Musick-al Notes

Musick-al Note # 248    

          From Mark 12:41 we read these words: “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how he people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.  Watchers of collection plates have long since gone out of style among us.  Without violence to the Scripture I can say that He who watched on this occasion has never ceased watching.  Our people would feel like asking the elders to resign if they should     appoint men to watch as people cast money into the collection plates, yet that is exactly what Jesus was and is doing. In verse 42, we are told the exact amount that the poor widow cast into the treasury.  It was two mites.  This suggests that Jesus not only beholds in a general way, but He beholds the amount that each contributor casts into the plate.

          Jesus said that the widow gave more than all they that cast into the treasury.  He could not have known this without knowing how much they cast in, and again He said in verse 41 that they that were rich cast in much.  These statements prove that the Lord observed the amount given, and the ability of the one giving.  Certainly the Lord was not referring to the amount when He said that the widow cast in more.  This widow cast in more than all the rest in that her gift was more expensive to herself.  No doubt the rich men gave liberally, but failed to give sacrificially.  They gave of their abundance so they did not have to deny themselves of a single necessity or pleasure because of what they gave.  They did not have less to eat, less to wear nor less comfortable homes because     of their contribution.

          A certain fear creeps upon me when I read of this account of the Lord watching as the people contributed to His cause.  I might be considered liberal when compared to some, but let us each compare our offering with that of the widow.  I seriously doubt if there are any “widow’s mites” given here, or at any other congregation in this land.

          Perhaps if we could only realize that we are being watched it would prompt us to give more acceptably to the Lord.

          Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 247         

          Jesus’ love is greater than any that man is able to comprehend.  To have left all the joys and the bliss of heaven where He has the fellowship of God and the angels for the purpose of saving man is indeed a demonstration of great love.  However, when we realize that the payment for the sins of mankind was His death on the cross of Calvary, we begin to see the extent of that love.  Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “Christ loved me and gave Himself for me” and in Ephesians 5:25, “He loved the church and gave Himself up for it.”

          His great love causes us to love Him in return 1 John 4:19. In our response to His love we will obey His commandments for we want to be pleasing in His sight.  When we love the Lord we will keep His words but what a mighty response that we receive!  God also loves us and will dwell with us. 1 John 14:23.  When we do not do what Jesus has asked it is ample proof that we do not love Him. John 14:24.  Love inspires us to do the will of the lord, but lack of love will cause us to fail to keep His sayings.

          Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14 that the love of Christ constrains us.  It urges us to go with the gospel of Christ for He would save the world.  Death overtakes men and women daily who are unprepared to meet God.  Many have no heard a single gospel sermon, none has told them the glorious message of Christ that they might be saved.  His love impels us to be busy in the work of the Lord, to encourage one another, to strengthen the weak, care for the sick and do all that is within our power to bring them to Christ.  He loves us.  Do we really love Him?

           Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 246  

         The very best animals for a sacrifice was required by God during the Mosaic dispensation.  He forbade the Jews to offer an animal that was lame, or blind or in any way deformed. (Deuteronomy 5:21, Malachi 1:8).  Since Christ became the perfect, eternal sacrifice for sin, God has found no pleasure in the sacrifice of a dead animal.  In the New Testament age, He asks for the saint’s body as a living sacrifice.  Being true to His nature He seeks the best; a body unspotted and unblemished by sin.  Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  He teaches further on this same idea in Romans 6:12-13.

         Does God have the right to require such a sacrifice?  YES!  By right of ownership He is justified in requiring anything that pleases Him.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “What, do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?  For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. His ownership is enhanced by the redemption from our sins.  Jesus died to ransom everyone from the death penalty for sins (Ezekiel 18:4, 1 Peter 1:18-20),

         The body is not for sin but for God.  He teaches us in Titus 2:11-12 to, “deny ungodliness and worldly lust and live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.”  The enlightened and faithful Christians will offer it without reservation to the will of heaven.  He will not destroy the body which God has given him but will care and protect it against all disease and harm that he may do the work of Him who loved him and saved him from the eternal doom of hell.

             Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 245       

          Our Pilgrim fathers set aside a day for special thanksgiving for God’s goodness in preserving their lives and providing for them in their new home in this new land.  Later the last Thursday in November was designated by the government as the special day of “Thanksgiving” this making this a national holiday.  This day will be spent by most people in fulfilling their own pleasures by visiting family members, watching football games, drinking and in parties.  Few people, very few, will do more than offer a formalistic word of thanks for the bounty of food prepared for their consumption.  Fewer still will thank God for all the wonderful blessings that they enjoy.

          Christian people ought to be a thankful people at all times and we ought to use this season to be especially thankful for all God’s gifts to us.  God has given us His own Son, life in His name, the forgiving message and forgiveness if we will obey Him, glorious blessings in the church and hope that will not be ashamed in the last day for He will keep all His promises.  Will we be like the   nine lepers who were cleansed or like the one who returned to give thanks? (Luke 17:12-19).  Will our children know us to be thankful for these many blessings or will they only know us for our using everything just for our own selfish pleasures without thought for the giver?  We can be happy people and at the same time be thankful to the Lord God for His goodness to us.  Our children learn from our actions and daily living just what we think concerning God and His blessings.  No amount of words on one day can erase from their minds our thankless existence through-out the year.  What we say and do must show that we indeed turn our minds and thoughts to the living God and acknowledge His gives to us.  Thanksgiving Day – a happy occasion and another glorious opportunity for expressing our thanks to the Living God as His dear children.

              Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 244              

Jesus gave one of the strongest indictments against anyone turning away from the Word of God by saying “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).  Many in the world are teaching doctrines which are not found in the Word of God and thus they are formulated by man.  At the same time they teach that a man need not obey commands given by the Lord which are found in the Scriptures.  Religious teachers have a great deal of influence over the hearts and lives of those who listen to them. Many are accepted without question just because they are teachers of religion. Many have forceful personalities and a great speaking ability and some have degrees from colleges that enhance their ability to be accepted.  We must remember that “the Scripture cannot be broken” for it is the Word of God.  Its foundation is with God in heaven (Psalms 119:89) and it is not given to any man to teach otherwise and be pleasing to Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 15:9, “And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”  Every person should know that they are to “test” every religious teacher to see whether their words are Truth or lies.  John said in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  False teachers are among the people and thus no man is to be trusted without first determining whether he speaks according to the Word of God (1 Peter 4:11).  Peter described false teachers in his second letter, chapter 2, and said in 2 Peter 2:2-3 that many would follow their pernicious ways and with feigned words they would make merchandise of you.  Read and study this entire chapter that you might know the danger of listening to anyone who teaches anything that is not according to the written Word of God.  Recognize that we will all come before the Judgment seat of Christ, face His words and give an account of our obedience to them (John 12:48-50, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:14).  Those who obey Him will be blessed but those who do not obey Him will be condemned.

          Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 243            

       Bought with the blood of Jesus thus freed from the bond and guilt of sin by God’s only begotten Son, a Christian has verbally and physically committed himself to the following of righteousness.  His every act, word and thought reflects the great change such freedom has wrought in his life.  At one time he was lost from God but now is found and known by the Lord. He was blind to eternal things but now his eyes are opened and he can see.  He was wounded and dying but in Christ Jesus, he is made whole and alive.  In the past he lived in rebellion from his maker and deserved to be destroyed as an enemy but is now forgiven, a child of God and an heir of heaven itself.

          But we see Christians not so living.  Receiving manifold blessings of God, he uses them for fulfilling his own lusts.  Time given by the long patience of God is used to satisfy his own whims. Opportunities for service are often squandered for ease of living.   Abilities, capabilities, knowledge and talents are spent for self-gratification and satisfying the lusts of the flesh.  An individual committed to Christ?  Not such as these!  We must understand that eternity is imminent and the joys there are real and attainable if we renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and live godly lives.  When we realize that heaven is worth our consideration we will change so that we commit all of life to the Master.  When we are convinced that this world is not our eternal home, we will strive to make sure of our salvation because heaven becomes more valuable to us than the gaining of things. We must commit ourselves to Christ as Lord of our lives and follow Him in all things.  Is Christ real to you?  Are you living for Him or for self?  What kind of Christian character do you present to the world?  Does your commitment to Christ reflect that you to live a life dedicated to Him by your service to your fellow man or do you seek to only satisfy self?

          Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 242

          We ought to be able to open the Bible and see the church of our Lord as He gave it to the world.  We have the pattern He gave in the final authority in religion – the Bible.   It shows no confession of faith but Christ as Lord; no greater change of life than repentance of all sins; no entrance requirement but baptism into Christ; no standard of daily living but love; no name to follow but Christ; no discipline but His Word; no creed but His book.  NOW, can you prove what you believe and practice by reading it in the Bible?  If not, it MUST be of men, Matthew 15:8-9, Colossians 2:20-22.  If our worship is not of faith, it is SIN (Romans 14:23). Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  We must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), for by faith, we are God’s children (Galatians 3:26), and by faith Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17).  Examine yourself whether you are in the faith of Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5) for there is only ONE FAITH (Ephesians 4:5).  Obey the Gospel of Christ, which is God’s power to save your soul (Romans 1:16) and the Lord will add you to His body, the church (Acts 2:47, Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 1:22-23).  Be faithful to do His will throughout life (Matthew 7:21-27, Revelation 2:10) and He will give you a crown of life (2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12) and keep you from the wrath of God (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).  At the end of time, He will deliver you up to God for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:24).

           Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 241  

         There has never been a time in the history of the church of our Lord that dedication and service to His cause were not needed.  The age in which we live is no exception, yet more and more we are reaping the fruits of indifference.  Elders, deacons, preachers, teachers have all become discouraged because of indifference on the part of so many Christians.  It has been estimated that only half the membership of the Lord’s church living in this city attend services to worship God.  Of the Christians who do attend only half of these attend with any regularity at all, that is over half the time.  It adds up to an alarming number who are indifferent to the Lord’s call to discipleship.

         Dear reader of this paper, are you among that number of wonderful souls who attend regularly and can be counted on to help with the work?  Do you give yourself wholly to the Lord to follow His will?  Are you seeking to know more about Him, His work, His promises and His rewards?  Is your schedule so arranged that you are able to take advantage of every worship period to worship God?  If not, why not?  Isn’t it a matter of desire, concern and zeal?  Doesn’t indifference take a tragic toll among Christians?  Teachers are not immune, for some have been infected with the disease.  Deacons can and have fallen prey to this enemy of the kingdom.  Preachers have left pulpit and work because they could not withstand the pressures upon them.  Elders have also been overcome and their influence for righteousness has been cast aside because this insidious evil has crept into the church of the Living God.

         There is no cure that can be applied by brother, preacher, teacher, deacon or elder.  God can purify our hearts and cause us again to strive mightily in His kingdom, but only as we give ourselves in dedication and service as a true disciple of the Lord. What about it?  Dear Brother, will you hear His voice and obey His will?  Will you give yourself to follow Him in self-denial?  Avoid the pit of indifference or lose your soul in eternity, separated from God.

            Gordon Musick

 Musical-al note # 240               

     Jesus said, “It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the man but that which comes from the mouth does defile the man.”  (Matthew 15:11).  Jesus explained in Matthew 15:17-18 that what a man eats does not defile the man because it enters his stomach and is later discharged, but what a man says, that comes from his heart and thus defiles that man.  The spirit of man can never be defiled by what a man eats for it never touches his spirit but only his physical body.  However, what a man has in his heart does touch his spirit and his spirit is defiled.  Jesus was not speaking of pure thoughts that lead to pure actions but was speaking of impure thoughts that lead to sin.  James spoke of this in James 1:14-15.  Consider this carefully for every person is tempted by Satan to sin. When we continue in faithfulness to do good works according to God’s will, we turn from that temptation and are blessed by the Lord God but if we are drawn away by our desires and lust, we will sin.  That sin will lead to eternal death unless we repent (cease to sin) and do God’s will in our thoughts and deeds.  Jesus taught that a person must give their whole being to God’s will (Matthew 5:27-48) – actions, thoughts, sight, hearing, love and devotion.  We must bring our whole entity in obedience to Him.           Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 239                 

          How marvelous to be remembered!  A phone call, a letter or a few moments shared in Christian fellowship makes our outlook on life so much brighter.  We need to be loved and cared for as well as to love and care for others.  This basic need of man should have its greatest fulfillment in the Christian fellowship.  No need to be lonely and no need to feel sad and neglected, yet because we do not give ourselves freely to one another we are lonely at times, sad and forlorn.  Being unselfish and loving, others will enjoy our presence and care for us and show their concern by such friendly visits to us.  We all need that extra attention at times and it is indeed inspirational when some friend just happens to call.

          Let us not forget that we can be that friend who calls or writes or takes a few minutes to call on another.  We ought to remember how good we feel when someone calls on us and then think of another on whom we might all to spread this happiness.  To just sit at home waiting for others to come to us would be foolish as well as disheartening.   “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, Jesus said.  Truly in this area, joy and happiness comes to the giver as well as to the receiver.  Let us love one another with a pure heart fervently.  Let us communicate with one another with sincerity and not with avarice for God will judge our hearts. Give joy to someone’s heart and life by calling or writing or visiting them today.

                Gordon Musick