated “Hallelujah.” Perhaps many of us would be reluctant to utter this word in the presence of others, due to the fact that we hear it used often by our Pentecostal friends, along with others who are members of the Holiness religion. Howbeit, when we look all around us at the beautiful and magnificent works of God Almighty where the celestial and terrestrial are concerned, when we view the wondrous physical lives of all fleshly beings, and when we note the intangible things contained in this world such as the conscience, love, feelings, and emotions, then I believe it is high time for some to come out of their cocoon, stop being so inhibited, let a fellowman or two know ( in a manner within reason) that they appreciate God’s wonderful Creation, and hence, praise God. 

Here is Psalm 148: “Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye in the heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail: snow, and vapours; stormy winds fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle: creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him, Praise ye the Lord.”

 Now gentle reader, I for one did not see one, single, solitary thing or being left out in needing to render praise to God. The Psalmist says, “for he commanded, and they were all created.” Nothing or nobody has ever existed on this earth past, present, or if there be a future, but what God did not bring to pass! All of Creation is to praise the Lord, because all of Creation came from the Lord.

So many other of the Bible Psalms mention praise to God, many by King David. Get off somewhere alone. Put some emotion in you. Well up inside. Fold your hands. Look up to the sky. Get the look of love in your eyes. Thank the good and wonderful Lord for all He has done in providing for your survival and enjoyment. Mean it with all your heart when thanking Him, as you would not be alive this very second, were it not for God. Have a grateful heart towards your Supreme Maker! Get to know Him more and more, for He surely knows you. He’ll love you greatly for your attitude. Praise the Lord!

Eternity By Philip North

Eternity is never ending,

Always going, and not pending

Time means nothing to this word,

Its limitations are never heard

A million years is not its length,

Nor ANY number to its strength

Eternal means, “without end”

So here, we just cannot pretend

We live a limited life on earth,

Enjoying both sadness and mirth

Man is shortened in his days,

Regardless of his mind and ways

There is but one brief life to live,

Consisting how we love and give

If we wish to have fruitful lives,

As proper husbands and good wives,

Should we want happiness and joy,

Then do not view life as a toy

To play with every waking second,

Till eternity at last has beckoned

The Son of God died for your wrongs,

So praise Him much in prayers and songs?

Praise also God, your good Creator,

Do it now—-wait not till later

Refuse to throw your life away,

By heeding Satan day by day

Obey GOD’S WORD to save your soul,

Then you will be on Heaven’s role

‘Cause when your time on earth is through,

Eternity takes over you

You will have no more chances here,

To obey God who is so dear

Forever you will live somewhere,

With all full peace, or total scare

Relief or pain—-one of the two,

Will take you over through and through

There will not be any turning back,

To fill the voids that you left slack

A one way trip is all you will see,

When launched into eternity

One life, one hope, one time, one soul,

One Bible, One Saviour, ’twill make you whole

Prepare for your eternal abode,

For sin is far too weighty a load

God wishes you to live with Him

Or else eternity for you is grim

So tell me! Where will your soul dwell?

Up safe in Heaven, or lost down in Hell?

Quantity Or Quality? By Philip North

The following is a directly quoted statement from Michael Medved, author of the book “Right Turns,” and a radio talk show host: “Americans spend an average of 29 hours watching television—-which means in a typical life span we devote 13 uninterrupted years to our TV sets! The biggest problem with mass media isn’t low quality—-it’s high quantity. Cutting down just an hour a day would provide extra years of life—-for music and family, exercising and reading, conversation and coffee.” On this same note, I remember one of my teachers from the 7th grade, Mr. Richter, saying from time to time that the “quality” of one’s school work was much more important than the “quantity” of it. How ever much on target these two aforementioned men were! While living as much as 100 years on this earth would definitely constitute a large “quantity” of life, living all those years in disobedience to God would certainly not compose much “quality” of such.

Jesus himself taught this very thing. In John 10:10, he declared, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that ye might have life, and that ye might have it more abundantly.” A well known gospel preacher was talking with a man one day, attempting to get him interested in coming to church. The man’s reply was, ” I haven’t got time for church. I’ve got a business to operate, and I have to operate it seven days a week.” Well, he did! One might say this man had the disease of T.B. I don’t speak of “tuberculosis,” but rather, “too busy.” Some poeple are so busy making a “living,” that they end up never making a “life” for themselves. There’s a difference. A “living” would indicate a mere survival; just an existence; that which compiles a certain “quantity.” A “life” would be where the “quality” part comes in, for this would be that of contentment, depth, richness, and hence, meaning! Ask yourself this: Is “latitude” of life really more important than “longitude” of life? While it’s always recognizable and commendable to live beyond the average human age mentioned in Psalm 90:10, that being 70-80 years, is it not so more more recognizable and commendable to live those accountable years on this planet earth in service to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, thus, making Heaven your home, come eternity? Most assuredly! Die uprepared to meet God, and you’ve lost it all. The value of the soul outweighs anything and everything else, bar none.

When reading the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon tells us all through the book what life is like, as he worded it, “under the sun;” or, this life on earth. After saying that all earthly living is vanity, exploring all that makes up man’s wisdom, his folly, his works—-great or small, his business transactions, his pleasures, his good times, his bad times, his successes, his failures, and his mistakes, along with the evil and good people who make up humanity, Solomon closes out the book by saying in chapter 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

The beloved James teaches us, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is a vapor, that appeareth for a litttle time, then vanisheth away.” Just like any particular vapor exists for a mere short while, then vanishes away, never to be in existence again, so is life the exact same way, James says. Much of mankind constantly seeks to make a name for himself, so he can leave a mark in this world. This is many an individual’s wish. To a certain extent, this isn’t wrong, if this “mark” is accepted by God. However, many more times than not, within a generation or so after death, an individual is no longer remembered, as those who knew him have too passed away. King Solomon also stated, “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiates 9:5). All physical and material life is temporary, but all that pertains to the spiritual—-life or death, is eternal! So again, it’s “quantity” versus “quality” here. Obviously, no materialist will care about “quality,” but instead, only “quantity.”

Whatever title, occupation, popularity, earthly gain, or social standing is gained in this earthly life, it all stops at the grave! Life still goes on with all the rest of the world when you and I depart from this life, as it did before we entered into it. Nobody is indespensable. Even when a U.S. President is assassinated, life may slow down for awhile, due to the impact of such an awful impromptu, but still, it never, ever stops!

May we all live good, laugh hard, and love strongly while on this earth. However, a real life of quality only comes from serving the good Lord of Heaven. May such be the case with all who read this article. From time to time in life, “Stop and smell the roses,” as the saying goes. You see, God meant for you and I to do that, as that is a good time to assess and ponder our priorities, and so, channel our lives in the direction of the eternal glory of which He wishes us to partake.