tullsTAR

I invite you to check out Tullstar for videos and audios of Gospel Preaching and other items of help and interest… http://www.tullstar.org

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ATTABOY

Who doesn’t like an “attaboy!” when they do something good? Nothing is sweeter in the mind of children than getting an “attaboy” from their dad. It’s why we have “honor society” in school. It is the reason we have scholarship awards as we head into college. “Attaboy!” stands behind all those accolades high achievers get throughout life – Rhode’s scholarships, purple hearts, Silver stars, gold statues, merit raises for school teachers, making partner in a big firm, getting re-elected (in any organization, at any level). “Attaboys!” reward the gracious, good, above-and-beyond behaviors we see in others. Good persons deserve good things.

I don’t know about you, but I long for that great “attaboy!” from the Almighty. I long for the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Mt. 25:23). But remember friends, an “attaboy!” comes to those who have tried hard and have achieved success. The success the Lord is looking for in us is faithful obedience. The Bible is replete with passages encouraging, yea demanding, that we give our all to the cause of Christ. We must seek God’s kingdom first (Mt. 6:33). We must love God with every ounce of our being (Mk. 12:30). We must obey God from the heart (Rom. 6:17). We must speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent. We must call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways (1 Pet. 4:11). We must be faithful even unto death (Rev. 2:10).

I want an “attaboy!” from the Lord! How about you?

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


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“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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SHOW THEM WHO YOU ARE

The famous actor Gregory Peck was once standing in line with a friend, waiting for a table in a crowded Los Angeles restaurant. They had been waiting for some time, the diners seemed to be taking their time eating and new tables weren’t opening up very fast. They weren’t even that close to the front of the line. Peck’s friend became impatient, and he said to Gregory Peck, “Why don’t you tell the maitre d’ who you are?” Gregory Peck responded with great wisdom. “No,” he said, “if you have to tell them who you are, then you aren’t.”

Perhaps there is a lesson here for us. There is nothing wrong with telling people you are a Christian – as a matter a fact it would be a good thing. But shouldn’t the way we live have already proclaimed such? Friends, the Bible declares, “Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ…” (2 Cor. 3:2-3a). Jesus says it this way, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16).

One Poet wrote,

There’s a sweet old story, translated for men,
But writ in the long ago;
The Gospel according Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Of Christ and His mission below

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,
By the deeds you do, by the words you say.
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,
Say! What is the gospel according to you?

‘Tis a wonderful story – that gospel of love,
As it shines in the Christ-life divine;
And O, that its truth might be spoke again
In the story of your life and mine!

You are writing each day a letter to men!
Take care that the writing is true.
‘Tis the only gospel some men will read –
That gospel according to you.

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE APOSTLES

Tonight on the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible we will be discussing the Holy Spirit and the Apostles. Join us each Monday evening at 7:00pm CST at http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org as we discuss important issues from a biblical perspective.

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

This is a live call-talk show … call in at 1-855-QABIBLE

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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BLESS BE THE TIE

BLEST BE THE TIE

INTRODUCTION
A. A wonderful blessing we enjoy in Christ is fellowship with other Christians…
1. We are members of one another – Romans 12:5
2. Thus we have a special bond or tie that binds us together
B. A simple yet beautiful song that describes this bond is “Blest Be The Tie” – song #76
C. From the words of this song, let’s take this opportunity to reflect upon the special bond we enjoy as Christians…
DISCUSSION
A. “BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS OUR HEARTS IN CHRISTIAN LOVE” (v. 1)
1. Consider first what the tie that binds is not
a. It is not an earthly tie, such as:
1) Friendship
2) Marriage
3) Family – All of which are either social or physical ties
b. It is not broken like earthly ties, such as through:
1) Separation
2) Incompatibility (e.g., the apostles were a diverse group)
3) Death
2. Consider then what the tie that binds is
a. Love, not easily broken – Colossians 3:14
b. Love, that comes from the God of love – 1 John 4:7-11
c. Love, learned from the example of Christ – 1 John 3:16
d. Love, serving as a mark of true discipleship – John 13:34-35
3. The tie involves love that is uniquely Christian; patterned after Christ’s love
B. “THE FELLOWSHIP OF KINDRED MINDS IS LIKE TO THAT ABOVE” (v. 1)
1. This tie involves a unity for which Jesus prayed – John 17:20-23
2. It involves a unity of mind for which Paul prayed – Philippians 2:2
3. Therefore any threat to this unity is strongly condemned – 1 Corinthians 1:10
4. The tie seeks to emulate the unity between the Father and the Son
5. The tie that binds is based upon the love and unity which Christ makes possible; how it is manifested is illustrated in the remaining verses of the song…
C. “BEFORE OUR FATHER’S THRONE WE POUR OUR ARDENT PRAYERS” (v. 2)
1. We are blessed to be able to approach God in prayer
a. A privilege enjoyed in Christ – Hebrews 4:14-16a
b. A privilege with great blessings
1) Hebrews 4:16b
2) Philippians 4:6-7
2. This song depicts frequent and fervent prayer
a. Praying for one another
1) James 5:16
2) Acts 12:5
b. Praying with another
1) Acts 1:14
2) Acts 2:42
3) Acts 12:12
4) Acts 21:5
3. Such prayer is a benefit of the tie that binds, and also strengthens that tie
D. “OUR FEARS, OUR HOPES, OUR AIMS ARE ONE, OUR COMFORTS AND OUR CARES” (v. 2)
1. We have similar concerns and desires
a. Some because we are simply fellow humans in this world
1) We desire to be healthy, we fear sickness and dying
2) We enjoy comforts of life, we fear joblessness and poverty
b. Others because we are fellow citizens of the kingdom
1) We share the hope of the resurrection and eternal life – 1 Peter 1:3
2) We share in the struggles against temptation and persecution – 1 Peter 5:8-9
2. As Christians, therefore, we can have more in common
a. Not just because of our human nature
b. But also because we are partakers of divine nature
1) Grace and peace are multiplied – 2 Peter 1:2-3
2) We have exceedingly great and precious promises – 2 Peter 1:4
3. Our shared experiences, enhanced by our spiritual blessings, strengthen our tie
4. The next verse focuses on mutual problems we sometimes face…
E. “WE SHARE OUR MUTUAL WOES, OUR MUTUAL BURDENS BEAR” (v. 3)
1. As Christians, we are to bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:1-2
2. In times of spiritual weakness, we are to pray for one another – James 5:16
3. In times of persecution, we are to remember one another – Hebrews 13:3
4. In times of physical need, we are to provide for one another – James 1:27
5. Manifested in such ways, the tie we have in Christ is truly a blessing
F. “AND OFTEN FOR EACH OTHER FLOWS THE SYMPATHIZING TEAR” (v. 3)
1. Because that is how God composed the body of Christ! – 1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
2. That we might weep with those who weep – Romans 12:15
3. An emotional but effective demonstration of the bond we share
4. The final verse describes the impact of the tie that binds, when it comes time to separate, even temporarily…
G. “WHEN WE ASUNDER PART, IT GIVE US INWARD PAIN” (v. 4)
1. The tie is such that departure can be painful
2. Note the example of Paul and the Ephesian elders – Acts 20:36-38
3. Never experience such pain? Perhaps one might need to examine their tie
H. “BUT WE SHALL BE JOINED IN HEART, AND HOPE TO MEET AGAIN” (v. 4)
1. We might be separated in the flesh, but can remain together in spirit – Colossians 2:5
2. We are comforted by a wonderful hope
a. The hope of the resurrection – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
b. Made possible by the resurrection of Christ, and our faith in Him – 1 Peter 1:3-5
3. It is this hope which keeps our hearts joined together, when all other bonds fail
CONCLUSION
A. “Blest Be The Tie” is a beautiful song…
1. That describes the blessings of our oneness in Christ
2. That expresses how many Christians truly feel for one another
B. But it describes blessings known only by those…
1. Who have been added by Christ to His church – Acts 2:41,47
2. Who are diligent in preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – Ephesians 4:1-3
C. Have you been added to the Lord’s church through obedience to the gospel (cf. Ac 2:38)?
D. Are you doing your part to strengthen the tie that binds those in Christ?
E. “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Col. 3:14, NAS)

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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ADDICTION

ADDICTION

“A Pennsylvania hospital has launched the first ever hospital-based treatment center for people who are so addicted to using the Internet they are unable to bring the addiction under control by themselves,” reports Leonardo Blair of the CP:

“The Bradford Regional Medical Center … announced earlier this month that they had launched the Internet addiction treatment and recovery program as part of the hospital’s Behavioral Health Services Division. … The intensive program targeting adults 18 and older is administered over a 10-day period under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team. … According to the release, Internet addiction is now an epidemic and a public health crisis in countries like China, Korea and Taiwan. It was only recently recognized as a problem in the United States. Internet Gaming Disorder was included in Section 3 of the bible of American psychiatric medicine in May of 2013.”

Sometimes helpful things can cross a line and actually become detrimental things. The Internet is a wonderful tool. When it is used for its intended purpose, it enhances our lives. However, when it becomes our obsession, or used in a sinful way (as in the case with pornography) it does more harm than good; it robs us of a real life – it is sin.

Have you crossed that line with any of the good things in your life? Some cross it with food, others with prescription drugs, sex, or some recreational activity. Ironically, it is the good and the helpful things in our lives that many times pose us the greatest danger. “All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify” (1 Cor. 10:23). Of course, the apostle Paul does not mean that anything is lawful for him to do; rather, he is saying that things which are not wrong of themselves he has the right to do. He has identified many things in his inspired writings which are wrong in any circumstance (cf. Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-11). But some lawful things are not expedient. Some things can become an obsession with us and lead to sin, causing us to lose our proper priorities.

The only thing that we can fix our hearts on without regret is God. When He becomes the object of our unchecked devotion, our lives are enhanced in every way. “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33). Unchecked devotion, my friends, to anything other than God is called idolatry.

Have you turned a helpful thing into an idol?

“And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell” (Mt. 5:29-30).

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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GOD’S TIMELINE NOT OURS

I heard a story which illustrates how we often confuse God’s timing with ours. A country newspaper had been running a series of articles on the value of church attendance. One day, a letter to the editor was received in the newspaper office. It read, “Print this if you dare. I have been trying an experiment. I have a field of corn which I plowed on Sunday. I planted it on Sunday. I did all the cultivating on Sunday. I gathered the harvest on Sunday and hauled it to my barn on Sunday. I find that my harvest this October is just as great as any of my neighbors’ who went to church on Sunday. So where was God all this time?”

The editor printed the letter, but added his reply at the bottom. “Your mistake was in thinking that God always settles his accounts in October.”

That’s often our mistake as well, isn’t it – thinking that God should act when and how we want Him to act, according to our timetable rather than His. The fact that our vision is limited, finite, unable to see the end from the beginning, somehow escapes our mind. So we complain; we get frustrated; we accuse God of being indifferent to us; we do not live by faith – true biblical faith.

James declared, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (Jam. 1:6-8).

The Psalmist admonishes, “Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, And let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah” (Psa. 27:14). “My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him” (Psa. 62:5). “I wait for Jehovah, my soul doth wait, And in his word do I hope” (Psa. 130:5).

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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AND THEN SOME

AND THEN SOME

James Byrnes, who was Secretary of State under FDR, said that the difference between successful people and average people can be summed up in three words. Here are the three words, “and then some.” He said, “Average people do what is expected. Successful people do what is expected, and then some.”

Friends, this is the key to spiritual success: “and then some.” Sadly, many seem to do just enough to get by. We should heed carefully the words of the apostle Paul, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Let’s give unto the Lord – and then some!

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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The Godhead

Tune in tonight to the Harris and Moore Expedition through the Bible as we discuss the Godhead (one or three?). Listen in each Monday at 7:00pm CST on http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org. You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible says.

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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SPIRITUAL PATRIOTS – 4

SPIRITUAL PATRIOTS #4
The Downfall of Dreamers
Jude 8-10

INTRODUCTION
A. In past lessons we noted:
1. The need for spiritual patriots
2. The need for watchfulness and vigilance against false teachers
3. The importance of remembering how God has dealt with evil doers in the past
B. When people go to war, dreams become their closest traveling companions. dreams become especially vivid in times of unrest. Some dream of loved ones back home. Others dream of victory and an end to conflict
C. “Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings…” (v. 8a)
1. Although the word “dream” can be applied to flights of fancy, it is typically used in a more positive sense.
a. Often used of making plans or setting goals
b. Unfortunately, this was not the kind of activity Jude had in mind when he referred to these false teachers as “dreamers” (NKJ).
c. Jude wrote about the unholy dreams of wicked men who were attacking the church
2. It is possible that these men were claiming some special revelation in the form of dreams
a. It is also possible Jude had reference to their sinful thoughts
b. James says it this way… James 3:13-15
3. The mindset of these false teachers was reminiscent of man’s condition immediately before the flood
a. Genesis 6:5
b. Paul referred to such ungoldly men as “inventors of evil things” (Rom. 1:30).
c. Sinners often live in a kind of dream world, totally ignoring the consequences of their actions
DISCUSSION
A. CHARACTERISTICS OF FALSE TEACHERS
1. THEY “DEFILE THE FLESH”
a. In the name of God, and under the supposed protection of grace, they shamelessly adopted a lifestyle of sin.
b. Those who fill their minds with unwholesome thoughts are inclined to pollute their bodies with unhealthy practices
c. No one is immune from the effects of iniquity… Galatians 6:7-8
1) Christians must not kid themselves about the consequences of sin
2) God’s law of sowing and reaping cannot be circumvented
d. Defilement is the only possible outcome when a person caters to worldly cravings
1) Christians must glorify God rather than gratify the flesh… 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
2) With the help of the word of God evil lusts can be subdued… Galatians 5:16-18
e. Romans 12:1-2
2. THEY REJECT AUTHORITY
a. “set at nought dominion” (reject authority – ESV, NKJ)
b. God has established a system of authority in this world to restrain people from carrying out improper thoughts and desires
c. The ungodly rejects God’s authority
d. God ordained authority in the home
1) Ephesians 6:1
2) Some reject parental authority (Rom. 1:30-31)
3) What would children be without parental authority?
e. God has ordained civil authority
1) Romans 13:1-7
2) The purpose is to encourage the good and to execute wrath upon evil doers
3) What would our world be like without civil authority?
f. God ordained authority in the church
1) Elders are the divinely appointed overseers of local congregations (Acts 14:23; 20:28)
2) Hebrews 13:17
g. Bible authority is the underlying foundations these…
1) 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2) 2 Peter 1:3
3) Proverbs 14:12
3. THEY SPEAK EVIL OF DIGNITARIES
a. “rail at dignities” (speak evil of dignitaries- NKJ)
b. These are ones who are to be regarded highly because of their station, thus the ungodly are given to speaking against positions of leadership
c. Jude 9
1) The way that Michael, the archangel, conducted himself when contending with the devil stood in stark contrast to the disrespectful treatment false teachers were giving godly leaders in the church
2) Michael was engaged in a dispute with the devil about the body of Moses. After Moses glimpsed the Promise Land from the heights of Pisgah, he died and was buried by the Lord in a Moabite valley (Dt. 34:6)
3) When Satan tried to interfere, he was confronted by this distinguished member of the heavenly hosts
4) Jude does not give us the details, his focus is on the conduct of the archangel during this episode. Michael did not allow the confrontation to degenerate into an unrestrained battle of emotions
5) “Railing judgments” (reviling accusations – NKJ) are harsh terms of reproach. As tension escalates, it is common for conversations to become increasingly personal and cruel. When it became clear to Michael that Satan could not be reasoned with, he wisely brought the dispute to a conclusion by saying, “The Lord rebuke thee.”
6) When obstinate people are determined to do wrong, there comes a time to leave the matter in God’s hands.
d. Christians can lean a valuable lesson from this incident.
1) How does a child of God deal with unpleasant and contentious people?
2) Even when a person is confident he is right, it is not wise to enter into a war words that can lead to sin.
3) This does not mean it is inappropriate to discuss religion or dispute false doctrine. The key is to always conduct ourselves in the highest gentlemanly manner
4) When emotions are running high great caution must be exercised. One of Satan’s greatest weapons is to entrap those defending the truth with their own tongue
B. AWESOME INTELLECTS OR ANIMAL IMPULSES
1. The false teachers Jude confronted did not hesitate to speak evil of opponents who were more righteous than they – they justified their words believing they possessed a higher knowledge of God’s word
2. Despite their bold assertions they were completely out of touch with the word of God
a. The only special knowledge they had were of base things
b. They thought they were great thinkers, but Jude called them “creatures without reason” or “brute beasts” (v. 10)
3. People whose lives are dominated by sin mentally inhabit a dreamlike world of impurity
a. Over time, they become proficient at justifying their reckless behavior in the name of spiritual or intellectual enlightenment
b. Arrogance can cause many to rationalize almost any sin
C. RULES FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING
1. In view of man’s higher nature, Jude provided three principle for proper conduct.
a. Saints should keep their bodies and minds pure from those things that defile them
b. They must show proper respect for rightful authority
c. Even when contending for the faith, Christians must speak the truth in love
2. God’s patriots must fill their hearts with holy aspirations
3. Those who do will enjoy the sweet dreams of a clear conscience
CONCLUSION
A. Spiritual Patriots are needed in the Lord’s church – Those who will:
1. Love the church enough to fight for God’s cause
2. Not be discouraged in the heat of battle
3. Who will be alert to the dangers threatening the church
B. Will you enlist as one of God’s Spiritual Patriots?
C. If enlisted, will you be a true Patriot for the Cause?

Sermon outline taken from Aubrey Johnson’s book Spiritual Patriots

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
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“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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