+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - September 1, 2001 - - - ++++++++
A Christian Response to Gambling
Life is filled with uncertainties; we daily walk in the
realm of the unknown. We seldom know what will
happen next, what will be the consequences of our own
actions, and we certainly don't know what will be the
results of other people's actions on our lives. Daily we
take incalculable risks. Walking across the street;
investing in the stock market; purchasing a gift when
we're not sure it will be liked; climbing into an
airplane - all of these contain an element of risk.
Today, those who advocate the practice of gambling often
will be heard saying, "All of life is a gamble," as though
playing the lottery, pulling handles on the slot machines,
engaging in card games or Bingo for prizes, or betting
on the score spread is nothing different from walking out
of the house in the morning. And the tragedy is that they
seem to be winning the widespread acceptance of the
American public.
Consider these notes:
1. Each day, 88 million dollars are spent on lotteries
alone, more money than is spent on food.
2. Ten million Americans have a gambling addiction.
3. When legalized gambling enters a new area, there is
a 100%-500% rise of compulsive gamblers. At least
2/3 of compulsive gamblers turn to crime to finance
their addiction.
4. Gambling causes a wide range of social problems
such as increases in divorces, child protection cases,
crime rates, domestic violence and child abuse. For
every $1.00 the state receives from gambling revenue,
it costs that state at least $3.00 in increased services
such as criminal-justice, and welfare.
So, let's make this clear, when we're talking about
gambling, we're not talking about a "game", this is serious
business; gambling is a crime, not a game. It's a crime
against the family, it's a crime against society, often it's a
crime against the very person who engages in it, and it's
also a crime against God.
So what is our response to the practice of gambling?
RESPONSE #1 - It is not acceptable for Christians to be
involved in any form of gambling.
1) Gambling is wrong because it is a disregard of
responsible stewardship. (Psalm 24:1; I Cor 6:19, 20;
Matt 25:14-30)
2) Gambling is wrong because it involves a chance to gain
at the expense and suffering of others. The reality is,
gain only happens when others lose. This is a contradiction
to the commandments reiterated by Jesus. (Mark 12:29-31)
3) Gambling is wrong because it is inconsistent with the
work ethic of Scripture. (Prov 12:11; 13:11; 28:20;
II Thess 3:10)
4) Gambling is wrong because it tends to be habit forming
and controlling. (I Cor 6:12)
"But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my
holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that
furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore
will I number you to the sword. . . ." (Is. 65:11,12 - KJV)
The Hebrew word for "troop" is a name of a pagan deity
named "Gad", worshipped as a "giver of good luck"; and
the word for "number" is the name for "Meni", the "deity
who apportions men's fortunes to them."
RESPONSE #2 - Living in this world, we have a
responsibility to do something about this vice which is
bringing much harm to our society.
1) If friends are involved, we certainly can warn them of
the dangers, and if there is an opportunity, share with
them the Biblical perspective.
2) We must be careful not to encourage gamblers in any
way by our own participation.
3) We will refuse to enable others by giving them money
which could be used for gambling purposes.
4) We should exercise our legal responsibility and let our
government leaders know that gambling is not to be
tolerated. They are believing a lie when they accept the
notion that gambling benefits our communities and our
schools.
5) And we should also demonstrate deep concern and love
for those who have been caught in this web, as well as for
those who have been victimized.
The ultimate answer to the sin of gambling is found in these
two verses:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and
he will make your paths straight." (Prov 3:5,6)
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take
pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody
else, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal 6:4,5)
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Taken from Gambling
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - August 25, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Strengthen the Brethren
"For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of
Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a
sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the
earth." (Amos 9:9 - KJV)
God's love for His people is demonstrated in that He
disciplines them like a good father disciplines his
children. This can be seen over and over in the case of
Israel. Whenever they would begin to grow cold in their
devotion to Jehovah, He allowed them to come under
oppression, even taken into captivity by foreign
armies. Amos is making reference to this kind of
treatment when he likens it to the process called
"winnowing".
Even today in more simple and primitive agricultural
societies, this method can still be seen in operation.
While traveling through the countryside of India,
whether on train or by car, workers can be seen out in
the fields, using hand tools to cut the stalks of rice,
carrying them in large bundles on their heads,
bringing them in for winnowing.
Smith's Dictionary describes this process: "In Bible
days, the sheaves or heaps were brought to the
floor--a circular spot of hard ground, any where
from 50 to 100 feet in diameter. On these the oxen,
trampled out the grain. At a later time the Jews used
a threshing sledge called morag, a stage with three
rollers ridged with iron, which, aided by the driver's
weight crushed out, often injuring, the grain, as well
as cut or tore the straw, which thus became fit for
fodder. Lighter grains were beaten out with a stick."
I recall one road trip in India when as we were driving
along I noticed piles of rice stalks laid out in the
middle of the road. What few vehicles there were had to
drive right over them. This was the process they used
to crush the rice stalks so the kernels would be
loosened - the road had become the "threshing floor".
When I wrote home that night, my question to my wife
was, "Would you rather cook with rice which was
trampled by the bullox or the rice run over by the
trucks?"
But it was the last step in this process which Amos
makes reference to here, the "sifting". This was when
the kernels would be shaken in the sieve to separate
out the dirt and other refuse.
So the idea is that God provides for a violent shaking
for a purpose - to clean out those areas which are not
acceptable to Him.
In one New Testament passage, we have the same idea
alluded to by Jesus. It was right at the time when He
predicted that Peter would deny Him. He said, "Simon,
Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he
may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31) Jesus was saying
that Peter would be sorely tested, violently shaken, or
as Barnes writes, "Christ says that Satan desired to
try Peter; to place trials and temptations before him; to
agitate him; to see whether anything of faith would
remain, or whether all would not be found to be
chaff - mere natural ardor and false professions."
But remember what God said to Israel? "...not a pebble
will reach the ground."
In a similar manner, Jesus comforts Peter when He
quickly adds, "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that
your faith may not fail. And when you have turned
back, strengthen your brothers."
Take heart, Brothers and Sisters. No matter how hard
the shaking, God's plan is for the sifting to effect a
cleansing purpose. And in the midst of it all, Jesus
". . . ever liveth to make intercession. . . " (Hebrews 7:25)
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Taken from Strengthen the Brethren
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - August 18, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Good Morning Sue:
With much interest I have read your letter which indicated
that your husband wants you to terminate the divorce
process and seek reconciliation. In response, I'd like to
share a few thoughts with you.
First. Proceed very slowly. Watch, listen, care - but don't
decide.
Second. Continue to tend to your own inner well being.
Make sure you are receiving from the Lord, on a daily
basis, nurture and strength, seeing to it that your
relationship with the Lord is growing.
Third. Allow for Bill to take the leadership. If he brings
up matters related to a possible reconciliation, let him
talk, draw him out, ask him what he thinks needs to
happen to bring about a restoration of your marriage
and family.
Fourth. In the meantime, keep moving toward the
educational/vocational goals you have begun to establish
for yourself, and continue to discipline yourself to give
full attention to your children. These are huge demands,
but the Lord will give you the strength. Of course you
will constantly have thoughts about what you want to see
happen concerning a possible reconciliation.
What might a reconciliation process look like? You are
absolutely right about the need for discussions in the
presence of a Christian counselor. Without the
assistance of a counselor, any hope of reconciliation is
like whistling in the dark.
You are correct in wanting to avoid a quick move back in
the house. Of course this adds stress financially. But
what is being tested here is Bill's willingness to support
you freely during this extended period as you move toward
reconciliation.
If I were to talk to Bill, I would say that one of the
matters he has to deal with has to do with the loss of trust.
It's as though he has overdrawn his "trust account" by
thousands of dollars. He now has to bring that account back
into the black by making regular payments, a dollar or two
dollars at a time. The deposits are represented by such
things as: kind words, moments of caring about your
feelings, helpful deeds around the house he doesn't even
live in, courteous, respectful and affirming comments,
and kept promises.
Now Sue, if both you and Bill are sincere in wanting the
Lord to bring your family back together, that is a very
noble desire, and certainly would be pleasing to the Lord.
His strength and guidance are available to help you bring
this to pass.
You will have my full support and prayer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Taken from You Say You Want To Reconcile?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - August 11, 2001 - - - ++++++++
The World Is Doomed!
We've been told that our earth is under constant meteorite
attack.
Some scientists believe that is quite likely that in 100
million years we will be struck by a major meteor which
could destroy the earth as we know it.
Perhaps there is intelligent life on other distant planets,
and they will become outraged with our pollution of the
universe and do away with this, our self centered, greedy
planet.
For some, there's great fear that some new strain of disease
could wipe out the world's population.
Maybe the "killer" bees, or some other insect which cannot
be destroyed will wipe us out.
Or perhaps we will develop our own systems of self destruction,
these will get in the hands of the wrong people, and we will end
up destroying ourselves.
But when we talk of "saving the world", this is not what we
mean. To save the world is not the same as save the planet.
When Jesus said, "God so loved the world", He wasn't talking
about the planet. Does He care about insects and animals and
oceans and trees? Of course - He created them.
But to use "love" in relation to such things is not appropriate.
While God certainly cares about all His creation, only people
have become the objects of His "love".
What then does it mean to "save" the world. To "save" the
world, begins with "love" for the world; being willing to live in
the world; praying for the people in the world; talking to the
people in the world; and encouraging others who are talking
to the people in the world.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Taken from How to Save the World
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - August 4, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Monday Moods for the Pastor
God is personal. He has feelings. He cries, experiences
sorrow, is grieved. God can be hurt to the quick. Therefore,
God reaches out for a friend.
Recall God-in-Him when He wondered, "Will you too turn
away?" When He pleaded with someone He thought He
could trust: "Before a rooster crows, you will let me down
one more time."
It was this God who hung from a tree--in spasm, not able
to push away the bugs buzzing around the dried blood on
his forehead. Yet beneath His limp legs was but a feeble lot
who bothered to show for worship.
Even when he birthed His ecclesia at the Pentecost Festival,
only l20--out of thousands upon thousands gathered for the
gala--bothered to bend knees for a prayer meeting in an
upper story flat.
So, you see, God has to handle Monday moods too. In fact,
consider yourself honored: when you feel low on Mondays,
you are helping your Friend carry His broken heart.
Printed in ALLIANCE LIFE.
Taken from Monday Moods
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - July 28, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Assumptions of Repentance
The call to repentance assumes that we were once with the
Lord - in order to return, we had to have been there in the
first place.
Do you remember when you first came to the Lord,
realizing His love and forgiveness? There was a wonder, a
joy, a sincere and exciting love for the Lord. It reminds me
of what Jesus said when the woman who washed His feet was
criticized: "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been
forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven
little loves little." (Luke 7:47)
Isn't it much like romance? The euphoria, the excitement
of anticipating being with the person you love?
Repentance also assumes that we have gone away from the
Lord.
Really? How do we know that?
Compare the amount of time we spend now with the Lord -
reading and studying the Bible, prayer, talking about Him
with others who love Him, and telling those who don't so
they too can know.
What are the activities we participate in now which formerly
were not acceptable? TV programs or other forms of
entertainment? Leisure activities which often take us away
from church? People with whom we associate who speak
against the Lord, but we hardly notice it anymore, never mind
become upset?
On the positive side, repentance assumes that we're willing to
look at every part of our lives.
Participation in religious activities often serve as a kind of
thermometer, telling us we are hot, cold, or lukewarm. Of
course these are not always reliable signals, as it's too easy
to just go through the motions, "to have a form of godliness,
but deny the power"; however, they often do provide a clue.
But even if religious activity is at a good level, what about the
other areas of life? Family? Work? Friendships? And even
the thought life? Are all of these closely aligned to our
relationship with the Lord?
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Taken from Repent With Your Whole Heart
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - July 21, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Death
There are several main ways of thinking about death.
For the Eastern religions, like Hinduism, there is the belief
that we are caught in a cycle of life, we leave one form of life
to come back around in another.
Many believe that death is simply the end of life - extinction,
annihilation.
But for others, death is the beginning of a new, and hopefully
better life.
Some time ago during the Wednesday evening meeting, I read
from a letter written by a friend who had been diagnosed as
having cancer. Ferne Murray had just turned 80 years old.
She had been a widow for many years, after watching her
husband suffer 12 years with Parkinson's disease before his
death. Now she was dying of cancer in the liver, pancreas and
ducts. This is what she wrote, "I have no fear of death. I know
where I'm going and have looked forward to it all my life. I have
a husband and numerous relatives and friends 'over there.'
'For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.' God has never
promised us a life without a 'cross.' If a person whines and
complains in adversity, they haven't read all the Word. We
spiritually grow by our trials."
How well I remember Bob and Barbara. Bob was a simple man,
very hard working, although not able to read or write. That is
until he became a Christian. It was at that time that his desire
to read the Bible became a passion, and miraculously he learned
to do what he had failed to do during the nearly 50 years of his
life prior to conversion. And as a result of his growth as a
Christian, Bob became reunited with the wife he had divorced
many years before. About two years later this couple was hosting
a home Bible Study meeting when someone asked the question,
"What happens to a Christian at the moment of their death? Do
they fall asleep? Do they have go to some kind of waiting room
until Christ returns to the earth?" It was Barbara who was quick
to reply from this Scripture, "To be absent from the body is to be
present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8) Later, other members
of the group would remember that as Barbara spoke, there was a
glow about her, a radiance. At 5 a.m. the next morning I was
awakened by a call from Bob telling me that his wife Barbara had
died in her sleep. It was as if she knew, and was ready. A few hours
after quoting this important truth from the Bible, Babara was
given the opportunity to experience the reality.
So we believe that death is a reality, and it leads somewhere. If what
the Bible says is true, then we can't neglect this subject.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Taken from The wages of sin is death
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - July 14, 2001 - - - ++++++++
"YOUR CALL IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME!"
by Richard L.Dresselhaus
"This is the voice of your loving and caring pastor. Your call
is very important. Please stay on the line.
If you desire help in accurately calculating your tithe,
please press "1".
If you would like to know your rank among all donors, please
press "2".
If you would like to hear Sister Alice's recorded apology for
criticizing the music pastor, please press "3".
If you would like the pastor's confidential prediction for next
month's deacon board election, please press "4".
If you would like the results of the most recent popularity poll
on the minister to seniors, please press "5".
For a personal word of encouragement recorded just for you,
please press "6".
Please stay on the line for further options.
Remember, your call is very important to me even though I
don't have time to talk to you."
Printed in "Advance", Fall 1995
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Taken from THE INADEQUACY OF TELEPHONE ANSWERING DEVICES
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ - - Dr. Chadwick's Email Circular - - ++++++
Brief comments to encourage faithful Christian living.
++++++++ - - - July 7, 2001 - - - ++++++++
Simon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene was the man who was forced to carry the
cross on the Via Delarosa.
Although to Simon Jesus was a stranger, what took place
that day was an unwanted, but ultimately life changing
experience for Simon. With no previous knowledge of
Jesus, circumstances prevailed to bring Simon to witness
the crucifixion.
What did he see and hear? As he struggled along, under
the burden, eyes fixed on the rough terrain at his feet,
this, in part is what Simon heard:
The groans of Jesus as he made the painful effort to get
back on His feet.
The yells of the rough soldiers trying to push back the
spectators and hurry the procession along.
He heard the not too quiet whispers of people lining the
roadway, listening to bits and pieces:
"Who is this man?"
"He doesn't look like the other two."
"What's He being punished for?"
"I heard He started a rebellion against the
government."
"Isn't that the same man who caused such a stir when
He came into town last week riding on a donkey?"
"I remember Him. He healed my leprosy, and I never
went back to thank him!"
"Someone told me His name is Jesus - supposedly a
modern day Joshua."
"Oh, those Roman soldiers are so cruel, look at blood
running down His face."
Then he heard the ear piercing wails of the women, and
Jesus calling back to them, "Don't weep for me, weep
for yourselves and your children."
The strain became greater as Simon started to climb the
hill. He thought to himself, "I wonder if this is the same
place where Abraham sacrificed his son Isaac? I'm like
the son, carrying the wood for the sacrifice."
Soldiers grabbed the beam from his shoulder, and Simon
staggered back to join the rest of the crowd at the edge of
the hill. Then he could see it all:
The wide ark of the hammar striking metal nails driven
through the hands of Jesus to fasten him to this
ingenious instrument of torture.
The cross beam on which Jesus' hands were fastened
roughly hoisted up to rest on a protusion in the upright
post which already was strongly set in the soil.
Sweat dropping from the brow of the soldier weilding
the hammer.
The feet fastened by nails.
The deep deep groans as the agonizing wait for death
began.
Simon was curious when he saw what looked like a sign
fastened above the heads of the men on the crosses and he
edged close enough to see the one above the head of Jesus.
It said "The King of the Jews".
He watched as Jesus used the torured, cramped muscles
in his thighs to push His body up just enough to expand His
lungs to cry out, "My God . . .", "Father Forgive...", "John,
take care of my mother", and finally, "Into Thy hands I
commend my Spirit".
Simon heard the taunts of the religious leaders, the banter
of the soldiers gambling for the robe they had tore off Jesus'
body, tearing hunks of tattered flesh with it, and the
conversations going on between the three crucified victims.
He stood perfectly still as the sky suddenly grew dark, even
though it was high noon.
And he was startled to hear the Roman Captain remark,
"Surely this must be the Son of God."
Simon watched as a religious leader whispered to the
Captain, the Captain gave orders to the idle soldiers who
then went to each body hanging there, and broke their legs,
trying to hasten the dying so the bodies could be taken down
before the evening began. But he also noticed that the man
on the middle cross, Jesus, was already dead, and instead of
breaking the bones, the soldier thrust his spear through
the rib cage into the heart. Out came blood and water.
Simon was about to walk away when he noticed a very well
dressed man approach the Captain. He was evidently one of
the Jewish leaders, but his face appeared very different
from the others, it was etched with sorrow, and softened
with kindness. A few moments later, the bodies were
removed from the crosses, and this man led away the
group carrying the body of Jesus.
Simon suddenly realized that he had been standing there for
more than three hours. He turned to rejoin his wife and two
young sons who all this time had been huddling at the edge
of the small crowd. Together they disappeared down the
hill into the bustling city preparing for the Passover Feast.
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