WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S FIRE

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL, USA)

Where there's smoke, there's fire
Is there one for hire
Don't get caught in the mire
While singing in the choir

Out the window watch it go
One's own character to throw
Now the talents will bestow
Room for trophies you know

The grades do not align
One's achievements yet to find
Was it by innocent design
Or to give the peace of mind

Money is no object here
To help forward a career
The highest bid is cheer
Ability overcomes austere

If only the powers will forgo
All the wrongful cargo
By remembering the gusto
And the continued tempo

You've probably heard of the old cliché' " Where There's Smoke, There's Fire". In this new age, in which we are living, society says if it looks like something is wrong something probably is wrong. So regardless of the outcome, society seems to always initially think the worse rather than the best, given any situation, by assuming an individual was guilty of an injustice before being proven innocent. So, how does this old proverb relate to today's Christian world and how can this false concept be changed?

Let me just regenerate the fact that Christianity has not changed, only the people have. Christianity is the same today, as it was when the church was first established, on the "day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:41-47)

--- Those who received the word (saved) were baptized and added to the church.
----They continued to devote themselves to the Apostles teaching. to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
----Those who had believed were together and had all things in common.
----And day by day continued with one mind in the temple.
----They were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.
----They were praising God and having favor with all men.

So you see, Christianity has not changed. There may be some church's which do not necessarily abide by all the traits of the New Testament church. However, there are many, out there in the highways and the hedges, that still do. It is to these churches, that I give a big "Holy Salute".

And in connection to the New Testament beliefs, comes the New Testament 's basic doctrine. That being the "full gospel".

" For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures". (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

It's sad to say, however, that the title of Christian seems to have changed in some political correct circles. The title of Christian has been a very good example of the follows of Christ, from its very inception within the early Church. The New Testament manuscripts were written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic originally not English as English did not exists at this point. The Greek word for Christian found in these passages is: Christian meaning a follower of Christos (Christ). The early day Christians never had any formal "name" for themselves but were later called Christians by the Romans.

--- Acts 11:26, "and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
--- Acts 26:28, "And Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."
--- Peter 4:16, "but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him 1 glorify God."

As mentioned, in this political correct current world, the title of Christian seems to have become rather revolting within certain circles. Much like the title of policeman, if a Christian Minister or a well known Christian Layman succumbs to a sinful act, the very first media headings are scoped by the word "Christian".

As for me, sometimes I feel like I'd rather be known as a "follower of Christ" than be called a "Christian". Reason being, if known as a "Christian, then the general population would be enticed to label me, according to certain political connotations. And, also would feel needed to treat me a certain negative way. According to this interpolation, evil would then possible tend to hurt my Christian testimony.

However, if know as a "follower of Christ" then I am obligated, according to the scripture, to witness for my Savior, Jesus Christ. And, this is without rebuttal.

'For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek'. (Romans 1:16)
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30).

So, is it true that "Where There's Smoke, There's Fire ? "What do you think? Yes, you be the judge.