Musings From My Front Porch About Elders

Without a doubt elders of a local congregation have a grave responsibility.  God has charged them to watch over the souls of those under their oversight (Hebrews 13:17).  They are to protect the church from false teachers who would lead disciples astray from the truth (Acts 20:28).  They are to exercise oversight of a congregation without lording it over them, but leading by their example (1 Peter 5:1-3).  To accomplish these responsibilities requires many hours spent in prayer, Bible study, contemplation and discussion among themselves about the best course to follow.

One of the strongest denunciations in the Bible is that of God against those who were given the responsibility of being shepherds in Israel.  Through the prophet Ezekiel He said, "Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them.  They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.  My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; my flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them" (Ezek. 34:4-6, NASB).  Just as God was not pleased with the leadership of these shepherds in Israel who failed to look after the nation, neither is He pleased with failure on the part of shepherds in the church who do not provide guidance to spiritual Israel, the church.

A question often contemplated is, "How much authority do elders have in exercising oversight in a local congregation?"  The Bible affirms that they do have authority when it urges us to obey them and submit to them (Hebrews 13:17).  But, the question is, how extensive is their authority?  Do they have authority to lay down the terms of salvation or how a person becomes a member of the church?  Do they have authority to dictate the actions of worship in which a congregation may engage?  The answer is, "No."  Jesus Christ is the One who has all authority (Matthew 28:18).  He alone is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).  He exercises that authority through His word, the Bible.  It contains all that we need to know concerning life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  So, Jesus has all authority; that of the elders is delegated authority.  Their authority ceases at the point of divine revelation.  They have authority only in matters of expediency.  For instance, with input from the congregation they may decide what time we meet together for worship on the first day of the week and partake of the Lord's Supper.  They are not authorized by God to decide what day of the week we are to partake of this memorial.  To decide whether or not we use mechanical instruments in worship is not within the realm of their authority.  That has already been decided by God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

Christians should daily pray that God will bless the elders with good physical health and wisdom as they exercise their responsibilities as shepherds of God's flock.  Their task is monumental, deserving of our support and prayers.

Musings From My Front Porch About Justification

            While sitting on my front porch on this beautiful spring morning, I finished reading a book written by John R. W. Stott entitled, The Cross of Christ.  I purchased the book in 1988 and had read portions of it through the years, but had never read it in its entirety.  Recently, I determined to read it through and finished it today.  It’s a wonderful book that focuses on the most tragic and, yet, the most wonderful event in all of history – the crucifixion of Christ.

            I’ve often wondered how holy God could justify unholy man.  Perhaps you have too.  I believed that He did and have rejoiced in that thought.  In reflecting on the shortcomings of my life with its many transgressions, I have been amazed at the promises of God to not hold these sins against me provided I “walk in the light” (1 John 1:9).  How can God be just in hating sin and, yet, justify me, the sinner?  Stott reminds me of Paul’s answer to that question, “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).  That’s it in a nutshell!  The perfect, sinless, innocent Son of God died on the cross in my stead that I might live for God on earth and with him throughout eternity.

            That realization encourages me and gives me a “living hope” and I trust it will you as well.  These are just some musings from my front porch.

Musings From My Front Porch About Alabama's Abortion Law

         On May 15, 2019 Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey, signed a bill into law that would ban most abortions in the state. This bill seeks to prohibit abortions at every stage of pregnancy.  The only exception is in the case of a “serious” risk to the woman’s health.  Lawmakers rejected a proposal to add exceptions for cases of rape or incest.  My understanding is that the legislation did not immediately outlaw the procedure and that, in fact, it is unclear whether the measure will ultimately take effect.  It is not scheduled to take effect until November.

            Whether or not it will take effect, it seems to me that this is a step in the right direction and the lawmakers who overwhelmingly supported the bill should be commended.  In signing the bill into law, Ms. Ivey said, “To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.”  Amen and hooray for Governor Ivey!

            Untold millions of babies have been murdered since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.  Prayerfully, this bill will be upheld by the courts and made into law in the state of Alabama.  Maybe other states will follow suit.  By inspiration of God, Solomon declared, “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything” (Eccl. 11:5, ESV).  These are just some of my musings about abortion as I sit on my front porch.

Musings From My Front Porch

I love sitting in the swing on my front porch in the spring, especially, when the trees and flowers are budding forth in all their beauty and splendor.  The birds are busily building their nests preparing for the new ones who will soon be added to their family.  It’s intriguing to watch the daddy and momma birds hunt for food to feed their little ones.  The chirping of birds is music to my ears. 

            And, to feel the warmth of the sun after a cold winter is so relaxing and refreshing.  The soft and gentle breeze that blows across the porch and causes the chimes to sound is so peaceful.  I love the spring of the year, don’t you?  Of course, each season has its own uniqueness

            While sitting on my porch, I’m able to observe many people drive by in their vehicles.  Some are on their way to school or jobs.  Others are out shopping.  And, I’m sure some people are just joy riding. 

            Sitting on the porch gives me time to think and reflect on a lot of things – God, the Bible, myself, people in general, politics and politicians, world events, sports, entertainment, and a host of other things.  I thought I might share some of these thoughts from time to time.  I won’t follow a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.  I’ll just write some things down as they pop into my mind.  I hope you enjoy these musings as much as I enjoy sitting on my porch.

Abortion's Impact

Over forty-seven million babies have been aborted in the United States since 1973 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of abortion in the Roe vs. Wade decision – a figure that grows at the rate of 4,000 every day.  About 1.6 million lives were taken just last year – that’s 166 deaths per hour, and one baby lost every two and a half minutes!!  One third of the generation born in the thirty-three years from 1973-2003 is missing because of abortion. There are as many abortion deaths each year as there are deaths caused by heart disease and cancer combined.  The death toll is enormously high, yet we may recite such statistics without actually considering just how staggering those numbers really are.

Consider this: more Americans have died because of abortion than have died in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the war in Iraq combined!  More babies are killed every day in America than the total number of people killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Where is the outrage?  Why isn’t there an enormous public outcry over such an immense loss of life?  A most perplexing aspect of this is that so many people who support abortion oppose capital punishment.  How can people demand that killing an innocent unborn child is legal and out of the same mouth argue that executing convicted murderers should be outlawed?  Groups like the National Organization of Women and the ACLU support the continued legalization of abortion on demand and oppose the death penalty.  They argue that since life begins at birth it is not the taking of human life to abort an unborn child.  The Bible affirms differently in Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:41.  Human life begins in the womb and to abort a child before birth is the shedding of innocent blood.  That is something the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:17).

Several years ago a panel of Florida judges upheld a $108,800 fine against a man who poached 1088 turtle eggs from a state park.  The public defender argued that an egg isn’t a turtle until it hatches; but the prosecutor affirmed that 80-90% of marine turtle eggs are fertile, and therefore each egg must be considered a unit of marine life.  The judges agreed with the prosecutor and fined the man $100 for each egg poached!  It is legal lunacy to argue that laws protecting unhatched marine turtles are perfectly all right, but laws protecting the life of unborn humans are unconstitutional.

Try as one might to justify this barbaric practice, abortion does not meet God’s approval.  Friends, when we can open a newspaper or turn on a television and learn of people protesting the execution of convicted murderers and rapists while “protecting” a woman’s “right to choose,” we have it all backwards.  May God help us to stop calling evil good and good evil before it is too late.  To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, stop engaging in immoral activity!  There are other alternatives besides abortion for those who find themselves in an unwanted pregnancy.  God’s mercy is extended to those who may seek his forgiveness for their lack of mercy when they aborted a child.  Abortion is wrong, but God is merciful.

You Are Loved

A note was planted in the hollow of an old tree.  The note said, "Whoever finds this, you are accepted, you are loved."  At some point, someone happened to stumble across it and got that message.  Just as you are - you are accepted and loved.  What a difference it made in their life!
That's a good story with a good point.

Let me tell you another story.  A message was put (not in the hollow of a tree), but on the radio.  The message was, "You are accepted and loved just as you are."  And someone was turning a dial as they were driving along and stumbled, by chance, over that thought.  And it helped.  It was a reminder of what is true and was a reinforcement of what was important to hear.  And just by chance that thought hit just the right person at the right time in just the right place.

There is another story with a message from God.  This message was not placed in the hollow of a tree, nor was it broadcast on radio, but was demonstrated on a cross.  There Jesus shed his blood. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." (John 3:16).  In that sacrificial death God was telling you that you are important; you are loved.  He wants you to be in heaven with him and the redeemed of the ages.

How Quickly the Gate Opens

An old farmer from the country went to the big city hospital to visit a dear friend.  He was told he would have to park in the visitor’s parking lot.  He was surprised when he drove up to the entrance that the little gate lifted immediately.  He drove right in and parked his car in the shade.  He made his visit, returned to his car and drove to the exit, but it didn’t open.  It required money to get out.  He paid the fare and mumbled to himself as he drove away, “Maybe they changed my oil and rotated my tires while I was there.”

This example accurately illustrates sin.  It is so easy to get involved in sin and is very difficult to get out from under a sinful lifestyle.  Habits are easy to start and so difficult to break.  Satan has always said you can get in now and pay later.  Not only does he get the original price back, but with higher interest.  The momentary, fleeting pleasure of sin is all the bait the Devil needs with some people.  Many people sink into the quagmire of evil without realizing how deadly Satan’s slimy pit can be.

It reminds me of how quickly the gate opened for David’s sin with Bathsheba.  He saw her beauty.  He sent for her.  She came. He committed fornication with her.  Then he sent her home, thinking all was well.  It would cost him dearly to get out of this parking place.  She was found with child from that little night of fun.  David committed more sin to cover his tracks.  He had her husband, Uriah, killed on the battlefield.  David and Bathsheba lost the child they conceived.  There was also shame and suffering that came from this sin.

Sin is like a chameleon.  That lizard-like mocker can change its colors to meet its surroundings.  Such subtlety with regard to sin has overwhelmed many casual souls.  Sin is dangerous because the Devil is shrewd and man is gullible.

The Devil causes sin to have a certain allure, but those who nibble at the bait are never really satisfied.  The pleasures of sin are deceptive, temporary, high-priced and eternally a poor bargain.  They only produce remorse, corruption and heartache.

Young people, how quickly the gate opens for the first cigarette, or that chew of tobacco, that first beer, or that first act of sexual immorality, but it could cost an arm and a leg, or a heart and a lung.  You could end up paying the maximum cost – your life and your soul.  Sin hides the truth and makes promises that are never kept.  Sin is a dead-end street and a hollow, empty, senseless shell.

Let us not be deceived into thinking that just because there is no price at the entrance, there will be no price at the exit.  We need to pay attention to Paul’s words to the Galatians in Galatians 6:7, “Be not deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”  Indeed, there is a high cost to low living.  The pleasures of sin are just not worth the price that has to be paid.  However, the joys of Christianity are too glorious to miss.