The Empty Soul

Posted on December 9, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Tonight on the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible we will be discussing “The Empty Soul” – thoughts taken from Luke 11:23-26. When you rid your life of various evils, what do you fill the void with? Should we fill the void, or WHY should we fill the void? These are some of the questions we will be answering tonight.

Join us every Monday at 7:00pm CST at http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org. This is a live call-in talk show discussing vital Bible topics and important moral issues facing us today.

You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible says.

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WHAT DOES JEHOVAH REALLY REQUIRE?

Posted on December 9, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

“Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:56-8).

Israel has recognized their guilt before the Almighty. Micah then personifies the nation as an individual addressing Jehovah in search for a solution to their sinful conduct. Israel showed their ignorance of what the God of heaven desired of them. Their question was: “How must they come before Him? Must it be with their best burnt offerings? Should they come with a great quantity of offerings? Or, should they come with their most prized possession – their first-born?” With all these questions it seemed that they were willing to do anything for the Lord – except what Jehovah really required.

Sacrifices like these were not what Jehovah desired from Israel. Ponder this very pertinent passage: “And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). What the Lord really wanted was a penitent heart.

Today, the Almighty requires much more than mere sacrifice – more than simply coming to worship and offering up the incense of praise to Him. Many like the Israelites of old are willing to do anything for the Lord EXCEPT what He demands. Jehovah showed Israel what He wanted and it was up to them to obey these commands. He showed Israel and He has shown us “what is good” and what He “requires” of us.

God requires us to “do justly.” By this statement we see that man is required, he must, it is an imperative that he live according to the divine standard of righteousness set forth in His holy scriptures. John said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 Jn. 5:3). John further states, “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9). “Do justly!”

Jehovah also requires that we “love kindness” (love mercy – KJV). We must be compassionate and warmhearted toward our fellowman. Jesus said, “…everyone who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire” (Mt. 5:22). Friends, the Royal Law requires that we “love our neighbor as our self” (Jam. 2:8). “Love kindness!”

Furthermore, the Almighty demands that we “walk humbly with thy God.” Remember, how “shall two walk together, except they have agreed” (Amos 6:6)? To walk humbly with God we must first recognize His holiness and His righteousness – and then develop a lifestyle of a humble and submissive attitude. We are not to walk ahead of God or behind God – but “with” God. This is why Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit [that’s humility]: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt, 5:3). “Walk humbly with thy God!”
Question, are we like the Israel of old who was willing to anything – except what the Lord requires? Or, do we “do justly,” “love kindness,” and “walk humbly” with our God?

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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DEDICATION TO GOD

Posted on December 5, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

We live in a day where few, it seems, are dedicated to much of anything. This is abundantly clear in light of the many broken marriages across our nation (Mt. 19:9). Lack of dedication is proven in the fact that many are haphazardly fulfilling their responsibilities in the work place during the week. And, sadly, lack of dedication is seen in the fact that many refuse to worship on Sunday morning, even more on Sunday and Wednesday evenings (Heb. 10:25).

In Romans 12:1-3 we are shown what is involved in truly being dedicated to the Almighty God. Dedication to God involves three important efforts: presentation, transformation, and evaluation.

Notice first the PRESENTATION. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). This presentation, of course, is in response to God’s generous gift of His Son for our sins. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). This presentation is to be a “living sacrifice.” “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord…Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God…Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:11, 13, 18). This endeavor is to be with nothing less than a 100% of our effort, for Jesus said, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62). This presentation is to be holy and acceptable to God. Notice what Peter says, “but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living” (1 Pet. 1:15; ASV). This presentation is our reasonable or spiritual (ASV) service, because the Apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Secondly, there must be a TRANSFORMATION. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2). This begins with the mind, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Pro. 23:7). This transformation will make us hate evil, and want to be unlike the world. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15). This transformation will help us decide to do right (Jn. 8:29).

And finally, there must be an EVALUATION. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3). We must evaluate our relationship to God, and with this evaluation we must develop the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5-8). This evaluation will keep us from being puffed up (1 Cor. 4:6-7). This evaluation will give us a lowly spirit. “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Pro. 29:23). We must also evaluate our relationship to the world. We are in the world, but we must not be of the world. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jam. 1:27). We evaluate our relationship to our brethren. We are to love and honor our brethren. “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 Jn. 2:10-11). We are to have affection for one another (Rom. 12:10).

If we are truly dedicated to God we will have humility toward Him. We should always remember who God is and who we are (Job 42:1-6), and that God will exalt the humble (Jam. 4:10). True dedication towards God will cause us to be obedient to His will, and we will do so because we love Him (Jn. 14:15).

Let us be dedicated to God!

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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TIME

Posted on December 4, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

“What is time? Who can easily and briefly explain this? Who can comprehend this, even in thought, so as to express it in a word? Yet what do we discuss more familiarly and knowingly in conversation than time? Surely, we understand it when we talk about it, and also understand it when we hear others talk about it. What, then, is time? If no one asks me, I know; if I want to explain it to someone who asks me, I do not know” (Augustine, Confessions, Book xi, Chapter 14)

One thing we know for sure about time, we do not how much time we have. Peter says, “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls” (1 Pt. 1:24), and such is time – we are only on this earth for a short while. The length of days one possesses varies greatly – some die in youth and others die in old age. “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (Jam. 4:14). No one has a guarantee of another breath of life – life is short and unpredictable.

Therefore, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Col. 4:5).

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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Special Program

Posted on December 3, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Listen in tonight at 6:00pm CST for a Special Addition of the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible at
http://www.harrisandmoore.org or
http://www.knowthetruthradio.org
as we discuss “Why are some people trying to suppress the truth as they did in Jesus’ day.”

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SPECIAL ADDITION OF THE HARRIS AND MOORE EXPEDITION THROUGH THE BIBLE

Posted on December 3, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Listen in tonight at 6:00pm CST for a Special Addition of the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible at http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org as we discuss “Why are some people trying to suppress the truth as they did in Jesus’ day.”

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LESSON FROM AUTUMN LEAVES

Posted on December 3, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

LESSONS FROM AUTUMN LEAVES

INTRODUCTION
A. At this time of the year, we begin to see beautifully colored trees, as well as millions of fallen leaves.
1. In the Old Testament, Isaiah compared Israel to the leaves of this season of the year
a. Isaiah 64:6
b. Israel had separated herself from God – the source of life – because of her transgression, she was now as a fallen leaf
c. Isaiah 59:1-2
d. 1 John 3:4
2. As a result of sin, their sap of inner life had failed, and Israel was now fading away as an autumn leaf

B. I want us now to consider some lessons that we can glean as we behold the autumn leaves

DISCUSSION
A. AUTUMN LEAVES REMIND US OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
1. The beauties of nature, as well as the glory of the heavens, remind us of God’s existence
a. Romans 1:20
b. Psalm 19:1
c. Acts 14:17
d. The beautiful and varied colors of the autumn leaves are a wonder to behold.
e. They demonstrate the interest that God has in providing good and beautiful sights for mankind

2. Poem: All Things Bright and Beautiful

The little flower that opens, The little birds that sing,
God made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.
The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruit in the garden, He made them everyone.
The colorful trees in the fall, So wonderful to behold,
A constant reminder to all, His love never grows old.
He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty, Who made all these things swell.
All things bright and beautiful, Creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, The Lord made them all.

B. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF FRUIT BEARING
1. The fall season of the year is when the farmers reap many of the fruits of his labor
a. The pumpkin, the pecan, the apple – just to name a few
b. This is the time of the year when a farmer looks back at his efforts for the year and determines if he failed or succeeded.
c. The fall season reminds Christians of the need to look back at our harvest for the year
d. Have we been bearing fruit during the past year as God would have us to?

2. It is tragic to live through the spring and summer of life without bearing fruit for the Lord
a. John 15:1-8
b. Romans 7:4
c. We need to bear the fruit of the Spirit… Galatians 5:22-23
d. James 3:18… we need to bear the fruit of righteousness

C. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY
1. Just as the leaves fall from the trees, we too can fall from God is we cut ourselves off this source of life

2. The Bible very clearly teaches of the possibility of apostasy
a. Luke 8:13
b. Galatians 5:4
c. Hebrews 3:12
d. Acts 1:24-25
e. 2 Peter 2:20-22

3. Illustration
a. If an experienced Ferryman offers to take some folks across the lake, he would expect the passengers to abide IN the ferry boat for their safety. Though he may be ABLE to take them across, there is a conditions the passengers must meet – THEY MUST ABIDE IN THE FERRY BOAT. However, if the passengers should decide to jump overboard, it would not be to the discredit of the Ferryman.

b. God is able to keep us from falling, but there is a condition we must meet – we must abide in Christ. If we decide to leave Christ, it is not to the discredit of the Father.

c. Now, if one jumps of the ferry boat and cannot swim, he is doomed to drowning, unless something is done to rescue him. Suppose he manages to say alive for ten minutes – doesn’t he still need a life preserver? What about 5 minutes? What if he has only been in the water for a minute? Doesn’t he still need a life preserver?

d. What about the one who leaves the church for 5 years? Or, for two years? Or, what if one leaves the church for just a week? Doesn’t he still need to be restored? Whether one leaves the church and refuses to worship for 5 years or one day, he hurts the church for which Christ died! Doesn’t he need to be restored?

D. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF THE WINTER OF DEATH
1. At this season of the year, we are reminded that summer is ended and winter is upon us. Everyone is making preparation.
a. The highway department is busy getting the highway ready for freezing moisture
b. The squirrels are gathering and storing their nuts for the winter
c. Families are gearing up for winter by cutting wood and breaking out the winter coats, etc.
d. Car owners re putting anti-freeze in their cars

2. Even Paul realized the importance of preparing for winter
a. 2 Timothy 4:21
b. 2 Timothy 4:13

3. Just as we expect winter to come, we can expect the winter of death to come as well
a. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
b. Hebrews 9:27

CONCLUSION
A. Are you making preparation for the winter of death?
1. I pray the words of Jeremiah will not be true of us… Jeremiah 8:20
2. The only way to prepare for the winter of death is to a be true, loyal, and dedicated Christian – bearing fruit for the Lord.

B. The story is told that when President James A. Garfield (one of only 2 Christians to ever occupy the White House) lay dying after being shot by an assassin, was visited by a Roman priest who wanted to pray for him, to prepare him for imminent death. The president stated, “I have thatched my roof in fair weather, and I do not need to work
in the storm.”
1. In others words, he had already made his preparation for death.
2. Have you made preparation for the winter of death?
3. Remember, we have no guarantee of another day

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

Posted on December 2, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Listen in tonight to the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible at 7:00pm CST as we discuss the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit at http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org.

We will also have a SPECIAL EDITION of the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible this Tuesday (Dec. 3) at 6:00pm CST

This is a live call-in program (1-855-QABIBLE). You have heard what men have said, now listen to what the Bible says.

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THANKFULNESS

Posted on November 27, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people can be. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked.
“Oh Yeah” said the son.
“So what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

With this the boy’s father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don’t have. What is one person’s worthless object is another’s prize possession. It is all based on one’s perspective. It makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks to God for all the bounty we have been provided by Him, instead of worrying about wanting more.

May God bless each and every one of us. May we take joy in all He has given each and every one of us, especially our friends and family. Friends and family are angels that lift us to our feet when our wings forget how to fly.

“Oh give thanks unto Jehovah, call upon his name; Make known among the peoples his doings” (Psa. 105:1).

Think About It!

Have A Great Thanksgiving Weekend!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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USING SCRIPTURE CORRECTLY

Posted on November 26, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

I heard a story about a friend of the bride who was not able to attend the wedding, so he sent a card of greeting which was read at the reception after the ceremony. It should have included the reference 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” However the “1” was accidentally omitted. So a Bible was fetched and the best man read out the verse on the card – John 4:18, “The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”

Scripture is meaningful, but only when it is used appropriately. Satan used scripture while trying to tempt Jesus, but Jesus was able to recognize that the verses he used were quoted out of context.

When used properly, though, the Word of God “is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Peter says that there are some who “wrest [or, twist], as they do other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Pt. 3:16). We must always use Scripture carefully and appropriately as God intended.

Think About It!

Have An Awesome Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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