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Weekly Newsletter - June 12, 2008
I had significant computer problems last week and it has taken a toll on my work; both in what I have been able to do and the time available to do it. Hence, this week's newsletter is late and very abbreviated. For our new subscribers, this is not typical. Go to our Weekly Newsletter contains. The June/July Special issue, A Clash of Cultures, of Truth Magazine is now available to members for download. All newsletter subscribers can download a sample article here: Dads & Grads Special Offer Below ***** "There Was A Division" To the surprise of many, Jesus was a very controversial person; and still is. As He labored among the Jews, they debated each other about Him. In John 8:43 it says, "So there was a division among the people because of Him." Jesus did not recoil at this division. He did not change His message to make it more appealing and less-offensive in an attempt to please everyone. Rather, He stayed the course and became increasingly controversial. Eventually, as you know, it reached the point where most turned against Him and cried out for His blood (Mk. 15:11-13). The disciple should expect no better than his Master (Jn. 15:18-21). A true follower of Christ will be controversial. Paul was said to be "a plague, a creator of dissension" (Acts 24:5). He stirred up trouble wherever he went. He was thrown in jail at Philippi (Acts 16). He caused a riot at Ephesus (Acts 19). He was arrested in Jerusalem after the crowd nearly tore him apart (Acts 21:26-36). If we teach the truth and act in accordance with the gospel, should we expect anything different? How controversial are you? It is not that Jesus, Paul, and the others sought to anger people. They did not act arrogantly. However, they did anger people to an extreme degree. This is the nature of truth as it clashes with the world. If we follow Jesus we will clash with the world too. Also worthy of note is the fact that the enemies of Paul and Jesus were religious men. Paul had trouble with pagans (Ephesus), but his greatest persecutors were the Jews (Acts 14, 17). Jesus' enemies were the religious leaders of Judaism. It should not shock us that in our time the most rabid opponents of the truth are religious leaders; ones that are popular and hold great influence over the masses just like the scribes and Pharisees did. No matter what, all those who love the Lord must stand with Him. We cannot be cowards and get into heaven (Rev. 21:8). Rather, we need to "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" regardless of the controversy or divisions that will result (1 Cor. 16:13). ***** Dads & Grads Special Offer PlainFaith.com is a subscription-based membership site. Within the site is a good deal of material on a variety of biblical topics. Not only are there dozens of articles, but also videos, audio lessons, and over 140 downloads...including monthly issues of Truth Magazine These biblical materials are helpful to any father or graduate. It is a unique gift that will continue to give through the year. Father's will appreciate the encouragement. Graduates will have wholesome material throughout their first year of college or as they enter the workforce. The Dads & Grads special includes a 60-day trial; totaling over 420 days of access for only $67. The month-to-month price is just $7.95. Click here to go to the subscription order form for your dad or grad. * All memberships purchased in the past 30 days will receive a partial refund to match this special. Oh...and by the way, we are still looking for suggestions on family fun night activies. Do you have suggestions for fun events that the whole family can do? Is there a "fantasy" fun day or night you would like to do? This is contest, so think hard. Extra weight will be given to activities that enhance Bible knowledge. Just hit reply to this email and let me know your thoughts! All the best, Steven |