The Beacon - Electronic Edition - 6/15/05 "Everyone Else Is Doing It" Sometimes people attempt to justify their sinful conduct on the basis of "well everyone else is doing it." If "everyone else" is dressing immodestly, what are we going to do? If "everyone else" is going to a "must see" R-rated movie, what are we going to do? If "everyone else" is lying, stealing, or cheating what are we going to do? In the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, "everyone else" was bowing down and worshiping his golden image (see Dan. 3:1-7). But what did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego do? They said "let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods..." (Dan. 3: 18). These men loved the Lord and courageously served him regardless of what everyone else was doing. May we too have the courage to be different. Brethren, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2). God's children are not to follow in the sins of others, but are to lead others out of darkness and into the light. - by David McPherson ______________________________________________ Modesty Modesty of speech, modesty of action, and modesty in dress are almost void in the lives of people in this world. Christians need to safeguard themselves so that we might not let worldliness affect our modesty. Eph 5:4 "neither filthiness, nor foolish talking,nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks". The first part of this verse deals with things that the Christian is not to participate in which includes "foolish talking, nor coarse jesting." The second part of this verse states that "the giving of thanks" is something that is acceptable to God. It is very easy for people to get caught up in laughing at dirty jokes, or dirty remarks. Let us be an example to this world, and not participate in idle talk. I Cor. 3:16 "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" We must also be modest in our actions. Let us make sure that we handle our bodies in such a way that would befit the temple of God. We must not misuse God's temple by dancing or by immoral behavior. The way in which we conduct ourselves is just as important as how we talk. We must strive to be Christ like in every faculty of our life. I Tim. 2:9 "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, With propriety and moderation,not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing." A third way in which one may be modest is in the area of dress. We are seeing a lack of material in clothing. The skirts and shorts are getting cut higher, and the shirts are getting cut lower. Christians must be careful that we are modest in our dress so that we might dress properly as one who professes godliness. (I Tim. 2:10) A good question to ask is "Am I dressing to conceal or reveal?" Sometimes we make it too hard for those in the world to notice that we are different. We should not blend into the crowd with our dress. We should never wear something that we would be uncomfortable wearing if the Lord was sitting right beside us, because He is always looking at us. Christians, we can shine as lights to this dark world if we have modesty of speech, modesty of action, and modesty in dress. - by Ben Hastings _____________________________________________________ What About Narrow Preachers? I don't know about you, but I get a little weary of hearing the word "narrow" used as a slur against preachers who adhere to the Bible in their preaching. Sure, they are "narrow", but so are factory workers, surgeons, druggists and teachers. The factory worker is so "narrow" that he uses micrometers and measures to the thousandth of an inch the bores and pistons of engines, electronic components and balancing wheels in timepieces. The surgeon is so "narrow" that he insists on ultra-technical laboratory analysis, meticulously sterilized instruments of special design. Why, he is so picky narrow that he makes his assistants wear masks over their faces! The druggist is so "narrow" that he just has to have a prescription before he will let you have certain drugs. He says he has to be narrow because government regulations are narrow, and even thinks it is for good! As you think about it, it's a blessing that somebody is narrow-minded. And however much we need to be "narrow" about vital material matters, we must be infinitely more careful and exact about spiritual laws. God will not be mocked. - selected ____________________________________________ 3 Ways to Leave a Local Church We often talk about "placing membership" in a local church, or "identifying" with a congregation. But, have you ever thought about how that relationship, once established, can be dissolved? There are only three ways that an individual can scripturally leave a faithful local congregation. The first is obvious: when a person dies, he is no longer a member of the local church. His eternal destiny is sealed (Luke 16:22-26) and nothing can be done to change it. We should all prepare ourselves for this reality (Heb. 9:27). The second way is when one leaves in good standing with the local church. We have an example of this in the case of Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). When he left Ephesus the brethren wrote him a letter of commendation so that other Christians and other churches would be informed of his faithfulness. To this day, churches write letters to recommend faithful brethren as they leave one place and move to another. This is a scriptural practice that should be followed. The final way one may end a relationship with a faithful local congregation is by way of disciplinary action. We are told to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" (2 Thess. 3:6). If a brother or sister sins and will not repent (Matt. 18:15-17); engages in immorality (1 Cor. 5:11); teaches false doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3-5); or causes division (Rom. 16:17); it is the duty of faithful brethren to "note that man, and have no company with him" (2 Thess. 3:14). The purpose of such action is, of course, to bring the lost brother back to the Lord (1 Cor. 5:5). We are to "count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thess. 3:15). When such action is pursued, the purity of the church is maintained (1 Cor. 5:6,7) and others learn from the example (Acts 5:1-11). Some ask if we may "withdraw from the withdrawn." They wonder if it is still possible to conduct the disciplinary action outlined above if someone has already left the local church. The answer is YES! Even if the erring brother has left, or said that he no longer considers himself a member of the congregation, we must "withdraw ourselves" (2 Thess. 3:6) because: 1) it is commanded by God; 2) the lost brother needs to be shocked into realizing his lost condition; and 3) the purity of the church depends upon it. There are three ways to leave a local church. We must be committed to following God's will in all things. - by Greg Gwin ____________________________________________ Trends . . . A new study commissioned by the Dove Foundation examined the revenue and production costs for 3,000 Motion Picture Assn. of America-rated theatrical films released between Jan. 1, 1989, and Dec. 31, 2003, using the 200 most widely distributed films each year based on the number of theaters. "While the movie industry produced nearly 12 times more R-rated films than G-rated films from 1989-2003, the average G-rated film produced 11 times greater profit than its R-rated counterpart," said Dick Rolfe, the group's founder and chairman. - via Reuters/Hollywood Reporter, 6/7/05 2 Timothy 3:13 "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." _____________________________________________ Some quotes worth pondering . . . "You can never get ahead of anyone as long as your are trying to get even with them." "Attitudes determine actions. You are not what you think you are. Rather, what you think, you are!" "We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of choice - blessing or cursing." "Don't find fault. Find a remedy." - Henry Ford ______________________________________________ News from Collegevue . . . June 12, 2005 Many thanks for your presence here today. We glad that you made the decision to attend these services in which we join together to learn more about God, and offer praise and worship to Him. We extend a very special welcome to our visitors. We hope you will come again real soon. Continue to pray for those who are sick, including: Alvin Lunn, Tina Overton, Eloise Andrews, Lois Ashworth, Dot Warf, Jerry Riggins, Roger & William Toombs's mother, and others. The dates for our Vacation Bible School are rapidly approaching: July 11-15. Greg will be teaching the adult class, and we will be dealing with some important questions: Monday: Must we believe that the Bible is God's only written revelation? Why not the Book of Mormon, the Koran, or Watchtower publications? Tuesday: Must we believe in Jesus Christ as the only Savior? Why not Muhammad or Buddha? Wednesday: Must we repent of our sins and confess our faith to be saved? Aren't people saved as soon as they accept Jesus as their personal Savior? Thursday: Must we be baptized in water for our sins to be forgiven? Aren't people saved when they pray for Jesus to come into their hearts? Friday: Must we be faithful to Jesus until we die? Once people are saved, aren't they always saved? Figures for the week of 6/5/05: Sunday, Bstudy, 139; AM, 161; PM, 132; Wed., 130; Contrib., $5237 ______________________________________________ "The Beacon - Electronic Edition" is sent out weekly from Columbia, TN, and contains articles and information taken from the most recent "paper" bulletin of the Collegevue Church of Christ. We hope you will use this material in any way you can that will glorify our Father. Please give proper credit to the respective authors. _______________________________________________ Visit our website at: www.Collegevue.com contact the editor at: greggwin@bellsouth.net