Reminder

Homecoming at Rockford Baptist Church November 3 beginning at 10:30.  Dr. Gerald Hallmark preaching, the RBC Choir leading in worship, as well as a few of the other talented members.  You are invited to attend. 

Come Home!

 

Publications from Jeff Fuller

From FirmFoundations

Still taking pre-orders.  These are my children's books called the Sam Series.  Sam Comes to Rockford and Sam and Merry Christmas.  Great Christmas presents; enjoy reading to the kids or the grand's. 

 

Sam Comes to Rockford $8.95

Sam and Merry Christmas $6.95

BUNDLE Both Books for $13.95

Shipping and handling added for $5.60

Also have The Chronicles of Rockford for $5.  This is the first year of articles for the Coosa News, published in 2009.  Several articles in this comb binding book.  Order today with shipping and handling for $5.00! 

Seven essays on the condition of America and the Christians response.  Pre-order today!  Each book $8.95, plus $5.60 for shipping and handling.  

Go by Sew Cute (shopsewcute@gmail.com) in Rockford for info or email me at firmfoundations316@gmail and I'll gladly take your order.

Make checks to JEFF FULLER.

Possessions over People

Sad when possession’s take precedent over people

This video showed up this morning on Facebook and was absolutely heartbreaking.  As I understand from various sources, this took place in 2009, but is just now going viral.  Seems that some are just now getting the picture of the old saying, “this world is going to the dogs” (and I have another article to post later this weekend regarding that issue, as well).  Take a moment and watch the video:

http://youtu.be/xx2McAGUF88

According to the report, this took place in Memphis, where two children died in a house fire.  The ages of the children were 2 and 3, who were left alone by their mother and aunt.  Rushing back to the house, when they were told there was a fire, they were too late.

Neighbors tried to rescue the kids, but flames and smoke hindered the ability to enter the house.  They rescue workers were able to retrieve the lifeless bodies to the children, thus causing traumatic pain for those involved.

I am sure that the firefighters, EMS, and LEO’s were shocked, disheartened, and emotional.  This is not the way you want to end a shift.  As this video goes viral, four years later, I am certain that the pain of these brave individuals is reopened, reexamined, and rehashed as they are brought face-to-face with the same feelings they had then.  My prayers are with them.

Now, the mother and the aunt are to be blamed for the deaths.  Yes, I lay it at their feet.  Who leaves their children in a house, by themselves?  Two and three year old children, left alone?  What in God’s name were they thinking?  They are not even old enough to reach the countertops, go to the bathroom alone, or think clear enough to act in an emergency.  Yes, they are to blame!

But added to my pointed and straight forward thoughts in the paragraph above, I am appalled that the aunt had the nerve to say she was concerned about her purse, because it had her food stamp card in it, and it was in the house.  Articles said that immediately after the bodies of the two lifeless, dead children were found, that was her concern.  She could not perceive the magnitude of the loss, the finality of the moment, or the pain of those involved.  No, she wanted her money; she was concerned about possessions!  Woman, you are beyond selfish!

I am sad!  I am heartbroken!  Why do people value things that cannot return lasting promise?  Look, the food stamp card could have been replaced.  The purse could be replaced.  The things in the bag could be replaced.  The house could be rebuilt, the things in the house would be replaced.  But, the life of those two precious children-they are gone.  This year they would have been 6 and 7.  They would have been in school, playing in the yard, running, learning to ride bicycles, watching television, going to the zoo, and getting into everything and anything. 

They are gone.  The bed is empty, the yard is quiet.  The bicycles are leaning against the house.  The television is off.  No laughter.  No cute faces covered in mustard and ketchup.  By the way, the food and other things the food stamp card would have purchased in the weeks following the deaths of these children is gone, consumed, in the trash.

Since the death of these 2 and 3 year old children, the food stamp card has been recharged or replenished, or however they do it; life has gone right on without thought.  Four years have gone by-four long, dead years.  The card has been used over and over, or maybe a new one was issued because the one in the purse burned.  At any rate, if we average the replenish rate of $300 per month, that would be 48 long, dead months.  A total of $14,400 placed on that card by the government; while enjoy the fruits of that money. 

The life of the children is gone, they are no longer there for anyone to enjoy. 

What now is important?        

What's in a name?

What’s in a name?

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

Names are funny.  Whether it is a surname, a business name, or a nickname.  Sometimes you have surprise a grin and belly laugh when you see the names of some of these.

Such as my last name.  “Fuller” means “someone who treats wool” (Wikipedia) and in scripture means, “cleansing garments and whitening them” (Smith's Bible Dictionary).  Through the process of washing and working the rough wool, it was made usable for clothing.  Additionally, the fuller used soap to make clean the garments.  As recorded in Malachi, “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.” (Malachi 3:2 KJV)

Then there is the family who just moved to our area, they are the Biernesser’s.  Now that is truly a name.  It means, “beer maker.”  That is a good solid Baptist member name.

A friend of mine once owned a company named “ATAP.”  He named it as such, because he believed that “All Things Are Possible.”  Yes, that comes from scripture: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

Then there are nicknames.  I am called “Bubba” by my brother and nieces and nephew.  This is the same nickname my dad was called growing up.  At times it came out as “Bubber,” by my aunt, as she addressed her brother, and at times that is the way it has come out for me.  My oldest niece was singing one day, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.  Uncle Bubba in the sky…”

Recently while we were riding along the highways and country roads of our great state, I started paying close attention to the names of churches.  Some names are easy to understand, while others are very difficult to comprehend.

Take these examples.

When you are passing through Rockford and you see the sign of Rockford Baptist Church, that makes sense right.  Or the Church at Brook Hills, Gardendale First Baptist Church, and Flint River United Methodist Church.  Those all reflect the community and town in which those churches reside.

On the other hand there are those which must be pondered.  If you are passing through the farmland of a beautiful countryside and you stumble up on a little building with no trees around it and the sigh reads Shady Grove Independent United African Methodist Episcopalian Church you must scratch your head in amazement.  Another good one was Lakeview Church of Christ.  There was not a lake within fifteen miles.

The best ones I say was the very ones that left me totally baffled.  We passed New Hope Baptist Church.  Then less than a mile, on the other side of the road was New Hope #2 Baptist Church.  Another two miles and we encountered The Church of New Hope and across the street was Hope Church.  I would have to say that someone was really having trouble with “hope.”

There is one name that will never give you pause, cause you to scratch your head, or make you take another look.  That name is a name that has been around for a long time-since the beginning of time.  It is a name which causes angels to rejoice and hell to tremble.  That name is the name “Jesus.”

The scripture tells us that the name of Jesus is powerful and strong.  Paul wrote, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 KJV)

Until next time…

Cell Phones In Church

Weighing the evidence of scriptural truth

Thoughts on Scriptural Truth

 

 

While I am somewhat surprised at the news out of Birmingham recently, I am not really surprised at all.  The Baptist Church of the Covenant, located a few blocks from the UAB Campus and the UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama has not been a full-fledged Southern Baptist Convention Church or as we are told to say it in political correctness-A Great Commission Church-since its inception.  As such I do not believe that it has been doctrinally sound, nor adhering to scriptural mandates in the purist sense of the word.

You may be behind the curve here, so let me share with you what the “news” is regarding this “church.”  One Sunday morning during the month of August (2013), the pastor, Rev. Sarah Jackson Shelton spoke in regards to her policy to refer couples of the same sex to other ministerial members of the congregation for “Same-Sex Unions” because she “has reconsidered her previous policy of not performing marriage-like commitment service for same-sex couples.”  Stating that it was “inconsistent to accept LGBT members into every area of church life except marriage” she has “become more and more grieved not to be allowed to stand with the people whom I am called to serve.”  Furthermore, she said it was “hypocritical” to welcome them into the privacy of her office, take them into church membership, baptize them, serve them communion, dedicate their babies, appoint and ordain them to positions of leadership, receive their tithes and offerings, offer prayer beside their bed, and speak words of remembrance at their funerals, but not condone same-sex unions.

Yes, BCC is considered progressive, and is dubbed as a place “Where faith comes to life inclusive,” and is written about by the press as “an early advocate of women in ministry,” thus choosing in 2000 Rev. Shelton as interim pastor, then in 2002 voting her as Senior Pastor, thus Shelton became the first woman pastor of the church.  There is still a huge problem with her service as a pastor from a scriptural mandate, but we can deal with that at a later time.  Additionally, the church was organized as a “moral protest” when First Baptist Birmingham refused to accept two African Americans as church members.  In 1970, as a “protest” 300 people became charter members of the new church and established a course of action that has led them through muddy waters, and much more so now.

(See www.abpnews.com and www.bcoc.net for more information)

In a press release from the Birmingham Baptist Association, it was confirmed of their withdrawal from the Southern Baptist Convention, Alabama Baptist State Board Of Missions, and the Birmingham Baptist Association: “The church voted to align itself with only the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and The Alliance and therefore would no longer be sending any funds in support of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Alabama Baptist State Convention, and the Birmingham Baptist Association.  As a result of the decision by the church, they are no longer affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Alabama Baptist Convention and the Birmingham Baptist Association.”

(www.bbaonline.org)

For informational purposes alone, take a moment and review the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and The Alliance. 

Born in 1991, a self-described theologically moderate organization, the CBF withdrew from the Southern Baptist Convention over philosophical and theological differences between the two factions.  It began in August of 1990 as a reaction to the conservative movement of the denominations consideration of biblical inerrancy and a liberal drift which was taking place at many of the Southern Baptist Seminaries.  The controversy which had lasted for some ten years, came to a head when the liberal and moderate factions felt threatened by the power of the conservative presidents, duly elected by the majority of the body since 1979, to appoint members of committees and commissions.  As a result of this continual resurgence of the conventions return to “truth, without any error,” the liberal faction began an organization called the Alliance of Baptist in 1987.  Following suit, the moderately frustrated members of the SBC met in Atlanta Georgia and organized the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, because the conservatives had departed from Baptist distinctives.

Also, understand that this organization is involved with the Baptist Center for Ethics, Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, and the Baptist World Alliance. 

The Alliance, as referred to in the press release of the BBA, is actually called the Alliance of Baptist.  This is the body which was spoken of earlier, the more liberal group, which was an offshoot of the conservative resurgence.  In its theological and social stance they are characterized as progressive or a liberal fellowship.  The vast majority of churches aligned with The Alliance, 130 congregations and individuals as of 2012, have either severed ties completely with the SBC and local associations, or have nominal ties without sending delegates or financial support, due to theological and ideological incompatibilities.  These incompatibilities surround the ordination of woman to ministry positions and actively “encourages its congregations toward inclusiveness with respect to homosexuality.”

(See www.wikipedia for more information on these two organizations)         

Therefore, I am not surprised at this move of the Baptist Church of the Covenant to disaffiliate with various scripturally sound bodies of cooperation and run toward the more liberal/moderate form of church government.  The church along with others has toed the edge of the boundaries from inception, and has finally stood up and said they will not follow the truth, giving in to error in all things, instead of just a few.

This does not surprise me, but it does sadden me, breaking my heart and tearing at my soul.  I am dismayed that there those in the religious community who continually take the Word of God, dividing it and destroying truth.  Sounds a great deal akin to the problems Paul faced in his day, as he came against those who would attempt to “profit from the Word,” speak what others wanted to hear and give credence to a works based salvation.  The tickling of ears will destroy and demean the gospel of Christ Jesus, reducing it to a level which is not Christian and not acceptable in eternity.

Take for an example the lack of preaching on the subject of hell.  Some have said in times past that there is just no way that a good God would allow anyone to go to hell, a place of suffering for all of eternity.  This is what has led many good people down the road of universalism.  These have taken the scriptures, twisting them to meet their own self-serving demands and stating that all people are going to heaven, no matter what they have done or do.  This is found nowhere in the Bible that I preach from.

How about the issue of security?  Some say that the security of the believer is not found in the Word of God, while others contend that it is the principle and precept of the Word of God.  It seems that there are those who believe you can lose your salvation, be saved again, only to fail and be lost again; how much trauma these vain interruptions places on the unsuspecting individual who lives in fear of whether they are saved or not saved.   

Then there is the preaching of inclusion.  In being inclusive, many a congregation has fallen prey to the subtle changes of liberalism.  By inclusion I am referring to churches that open the doors and say, “Y’all come! Ye hear!”  They accept people into membership and into leadership roles which is neither scriptural nor healthy for a church with a portion of its membership which wishes to stay both biblical and spiritually alive.  In recklessly following these teachings of inclusion, the church is heading for certain demise. 

Which leads to the thought of woman in leadership.  When I examine the Word of God I see several places where the woman is not designed to take a leadership role over men.  Particularly in the area of pastoral leadership, the woman cannot assert leadership in the area of instruction.  You examine where this has taken place and you will find time and again, either a watering down of the message of the Word, or a deadening of the church, or both. 

Then there is the issue of sexuality.  All of the above mentioned issues are real and relevant within the church, as a whole today.  Each has led to this newest controversy of our modern day.  AS such it is time to take a stand, accept the teaching of God, and stop the contention at the very root of the evil which has manifested itself among us.

In the case of BCC, or any church in that matter, to openly and unashamedly speak of those who live in the sin of homosexuality serving in leadership positions, being “married” in the church and such “unions” being recognized, partaking of communion, and accepted in their biblically condemned state of rebellion is a violation of the mandate and message of the Word of God and a softening of the principles of fellowship which have stood for 2,000 years.

Take a few scriptures as evidence.

In Galatians, Paul speaks to the church about the things which will result in no eternity.

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

(Galatians 5:19-21 (HCSB)

This section of scripture has to do with the works of the Spirit of God and the new life within the believer verses the works of the flesh.  That one who is in the Spirit, saved by the grace of God will abandon the works of the old life and “walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Furthermore, the old Apostle writes, “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.” (Galatians 5:16-17 HCSB)

Regarding verses 19-21, John MacArthur writes,

“These sins characterize all unredeemed mankind living under the impotent commands of the law which produces only iniquity, though not ever person manifests all these sins nor exhibits them to the same degree.  Paul’s list, which is not exhaustive, encompasses three areas of human life: sex, religion, and human relationships.”

In verse 19, the Apostle points out that the sins of the flesh come to the surface, are evident and disturbing.  He says that of these sins is the sin of “fornication…lewdness.”  The word fornication, comes from Greek word, “porneia,” and is the English word, “pornography.”  It refers, if you will, to all illicit sexual activity including, but not limited to: adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, bestiality, incest, and prostitution.  “Lewdness” refers to any excessive behavior or lack of restraint, but eventually came to be associated with sexual excess and indulgence.

If we were to leave the subject and accept this as sufficient evidence, then we would have to agree that since these individuals are still practicing such fleshly desires, they would forfeit the right to leadership in the church, much less fellowship within the church.  I am able to say this because in Acts 2, the scripture says that the First Century Church “accepted his message…devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common…they devoted themselves ⌊to meeting⌋ together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47 HCSB)

There is yet another scripture, also penned by the Apostle Paul:

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

 

Ephesians 2:1-5 (HCSB)

 

Related to the subject at hand, this section of scripture finds acceptance and applies.  Paul says to the Ephesian believers that they once were listed among the transgressors of Galatians 5.  These were once tripping in their sin, headed toward a sinner’s grave and the judgment of God, “But God” in grace-God’s Riches At Christ Expense-has rescued them from the sin of the flesh and given them forgiveness of sin.  Verse 8 and 9, says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”

Once the grace of Jesus comes and the unbeliever is a believer, leaving behind the old way of life, demonstrating the fruits of righteousness within their life, then and only then are they able to find true fellowship and acceptance in the Family of God and in leadership positions.

“Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (HCSB)

For an unknown reason, some do not wish to read this section of scripture correctly.  Attempting to use human reasoning and worldly wisdom, they wish to distort and destroy the meaning and intent.  Therefore, I point out to you that the scripture says, “The unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom.”  The “kingdom” is prepared for those who are, well how better a way to say it than to say, prepared?  The ones accepted and made righteous, have washed their clothes in the Lamb’s blood, shed for them on the cross of Calvary.  These have accepted the grace of God, the forgiveness of sin, the cleansing of the old ways, and stand in unity with Him.

Yet, the list reflects those who “used to be.”  In the former life, the old life, the life of rebellion and sin, selfishness and self-centeredness, we all were counted as one or the other, or even all, of those listed.  What a shame!  What hopelessness!  What pain!     

Now, we are free!  We have staked our claims with the Savior, accepted the free gift of His salvation.  The scripture says it best, “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  Oh, happy day!  We are His by adoption and no longer living in open defiance of His Word.  That is the only way to life and happiness; life eternal and happiness pressed down, shaken together and pouring over in this life!

One step further, yet I will take this up in a later post and expand on it.  For the one who knows Christ and knows to do good and does not do it, to that person it is sin.  While some might say that they do not believe that a “Same sex Union” is wrong and therefore they do not accept it as a sin.  Or someone may contend that being “gay” was not a choice they made, but they were created that way.  Or someone might parrot that all people deserve to have their rights, even within the church.  My advice to them is to give me support from the scriptures!  Tell me that the scriptures teach that God honors and accepted “Same sex Unions,” that God created a person to be a heterosexual or a homosexual, and that “gay” rights are biblical and acceptable to God.  No one can!

If you know Christ as Savior, you believe in the grace that was extended to you, then you will live according to His Words and His mandates.  Your life will reflect Him in all that you do, all that you say.  Otherwise you are in rebellion, lost in your sin and will be subjected to the judgment of God which will result in banishment from Him from all of eternity.

For those who know Christ and His pardon and redemption, they will not be involved in a church that supports or accepts a life style that is contrary to the teachings of scripture.  Furthermore, a believer will do all within their power to teach, preach and speak regarding the truth of the Word of God.

 

 

Prosperity Gospel Exposed

While reading today came across this interesting piece.  Take time to read it please in light of scriptural authority and make sure to watch the video and listen to the sound bytes.  I'll post later.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-rick-henderson/osteen-meyer-prosperity-gospel_b_3790384.html

God bless you all!

Enjoy and be a part of the adventure.

 

 

The Outdoor Expo in February

Animated GIF I made at Picasion.com:: Picasion.com GIF Maker

A question to think about

Church: A Place or a People

Many will attribute the word church to a building.  It might be a pristine building, a house of Worship on the court square, or it might be an old, broad boarded house in the woods, at the end of a country road.  Whatever the building is or design that it follows, it is not a church.

I have seen and been in some magnificent buildings were people gather Sunday after Sunday.  I think of Howards’ Chapel, located on the north side of DeSoto State Park in northeast Alabama.  No other place of worship can compare.  The old stone building, built into a huge boulder at one end, with stain hardwoods floors and high vaulted ceiling, with exposed beams is nothing less than worshipful.  But it was not a church.

In Roswell, Georgia I sat in the sanctuary of the Roswell Street Baptist Church during a conference for pastors from around the southeast.  It was such a foreboding facility.  A balcony encircled the main floor, with a pulpit, choir loft and orchestra pit at the front of the ornate sanctuary.  But it was not a church.

No, no matter where the building is or how well kept or beautiful the building is, it is not the church.  For the church is not cold stone, stained glass windows, and studio production lighting.  Mortar and wood, marble and hard clay a church does not make.

A church is a living, breathing organism.  A church is something that can speak, touch, smell, weep, laugh, and breathe.  The church is not the building; the church is the people that make up the family of God.

We are the church!  Those of us who have received Christ as Savior.  Those who have been baptized into the body of Christ.  The ones who have joined themselves to the local body of believers.  Yes, that is the church in the world today!   We are the visible, change agents of Christ in the world.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:13-14 (KJV)

So church rise up and let the message of Christ be proclaimed for all the world to hear!

Tooting Your Own Horn...

Tooting Your Own Will Get You in Trouble

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

 

People go around bragging and boasting about what they have done, tooting their horn for all to hear those amazing things they have accomplished.  There once was a preacher who was fond of saying, “He who tooteth not his own horn; his horn getteth rusty.”  That might be fine if you are a trumpet player, but…

Is it right to brag and boast about the wonderful things you have done?  You take a meal to a shut in, put a tank of gas in the neighbors car, buy groceries for a family who is experiencing a difficult time, and go around telling everyone what you have done; is this the way we are to do ministry?   

Jesus said in Matthew 6, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men…they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

My attempt in assisting others in their spiritual walk is to encourage and teach them that they do what God leads them to do, not saying anything about it.  I remind them is best to do the good deed and leave it there.  Keep it quiet; let God reward you for your acts of kindness.

The woman with the two mites in the Temple comes to mind.  The scripture says:

“[Jesus] watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums.  And a poor widow…dropped in two tiny coins worth very little.  He said to them, ‘I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury…they gave out of their surplus…she out…poverty has put in everything she possessed; all she had to live on.’” (Mark 12:41-44 HCSB)

The religious leaders and the elite were known to take their money, toss it into the jar, making a huge show as they gave their offering.  People turned their heads in the direction of the sound and the giving attention to the rich.  Not so with the little widow woman.

This poor little widow did not have much and not desirous of attention.  As a matter of fact no one gave her much notice as she eased through the complex, hiding waiting for that moment when no one was watching.  She eased through the crowd keeping away from the eyes of others.  Quietly placing her last two coins, worth not much more than a penny today, in the jar she eased back into the shadows.

While the elite rulers and teachers gave great deal, making a show of their giving; the little widow was quietly giving all she had without pretense.  Jesus was able to reward her by saying, “she [gave more] out of her poverty.”

We have more than this widow woman, with the ability to help in many ways, the question to answer is who are we trying to impress?  Do we give so others might see and praise us or is it because we love Jesus and want Him to be pleased with us?  The Bible clearly says that we will be rewarded; our reward will either be temporary or eternal.

As we aid and assist others in this life, receiving praise, pats on the back, and impressive plaques, we are receiving temporal rewards.  When we perform quiet acts of kindness; we give and no one knows who acted in a tangible way we are building up those eternal rewards.  It is more important to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)  It is more vital to us that God praise us than have our name written in the papers.  It is more satisfying to know we are seen by God and praised by Him!

Let me encourage you to give.  Give so others might know the love and goodness of God, and let your rewards come from the hand of God.  He will remember.  He will reward.

Until next time…

Listen...

Do you hear what I hear?

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

Rhetoric!  That is all we hear.  Constantly, over and over again, attempting to drown out the voices of reason and wisdom.  On the one side there is rhetoric which is an “effective expression in writing or speech,” on the other hand there are those who speak or write with “language which is not sincere.” 

While I pray that each time I speak it is rhetoric which is effective and sincere; I know that at times I may be flapping my gums for the sake of being heard.  We had a word in high school for that.  I am afraid this is a lot of what is going on around us in our world today, particularly in relation to the government.

We hear speeches; speeches that stir the heart and soul.  These are speeches which could be published and handed down from generation to generation.  These are so good that “sound bytes” are created from speeches and heard over and over again through the news outlets, on the Internet, and even on Facebook and printed in the newspapers and magazines.     

Yet, these are void of action, void of purpose, void of any worthwhile exercise to carry them out, and to see the intent of the speech to the end result-change.  Yes, we have heard it before, and we will hear it again, but there will be no effect.  It is a speech that sounds good, makes people feel good, but there will be no action.  Rhetoric! 

Also, there are those who write or speak with no thought to answering the questions.  It is not because those who are asking the questions, “can’t handle the answer”, but it is because the speaker does not have an answer.  He or she will make sure that their potential answer to the question makes them look good, that they love the country, and have the best interest of society at heart, but they ramble with no answer.  Non-whatsoever!  Rhetoric! 

For every speech or writing there are two very clear rules that everyone must abide by.  One is, “Remember the Three S’s.”  These are important principles to live by: “Stand Up, Speak Up, and Shut Up.”  The other is as important and it is the acrostic for the word KISS: Keep It Simple Silly. (I actually changed the last word in that principle, in honor of my wife)

Another is honesty.  The Bible says, “Let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37 HCSB)  If you know the truth; speak the truth and write the truth.  If you do not know the truth or the answer, then just admit you do not have any knowledge of the issue and leave it alone.  Afterwards the question can be researched out, and then you can speak wisely and intelligently.

Lastly, be humble.  It is easy to be full of ourselves and attempt to show how we can lord over others, but humility will go a great deal farther.  Jesus, the greatest example of humility I have ever known, said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 HCSB)  Those who desire the high places of leadership for gain will ultimately fail and fall; those whose trust is in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6), God places in high places of leadership and these individuals will be there because God put them there and whatever befalls them they will stand. (Matthew 7:24)  If all of us will trust God and place our lives in His hands, He will do as He pleases with us and we will find favor with God and with man. (James 4:4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:6)

My desire is to be heard, to know the subject for which I am to speak about and have a relationship with God that others will see and glorify God, not me.  I want to be that light and salt Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 HCSB)

Will you join me in being “effective…sincere?”  Will you pray with me that God will raise up godly leaders who will bring us back to God and His love and His favor?  Will you?

Until next time…

Need the answer? Here it is!

Thoughts regarding marijuana

Weeds Wicked Ways

As our world takes a downward slide in morality and related behaviors, there are many who seem to be on the bandwagon to legalize the use of marijuana due to its medicinal properties.  Eighteen states, and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes.  In so doing, they have opened Pandora’s Box, leading to mainstream acceptance with the majority of people in today’s time seeing no harm/no foul.

A newspaper article said:

It is a moment in America that is rife with contradictions:

—People are looking more kindly on marijuana even as science reveals more about the drug's potential dangers, particularly for young people.

—States are giving the green light to the drug in direct defiance of a federal prohibition on its use.

—Exploration of the potential medical benefit is limited by high federal hurdles to research.

http://www.reporterherald.com/lifestyles/ci_23575827/marijuana-marches-toward-mainstream-acceptance.html

States which have approved the measures to make the use of the drug legal have placed great constraints and guidelines for the growth and sale of the drug.  In so doing, the state appears to be monitoring the activity and use, but in reality the question remains, “Is it controlled, now that it is legal?”

Additionally there are the unknown factors, the incomplete research, and the continual abusive factors involved with this, or any drug that has some form of medical benefits.  Some lawmakers, with faulty and confused ideologies, claim that to make the use of marijuana legal will aid in control of the drug.  Others have stated the economical factor as the driving point for legalization.  Still others take the “damn the torpedoes” approach and say, “If it feels good, let’s do it.”

Lawmakers, policy advocates, and the like need to slow up a bit and face reality.  They need to stop and take a moment to consider the principles which apply to this drug, a drug that has been abused and used for introduction to other more deadly and more disastrous drugs.

Before we go any further let us take a moment and examine the history and definitions of the drug marijuana.

Marijuana is a drug which comes from the Cannabis plant.  Cannabis is an annual, dioecious, flowering herb.  The stem, which is used as hemp, is included in various industrial and foodstuff products.  The seeds and oil are also used in various forms, not related to drug usage.

Cannabis is most often consumed for its psychoactive and physiological effects which include euphoria, relaxation, and increase in appetite.  Unwanted side-effects include decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, reddening of the eyes, paranoia and anxiety.

Cannabis or marijuana is used for the aforementioned purposes.  It makes the user feel good, relaxed and mellow.  Some users, which I have dealt with through the years, claim that after a stressful, difficult day, the use of a joint on the drive home gives them the ability to deal with the day and prepares them for a quiet evening.

Cannabis has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed. The immediate desired effects from consuming cannabis include relaxation and mild euphoria (the "high" or "stoned" feeling), while some immediate undesired side-effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills and reddening of the eyes.  Aside from a subjective change in perception and, most notably, mood, the most common short-term physical and neurological effects include increased heart rate, increased appetite and consumption of food, lowered blood pressure, impairment of short-term and working memory, psychomotor coordination, and concentration. Long-term effects are less clear.  In humans, relatively few adverse clinical health effects have been documented from chronic cannabis use.

Marijuana, while giving the user that mellow feeling, also gives the feeling of speed as well.  There is documented evidence that leads to the understanding of a mixture of results from the use and/or abuse of this drug.  

While many psychoactive drugs clearly fall into the category of either stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen, cannabis exhibits a mix of all properties, perhaps leaning the most towards hallucinogenic or psychedelic properties, though with other effects quite pronounced as well. THC is typically considered the primary active component of the cannabis plant; various scientific studies have suggested that certain other cannabinoids like CBD may also play a significant role in its psychoactive effects.  

The user may see things which are not real, may feel a floating feeling, and at the same time feel that the world is caving in on them or that someone is after them.  These may last for a few moments or for a few hours, but the long term effects are to be considered as a warning of much more problems with continual use.

Though the long-term effects of cannabis have been studied, there remains much to be concluded. Many studies have investigated whether long-term use of cannabis can cause or contribute to the development of illnesses such as heart disease, bipolar disorder, depression, mood swings or schizophrenia. Its effects on intelligence, memory, respiratory functions and the possible relationship of cannabis use to mental disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, depersonalization disorder and depression are still under discussion.

Since these things are still “under discussion” does it not stand to reason that there is a real problem with this “herb” and long term potential problems?  Even though there is not a definitive study involving the connection between use of weed and the problems which may or not be caused by such use, we need to side with the negative potentials of the use of marijuana. 

Both advocates and opponents of cannabis are able to call upon numerous scientific studies supporting their respective positions. For instance, while cannabis has been implicated in the development of various mental disorders in some studies, these studies differ widely as to whether cannabis use is the cause of the mental problems displayed in heavy users, whether the mental problems are exacerbated by cannabis use, or whether both the cannabis use and the mental problems are the effects of some other cause.

The addictive nature of the use of marijuana is of great discussion.  Most discussions assume this drug is one which can be cut off at any time.  Recreational users state they can take it or leave it.  Others state that the use is something they do with certain people in their circle of friends, while others do not do it and therefore they can abstain with those friends.

The problem with these issues is that whether these individuals use or do not use, the issue of the introduction to more addictive and dangerous drugs is a greater potential than for those who do not use.  Some say otherwise but from my viewpoint these are laced with flawed understanding.

Yes, behind caffeine and nicotine, cannabis may be the least addictive, but it is still addictive and the results of introduction to others drugs is present.

Dr. Jack E. Henningfield of NIDA ranked the relative addictiveness of 6 substances (cannabis, caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, heroin and nicotine). Cannabis ranked least addictive, with caffeine the second least addictive and nicotine the most addictive.

The Gateway Hypothesis is something that seems to be of greatest argument here.  Many, and I am one in this camp, believe that cannabis is a gateway drug leading to other more dangerous and destructive drugs.  Through various situations I have seen this to be true.  One incarcerated individual after another has confessed that the life of drugs ruled and ruined their lives, starting with marijuana.  Further, these same individuals stated that the process that started with marijuana was an innocent experimentation, which began a lifelong use of drugs and alcohol, starting as early as thirteen years old on the average (one individual said that they started drinking alcohol at the age of six and took their first joint at nine).  

Some studies state that while there is no proof for this gateway hypothesis, young cannabis users should still be considered as a risk group for intervention programs.  Other findings indicate that hard drug users are likely to be "poly-drug" users, and that interventions must address the use of multiple drugs instead of a single hard drug. 

Poly drug use refers to the use of two or more psychoactive drugs in combination to achieve a particular effect. In many cases one drug is used as a base or primary drug, with additional drugs to leaven or compensate for the side effects of the primary drug and make the experience more enjoyable with drug synergy effects, or to supplement for primary drug when supply is low.

From my informal studies I have found that marijuana users will step up to the next available drug.  These include but are not confined to these drugs or in a definitive order: prescription drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Meth, etc.  The most disturbing part of this study finds that alcohol is a part of the mixture.

When one thinks of the factors of alcoholism and diseases attributed to the use thereof, adding the problems and long term effects of marijuana and other drugs, we have a serious problem.  Anyone with knowledge of the effects of drug abuse on family, jobs, friends, and society in general need to see the seriousness of this situation of legalizing such a drug as marijuana.

A 35-year cohort study published August 2012 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and funded partly by NIDA and other NIH institutes reported an association between long-term cannabis use and neuropsychological decline, even after controlling for education. It was found that the persistent, dependent use of marijuana before age 18 was associated with lasting harm to a person's intelligence, attention and memory, and were suggestive of neurological harm from cannabis. Quitting cannabis did not appear to reverse the loss. However, individuals who started cannabis use after the age of 18 did not show similar declines.

Results of the study came into question when in a new analysis, published January 2013 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Oslo's Ragnar Frisch Center for Economic Research noted other differences among the study group including education, occupation and other socioeconomic factors that showed the same effect on IQ as cannabis use. From the abstract: "existing research suggests an alternative confounding model based on time-varying effects of socioeconomic status on IQ. A simulation of the confounding model reproduces the reported associations from the [August 2012 study], suggesting that the causal effects estimated in Meier et al. are likely to be overestimates, and that the true effect could be zero". The researchers pointed to three other studies which showed cannabis did not cause a decline in IQ. The studies showed that heavy smokers had clear reductions in IQ, but they were not permanent.

A July 2012 article in Brain reported neural-connectivity impairment in some brain regions following prolonged heavy cannabis use initiated in adolescence or young adulthood.

A 2012 study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego failed to show deleterious effects on the adolescent brain from cannabis use. Researchers looked at brain scans taken before-and-after of subjects aged 16–20 years who consumed alcohol and compared them to subjects of the same age who used cannabis instead. The 92 person study was conducted over an eighteen-month period. While teen alcohol use resulted in observable reduced white matter brain tissue health, cannabis use was not linked to any structural damage. The study did not measure the subjects' cognitive performance. Publication is scheduled for April 2013 in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

Some ask how the introduction of other drugs, moves the casual cannabis users to the next level.  Drug dealers and users alike know the value of a dollar.  Therefore, they may give marijuana in order to get the consumer to purchase another dime bag of weed or the next drug of choice.  Samples are common practice of dealers, introducing a potential client to a drug, once they get them hooked, then they have a customer and a life line to that customer’s money.

In researching marijuana alone, the money is good.

The price or street value of cannabis varies widely depending on geographic area and potency.

In the United States, cannabis is overall the #4 value crop, and is #1 or #2 in many states including California, New York and Florida, averaging $3,000/lb. It is believed to generate an estimated $36 billion market. Most of the money is spent not on growing and producing but on smuggling the supply to buyers. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime claims in its 2008 World Drug Report that typical U.S. retail prices are $10–15 per gram (approximately $280–420 per ounce). Street prices in North America are known to range from about $150 to $400 per ounce, depending on quality.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reports that typical retail prices in Europe for cannabis varies from 2€ to 20€ per gram, with a majority of European countries reporting prices in the range 4–10€. In the United Kingdom, a cannabis plant has an approximate street value of £300, but retails to the end-user at about £160/oz.

The problems with legalization have been recent.  Problems which are rift with many other problems.  Take for an example the reduction of penalties for possession or distribution in some places, which leads to the fact that if one gets caught, then they are slapped on the hand and sent on their merry way to use and/or sale weed again.  This is part of the process to push all states toward legalization that causes more problems, more struggles, more situations than we can detail here.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, most countries have enacted laws against the cultivation, possession or transfer of cannabis. These laws have impacted adversely on the cannabis plant's cultivation for non-recreational purposes, but there are many regions where, under certain circumstances, handling of cannabis is legal or licensed. Many jurisdictions have lessened the penalties for possession of small quantities of cannabis, so that it is punished by confiscation and sometimes a fine, rather than imprisonment, focusing more on those who traffic the drug on the black market.

In some areas where cannabis use has been historically tolerated, some new restrictions have been put in place, such as the closing of cannabis coffee shops near the borders of the Netherlands, closing of coffee shops near secondary schools in the Netherlands and crackdowns on "Pusher Street" in Christiania, Copenhagen in 2004.

Some jurisdictions use free voluntary treatment programs and/or mandatory treatment programs for frequent known users. Simple possession can carry long prison terms in some countries, particularly in East Asia, where the sale of cannabis may lead to a sentence of life in prison or even execution. More recently however, many political parties, non-profit organizations and causes based on the legalization of medical cannabis and/or legalizing the plant entirely (with some restrictions) have emerged.

On December 6, 2012, the U.S. state of Washington became the first state to officially legalize cannabis in a state law (but still illegal by federal law), with the state of Colorado following close behind. On January 1, 2013, the first marijuana "club" for private marijuana smoking (no buying or selling, however) was allowed for the first time in Colorado. The California Supreme Court decided in May 2013 that local governments can ban medical marijuana dispensaries despite a state law in California of 1996 state law that permits the use of weed for medical purposes; at least 180 cities across the state and Bay Area have enacted bans in recent years.

I am against legalization of cannabis.  There are a number of other reasons related to my objection, but I will end with this statement, one which comes from true life experiences.  I have seen the troubles and problems which come from the use of marijuana.  Families have been destroyed, children have been affected with long term effects, and the accelerated use of drugs has been witnessed.  We must stand up and say no to the legal use of a dangerous drug.