A minister friend of mine asked me to write a couple of paragraphs about how the Bible surprises, or surprised, me. I know when the question about the Bible surprising us comes up, there is bound to be those statements about how truthful it is, how beautiful, how strengthening and how comforting. To me, all that is a given. It is supposed to be, it’s the Bible. We are told from the beginning of our biblical learning that all these things are true about the Bible.

What surprises me, and this is something which developed over time, is how raw and earthy the Bible is. When I say that I realize the Bible covers a long period of time and changing culture. Even the idea that the Bible had cultural changes surprised me. That was denied by some of those in my early years, and still is by some today.

For example, I was surprised when I first realized that Abraham, faithful Abraham, was willing to let his wife be taken into a kings concubine to save his own life by lying about their marital status, twice! It was the first time I realized that in that culture and history, women were seen mostly as chattel. They were little more than a warm place for the man’s seed to grow and develop. They were replaceable. This started me on the journey to discard all such ideas of the different value and purpose between men and women and seek equality.

I was surprised when I found that adultery for ancient Hebrew men was limited to another Hebrew man’s wife. If a Hebrew man “took” a foreign woman or a prostitute, it was not adultery, since no Hebrew woman’s womb had been “polluted.” This also allowed for the introduction of concubines and multiple wives. It has been said that God did not approve of this, but “allowed” it. And yet, when the prophets spoke what they said was “from the Lord” they never said, “And Oh, by the way, God wants you to quit viewing women as objects of pleasure and boy babymakers.”

The Bible surprised me when I read about King Saul asking for a hundred foreskins as the price of his daughter’s hand in marriage. So David and his men killed two hundred Philistine men and brought Saul their foreskins. I Sam. 18:24-27

The brutality in the Bible is surprising. For example, read the last three chapters of Judges. A Levite has a concubine. He lets her die in a city of the tribe of Benjamin by ruthless men to save himself. Then cuts her body into twelve pieces and sends a piece to each tribe of Israel. They fight the tribe of Benjamin and win. Men and women are slaughtered. Virgins are captured and placed in a field so men could take the one they wanted for a wife.

In the life of David, one of his sons rapes one of his daughters by another wife. The young woman’s only plea is that if David is asked he will give her to the man. How does that stack up with the Law of Moses?

In nine places in the Old Testament the word “piss” is used in The King James Version. Men are told they will eat their own “dung” and drink their own piss. They are told that those who “pisseth against the wall will be among those who die. I don’t have the space to list all the verses, but a KJV concordance will lead you to them.

Now, at the time of the KJV translation that word was common. It is not considered the same way today in much of our culture. So offensive is the word (and it means literally “to make water”) most modern translations avoid it.

In the New Testament I was surprised to find what I would call the “direct integrity” of Paul. I remember my surprise when I read, really read, Gal. 5:12, where Paul expresses his feelings about those who would make circumcision part of Christ. He says in the NIV “I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves.” Pretty direct language. He also confronts Peter openly in Antioch about his hypocrisy toward eating with Gentiles.

All this makes the Bible very authentic to me. It isn’t polished up to sound pious and sanctimonious and it doesn’t have that sweet, sticky, sound of the TV evangelists. It’s more like Bible Raw!
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS: Alan Beach will be going to Mayo Clinic for some minor surgery. Dr. Melanie Almeder has been told she is cancer free, but she is still recovering from the treatment. Trisha, a friend of the Bolin’s needs prayer for strength. One of Judy McWhorter’s customers’ son has cancer. Sylvia, one of the dentists with Health Talents is having her first child a little later in life. She is 40. Joanne Elder, (unemployed) Martha Foy’s dad, Joni Beach’s mother. Connie Crites father is now home after a short stay in the hospital, but he is still critical. Pam Pierce is gaining strength each day. Zona Fisher and her brothers, Tim and Roger. Mike Breeding, (heart problems) Polly Altice tests for a kidney will begin in September. Her son, James (cancer) Isabelle Simmons (recovering from leukemia, Helen Nicklas, the Phlegar’s friend, Julie is slowly recovering from a stroke, Teri Burks, Roger Fisher’s nephew, Barbara McCauley, Jenni and Wilma Cullum and Tim Elder. Also, the work of Health Talents and Bread For A Hungry World.

OUR DAILY BREAD: AUGUST 2-7
Monday: Exodus 1:15-2:10
Tuesday: Mark 1:16-34
Wednesday: Genesis 17:1-20
Thursday: Job 42:1-17
Friday: Luke 4:1-13
Saturday: Psalm 63:1-11

OUR DAILY BREAD: AUGUST 9-14
Monday: Job 1:1-12
Tuesday: Jeremiah 1:1:10
Wednesday: Matthew 11:1-19
Thursday: Romans 2:1-20
Friday: Revelation 18:1-20
Saturday: Psalm 93:1-5

GUATEMALA
In about a week Mike and AC Branch, along with Susan Jordan and Brice Reid will be going to Guatemala for a week to work with the Health Talents medical and mission team there.

Because of government changes, medicine is harder to take in on short notice. However, They do need such things as tooth brushes, and small tubes of tooth paste. Small travel-sized shampoo, small bars of soap etc.. They also like to give the children that come to the clinic a toy of some kind. These can be the small items that McDonalds gives away, hot wheels, or any other small toy. Bring them as soon as possible. Keep these folks in your prayers, and we look forward to hearing from them when they return.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Once again so many pitched in with many hours of preparation and then making Vacation Bible School happen this year. With the supplies many of you provided, and help from nearly everyone else, this was certainly a congregational effort. To list each person would be to probably miss someone because there was so much that happened each day as the time neared. All we can say is thanks once again to everyone who turned the building into a High Seas Expedition that all the children enjoyed.

LOOKING FORWARD
After a well deserved rest, we will begin to get ready for the Labor Day Bar-B-Que. It looks like it will be on Saturday, September 4. Chef Jeff is already preparing to make this one even better than last year. So mark the dates and get ready for the best fixin’s you can imagine.

YOUTH
After checking with the young folks it looks like the rest of the summer will be too busy to pull together a mini-camp. However, we are going to have a weekend outing sometime in September while the weather is still warm.

THANKS
Thanks to Rich Crites for filling in at the last moment for Keith last Sunday. Three of the Wagners came down Saturday night with a “bug” that seems to be going around and were unable to make it to church. Keith especially thanks Rich.

I made up the title. The “letteralists” are legalists by the “letter” of whatever law is on the floor at the time.

I discovered a long time ago I didn’t speak the same language as many of those who call themselves Christians. We read the same Bible, in the same language, but we come away with a different understanding. I don’t want to sound smug, but I think it has to do with the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. I see Jesus more interested in the spirit, the intent, the meaning and purpose of the law, rather than the statement of the law itself.

I thought about this as I looked through a journal that comes my way every so often. The topic of the issue was Situation Ethics, so I knew it would have a number of examples of the barriers of spirit versus law.

In one article, the author seems concerned about Rahab. Two passages say she was justified by “faith”, Heb. 11:31, and by “works”, James 2:25. But she is saved because she lied about the Hebrew spies and hid them to save she and her family.

Let’s see how this fellow worked that out. He said that nowhere in the New Testament does it mention that she lied. That’s true, but it hardly changes the fact that she did. (By the way, she was also a traitor to her country.) The writer says this “…demonstrates that all justification before God involves both faith and works.” He then says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17. Conclusion? “We do not know how the information had been brought to Rahab, but her faith came from the truth that she had heard.” He says that Rahab was told the truth about God’s people (Josh. 2:9,10), so she had faith and acted on it. That’s a terrible use of scripture, but she still lied.

In a place where his language gets twisted, he mentions Abraham. Remember Abraham lied twice and put Sara in jeopardy to save his own life. The author says about Abraham, “More than once he thought lying was necessary to save his life. The situation demanded it. (Read that sentence again) But it was a sin…”

I have my doubts about the situation demanding it, but he did it. But how can anyone say the situation “demanded it” and then say it was wrong?

After running around more than I have room to discuss, he says, “Further, in view of all the Bible teaches about repentance and forgiveness, it has to be recognized that Rahab, Abraham, Noah, David, and all the rest did not continue in their wrongs.” So Rahab repented?

If we apply the logic (?) he used on Rahab, the Bible never says they all repented. In fact, the writers of the Bible have no trouble with any of that. Why? It seems to me that they were more interested in how the will of God as they saw it turned out, (the spirit of it) rather than finding a way to deny or to justify it.

Using his logic we could also say since faith comes by hearing from God, all the concubines and plurality of wives of the kings must have been because God said they could have them.

A close look at the Old Testament shows a different ethic applied to the enemy than to countrymen. When Moses went to Pharaoh to ask for the release of the Israelites, he said they were only going out on a three day trip to worship. Not true. He knew they were not coming back. And, the Israelites were to ask their Egyptian friends and neighbors for gold and silver and clothing. The assumption was that these items would be blessed by the God of Israel and returned. Not so. See Exodus 3ff.

When David was running from Saul, he and his men came to Nob. David told Abimelech, the priest, that they were on the King’s business. Not true. David demanded the consecrated bread to eat since they were hungry. (Another ethical dilemma) A servant of Saul’s, Doag, saw all this. Later, when Saul demands to know how David escaped, Doag tells the “truth” and gets an innocent Abimelech and some other priest’s killed by guess who? Good old, truthful, Doag. (I Sam. 21,22.)

The “letteralists” ask, “Is it right to do wrong for the right reason?” Their assumption is that because it does not fit the letter of the law it is wrong. Thinking of Doag, I would ask, “Is it ever wrong to do right?” Which is what Doag did by the letter of the law. Is there ever a time when the “letteralistic” truth is a lie? .
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS: Polly Altice has been told she will need a kidney. Tests will begin in a couple of months to see if she is strong enough for the surgery. Debbie McRoy’s great-niece, Jewell Manhold, will have surgery on the 6th. Ian McRoy has a friend, Michelle Yates, who has terminal cancer. The son of one of Judy McWhorter’s customers has a tumor removed that is affecting his heart. Tricia, a friend of the Bolins needs our prayers. Alice Blessing has a friend whose child was born with scolioses and will need surgery. A good friend of the Foys also has terminal cancer. Connie Crites dad is doing well, but hospice has been suggested. Pam Pierce (Philip’s mother) is improving as she gets ready for heart surgery. Remember also Joni Beach’s mother, Zona Fisher and her brothers, Tim and Roger, who have cancer, Roger Fishers nephew, (cancer) James Altice, (cancer)
Melanie Almeder, (cancer) Mike Breeding, (heart problems) Isabell Simmons, Helen Nicklas, Julie in Texas, (stroke) Teri Burks, Trixie Long, Barbara McCauley, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Tim Elder, Health Talents and Bread For A Hungry World.

OUR DAILY BREAD: JULY 5-10
Monday: II Thessalonians 1:2-12
Tuesday: Matthew 1:18-25
Wednesday: John 2:1-11
Thursday: I Thessalonians 1:2-10
Friday: II Timothy 2:1-13
Saturday: Isaiah 40:1-11

OUR DAILY BREAD: JULY 12-17
Monday: John 4:27-42
Tuesday: Ecclesiastes 11:1=10
Wednesday: Psalm 86:1-17
Thursday: Genesis 3:8-21
Friday: II Timothy 3:1-17
Saturday: Psalm 84:1-12

HIGH SEAS EXPEDITION!
That’s’ the theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School. It will take place on the days of 26-30 each evening from 6-8 PM each evening. As the dates arrive the building will become more and more transformed, which will require helpers, so be ready to volunteer mate!

Some of the needs are posted on the wall near the steps. Take a look at the barrels and see which of them you can supply. Also, if you have any nautical items you could lend, s let Erma know.

Registration can be done on the our web site @ roanokechurchofchrist.com

IN AUGUST
Since we did not have camp this year we have been talking about doing a short camp on our own. It looks like August will be a good time for that. What we need is for all the young folks who go to camp to talk to their parents and to each other and find the best dates that will not conflict with vacations etc.. We will get ideas from the Lynchburg folks as well. We will also be doing our own cooking, so we will need to fix a menu of the most liked breakfast and food for other meals. Anyone who would like to go as a cook, let it be known.

THANKS
Our thanks to Nathan Flora for his help in cutting up the tree that fell last Sunday behind the annex. There was just a little damage to the gutter and down spout. The tree was part of a tree that had a twin trunk, so the other half will be taken down soon.

While we are talking about trees, the two large trees along the street on either side of the entrance to the parking lot tend to be the ones that drop limbs in the summer. If you usually park there you may want to find another place. The trees belong to the city and in time they will probably replace them with new ones as they have on nearby streets.

MANNA MINISTRIES
Manna Ministries distributes groceries to over 200 local families each week. Baker Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 3260 Electric Road is helping out by being a collection center from July 5-29. A box will be in their office for non-perishable food items and paper items.

by my friend, Ben

I were haulin’ a load of timber outta Shelby Holler when I saw Miss Bonnie Pauley’s house. I did. It’d been years since I’d been up that way an’ I nigh’d forgotten Miss Bonnie. I did.

Miss Bonnie weren’t no “Miss”. We country folks just about call all women-folk “Miss.” Fact is, Miss Bonnie were married to Frank Pauley for most of her life before he died with what they said was tuberculosis of the bone. Most folks today say it were cancer, but back then they had their reasons for callin’ it tuberculosis. They did.

Years ago, Morgan County had one of them there TB sanatoriums. They did. They put it out on top of Tyler Mountain cause they said the air were all fresh-like and it were away from folks an’ the dirty big city air. They did. Then they brung folks from all around what had TB to Morgan County. They did. I’d heard Ma say lots of folks back then felt they was bringin’ big city diseases to the country, an’ they didn’t like it none.. They didn’t.

Miss Bonnie and Frank came along with the sanatorium. They did. They said Miss Bonnie were a special kinda nurse what understood how to care for them folks what had TB. They did. An’ I reckon Miss Bonnie were about the best there were, ceptin’ I never knowed her myself. She died long before I were born. She did. But her’n Frank’s ol’ house were still standin’ like some kinda fallin’ down monument. It were.

Trouble were, the way Ma told it, folks here an’ about saw Miss Bonnie as dangerous. They did. TB were killing lots of folks in the cities an’ folks here an’ about didn’t want to catch it. They didn’t. An’ they reckoned Miss Bonnie, workin’ with them folks what they brought out here what had TB would bring it to them. They did.

Mosta them doctors and nurses what worked at the TB hospital lived on the other side of the mountain, in Stanleyville. They did. So folks in Hickory Ridge didn’t see ‘em much cause they were Stanleyville’s problem. An’ back then ten miles or more were a long ways. It were.

But Miss Bonnie an’ Frank decided to live up Shelby Holler, a few miles outside a Hickory Ridge. They did. That bein’ so, they shopped for all their needs in town. They did.

Bein’s that Miss Bonnie and Frank were long gone before I were born, I learned Miss Bonnie’s story form Ma. I did. Pa’d taken her an’ me up Shelby Holler to see Maudy Pete, who were down in her back. She were. An’ on the way home I spotted this big ol’ house almost buried in Kudzu. When I asked whose it were, Ma told me about Miss Bonnie. She did.

Ma said whenever Miss Bonnie would come into town folks would move to the other side of the street an’ wouldn’t get within breathin’ distance of her. They did.

Ma said Miss Bonnie never had her hair done down at Lou Ann’s Beauty Shop like lots of other women did. An’ she cut Franks hair herself to keep him from bein’ told Jess Larson wouldn’t cut his hair in his barber shop. She did. Ma said they didn’t go to church, just to make things easier on folks. She did.

Frank worked at the sanatorium too. He were the head of maintenance, what meant he kept all the heat an’ plumbing in workin’ order. It did.

Now at this point in the story Pa filled in the things Ma were too humble to tell. He did. He said bein’s that we lived out aways, Ma didn’t know about Miss Bonnie until the Pauley’s had been there a few months. She didn’t. She mighta learned sooner, but Ma weren’t one to stand around an’ listen to the gossip when she were in town. She weren’t. But one day she saw folks crossin’ the street as this woman walked toward them. Mother’s pushed their kids to cross the street. They did. Ma wanted to know more about what was goin’ on. She did. So she asked. When she were told Bonnie might be one of them “carriers”, she went right to Doc Martin’s office and waited to see him. He told her there were no real danger of gettin’ TB from Miss Bonnie, cause she wore a mask at work, an’ they were learnin’ more an’ more about TB all the time. He said it were just that folks were scared. He did.

According to Pa, the next Sunday at the close of church, Ma stood up an’ said she had somethin’ to say. For a woman to talk out in church was perty unheard of. It were. She said that in the Bible it says that Jesus touched the lepers an weren’t afraid of helpin’ them. She did. She reckoned iffen Jesus could touch lepers an’ still have folks come around him, why were folks treatin’ Bonnie Pauley the way they were. She also told ‘em what Doc Martin said, She did. Then she said she were going out to see Frank an’ Miss Connie an invite them to church. She did. Even though Pa weren’t there, he said he were sure that church were as quiet as a tomb. He were..

Well, Ma did what she said, an’ the Pauley’s seemed real grateful. They did. But they declined her invitation to come to church. They did.

Knowin’ Ma it didn’t surprise me none when Pa said the next time she saw Miss Bonnie in town she went right up to her and walked with her. She did. Well, perty soon most of the folks in town found out what was goin’ on. They did. Pa said some even said bad things about Ma. They did. But she kept right on walkin’ with Miss Bonnie. She did.

Nothin’ changed much, but Ma made sure every time she saw Miss Bonnie she walked with her. One day she went in a store an’ asked iffen they were afraid of her since she was within breathin’ distance of Miss Bonnie. No one said a word, but they sold her what she wanted without backin’ away. They did.

It took Ma doin’ that for about a month or so an’ gradually folks opened up an’ found Frank an’ Miss Connie to be real good folks. They did.

I reckon fear of the unknown is about the most powerful thing on earth next to love. I do. Ma proved that over an’ over in the way she treated people an’ things. She did. An’ I reckon the world would be a whole lot better off iffen everyone did the same. I do.
Keith

CONCERNS: Debbie McRoy’s great-niece, Jewell Manhold, is having surgery on July 6. Her son, Ian has a friend, Michelle Yates, who has terminal cancer. Martha Foy’s dad is making slow progress. Also, a dear friend of the Foy’s has terminal cancer. Hospice has been suggested for Connie Crite’s father. She and Rich are there for Father’s Day. Pam Pierce is improving day by day. Joni Beach’s mother is about the same. Zona Fisher’s doctors are still working to regulate her blood pressure. Her brothers, Roger and Tim have cancer. Jen Wagner’s dad went home from the hospital. Melanie Almeder (cancer) Mike Breeding (heart problems) Polly Altice and her son, James. Isabell Simmons, Helen Nicklas, Julie (stroke) Teri Burks and Trixie Long. Roger Fisher’s nephew in Florida is still about the same. Barbara McCauley, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Tim Elder and the work of Health Talents and Bread For A Hungry World.

THE FOOD PANTRY: The food pantry has been restocked and already several families have benefited from it.

OUR DAILY BREAD: JUNE 21-26
Monday: John 15:12-27
Tuesday: I Corinthians 13:1-13
Wednesday: John 6:35-51
Thursday: Matthew 17:14-23
Friday: I Peter 5:1-11
Saturday: Psalm 125:1-5

OUR DAILY BREAD: JUNE 28-July 3
Monday: I Peter 1:1-11
Tuesday: Luke 2:1-10
Wednesday: Proverbs 2:1-15
Thursday: Romans 15:1-13
Friday: I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Saturday: Psalm 115:1-18

SUPER SUNDAY
Today (June 20) is Super Sunday. It is also Father’s Day. Where could dad get a better meal than right here after this morning’s service? Plan to stay.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
High Seas Adventure Vacation Bible School will be July 26-30. As far as we know it will have nothing to do with BP and the oil spill, but just good fun mixed with learning about God and Jesus.

As you can see, Pam and Tom Kirchner have transformed the foyer into a port of call, with ship and other nautical items.

Erma will be asking for barrels (adopted ones) as well as other items needed.
Registration can be done on the church web site, roanokechurchofchrist.com

About the web site: We are not sure if we were “hacked” or if there was a glitch in our server. It seems to be straightened out now, but if you have any trouble, let Keith know. Also, if you are not getting your bulletin via the web page and you were on the e-mailing list, let Keith know.

THANKS
Thanks to Erma Williams, Wayne and Nathan Flora and Wayne Phlegar for taking the young folks to Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, NC last week. The young folks had worked on several projects to raise money for the trip, as well as raising money we will be soon sending to a group in Haiti who is rebuilding after the earthquake.

THE HEAT
We are getting closer to making the building comfortable on the extra hot days. A plan to cover the large front windows with see-through reflective covering is one possibility. The other is mini-blinds which could be opened or raised and lowered as needed. The temperature in the foyer is about ten degrees hotter than the auditorium. If you have input, see one of the steering committee. We are also getting closer to finding the right speed controls for the fans.

Jesus said those who follow his teaching will be known by their fruits. Also that a bad tree can’t bear good fruit, or vice versa. (Matt.7:16ff)

Christianity certainly has good roots. It is rooted in Jesus Christ. However, like the parable of the evil sower who came to the field at night and sowed bad seeds, its fruit became corrupted.

When? The fact is, the corruption  has always been a factor. If you read the book of James it was going on then. It had to do with who was of first priority in the congregation, and who was not. So James has to say, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

We spent a lot of time preaching on that “keeping oneself from being polluted by the world” without keeping it in the whole context of the letter. The world’s pollution is that which makes us arrogant, selfish, loose-tongued, prejudiced and willing to “murder” someone who isn’t like us. What this produced then and now, are church-goers who cause pain by their words and actions.

History records vividly the words and actions of those who called themselves Christians. We can’t escape the images of the inquisition, the killings and burnings of the Protestant Reformation, nor the persecution that drove people to America, and then the witch hunts in the New World. We could add the way we treated the African slaves, and all the things “Christians” opposed (and still do) that stood for equality and justice.

That legacy is unescapable. It stands before us every day. The word “Christian” sends a chill down most non-Christian’s backs. The bad roots and the bad fruit taints the very word “Christian”. If the “world” used the word “Pharisee” it would be next word to come to mind. “Pompous, judgmental, arrogant and self-righteous” are the words they use. This is compounded by the way most Christian efforts try to do what they believe they are to do to “save” the world.

The world knows our agenda. Our job is to convert them. Of course it is for their own good to “save” them. It’s a “Be baptized or I’ll drown you” attitude. So the world (the sinner) knows we are only interested in them so we cane save them. We are not interested in them just because they are a human being. They know we only see value in them if they convert. They know that all the good we may do and offer is hinged on if they will become like us. They know the attention we pay to them is not free. It is not a gift, given unconditionally. It has a price. Knowing that, why should we be surprised they don’t want anything to do with us? They know we will really only “love the sinner” if the sinner becomes a saint.

I asked Sunday why the notorious sinners in Jesus’ day were drawn to him and not to us. Neither were they drawn to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Why? Because they knew they only had value if they measured up to the accepted standards of what was considered right living. They knew they had to do something, to change, before they would be accepted. That’s where Jesus was different and somehow he got it across by the way he acted and treated them. He “welcomed” them to eat with him. He had only one agenda, to make sure they knew they were accepted and loved, without any conditions. He was not there to convert, but to show love. (Is love not the power that changes?) To show that he found their company not repulsive, but enjoyable. Making a convert was the last thing on his mind. The first thing was to give his unconditional acceptance as a friend. The most important thing is to know we are worth finding, just as lost as we are. “He’s the friend of sinners!”

Until we can do what Jesus did in the spirit of grace that Jesus gave, freely, with no condition of return, we will find the world wanting little to do with us. They will not become part of something that counts heads and has no heart. Something that leaves a rotten taste in their mouth.

When Christians are known as the people who go about doing good, (Acts 14:17) who paint and build houses, clean up after storms and work for all kind of good, without asking for anything, anything, in return, then Jesus will be seen in us and that will be all that is needed.
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS:
Martha Foy’s dad, Larry, is having some problems with pain in his muscles that is nearly immobilizing him. He is having tests. Connie Crites’ father’s condition is somewhat worse. A dear friend of Martha Foy’s has terminal cancer. Pam Pierce is still gaining strength for upcoming surgery. Joni Beach’s mother is doing as well as can be expected. Zona Fisher is still having blood pressure problems. Her brothers, Roger and Tim are dealing with cancer. Jen Wagner’s father is improving each day. Continue to pray for Melanie Almeder (treated for cancer) Mike Breeding (Ron Matney’s nephew) heart problems. Polly Altice and her son, James. Isabell Simmons. Helen Nicklas, Julie (stroke) Teri Burks and Trixie Long. Roger Fisher’s nephew (cancer), Barbara McCauley, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Tim Elder and the work of Health Talents Int., Bread For A Hungry World and the relief efforts going on in all the countries damaged by earthquakes and storms.

OUR DAILY BREAD: JUNE 7-12
Monday: John 1:35-51
Tuesday: Revelation 1:4-20
Wednesday: I Corinthians 6:7-20
Thursday: Luke 17:11-19
Friday: Philippians 2:1-13
Saturday: Psalm 98:1-9

OUR DAILY BREAD: JUNE 14-19
Monday: Daniel 6:6-28
Tuesday: Mark 4:26-41
Wednesday: Psalm 136:1-26
Thursday: Matthew 7:1-6
Friday: Acts 23:11-35
Saturday: Psalm 135:1-21

SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to Joann Wagner and all her family in the death of her mother, Jewell Racer. She died on Sunday, May 23, in Victoria, TX. She was 98 years old.

The funeral was held in Barbersville, WVA on Saturday, May 29.

Jo and all the family thank the congregation for the cards, kind words and the flowers which helped ease the pain of her death .

COZETTA MAYS
Former member Cozetta Mays died suddenly at her home in Cross Lanes WVA on Memorial Day, May 31. The funeral was in Charleston. Keith Wagner and Mike Ross officiated. There will be no official grave-side service here in Roanoke. However, the interment will be at 1:00 on Friday, June 4 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens and the family would welcome those who want to drop by.

OUR WEB SITE
We can add a little award on our web site. We were “hacked”! We don’t know who or how, but it has been fixed, at least until we can acquire more security. In the mean time we can only imagine who might have decided we needed to be invaded

By the way, the mass e-mail mailing of the bulletin seems to be working well now. Check the web site on google at roanokechurchofchrist.com

THANKS
Thanks to Erma Williams for teaching the training class for VBS High Seas Expedition Saturday, May 29. And thanks to those of you who came for the training.

A WORD ABOUT CAMP
We did not have camp this year due to several conflicts that left us with such a small number that we decided to regroup and do some other things. However, Camp Bethel has invited us to come back anytime we want. Perhaps next year we will be able to do it again. In the mean time we are planning a couple of things that will involve former campers. They will be announced.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Alice Blessing in coming in third in the Roanoke Star singing competition over the Memorial Day weekend. This was Alice’s first competition and she’s going to try again next year.

Bill Cosby says that the reason grandparents are so different than parents is because they are old people trying to get into heaven. That may be true and it may be why I find myself more outspoken on issues I have avoided.

In a recent article by Ray McGovern, he sited a Pew Research Center survey. The survey polled white non-Hispanic Catholics, white evangelicals and white mainline Protestants. A majority (54%) who attended church regularly said torture could be “justified.” The irony is that among occasional church attenders said torture is rarely or never justified.

Ray McGovern is qualified to write on the subject. He is a retired CIA officer who served under seven presidents for over 27 years. He presented the morning intelligence briefings at the White House for many of those presidents. He is a member Church of the Savior in Washington, DC. and speaks to churches around the country. The article had to do with either the acceptance of torture among Christians, or the refusal of Christian ministers to speak out against it.

In his article he refers to “Blank Presbyterians”, “Deaf Methodists” and “Clueless Catholics.” He does say there are segments within each group that have spoken out against torture. He didn’t say anything about the Baptists or the Church of Christ, but I’m sure he would find the same among us and the Baptists.

I remember a woman who was a member of the Church of Christ saying about the Abu Ghraib prison torture, “Well, they’d do the same to our boys if not worse.” But she agreed it was not a Christian attitude.

That’s the problem, how did we Christians reach the point torture became circumstantially acceptable? And, it is not a political party issue. Both sides of the “isle” have condemned it. John McCain, a Republican and a tortured war veteran, has spoken out against it, even though the Chaney/Bush administration advocated it, Chaney being more outspoken than the president. A Baptist senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, in a senate hearing about such interrogation techniques said, “One of the reasons these techniques have been used for about 500 years is that they work.”

One of the startling things in McGovern’s article was (I remembered hearing this) that Hitler made sure there was a pastor in each Lutheran and Catholic parish in Germany. The reason? To be a force for the stability of his regime.

Torture has been around for as long as humans have lived together. We’ve all heard of the torture chambers of ancient times and have seen the tools of the torture trade. We also know that in most of those cases the torture had nothing to do with gaining information. It had to do with revenge and inflicting pain and death. When the crusaders caught pregnant Muslim women who were about to give birth and striped them down so the dogs could eat their children as they were born, it had nothing to do with gaining intelligence. It was about ethnic cleansing. The same could be said of the atrocities of Hitler. But torture used to gain what is thought to be useful information is another matter. But is it?

Christians will say “God is in control.” Amen! They will say,”Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.” Amen! They will say, “Jesus said fear not.” Amen! And then say torture is the right way to be in control, bring justice and the end of fear.

At this point I need to explain the title of this article. The “WWJT” stands for “Who Would Jesus Torture?” When I ask myself that question the answer to the torture question is easy.

John Yoo, one of the chief torture lawyers for the Bush administration said it was appropriate to crush the testicles of a child in front of it’s parents to get vital information. And Jesus said, “Amen!” I can only guess what Yoo would suggest if the parents only had daughters.

Of course, the question is always asked, “If your loved one was about to die a horrible death, and the person who had information to stop it was sitting in front of you, what would you do?” Under such circumstances I have no idea how desperate and brutal I might be. That’s the reason we struggle with criticizing torture. We are led to believe that since threats to our security happen almost every day, torture is the only way to stop it. We also believe our enemies think and act as we do. They don’t. If I believe I will be rewarded as a martyr if I die for my cause, why would I tell the truth under torture? We read of people who walk into a business with a gun and kill out of anger and revenge, and then either kill themselves, or die willingly by what is called, “Death by cop.”

It should be noted that many high ranking military officers believe torture is not only wrong and against what America should stand for, but that it is not an effective way to get worthwhile information. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been reported as “appalled” and “disgusted” after viewing some of the abuse photos being kept under wraps by the Obama administration. He warned senior military officers on July 10, 2009, “We haven’t all absorbed or applied all the lessons of Abu Ghrab.” He has ordered that more be done to halt detainee abuse, saying, “We are better than this and now we have to show it.”

The Christian may say, “I wouldn’t do it, but the government has the right to.” If that’s true, the government also has the right not to torture. So if the present administration said it would no longer practice any form of torture, all Christians would be happy. Right? Hardly. Most of those who feel torture is necessary claim some form of Christianity or belief in God.

As for me, I can’t believe Jesus would tell me to brutalize a child to get information. So I intend to keep asking myself, “Who would Jesus torture?” Or perhaps, “Who would Jesus authorize to be tortured?” And while I ponder that, I might also think about what Augustine said, “Hope has two children. The first is anger at the way things are. The second is courage to do something about it.”
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS: Pray for Connie Crites’ father and family. He has been found to have two aneurysms at the end of stents previously placed in the arteries of his heart. At 91, he is dealing with a decision about the surgery. Philip Pierce’s mother, Pam, has been sent home to gain strength from a ruptured appendix as she awaits heart surgery. Zona Fisher’s older brothers, Tim and Roger, both have cancer. Mike Bartkiewicz, Jennifer Wagner’s father, is slowly recovering from cancer surgery and a ruptured colon. He still has a way to go. He is in the VA Hospital. Chad Plaster had tests at Johns Hopkins to see if they can better treat a syndrome he has that causes his limbs to shake. Joni Plaster only sustained a bad sprained ankle, not a break. Continue in prayer for Melanie Almeder (cancer), Mike Breeding (Ron Matney’s nephew) is home but still needs prayers. Polly Altice and her son, James. Isabel Simpson (leukemia), Helen Nicklas, Evelyn Hammer, Julie in Texas (stroke), Mrs Kelly, a recent widow, Teri Burks and Trixie Long. Roger Fisher’s nephew in Fla. (cancer) Barbara McCauley, Tim Elder, Jewell Racer, Wilma and Jeni Cullum, Del Bolin, who is in Honduras doing medical work. The work of Heath Talents and Bread For A Hungry World.

OUR DAILY BREAD: APRIL 19-24
Monday: Joshua 24:14-28
Tuesday: Acts 9:1-9
Wednesday: James 5:1-8
Thursday: I John 1:5-2:6
Friday: Hebrews 12:1-14
Saturday: Psalm 13:1-8

OUR DAILY BREAD: APR. 26-MAY 1
Monday: Job 38:1-18
Tuesday: Isaiah 25:1-5
Wednesday: Psalm 37:1-17
Thursday: Luke 18:35-19:10
Friday: John 18:1-14
Saturday: Hebrews 13:1-21

WOMAN’S RETREAT
By now most of those who are attending Sweet Life Cafe’, the women’s retreat have registered. But there may still be time. See Erma Williams. The time is the weekend of the 23rd and 24th.

PICTURES
Erma took several pictures last Sunday for the new directory. However, there are more needed, so if she asked, say “Peaches!” Since we have a new copier with the ability to do booklets, we hope to start as soon as the updates information is passed out and turned in. The information sheets will be available next week.

LIFE LINE SCREENING
Once again Life Line Screening, a group that offers stroke screening, heart rhythm screening, aortic screening, peripheral arterial screening and osteoporosis screening, will be using our annex on Monday, May 3. If you need such a service information is available for the asking.

CAMP
The dates for camp this year are June 13-19 at Camp Bethel. The cost remains the same as last year, $150.00. The church will pay $30.00 of the cost for each camper from the congregation. Other help is usually available. See Keith.

HAITIAN AND YOUTH FUND RAISER
The young people will be hosting a spaghetti dinner in the annex on May 8 at 5:00 P. M. The meal will consist of spaghetti, a salad, garlic bread, a drink and dessert, all for $5.00. This will take some donations from the congregation. Erma will let us know. The funds raised will go to Haitian relief and youth activities. Plan to come and invite some friends.

SUPER SUNDAY
Today, April 18th is Super Sunday. Plan to stay and enjoy the meal following the morning service..All guests, April birthdays and anniversaries will be served first.

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
The steering committee will meet following the Super Sunday meal. Among the things discussed will be the Sunday date when the collection for Haitian relief will take place.

The question about what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is has a long history. Most agree that it is a state of mind, rather than a few words or even a few sentences. If we look at the context we can see that.

In Matthew 12 Jesus had healed a man and was accused by the Pharisees of doing it by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Jesus says Satan can’t cast out Satan, and then said anyone who was not with him was against him. It was at this point, in this situation, that Jesus said, “And so (referring back to what had just happened) I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven.: vs.31.

“Every sin and blasphemy”, except what? What had they criticized Jesus for doing? Keep in mind that Jesus said if it was against him it could be forgiven. If it wasn’t against Jesus, who, or what was it against? (Trinitarians would have a problem with this.) It was against the very nature of God. It was against who God is and what God does. Jesus is offended that they have witnessed a man set free from a terrible problem and they refuse to give the credit to the Spirit, the goodness, the essence, of who and what God is. Why have they done that? The only contextual reason is their refusal to see the act as meeting their requirements. They do not deny that it was a good thing. You will notice in the text that Jesus asked if he casts out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do they cast them out? vs. 27.

When Jesus said Satan can not cast out Satan, and that a house divided against itself can not stand, he was saying evil can not do what is against evil. Good is always against evil. Good is what evil isn’t. Good, when it is done, no matter who does it, always reflects the nature, the Spirit, of God. So to see a good work and then call it something other than good, and to attribute it, not so much to evil, but to something not like God, is essentially to blaspheme the nature of God, to blaspheme God’s Spirit.

As I said, it’s not a one time thing. It is not to be angry with God and say something foolish. It is an attitude of the heart. It is a teaching that refuses to recognize any good work accept that which meets that individual, or group’s criteria. To put it bluntly, anything not done by them and those like them is tainted, even when it shows the true nature of God.

Tragically, something of that attitude is taught in churches every day. “We can’t do anything for anybody, even if it is good, if others are helping with whom we don’t agree. If a hurricane destroys a place, we will only send money as long as it is to those we agree with on all points of doctrine. If a child’s family needs help with staggering medical bills, we will not give if there are others giving with whom we do not agree on points of doctrine.”

Sadly, the last sentence of the above paragraph happened in the case of the fund raiser for Isabelle Simmons, the little two-year old with leukemia. Two local congregations refused to have any participation because some other churches not like them were also involved. The elders of at least one of those congregations instructed their members not to be involved. Some women from that same church went so far as to go to a nursing home and tell the great-grandmother of the little girl that she could not give, nor attend the fund raiser. The grandfather and grandmother of Isabelle was with us last Sunday and told that story. He added that if his mother had been able she would have been there. He also added that as long as she was in the nursing home, when they visited her they would no longer darken the door of that congregation.

Remember, this is not about the individual’s right not to be involved. The issue is an attitude that condemns a good work done by the wrong people.

Am I saying those who refused to help because it didn’t meet their criteria of “sound” have blasphemed the Spirit? Well, I can’t help but see the very close proximity to the situation with Jesus and the Pharisees. A proximity that distorts the nature of God’s goodness and love.

Remember, Jesus said it was not about him. It was not about the deed itself. Even the Pharisees and their disciples cast out demons. So, what was it about? Fear and blindness. The Pharisees knew Jesus was not like them. He didn’t do the things they believed made a person righteous before God. If Jesus could do such things as casting out demons as they did, where did that leave them? Was all their hard work to be righteous in vain? He couldn’t be righteous, because they were, and he wasn’t like them. What to do? Discredit him. Say the Godlike things he did were not really Godlike because he didn’t belong to God, but to Satan. How could they say that? Because he didn’t meet their standards of what was acceptable to God, which meant God couldn’t be behind it. They were blinded by a legalistic doctrine based on a false idea of righteousness.

I know about those who Jesus said would speak of driving out demons and performing miracles in his name, and yet will be called by Jesus, “evil doers“.Now this is a slippery slope! But notice Jesus never denied that the casting out of demons by the Pharisees in Matt 12 was in itself, evil. Does the fact that they did good make them good? No. Does the fact that Jesus says he will call some who have done powerful works in his name, “evil doers”, make the good they did evil? No. Jesus said Satan can not cast out Satan. Some commentators say in Matt. 7, these were only “claims” and that the prophesy and miracles never happened. However, there are a number of places where the less than accepted by God did such things. Can an evil person do good for evil reasons? Yes. But the wrong reason does not erase the good that was done. It is all about the attitude of the heart.

What the attitude was of those in Matt 7 is anyone’s guess. All we know is that it was not the attitude of Jesus. In Matt 12 the attitude of the Pharisees is quite clear. It is an attitude that rejects anything good that does not meet their standards of righteousness. It is an attitude of blindness and fear that kills you spiritually.
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS: Martha Albert has been having trouble with what is residual effects of childhood polio. Melanie Almeder, (Melanie Beaver’s teacher) Ron Matney’s nephew, Mike Breeding, heart attack. Polly Altice and her son, James. Isabelle, who is being treated for leukemia, It’s been good to see Helen Niklas able to be out some. Evelyn Hammer, The Phlegar’s friend, Julie, in Texas. (stroke) Mrs. Kelly, a recent widow and neighbor of Alice Blessing’s. Teri Burks and Trixie Long. Roger Fisher’s nephew in Fla. Barbara McCauley, Chris Phlegar and Tim Elder. Those shut-in: Jewel Racer, Wilma and Jenni Cullum and those involved in helping those in need all around the world.

OUR DAILY BREAD: MARCH 22-27
Monday: John 8:21-47
Tuesday: Luke 22:14-30
Wednesday: Luke 12:13-34
Thursday: Psalm 51:1-19
Friday: Acts 4:32-5:11
Saturday: Psalm 99:1-9:110:1-5
OUR DAILY BREAD: MAR. 29-APR.3
Monday: Hebrews 4:1-5:10
Tuesday Matthew 5:17-48
Wednesday: Genesis 1:1-31
Thursday: II Samuel 12:1-15
Friday: Ephesians 6:10-20
Saturday: Psalm 104:1-35

WELCOME
Last Sunday we welcomed the Bolin family as part of our church family. They have been with us for several months and have become deeply involved in the work here.

They consist of Dell, Leena, Nick and Jon, as well as Leena’s mother, Helen Niklas.

Dell is a physician, Leena is a busy mom, and Nick and Jon are teenaged students. We are thrilled to have them with us to share the gifts God has given them.

They live at 5933 Blackhorse Ln., Roanoke, 24018. Phone 769-5127

SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to Martha Foy and her family in the sudden death of Martha’s nephew, who died of a heart attack last week.

SUPER SUNDAY
Today, March 21, is Super Sunday. This is always a day of good food and fellowship. Be sure to plan to stay after the service and enjoy this time together.

YOUTH LOCK-IN
The teenage class will have a lock-in here on Friday night and Saturday morning of April 9-10.

CITY-WIDE VBS TRAINING
There will be a city-wide training session conducted here on Saturday, April 17. Erma Williams will be doing that and she always needs a few extra hands if you can help.

WOMEN’S RETREAT
The women’s retreat, Sweet Life Cafe’, will be April 23&24. All activities will be at the building, starting on Friday evening, April 23, and conclude mid-afternoon on Saturday, April 24. An optional “sleep over” is at Leena Bolin’s home on Friday evening. Information and registration forms are on the table in the foyer. The cost is $25.

Erma Williams needs the names of any women beyond the congregation that might be interested so they can be sent a personal invitation.

ISABELLE’S FUND RAISER
The amount collected for Isabelle from the congregation was $500.00. This did not include tickets bought for the fund raiser and things purchased at the action, as well as other individual gifts. ALSO: $650 was the amount collected for Gideon Bibles.

Just about the time our granddaughter, Megan, was to get married, she and I were talking about wedding vows. I said (with tongue in cheek) sometimes I was tempted to have the couple about to be married take an oath of office. She said it might not be a bad idea.

Before going on, let me say, and I’ve probably said it before, the very act of marriage is something of a mystery. It has very few constants. It seems to be as much biological (hormones) as it is emotional (love). In some societies it can be an arranged marriage. In that case, love, whatever that means, can come later, if it does. In those situations duty is more important than feelings.

In “romantic” marriages it can be both of the mind and the heart. By “mind” I mean the two people get to know each other as well as they can over time, while also having emotional (hormonal) feelings toward each other. Both are important.

There is also the “blindness” of love, as in “Love is blind.” That’s when the emotional part of the relationship blinds one or both of the parties to the possible dangers ahead in the relationship.

There is also dependency, or maybe co-dependency. (I’m not an expert on marriage) I’m talking about the case that is something like adopting a dog from the pound. Once you get involved there is a sense of responsibility. The dog may bite you but you feel a sense of responsibility for its care since you brought it home. After all, if you don’t take care for it, it may be put down.

Or the dog may convince you that you deserve to be bit and that you’re lucky to have found a dog that would go home with you. While we’re at it, the dog may not even like you that much but you are offering it food, shelter and security. In a relationship that’s bad news.

There’s also unexpected surprises. There are things that can be so deeply hidden they don’t come out until after a number of months or years. That’s one of the reasons some folks say it’s better to live together before taking the final step. However, as far as the record goes, those marriages fail at the same rate as the others.

So there I am, looking at two people about to enter into marriage. All the bases may have been covered as far as I know, and yet I have no idea how it will work out. Of course, many do, and I’m happy about that. On the other hand I also know for some, the words are just words that have to be said in order to satisfy some tradition. They may be saying what they’d like to see happen, but don’t really care if it does or not. What to do?

That’s where the oath of office comes in. Would it make marriages work? Hardly, but it might make it more serious. So I humbly offer my “Oath of the Office of Marriage.”

“Irwin Chase Mason, place your hand on the Bible and repeat after me. (I’ll leave out the response, but you get the picture) I Irwin Chase Mason–do solemnly swear–that I will faithfully execute the office of husband–in the state of marriage–and that to the best of my ability–preserve, protect and defend–the vows, promises and principles of marriage–so help me God.”

“Virginia Mae Browning, place your hand on the Bible and repeat after me, I, Virginia Mae Browning–do solemnly swear–that I will faithfully execute the office of Bride–in the state of marriage–and that to the best of my ability, protect and defend–the vows, promises and principles of marriage– so help me God.” I thought about saying, “In the holy estate of marriage” but the Bible never calls it that.

Do I believe such an oath would make marriages better? I doubt it, but it might make me feel better. But it’s not about my feelings, it’s about what the couple feels about the union we call marriage.

I don’t have the figures, but I’ll bet that marital and relationship problems are the leading cause of death and violence in the United States. That being true, it shows the deep potential for both the good and the bad to happen in marriage.

In the traditional marriage ceremony there is a line that says about marriage, “It should not be entered into lightly or unadvisedly.” Not bad. But as far as I’m concerned, that needs to be taken care of well before the ceremony.
Keith kswrev@aol.com

CONCERNS: Jenni Cullum’s cataract surgery has been postponed. Melanie Almeder, Melanie Beaver’s teacher, is being treated for cancer. Leena Bolin’s mother, Helen Niklas was able to be out Sunday. Isabelle the little girl who has leukemia. Ron Matney’s nephew, Mike Breeding had a heart attack. Julie, the Phlegar’s friend in Texas who has had a stroke. Also Polly Altice and her son, James, Evelyn Hammer, Chris Phlegar, Jo Wagner’s mother, Jewell Racer, Teri Burks, Trixi Long, Lureline Ferguson, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Roger Fisher’s nephew (cancer) Tim Elder, those in Haiti and Chile who have endured earthquakes, Health Talents and Bread For A Hungry World.

OUR DAILY BREAD: MARCH 8-13
Monday: Hosea 11:1-9
Tuesday: Matthew 10:24-39
Wednesday: Exodus 16:1-15
Thursday: Luke 7:36-50
Friday: John 13:31-38
Saturday: Psalm 103:1-22

OUR DAILY BREAD: MARCH
Monday: Matthew 6:1-18
Tuesday: Psalm 96:1-13
Wednesday: Matthew 6:19-34
Thursday: Luke 23:26-43
Friday: James 1:5-18
Saturday: Romans 8:26-39

THE WOMEN’S RETREAT
From Erma Williams: Sweet Life Cafe’: A retreat for ladies who want to retreat from it all. Sweet Life Cafe’ will begin Friday evening, April 23 and conclude mid afternoon on Saturday, April 24. All main activities will take place at the church annex. A “sleep over” is an optional activity to take place at Leena Bolin’s home on Friday Evening. Erma Williams needs email addresses of any ladies outside of the Roanoke family that might be interested in taking part in this activity, to ensure she receives a personal invitation. The cost is $25 for pre-registration by April.

A NEW CLASS
If you’ve noticed that Erma Williams’ name is on for nursery duty each Sunday, it is because she is starting a new class for the nursery children during the worship service. The description is as follows. Play n Worship for Toddlers, Two’s and Preschool: They’ll toss bouncy balls in the air to make rain for Noah’s Ark. They’ll clang building blocks together to make thunder-and learn how God calms a storm. They’ll hug and hold baby dolls-and hear about God’s great care for them! Each Play -n-Worship lesson uses objects from toddlers and twos’ everyday world-plus play, fun, stories and songs. This will start right away.

CITY-WIDE VBS TRAINING
On April 17th there will be a city-wide training seminar for Vacation Bible School. It will be here in the annex. See Erma about details.

GOSPEL MUSIC
If you like Gospel Music, Janet Paschal and The Collingsworth Family (both of which are artists with Gaither Homecoming) will perform at the Jefferson Center on March 26. A flyer is on the downstairs bulletin board.

FUND RAISER FOR LITTLE ISABELLE
The family and friends of little Isabelle, the two year old being treated for leukemia is having a fund raising spaghetti dinner at the Roanoke Moose Lodge on Catawba Road, March 13, at 5 PM. There will be a silent action, a Christian comedian, and Christian music. See the bulletin board.

I said in a resent sermon that just because something is found in the Bible does not make it a reality. I went on to explain that while the sailors on the ship on which Jonah was fleeing was being assailed by the gods of the sea, that does not mean there are sea gods. I spoke of that because in Ephesians 2:2 Paul says at one time they “followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Just because Paul refers to such a spirit does not mean that is a reality, a real entity. It means some of the Ephesian converts where still hanging on to their old beliefs in the gods of Rome and Greece. While commentaries will often refer to this as part of Satan’s world, Paul does not call this Satanic, or refer to the “disobedient” as servants of Satan. It probably had to do with the ancient belief that the stars and other heavenly bodies controlled life on earth, which, in the broad sense of the word could be called Satan’s world..

We need remember that Paul, in First Corinthians, talked about the “many gods”, but then went on to say they were not real. He called them, “so called gods.” There is only one God, not many. There is only one ruler of all creation, not many. The plurality of gods was an ancient way to explain life and why the unpredictable and unexplainable things happened.

When Paul was in Athens he saw what he called their “objects of worship.” (Acts 17:23) These were the gods and goddesses they worshiped and believed controlled their lives. They were very real to them. They even named them. Paul knows that. He tells them he can see that they are “very religious.” (Vs.22) It is telling that the KJV says, “superstitious.” The root words are the same in this case. So the question is, were these gods real? The answer is “yes” to the Greeks, but “no” in reality. Did they shape their lives? Yes. But was Mars, Neptune and the others real? No.

However, quite often the old beliefs (superstitions) came back to haunt and rule those who had converted to Christianity. They were much like the Jews who kept finding themselves drawn to the gods of Egypt and their neighbors. Israel rarely if ever, turned completely away from God. They just thought it was safer if they covered all the bases by adding all the gods they could. This was especially true when their pagan neighbors had better crops and bigger sons than did they. “If it worked for the pagans, it should really work for God’s people.”

We don’t live in the same world as did those of the Bible. However, there are millions upon millions of people on the earth who still believe in the “fates” or whatever. Superstition still has a strong hold on people, even Christians. Many of the Haitian people believe God caused the earthquake that has devastated their country. Probably an equal amount of Christians believe the same thing. When the Christian wakes up in the morning and believes they are surrounded by all kinds of evil spirits, turned loose on them by God, (after all, if God created everything, then these spirits are God’s creation) they have fallen victim to superstition.

Simply put, there are only two worlds, the physical and the spiritual, the seen and the unseen. It’s more complicated than that, but that will do for now. Any force that is unseen is spiritual. It’s either good spiritual or bad spiritual. That’s why the Bible speaks of an “evil spirit” and “unclean spirits.” They represent those things that can’t be explained physically, even though the results can be seen physically through the person’s actions. Anything of the mind (heart in the Bible) is spiritual. So Jesus will say it’s what comes out of a man that will condemn him, not the food that goes in.

Paul, in Eph. 6:12 (In the letter written for those who were sliding back into their pagan beliefs) says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. But against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” When he said that he did not mean these things had some kind of personality or form. He meant the battle was for the minds of people who were caught up in a false view of life. Did they believe the heavens were filled with all kinds of entities? Yes. Did Paul? I don’t think so, but he did know the enslaving grip these beliefs had on the people. The whole armor of God Paul says to use is all about combating teachings, superstitions and ideas. The belt of truth. No greater weapon against ignorance can be found. The breastplate of righteousness. The integrity of someone who lives right can’t be overcome. The footwear of the gospel of peace. Peace, no greater power for changing lives. The shield of faith. The conviction of the unseen that is seen in the results of faith. The helmet of salvation. The confidence of one’s understanding of God’s grace toward all. The sword of the Spirit i.e., the word of God. To speak with the authority of one who knows and serves God. It should be noted, that when Paul speaks of “the flaming arrows of the evil one”, it does not mean the “evil one” has personality or form, any more than it means there will be actual flaming arrows shot at the Christian.

Is the warfare spiritual? Yes. It is a battle against every ungodly idea and belief that manifests itself in the enslavement and harm to the individual. Poverty is a spiritual battle. Mental illness is a spiritual battle. Prejudice is a spiritual battle. Greed is a spiritual battle. We even have an idol to greed. It’s Wall Street. That does not mean the stock market is evil, just that we associate greed and avarice with that name. Ignorance is a spiritual battle. And yet, like Paul, we need to understand how deeply ingrained ignorance can be. It can even be the “truth” of that time. The world was never flat. But the “truth” for centuries was that it was. Ancient people were not stupid, but they, like us, were ignorant of a yet undiscovered truth. That’s why truth is the first weapon against ignorance.

We need to spend less time trying to imagine a battle in heaven going on among some kind of spiritual beings, and get on with the real battles here on earth that need our attention to be won.
Keith kswrev

CONCERNS: Melanie Beaver’s faculty advisor and favorite teacher, Dr. Melanie Almeder, is being treated for cancer. Helen Niklas, Laena Bolin’s mother, is unable to be out and about right now. Remember Isabel, the daughter of friends of the Bolins who has leukemia. Ron Matney was able to be at church last Sunday. Martha Albert’s grand nephew has grown enough to be home. Tamala Beach finished her radiation treatments. The Phlegar’s friend in Texas, Julie, is making slow recovery from a stroke. Polly Altice has made some progress. Her son, James still deals with cancer. Also Evelyn Hammer. Chris Phlegar has returned to a war zone. Continue to remember Jo Wagner’s mother, Jewell Racer, Teri Burks, Trixi Long, Barbara McCauley, Lureline Ferguson, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Roger Fisher’s nephew, (cancer) Tim Elder, those in Haiti who are recovering slowly from the earthquake, Health Talents Int, Bread For A Hungry World and all those who are working to relieve suffering around the world.

OUR DAILY BREAD: FEB. 22-27
Monday: Matthew !8:10-20
Tuesday: Romans 14:1-18
Wednesday: II Thess. 3:1-16
Thursday: Genesis 45:4-28
Friday: Mark 10:17-31
Saturday: Psalm 105:1-45

OUR DAILY BREAD: MAR. 1-6
Monday: John 17:1-26
Tuesday: Revelation 19:1-16
Wednesday: Luke 16:19-13
Thursday: Matthew 9:1-13
Friday: I Corinthians 10:1-13
Saturday: Psalm 106:1-48

OUR WEBSITE
We are very close to opening our new Internet web site. James Downing has been working on it for us and has sent a Trial page so we can make changes and recommendations. One of the things that will be posted every two weeks is the bulletin. However, that does not mean the bulletin will no longer be e-mailed to those who want it sent.

The site will also allow us to display relevant pictures and events, as well as the various ministries in which we are involved. In other words, it will be a place those looking for a church will be able to see who we are before coming. Any ideas you have about what should go on it are welcome.

HONORED
The Shivers have let us know that former member, Jerry Sumney, has been selected as Alumnus of the year in the field of Bible. More news of that will probably arrive via The Christian Chronicle. Jerry is still at Lexington Theological Seminary.

SUPER SUNDAY
This Sunday, February 21, is Super Sunday. Even though there will still be piles of snow, it will be warm an toasty inside with lots of good food and fellowship. Plan to be there.

WINTERFEST
This is Winterfest weekend in Gatlinburg. Several of our young folks will be attending. Pray for their trip and safe journey. They plan to be home on Sunday in time to eat with us.

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH
Ebenezer Baptist Church, at 7049 Thirlane Rd. Is having a panel discussion concerning Race, Religion & Roanoke. The date and time is Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:00 PM. Certainly a needed thing, too bad it is on Wednesday. However, if someone goes they can report back to us.

WHEN IT WARMS UP
A women’s retreat is planned for April 23-24. The theme will be Sweet Life Cafe’. It will be here at the building. More details later, but you can talk to Erma Williams, Susan Jordan and Laena Bolin about it.

Also in April, on the 17th, there will be a city-wide VBS training seminar here at the annex. You can see Erma about that.