Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Lessons From Long Ago It was Confucius who said: “Study the past if you would know the future.” However, some would not only study the past, but they would prefer to live in the past, so William Penn wrote: “Some are so very studious of learning what was done by the ancients that they know not how to live with the moderns.” Finley Peter Dunne gives another view: “The past always looks better than it was; it is only pleasant because it isn’t here.” It appears that man either loves to study and think on the past, or he wants to forget it altogether. There is some truth to all three statements previously quoted, for history really does repeat itself at times, and knowing that can aid us in preparing for the future. But to bury oneself in the past diminishes present opportunities. Some history deserves to be studied because it is God’s history—Bible history. The apostle Paul said: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope,” Romans 15:4. The Holy Spirit is saying that what has been written in former times can give us steadfastness, courage, hope and the tools to resist the assaults of Satan. We would be foolish to reject or ignore those lessons. Therefore, consider the following Old Testament lessons that can be of great value to all of us. 1. The negative results of parental favoritism. Though the patriarch Jacob did not have the advantage of modern advice on “parenting,” he should have known that treating one son more favorably than another was not wise. Joseph’s status as favorite son alienated him from his brothers and eventuated in his sale into slavery. That God brought “good” out of this situation (Genesis 50:20) does not change the fact that parents should be fair and just in their dealings with each of their children. Every child must enjoy the favor of their parents, and each must be brought up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:4. This favors both parent and child, and makes possible a good future relationship between both. 2. God cannot and does not ignore sin. The word “just” perfectly describes Jehovah’s nature. Moses, who observed God’s justice firsthand, said it this way: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are justice: a God of truth and without injustice, righteous and upright is he,” Deuteronomy 32:4. Moses wrote these words in the context of receiving the consequences of his own sin, yet he still praised God’s justice. His justice is tempered by His love, Romans 3:26, and He always desires and seeks our best interests. 3. God can give a gift that requires mankind to meet certain conditions. During the period of Israel’s wandering, God fed them with manna, “given” to them, Exodus 16:15-35, but with specific conditions to be met. In Joshua 6:1-5 God described Jericho as having been “given” to them, but that gift was accompanied by some fifteen specific conditions that were to be met if they were to receive His “gift.” God’s gift of salvation also demands that we do certain things in order to receive that gift, and other conditions are required for us in order to maintain possession of it. 4. The “high cost of low living,” both to individuals and nations. For 300 years Israel’s lifestyle was characterized by “every man did that which was right in his own eyes,” Judges 17:6, 21:25. Consequently, these were the darkest days of Hebrew history. It was partly the result of failing to fulfill the conditions set forth by Jehovah for possessing the land (see Exodus 23 and Deuteronomy 7). Their rebellious behavior, their sin and rejection of God’s law led to tragedy and their own rejection. Low living carries a high price. 5. A powerful, righteous man was brought low by not controlling his passions. The story of David begins with God describing him as a “man after His own heart,” 1 Samuel 13:14. But it ended with his own son taking the throne for himself. Why? Because David did not control his own passions, taking another man’s wife, and then commanding the death of her husband (see 2 Samuel 11-12). This happens today, and this danger still exists for men and women—good and righteous men and women. This is why both Old and New Testament writers clearly condemn adultery and fornication (see Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 6). This is a lesson that must be learned by every human being, because the tragedy that follows it is so widespread and pervasive in any society. Paul used Israel’s sin to warn early Christians of the danger of falling from God’s favor, 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. We would be wise to learn every lesson from any and every scripture, Old or New Testament. Carl B. Garner

Preventing Marriage Splits by Marvin Rickett We are seeing an alarming increase in marriage splits. Even more alarming is the number of splits involving persons in the church. We thought we would avoid this problem because we know what God says about it; but not so. God hates divorce: "Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away," Malachi 2:15-16. He severely discourages separation: "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife," 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. There are several causes which contribute to the increase in marriage splits. First, it is an age of extreme selfishness. Each one is determined to have his/her own way regardless of the consequences. He/she has little concern for the well being of the other. Yet, concern for the partner's well being is at the very nature of true love, and the word of God condemns selfishness. Second, society condones separation and divorce. There was formerly social stigma against it. Social stigmas are very effective and valuable in restraining human behavior. Now it is popular to talk of dissolution, "easy divorce kits," single parenting, etc., as very acceptable. A third cause of today's separation and divorce rampage is the ease with which one can break up a marriage. The state makes divorce easy to obtain. Separation and divorce seem to be an easy way out when to preserve the relationship would require some self denial and hard work. Any foolish weakling can bust up a marriage. It takes some fortitude and courage to make a go of it. A fourth cause of today's separation and divorce involving Christians is marrying outside the church. The Christian can desire to preserve the marriage, but the unbelieving partner may have no such desire because he has not the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. It takes two determined partners to make a go of marriage. It is difficult for one alone to do it. But he has to try. Young people, marry Christians! The best solution is preventive. Here is a list of "Beatitudes for the Home" which has made its rounds in church bulletins: Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing. Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends. Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another. Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are an heritage of the Lord. Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word." Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship assemblies of the church and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out problems of adjustment without interference from relatives. Blessed is the couple who has a complete understanding about financial matters and who has worked out a perfect partnership with all money under the control of both. Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and home to Christ and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving. Many souls will be in jeopardy in the day of Judgment because of marriage splits. Take your vows seriously and work to preserve your marriage.