Jun 15

No Vacation From God

Those hazy, crazy, lazy days of summer are here, just as they were promised by God to Noah just after the great flood (Gen. 8:22). But though we enjoy the changes of the seasons, Christians are not to change in faithfulness to God (1 Cor. 15:58). Passages of inspiration for us to live by are the same “Yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:9), which means that pleasant and recreating personally do not allow unfaithfulness to God. We are to be Christians wherever we may chance to be and our relationship with Christ is not “put on hold” just because we are away from familiar family and friends. Let us remember still to:
1. “Forsake not the assembling of the saints” (Heb. 10:25).
2. Be “salt” and “light” for Christ (Matt. 5:14-16).
3. “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22).
4. Give as we are prospered (1 Cor. 16:2).
Do not forget that the elders and the local work plan for obligations of work with your giving in mind. Do not ask the Lord to pay for your vacation.

5. Pray for the local congregation as we continue to uphold the light of the Gospel to the lost (Phil. 2:12-16), and as we pray for you and your save return!

Come home refreshed and ready to meet your responsibilities once again!

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/no-vacation-from-god/

Jun 08

RESTORATION AREA

God provided for us the beautiful land which we call Rocky Mountain National Park. Throughout the trails which curl and climb the terrain of the park, the hiker often comes upon wooden signs which have the engraved words: “RESTORATION AREA: STAY ON TRAIL.” When one considers that RMNP receives three million visitors during the three summer months [or: one million each month; 250,000 each week; 35,700 each day] who venture off of the trails to see “this and that,” crushing and destroying the delicate vegetation by the acres, one understands why such signs are posted. In order to restore the area as it was before man destroyed it, the people must stay on the trail.

God provided for us one church (Mat. 16:18; Eph. 4:4 + 1:22-23). Throughout the passing of time, man (“inch by inch”) ventured away from the organization, worship and doctrines of the church as Jesus established it. Eventually, the changes were so dramatic, men denominated themselves into denominations. Finally, several different men saw the error of their way and began to reject the erroneous trails which men had trod, and called for a restoration–a restoration of the one church which God had provided. Denominations, creed books and church manuals were rejected. Signs were erected which stated: “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9); “Rightly dividing [correctly interpreting] the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15); Do not add to, nor take away from the Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19). Hundreds of thousands, yea, millions have responded to this plea: In order to restore the church as it was before man destroyed it, the people must stay on the trail!

May all men have such a love for the Lord and the church which He built, that they will investigate this restoration. May all those who have taken part in the restoration, have the courage to continue to “stay on the trail.”

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/restoration-area/

Jun 02

OUR TEACHERS

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Bible class teacher. There are those who can teach and impart certain skills, trades and knowledge. There are those who run large corporations, and those who rule countries. Yet, if a list were somehow composed of all positions of the world being arranged in order of importance, the Bible class teacher would be above them all. Why is this the case? When one is teaching the Bible, he/she is fulfilling the very means by which one may be drawn near to God (Jn. 6:44, 45). It is the Gospel that is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), which is only able to act when it is presented (Rom. 10:13-14). Furthermore, it is through the teaching of God’s Word that the Christian may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and then, by acting upon that knowledge his calling and election is made sure (2 Pet. 1:10). Thus, the efforts of the Bible class teacher are supremely important.
Not only can we see the eternal results of the labor of the Bible teacher, we also can see the immediate results. When the parents are overjoyed to hear their child’s first recital of the Bible lesson–we can thank the teacher. When we see our children grow in the admonition of the Lord, when we see our children developing good morals, when we see our members abstaining from doing that which is evil and cleaving to that which is good–we can thank the teacher. When we see men who faithfully preach the Gospel, men who stand up to defend the truth, men who serve as God-fearing elders, deacons and teachers, and women who teach and help the church in any way they can–we can thank the teacher for their vital part in their instruction and influence.
Teachers, your effect can be felt into eternity, and it just might be the case that your efforts will help raise up strong, faithful leaders of the church of the future. Surely, it is impossible to overstate the importance of the Bible class teacher!

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/our-teachers/

May 26

Are The Days In Genesis One Only 24 Hours?

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” – – Genesis 2:1

Before the erroneous and falsified fantasy of evolution came on the scene, Bible readers had no problem understanding the seven days of creation in Genesis chapter one as seven twenty-four hour days. However, as evolution became more and more popular, weak theologians resorted to theistic evolution (i.e., God made man via evolution) and sought to find the time needed (millions of years) by asserting that the seven days in Genesis 1 are actually representations of seven eons of time. Is this claim true? Consider:
ONE. We know the days of Genesis 1 are literal 24-hour days because the Hebrew word yom which is translated “day” is both used and defined in Genesis 1:5. “And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” Yom is defined here as the light period in the regular succession of light and darkness as we have in our own days of today.
TWO. If the days were to represent multiplied millions of years, then what could possibly be represented by the “years” of verse 14?!
THREE. The Hebrew word yom, when modified by the numerical adjective, can only be taken to mean a period of 24 hours.
FOUR. Jesus made it clear that Adam and Eve were here from the beginning (Mat. 19:4). If “days” meant millions of years, then Adam and Eve (having arrived on the 6th day) would not have been here from the beginning as Jesus said, but at the end as the atheistic evolutionists claim.
CONCLUSION: The days of Genesis 1 were 24-hour days!

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/are-the-days-in-genesis-one-only-24-hours/

May 18

THE SHEEP & The SHEPHERD

In the tenth chapter of John, we are taught the allegory between us and the Lord, with the sheep and the shepherd. It may be humbling to be compared to sheep, but the accuracy is there. In the animal world, no creature is more helpless or needs more leading or guidance for everything they do than do the sheep. No animal strays more easily, none is more heedless and none so incapable of finding its way back when lost. No creature is more defenseless and exposed to be devoured by beasts than are the sheep. This is how the sheep are in man’s sight, and it is how Christians are in the sight of God.
In the third and fourth verse of John chapter ten we see that the sheep (that is, the sheep of the East) know and can recognize the voice of the shepherd, and upon hearing the voice, they follow him. The lesson is obvious. Faithful disciples will hear (listen, understand and heed) his voice; they will not listen to strangers (false teachers). The voice of Jesus is heard through His Word which has been revealed to us by inspired men (Heb. 1:1,2; 2:1-4).
Verse nine teaches that it is through the means of the shepherd (Jesus) that the sheep (Christians) are saved and are nourished. Jesus came to save men from their sins (Matt. 1:21) and to seek and save the lost (Luke. 19:10), and it is only through Jesus that we may be saved (Acts 4:12). Then, after becoming saved, we are kept saved through the nourishment He provides, which is the Bible (I Tim. 4:6). It is through Him that allows us to hear the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7) which allows us to lay calmly in green pastures (Psa. 23:2).
“The good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep” (verse 11). Shepherds of Palestine were not infrequently subjected to grave dangers, some losing their lives. David tells how he killed a lion and a bear while defending his father’s flock. Similarly, Jesus gave His life on the cross. It was either Him or the sheep (John 15:13; I John 3:16). “The son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).
In verse 16, there is revealed the plain but often overlooked fact that there is but one shepherd and one flock. Nobody who makes claim to Christianity has any problem in understanding that “one shepherd” means one Lord. Yet, their consistency “flies out the window” when they attempt to make many flocks out of one body!
For those sheep who are hearing and are following (Rev. 14:4, reveals that it is those who follow–not forsake–Jesus even unto death), to them He gives eternal life(verse 27,28). What a blessed assurance! As long as we remain faithful we have the guarantee of a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). No outside force, including Satan, can overcome and forcefully take us out of God’s hand (John. 10:29).
Let us be thankful to God for the allegory of the Sheep and the Shepherd whereby we can come to better understand our relation to our Lord.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/the-sheep-the-shepherd/

May 11

Happy Mother’s Day

Many of us living in these United States are finding it a time of tremendous transition. Many of the values that have been long accepted, are being questioned, and even changed into something that is far from wholesome. It is offensive to many of us, that people in high political positions are agreeing to the debase, immoral and anti-biblical teaching that many of us have been taught from our youth up. Unfortunately, such biblical based values are not being taught very often in the home. Most of the values that society holds today, I would be bold enough to say that television, and radio are shaping. The kind of movies and music that is being bombarded upon people today is far from wholesome. Not only the movies- but even the advertisements are many times just plain filthy.
Why have we dropped to such a low standard of acceptability? Why have so many “dumbed down”? One of the major contributing factors is the lack of home-yes, the lack of home. I’m not talking about building, but rather what makes up a home!!! It takes fathers and mothers to make a home what it should be. I realize that sometimes, one is missing, due to no choice, but because of accidents or illness. However, there is a tendency today for people to be irresponsible, and just want their lust gratified, and try and call it love. That’s one reason there are so many young people living in fornication, having children, and then the state is given the responsibility of raising the child and giving them WHAT SHOULD RIGHTFULLY come from parents. The state takes over the “welfare” of the child. That is a joke!!! No government agency can do the job God intended for parents to do. Sure the state can take children from an abusive environment and “protect” them by placing them in a “safe household.” But that is not the answer to our problems here in the United States. It will take people who take responsibility for their actions to choose to be parents and love their children to make a difference in this country.
May I suggest that the most influential person in a child’s life is it’s mother! However, motherhood is being ridiculed, and held in reproach by some women who are only looking for gratification, without responsibility. Why is an abortion so prevalent? I’ll tell you why – because women choose to be ungodly and self-centered. There was a choice made long before the child was ever conceived. People are making choices which are simply ungodly, and the government then says in essence, “That’s okay, we’ll just get rid of this “tissue” and you can go on your way…”
God’s plan from the beginning is to have one man, one woman, for life. That these two have children, and raise them to be responsible to God. However the high and lofty position of motherhood is slowly eroding away. How many homes today have both parents in it, that love their children and nurture them in the admonition of the Lord? Few, I suggest…
In the first book of the bible, Genesis, we find that mothers were honored and recognized during the Patriarch period of time-”And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3:20). Then during the time of the Law given to Moses from Mt. Sinai we have one of the ten commandments which instructed them to “honor father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). Today, under the New Testament, we have instructions given in Ephesians chapter six, the first six verses how parents and children are to interact.
I appreciate what Paul had to say of Timothy’s upbringing. There is nothing mentioned specifically about any men in his life, but there is that tremendous influence that Eunice and Lois had Timothy (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5-6)
I don’t know where the statement originated from, but it is a great attitude which says: “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
To all the mothers who might read this bulletin, who are striving to do their best to train up children in the admonition of the Lord – I “hold your hand up” in honor to you and your love for the Lord and children. Such realize the great privilege that God has granted you to be a part in raising the next generation. Perhaps your mom is still living, if so, then give her the kindness due her. And if she has gone on to her reward – may you retain the good teachings that she tried to instill in you and others. My mother has been gone for a number of years. She wasn’t perfect, she had her flaws, but she didn’t have any perfect children either. She did what she could. Sometimes it wasn’t enough, and at other times, was more than enough.
To all the women who are Christian mothers – keep on keeping on. Don’t give up. You are making a great difference in the lives of children. You are helping with other women, by your good example. Your days may be long, and difficult and filled with stress, but don’t give up. I love you for all the loving effort you put forth.
May we as men, show due respect and honor to our wife, children and to “Mother’s” in general who are striving to be godly moms.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” And vice versa for mothers.
To children, realize that your parents are not perfect – they make mistakes, they make choices that you may not agree with. However, respect them, love them and strive to obey them completely, and you’ll find life is full and rewarding in your home.
May we that don’t have children in our home any longer, encourage and help those who are training their youngsters. You can remember how it was with your children. Give a loving hand and smile.
For those who don’t have any children – you may have a blessed opportunity to help with others. Show your love, support and kindness when you have the opportunity.
I’m so thankful for women who are Christians. Who love the Lord, love their husbands, love their children, and love other people’s children as well.
To all you moms out there – may you have a very good and rewarding “Mother’s Day.”

By: Will Mayhue

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/happy-mothers-day/

May 05

THE GOSPEL’S PLAN OF SALVATION

“The Gospel’s” means that it is of, and comes from the Gospel. Not from a man. Not from a council of men. Not from our “feelings.” It is from the Gospel as delivered by inspired men (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20,21). Thus, it is the Divine message given by Deity; and it does make a difference as to whether we follow the real Gospel or a perverted gospel (Gal. 1:8,9; John 8:30,31).
“Plan” is that which God has required men to do in order to come into contact with the cleansing blood of Christ. It is the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 2:37).
“Of salvation” means being saved, having one’s sins forgiven, getting into Christ, entering into the Kingdom, being reconciled to God, being born again, becoming a child of God and entering into the church which is composed of the saved.
What, then, is the Gospel’s plan of salvation?
First, one must HEAR the Gospel. “How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14).
Second, after hearing the Gospel, one will either BELIEVE it or disbelieve it. If one wishes to follow God’s plan, he must believe. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21).
Third, there must be a REPENTING. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance is a godly sorrow for having done sin, which leads to a change of mind from disobedience to obedience (2 Cor. 7:10; Mat. 21:28-32).
Fourth, one must make the good CONFESSION. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
Fifth, if one seeks to follows The Gospel’s Plan Of Salvation, he then must be BAPTIZED in order to be saved.

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
“Even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21).
“Repent and be baptized…for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
“Be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).

Since Jesus foretold of those who thought they were saved when in actuallity they were not, (Mat. 7:21-23), it is obvious that there are false and unavailing plans which are being taught and believed which do not save. The following of any other plan in any other order does not do anything other than deceive a person into thinking that he is saved when in actuality he is still lost.
It is our earnest plea that men follow the GOSPEL’S plan of salvation.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/the-gospels-plan-of-salvation-2/

Apr 28

GIVING

One of the wonderful aspects of humanity that occurs year-round without end is that of giving. People give of their finances, time and attention to others in their birthdays, weddings, graduations, births, illnesses, charities and at Christmas. Giving is one of the attributes which distinguishes humans from animals–they basically take; people give.
In the language in which the NT was written, there are seventeen different words used to describe giving–a giving which God has done, and a giving which man is to do. Consider the giving of God, and the giving of man:

THE GIVING OF GOD:
I will give you rest (Mat 11:28).
My peace I give unto you (John 14:27).
To give light to them that sit in darkness (Luke 1:79).
To give knowledge of salvation (Luke 1:77).
The Son of man came…to give his life a ransom for many (Mat 20:28).
To give…forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31).
I give unto them eternal life (John 10:28).

THE GIVING OF MAN:
Give to him that needeth (Eph 4:28).
Give to the poor (Mat 19:21).
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).
Giving thanks always for all things unto God (Eph 5:20).
As we consider that which God has given us, we are truly in debt and no amount of giving on our part could ever begin to “pay back” that which we have received. Nevertheless, as “freely [as] ye have received, [we are to] freely give” (Mat 10:8 ), while we “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/giving/

Apr 21

DISCIPLINE: AN ACT OF LOVE

Our God loves all men (those in the world; those in the church; those who have fallen away [John 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9])–and so should the Christian (Mark 12:31). While God’s ideal Will is unity in the church (1 Cor. 1:10), unity with sin is condemned (Rev. 2:15-16, 20) and division with evil is upheld (Eph. 5:11). Thus, God, in His love for the church to keep it pure and His love for an apostate to save his fallen soul, has set forth His law of discipline (2 Thes. 3:6-15; 1 Cor. 5:1-13).
God’s law of discipline consists of both positive (directive; preventative) and negative (corrective; exclusive). Positive, in that, by means of instructions of the Bible (as in Bible classes, sermons, etc.) the church is to keep itself from becoming disorderly (Heb. 3:12-13; 2 Tim. 4:1- 5). Negative, in that, when Scriptural steps are taken, there is the exclusion of the disorderly from the fellowship of the church (Mat. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thes. 3:6-15; Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 5:11-12; 2 John 9-11: Titus 3:10-11).
The purpose of church discipline is three-fold: (1) to save the erring Christian (2 Thes. 3:14; 1 Tim. 1:20; 1 Cor. 5:5); (2) to save the souls of the church from being influenced to do the same (1 Cor. 5:6); (3) to save the world (Acts 5:11; Note: sin and hypocrisy will keep the world from being saved, Rom. 2:26f).
The motive of church discipline is love, for it is the attempt to save the soul (2 Cor. 2:3-4; Rev. 3:19; Prov. 13:26; Heb. 12:6), and is always to be done in meekness/kindness/gentleness (Gal. 6:1).
God identifies those who are to be disciplined: [1] Those who walk disorderly (2 Thes. 3:6). This is a general reference to anyone who persists in a transgression of God’s law (2 Thes. 3:6, 14; 2:15). [2] False teachers. Such are those who bring not the teachings of Christ (2 John 10), who are heretics (Titus 3:10) and who cause divisions (which false teachings do) (Rom. 16:17). [3] Those who practice false doctrine (2 John 9). [4] Those who are immoral or worldly (Eph. 5:11; 1 Cor. 5:9). [5] Those who sin against a brother but will not repent (Mat. 18:15-18). These are those who have already lost their fellowship with God (1 John 1:6) and are to be disciplined in love and meekness by the church for the purpose of saving souls.
After mourning and praying for the one in error (1 Cor. 5:2; 1 John 5:16), the church is to visit to seek to convert (James 5:19-20; 1 Thes. 5:14; Gal. 6:1; Mat. 18:15-17). If, following such visits the erring repents, we have gained our brother (Mat. 18:15) and are to forgive and greatly rejoice (Luke 15:11-32); however, after a fair period of time if there is no repentance, there is to be the withdrawing of fellowship. This means that: [1] he is to be noted and marked before the church (2 Thes. 3:14; Rom. 16:17); [2] he is no longer in spiritual fellowship with any member of the church (Eph. 5:11; Mat. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Thes. 3:6; 2 John 9); [3] there will be the cessation of the engagement of social company and interchange (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:14; Rom. 16:17 [Note: this does not negate family responsibility, otherwise there would be the transgressing of God’s laws regarding these matters, 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Cor. 7:3-5, 10; Eph. 5:22-25; 6:1-3]); [4] the offender (if he attends worship) is not to be asked to take a leading part in worship (Titus 3:10; Rom. 16:17); [5] whenever a member meets the offender, there is to be no greeting which conveys acceptance (2 John 9); and [6] when a member encounters the offender, the member, in love for his soul, is to reprove and admonish him (Eph. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:15).
Truly, church discipline must be the most difficult thing a Christian is to do. However, with love for his eternal soul, the difficulty becomes a desire.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/discipline-an-act-of-love/

Apr 15

DOES GOD “TAKE PEOPLE”?

QUESTION: All people die, but when we die, is it because God “took them” (that is, God decided to actively end their lives by means of an accident, illness or even a murder)?
ANSWER: If God directly takes us at His desire, then…
1. Why, since God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), did He save apostle Peter from death, but let apostle James be killed? (Acts 12).
2. God should be totally happy when “taking people” since everything went according to His Will. However, regarding such a matter, God Himself groaned in the spirit and wept (John 11:33-35).
3. God is rightly blamed for tearing a precious child from the arms of loving parents thereby causing the parents great and long lasting anguish of heart. [Question: Since Herod did such a thing (Mat. 2:16), should he then be praised instead of abhorred?]

Also consider this compound, yet valid and sound argument: If God directly “takes people” (i.e., caused their death), and if Christians were put to death by persecutors of Christianity (Luke 11:49), then God is the source (i.e., the one responsible) for the persecution of Christians to their death. Thus, if God is the source for the persecution of Christians to their death, then: (1) the persecutors are not guilty (for they were only carrying out the Will of God [Mat. 7:21]); (2) God is guilty of great evil (1 John 3:15); and (3) God is involved in self-destruction (2 Tim. 3:12). However, it is not the case that the persecutors were not guilty (1 Thes. 2:15; cf., Acts 2:36); nor is it the case that God is guilty of evil (Deut. 32:4; 1 John 1:5); nor is it the case that God is involved in self-destruction (Mat. 12:24-30). Thus, it is not the case that God is the source (the one responsible) for the persecution of Christians to their deaths. Therefore, it is not the case that God directly “takes people” (causes their deaths).

The truth of the matter is, God does not directly end the lives of people. Rather, it is this. The world in which we live (which is a temporary testing [not, tempting] place in which it is determined whether or not one chooses to believe, love and obey God) has laws of nature which may be violated. For example: (1) gravity holds us down, but if we fall off a cliff we will suffer damage; (2) fire is most useful for cooking and for heat, but a bumped candle can burn a house (and those in it); (3) knives can cut rope, but if we are not careful they cut our finger or pierce our heart; (4) etc. Furthermore, there are religious and moral laws of God. When a man chooses not to obey God, he sins. Sometimes those sins are directed to others by which they may even be murdered. Actually, all causes of death are due to man’s sin. It is very important to remember that God made a perfect garden for man, including a tree therein of which eating its fruit would keep them from dying (Gen. 2:9-3:22). Yet, man’s sin resulted in his expulsion. Furthermore, due to man’s great sin, God brought the flood (Gen. 6) which severely changed the world from that which was very good (Gen. 1:31) into that which now has earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, diseases and such like (2 Pet. 3:6). Thus, today, when a person dies, it is because he lives in a physical world of which he has come into conflict with the physical dangers therein—and not because God decided to directly take them.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/does-god-take-people/

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