I want to talk today a little bit about flowers. Here in the state of Texas, our state flower is the bluebonnet. The Texas Bluebonnet is a very beautiful flower and member of the lupine family of flowers. The state of Texas has seen it fit to seed it and sow seeds of the Texas Bluebonnet all along the Texas highways. In a really good year, you will see many, many beautiful Bluebonnets begin to appear in early April, and they will bloom for about a month. During this time of year you can take a scenic drive along the highways and byways of Texas and witness one of the greatest marvels of nature.  Years ago, the State of Texas decided they're going to pick a state flower. After many choices were weighed, the decision came down to two possibilities: the Texas Bluebonnet and the Prickly Pear Cactus Flower. The Prickly Pear Cactus blooms begin in in late April or early May unto the end of June. Most often it is a yellow flower, but depending upon conditions it may produce orange or red flowers.

This year in 2025, Bluebonnets really didn't do very well. There was not enough rain last fall and at the right time. Bluebonnets need rain, but that rain has to fall at the right time. So far this year we have had a decent amount of rain, but it did not come at the right time for the Bluebonnets to really bloom.  There are a few patches that are really nice, but for the most part, there's not much there. The Texas Bluebonnet  will not bloom if there is a drought. So in drought years, the Texas  Bluebonnets go dormant, and they stay that way. On the other hand, the Prickly Pear Cactus Flower blooms no matter what. It doesn't depend upon a lot of rain, because the cactus thrives in drought conditions and will bloom even under difficult circumstances. It will bloom regardless of the external weather circumstances.

This reminds me a little bit of some people how their happiness, even their faith, depends upon their external circumstances. Take for instance, in the book of Job that we read how Job was a great man. In fact, the Bible says he was the greatest man in the East. And more important than that he was very righteous man. God had blessed him with extreme wealth, He had many, many flocks, and many, many servants. Job and his wife had been blessed with ten children.

The Bible tells us that because Job was a “blameless and upright”  man the devil chose to attack him.  (Job 1:8) Consequently, there was a single day in which Job suffered incredible loss. The devil caused all of his flocks and herds to be destroyed and most of his servants to be killed.  Most tragic of all, Job’s ten children were all killed! All of this in one horribly bad day! Take note of Job’s reaction to all of this. “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20-22 NKJV) None of these things took away Job's faith. But the devil wasn't through with his attacks. He makes another attack upon Job's health, and he destroys Job's health. “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7 NKJV)

And so Job is sitting there in abject misery covered with painful sores, and he is able to get no relief whatsoever. One would think that his wife would be very sympathetic toward him, but remember she is suffering too. She had once enjoyed the same blessings  that Job had enjoyed. She had been right there alongside him. I have no doubt that when things were going well, she was very happy and thankful. But you have to consider that she's gone through a lot of trauma of her own. She lost her children! Wealth can be replaced, but the loss of her adult children was irreconcilable.  Take note of her grieving words,  "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!"  (Job 2:9 NKJV) Job and his wife are facing the worst “drought” in their lifetime together. Here Job’s wife is not “blooming.” At this point in her life, she is not shining forth the glory of God in her life and faith. She is like the Texas Bluebonnet in a drought – not blossoming!

Job on the other hand is like the Prickly Pear Cactus Flower! His faith is not dependent upon his external circumstances.  Notice his reaction to her words, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 NKJV) And then notice what Job later says when has been challenged by his so-called friends.  Notice what Job says about his faith. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.” (Job 13:15-16 NKJV)

Job maintains his integrity, his faith in God throughout all of this process. He has many questions and a few doubts, but over all he never loses his faith in God! And as we come to the end of the book of Job, we see that he endured and because he endured, God blessed him once more. “And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before… Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters.” (Job 42:10, 12-13 NKJV)

And so we see that in the end, God blessed Job because he blossomed even during the worst “drought” of his life. He was like that cactus flower and his faith never wavered throughout all of his ordeals. Notice what the Bible says about Job’s faith, “ My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:10-11 NKJV)

There may be a “time of drought” in your life. Don't lose your faith and hide it like the Texas Bluebonnet under unfavorable conditions, but rather blossom as Job did, even in a difficult time in your life. You can blossom because God is there with you if you His faithful child.  But be a Prickly Pear Cactus Flower!

Often, as a gospel preacher, I am asked which Bible translation I would recommend. I always recommend the King James Version, the American Standard Version (1901) or the New King James version and personally prefer the King James. There are several considerations that I have taken into account when deciding upon these particular translations. Mainly I look at the method that was used by the translators and look to see whether there is an overall theological bias to it.

First, I always look to use a translation that uses the “Form Equivalency” (FE) method of translation, where an attempt is made to render a literal “word-for-word” translation instead of one that uses the “Dynamic Equivalency” (DE) method which is more of a “thought-for-thought” translation. You could say that FE is at one end of the spectrum and DE at the other. The many English translations out there fall somewhere along this line. It could be said, for instance, that the American Standard Version of 1901 would be at the extreme FE end of the spectrum and the New Living Translation or the Message Bible at the extreme opposite end. The King James, New King James, New American Standard Bible, and English Standard versions are each much closer to the FE end of the spectrum than they are to the DE end. The New International Version and the New Revised Version are much closer to the DE end than they are to the FE end of the spectrum.

Second, I then look for theological bias. For instance one such theological bias is found in Galatians 5 in the New International Version  where the Greek word sarx is translated “sinful nature..., “ rather than simply “flesh...” Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV 1984) “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want...” For comparison’s sake notice this same passage in the ASV of 1901, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would...”  Thayer’s defines sarx as, “flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts.” The word, simply defined, nowhere implies anything sinful! This fallacy is the result of those who have approached Biblical translation with the theological bias of Calvinism, where man’s very nature is thought to be fallen because of original sin, a man-made doctrine that the Bible does not support! The NIV, in its current version, has changed that particular wording but still maintains it in a footnote.

Another instance of theological bias is found in the English Standard Version in Romans 10:10, where it alters the language to point where a false doctrine on salvation is taught. Other passages in the ESV are well translated, but Romans 10:10 clearly show a theological bias. The ESV translates it as follows, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved...” For the sake of comparison, the NKJV version renders it, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...” The ESV in Romans 10:10 translates the Greek word eis as "is." "With the heart one believes and is (eis) justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is (eis) saved..."  Is this an accurate rendering of the Greek word eis? Thayer's defines eis as follows: "into, unto, to, towards, for, among." Note that the Greek word eis is not a verb, rather it is a preposition and therefore it should never be translated by the English word "is." The ESV in Rom 10:10, also translates the Greek NOUNS “dikaiosune” and “soterian” as VERBS, rendering them "justified..." and "saved...” respectively. The ESV claims to be a “word-for-word” translation, yet here they replaced nouns with verbs and a preposition with a state of being.

To my mind, “believeth unto righteousness..." (KJV) is not the same thing as "believes and is justified..." (ESV) Neither is “confession is made unto salvation...” (KJV) the same thing as “confesses and is saved...” (ESV) The English word "is" implying a state of being. The ESV would have us believe and be justified; confess and be saved. Yet, the Greek indicates that belief leads unto righteousness and confession leads unto salvation – but it does not equate belief with the state of being justified, or confession with the state of being saved. Theological bias at play here? I think so.

Because of this obvious theological bias, I personally cannot recommend this translation for serious Bible study. It has many good qualities about it, but I do not think it is a worthy replacement for the KJV, the NKJV or the ASV 1901. For those who may argue from the standpoint of readability, I do not believe the language used in the ESV is any easier to read than what is used in the NKJV for instance. With a little bit of familiarity, the KJV and ASV are not at all hard to understand even for small children.

The ESV has grown in popularity in part because a certain well-known gospel preacher wrote an article, just after the ESV became available on the market in 2002, stating that he thought it may in time prove to be an excellent translation. Notice what he said, “Though the ESV is not without some weakness, generally speaking, it appears to be an accurate, literal translation, rendered in beautiful English. It is a version, we believe, that will serve the English-speaking world with distinction. It is our hope that this new version will not become a point of contention within the body of Christ.” (Wayne Jackson, Article: The English Standard Version, www.christiancourier.com). In this article, Brother Jackson simply gave his preliminary findings on the ESV, admittedly without a thorough investigation of the translation: “I have not gone through the entire volume. I’ve only checked random passages; nonetheless, I am impressed with this new version. It may turn out to be one the best modern alternative to the King James translation, although I still prefer the meticulous precision of the American Standard Version (1901).” (IBID) As the ESV has come under more and more scrutiny, more and more instances of theological bias are being noted.

All translations have their issues. One mistranslation found in every English version since the Bishop’s Bible (1568) is to not translate the Greek verb baptizo as “immerse,” (which is what it means) but rather to transliterate it as simply “baptize...”  This was done so that those who were practicing sprinkling and pouring for “baptism” would find it more acceptable. Every English version has its individual flaws the NKJV and ESV, for instance, poorly define the Greek word porneia as “sexual immorality” rather than adultery or fornication, which is a more precise definition. The King James Version has some problems as well, such as the insertion of the word “easter...” in Romans 12:4 and its imprecise use of the word “hell...” in places where the Greek word hades is used. The NKJV more accurately transliterates it as "hades...” The ASV (1901) is considered by many scholars to be the most outstanding English translation, but many find it harder to follow than even the KJV.
 

To quote an older preacher, “The real problem with Bible translations is not in which one we use, but rather that we do not use the one we have...!”

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

I am continually in a state of shock at the rudeness of some drivers. Some people think that the very laws of nature change when they get behind the wheel. They seem to think that the universe suddenly begins to revolve around them when they’re on the highway. With some people you just naturally expect them to be rude. With others, it comes as a complete surprise. This second group I call “bumper sticker” hypocrites.

Have you ever noticed all the bumper stickers with inscriptions such as “My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter,” “Got Jesus?” or my favorite “In Case of Rapture This Car Will Be Empty”? Have you also noticed some of the different window decals and tailgate ornaments that depict a fish, or a fish swallowing the “Darwin” fish with legs, or the picture of a little boy (the same little boy that you usually see on pickup windows relieving himself upon a Ford, Chevy or Dodge logo) kneeling before a cross? Have you ever been cut off by a rude driver, and when his minivan slows down in front of you, you can read his “What Would Jesus Do?” bumper sticker? Ever been “flipped off” by a woman with a fish on her bumper? Have you ever been driving the speed limit and watched a car pass you like you’re standing still and then driven a little further and read his “Got Jesus?” bumper sticker while the Highway Patrol has him pulled over?

How about this one? One time I was in line at a convenience store and the man in front of me was buying several cases of beer. He left and then I bought my cup of coffee and as I was leaving the store, I saw the same man stocking the ice chest in the back of his pickup with beer. Can you guess what his bumper sticker read? “In Case of Rapture This Car Will Be Empty”! Of course, there will be no “rapture,” but even still if I was to see his truck moving erratically down the road I would not think that the rapture had come and that his truck was driverless, but rather I would think that he had been drinking the beer from his ice chest.

So, what does all this mean? What’s the big deal here? I find it interesting that people feel the need to advertise their “spirituality” by displaying these types of religious symbols and phrases on their cars. Isn’t ironic how some people profess by the bumper sticker that they are “spiritual,” yet drive like the devil? I am reminded of Jesus’ scathing remarks about the hypocrites for their similar displays of “spirituality.” In Matthew 6:5 and 6:16, Jesus condemns such displays of outward “spirituality” in the avenues of public prayers and fasting. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men… Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Jesus was not condemning the act of praying or fasting, but the hypocritical attitude possessed by those who want to appear spiritual. The motive behind spiritual things must always be to the glorification of God, not the glorification of self.

So why do so many people have these types of stickers and ornaments on their cars? Is it because they are truly spiritual or because they want to appear to be so out of another motive? Of course, not everyone who puts these things on their car is insincere. Nevertheless, would they not do better to show their spirituality in other ways? If we are to truly be spiritual and glorify our Father in Heaven, then we ought to show it by our actions and not simply by putting on a sticker. If we let our light shine through our chaste and pure lives, showing our devotion to God in obedience to His will, then truly He will be glorified, and we will be justified.

In the seventeenth chapter of the book of Acts, we read of the apostle Paul’s work in the Grecian city of Thessalonica. As was Paul’s usual pattern upon arriving in a Gentile city, he went first to the Jewish synagogue and attempted to teach the gospel to the Jews.  There he “reasoned with them [the Jews] out of the scriptures... [the Jewish scriptures] Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ...”  (Acts 17:2-3). Paul was unable to convert many Jews there because of a certain element, within the synagogue, that refused to hear and understand the gospel and subsequently stirred up trouble causing Paul to flee that city.

Next we read how Paul went to Berea, some fifty miles to the southwest of Thessalonica, and entered the synagogue there (verse 10). Unlike Thessalonica, here he found a ready audience, one that was willing to listen and was open to the gospel. Why were the Bereans more open to the Gospel than the Thessalonians? The Bible says, “These were more noble [“fair-minded” NKJV] than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11).

Luke records, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that the Bereans were nobler. The word “noble” here literally refers to those who were of the highest social order – the nobility. However, in Acts 17:11 it is used figuratively. They had a noble character, an open and ready mindset. They were like the “good ground” in Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8:4-15. Verse 15 of that passage says, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Their hearts were honest and good. Therefore, they received the Word with readiness of mind. That they “received” the gospel meant they listened to it. That they received it with “readiness of mind” meant that they were willing, even eager to accept it. They were open enough to the gospel that they would, at the very least, withhold judgment on it until they could give it a careful and thorough examination.

How did they go about examining it? They searched the scriptures to see if Paul’s teachings were correct. Jesus challenged certain men to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39). Paul had been preaching the Gospel from the Old Testament scriptures. The Bereans studied the scriptures every day to verify he was teaching the TRUTH even as the Law of Moses demanded in Deuteronomy 18:22. The result of this noble searching of the scriptures was that “many of them [the Jews] believed...” (Acts.17:12). (Compare this with Acts 17:4 “some [few] of them believed...”).

What is the application for us today? We should all be like the Bereans in at least two ways. One, let us each have a “noble” mind; one that is willing to heed the Gospel and to change our lives to conform to its teaching. Two, let us like the Bereans, search the scriptures daily! “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). In doing so, we will not be fooled by those who come preaching a perverted gospel. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7). I challenge you therefore, like the apostle John said in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” In other words, any time someone claims to preach the gospel, do not listen to his words unless they can be supported by God’s All Authoritative Word with a “thus saith the Lord!”

A History of the Kempner church of Christ by Kenneth Stremmel

The church of Christ in Kempner has a long history, but not a large one. The earliest documented information we have for the congregation is a copy of the original property deed. The congregation is located on the Northern side of Kempner, on the West side of Hill St. This is also known as Cemetery Road or County Rd 3300, formally named County Rd 24. Originally, W.H. and Rosa Seals owned the property. They deeded it to the then existing congregation in December 1903. This transaction was recorded by the Lampasas County Clerk in August of 1904. There is no record of who the members were or how many there were at that time.

However, the property was not the congregation's first location. Brother Lee Allen Jackson resided in Kempner for most of his life. He and his family were among the earliest members of the congregation. He was born in 1906 and passed away in 1994. He told of earlier members remembering their meetings "along the river." Another of his remembrances was recounting about helping to build the old tabernacle in 1921, which has since been torn down. The tabernacle was the congregation's home for worship services for several years. There are copies of the congregation's old financial records dating back to 1926. Another pair of early members — Brother Walter (also known to many as Uncle Walter) and Sister Ethel Cox and their children and grandchildren helped maintained one set of these records. Notes in the records sometimes indicated they did not have worship services due to snow on the ground.

Former students of the Kempner District School have used the tabernacle in the past for reunions. This was because it was near the school site. The tabernacle has had a number of repairs made over the years, and it stood for many years as a local landmark. It was often used for singings or fellowships by congregation members.

The old records do not contain any mention of the first building on the property.

But there are notes for the purchase of firewood as early as fall of 1926. Brother Jackson mentioned the building being constructed in 1927, but it is not mentioned in these old records. Over the course of several years, the records mention purchasing construction materials. However, in the summer of 1929, there is the first mention of purchasing "window curtains" and other furnishings. There were numerous mentions of purchasing mantels, chimneys, and fuel for lanterns over the years. The first mention of paying an electric bill was in the summer of 1942! This included purchasing wire to be run to light the tabernacle as well.

There is a recurring record of disbursement to Ira Grantham. He was apparently the earliest minister we have record of in the congregation. Three other early regular ministers covered by these early records were Silas Howell, a Bro. Barnett, and a Bro. Melton.

The records also indicate plans to add onto the building. The result was a building that had three small classrooms and an auditorium seating about 60. There are no comments about when that part was completed.

There is a long gap in the records. They pick up again in the spring of 1977, but quite a bit happened between. The congregation grew substantially in the 1976 to 1978 time period. The normal attendance was filling the little auditorium and plans were made to build a larger auditorium that would seat about 200 and also add 6 more classrooms.

The construction began in late 1977 and was designed to include the existing building into the new facility. It would create a single, more substantial building for the congregation. Open house for the new building was held on April 23, 1978. Previous ministers were invited to come share the event with the members but there is no record of those attending.

The congregation remained strong in number for a few years until several military families left for other assignments. Unfortunately, there were no replacements "assigned" to the congregation. For a number of years, the membership was up and down. It was never what would be called large, and at times, it has been very small. The main quality has been the closeness of the members. The Lord and the New Testament writers teach about the family of Christians. This has been one of the things that has helped the congregation to endure into the current time.

Now the congregation is still meeting on the same property that was deeded to it over 120 years ago! Things are more comfortable than in the past. We may need to cancel services when the weather is too dangerous to travel to the building, but we do not need to cancel services because of snow after we are assembled. We invite you to come assemble with us — Snow permitting!

Updated March 18, 2025, by Jack McNiel, Jr.

An anchor is a heavy object that is used to make fast a vessel at sea. It prevents the ship from moving either with the current or from the force of wind, or both. A vessel at anchor is safe so long as its anchor holds, but if the anchor slips and if a shoal or reef is near, the vessel could run aground and perhaps even sink. Clearly, ships need anchors. But, have you ever thought how much you need an anchor? I am not talking about a ball and chain to hold you physically in place, but rather a spiritual anchor for your soul.

The Christian’s hope is the sure and steadfast anchor for his or her soul, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast…” (Heb. 5:19a). What was the hope to which the inspired writer was referring? And, just what is hope anyway? The English word “hope” is defined by Dictionary.com as, “A wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment…” The Greek word most often translated as hope in the New Testament carries the idea of anticipation with joy and confidence.

Simply put, hope is a desire plus a realistic expectation of its eventual fulfillment. The particular hope that is referred to by the Hebrew writer is God’s promise of eternal salvation to all who are faithful and obedient to him, as expressed in Heb. 6:9-11 “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end…”

Hope is also a realistic expectation that is based upon evidence, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us…” (Heb. 6:18). The evidence for our hope of salvation is based on two indisputable facts. The first of these immutable facts is that it is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2). Therefore, He will perform his oaths and promises, even as He did with Abraham (Heb. 6:12-17). The second immutable fact is that Christ made it possible for sinful man to be reconciled to back to God (Heb. 6:19-20; Eph. 2:14-16). Heb. 6:19b-20 states “…which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” “That within the veil…” refers to the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where only the high priest could enter. The ark represented the presence of God. Therefore, to enter “within the veil” means to come into the presence of God. Christ, as the “forerunner” for us, has gone before to make a way for us to follow so that we too, could enjoy the presence of God in eternity, even as he promised in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Christ is the forerunner of our salvation and He is the Eternal High Priest who mediates between man and God, bringing reconciliation. Thus He is, “an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

Hope is what enables Christian to withstand the various storms of life. Without the Christian hope to anchor his soul, man will drift through life without any direction; driven to and fro with every wind and current that comes along. Man’s only hope is in Jesus Christ. Our hope is founded upon the immutable facts of God’s faithfulness and of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Another interesting fact about anchors is that the more wind blows and the current strains against a firmly grounded anchor, the deeper into the sea floor it digs and the more firmly it holds on. The same is true with our anchoring hope. Paul describes this process taking place as we patiently endure hardship and tribulation, “and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us…” (Rom. 5:2-5) This anchoring of hope can also be strengthened as we observe how other faithful children of God were able to endure the trials and hardships because of the hope that God provides, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Rom. 15:4).

Truly, “We have an anchor that keeps the soul stedfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the rock which cannot move; Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” -Priscilla Owens, 1882.

When was the first ever April Fools’ Day hoax? Have you ever thought about it? I submit to you that it must have been April 1, 6000 BC (roughly). It was not really a joke at all; it was a mean, horrible and malicious attack. I am talking about the very first April Fools’ Day in history. This sad event is recorded in Genesis Chapter Three. The first ever April Fools’ hoax was pulled on Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden by the father of the foolish – Satan himself. On that April Fools’ Day, foolishness (sin) first entered the world, marring God’s perfect creation, and mankind has been falling for the same old April Fools’ hoax ever since.

What is a fool? Webster’s defines a fool in this way,

 “1. One who is destitute of reason, or the common powers of understanding; an idiot. Some persons are born fools, and are called natural fools; others may become fools by some injury done to the brain. 2. In common language, a person who is somewhat deficient in intellect, but not an idiot; or a person who acts absurdly; one who does not exercise his reason; one who pursues a course contrary to the dictates of wisdom. 3. In scripture, fool is often used for a wicked or depraved person; one who acts contrary to sound wisdom in his moral deportment; one who follows his own inclinations, who prefers trifling and temporary pleasures to the service of God and eternal happiness.”

The Bible defines the fool in this way, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) Therefore, a fool is one who does not fear God and who despises His wisdom and instruction. That is exactly what Satan was able to tempt Adam and Eve to do.

God Had told Adam and Eve, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17). A proper fear or reverential awe of God should have kept Adam and Eve from ever approaching that particular tree. Yet they listened to Satan’s lie, “Ye shall not surely die...” (Genesis 3:4). And they fell for his sick joke, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil...” (Genesis 3:5).

Their foolishness opened the door for more foolishness to follow and we have all at one time fallen for Satan’s April Fools’ hoax. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned...” (Romans 5:12). We can thank God, however, that there is a remedy for that mistake, a way to escape the eternal consequences of the horrendous April Fool’s hoax perpetrated by the devil. “For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many... Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous...” (Romans 5:15, 18-19).

Don’t fall for the same old April Fools’ Hoax. It has not changed in thousands of years. Though it has many guises and variations, it remains essentially the same. Satan knows that if he can first get you to lose your respect and awe of God then he can cause you to despise God’s wisdom and instruction – resulting in sin. Don’t fall into his trap! Avoid being entangled in his web of lies and deceit. Flee temptation – run away from its presence! Follow Solomon’s advice, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Don’t be a fool