Preservation

By Cliton Angel     Perseverance may be the most difficult aspect of the Christian life. Thus, Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus that along with God’s armor, there was the need to be, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Interestingly, this is the only appearance of the English word “perseverance” in all of the King James Version of the Bible. However, the Greek root which bears out this meaning in the English can be found multiple times as a verb. Let us consider these Scriptural occasions in which we might receive exhortation to persevere.     Worship and Fellowship. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done” (Acts 8:13).     Evangelism and Fellowship. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46–47).     Prayer and Fellowship. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14). “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).     Beginning anything in life is often much easier than continuing it. The Christian life is much “easier” to begin than to continue; therefore, may the need to be together with church and serving the Lord be impressed upon us that we might persevere.

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

One Faith : Part 1

By Clifton Angel
    Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Consider some research:    "The Roman Catholic Church’s faith and doctrine is founded upon 'that deposit of faith given to it by Christ and through his apostles, sustained by the Bible and by tradition.' (A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, p. 44)".*** Further reading in the reference quoted yields the fact that the Catholic Church often places more emphasis on tradition than the Bible's teachings, and the "Bishop of Rome," also known as the Pope, can override any principle of faith or teaching of the Bible by his own authority.    "'If someone asks a Lutheran: "What does the Lutheran Church teach?" or: "What do you as a Lutheran believe?" he can direct the inquirer to the Lutheran confessions.' (Our Church and Others, p. 25).”    "Although the Westminster Confession of Faith is still nominally the creed of Presbyterianism, the truth is that the Presbyterian Church left it long ago....The heart and soul of Presbyterianism today is modernism...Modernists look upon the Bible as the product of man, not God.”    "In spite of breaking away from Roman Catholicism, much of the organization and many of the teachings of the Anglican Church, and in turn the Episcopal Church, are very similar, if not identical, to the Roman Catholic Church." "The Episcopal Church teaches... '...that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.' (Book of Common Prayer, p. 605)."    "The Methodist Discipline gives rules, doctrines, and regulations governing all procedures and affairs of the church, and all ministers are obligated to observe 'every part' of it in their districts. (Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Church, Art. 362, p. 108)."    These five will make up our first edition of this article because of space limitations. However, I will be providing more, the Lord providing the time. Please know, friends, it is not my purpose to bash anyone or any entity. It is my purpose to speak "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, all extra-Biblical citations are from:http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

 Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/ 

One Faith: Part 2

By Clifton Angel
    Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Let's consider some more research:
The Watchtower Society’s (more commonly known as Jehovah's Witnesses) origin and beliefs can be traced back to its founder Charles Taze Russell, Russell's successor Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who also denounced many of Russell's teachings, and Nathan H. Knorr, under whose leadership the New World Translation was published.***The New World Translation is a copy of the Bible text with various words and phrases changed, added, or taken away in order that it might better fit their foundational teachings. The Watchtower, a frequent publication of the Society, is also used as an authoritative source of their faith.    The Church of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Assemblies of God, Neo-Pentecostalism and other groups can be grouped together "under the heading of 'Holiness Churches.'" While their faiths do not agree on every point, they have similarities, including their beliefs in Holy Spirit baptism, the performing of miracles today, and the ability to speak in tongues, which are misapplications of the Biblical text.    Did you know that the Masonic Lodge, or Freemasonry, is another denominational, unbiblical faith? Interestingly, their own writings contradict themselves concerning their status as a religion. "'Though religious in character, Masonry is not a religion, not a substitute for one.' (Freemasonry, A Way Of Life, Grand Lodge of Indiana)." "'Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 213)." "'Masonry propagates no creed except its own most simple and Sublime One; that universal religion, taught by Nature and by Reason. Its Lodges are neither Jewish, Moslem, nor Christian Temples...it extracts the good and not the evil, the truth and not the error, from all creeds.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 718).”    In our three articles concerning there being a multiplicity of faiths in a world where the Bible says there is only one true faith (Ephesians 4:5), we have only touched the hem of the garment of researching various faiths. Not only is there much more research concerning those already mentioned, but there also remains much to be taught concerning the faiths of the Salvation Army, the Community Church movement, and numerous others. Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, extra-Biblical citations are from: http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

One Faith: Part 3

By Clifton Angel

Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Let's consider some more research:
The Watchtower Society’s (more commonly known as Jehovah's Witnesses) origin and beliefs can be traced back to its founder Charles Taze Russell, Russell's successor Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who also denounced many of Russell's teachings, and Nathan H. Knorr, under whose leadership the New World Translation was published.***The New World Translation is a copy of the Bible text with various words and phrases changed, added, or taken away in order that it might better fit their foundational teachings. The Watchtower, a frequent publication of the Society, is also used as an authoritative source of their faith.    The Church of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Assemblies of God, Neo-Pentecostalism and other groups can be grouped together "under the heading of 'Holiness Churches.'" While their faiths do not agree on every point, they have similarities, including their beliefs in Holy Spirit baptism, the performing of miracles today, and the ability to speak in tongues, which are misapplications of the Biblical text.    Did you know that the Masonic Lodge, or Freemasonry, is another denominational, unbiblical faith? Interestingly, their own writings contradict themselves concerning their status as a religion. "'Though religious in character, Masonry is not a religion, not a substitute for one.' (Freemasonry, A Way Of Life, Grand Lodge of Indiana)." "'Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 213)." "'Masonry propagates no creed except its own most simple and Sublime One; that universal religion, taught by Nature and by Reason. Its Lodges are neither Jewish, Moslem, nor Christian Temples...it extracts the good and not the evil, the truth and not the error, from all creeds.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 718).”    In our three articles concerning there being a multiplicity of faiths in a world where the Bible says there is only one true faith (Ephesians 4:5), we have only touched the hem of the garment of researching various faiths. Not only is there much more research concerning those already mentioned, but there also remains much to be taught concerning the faiths of the Salvation Army, the Community Church movement, and numerous others. Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, extra-Biblical citations are from: http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

One Lord

By Clifton Angel     What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Lord?" To some, it may just be another vain word in their vocabulary used to show amazement, surprise, or disbelief. To some, it may be an endearing description of God and Jesus that causes them to have comfort. How often, though, when you hear the word "Lord," do you think of a master to whom you have submitted completely the control of your life?     I want us to consider that in a world where there is only one true Lord (Ephesians 4:5), multitudes of people are submitting to "many other" lords. According to one dictionary, "lord" is defined as "someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler." The Apostle Peter wrote, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord" (1 3:15, ASV). This means in our minds, the only Lord over our lives, thoughts, actions, and words should be Jesus Christ. But how often is that true?     Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts family members as "lords" more than Jesus? Looking back a couple articles ago, I urged us to see the Scriptural fact that there is one church. Yet, how often do individuals choose their assembly of worship, not on what the Scriptures say, but on where their family attends? Or, how often will individuals continuously skip worship and Bible class assemblies because they have to tend to their families? (Note: I know there are very special occasions where it is the case that one has to care for another who cannot care for himself/herself; I am speaking of occasions when we choose family over Jesus).      Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts hobbies as "lords" more than Jesus? For example, it's Sunday morning, and instead of getting dressed for worship, many are getting dressed for the deer stands. It's Sunday morning, and instead of gearing up for Bible class, many are gearing up for a day at the lake. It's Sunday, and instead of focusing on worshipping God and giving Him our all, we're still thinking about our college's game the day before and what will be the new rankings.      Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts riches as "lords" more than Jesus? In their minds, it is only the accumulation of riches which will satisfy their souls (Ironically, they will find this not to be the case even if they become very wealthy). And so, the accumulation of riches—whether it be money or possessions—is what controls these persons' thoughts, actions, and words.      Who or what is your "Lord" or "lord?" Paul said there is "one Lord" (Ephesians 4:5), and Peter urged, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15). Is Jesus your motivation for living? Is He the reason you choose the words you choose? Is He the reason you do the things you do?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Glory in the Highest to God

By David R. Ferguson     The Revised Standard Version translates Luke 2:14 thusly: "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."     Although I admire greatly the RSV, in this case I don’t believe this is the best or most accurate translation of this passage. A better rendering, I believe, is, "Glory in the highest to God, and on Earth peace among men of good will."     God didn’t send the gift of His Son to Earth because He was pleased with man, which is how the RSV appears to read. Had He been pleased with men, there would have been no need to send His Son in the first place. On the contrary, God sent us Jesus Christ because our sins had made us His enemy (James 4:4), and it’s His will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).     What the Angels were intending to tell us is that glory and praise of the highest magnitude are to be given to God because of Whom He is, not merely because of where He is. As it’s written in the RSV, one might be led to believe that praise is to be given to God merely because of the place (location) where He is. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but I believe it falls short of what’s really being conveyed in this passage. What was being proclaimed is an affirmation from the Heavenly host of why God should be praised thusly.     The glory and praise bestowed upon God is to be of the highest caliber because only He offers salvation, only He offers peace, only He offers forgiveness of sins, and only He offers reconciliation of His people through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His boundless grace freely granted He offers this most precious of gifts to us, not because of our goodness or our works (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9), but because He loved us so much and knew that we were in need of His salvation (John 3:16).     The "peace among men of good will" will only come and be bestowed upon those who honor God with praise and glory of the highest magnitude. This only happens if we are men who are doers as well as hearers of His word (James 1:22). Then, and only then, will He be pleased with men, for we will have put to death our old man that the body of sin may be done away (Romans 6:6). We shall be conformed to the body of His glory (Philippians 3:21), no longer in bondage to sin (Romans 6:6). God will view us through the riches of His glory (Ephesians 3:16) that is His Son as we are now clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27), our sins washed away through the redemption that is found in His blood (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7).     May you and yours truly enjoy "peace among men of good will" as you give "glory in the highest to God"!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Exercise Wisdom with Benevolence

By David R. Ferguson "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Galatians 6:10).     The topic of benevolence is a difficult one that brings up many questions. Does opportunity equal obligation? Is benevolence something we do when convenient? When does encouraging through benevolence become enabling? Are there times when it is proper to say, "No"?     There are limits of benevolence, regardless of whom one feels is an eligible candidate. When Galatians 6:10 tells us that we should help "all men," this doesn’t include those who are called the "idle" in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."     And just as wisdom is to be applied to the phrase "all men," so, too, is wisdom to be applied when we are told to "Give to him that asks of you" in Matthew 5:42. This doesn’t mean that we "Take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs" (Matthew 15:26). In other words, we don’t give to others if our giving is going to be depriving our own dependents of what they need. We don’t want to be too narrow in our benevolence, but neither should we be too broad in whom we decide to help.     We have no authority to extend benevolence that would help immoral living, such as would be the case of fornication, drug abuse, or giving money to a woman to have an abortion performed. We should never be guilty of enabling sin or sinful practices and lifestyles. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, Christianity prescribes starvation for those who refuse and shirk work. The purpose is that their hunger, hopefully, will drive them to seek and find work for themselves.     We also must consider what is our ability to perform benevolence, both at the personal as well as the congregational level. As stated previously, one should never deprive one’s own to help another. As the old proverb states, charity begins at home. So just as we should try to teach the gospel to as many people as possible, we should also assist in benevolence as many people as we possibly can, as God has prospered and blessed us. Wisdom is required, and God has promised to grant wisdom generously to those who seek it (James 1:5).     May the Lord bless and prosper you!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com