The 2012 Election

News media are filled with reports concerning Tuesday's Presidential
Election in the U.S. According to recent polls, the front runners -- Obama
and Romney - are in a very tight race. Because of the disparity of the
platforms of these candidates that will direct the future of this country,
many are calling this "a monumental election."

Yet, there is an even more important "election" that is revealed in God's
Word.

The Apostle Paul opened his letter to Christians in Ephesus with these
words:

"3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He
chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before Him in love, 5having predestined us to adoption as
sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in
the Beloved." -- Ephesians 1:3-6

Some use this passage to teach that before God created the world, He
arbitrarily decreed that certain individuals would be lost and others would
be saved apart from any choice that the individual might make. This
doctrine suggests that God has already decided if YOU are going to be saved
or lost, and there's nothing you can do about it. Proponents of this idea
advocate that the "election" is complete, and if you weren't "picked," then
you have (or are) lost and are doomed to destruction.

Is that what the Bible teaches? Is the "election" over?

The key phrase of the passage above is "in Him," which means, "in Christ."
"In Christ" is where every spiritual blessing is found (v. 3). "In Him" are
found those who have been adopted by God (v. 5). "In the Beloved" is where
those whom God has saved were made acceptable to God (v. 6). Also observe
the next verse: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7).

It is our sins that condemn us. But God loves us so much that He gave His
Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 Peter 2:24), so that we
might receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. He devised
this PLAN to redeem sinful man through Christ before He even created the
world (1 Peter 1:18-20).

It was not the case that God chose certain individuals to be either saved or
lost; rather, the Lord foreordained that those who are "in Christ" would be
saved.

How does one "get into" Christ?

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of
you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27

We are placed "in Christ" when we respond to the call of the Gospel ("Good
News" of Christ by placing our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31),
turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31) confessing Him before men
(Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the
forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27).

Wayne Jackson has written: "To say the same thing in another way, before the
world's foundation, God elected to save those who would be obedient to His
Son." *

Won't YOU trust and obey Jesus so that Christ can give you the victory of
being a part of God's elect?

David A. Sargent* Wayne Jackson in "Ephesians 1:4 - Predestination."
www.christiancourier.com

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You are what you eat

Here it is, day 3 of our countdown to Tuesday's election! Like you I'm tired
of politics, election coverage, and certainly hearing, "I am __________, and
I approve this message." But, it's all part of the process I suppose.
Frankly, I'm grateful to live in such a country where I can play a role in
the election as a concerned citizen and voter.

As you know, our daily devotionals counting down to the election of 2012 are
made up of just three things: a question to each prospective candidate, a
Scripture (or two), and a prayer. Join me this morning, won't you?

Question:
You've heard the expression "you are what you eat." Sir, there's a lot of
truth to, "you are who you associate with." If you are to be my next
President, I need to know who you intend to make your closest advisors. Who
have you associated with in the recent past, and who do you intend to
associate with in and out of the White House?

Scripture:
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the
wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Pro. 29:2).

Prayer:

Father in heaven. Thank you for another morning to awake in this great
country. Father, in just a few more days we're going to vote for who will be
the next President of the United States. We know what the Bible teaches us
about associations, and how they can make us better or worse. Father, we
pray that we elect a man who will surround himself with folks that will help
our country be more God fearing and less man pleasing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.

Presedential election news

We're a week away from what has been dubbed one of the most important
elections in the history of the U.S.A. While that may be true, it's my
belief that every election is critical and potentially a turning point. It's
our involvement that can make the difference.

Today, I'm beginning a countdown to Election Day next Tuesday. Each day I'd
like for us to ask ourselves a question, consider a Scripture (or two), and
then say a prayer.

Question:
If you're going to be my President, I need to know sir, will you care for
the poor and at the same time condemn laziness?

Scriptures:
"Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and
needy" (Pro. 31:9).

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thes. 3:10).

Prayer:
Father, thank you for allowing us to live in this great nation. In just a
few days, we'll be voting on who we believe will be the best leader for our
country. Father, give us wisdom to elect someone who will care for people
who are struggling and at the same time condemn the laziness of those who
will not work. Father we know that there are folks who want to work, and can
work if given the chance, and Father we pray that doors of opportunity will
open to those who are diligently searching for employment. In Jesus' name,
Amen.

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.







The Piedmont Road
church of Christ
* Home of the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies

1630 Piedmont Road NE
Marietta, GA 30066
770.971.9933
www.LifeInChrist.com

Sunday
9:30 a.m. Bible Study and 10:30 a.m. Worship
5:00 p.m. Children's Bible Time, followed by our evening Worship

Wednesday
7:15 p.m. Bible Study

We hope you'll join us this Lord's Day!

Subscribe!





Copyright © 2012 Piedmont Road church of Christ, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you're a member of or friend to the
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#Superstorm #Sandy

Said to impact upwards of 50 million people, Hurricane Sandy will have a
devastating impact on the eastern part of the United States this week.

In all probability, homes will be destroyed, lives will be disrupted,
businesses will be devastated, and as we've seen already with this storm,
there is the potential that people will die.

On my drive in this morning I was thinking about this storm and comparing it
to the storms of life.

No doubt about it. Each one of us will have a storm in life that must be
endured. That's right, difficulty affects more than 50 million. Storms,
sometimes hurricane size storms, will impact the hearts of 100% of the
world's population.

Every time I turn around I learn of a new challenge that one is having to
endure--from job loss to the loss of one's well-being to the loss of a loved
one. All of these are storms and sooner or later, we'll all go through one.

So, what's the solution? I believe we have to look in, look out, and look
up.

Learn to look in. See yourself as you really are. You are an individual of
value, and importance to God. I'm impressed with Scripture like Romans 16
and Philemon in which God references individuals by name. Why? Because they
are important to Him? Guess what--so are you!

Learn to look out. When you're going through that storm, there are folks
that want to help. I think one of the frustrating things about church work
is the fact that sometimes folks struggle and no one knows. Friends, you
don't have to struggle alone. People do care, and people do want to share
your burden. After all, that's the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).

Learn to look up. Yes, look up to God. the ultimate help in the storms of
life is God. God is our F.E.M.A. He is our Friend who will not let us down.
He is our Encourager, the One who has our back. He is our Master, leading us
to victory in the end. He is the Anchor of our soul, keeping us secure in
the Faith if we let Him.

All those in Sandy's path have our prayers. To those in the path of personal
storms, we remember you as well.

Have a great day!

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.

Who is on the Lord’s side?

                                                  I am a quotations afficionado and I may have mentioned that before in my writings, but if you haven't heard it, you've no doubt figured that out by now. As such, the other day I was reading through some quotes that I've saved over the years and decided to offer an editorial with quotations and corresponding scriptures for today's lesson. I appreciate your consideration of these mini-lessons and I hope that you find the quotations as interesting as I do.

The format for today's editorial will be that I will cite you the scripture first and then the quotation accompanied by any comments I feel appropriate.

First scripture: "...a time to keep silence and a time to speak." Eccl. 3:7

Before I give you the quote, I'm reminded of the story of a little boy who was away from his house for awhile and when he returned his mother asked him, "Where have you been?" The next door neighbor was an elderly man whose wife had recently passed away and the little boy replied to her, "Visiting next door with Mr. Jones." She asked her son, "What did you talk about?" whereupon he told her, "Nothing, I just sat and helped him cry."

The quotation by the Greek philosopher Socrates: "There are two sciences which every man ought to learn. First, the science of speech; second, the more difficult one of silence."

My addition: "Silence" isn't always better than speech, but many times it is. As proof: how many times have you wished you'd kept your mouth shut and just listened?

Next scripture: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

We're always hearing something about the First Amendment to the Constitution (Separation of church and state), usually in the form of a law suit regarding a supposed violation of it. We could devote many pages to this topic alone, but I'm going to be very succinct in my comments about it here.

The main problem, as I see it: I believe that "Caesar" has intruded way too much on the "things that are God's" and not the other way around. And now, here's our quote, spoken by President Reagan who was talking about people becoming afraid of violating the First Amendment.

"The First Amendment was not written to protect people and their laws from religious values; it was written to protect those values from Government tyranny."

Next scripture: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2Tim. 3:16-17 (ESV)

I believe that the answer to every situation, both good and bad, the reason for everything, for all things we experience, the key to real and lasting peace, and the solution for man's eternal reconciliation with God can be found in His Word - The Bible. Here's what Pres. Reagan thought about it:

"Within the covers of that single book are all the answers to all the problems that face us today if we'd only read and believe."

Next scripture: (Moses addressing the Israelites) "Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come unto me." Exodus 32:26

Before I share another quotation with you, again spoken by President Ronald Reagan, I'd like to do a little teaching on those words of Moses to his nation. They were spoken at a time when the people were behaving themselves in a most corrupt manner, with the assistance and compliance of Aaron, a member of their leadership party. Behaving so badly that God threatened to destroy everyone of them and start over making a nation of Moses's descendants, but Moses was able to entreat God to spare them and He did so. After this, Moses made his speech to the people.

You'll notice that, by asking the question "Who is on the Lord's side?" there is the direct implication that a choosing (dare I say an "election") must be made. There was another implication within the choice that Israel had to make that day that was later spelled out by Christ in Matt. 12:30 when he said: "He that is not with me is against me.."

You'll see in our corresponding quote that President Reagan urges "caution" in a certain way. I too urge "caution" but in the sense of "choosing" the right side as the wrong choice will be eternally disastrous. Now, the quote:

"We must be cautious in claiming God is on our side. I think the real question is, are we on His side?"

I'll bring today's efforts to a close by just making this observation - wouldn't it be great to hear our Presidents and other leaders speaking words such as these? I once had the honor of spending a short amount of time with President Reagan, but it was enough to recognize that he truly was a great human being. In my humble opinion, he is sorely missed these days.

Ron Covey

Falling shark San Juan Capistrano California

Flying objects are a common hazard on a golf course. The purpose of crying
out
"Fore!" is to warn golfers ahead that a small white ball may be coming in
their
direction. Sometimes golf clubs are even seen flying about (though this is
not
the intent of the game).

But what golfer expects a shark to fall from the sky? That unexpected event
actually occurred this past Monday in San Juan Capistrano, California.

You may be thinking, "I've heard of that place." Yes, San Juan Capistrano
has
been famous for the annual return of migratory swallows, though recent years
have seen a decline in the numbers of these birds. Now this spot on the
Pacific
coast will be known for another event. A two-foot-long leopard shark fell
out
of the sky close to the tee on the 12th hole.

No one saw what happened, but the best speculation suggests a large
migratory
bird lost its grip on its prize catch of the day. Quick action by the
course
marshal enabled the shark to be returned to the ocean alive.

Life is filled with unexpected events. Relatives drop in without calling.
Cars
have a way of breaking down when we most need them. Accidents are by
definition
interruptions of our planned schedules. If one thing is predictable about
life
it is that life is unpredictable.

Jesus told of a farmer who was caught by surprise. The man had just
experienced
the best year ever for his farm, and was considering his future. "So he
said,
'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I
will
store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have
many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be
merry"'"
(Luke 12:18,19).

But that night the man's life would end, Jesus said. All of the earthly
bliss
he anticipated would pass on to someone else. "So is he who lays up
treasure
for himself, and is not rich toward God," Jesus concluded (Luke 12:21).

Was this farmer's death unexpected? The answer is Yes, but it is also No.
There was nothing to suggest that he was knocking on death's door. His
health
was good; he apparently was in the prime of his life. He seemed to expect a
long future. But, as we have come to see, death is always near. How often
we've heard of accidents, illnesses that appear out of nowhere and violence
that
ambushes the unsuspecting. "The unexpected" is a visitor to every community
in
the world.

Ecclesiastes is a book of observations about life. Those observations are
often
gloomy: "He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a
wall
will be bitten by a serpent. He who quarries stones may be hurt by them,
and he
who splits wood may be endangered by it" (Ecclesiastes 10:8,9). Who can
anticipate such things? We're caught by surprise.

But one thing should not catch us by surprise, and that's the fact that the
unexpected is bound to occur. That makes this admonition so appropriate:
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth before the difficult
days
come ..." (Ecclesiastes 12:1). We can prepare for the unexpected!

Timothy D. Hall

the Appalachian Trail

"The Trail That Unites"

I'm blessed to live within 30 minutes of the Appalachian Trail. The trail,
as
you likely know, is over 2,000 miles long, stretching from Springer
Mountain,
Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. I've only hiked a small percentage of it,
but
what I've experienced I have deeply enjoyed. Tens of thousands of others
agree,
whether thru-hikers, section-hikers or (like me) day-hikers.

Recently I watched a video that gave an overview of the AT. A statement
caught
my attention, that it was "a trail that unites". The observation has been
confirmed numerous times.

Many books have been written about hiking the Appalachian Trail. In each,
the
author notes the diversity of hikers one meets along the way. Hikers range
in
age from the very young to the very old. Females and well as males enjoy
the
trek, as do Americans and guests from all over the world. Found along this
long
ribbon on the Appalachian Mountains are people from all kinds of
backgrounds.

What is it that unites these folks? Simply put, the awe-inspiring nature
all
around. The views are the same to each hiker; elevation changes do not vary
according to individuals. The same natural surroundings appeal to each one,
and
that's what unites them.

John Muir, the "grandfather" of America's national park system, once said,
"One
touch of nature makes the whole world kin." Muir was borrowing the phrase
from
Shakespeare, but his meaning is apparent to all who get out to enjoy this
beautiful planet. Outdoors we are reminded that we all have much in common,
despite the details that divide us.

There is another trail, established long ago, that had the express goal of
uniting people: we call it "the church". Jesus declared His intention to
build
His church in Matthew 16:18. That plan was fulfilled in Acts 2. But what
kind
of group would this be? Would it continue the custom of the day by catering
only to certain groups?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations," Jesus commanded in His
Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). In the decade that followed, the church
reached out beyond the borders of Judaism to embrace people from all
nations,
backgrounds and classes of society. Jesus intended for the church to be "a
trail that unites".

And don't miss the point that the church is a trail, not a destination. The
purpose of the church is to lead us somewhere else; in this case, heaven.
Paul
declared this truth in Ephesians 5:23: " ... Christ is head of the church;
and
He is the Savior of the body." The church exists while we are on earth.
One
day we will be saved to a most glorious place!

For now, while we're traveling on this trail, we are to see ourselves and
all
fellow-hikers as one: "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor
uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in
all" (Colossians 3:11).

What a superior way to live! What a glorious destination to which we are
traveling!

Timothy D. Hall

Rudy Ruettiger

Rudy Ruettiger wrote,

There's no such thing as a dishonorable profession. One great carpenter is
worth a dozen paper shufflers in an office somewhere. MBAs area dime a
dozen, but a truly great auto mechanic is a treasure.

Say, what are you doing with your life?

I was once told by a discouraged employee: "I've wasted my whole life
playing around at jobs and now it's too late to start a career."

First, it's never too late to start doing what you really want to do.

Second, don't let a job define who you really are.

A career today is different from a career yesterday. Today's career may be
someone working three jobs to provide for the family and to support what
they really love--doing mission work during the summer months.

So, what are you doing with your life? If every moment is spent "working the
routine" then your job is defining who you are.

If you're a Christian, the most important thing that your remembered for
when you leave this planet is not going to be how many deals you closed,
numbers you crunched, or projects you lead.

The number one thing is, was he a faithful Christian? At work, did he
exhibit the qualities of Jesus and did he seek to do good and serve his
fellow man? In so doing, how many folks did he try to bring to the Lord?

You see, there's no dishonorable profession if at the heart of every
professional is, "how will I glorify God today?"

The Bible says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17).

I hope you have a great day!

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.

The Tears of Paul

We're studying through some of the occurrences in Scripture where we see the
apostle Paul in tears.

Paul "warned with many tears."

"Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased
not to warn every one night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31).

In expression of his deep abiding interest in and love for their souls, Paul
warned his brethren "with tears." These Christians were in danger of enemies
from without and within. Paul told them that men would come in as "grievous
wolves" "not sparing the flock"--that's enemies from without. Then, he
writes "Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them"--enemies from within.

How heartbreaking it must have been for Paul, who gave so much to spread the
message of Jesus, to see the church for which he labored be persecuted by
enemies from without and within.

I wonder, do we have the same heart for the church of Christ today? Do we
hurt when people speak evil of her? Does it bother us when folks try to
change her for the sake of conforming to the world around us? Does it break
our hearts when attitudes within the body of Christ are divisive and
splinter the church for which Jesus died?

Just something to think about.

I hope you have a most excellent day!

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.







The Piedmont Road
church of Christ
* Home of the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies

1630 Piedmont Road NE
Marietta, GA 30066
770.971.9933
www.LifeInChrist.com

Sunday
9:30 a.m. Bible Study and 10:30 a.m. Worship
5:00 p.m. Children's Bible Time, followed by our evening Worship

Wednesday
7:15 p.m. Bible Study

We hope you'll join us this Lord's Day!

Subscribe!





Copyright © 2012 Piedmont Road church of Christ, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you're a member of or friend to the
Piedmont Road church of Christ.
Our mailing address is:

Piedmont Road church of Christ
1630 Piedmont Road NE
Marietta, GA 30066

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How to Exorcise a demon

 

            Not long ago, I was called by a woman while I was in the study. She felt she had some demons in her house and asked me to come expel them. Unfortunately, I did not take Exorcism 101 in college! Seriously, she needed an in-depth Bible study; more than what I could do on the phone. I was not in a position to go study with her at that time and would not have, without another female - preferably Rachel - to accompany me.

 

            I did direct her to read her Bible in two places in particular - Matthew 12 and Ephesians 6. Matthew 12 is one account of half a dozen in which Jesus or an apostle cast out an unclean spirit (demon). Demons are evil angels in the service of Satan (Matthew 25:41). God allowed evil spirits to leave the unseen world for a period of time to give Jesus and His apostles an opportunity to show vividly that Jesus has more power than the Devil.

 

            In Matthew 12, Jesus told the Pharisees who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan, "If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Casting out evil spirits was designed to show three things: 1.) the kingdom of God was about to be established; 2.) Jesus was He Whom He said He was - the Son of God, Savior; 3.) Jesus has more power than the Devil.

 

            That being the case, there is no need to allow demon possession today. The kingdom of God is already established and the Bible proves that. Jesus stands proven to be the Son of God (John 20:30-31) - the Bible proves that. Jesus still has more power than the Devil - the Gospel accounts prove that definitively. So, demon possession would serve no purpose today.

 

            For those - like that lady on the phone - who are afraid of the Devil, Paul wrote Ephesians 6. He writes, beginning in verse 12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:12-13, 18).

 

            Of course, in between verses 13 and 18 is the "whole armor of God" (panoply in the Greek). Every item in our armory is related in one way or another to the Word of God.

 

            The bottom line is that Jesus is stronger than the Devil and He can eradicate our fears if we'll submit our lives to Him and follow His Word. That's what I tried to explain to the lady on the phone.

 

--Paul Holland