The Preacher

The Final Word

Posted 4/21/2014 Page 8

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

The Preacher
Hal Hammons

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. Ecclesiastes 12:10

Posted 4/21/2014

thepreachermag.com

Jokes

The real mistake World Vision made

At the time of this writing, the Christian mega-charity World Vision is in the midst of a public relations nightmare. First they announced they would not knowingly discriminate in their hiring processes against those in same-sex marriages. The conservative churches and denominations that comprise most of World Visions contributors lashed out immediately, pulling their funding for the charitys relief efforts around the world. Then, two days later, World Visions leadership reverse d course, saying they would return to the dont ask, dont tell policy that had characterized their hiring process before. Then it was the secular medias turn to erupt, saying churches were putting politics ahead of people, that dogmatism over homosexual marriage (which is not specifically mentioned in the New Testament) is inconsistent with an inclusive approach toward divorce and remarriage (which is specifically mentioned and condemned in Matthew 19:9, among other places), and that World Vision was an enabler in the religious communitys cowardice and hypocrisy. (That response was not politically motivated at all, naturally.) If it seems like World Vision is caught in an absolutely untenable position, you are correct. How can a religious organization include enough respect for Biblical teaching so as to distinguish its mission from that of any other humanitarian organization, and yet be ecumenical enough to not ostracize its workers and contributors who certainly will not agree with one another on the fine points or even with what constitutes a fine point? The debate would seem to be as convoluted and insoluble as that sentence was. The issue is actually much, much simpler than that. The real mistake World Vision made was not being open to homosexuals, or being closed to homosexuals, or trying to curry favor with its supporters and/or critics in the media. The real mistake World Vision made was in existing in the first place. Charity is a good thing, a needful thing. And for the Christian, a required thing. The text is replete with admonitions for Christians to assist the poor (1 Timothy 6:17-18), the handicapped (Luke 14:13-14), even the thankless (Matthew 5:4042). And local churches have an obligation to their own needy who have no family to lend aid (1 Timothy 5:3-16), as well as needy saints in other areas (2 Corinthians 9:1-5). But nowhere is the church given a mandate to become distracted from its spiritual mandate to tend to the poor, whom Jesus Himself said would always be present (John 12:8). And when a human organization attempts to organize churches from many locations and of many persuasions into a cohesive unit determined to address a problem no church, let alone every church, was mandated by God to address, chaos ensues. How could it not? Let charities do their work, and let us as individuals choose carefully the ones we use to pursue our own mandate to love our neighbors. And let the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23) do its work, the work He Himself did while in the flesh not to cure societys ills, but to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

I love a good joke. I love to hear one, and I absolutely love to tell one. Which reminds me did you hear the one about the preacher who kept all his opinions to himself? Me neither. Anyway, Aggies know all about jokes. Sometimes it seems most of them are told at our expense. The politically correct crowd is quick to jump in to defend Jews, people of color, and those of Polish extraction, but no one seems to be rushing to the defense of people from schools traditionally associated with agriculture. Dont think Im whining. Im not. I take a joke as well as the next victim of stereotyping. But Ill admit, it gets to me a bit when people will go out of their way to amuse themselves with a joke obviously intended to offend. And if I fuss, naturally Im further stigmatized as having a poor sense of humor. I think this is the central issue: Are we telling jokes to make other people happy, or to make ourselves happy? If we are trying to make other people happy, clearly we should stay away from subject matter that is likely to annoy them. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. This may be a situation where the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 doesnt go far enough. If we think we wouldnt be upset if they told a joke on us, that doesnt mean they feel the same. Its better to go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41) to try to a void giving offense. If we think our jokes are so funny that they are worth the risk, surely thats the embodiment of selfishness and empty conceit, and the opposite of humility of mind.

The Preacher
Acceptable to God
Posted 4/21/2014 Page 2

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

The Preacher
My Crossing

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

Colossians 1:24-29 Every man complete in Christ

Sing a New Song

Posted 4/21/2014 Page 7

There is an interesting give and take in the life of the Christian with regard to his relationship with Christ. We serve collectively as His body, and individually as members of that body. It is this phenomenon to which Paul refers in verse 24 of our text Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christs afflictions. When we read the stories of Jesus suffering and death on th e cross, it is difficult to conceive of any of his afflictions being lacking. Yet they are lacking. Since His work proceeds in the midst of His enemies, still ever-present, but He is no longer here to suffer for the cause, it is left to us as His body to suffer in His stead. Surely Paul would have been the first to say the famous thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7) combined with the host of other afflictions he accumulated in his ministry would not be anywhere near enough to compare to what Jesus did for us. But the knowledge of His fellowship in Jesus sufferings gave the sufferings a context, and no doubt made them easier to bear. And the knowledge that He was a participant in the mystery of the gospel, taking the gospel of salvation, Christ in you, the hope of glory (verse 27) emboldened him further. We too, as joint participants in the same gospel, as joint partakers of the same hope, should rejoice in our sufferings as Christ Himself exhorted us to (Luke 6:22-23). We have an opportunity to do for Christ what He once did for us but can do for us no longer. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:16, but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed but is to glorify God in this name. When we agree to be His fullness, He agrees to fill us. This is Pauls statement in Ephesians 1:23, capping off an extensive discourse on the blessings that are ours in Him. Truly we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Whatever has entered into the mind of God as a blessing for people of faith has been granted to us. Yes, much of this promise awaits complete fulfillment in heaven. But much of it was given to us at the point of our conversion. And even more of it becomes ours as we grow our faith through a better, fuller knowledge of Him through His word. This also is part of the gospel not only the conversion of souls from lost to saved, but also the development of such souls from weak to strong. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ, he writes in verse 28 of our text. With further exposure to the gospel we become ever more full of His holiness, His meekness, His love, His attitude of service. Gods work is not done in us. But it becomes more complete in us with every day we allow the teachings of Paul and other inspired writers to connect us closer and closer to our perfect Example (1 Peter 2:21).

Staring out across the sea I hear angels call to me, Speaking of what soon will be When I make my crossing. As my boat I ready make, Sorrows of this land forsake, Earthly ties I yearn to break So to make my crossing. Other burdens here I find, Weighing on my heart and mind. Weeping, praying, I, resigned, Wait to make my crossing. Enemies of flesh and soul, Wear at sail and deck and hull, Wrestling me to gain control For to stop my crossing. Come, my child, and build with me Vessel yours to cross the sea. With you long I may not be, For I make my crossing.

The Preacher
Words of Wisdom
Posted 4/21/2014 Page 6

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

The Preacher

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 When good things increase

Why Saints Assemble

More PLAIN TALK

Imagine for a moment you are the fortunate soul in Matthew 13:44 who, almost literally, stumbles upon a great deal of money. You begin to spend it almost before is gathered, dont you? This solves the college fund problem, the old car problem, the retirement problem, the too-small-a-house problem, on and on we could go. But soon we find the problems multiply even faster than the solutions. As Solomon said long ago (and he should have known), When good things increase, those who consume them increase. How many first -time homebuyers have after a few months, We dont own the house; the house owns us? Extra rooms must be filled. Less-than-perfect rooms must be reworked to match the perfect ones. The house takes on a life of its own. And the humans who consume the good things increase as well and that doesnt necessarily refer to children and grandchildren. Needy ones seeking a handout, investors seeking a partner, grifters seeking a mark, they all stand in line at the doorstep looking for an opportunity to consume your newfound wealth. Relatives and friends you forgot you even had suddenly show up to congratulate you on your good fortune and, after a suitable amount of flattery, explain to you how fortuitous it is that you happened to cross paths when they were in desperate need of a little pocket cash. Can you imagine the nightmare your life would become if you suddenly became immensely wealthy? You would be afraid to go to the store for fear of running into someone with his hand out. You would need special security measure for your family and home. Every relationship, including long-standing ones, would be re-examined constantly to see if you are being used or resented. Virtually nothing that brought you joy in times past would bring you the same amount of joy anymore. And the new joys you find to replace them would be completely a product of your wealth, making it increasingly difficult to see your life without the wealth and making you increasingly paranoid about losing it. The simple life is better, says Solomon. The sleep of the working man is pleasant whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. The sleep God provides is a necessary break from the rigors of life for both body and mind. The man who works hard every day rejoices in his sleep; he accepts that the next day will be much like the last, and he is able to appreciate the joy each one brings, however much or little of it there may be. But the rich man, who imagines himself in control of tomorrow, is consumed with securing it for himself. He eats too much simply because he can, and then he frets that he may not be able to do so again. Heartburn and insecurity form a nasty pair. Of course, neither the rich man nor the poor man have any real control over the future. Ultimately, you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow (James 4:14). Instead of fantasizing about achieving great things in this life and then stressing over those things if we happen to get them we would be far happier finding contentment in our life as God has given it to us. Theres nothing wrong necessarily with having riches or with building bigger barns to put them in. But, as Solomon reminds us, no lover of money will ever get enough to be satisfied. And since that love is a root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), pursuing it simply for its own sake is a dangerous game to play. A dangerous game indeed.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25) Posted 4/21/2014 is a clear statement of Gods will in the matter; and some babes in Page 3 Christ may go to church compelled by fear of Gods wrath. This is a legitimate motive, albeit one that is less needed by the more mature Christian. The collective action of saints, with its attendant assemblings, is far more than a self -justifying end. It grows out of the basic character of saints, and their God -appointed purposes. Early Christians were together with one accord. (Acts 2:44-46) A closeness, and singleness of purpose such as theirs brought them together physically, just as it will bring true Christians together today. They gravitated toward one-another for prayer as fishermen gather to discuss lures; they had a common interest and object of worship. They loved the truth, and their delight was in the law of the Lord. (Matt. 5:6, Psm. 1:2) When people are hungry, they do not have to be urged to go where there is food; nor do they eat because of a sense of duty. Faithful Christians had great respect and veneration for Jesus Christ (1 Cor.11:23 -f.) hence welcomed opportunity to participate in the memorial supper. Their hearts were warmed and faith renewed as they worshipped in remembrance of Christ. Each ones concern for his own spiritual welfare, as well as that of fellow Christians was reflected in the assembling. In Heb.10:23-25 note how let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering is related to their gathering together. And because every man according to his ability, determined- the making of a common treasury brought them together. (Acts 11:29 1 Cor.16:1-3) A pooled fund is the means of exchange by which a plurality of saints act as one to do Gods will. Some early churches were so anxious to do God s work they begged Paul to take their offering. (2 Cor. 8:4) The next verse explains this eagerness; they had given themselves to the Lord. Saints today assemble for these same reasons. I do not refer to those who occasionally attend worship; I mean those who worship with regularity, the faithful few or many. The indifferent and the hypocrites make excuses; perhaps even try to make some logical argument, as, I can worship God, being alone. Of course what one could do, being alone, is hardly the question. The hypocrite is seldom alone (i.e., there are other saints within reach) and if one were alone there is little reason to believe he would worship God. Such people usually compound their wrong by lying to others, to themselves, and to God. If you are a oncer (once-a-week) or worse, allow yourself a moment of truly honest self -inspection. Can you believe that one who loves his brethren because they are brethren, who delights in Bible study, has deep respect for the Lords Supper, and is truly concerned for God s work and his own soul, would do as you do?? From PLAIN TALK, June 1964

The Preacher
Reprove and Rebuke
Posted 4/21/2014 Page 4

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

The Preacher
Making a plan

Hal Hammons

thepreachermag.com

The Prom

Exhort with Patience

The first definition for promenade at dictionary.com is a stroll or walk, especially in a public place, as for pleasure or display. Strutting, in other words. Showing off. Putting oneself on display. That makes sense, I suppose, in the context of the word prom that is derived from promenade. High school students on the brink of adulthood display themselves to the opposite sex for the purpose of sexual attraction. Sounds a bit animalistic when you put it like that. I am not suggesting that every student at the prom is going to have sex immediately afterward (although many do), or even that they want to. Im certainly not suggesting that school officials encourage that kind of attitude. Im just saying the students I usually preach about this time of year probably have a better idea of what the prom is all about than their parents and teachers. And thats strange, given that their parents and teachers were once students themselves and likely were participants at their own proms back in the day. Full disclosure time: I did not go to my prom. I have no first-hand experience. And Im fully aware that the depictions of high school dances in films and on television emphasize the sexual aspects intentionally. However, that does not mean the sexual aspects werent there to begin with. If someone wants to argue that prom does not involve revealing clothing, close proximity and rhythmical movement set to music, go right ahead. You will be the first. The facts are in evidence regarding prom. Theres lewdness. Theres drinking. Theres sex. Not everyone participates in all of the above; some dont even dance. But its silly to suggest that prom is not a breeding ground for all of these thing s. And since Im old and out of the loop (and since I was never really in the loop in the first place), I am fully prepared to b elieve it is far, far worse than I imagine. And yet every spring I hear about Christians sending their children to prom. Its a rite of passage, they say. Its part of growing up. Its something they will look back on fondly for the rest of their lives. Frankly, it sounds very much like th ey are talking about actually having sex. (Thats not what they are talking about, is it?)

It may or may not show, but a great deal of planning went into the creation of Posted 4/21/2014 The Preacher. Notes were taken. Comparisons were made. Templates Page 5 were drawn. Designs were considered. Every effort was made to make the first issue exactly what I wanted it to be, void of mistakes. I failed miserably, of course, but I would have failed far, far worse had I not made a plan.

I know everyone doesnt think like me, but for me, anything that needs to be done right should have a plan. Sure, winging it can be exciting in concept, but its not quite as thrilling when youre out of gas and money halfway between Venice and Rome. Im not saying you have to have every hour of every day at Walt Disney World scripted. But if you know what parks are crowded, what rides are shut down, and where to get the best ice cream sundae ahead of time, you can get through your vacation with a lot less stress and a lot more fun. Believe me. Weve tried it both ways.
And what in my life needs to be done right more than my relationship with Jesus Christ? Yet many Christians dont seem to have any plan at all with regard to their spiritual development. They seem to think it will just happen the way it happens, the particulars are irrelevant, and the end result will be just as marvelous as if they had planned and directed the whole thing. Better, even, since they got to skip all the parts that didnt seem exciting or interesting at the time. You wont grow in your faith without a plan. If you think you will become a better Christian because thats what Christians do, you probably wont. We wouldnt be told to grow if growth were automatic. You must make a conscious choice to fill your heart with Jesus as once it was filled with the things of the world. James writes to those who have already given themselves to the Lord in James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. Just because you agreed to listen to the gospel long enough to respond doesnt mean the work is done; you must be on your guard if you are to not fall from your own steadfastness, and instead grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17 -18). You wont learn how to pray without a plan. If Jesus own disciples needed to be taught (Luke 11:1), so do we. Setting aside particular times for prayer, such as meals and bedtime, are excellent first steps. But prayer is not just a daily ritual; it is a means of connecting the Christian with his Maker. We should practice looking at blessings, challenges, setbacks, decisions, milestones, and pretty much every other aspect of life as opportunities for prayer. We can be anxious in nothing if we learn to pray for everything (Philippians 4:6). You wont achieve holiness without a plan. In a best-case scenario, coasting through life with your fingers crossed, hoping you will have the strength to say no when the time comes, will set you up for unnecessary distractions; its not difficult to imagine a worst-case scenario. Setting up borders to keep yourself out of harms way may rob you of a few life experience that your friends in the world cant imagine living without. But it will help you avoid countless pitfalls. The best w ay to make sure to abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) is to not come in contact with it at all. A plan doesnt have to be super-specific. It certainly doesnt have to be perfect. But failing to plan is planning to fail. Or to coin another clich, a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

The question is not nearly so much whether its a good idea to go to prom as it is whether the good derived from prom can outweigh the bad that everyone knows is there. Even assuming a young man and young lady can go, properly attired, and engage in activity that is entirely wholesome, does that make it right? Is the prom a good place to prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15)? Is any fond memory, however wholesome, worth diving headfirst into the devils punchbowl?
Ive quit telling kids they are going to hell for going to prom. Thats Gods decision, not mine. But God says He is basing that decision on our willingness to submit to Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16). If the living and holy sacrifice they make to Him (Romans 12:1-2) involves engaging in activity for no reason better than that it is what the world expects them to do and what their worldly friends are doing, maybe their biggest problem is not where they happen to be and what they happen to be doing one particular spring Saturday night.