____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ October 7, 2001 ____________________________________________________ The Simple Gospel Curse and Effect by Stan Cox "When angry, count four; when very angry, swear." -- Mark Twain "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." -- Colossians 3:8 In a recent edition of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, an article on the subject of Cursing appeared in the Life & Arts section. The article was a good example of unbiased reporting, as it just reported the societal trend of increased cursing and swearing, while not commenting on the appropriateness of the trend. I do not intend to be unbiased however, in commenting on the trend. The use of obscenity is condemned in scripture, and unworthy behavior for one who would please God. One individual quoted in the article is a psychologist in Ft. Worth by the name of Richard Citrin. He said, "Clearly, the permissiveness of today's culture allows this. It's undeniable that things never said in public even a generation ago have become part of our language. I don't say that common usage makes these terms appropriate, but they are in large part accepted." He is right on in this. Common usage does not make cursing right! Common usage is characteristic of the world, not the child of God. The Bible clearly states that we are to "... have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). Christians are to " ... walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). But, why has cursing increased? Why is culture more permissive of such obscenity? According to the article Richard Tallingen, a Media scholar in New York , said, " ... it became clear that younger people, as they began to have more money to spend, liked to spend it on things that would shock their parents and teachers and ministers. So TV, music, books, all those things that help shape our culture, got racier and racier. It hasn't really stopped since." Furthermore, Toni Taylor, a fourth grade teacher in Arlington, believes that even very young children are learning to curse at home. She said, "I've had parents come to school and start swearing during conferences." It seems that these things are cyclical in nature. No doubt the pagans of the first century were every bit as corrupt as a people as our society seems to be today. Paul spoke of them as "being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:29-32). American society today is very much characterized by the same ungodliness. In fact, if I were not aware of the date of Paul's writing, I would think this scripture to be directly pointed to our day. Paul warned Timothy of this cycle of ungodliness, and instructed him as to how to deal with it. He said in 2 Timothy 3:13-14, "But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of...." An example of these "evil men" is found in the Telegram article. A Fort Worth "poet/essayist" by the name of William Bryan Massey III is said to frequently use profanity in his writing. In fact, the article stated, "Few of Massey's poems or essays could be even partially reprinted in a family newspaper, but he thinks this is a mark of distinction, not dishonor." Notice his rationale for using such obscenity, "I choose the words that best express the idea or feeling I'm trying to get across to the reader. Some people say that poems or whatever could be just as good without [obscenities]. But when I'm using the language, I want to take advantage of every word." Such absurd drivel would be laughable if it were not such a sad commentary on our times. Educated people have always considered obscenity the haven of the coarse, uneducated and immoral man. It is the language of the drunken sailor, not the poet; of the tramp, not the businessman; of the law breaker, not the law maker. If that is now changing, we are saddened. However, we as Christians must refuse to be influenced by this ungodliness. We are called to a higher standard. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). -- Via Watchman Magazine, October 2001 ___________________________________________ Painless Religion by Dan S. Shipley The unpleasant hurting sensation sometimes experienced in the physical body can have beneficial effects. Without the symptoms of chest or stomach pains, for instance, one may be unaware of serious ailments needing immediate attention. The prospects of a comfortable coronary or a painless appendicitis may sound appealing, but the end thereof could well be death. Physical hurting is not only an informer, it is also a reminder and protector. Even the sore toe can convey an attention getting message by hurt saying, "Hey! Remember to take care of me!" The point is, hurt is a necessary and often helpful part of our physical existence. Furthermore, I'm not so sure that hurt doesn't occupy a somewhat similar role in the spiritual realm as well. Take the hurt of godly sorrow, for instance. Without it repentance is impossible for "godly sorrow worketh repentance..." (2 Cor. 7:10). You can see it in the repentance of the Pentecostians who were "pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). I think we see it in Peter who, in realizing his sin against Jesus, "went out, and wept bitterly" (Matt. 26:75). Who are the blessed mourners of Matt. 5:4 if not those who are hurt by sin? Such hurt is actually an essential part of gaining spiritual health. But, as with the physical body, there are different kinds of hurting. Another sort is that which comes with the sting of rebuke. Whether administered publicly or privately, there are times when the rod of verbal chastisement is necessary. Paul used it with Peter and threatened more of it with the Corinthians (Gal. 2:11; 1 Cor. 4:21). Timothy is told to use it (1 Tim. 4:2). Actually, it involves a double hurt in that it affects the rebuker as well. Paul was sorry for having to make the Corinthians sorry (1 Cor. 7:8), though it later brought joy. No doubt, their putting away the fornicator from among them was a painful experience too, but the church could not be healthy without it. Since hurt, therefore, is so vitally related to spiritual health, why do so many seem so set on taking all the hurt out of religion? Why the demand for an ouchless religion? Many appear obsessed with the fear that someone may get their feelings hurt! Others want to spare themselves the pain and unpleasantness of saying what needs to be said to lost souls (preachers and elders included). Could it be that we have become more concerned about removing the hurt than about removing the sin? That is something like a doctor administering a strong pain-killer for severe stomach pains without treating what caused the pains. Obviously, he has not removed the problem; only the patient's awareness of it. Neither do we remove the problem by removing the pain. True, we have manufactured lots of "tranquilizers" in our quest for a painless religion. Many, though dying in sin, have been made to feel good under the sedation of false teaching, good intentions and excuses. The pain may be gone, but not the problem. Speaking the truth in love is good medicine -- good for those who speak it and hear it -- and hurt! -- Via Plain Talk, December 1976 ___________________________________________ Stuff About Things by Robert Turner In depression days one W.P.A. workman had nothing to take for lunch but turnip green sandwiches. He was a patient man, trying to be content with his lot, but turnip green sandwiches have a way of making a fellow long for better things -- and that makes for temptation. One day he went to the truck a few minutes before noon, and switched his lunch sack for that of a fellow worker. As he hurried to a distant nook he could hardly wait to feast on his ill-gotten prize. But when he opened the sack guess what he found. Six hickory nuts and a hammer! Today's working man is not, for the most part, struggling against starvation and tyrannical bosses. He has a more subtle enemy: inflation, and social adjustments that tear at his will to work. The latter has been all but ignored for some time; but now we are hearing more about need for a "work ethic," and we may find that the lack of such has had much to do with inflation. Sociologists speak of the "Protestant work ethic," and sometimes laugh at its moral background -- nervously -- but they praise the net results. Higher wages, longer vacations, and better working conditions have not improved the "work ethic." In fact, the more the worker is given the less he seems to care about doing his job well; but this is not to say that going back to poor working conditions and benefits would restore respect for the job. No, the basis for "ethics" is a sense of moral responsibility. It thrives best where people recognize the presence of God, and laws from a divine source. Faith in God gives men purpose in life; helps to overcome despair, and binds families together in a way practically unknown in today's blase society. Presidential appeals, laws, and affluence can not restore what atheism and disrespect for authority have taken away. God's word recognizes a legitimate desire for "better things." It lifts one above an indolent, "don't care" attitude; but it finds satisfaction in that which may be attained by honorable means, and without sacrificing heavenly goals. The scriptures state it simply: "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24). That's incentive no lunch can match! -- Via Plain Talk, February 1977 ___________________________________________ For the Thorn I am thankful for the thorn I felt today, Although it brought a fleeting stab of pain, For now the rose I see along my way Has seemed sweeter, deeper worth to gain. Because I felt a thorn, I sympathize With Him Who wore a crown of thorns for me. In some small measure I can realize A portion of His pain at Calvary. -- Roy Harris in Silver Shadows ___________________________________________ News & Notes After spending a few days in the hospital, Mae Cornette is now back home. Let us be remembering her in prayer. We need to also be remembering Bertha Jones who has been having trouble with her eye and ears; and Margaret Mosier, with her respiratory problems. Joe Thompson is looking into a remedy to alleviate some of the physical pain he often has. Let us pray for success! Greetings, visitors! Please come again! ________________________________________ Avondale CHURCH OF CHRIST 1606 Glen Willow Rd., Avondale, PA 19311 (For postal service: P.O. Box 421) (610) 268-2088 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 11:00 A.M. Worship 6:00 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:00 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (610) 925-3567 e-mail: tedwards@onemain.com web site: http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/avondale ________________________________________