The
Harvester
MAY 2004 No.
221
There are many references in the scriptures to the
tongue. We are familiar with many of them and their teachings on how we should
control our tongues. I would suspect that many of us have gained this control –
at least in some form. Foul language and filthy jokes are probably not part of
our everyday communication. But is there more to controlling the tongue than
this?
Proverbs 17:27-28 “He that hath knowledge spareth
his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool,
when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is
esteemed a man of understanding.”
Matthew
James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let
every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a
pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part
may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
James 3:2 “For in many things we offend all. If
any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle
the whole body.”
These verses focus on “sound speech”, “speech
with grace”, not saying too much, and not speaking too quickly. Are these
things part of our communication patterns?
Not only should we keep evil from our lips, but we
should strive to always give a “sound” answer. We need to realize that it is
okay not to answer quickly. (My Great Grandfather was known for spending much
time in thought before answering a question. My parents and grandparents say
that sometimes he would not answer you until the next day!) We also need to try
not to say too much. Remember, Jesus said that evil comes of more than ‘yes’ or
‘no’.
With so many scriptures related to the tongue, I
think we should all examine our communication patterns and see if we are in
line with what the Bible teaches. “Sound speech”, “with grace” is not just
refraining from evil. It is also not something that comes naturally, but is
something that we achieve through effort. As we’ve said many times, “with His
help”, we can control our tongues!
CHAD
PRINCE
919
Pine Cliff
Oxford,
AL 36203
A CRITICAL
LOOK AT HOMOSEXUALITY
Contrary to present-day, alarmingly growing acceptance, improper and
immoral sexual behavior is contrary to both nature and the Scriptures. Recent
assertions disputing Biblical regulations are found to be not only unfounded,
but in sharp contradiction to what the Bible actually requires. They are a
blatant denial of the obvious and indicate absolute disregard of the truth.
Early evidence of such an unnatural act is recorded in Genesis 19:4-11.
The term “know them” (v.5) is clearly explained in Gen. 4:1 and 17 to
refer to a sexual relationship. “Know” is simply the present tense of “knew.”
In both verses a child was born as a result of the stated behavior.
The intent of the men of Sodom is referred to as “wickedly” (v.7). Jude
7 refers to this behavior in Sodom as “going after strange flesh.” The
word ‘strange’ is defined from the Greek eteras (Strong 2087) as ‘other.’ The
meaning, therefore, is flesh other than that which is natural.
2 Peter 2:6 refers to the condition at Sodom and Gomorrha as being “an
example unto those that after should live ungodly” while the next verse
terms their behavior as “filthy conversation [manner of life] of the
wicked” (v.7). A similar situation to that of Sodom is found in Judges
19:22-23.
There was an unquestionable prohibition of homosexuality activity. (See
Leviticus 18:22-23.) Leviticus 20:13 exacts the death penalty upon homosexuals
among the Hebrews. “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a
woman, both of them [both men] have committed an abomination: they shall
surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
Paul writes in unmistakable condemnation of unnatural sexual behavior.
Read Romans 1:24-28.
Note Paul’s vivid description of this evil conduct: “Women did change
the natural use into that which is against nature” (v.26). The natural,
intended use was with a husband, not another woman.
“Men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their own lust one
toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly” (v.27). The natural use of the woman was discarded and instead men
behaved with other men such as was intended only with a wife.
Paul refers to those who so act as: failing “to retain God in their
knowledge (v.28), having “a reprobate mind” (v.28), and doing “those
things which are not convenient” (v.28). Then Paul warns, “They which
commit such things are worthy of death” (v.32).
1 Corinthians 6:9, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit
the kingdom of God?” Then Paul includes in the list of unrighteous deeds, “Abusers
of themselves with mankind.”
The Revised Standard Version translates this phrase as “homosexuals.” The
New International Version as “homosexual offenders.” The New American Standard
Version as “homosexuals.” The New King James as “effeminate homosexuals, nor
sodomites.” The King James II as “homosexuals.”
1 Timothy 1:8-10, “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it
lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made … for them that defile
themselves with mankind.”
The Revised Standard Version at this verse uses the word “sodomites.” The
New International Version, “perverts.” The New American Standard,
“homosexuals.” The New King James, “sodomites.” The King James II,
“homosexuals.”
Evident Conclusion: Homosexuals were stoned to death under the Old Law.
For those living under Jesus’ New Law Paul warns, “They which commit such
things are worthy of death” (Romans 1:32).
Seeing that we as Christians cannot exercise stoning as those in the Old
Testament, we must conclude that homosexuals are condemned by God to eternal
death in the hereafter.
HARRY COBB
P.O.
Box 75
Wedowee,
AL 36278
GET SOMEBODY ELSE
The Lord had a job for me,
But I had so much to do,
I said, “You get somebody else
Or wait till I get through.”
I don’t know how the Lord came out,
But He seemed to get along,
But I felt kind of sneaking like –
I knew I’d done God wrong.
One day I needed the Lord –
Needed Him right away;
But He never answered me at all,
And I could hear Him say
Down in my accusing heart:
“Sorry! I’ve got too much to do;
You get somebody else,
Or wait till I get through.”
Now, when the Lord has a job for me,
I never try to shirk;
I drop whatever I have on hand,
And do the good Lord’s work.
And my affair can run along,
Or wait till I get through;
Nobody else can do the work
That God marked out for you.
--Paul Lawrence Dunbar--
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
1. In the Old Testament, was Saul a prophet or a
king?
2. Where among men does Job declare wisdom and
understanding are found?
3. The Son of Man spoke to John in Revelation 1
saying He had the keys of what?
4. When people of Nazareth tried to kill Jesus by
throwing Him off a cliff, what did He do?
5. Why did Naomi encourage her two daughter-in-laws
to remain in Moab?
ANSWERS
NEXT MONTH . . .
and remember last month’s questions?
1. How did Aaron explain to Moses where the golden
calf came from? HE SAID IT CAME OUT OF
THE FIRE (Exo. 32:34)
2. What time of day did several women go to the tomb
of Jesus to put spices on it? EARLY IN
THE MORNING (Lk. 24:1)
3. What kind of animal did Jesus call Herod? FOX (Lk. 13:31-32)
4. What did the Psalmist ask God to create within
him? A PURE HEART (Psa. 51:10)
5. What news had Eli just received when he fell back
and broke his neck? THAT THE ARK OF GOD
HAD BEEN CAPTURED (1 Sam. 4:18)
GOSPEL MEETINGS
DATES PLACE & TIME SPEAKER
May Van Lear, KY James McDonald
2 – 7
(Woodbury, TN)
May Fayetteville
Rd. Church Wilbur Bass
7 – 9 Fairburn, GA (Auburn, AL)
May Hopkinsville,
OH James McDonald
17 – 21
(Woodbury, TN)
May Willow Oaks
Church James McDonald
28 – 30 Russell
Springs, KY (Woodbury,
TN)
June Taylors
Crossroads Church Wilbur Bass
6 – 11 Roanoke, AL (Auburn, AL)
June Mt. Carmel
Church Various speakers
13 – 18 Woodland, AL
June Ephesus, GA James McDonald
20 – 25
(Woodbury, TN)
[Editor’s
Note: About 18 months ago I started a new job which has demanded a lot of my
time (overtime, etc.). Unfortunately I have not done a very good job with my
correspondence regarding The Harvester and especially with sending Thank
you notes to those who have contributed to this work. I would now like to take
this opportunity to do so. My appreciation goes to the following congregations:
Taylors Crossroads, West Broad Street, and Napoleon. Other churches have made
offers to help too. Thanks also to the following individuals (in alphabetical
order): Winton Carson, J.P. Cook, Denson Dunlap, Saundra Harmon, Loraine
Howell, Jean Kennard, Bill Luttrell, Mrs. Curtis Messer, Foy Mitchell, J.W.
Moore, Lily Sandusky, Marie Strain, Jim Tom Willingham, and Joe & Clara
Young. As best as I can remember, these are ones who have contributed within
the past 18 months but I failed to express my written gratitude. Please
continue to pray for this paper.]
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THE HARVESTER is a monthly publication intended to encourage all men everywhere to become laborers into God’s harvest (Luke 10:2). This paper is mailed free of charge to anyone who wishes to receive it. Please submit name, address, and all correspondence to:
Ray McManus
141 County Road 474
Woodland, AL 36280
Phone: (256) 449-9221
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