Happy Father's Day by David R. Kenney

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

In 1972, the government designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. We live in a time when even fundamental concepts are being challenged. The value of fatherhood has been disputed, but both the Bible and statistics speak of the value of fathers. For example, “children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens” (www.fathers.com).

Have you ever considered why God is depicted as our Father? He is not only the Father to the Son, Jesus, but He is “Our Father” (cf. Matt 6:9; Luke 11:2). W. Terry Varner observed: “If we listen carefully to our prayers, and the prayers of others, we will notice the term Father is probably used more often than any term or designation of God. Why? The term Father suggests all those characteristics inherent in the term of earthly father” (A Prayer From Heaven – The Model Prayer as Evidence for the Deity of Jesus Christ, 15). The most important responsibility of a father is to establish a relationship between his children and their Heavenly Father: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4 NKJV). Fatherhood is so important that the highest level of leadership between Christ and the congregation include this qualification: “one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);” (1 Tim 3:4–5).

Perhaps there is some reason Father’s Day is difficult for you. Maybe your father is now deceased? Maybe your father was not the admirable kind? Do not let that keep you from honoring those who are fathers. Some children do not have a father. Perhaps you could fill that role by mentoring a child who needs a Christian man in their life. Perhaps you have a Christian father to enjoy this holiday with. If so, celebrate! Maybe this could be a time to reconcile past infractions with your father. If there are issues in the relationship with your earthly father, then please do not wait too long to repair the breach. A father’s love may be forever, but his life here is but a span.  

All Souls Matter by David R. Kenney

All Souls Matter (#AllSoulsMatter)

By David R. Kenney

Hopefully all are familiar with the pattern …---… which are three letters forming what is called a “prosign” which we simply know as SOS.  It has been accepted as a worldwide distress signal at least since 1905 and can be communicated audibly and visually.  When I was in school, we were taught of the importance of the telegraph machine, and how Samuel F. B. Morse sent the first telegraphic message, “What hath God wrought?” between Baltimore and Washington D. C. in 1844.  I have been thrilled by this marvelous invention, even using it as one of my science fair projects with the help of a dear friend, Jerry Dawson, years ago.  I learned more about these things from two sets of encyclopedias my parents purchased for our education, The New Book of Knowledge and The American Peoples Encyclopedia.  What exactly did “S.O.S.” stand for?  It was not uncommon to find these letters on life preservers on ships.  While the letters themselves had no specific meaning at the time of the pattern’s inception, some designated it as an acronym with various meanings such as “Save Our Ship” or also common was “Save Our Souls”.  To my knowledge, it never meant “Save Our Skins” but that seems to be the direction we are being pushed in our country.

By Rhey T. Snodgrass & Victor F. Camp, 1922 - Image:Intcode.png and Image: International Morse Code.PNG, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3902977

We have several divisive movements exerting on our nation.  Some seek unity; however, one is left wondering about such efforts which reject “All Lives Matter”, “Blue Lives Matter” but advocate “Black Lives Matter” (sometimes denoted as #BlackLivesMatter).  The hashtag (#) sign is similar to the “prosign” in that it facilitates finding this keyword throughout the Internet.  Is “Black Lives Matter” a more unifying phrase than “All Lives Matters” which some scoff at?  A friend of mine tried to explain to me that “Black Lives Matters” includes “All Lives Matter” but particularly black lives too.  I politely asked my friend if he would have the same sentiment if there was a “White Lives Matter”, “Red Lives Matter”, etc.  Not exactly an inclusive unifying nomenclature, is it?

Do all lives matter?  Yes.  Should the color of their skin enhance or diminish how much a life matters?  It should not.  As a child, I remember singing these familiar lyrics by C. Herbert Woolston:  “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.  Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world.”  Now this is what we need to get back to in our country—mutual love and respect! 

Perhaps a “slogan” that we ought to consider in our beloved nation is “All Souls Matter” (#AllSoulsMatter)!  There are forces in our land that are pitting one ethnicity against another, exploiting them for their own advantage.  We need to come to the realization that when we only think of each other in terms of our skin color, we are only thinking “skin deep”.  We need to think deeper, or higher, on a more spiritual plane.  There was a time when the world was divided between the Jews and everyone else; i.e., Gentiles; however, that was to bring the Messiah into the world, with demonstration, to redeem it from sin by His sacrifice, and with that action eliminate such distinctions; cf. Ephesians 2:11-13; Galatians 3:28.  The apostle Peter, as he explained there were no ethnic distinctions, stated “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35, NKJV.)   The Greek term translated “partiality” can also be translated “discrimination” or “favoritism”.   

Our nation was very much united on the premise of being “one nation”, but one nation “under God”, even though our nation did fall short at times.  Both of these concepts go hand-in-hand.  Progressive, secular, liberal forces are seeking to remove “under God” but still claim there is “something” to keep this “one nation” together.  What is that “something”?  I suspect the answer is them whether we like it or not!  We have seen the consequences of division whether it be between ethnicities, social classes, financial status, and just about every physical numerator known, but we need to focus on our common denominator—our souls.  All Souls Matter (#AllSoulsMatter), and we all need God to Save Our Souls!  This is what some call the golden text of the Bible—“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV.)  

All Souls Matter to God, and All Souls Matter (#AllSoulsMatter) should be our focus too.  #AllSoulsMatter!

Streetsboro Rules For Rook

At the church of Christ's building in Streetsboro, Ohio around 1992, a group of guys got together to play Rook.  We had self-professed hillbilly transplants from WV, Monroe County, OH loyalists, and others—a proverbial "band of brothers." Well, each person had their own little twist to the game they brought to the table. After playing a hand or two, we found out there were other twists, turns, or variations. This would not do!

So, we all sat down and hashed out all the various rules, forget the rule book Parker Brothers provided, and came up with what we all agreed would be "Streetsboro Rules for Rook".  We played every chance we were together.  Many of us played and brought new players (including girls when we HAD to, joking ladies) into the fold including:  Roy Woofter, Tom Hatfield, David Kenney, Brent Harris, John Harris, Mitch Stanley, Barry Hatfield, Doug Woofter, Kevin Liticker, Kathy Liticker, Annette Kenney, Pam Harris, Celeste Miller, Gary Shovestull, Dan Kelley, Dayton Hickerson,  Eddie Vanhorn,  and others along the way.  Playing with these characters we agreed cheating was a free offense to keep those who were nodding off and losing track of what was played.  We always played New Years' Eve.

Here are Streetsboro Rules of Rook to the best of my recollection:

1.) Play with cards numbered 1-14, no cards omitted.

2.) No counting of tricks, too much of a hassle for the mathematically challenged.

3.) Five-card "nest" went to the winner of the bid in an effort to supplement their hand, but sometimes such became a detriment.

4.) Five cards were to be discounted except for point cards and trump (unless you had too--hate that when that happens!)  If trump was to be put in the nest, the bidder had to state so. Whoever took the last hand captured the nest including any points.

4.) The 1-cards are high (almost like being a "15." The Rook Card is low trump, but with the most points so one had to guard and protect it.

5.) Score::

1s = 15 points each
14s = 10 points each
10s = 10 points each
5s = 5 points each
Rook = 20 points
Total points 180

6.) Minimum bid was 70; although that was a joke!  Person left of the dealer began bid.

7.) Trump is not to be led until broken into play on another hand, then it could be led.

8.) You had to follow suit, but if you could not then you could trump or throw off. If you were caught reneging, well we just laughed at you and made up whatever penalty we wanted.

The interesting thing about Rook (and other such games) is one can come up with all kinds of variations of the game. I recall my parents' deck of Rook had a rule book that included all kinds of variations. People are free to adapt the rules to suit their tastes because they have the authority to do so. But not everything is subject to the authority of men.

The Bible is God's Word. No one has the right to set it aside. Sometimes people do not understand how Christians can say they believe the Bible but are governed by the New Testament. Man did not set the Old Law aside, God did (cf. Col 2:14; Heb 8:13.) God has that authority, we do not. When we use the Old Law to try and establish religious practices today, we are dishonoring God by not obeying His will. Christians, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. I anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Pet  4:11 NKJV.)

Play with the rule book to Rook is one matter, but tampering with God's rule book is strictly forbidden and those who take liberties with God's book will have to answer to God for their disobedience and disrespect.

Be A Mentor (A Tribute to E. Claude Gardner) by David R. Kenney

E. Claude Gardner with David & Annette Kenney at the
2017 FHU Bible Lectureship. He led the Prayer Session for the Lectures.

Be A Mentor – A Tribute to E. Claude Gardner

By David R. Kenney     

                                                                  

“I spoke to President E. Claude Gardner, and I told him that you needed to come to Freed-Hardeman College but you did not think you could afford it” said my beloved dad back in February 1987.  He continued, “President Gardner said ‘You tell David that we want him at Freed-Hardeman College, and we will make it financially feasible for him to attend. So he can come!’” Words comparable to the response Pharaoh gave to Moses came to my mind as I weighed my thoughts in response (cf. Exo 5:2). I do not mind admitting my life was floundering since I had graduated in 1985. I needed to change course, but I did not know what exactly to do. (I knew what my parents wanted me to do.) My parents replied to my objections: “We would love to have you stay with us forever, but that is not the natural course of life. Do you have any other alternative plan? We will support your efforts for what you decide, but you have to make a change.” I had no real alternative plans, so I enrolled for the Fall Semester of 1987.

That decision began a mentoring relationship between my father, E. Claude Gardner, Winford Claiborne, and I that has lasted until December 31, 2017 with the passing of President Gardner. Some mentors choose you. Some mentors you may be able to choose. Some mentors are chosen for you. I highly suspect the latter is the case with my father, and I have been blessed by this ever since.

E. Claude Gardner served Freed-Hardeman College (and helped make it a University) from 1949 until his death. He was President from 1969 until 1990, but he served the school many years prior to and since that time. His service has been so diligent and faithful, that I would not be surprised if they wanted to name the school F-H-G University!

Gardner pursued me for the School of Theology program. Yes, I mean “pursued!” I have the letters from E.C.G. and testimony from Director Mark Blackwelder: “David, brother Gardner really likes you, and he wants you in this program. He wants you to accept this scholarship. Would you give me an opportunity to reply to any objections…” I replied, “Sure, I certainly have NO objections to FHU. That would be fine.” I enrolled in the M. Div. program thanks to the kind generosity of E. Claude Gardner who had selected me to receive the E. Claude and Delorese Scholarship.

I think about the comments of brother Gardner being a Barnabas to many, and he certainly had done the work of a Barnabas! To me, I think of him as an encouraging mentor like Barnabas was to John Mark. John Mark seems to have lost his way and fell out of favor with the apostle Paul. Barnabas pled his case, but Paul would not budge (cf. Acts 15:39). So, Barnabas mentored John Mark further. In time, Paul would later write—“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim 4:11 NKJV) There are others who contributed to my upbringing and training, and I would not want to detract from any of those. But, I can honestly say I am more useful for ministry today because of the efforts of E. Claude Gardner!

My father told me, as he was dying, that he would make every effort to attend the funerals of Winford Claiborne and E. Claude Gardner: “I think so much of those two men.” I agreed. So I went to Winford Claiborne’s funeral for both my father and I, as my father was unable to attend. Now, I make plans to attend the funeral of E. Claude Gardner. In fact, brother Gardner selected me to be one of his pallbearers. My dad would be honored to hear that! Brother Gardner has been a blessing to my parents, to my wife and I, and to our children. He will be greatly missed! Be a mentor! Help some young person find their way. We certainly know that there is no lack of people needing help through this world. Share with them the blessings of being a Christian both now and for eternity!

Some hesitate to bear the costs of Christian education. One needs to understand however that there is a difference between price and value. I met my beloved Annette at Freed-Hardeman College. People ask “How did you two meet?” All we have to say is “Freed-Hardeman.”  I understand the costs are great and the debt will be a burden for some time; however, I still owe a debt to Freed-Hardeman University even though my student loans have been paid off years ago! I had before me two paths, and as the great poet Robert Frost stated: “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

-----------------------------------------
Originally appeared in the West Virginia Christian, Vol. 25, No. 2, Feb 2018, p. 8.

Is It Scriptural To Use Page Numbers or Book, Chapter, and Verses? by David R. Kenney

Is It Scriptural To Use Page Numbers or Book, Chapter, and Verses?

by David R. Kenney

Occasionally someone asks a question that the answer to should be shared for the benefit of all. Someone asks, “Why do we give page numbers during the Scripture Reading segment of the worship service?  Should we not know the books of the Bible?”  Some may be tempted to phrase the question in this fashion: “Is it scriptural to use page numbers?”

Without de-emphasizing the importance of book, chapter, and verse preaching (since this is the sole authority of the preacher’s message), and without de-emphasizing the good practice of knowing the books of the Bible and how they fit into the scheme of redemption, let us consider whether or not using page numbers is “scriptural”.  By the use of the term “scriptural” many mean whether it has Biblical authority.  In answer to this, let me suggest that it is no more “scriptural” to use page numbers than it is to announce chapters and verses.  Consider the following from Nichol’s Pocket Bible Encyclopedia:

·         The entire Bible was divided into chapters by Hugo in 1240.

·         The Old Testament was divided into verses by Mordecai Nathan in 1445.

·         The New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Steven in 1551.

There were no chapters and verses in the original manuscripts; therefore, the tradition of using chapters and verses is just that—a tradition.  So the same authority exists for announcing chapter and verses as for announcing page numbers.  But why announce page numbers?

First of all, it must be made clear that this was the decision of the leadership of the congregation.  When the practice was first adopted it was when the men of the congregation decided there were distinct advantages to doing so.  This leadership has now been transferred to the eldership.  If the elders would deem that this practice was no longer beneficial, they would have the authority to change this incidental method of reading from the Bible.  At one time, the preacher was requested to announce the page numbers for all his scriptures during the lesson, but this became too impractical and awkward so it was discontinued. 

There are two basic reasons for announcing the page number for the Scripture Reading.  The first reason is to ensure that a reliable translation is read from the pulpit.  When new pew Bibles were ordered great care was exercised to have a translation that would be more up to date and reliable.  No translation is perfect but there are better translations than others.  So the practice of announcing the page number and reading from the pew Bible helps ensure that a reliable translation is consistently used and helps keep everyone on the same page during the reading.  That does not mean that the New King James is free from errors any more than the King James is free from errors.  All translations have errors since they are the works of men.  Only the original autographs were error free.

The main reason for this practice is to assist those who do not know the books of the Bible to participate in this part of the service.  Imagine if the reader just got up and read without announcing the book, chapter, and verse.  How would you feel?  You may say “They should announce the book, chapter, and verse so I can read along.”  Your point would be valid but why would it become invalid if one uses page numbers?  As a mature Christian, we should know the Bible enough to know where the reading is from.  Right!?  If that is unrealistic, then why is it more realistic to have everyone know the books of the Bible before they walk through our doors?  We need to give people the opportunity to grow.  I can scarcely remember the days that I did not know the books of the Bible since my parents taught them to me from my youth. Others have not had that blessed opportunity.  In Romans 12:10 we find these words “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”  Or as another translation puts it:  “Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; in honor let each set his neighbor above himself.” (Conybeare & Howson).

Reprinted from The Edifier, Streetsboro, OH: Streetsboro Church of Christ, 14 May 2000.

Forty Years A Christian by David R. Kenney

Page 1 of "The Voice of Truth" church bulletin which was then completed by Ralph Miller.

Page 2 of church bulletin with the announcement of David Kenney's baptism.  Bulletin from the personal collection of Warren F. Kenney

Page 3 of New Philadelphia, Ohio church bulletin.

Page 4.  Some of these are still serving the church on Commercial Avenue faithfully.  Some have gone onto their rewards.  Precious memories of precious people.

Forty Years A Christian

By David R. Kenney

July 29, 2017 marks 40 years ago that I was immersed into Christ by my dad at the church of Christ in New Philadelphia, Ohio. My dad was the first to congratulate me, then Ralph Miller, then other brothers and sisters in Christ who assembled that Friday afternoon. The church on Commercial Avenue remains dear to my heart even though we had lived in several places prior, and there would be several places to follow. Hopefully without sounding pretentious, I would like to share some thoughts I have been having reflecting upon.

The Plan of Salvation Is Easy to Understand. Some have made the plan of salvation a confusing matter to some by their misplaced emphasis on grace (alone) or faith (alone), but the plan of salvation is not difficult to understand if one reads the New Testament. Being a preacher’s son, I knew the plan of salvation from a very young age. I could draw the “steps”, give you “book-chapter-verse” for each one, and quote each passage from the KJV. Before I became a Christian, I could name all the books of the Bible and more through the fortification of my mother’s instruction too. It seems that some have trouble knowing what to do because they have had their minds cluttered with various teachings and concepts of men; but an honest reading of the book of Acts will remove that clutter! Never be ashamed of taking time to explain to others the steps they need to take to have eternal salvation, and never shame someone for taking the time to do so either.

Avoidance of Hell Is Motivational. I have heard some say preaching about Hell is not only unpopular but also an improper form of motivation. There is an old country term for that theory–hogwash. Should we be motivated by God’s love? Absolutely. However, different things motivate people at different times. I have no problem admitting that a healthy dose of fear of the second death provided me with additional motivation to obey the gospel. Perhaps some fail to realize that Jesus preached and warned about Hell more than anyone else in the Bible. The writer of Hebrews certainly believed in this warning–“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26–27 NKJV). Will the desire to avoid Hell motivate someone during their complete Christian walk? Maybe not all the time, but it would be unwise to dismiss this motivational force on those who may need to come to their senses on the spiritual condition of their souls.

Deciding to Be Baptized Is Not Exactly Easy. Now, I just said that learning the plan of salvation was easy; however, making the decision to be baptized was another matter. Some may say “You’re a preacher’s kid. It had to be easy,” but they would be mistaken. Did my parents want me to become a Christian? Absolutely, but they did not want to make that decision for me. They respected that it was my decision. When I made the decision, I did not know how to tell my mother (not to mention my father.) She knew something serious was on my mind, and eventually I was able to tell her. She was excited. I told her I did not know how to tell dad. She asked if I thought he would not be excited. I assured her I did, but I just did not know how to broach the subject. She told me to go to his office (which was across the breezeway to the church building), and she would call him and tell him I was on my way to talk with him about being baptized. It may sound rather silly, but remember several dynamics were in play here. I was ready to become a child of God, but I was also still a young person in the care of my parents. Be patient with your children and let it be their decision.

Staying Faithful Can Be Easy If You Keep Your Decision. Do not underestimate the power of making a decision on one’s ability to remaining faithful. We never had a discussion in our house whether we were going to attend evening worship services or midweek Bible Study. Some may be tempted to say “Your father was a preacher, so you had no choice but to come.” (Such comments may reveal an unhealthy view of preachers and their families.) But when my wife and I were married, I worked in the business world. Even then, my wife and I did not have discussions about whether or not we would attend services. Why? Because we had both made that decision back when we became Christians.  Making a decision and making it with commitment is a powerful force to remaining faithful when difficult days come, and difficult days will come.

Becoming Unfaithful Can Be Easy If You Allow It To Happen. The writer of Hebrews stated: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1 NKJV). The word for “drift away” (παραῤῥυέω pararrhyéō) includes the idea of slipping away or getting away from us.  Such is easy to do, if you allow it. How? Well, everyone has demands on their time, even teenagers. For me, I allowed school, work and the circle of friends from these two areas crowd out service to the Lord and the circle of Christians. I allowed Christianity to be crowded out by things that were not bad, but left little room for faith. The more faith was crowded out, the further I slipped away. When I graduated from Centralia High School, I just let work dominate my schedule. Soon I had other commitments, other friends, and other things to do. I had not exactly forgotten, but like a boat that is slowly moving away from shore and out of my reach, I was allowing the important matters, the eternal matters, slip away.

The Church Is A Perfect Institution Made Up of Imperfect People. This is a phrase my father taught us.  My parents tried to shield us from what some call “church politics,” but some matters are impossible to protect against. Sometime we are not as careful about our interactions with one another as we ought. We may be unaware that, as my parents often said, “Little ears are listening.” We need to be more careful that we emphasize the perfection of the church by minimizing our view of the imperfections of one another (cf. Proverbs 10:12). If you think children are not watching and listening, then you are gravely mistaken. It could be one of the reasons that children leave the church and want nothing more to do with it—we have overshadowed the perfect with our imperfections.

Christians Help Christians Grow. My parents wanted me to go to Freed-Hardeman College so much. They knew I was having difficulty, and I knew I was too. But I just did not know what to do about my future.  I kept on pushing aside the question “Why don’t you go to FHC and find what you want to do there?” Dad even came back from the Bible Lectureship and told me that President E. Claude Gardner, whom I had never met and did not know, said I could come to FHC and they would find a way to make it possible. Finally, my mother asked me after several weeks “Do you have anything better in mind?” I did not, so I agreed to go. It was the place I needed. I was able to find a Christian wife and make lifelong Christian friends.  I was able to develop skills I would need in the business world, but I was also able to see Christianity in a new light. I saw a depth to Christianity that I had underestimated. It was not that my parents did not teach me; it was just that I allowed peers to cloud my vision. When I had a new set of peers, Christians, my perspective changed. It is sad that parents say they are willing to do anything for their children except when the tuition bill comes due. Parents sometimes make the mistake of going with price over value when it comes to Christian Education, and by the time they realize the mistake it is too late. Thankfully my parents did not make that mistake.

How Can I NOT Preach the Gospel And Serve the Lord. I have had a “career of careers.” One of the reasons I did not want to preach was all the relocations our family had experienced. So, I decided to major in Management. Wanting to be a preacher, just like my father, my whole life was a difficult matter when I decided otherwise because of circumstances outside of my father’s control. What I found was I still was over worked, laid off, misrepresented, displaced due to corporate relocations, nearly fired for trying to do the right things, and more. While this was going on, I noticed the church was struggling, and I just could not stand by and do nothing. Don’t take this wrong. I do not consider myself any kind of “Champion to the Cause.” I just know that I am somebody, and as somebody I can do something. My wife and I decided it was time to do what we could for the advancement of Christianity in our part of the world. Many may accomplish more than we have, but sadly there will be many who never try. We are trying, and it has made the difference to ourselves and our children. Am I saying one has to become full-time minister to serve in the Kingdom? No, but one has to serve where they are at. Are you serving where you are at? Service matters–not only for others but for you too!

Forty years being a Christian! Saying it sounds impossible!  I can honestly say I have never regretted that decision. I may not have been consistent. I certainly had my share of mistakes. But looking at the lives of others outside of Christ has shown me how important it is to have life with Christ.

Perfectionism by David R. Kenney

PERFECTIONISM

by David R. Kenney

 

Our family was watching J*A*G* and I took notice of a quotation used about one of the characters, Sturgis, who had fallen into the malady called Perfectionism.  It was ruining himself, his friendships, and his faith.  The quotation was attributed to "Zito" who is also the name of the producer of the show—“If you demand perfection in yourself, you will always be unsatisfied.  If you demand it of others, you will be disappointed.”  I think this was a very insightful look into the potential snare of perfectionism, a world that I myself fall prey to as well.  Oh, I know that I am not perfect, but sometimes I feel so driven to reach a standard that I not only fail to reach but also fail in other important matters that I could have obtained.

 Now, are Christians supposed to strive to be better?  Yes.  Are we to become satisfied with our own righteousness so as to give up on improving?  Certainly not!  Christians are to work to improve their walk with God as the apostle Paul wrote, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV.)  We must have a balanced view of ourselves and others, or we risk being out of balance. Imbalance leads to friction, frustration, surrender and defeat.

Now, I am not speaking of lowering standards in order to make ourselves “feel good”.  As Christians, the standards are the teachings of the New Testament.  What does it mean to lower the standards in Christianity?  It means compromising doctrine!  We cannot lower these standards by compromising doctrine, but we should not expect to exceed these standards either.  We should strive to achieve the standards of Christ; however, God knows that we will fall short.  That is what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was about.  If God loves us enough to send His beloved Son, if Jesus loved us enough to die for our sins, if the Holy Spirit was willing to work with imperfect men to reveal the perfect will of God, then why cannot we love ourselves enough to be more charitable to ourselves, thus being more charitable with others?   Remember what the second greatest commandment was—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NKJV.)  We may be able to examine ourselves more objectively by reflecting on how we feel about others.  For example, there is an old saying, “All the world is mad save for me and thee, and sometimes I wonder about thee.”  When we examine our brothers and sisters, does this expression describe our feelings?  If so, we may be struggling with perfectionism, expecting such of others.

Perhaps we should consider the consequences of perfectionism on the church.  Have you ever wondered why we have men who are reluctant to lead prayers, direct singing, teach classes and other areas of service?  Why are women less likely to be involved in service of the church whether teaching Bible Class or a host of other matters that women perform in service to Christ and His church?  Could it be that they are so reluctant because it is new to them?  Certainly.  But I would like to ask this question—could it be that we have less willing to serve in worship and the operation of the church because they have been impacted by seeing expectations of perfectionism in others?  If they see us expecting perfectionism of others, then could this discourage them from even trying?  We should give serious consideration before we offer those words of “constructive criticism” for all to hear.  Perhaps instead of offering what we think is “constructive criticism” we should try to give perfecting praise! 

So, let us work to go onto perfection realizing that perfection in New Testament context means that we grow and mature as Christians.  We are not perfect, but we are being made perfect through the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Remember that pursing excellence as a Christian includes love, for yourself and one another—“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:13-15, NKJV.)

THAT SILVER-HAIRED DADDY OF MINE by David R. Kenney

THAT SILVER-HAIRED DADDY OF MINE

By David R. Kenney

 

My family are fans of the music of Gene Autry.  We have listened to his music for several years, even purchased CDs of his music for our children.  As I was going through my late father’s collection of cassette tapes in his truck, there were several that had been played so often, or set out in a hot truck for too long, that the music has become distorted.  One of the cassette tapes in his collection was a collection of Gene Autry’s music.  I smiled as I looked over the titles, then one caught my attention that had escaped my memory, “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine”.  Dad loved that song.  I recalled the song; I had just forgotten that it was a song of Gene Autry being a hit in 1935.

Dad did not get the opportunity to see his daddy with silver hair as his father died in 1948 when he was but three years old.  He loved the song, and he longed for days he could never see.  I listen to the song; and I long for the days I have seen, days of my memory.  My father was a silver-haired daddy to me.  The song’s message is one of regret and sorrow including these poignant words—“I could recall all the heartaches Dear old Daddy, I've caused you to bear, If I could erase those lines from your face, And bring back the gold to your hair.”  I was blessed to have a father who loved me, whom I loved, and this was not a secret to either of us.  It is a message my father has lived before my life:  to make sure you show your love for your children, and for children to show their love for their father by both being lovable and loving.

Sure, I have made mistakes, things I regret.  As adults with children of our own, we look back and see the things we have done and more fully understand the impact such had on our parents.  The song also speaks about that too—“God would but grant me the power just to turn back the pages of time I'd give all I own if I could but atone to that silver haired daddy of mine.”  Sadly, some of us, including myself, cannot speak words of atonement to our fathers any longer, but that does not mean we should not speak such words to the Father who our fathers should be pointing us too.  The noble work of being a father, the sacred calling of fatherhood, is to lead our children to our Heavenly Father.  I believe that pointing is what Paul meant when he wrote “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV.)   You may not have had a silver haired daddy, but you can be that kind of a father to your children.  If you are a woman, you can make diligent effort to marry that kind of man for your children.

It may be too late for us to bring acts of atonement to our earthly fathers, but it is not too late to take steps of atonement toward our Heavenly Father.  That is something our fathers, whether silver-haired or not, would be pleased to know. God blessed me with a black, then grey, then silver, and then white headed daddy (Proverbs 16:31).  Be a blessing!

David R. Kenney

July 11, 2016
(On the occasion of Dad’s 72^nd birthday)

 

 

Old Wives' Fables by David R. Kenney

OLD WIVES’ FABLES

By David R. Kenney

 

The apostle Paul gave Timothy some guidance that we need to heed in our day:  “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness” (1Timothy 4:7, NKJV.)  I was asked in Bible Class exactly what Paul meant by “old wives’ fables”.  Resisting the temptation to go into stereotypical humor, I decided the wiser course was to state that I needed to do more research before answering.  Paul was not opposed to women of any age.  For example, remember what Paul wrote to Timothy:  “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5, NKJV.)  What does the term “old wives” mean? 

 

The words “old wives” is one word in the Greek.  The term only occurs here in the Greek New Testament which makes a precise definition difficult.  The Greek word is graṓdēs [G1126] which also means “old womanish”.   One source states of this term:  “characteristic of old women” (BDAG, p. 167).  The term was used in philosophical debates:  “It is the sarcastic epithet frequent in philosophical polemic that conveys the idea of limitless credulity.”  (NLEKGNT, p. 494)  Notice that the word “fables” is modified by not one, but two, adjectives—“profane” and “old wives” combined with the conjunction “and”.  The term translated “profane” [G0952, bébēlos] means unhallowed, ungodly, or common.  The term translated “fables” [mythos, G3454] is clearly related to our English word mythology.  The term mythos refers to fiction, an invention, a falsehood that is being presented as factual.

 

Remember, one person’s mythology may be another’s theology.  When my wife and I were listening to a presentation about primary school curriculum, the presenter stated no offense was intended by the use of the term “mythology” in reference to Zeus, Odin, Thor, etc.  I asked the person afterwards why the disclaimer.  There had been those in the audience on prior occasions who still actually worshipped Odin and other figures of what we consider mythology.  We have had life relatively easy in these United States when the majority believed God existed, Jesus is His Son, and the Bible is His Word.  Perhaps we need to recall the audience the apostle Paul faced at Mars Hill, Mars being a reference to the mythological Ares?  These were the gods of pagan polytheists in Paul’s day, false gods that we commonly call mythological; so one person’s mythology was once (or may still be) another’s theology.  Recall that Paul and Barnabas were thought by some to be Zeus and Hermes—"‛The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’  And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.  Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes” (Acts 14:11-13, NKJV.)  A charge which both Paul and Barnabas vehemently denied and corrected.   We need to recall the command of the apostle John—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NKJV.) 

 

If you think that mythology is no longer a part of our society, have you looked at the horoscope?  It is based on mythology and ancient paganism.  I am sure you will find some offended by the use of mythology in relation to the New Age Movement which is old paganism re-tooled for a modern unsuspecting society.  Whether or not Paul had a list of fables in mind when he wrote these instructions to Timothy or not is not revealed; however, there was no shortage of supply in their day, and there is no lack of fables in our day too.

 

Works Consulted:

 

Bauer, Walter, William F. Arndt, F. Wilbur Gingrich, and Frederick W. Danker. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.

 

Rogers, Jr., Cleon, and Rogers, III, Cleon.  The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

 

Spicq, Ceslas, and Ernest, James D., Theological Lexicon of the New Testament, Peabody, Mass.:  Hendrickson, 1994.

THE TRUTH THAT IS TRUE FOR ALL by David R. Kenney

THE TRUTH THAT IS TRUE FOR ALL

by David R. Kenney

In Bible class I asked whether or not barbeque sauce on hotdogs was good or bad.  One of my children loves barbeque sauce on their hotdogs; the other finds it repulsive.  You may hear people say “What is true for you is not true for me,” or “You have your truth and I have my truth.”  Well, no further proof of the validity of such statements was needed than the facial expressions of my two children as to which one accepted this truth.  This is the nature of subjective truth.  Subjective truth varies from person to person.  Subjective truth is variable and can cease to be true under various circumstances.

 

Objective truth is different from subjective truth.  Objective truth is true for all individuals, always.  Objective truth does not change under varying circumstances.  Some may prefer the terms “absolute truth” and “relative truth”, but the concepts remain the same.  Objective truth, or absolute truth, is true across individuals, circumstances, and other variables.

 

If one can grasp the definitions, differences, and implications of objective and subjective truth, then one can easily see that the same applies to the religious world as well.  People say “Join the church of your choice” with the authority of subjective truth that “One church is as good as another”.  One fundamental principle needs to be understood that is often dismissed—subjective truth never trumps objective truth.  In fact, the only time that subjective truth truly rules is when there is no objective truth to contradict it.  In this case, not all churches are the same so they cannot be “one as good as the other”.  Let me give you an example.

 

In our local paper, The Wadsworth Post, there was a “Christmas Worship Directory” with a listing of various services from various religious groups to celebrate Christmas in a religious worship type setting.  All those religious groups’ schedule of services were different from the other.  Were any of them right or wrong in comparison to the others?  Not if there were no absolute or objective truths in contradiction.  Subjective truth would rule.

 

It was interesting to review the religious groups’ schedules with the students in class.  One organization had a “Quiet Christmas” service for December 23; “Family Christmas – Christmas Eve” service for December 24; “Traditional Christmas Eve” service also for December 24; “Saturday After Christmas” service for December 26; and, finally, “Sunday after Christmas” service for December 27.  Some only had various Christmas Eve services, and one had a single Christmas Eve service.  (I found it interesting none had services for December 25^th.)  I asked them “Which group is more spiritual than the other?”  “Which group is are more correct than the other?”  “Which of these groups is true?”  How would a person searching for the truth be able to determine?  If there was only subjective truth on the matter, then one could rightly hold that all are equally good and valid; however, there is objective truth which makes such subjective truth invalid and consequently merely subjective. 

 

We do not know when exactly Jesus was born.  To focus our attention on December 25^th is merely subjective because we cannot know.  Also, there is no command or example of the early church celebrating December 25^th as the birth of Jesus Christ.  It was not celebrated as such until 336 AD.  The Old Testament was very clear on the Jewish Holiday Calendar, both as to the when and how of various observances; however, there is no such Christian Holiday Calendar in the New Testament designating the birth of Jesus, commanding its observance, or instructing  how to observe such.  It may come as a surprise to some that various other days have been postulated as the birth of Jesus including:  January 2^nd, January 6^th, March 28^th, April 18^th, April 19^th and May 20^th.  When one looks at the evidence for the date of the birth of Christ, it becomes apparent that December 25^th is subjective rather than absolute truth.  The various services that some arrange to celebrate this subjective date are subjective as well.  I am confident if you asked the other religious groups if one was more spiritual than the other based on their “Christmas Worship Directory”, their answer would be that all are equally true and spiritual.  If it were not for these objective truths, their subjective estimation would hold; however, their subjective standards are insufficient.

 

Christians are commanded to “Test all things, hold fast what is good” (NKJV) in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.  Keep in mind that the term “test” means to approve or disprove.  Such would be impossible if there were no objective truths to measure, compare or test to; but contrary to political and religious correctness of our day, there is objective or absolute truth—the Scriptures.  When we examine the text, we find no command or example in the New Testament to celebrate the birth of Christ.  So, can we honestly say we have held fast to what is “good”?  Some will say “Well how can celebrating the birth of Christ be bad?”  Interestingly, Jesus said just before using the illustration of the foolish man who built his house on the sand versus the wise man who built his house on the rock-- “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, NKJV)  It may be easier for some to understand the sin of not doing what Jesus commanded, but it is also wrong to do what the Lord has not commanded too.  Keep in mind the Scripture that warns about taking away from what is commanded also forbids adding as well—“and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:19, NKJV.)  Some may attempt to dismiss the force of this by claiming it only applies to the book of Revelation; however, the same is found in Deuteronomy 4:2.  Who can imagine that one cannot add/take away from one of God’s books but can do so with His other books?  Keep in mind, the Bible is a collection of books.  The wise man stated, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.  Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-7, NKJV.)  As Christians, we follow what Christ has authorized--“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17, NKJV.)  It ought to be clear that we cannot do just anything and call it “good” merely by assigning Jesus’ name to it.  Jesus’ name is only joined with our worship and service by doing what Jesus has authorized in the New Testament.  It is not a matter of subjectivity but authority.

 

While illustrating the difference between subjective truth and objective truth, I cautioned the students that because something may be subjective does not mean that a person is not passionate about and emotionally committed to it in absolute terms.  In our tolerant society, people become most intolerant when their subjective truths are rejected, based on the existence of objective truth which reduces what they hold as subjective truth to being merely subjective.  We must be as kind and gentle with people as they sort out the differences between the subjective and objective.  If I was to select an illustration of emotional igniter greater than Christmas as an example of the differences between subjective and objective truth, I am uncertain as to what illustration is more flammable (except maybe Easter).

 

We all have subjective truths, including those in the church.  Subjective truths may hold provided these do not violate the absolute truths of God’s word.  For example, when Jesus said for us to “Go into all the world…”, He did not specify the manner of going.  We are free to subjectively choose which method we go, but we are not permitted to allow our subjectivity to negate the absolute truth of going “…and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15, NKJV.)  These matters are not always easy to detect and require serious thought.  We must be kind and gentle as to what the Lord commanded-- “’Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.’”  (Isaiah 1:18, NKJV.)  We must reason together with God, and the only way to so reason is to reason with His word as objective truth. 

 

May we help others to be able to reason these matters through properly with the love in our hearts toward them as Christ loved them and died for them as well. We should be tenderhearted toward those who have not thought about these matters.  We certainly do not intend to embarrass but encourage others to surrender their subjective truths for the absolute truths of God’s word.