Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (2)

Kind Words Never Hurt

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” has to be one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves. Words do, in fact, hurt. There is a great power behind the words we use. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). Notice that life and death are in the power of the tongue. With its use we can either build up or destroy. It would bring one to a remembrance of what James said of the tongue (James 3:5-10). All it takes to start a great fire is a small spark and small amount of poison can destroy the body. All it takes is one statement of hatred to do a lot of damage to a person. Words can literally make or break an individual. For instance, a child who hears nothing but negative statements his entire life from family and friends will most likely grow up to use nothing but negative statements. That child will believe things about himself that may not be true or grow up with no belief in self. Be careful even of what is said to self. One may beat himself down so much that he believes lies. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7). The best thing to do is think about what is about to be said. Is it going to hurt the individual who is before me? Even in speaking to someone who is in sin, we give “…the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).

Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (1)

Paul wrote, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). This is one of many verses in which Paul exhorted the brethren to treating each other with kindness. Being kind is being, “serviceable, good, pleasant, gracious, kind” (Vines). In fact, Jesus spoke of the kindness God has towards those who are unthankful and evil. “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35). In Ephesians, Paul uses that word to show how Christians should treat one another. Kindness is to be shown to the brethren. It is not a suggestion but a command given by the apostles (1 John 3:23). Keeping that in mind, over the next few months different ways Christians can show kindness to one to another will be discussed. This topic of discussion over the next few days will be our showing kindness by using kind words.

Fad Diets and Christianity

At the age of 18, this writer entered college weighing two-hundred and fifty pounds. He left college weighing one-hundred eighty pounds and currently resides somewhere between the two. Working at a pharmacy since high school, he was asked by many individuals, “Which of your products did you use to lose weight?” Pausing for only a moment I would ask, “Products?” “Yes, in the weight loss section. Which one did you use?” I gave the only response I could, “Water, portion control, and exercise. It’s the best and healthiest way to lose weight.” I would always here, “Oh. I don’t want to do it that way. I’ll look at the weight loss section to see what I want.” I quickly found that individuals will choose a quick, fad diet over one which takes more time but in the end is a healthier choice. I have even read of the extremes individuals go in order to quickly lose weight. In fact, in recent history, some would ingest tape worms in order to quickly lose weight. Sadly, some of those lost more than weight as the body reacted to the loss of nutrients found in the food we eat. Fad diets are often found to be unhealthy.

Keeping that in mind, there are many living today who would rather choose “Fad Christianity” rather than what God has prescribed. These individuals look for what they want (worship, salvation, and so on) and what feels comfortable to them, when in reality God’s way is the best way. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16). The children of Israel were given a picture of one traveling a path when he happens upon multiple forks in the road. He waits out of fear of taking the wrong path until he comes across another traveler. This traveler points this individual down the right path to his destination and he is able to rest after such a lengthy trip. God was encouraging the nation of Israel to look to their forefathers (Moses, Joshua, and so on) who would show them the proper paths to righteousness. Today, one looks no further to Christ and the prescribed method to become a member of His church. If only men today would seek the examples of conversion: Belief (Acts 2:37; 16:30-31), Repentance (Acts 2:38; 3:19), Confession of Christ (Acts 8:37), and Baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41,47; 22:16). If only the examples of worship which are found in the New Testament were followed. Sadly, much like the Israelites who did not want to follow after their forefathers but after the false prophets of their day, there are many who will not follow after the commandments of Christ but would rather follow after their own wanting. It led to the Israelites going into captivity and cost many their souls. “Fad Christianity” will lead many down the broad path to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

A Soft Answer

The Proverbs writer stated, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). There are times which certain situations are at their breaking point. What is said next will determine how this situation will end. One may choose to speak with a tone that is strong and fierce in the hopes that the offended party will back down and quell the problem. Most likely, what will happen if this occurs? Usually, anger begets anger. Kindness, on the other hand, usually begets kindness. Understandably, there are times in which a strong rebuke is to be given (Ephesians 5:11) but often it is not the solution to the problem. One should be reminded of the Apostle Paul, who wielded the rod but begged Philemon to take back Onesimus (1 Corinthians 4:21; Philemon 1:8-9). While the truth is never to be compromised remember that Christians are to speak “…the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).

If There Be No Resurrection of the Dead (Part 7)

Christians Gave up ALL…for NOTHING

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). One may think the apostles came up with this great scheme for monetary purposes but fail to consider one great thing. The apostles had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Uninspired historical documents show that every apostle (save John) suffered greatly during their lives. Paul even spoke of his own sufferings to those of Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). If these men had placed all of their hope in a lie, they would be the most miserable people on earth? Why? These men gave up everything for nothing in return. The same would count true for Christians! Christians must be willing to deny self, take up our crosses, and follow Christ (Mark 8:34). For what? If Christ is not risen from the dead, then:

1.      The Preaching of the Gospel is Worthless.

2.      The Faith of Christians is Meaningless.

3.      The Apostles are Liars.

4.      Man is Still in His Sins.

5.      There is Nothing After Death.

Surely, the Christian gave up EVERYTHING for nothing in return if Christ were still in the grave.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23.) Paul concludes by saying that it is a fact that Christ rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:5-11) and is the first of many. Through Adam, death entered into the world but through Christ, the resurrection of the dead. The Christian can find comfort in these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

If There Be No Resurrection of the Dead (Part 6)

There is Nothing After Death

“Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:18). Think about that one for a moment. These Corinthians would at that moment think of loved ones, friends, and faithful brethren. If Christ is not risen from the grave, they would have perished. The Greek word means “to destroy fully.” If this is true, those who have died have been destroyed to the fullest degree. There is no hope for them. The Corinthians would then turn to self and realize that at death, they too would be fully destroyed. It would not matter that Paul told those of Thessalonica “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The Lord would still be in the grave. He is a fraud after all. He wouldn’t be coming for anyone. Instead, those of Corinth (and Christians as a whole) would sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  If Christ is not risen from the dead, there is no hope for anything when this life is over.

If There Be No Resurrection of the Dead (Part 5)

Our Sins Have NOT Been Forgiven

This is another heavy thought for these Corinthians to consider. “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:16-17). If Christ is not risen, no one has been forgiven of their sins. This was another of the main messages of the Bible (Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-15). In looking at these verses, it is easy to see the gravity of the situation. If Christ is not risen from the dead, NO ONE has had their sins forgiven because the man who was hung on a cross was a fake. God would not have raised an imposter from the grave but the true article. Since man is made “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” when he obeys from the heart (Romans 6:11, 17-18), what does that say about man’s condition now? If Christ is not risen from the dead, then man is still sinking deep in sin.