WHO IS HOYLE ANYWAY? 4/10/10

Edmond Hoyle (1672-1769) was an English Barrister who authored several works on card games. He was and still is the last word on disputes regarding the rules of card games. I grew up with the phrase; "according to Hoyle", when anyone was wishing to play a game correctly. Hoyle's book was considered the final authority when it came to any area of activity.

US Army Brigadier General Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923) was also a man of rules and procedures. He published a book filled with outlines to maintain order. It was called "Roberts Rules of Order." It all began at a church meeting and eventually became useful in ordinary societies and even was used in parliamentary procedures and was law in the House of Representatives futher on down the line.

I can't tell you how many times at a church meeting, I would hear read; "All meetings will be held in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order." I have to agree that after attending many church meetings it was apparent, somebody's rules of order were needed!

I sometimes think that if we use our commonsense we can have order. Isn't that what commonsense is; Being sensible, characterized by ordinary everyday sense? Shouldn't that keep us in order? Perhaps using our commonsense isn't exactly the same as following orders that are written down in a book. If they are written down they have credence, but something, you think, just doesn't cut it.

In the Old Testament God set up the Ten Commandments and many explicit ordinances that the people were to follow. "And Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid, for God has come in order to test you and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." Exodus 21:20 Today many say we do not need to fear God but give God respect. Respect is good because it says we are to hold God in high esteem. But to fear God is to have reverential regard for Him who sits on the throne. "But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28b To obey is better than sacrifice!

Unfortunately, the plan of salvation as given in the New Testament, even in its simplicity, has been lost by the church of today. There is lots of confusion as to what is required of man for salvation. Paul says; "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe." 1 Corinthians 1:21 I love hearing God's word! I love hearing it preached and in song.

Paul says "Faith cometh by hearing the word of God." Romans 10:17 Faith isn't simply accepting the testimonies of others and believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; faith requires action on our part. Repentance is the hardest step to salvation. Jesus said; "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3 Christ's death on the cross made a way for us to repent of our sins. His death did cause forgiveness for past, present and future, but repentance is required of us, each time we sin.

"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16 In Romans 10:9-10 Paul explains that confession and belief are important because they result in salvation. The most simple act is baptism and yet it carries controversy. Many say it is not talking about water baptism and yet those who were baptized, went down into the water. "Repent and be baptized in Jesus' name, for the forgiveness of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 Why would you not be baptized if that is where forgiveness and the Holy Spirit comes?

We must continue to believe, to hear the word; being doers of it. We must continue to confess His name and to repent. Baptism is required only once! This is God's plan, not mine! This is God's recipe for salvation, not mine! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/5/10