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.

IMAGINE The title of the beautiful and probing John Lennon song. Of course, the Christian community isn’t too keen on imagining there is no heaven or hell. On the other hand it is a call for peace and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. That is Christian. However, I wonder if we as Christians can imagine a world where the teachings of Jesus, and the rest of the ethical principles of the Bible are lived out? Or, secretly do we see Jesus as a hopeless romantic on the same level as Lennon?

Perhaps we see Jesus as one who knew it would never happen, but wanted to get the world as close as possible so the “Many are called but the few are chosen” could be saved. By the way, that passage in Matthew 22:14 must mean something other than what it seems to say. Jesus has just told a parable about a king who had a wedding feast and no one came. So all kinds of people, both the good and the bad were invited. In fact, Many are called (chosen) and get to stay, it is the one man, the “few” who is thrown out.

But the question is, “How do we really feel about the ethical teaching of Jesus”? For example, how do we feel about what we sometimes call “the golden rule”? Do we dare ask what would happen in the halls of congress, business, and around the world, if people began to practice that principle? Do we come and praise the Lord, while all of the time we think he was a little naive.

When we read the words, “Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you”, do we smile and say it’s a nice thought but it won’t work? If we were asked what approach to life was the best, of course we would say the Christian life. But if we were asked which way of life was the most powerful, would we say the same thing? Do we worship an all powerful God and then live in such a way as to say God’s power is less powerful than whatever other power stands against the ideals and life of Jesus? Are we so “other worldly” that we have given up hope on the “God so loved the world that he gave his only son to die” for?

Am I looking for a utopia? No. But can I hope for and even imagine a world without conflict? By that I mean a world that is without war. Not a world where everyone will always agree or even get along. Just a world that has learned to settle differences without killing. A world where we have finally come to realize that we are all one family.

I can almost hear (because I’ve heard it over and over in my life) someone quoting Jesus’ saying, “There will be wars and rumors of wars.” That’s a good example of “pull and paste.” In context, in both Matthew and Mark, Jesus is talking about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Those with him have asked how they will know when it’s coming, so he tells them.

Are we hopeless romantics when we sing “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”? Are we just going through the motions when we say the words of the commonly called “Lord’s Prayer” when we say, “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? Is that a prayer we expect to be answered? Thankfully we have stopped saying the prayer is invalid because the kingdom has already come as the church. The prayer plainly calls for us to ask that God’s will will be done on earth. The question is if we think that is a valid request? If it isn’t, why would Jesus think it was?

So much of the Christian’s life is going to church, keeping some commandments, singing the songs and feeling good. Along with that we read, or hear read, the scriptures and nod our heads in agreement. But when asked what we really believe in about the power of God and the teachings of Jesus, we get a little uneasy. And I can understand it because I do too. I have to dig deep to find those in history who practiced the principles of Jesus. When I do I am then threatened as to if I really want to be like them. It seems all of their work was only recognized after they had either died or been killed.

I can bring whatever peace and good I can to my own little world, but that’s not the question. The question is whether I believe I’m just doing it to satisfy God, or because it really makes a difference in a future that can go on longer than I can imagine. I want to imagine it does.
Keith kswrev

CONCERNS: Wayne Phlegar is recovering well from knee surgery. Ron Matney also had surgery on his leg and is doing well. He will have to stay in for a few weeks, especially during slippery weather. Martha Albert’s new grand nephew is growing stronger each day. Remember little Isabel, the daughter of friends of the Bolins who has leukemia. Tamala Beach will soon be finished with radiation treatments. Julie, a friend of the Phlegars in Texas, is recovering slowly from a stoke. Polly Altice is about the same. Her son. James, is not doing as well as before, as he deals with cancer. Chris Phlegar has returned to a war zone, and we will know more about where later on. Continue to remember Jo Wagner’s mother, Jewell Racer, Teri Burks, Trixie Long, Roger Fisher’s nephew in Florida who has cancer. Barbara McCauley, Lureline Ferguson, Wilma and Jenni Cullum, Tim Elder and the work of Health Talents Int. And Bread For A Hungry World and those suffering in Haiti and those who are trying to alleviate that suffering.

OUR DAILY BREAD: FEB. 8-13
Monday: Ephesians 1:3-14
Tuesday: Philippians 1:3-18
Wednesday: II Corinthians 9:6-15
Thursday: Luke 5:17-26
Friday: I Timothy 6:1-10
Saturday: Psalm 111:1-10
OUR DAILY BREAD: FEB. 15-20
Monday: John 1:1-18
Tuesday: Luke 18:1-14
Wednesday: I Corinthians 5:1-8
Thursday: II Corinthians 1:23-2:11
Friday: Job 1:13-2:11
Saturday: Psalm 97:1-12

HAITIAN RELIEF
Because of the weather we have not been able to set a Sunday when we will take up a special collection for the earthquake victims in Haiti. We are also looking at which organization to send the funds to. From what we have received it seems most of the funds have been going to Helping Hands in Nashville. More on that when we are able to have services again. We may have another winter storm this weekend so watch either channel 10 or 7 for updates.

THANK YOU CARDS
In December folks from Blue Ridge Behavioral’s Project Link used our annex for a Christmas party for some of their clients. We have received two cards from several of the women who were here. About nine women signed the cards and commented on the lasting impression they have from our kindness. The cards are on the downstairs bulletin board.

THE TROOPS
As we’ve been announcing, the troops we have been sending goodies and other things to in Iraq are being sent to Afghanistan. So until we find a contact, either with the chaplain, or if and when Chris Phlegar arrives, we are going to hold up on what we’ve been sending. However, when we do resume we will have perhaps an even deeper commitment with some donated things we will have to prepare for shipping. The fact that a single idea given to us by Wayne and Susan has grown to this point is a wonderful thing and an example as to what God can do when we do good things ourselves.

WINTERFEST
Several of our young folks will be attending Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN on the weekend of February 20,21. This “happening” gives them a chance to see other friends from around the area, as well as from farther away in an atmosphere of learning and song. Keep them in your prayers as they travel.

JUST A REMINDER
One of the new opportunities we have been given is helping settle immigrants in our area with such things as household goods, etc.. A list of those things is on the table in the foyer. Also remember the Samaritan Inn and the Rescue Mission.