Publications Archive - Lavelle Design

Faithful in All Things

roxlife — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 15:11:32 +0000

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of
the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had
laid his hands upon him: and the chil‐
dren of Israel hearkened unto him,
and did as the Lord commanded
Moses (Deu. 34:9).
Joshua, the son of Nun, was given the task
of being the prophet Moses’ successor and
leading the children of Israel in the conquest
of Canaan—the Promised Land. Many cen‐
turies before, God had promised His friend
Abraham that his descendants would pos‐
sess this land and its kingdoms (Acts 12:1-3;
15:13-21). God would fulfill His promise
through Joshua and the children of Israel.
It is one thing to claim to obey God and
it is another to obey God in all things. For
example, the Lord gave Joshua a specific
command how Israel was to conquer the
Canaanite city of Jericho. A procession of
warriors and seven priests with ram’s horn
trumpets were to accompany the carrying
of the Ark of the Covenant, followed by the
rest of Israel, encircling the city once a day
for six days. On the seventh day they were
to march around the city seven times. At the
end of the seventh time on the seventh day
the priests would blow a long blast on the
ram’s horns, accompanied by a shout of the
people and the walls of Jericho would come
down allowing the warriors to attack.
And it shall come to pass, that when
they make a long blast with the ram’s
horn, and when ye hear the sound of
the trumpet, all the people shall shout
with a great shout; and the wall of the
city shall fall down flat, and the people
shall ascend up every man straight be‐
fore him (Jos. 6:5).
Faithful in All Things
Roelf L. Ruffner

Yet, Joshua correctly inferred from God’s command that the people could only shout on the seventh day at Joshua’s command.

And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout (6:10). Yet, God did not specifically command that they remain silent. Joshua wanted to obey God in allthings. He correctly inferred that God had implied in His command that there was to be no utterance until he gave the order to shout.

The same principle or law of implication applies today in Christianity. If a doctrine is implicitly taught in the Holy Bible it is binding upon men, not because men have inferred it, but because God has implied it.

In New Testament worship by the church of Christ “singing” is commanded (Col. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:19). We may correctly infer from these verses that mechanical instruments of music may notbe used since the only instrument authorized for the worship of God is the human heart or mind.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (5:18-19).

God’s and Joshua’s instructions were followed to the letter in the conquest of Jericho. At Joshua’s command the people shouted and the walls of Jericho fell straight forward (Jos. 6:15-21).

What about your worship? If you claim to be a Christian, your worship should be authorized by the Word of God (John 4:24; 12:48; Col. 3:17). It should not be driven by man-made traditions, emotional experience,musical taste,innovation,or even pragmatism. It is to faithfully follow the New Testament. As Jesus said:

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Mat. 15:8-9). Next time you think that you are worshipping God with melodious melodies (However ancient!), blaring guitars, harps, trumpets, flutes, bagpipes, or organs; stop and ask yourself, “Am I worshipping God with His authority or my own opinion?” Are you striving to obey God in all things, including worship?

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (7:21).
Columbia, TN

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TEN MARKS OF A GROWING CHURCH

roxlife — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 15:03:11 +0000

Growing churches have elders who are spiritual men of wisdom and vision and who are deeply interested in the souls they are shepherding (1 The. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 3:1-7). Growing churches have deacons who believe they must be servants in order to be deacons, and as deacons they rejoice for the privilege that is theirs to serve (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

Growing churches have preaching that exalts Christ and His Word, that proclaims the “whole counsel of God,” and challenges members and non-members in a bold but loving way to draw nearer to God (2 Tim. 4:2-4; Acts 20:27; Eph. 4:15).

Growing churches have an educational program that stimulates members to know more of God’s Word and to better apply its truth (2 Pet. 3:18; Eph. 4:12).

Growing churches regard worship as a privilege rather than a chore. The singing is enthusiastic, the Lord’s Supper is thoughtfully observed, prayers are humbly and lovingly offered, and brethren give generously as they have been prospered. People bring their Bibles and even take notes during lessons because they want to better know God (John 4:24; Psa. 116:12; Eph. 5:19; Jam. 5:16; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Growing churches make visitors feel at home. Others can see the unity, warmth, and love that exists among the people of God (John 13:34-35). Growing churches make a diligent effort to teach the lost and restore the fallen. Visitation, Bible studies and cottage meetings are constantly going on (Acts 5:42; Gal. 6:1-2).

Growing churches keep up with their missionaries by writing them letters, sending them good literature and encouraging them in their work (Phi. 4:14-20; 1 Cor. 3:9).

Growing churches respond to goals and challenges because every member is focused on glorifying Christ (Phi. 2:5-11). Growing churches exhibit the mind of Christ—they are humble, serving, and obedient to the Father (Phi. 2:5-11). oes this sound like the congregation of which YOU are a part? LET’S GET GROWING!
Copie

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The Danger of Discouragement

roxlife — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:57:18 +0000

View PDF http://www.bellviewcoc.com/Beacon-PDF/2018-Beacon.pdf#page=2&view=Fit

Given the wickedness of the world and the mounting attempts to drive underground those who dare publicly profess faith in the Bible, it is difficult to avoid becoming discouraged. Further, when we observe the chaotic state of the church of the Lord we could easily become depressed. Of all of Satan’s weapons, his favorite may be discouragement. It is certainly one of his most effective ones. He has used it relentlessly on the Lord’s finest servants to try to neutralize their effectiveness.

I have heard some brethren imply, if not explicitly state, that it is sinful for a Christian ever to become discouraged. Perhaps they have not thought that through. Discouragement comes to all, small and great.

Elijah, the fiery Old Testament prophet was so despondent about the spiritual condition of Israel he asked God to take his life (1 Kin. 19:4). God did not upbraid him for his lack of faith, but encouraged him and sent him on his way (19:14-15). Paul, although a tower of spiritual strength, apparently became discouraged and depressed about his initial prospects in wicked Corinth. The Lord did not excoriate him, but reminded him He had “much people” in that city (Acts 18:9-10). After Paul wrote the first stringent letter to Corinth and had received no response, he became both anxious and discouraged. He was greatly encouraged by the report Titus brought him in Macedonia (2 Cor. 7:5-7). Following his extended and unjust imprisonment in Caesarea, Paul was finally sent to Rome for trial. The lengthy and perilous voyage must have left him both physically and emotionally exhausted. What a welcome sight it was when the brethren from Rome came out to meet him some forty miles from the city, upon which “he thanked God, and took courage” (Acts 28:15). Even the sinless Son of God must have been greatly discouraged on numerous occasions. He certainly was when He wept over Jerusalem (Mat. 23:23; Luke 19:41).

It is neither sinful nor abnormal for the Lord’s servants to become discouraged, it is simply human. Those who will be most successful in any endeavor (including the Lord’s work) are the ones who do not let it defeat or destroy them. When a brother or sister accepts an assignment and then neglects it, it is discouraging. When a preacher is maligned and criticized (and perhaps dismissed) because he has declared the Truth, it is disheartening. It is not always easy to keep on going when others around us have thrown up their hands and quit. When worldlings hate us for our efforts to save them from the wrath of a just God, it is dispiriting. However, let us not become so disappointed in a brother or sister or in others that we let it destroy us. Let us not allow the
pessimistic, cynical, or hostile spirit of others to cancel our initiative or sour our perspective. Those who eventually accomplish things in any area of life (including the Lord’s kingdom) are the ones who persevere in spite of discouragement.
The devil does not worry much about a person who is self-satisfied and doing little or nothing to serve the Savior. He gets concerned only when we get serious about service to Him. The more we do and attempt to do, the more we can expect Satan to engage in his nefarious efforts of discouragement. It must bring a special delight to his malevolent heart when he can enlist some of the Lord’s own people to become discouragers of their brethren. With Moses and Joshua of old, we say, “Be strong and of good courage” (Deu.31:6; Jos. 1:9).
Denton, TX

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Test publication 3

roxlife — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:15:28 +0000

cat in the hat

yesterday

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Test Publication 2

roxlife — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:08:07 +0000

xyz123

tornado

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test publication 1

roxlife — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:03:22 +0000

This is a test of the excerpt display using the search and filter shortcode.

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