Stolen Words

The Bible speaks often of stealing. In its various forms the word "steal" appears 44 times in the Bible (not to mention other similar words such as rob, covet, etc.). Regardless of the object, stealing is seen to be wrong. It takes from another by stealth, cunning or force what is rightfully his. Obviously, God disapproves of stealing.

There is an interesting passage in Jeremiah involving this idea of stealing. As with other such thoughts, this one condemns the thief. However, what makes the passage so interesting is the object said to be stolen and the one who did the stealing. The object was God's words, and the thieves were those who claimed to be prophets. The passage reads: "Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor" (Jeremiah 23:30).

When considered in our modern setting there are still those claiming to be "prophets" who "steal my words." They can be seen on television, heard on the radio and read from in print media. They claim to be spokesmen for God, yet their teachings are foreign to His Word. Since they substitute their own words they, in essence, steal God's. The results of such actions are devastating. Not only are they themselves either ignorant, deceived, or dishonest, they endanger the souls of those who would hear and follow their teachings.

These "prophets" of Jeremiah's day were false prophets and spoke erroneously. They convinced the ignorant, gullible and hard-hearted of the truthfulness of their words to the detriment of their lives. Numerous are the "false prophets" of our day who likewise speak falsely. Sadly, they convince many to follow them, to the detriment of their souls. Perhaps Peter said it best: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of' (2 Peter 2:1,2). To be certain, the condemnation of God rests upon those who "steal his words."

Congratulations!
We are proud to announce the birth of Christopher Ellis Chambers – born to Trudi Chambers this past Wednesday evening, April 27th, at Regency Medical Center in Winter Haven. Christopher weighed in at 8 lbs, 6 oz and was 21 inches long. Baby, Mom and grandparents are doing well.
Speaking of the grandparents – Carl and Nancy Chambers are also proud to announce the birth of Dexter Alexander Allen (8 lbs, 10 oz. - 21" long) born to Jenny and Kevin Allen this past Friday (April 29) at Tampa General Hospital.

Snowflakes are some of natures most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.

For Your Information
You will notice that there will be five men waiting on the Lord’s Table this morning. The fifth man will be responsible for seeing that any mothers using the nursery are served. Ladies preparing the Lord’s Supper should be sure to prepare 5 trays each for the bread and for the fruit of the vine.

Ghana Campaign 2005
Bob Bauer, Jim Hall, Daniel Stearsman, Chad Tagtow and Brian Kenyon are scheduled to leave on a missionary journey to Ghana, West Africa, May 19th through June 6th, 2005. Those who are able and would like to help with this good work can make single contributions and the moneys will be split up as needed among the group of missionaries. Contribution checks should be clearly marked for the “Ghana Fund”.

In the eyes of most men, what a man possesses determines his greatness; but in the eyes of God it is not the abundance that man possesses but how abundantly he uses what he possesses. Who are we trying to impress, men or God?