Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

The Big "C" As far back as 2500 B. C. we find indications of the existence of cancer in the human body. Most of that information comes from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. After the fall of Egyptian rule, it was several centuries before we find Hippocrates calling it “carcinoma”, from the Greek, meaning “crab.” The tumors they saw had appearance qualities similar to the shape of a crab. It was the 18th century before more modern diagnoses connected it to the lymphatic system. It is hard to know when the science of Oncology really began, but the 20th century saw great strides made in diagnosis and treatment. My experience with this malady is with a very non-aggressive, slow growing form, and the prognosis is very positive. But many forms of cancer move very swiftly. Recent years have seen many friends and family members suffer from cancer, or the big “C” as it was often called. Fortunately, now there are means of treatment – and even cure. The alarming thing about cancer is the fact that something is growing in a person’s body that may not be discovered until it endangers one’s life. At that point, it can be a tragedy. A very clear spiritual parallel can be seen in an individual, a family or even a nation. The Apostle Paul wrote Timothy to warn him and others of the sinister devices of Satan and the cancer of sin: “Shun profane and vain babblings; they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer,” 2 Timothy 2:17. That quote is from the New King James translation, using the word “cancer” instead of “canker.” The point is well taken even today. Sin can and does “spread like cancer,” and is much more deadly, having consequences that are eternal. Consider the following “cancers” spreading among Christian and non-Christian alike: Lack of Respect for Scripture If you want to get a good laugh in some surroundings today, just suggest that some practice is not scriptural. Laughter may not be the outward response, but many think it is foolish and outdated to consider seriously the Bible as God’s book revealing His authority. Even among religious folk, many see the Bible as a series of stories that should guide us but is not in any way authoritative. Some say it is just a “love letter,” while others deny the inspiration of God is its source. It is past time for us, “practicing” Christians, to know what we believe about it and why. Our children need to know why we study and live by the precepts of the Bible. They need to know such passages as 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, John 10:35 and Hebrews 4:12. It would also help if we practiced what the Bereans did when they heard a preacher: “... they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” Acts 17:11. Immoral Behavior and Attitudes This may be the most obvious way to describe mankind today. Take a glance at the movie and TV fare, the immodesty so rampant, and the so-called sexual revolution. Just like cancer, these forms of behavior are spreading throughout our society. Mothers! Dads! It is your job to teach your children to “abstain from every form of evil,” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. If we do not teach -- and then teach some more on these subjects, God will hold us accountable. It’s worse than any contagious disease or plague! Teach them modesty and purity. Teach them the need for being good examples to each other and the world. Teach them what true love is. “Let no one despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12. Insist upon their adhering to biblical principles. Your souls depend upon it. Forsaking Christ’s Church This life is fraught with challenges, trials, suffering and struggles. It seems that some believe forsaking the Lord and His people will make life easier. No more “thou shalt nots” and no more demands upon one’s time… or one’s pocketbook. No more worrying about being righteous. No more mention of the word “sin.” Some finally realize their mistake, and think since they have “made their bed,” they now must “lie in it.” But “remission” is possible, and peace of mind comes not with drugs, alcohol, extra-marital or pre-marital sex. Note what scripture has to say about this: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him turn away from evil and do good: let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil,” 1 Peter 3:10-12. Cancer of the soul is more deadly than cancer of the body. Let’s rid ourselves of the cancer of sin. Now! Carl B. Garner

“He is the best physician who is the most ingenious inspirer of hope.” Samuel Coleridge “Sin is not harmful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is harmful.” Benjamin Franklin “Health is not valued till sickness comes.” Thomas Fuller

Abraham, A Faithful Father Abraham furnishes an excellent model for Christian fathers, and his pattern of child-rearing must be duplicated in all homes today. Abraham proved that God’s confidence in his ability as a father was not misplaced (“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him,” Gen. 18:19). Isaac’s peaceful and patient pilgrimage which stretched across 180 years is a moving tribute to the faithful training he received at the feet of father Abraham. Children in Abraham’s day were trained to be what they were then exactly as children are trained to be what they are now. If Abraham had failed as a father, it is doubtful he would have ever acquired the designation “father of the faithful.” Failure in fatherhood would have kept the designation “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” from ever becoming a meaningful expression. The placement of Isaac and Jacob in this expressive term demanded that Abraham teach his first and second generations about Jehovah. Isaac had his illustrious father for seventy-five years. Jacob was fifteen when his famous grandfather died. These must have been rich and rewarding years indeed for Isaac and Jacob as they enjoyed firsthand the beautiful fruits of Abraham’s faithfulness. Before Abraham entered the coveted circle of fatherhood, he was first a man of God, a person of unparalleled faith for his generation, and one who had a hold upon Jehovah God few men have ever experienced. These excellent background ingredients enabled him to transmit his fervent faith, uncommon goodness, and abiding loyalty to his son of promise and to an uncounted multitude who affectionately refer to him as “father Abraham.” Fathers today who have a strong hold upon God can be much more successful in helping their children clasp the hand of deity. When we have more modern day Abrahams to head Christian homes, we will have more children rising up to “keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment,” Genesis 18:19. (taken from Christ in the Home, p. 155) by Robert R. Taylor. Jr.