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We have all read the scripture of Joshua 10:13 quoted above and another, 2 Samuel 1:18, which has such a reference to the Book of Jasher. I had never really given much thought to the subject, feeling sure that the book had never been found. However, it apparently has been found and the only reason you hear little about it is that it seems to be simply a record book kept by more than one author over an unknown period.

It is an interesting study. The book starts with the creation as does Genesis, but with much less detail in most cases. It does contain the accounts referred to by Joshua and Samuel. The account of Joshua 10:13 is found at Jasher 88:63-64. The 2 Samuel 1:18 reference is found at Jasher 56:9. There is considerable controversy over whether or not the book is the authentic "Book of Jasher" as referred to in the above biblical verses. I have not studied it enought to form an opinion yet. I do have to admit however, that the casual manner the two biblical references are written does not appear to me to have been purposely written to match the bible verses. Read this quote by John P. Pratt:

There are at least three books published in modern times which have been called "The Book of Jasher", which are entirely different books. One is a Hebrew treatise on ethics, for which no one makes the claim of being a lost book of scripture. Another is an easily detected fraud, published in 1751, which claims to have been translated into English by Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus. It is still in print, so if you obtain a copy of the Book of Jasher, make sure it is not that one. It is sometimes called Pseudo-Jasher to distinguish it from the third Book of Jasher, which is a legitimate Hebrew document and the subject of this article.

Zacchaesus was a worthy man, but because he was a publican (tax collector), the Jews closed their eyes to his good qualities. Wanting to see Jesus, and being of short stature, he climbed a tree that he might see this man who confirmed His teaching by the great miracles which He performed. This would seem humiliating action for a man of his position as a chief tax collector.

He readily did all that Jesus told him to do. He received Jesus joyfully. He gave half of his goods to the poor. He restored fourfold if he had taken anything by false accusation. Jesus said, "Today has salvation come to this house." Jesus saw Zacchaeus as a worthy man. The Jews saw him as a sinner. What made the difference? Jesus without prejudice plainly saw the good and noble qualities of the man. The quality of his character made no difference to the Jews. He was a publican and therefore a sinner.

Prejudice blinds to truth and fosters dishonesty in dealing with others and with the word of God. But only when righteous judgment is absent, can prejudice capture the minds of men.

Galatians 3:27 we are told that the sinner is "baptized into Christ." Being immersed in water, alone, will not unite us with the Savior. When one "from the heart" (Romans 6:17-18) obeys God’s will, he will do so because of his faith in Christ (John 8:24). Because of his faith in Christ, he will repent and turn from sinful conduct. If he does not repent, he dies in his sins—"unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 15:5). Because of his faith in Christ he will be baptized "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). He is "united with Him …" (Romans 6:5). Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that OBEY HIM" (Hebrews 5:8,9). Have YOU obeyed His will? Are you united with Him? None of the blessings provided by the grace of God, in His Son, can be enjoyed by one who is not united with Him. Believing that Jesus is the Christ, will you "repent and be baptized," and thus be united with Him? The destiny of your eternal soul depends upon it!

(Reprinted from The Gospel Guide March 2007)

A psychiatrist is a fellow who asks you a lot of expensive questions that your wife asks for nothing...Joey Adams

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which you put your money in your pants pocket and give your coat to your creditors...Joey Adams

A threat to the sanctity of marriages has arisen that I feel I must address, primarily because it has already taken such a terrible toll on Christian marriages within the Tampa area. I am speaking of an "addiction" to the Internet, particularly chat rooms, where some have gone to get emotional validation or attention from complete strangers. I am personally aware of two divorces by Christian couples in the Tampa area within the past year and know other marriages that are floundering because of this problem.

What seems to be a very innocent pastime is literally turning to adultery and causing neglect, dissention, and numerous problems in some homes with alarming frequency. As with many things in life, participating in chat rooms is not a sin within itself, but it can so easily lead to it when the user is looking for and/or finds an emotional connection to someone other than a spouse, family member, or fellow Christian. The problem is that the user allows himself/herself to be sucked into a relationship slowly and refuses to recognize he/she is sinking into an "addiction" until it is a monumental task to keep from going back to the computer. I use the term "addiction" only to describe the power of this desire. It is a cop-out to blame an addiction on genetics, circumstances, sickness, or others. The choice to continue with any "addiction", whether to alcohol, drugs or even something as simple as television, is a choice we make and we have the power to not give in to the "addiction", even if it requires help from God and others. That's not a popular statement in this culture at this time, but it is still the truth, no matter how unpopular it is.

While the individual who becomes "addicted" to chat rooms is responsible for his/her problem, many times the spouse is also guilty in contributing to this problem. Usually, they are not providing the emotional support and attention they should be. If you or your spouse is becoming attached or is already "addicted" to chat rooms, you need to evaluate your possible contribution to the problem and correct it. If you can't correct the problem together, seek out Christian counseling immediately. If you wait too long, the damage may be extensive, even to the point where one or more of your souls will be lost and your marriage and family destroyed.

(Reprinted from the The Encourager archives by the Bell Shoals church of Christ.)

pros-e-lyte (prŏs'ə-lît') n.
A new convert to a doctrine or religion.

I've heard brethren, most of my life, saying we don't want to be guilty of proselyting. As if it were an ugly word and an uglier deed. A proselyte is simply a new convert to a doctrine or religion. Many people have misunderstood the term and feel that it refers to conspiring to get some one to move from one congregation of the Lord's church to another.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees in Matthew 23:15, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye compass land and sea to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a child of hell than yourselves”, not for the act itself but for converting them into their own hypocritical lifestyle.

Proselytes are referred to twice in the scriptures and only in a favorable way. Acts 2:10, naming those who were assembled, included "...and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,...". This refers to those of paganism (gentiles) converted to Judaism. Then in Acts 6:5, one of these, named Nicolaus was chosen to serve in the church at Jerusalem.

And today, false doctrines and ignorance of God's word are so prevalent within the "churches of Christ", many need to be proselytized from those who are astray. I do not advocate trying to move a brother from one sound congregation to another. But where those who are "running the show" in a hypocritical unscriptural manner, it would be well to snatch any sincere souls from condemnation. Proselyting should be considered in the same sense as evangelizing and teaching.

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Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited-until you try to sit in their pew.

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?