“One-Upmanship”

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Charles Hodge Jr. who for many years wrote articles “From the banks of Onion Creek” wrote one of the most challenging articles I have read. It is not easy… it is not simple…. and it is not for the ‘not-open-to-thinking’ type person. It is for the one who is objective and willing to think about what has for many years been an on-going problem.
   To put it succinctly, we have a problem with differences.
    Hodge, who’s writing is always challenging and just different also speaks to this attitude. He has (again) managed to put more thought into fewer words than any I know. This is an article I found in one of dad’s TUD schedule books. (There were two places where tape had been removed and it made some words difficult if not impossible to see. These are marked here with brackets. I have tried to fill in with the train of thought… but this is not always easy.)

   “One-Up-man-ship! Repulsive, divisive, destructive! The (illegible) of preachers to always be “Top Dog”…”always quick to put others down. The end of what would have been great friendships, relationships. The “know-it-all”, the “I am right and you are wrong.”… “I deny anything you affirm”… “I will win all at any price.” … the aggressive, radical, (illegible), infallible, orthodox!
  Pathetic! What one small circle! The mind is “closed up”. Others cannot be listened to,… others cannot be allowed to express themselves…. others cannot disagree or question. Dogmatic, contentious, abrasive, “One-upmanship”. So many wives have to live with such! So many churches have to put up with such!
   How pathetic! Said folks must always be right — there is no margin for ignorance or mistake. They must be the highest authority (illegible) and all subjects. Actually, they consider themselves infallible All others are suspect. They remove risk from themselves — the privilege to (illegible), to grow, to (illegible), to fail, to be wrong, to be human. “Sit down, (illegible) and listen to me. Communication is a “One Way Street”. Said folks must (always) be right.
   (Theirs) is a precarious existence. Isolated from friends and family and brethren- yea, isolated from reality and self. How heavy the (burden) of men who become their own god! REPENT! And join the human race.”

   There is always a great, great need for all Christians to keep a close watch on attitudes and how we deal with others in the body of Christ. We need to come together on some basic facts. 1.) We are brethren – family, because of the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 2.) This is not determined by everyone agreeing on every single thing, while agreeing on some basic core beliefs. 3.) Fellowship is something given by God as He adds those who come to Christ (born again). “Fellowship” is a noun not a verb. (Acts 2:38-47). 3.) We need to be open to studying, searching, and discussing the scriptures… and be willing to accept truth within the context. 4.) We need to encourage questions and discussions in our bible Classes…and listen to each other… even if we have differing views… which should be open for discussion and comparison with the scriptures. 5.) We need to always love each other and sometimes even just agree to disagree… but unless one denies some basic, foundational truth… consider them brethren. 6.) We need to refuse to be part and partial to ANY EFFORTS TO DIVIDE THE CHURCH. While understanding the warning of Paul to ‘mark’ or avoid those who promote division… (Romans 16:17).
   Extremes more often than not, lead to a misunderstanding of truth. Dad encouraged as do I, that we should strive for BALANCE in our understanding of scriptures. To focus on a cup, rather than the contents, and the principles taught is to miss the point. To focus on the act of washing feet as an “act” which must be done… is to miss the teaching that to have the heart of Jesus means having the heart of a servant on an on-going basis.
    These are just some suggestions, which I know are incomplete…. which I have probably mentioned elsewhere on this site. Some may not agree with me here, but I know that unless we learn about grace and how to apply it’s principles… we will continue divide and hurt each other. As Hodge said, “We need to grow up” as Christians…
    How did Jesus deal with his disciples? Much differently than we deal with each other. Let’s grow….

The Last Supper

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Dad wrote this in his New Testament….
   “This is a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper. This masterpiece took over seven years to paint. The extra ordinary story behind this masterpiece is astounding. Leonardo felt that he should use living persons as his models since this was to be such an important picture. He started with the painting of Christ. Hundreds of young men were studied to find a man who’s face portrayed innocence and beauty. After a long search he found a man whom he felt could portray Christ. The painting of Christ took six months. When he was done with Christ, it took 6 more years to paint the disciples until all were completed accept one. That one was Judas. To find someone who looked like Judas was a problem. After a long discouraging search, da Vinci heard of a man in prison in Rome who was sentenced to die for his brutal crimes.
   Leonardo went to Rome where the prisoner was brought before him. He saw in this man who’s face was ugly and vicious – scarred and full of hate. He knew immediately that this was the man he wanted to represent Judas, the Savior’s betrayer.
   By special permission from the king, the person was brought to Milan to pose for da Vinci at appointed hours each day. Finally the gifted artist finished his painting. As the guards were taking the prisoner away, he broke loose. Rushing to da Vinci, he gasped and said, “Look at me!!!”: “Do you not know who I am?!” With his sharp, piercing eyes, da Vinci looked at the man and said, “I do not know you. I never saw you until you were brought to me in Rome.”
   Then the man lifted his head towards heaven and cried, “Oh, God… have I fallen so far?!”
   Then he turned and said, “Leonardo da Vinci, Look at me again!!!” “I’m the same man you painted only seven years ago as the figure of Christ.”
   This was copied by dad when he was in Calgary, Alberta while visiting a member of the church and he happened to glance through the Family Bible.
   People change… sometimes for the better…sometimes not. Jesus warned against this since we don’t know what is in the heart of man. Marshall Keeble once said, “I’m not a judge… I’m a fruit examiner.” It might do us better if we just examine the fruit as opposed to judging based our feelings or ‘think-so’s’ or on what someone else says. The way we judge others will come back to bite us as we will be judged the same way (Matthew 7).
   Fact is, we just don’t know what’s in the heart of man… but Jesus does. Paul later instructs us to be careful when dealing with Christians who fall or sin… Helping, restoring… with a spirit of gentleness demands a spiritual heart. The danger? Who knows… somewhere down the ‘time-line’ you also may fall….
   Falling is not usually done over night… it happens ‘bit by bit’ and step by step in the wrong direction. Beginning in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28), which is just as bad as the ‘real thing’ only to find that ‘thoughts not taken captive for Christ’ have taken to root and produced a plant that bears bitter fruit… You may not even recognize yourself.
   Thank God for His love, grace and forgiveness… Thank God for a Savior who even washed the feet of Judas… and accepted cursing, denying, Peter. Thank God for a Savior who was patient with his disciples then… and now…
   The was once two who came to worship God. One was a Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee prayed and said, “O God, I am so grateful I am not like this Publican.” The Publican would not even look towards heaven, but hit himself on his chest, and cried, “Oh, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Just like the man who posed for Jesus AND Judas…. “Oh God… Have I fallen so far?!”
   Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved (saves) a wretch like ME….Praise God for His matchless grace… Amen walls!!!

Tiny Figure

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Beside the highway leading out of town, he stands beneath the green trees. I don’t know who he is, nor does he know who I am. I do not think he cares to know my identity.
   He waves to me – To everyone. His face is happy. His smile is bright. I feel better after I pass by, because he has shared his joy, his love for life and people with me.
   He does not come to the roadside in a moment of idleness, nor without careful preparation. As I wear a robe, adorned with a cross to raise the sacrament to my people… he brings his chair, a thermos, an eye shade and his shaggy dog.
   I think about him – Tiny figure, beside the road, offering his sacrament of a ‘Good Day’ to everyone who passes. I wonder how his days are spent. Are they long, as mine? Does anyone raise a hand to him? When the cars are gone and the night closes in, what does he do? I do not know but I think he is happy in the remembrance of his ministry of love. I think he falls asleep smiling.
   Tiny figure beside the road — you know so well what one taught so long ago… “For whatsoever ye would that men should do to you… do ye also unto them…” and “… by your standard of measure… it shall be measured to you again.”
   I lift my hand to you — tiny figure — I must learn to sing your song.
   Let me live in my house by the side of the road. It’s here that the wall of men go by. They are good. They are bad. They are weak. They are strong, wise (and) foolish. So am I!!
   Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat, or hurl the cynic’s ban? Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend of man.

The Christian Life

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

It is no small thing to be a Christian. “Marvelous” and “challenging” are perhaps our best efforts at describing this life but these fall far short of the real joy which comes when one is a genuine disciple of Jesus. The blessings are many, and the challenges are many as well… but the rewards far out-weigh all that we go through in this life.
Alton Howard. a well known song writer/publisher and elder in the body of Christ published 10 things elders need to keep in mind while shepherding the flock of God, and which help in living the Christian life. Dad cut out and pasted this in his New Testament…
1. Focus on Christ
2. A strong effort to spread the message of Jesus Christ
3. The church family must be biblically educated.
4. We must be concerned about rescuing the perishing rather than damning the saved..
5. We must be willing to accept change in methods.
6. We must permit diversity.
7. The church must be a place (group)(jhejr) where saint and sinner can find love, joy and encouragement.
8. We must make commitments to life change – not just form.
9. Must emphasize basic Gospel facts — Jesus in the flesh — crucified — resurrected
— ascended — coming again!
10. Each Christian must live a life that reflects the life (heart)(jhejr) of Jesus!
Another friend and brother (Charles Hodge Jr.) encourages all to “Grow up!” in Christ.

The most precious relationship is that which we have with Jesus… Let’s commit to renewing this with the goal of having the heart of Jesus.

Key Words In Romans

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

Studying God’s grace is like studying God’s creation.. The documentary “God of Wonders” deals with the wonders and beauty of God’s creation. As one studies scriptures and in particular, God’s grace… one is captivated again and again by the God of wonders and His marvelous plan to save mankind.
In particular, Paul’s writing to the Christians at Rome goes deeply into the Grace of God, exposing the fallacy of one who tries to be saved by law. Thus it is critical to understand the key words used in Romans. Below, is a list of words and definitions dad had on a card which he kept in his folder for his lesson on grace. I hope this helps you in your studies….

WORDS – ROMANS
1. IMPUTE – to give or account – to credit
2. ADOPTION – not naturally born into
3. JUSTIFICATION – above charge no indictment (This is a one time action)
4. SANCTIFICATION – Holy set apart (This is an on-going and growing action of the Spirit of God working in the life of the Christian.)
5. PROPITIATION – to satisfy
6. RIGHTEOUSNESS – character of being right
Right religiously with God
7. EXPIATION – making amends
8. PARDON – forgiveness – setting free from punishment
9. GOSPEL – good news – “All the Jesus did”
10. ELECT – chosen
11. WORKS – (alternative) fruits
12. FLESH – body
13. WRATH – God’s anger – displayed in action
14. GRACE – gift – mercy
15. FAITH – believe – not seeing
16. LAW – rule of action
17. LIFE – now – to come
18. SIN – miss the mark
19. DEATH – separation
All of these are GREAT, SWEEPING, PANORAMIC – CONCEPTS – WORDS which add to the understanding of Paul’s work to the Roman brethren.

Don’t Forget!!

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   How well we remember the unbelievable, when terrorists hijacked four commercial
jets, using them to attack America. We watched helplessly, as the Two Towers
fell, the Pentagon was struck, and a lonely field in Pennsylvania received it’s
awful impact as heroes acted to save yet another target of a few terrorists.
   Recently my wife and I travelled to New York City with some friends, and one of the places we were determined to visit was the “Freedom Tower”. Actually I am not sure if it is called by this name or “World Trade Tower #1”. One lady who was on the subway train with us, got a bit upset when she heard one of our group refer to the tower as “World Trade Tower”. Anyway, I like “Freedom Tower” and it is truly an amazing work of engineering construction. The memorial of the two towers which crumbled to the ground killing so many innocent Americans, is also beautiful. In a setting of a quiet park with walk ways and trees, one finally comes to where they once stood. The plaza which has perfectly formed waterfalls into where the foundations once were for these huge buildings, continually falls. The names of not only those who died here but also those who perished in the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania, as well as those who died in the
1993 attack are inscribed here… all 2983.
   The problem with people is that we tend to forget. We get distracted by other things. It was the same in the Bible… Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 6:12 “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought
you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Well, as history shows, Israel
forgot. In Matthew 26:6-13 we find a woman comes in and anoints Jesus’ feet… others complained and griped, but Jesus said that her kindness would be remembered (or will we forget?) This was close to the time when Jesus was to be crucified. It was after this, we find the record of Jesus instituting the Supper (Matthew 26:17-29)… The bread represents the body of Jesus, and the “cup” (grape juice or wine) represents the blood of Jesus. It is a memorial… never to be forgotten, because it was His sacrifice that was
given for the sin of the world. It is His sacrifice, that sealed a New and better Covenant. It was through his sacrifice, that we can come and gain access into His grace and receive a marvelous forgiveness of every sin. (Will we forget?) Truthfully, we probably won’t forget this memorial, but it seems to be given less and less time in services…. with less thought being given in preparation made.
   Memorials like the one in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, where so many perished at the hands of a few terrorist… should never be forgotten… Simple acts of kindness should not be forgotten. The Memorial which Jesus established (which surpasses all the others)…. Should never be forgotten (or treated lightly).
   Lord help us not to forget.

Slavery Or Freedom

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Grace

SLAVERY VERSES FREEDOM
   After 430 years of slavery, the Israelites were finally free from Egypt and the horrible treatment of slave masters. God chose Moses (Exodus 2-3) to be His messenger to Pharoah. It took Pharoah ten lessons (Exodus 7-11) before he finally let God’s people go. They packed up everything they could carry, and even looted the people of Egypt, and set out for the Promised Land of Canaan. Following the Red Sea event, where Pharoah met his final defeat (Exodus 13-14), they are now free, but there is more to freedom…
   After the song, dance and celebration came the hardship and responsibility, something they were not prepared for. The wilderness was not easy and Israel continually griped and complained to Moses and Aaron about conditions… (Exodus 15:22-23; 16:3). They even wanted to go back to slavery in Egypt!
   Slavery at least (the Government) provided them with food and water, and they didn’t have to even think for themselves… they were told what to do. Sure they were beaten if they failed at their jobs… but now the hardship of freedom and responsibilities of freedom, made them long for slavery once again.
   There are two ways to look at this thing called FREEDOM. Freedom is good and bad because it means you have to think and make decisions based on the knowledge of right and wrong. It depends on how bad you want to be free.
   Some Christians still want a lot of rules and regulations… they have hard a time with the grey areas where decisions and choices must be made. Paul’s greatest battle was with Jewish teachers and Christians who were trying to either enforce or go back to the slavery of the Law (Galatians 4:8-11). The problem was that they were trying to be saved by PERFORMANCE OF LAW KEEPING not by FAITH IN CHRIST.
   The result of going back to law keeping… it takes the joy of the Christian away (Galatians 4:15) and you “fall from grace” (Galatians 5:4), since LAW/WORKS and GRACE/FAITH are incompatible. It really is a case where FREEDOM IN CHRIST is at stake.
   Paul says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Religion which enslaves, and demands performance is a religion of frustration and guilt. You can motivate by both LAW and GRACE, but only one of these brings JOY.
   Yes, freedom in Christ means responsibility to study and think for yourself, and yes there is the possibility of making mistakes… but that is what grace is for. Grace means “unmerited favor”, it means having some “elbow room.” “Elbow room” to grow, make mistakes and get up and try again… not try to BE SAVED, but BECAUSE YOU ARE SAVED. Christians cannot grow under law… but they can grow under grace.
   There is a big difference between ‘going to church’, giving, praying, singing, studying because you HAVE TO and because you WANT TO. Slavery verses freedom…. I’ll take freedom in Christ every time.

Stones

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

      Several years ago, we had what the Irish call a “Pub”, a Bar… and it was called “The Frog”. I have heard of a lot of drinking establishments… but none called “The Frog”. Then it was torn down and we watched when we passed sometimes daily (not that I shed a tear) but it just so happened that we were in the process of fixing up our yard. It seemed like we planted hundreds of plants, bushes and trees. We created gardens and actually named them. (Now I think that is just wrong.) We have the “Mail-box garden”, the “Bird house garden”, the “Beside the house garden”, and we had the “Zig-zag garden” (which is thankfully gone), the “Triangle garden”, and then there is the “Long garden” which goes around the back yard!! We just about gardened ourselves to death, right? Well, this was all a part of just making our little place look a bit better.
   Part of these projects included rocks… lots and lots of rocks. We would see a pile of rocks somewhere and stop and try and get some. We drew the line when we saw road repair being done and huge chunks of sidewalk and street were coming up. THEN CAME THE FROG! When that place came down, I mentioned it to my wife and we were both ‘drooling’. You may think it funny to drool over rocks…. But just think about how much that stuff costs! We were putting borders made of rocks everywhere! Around the gardens, walkways which probably measure out to going around a football field!!! (At least it felt like it.)
   The day came… I went down to the place where all the remained of the “Frog” was a huge pile of rocks. I had my trusty old, half ton 1989 Chevrolet truck (long bed), and stopped at the site, and asked if I could have some rocks. The workers said, “SURE!”, but I don’t think they expected what happened. I started picking rocks, actually cinder blocks that had been broken. Four trips, and two tons of rock later… we had what we thought was enough to put borders around everything in our yard. Surprisingly the truck withstood the stress, even though each load made the truck ‘sag’ on the rear end.
   Now we are almost finished with our projects… and the yard… well, it looks pretty good. All with a lot of hard work.
   Rocks (stones) have been used throughout the Bible for various reasons… building walls (Genesis 11:3), building an altar for worship (Genesis 28:18, 22), stones were used as monuments (Genesis 35:14), as vessels (Exo. 7:19), as examples (Exodus 15:5, 16), as weapons (Exodus 21:8), to write on (Exodus 24:12; 28:10, to punish and put to death (Leviticus 20:27; 24:14; 26:1; John 8:1-11), used in prophesy (Matthew 24); and reference to Jesus (Acts 4:11)… for closing tombs (John 11:38-45), for marking a place of judgment (John 19:13)… The most notable stone… the one which is historically remembered and spoken about is the one which was moved from the tomb of Jesus (John 20:1).
   Jesus of course didn’t need the stone removed to get out of the tomb… it was moved for US. It was moved so the disciples could go in and see… the linens which wrapped Jesus lying in their folds… So they could see, Jesus was not there. HE IS OUR RISEN SAVIOR! All the others who claim to be the Messiah are still dead, their graves… marked with a stone.

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